Mechanical Keyboards
Generally, the best mechanical keyboards are the ones that feature individual switches under each key. This allows for greater movement of the keys, and the signature tactility that comes with a good keypress.
One of the earliest mechanical keyboards was made by Cherry. It was the first of its kind to feature a buckling spring switch, which was a technological breakthrough. The company would eventually make all of the keyboards for Apple computers.
The IBM Model M is also regarded as a precursor to modern mechanical keyboards. It used a buckling spring switch, which was more accurate than similar devices at the time. It was also durable and offered a high level of comfort. This was particularly useful for people who were suffering from RSI.
There was a time when mechanical keyboards were the only option for PC consumers. However, in the mid 1990s, manufacturers were forced to come up with cheaper alternatives to assemble PCs at a cheaper price. Keyboards were thinner to save costs, and less expensive materials were used. This made the keyboards thinner, lighter, and easier to type on. It was also less expensive to manufacture and was more portable. This meant that mechanical keyboards were in short supply.
Another technological marvel was the Hall effect, which uses a magnetic sensor to detect a key motion. The keyboard also had a small pad under the switch, which increased the capacitance of the electrodes. This was one of the many things that were on display at the time.
However, the most important feature of the Hall effect was that it could be used to determine the most efficient way to press a key. In this case, a rubber dome keyboard was the better option, because it was less expensive to manufacture, and offered a much quieter typing experience.
When Did Mechanical Keyboards Come Out?
The best modern mechanical keyboards are the ones that have individual switches under each key. These come in a wide variety of sizes and features. The key is to find a good keyboard that matches your needs and budget. If you are a gamer, you may also want to consider a gaming keyboard that uses non-clicky linear switches.
A more advanced mechanical keyboard uses the Hall effect to adjust firmness of the keys based on the keystrokes. This allows for a more personalized typing experience, and a more accurate keystroke recognition.
Another technological feat was the creation of a membrane keyboard. Using the membrane to replace the conventional keycaps made the keyboard slimmer and more portable. The membrane also allowed for a low key press distance, which was useful for typing fast on a computer. Its main drawback was that it was very difficult to clean. However, this was a definite improvement over the typewriters of the day.
A modern mechanical keyboard is a good choice if you are looking for a high-quality keyboard at a reasonable price. Some manufacturers offer custom mechanical keyboards that include switches, enabling users to choose the exact ones they want. This option is not usually offered by larger gaming companies, but by smaller companies that have found a niche in the market.