What Is a Mechanical Keyboard? How It Works and Why People Love Them
Updated
A mechanical keyboard has an individual switch with its own spring under every key, instead of a single rubber or membrane sheet under all of them. Each switch registers a keypress on its own, which gives a more consistent feel, a longer lifespan, and the option to choose (and often swap) switches, keycaps and other parts to change how the keyboard feels and sounds.
How does a mechanical keyboard work?
Press a key and you push down a small plastic stem inside the switch. The stem compresses a spring, and part-way down it closes a contact (or, on some newer switches, triggers a sensor) that tells the keyboard the key was pressed. Let go and the spring pushes it back up. Because every key has its own switch, every key feels the same and registers independently.
Around the switches you'll find:
- Keycaps on top, which you touch.
- A plate that holds the switches in place (on most boards).
- A PCB (circuit board) that reads each switch.
- Stabilizers under long keys like the spacebar.
- A case that holds it all.
Each of these affects the sound. That's what RateMyKeyboard is built around; see what makes a keyboard thocky.
What makes a keyboard "mechanical"?
The individual switch per key. Keyboards labelled "mechanical feel", "semi-mechanical" or "mecha-membrane" use a membrane underneath with something added to imitate a mechanical feel; they aren't mechanical. Newer magnetic (Hall effect) and optical switches don't use a metal contact, but they're built like mechanical switches and are generally counted as mechanical keyboards.
Types of mechanical switches
The three classic types are linear (smooth), tactile (a bump) and clicky (a bump and a click). See keyboard switch types explained for those plus silent, Hall effect and others.
Why do people like mechanical keyboards?
- Feel: consistent keystrokes, with a choice of light, heavy, smooth or bumpy.
- Durability: switches are typically rated for tens of millions of presses.
- Customization: keycaps, switches, sizes and layouts to suit you.
- Repairability: a broken switch can be replaced, especially on a hot-swap keyboard.
- Sound: from muted and creamy to deep and thocky to crisp and clacky.
What are the downsides?
They usually cost more than a basic membrane keyboard, are often louder, and are thicker, so some people want a wrist rest. You can choose quiet switches and dampening to fix the noise; see how to make a keyboard quieter.
What the community is building
Every build on RateMyKeyboard.com is a mechanical keyboard someone recorded and the community rated. Here's how the most common sizes compare:
Where to start
- Pick a size. 75% and TKL are easy to adapt to.
- Pick a switch type.
- If you can, get a hot-swap board so you can change switches later.
- Compare with a regular keyboard in mechanical vs membrane.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a keyboard mechanical?
An individual switch with its own spring under every key. Keyboards labelled “mechanical feel” or “semi-mechanical” use a membrane underneath and aren't mechanical.
Are mechanical keyboards worth it?
If you type or game a lot, most people find them more comfortable and consistent, and they last much longer. They do cost more and are usually louder.
Are mechanical keyboards loud?
They can be, especially with clicky switches. With silent switches, foam and tuned stabilizers they can be quieter than many people expect.
What's the best mechanical keyboard for a beginner?
A hot-swap 75% or TKL board with linear or tactile switches is an easy start, because you can change the switches later without soldering.