What's a mechanical keyboard?

SlipperyNinja · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:00

I don't mean to sound stupid or anything, it may seem to late for that, but what is a mechanical keyboard? What does it do that regular keyboards don't and why are they so much more expensive? Is it worth it?

stulid · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:01

Instead of having a membrane that is squashed down, there are mechanical switches under each key.

http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

SlipperyNinja · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:03

Mmkay, why does that increase the price by threefold?

stulid · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:04

SlipperyNinja said:
Mmkay, why does that increase the price by threefold?

Because they cost more to make, feel better, last longer, are more responsive.

SlipperyNinja · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:09

I can't complain too much about my current rubber membrane keyboard but I suppose it's one of those things you have to try to see the difference. Thanks for the info.

stulid · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:10

SlipperyNinja said:
I can't complain too much about my current rubber membrane keyboard but I suppose it's one of those things you have to try to see the difference. Thanks for the info.

Need to experience it to appreciate it

olivier renault · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:10

SlipperyNinja said:
I can't complain too much about my current rubber membrane keyboard but I suppose it's one of those things you have to try to see the difference. Thanks for the info.

Pretty much. If you're happy with your keyboard, stick with it until you get the chance to try a mechanical. Not everybody likes them.

SlipperyNinja · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:20

How can you 'try before you buy?' Are there any shops which have display models? My local rip-off computer shop doesn't stock any mechanical keyboards.

stulid · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:21

Dont mention competitors,

But yeah something like that.

MisfiTTTTT · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:38

Can anyone recommend a good mechanical keyboard?

stulid · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:40

MisfiTTTTT said:
Can anyone recommend a good mechanical keyboard?

Seems well regarded and a good price - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-053-RA&groupid=702&catid=23&subcat=2107

neuk · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:41

This is the one I've been looking at. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-001-QP

Any good?

stulid · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:42

Theres a huge thread here to go through and see what the deal is - http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18299334

SlipperyNinja · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:43

Apologies on the whole 'don't mention competitors' thing, but as this store is online only where else can I try one without spending hard earned money on something that I might not like?

stulid · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:44

SlipperyNinja said:
Apologies on the whole 'don't mention competitors' thing, but as this store is online only where else can I try one without spending hard earned money on something that I might not like?

You can always use the DSR.

neuk · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:46

SlipperyNinja said:
Apologies on the whole 'don't mention competitors' thing, but as this store is online only where else can I try one without spending hard earned money on something that I might not like?

Yeah, it's a lot of money down the drain if you don't like the feel of it.

SlipperyNinja · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:48

stulid said:
You can always use the DSR.

DSR? You've lost me.

stulid · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:49

SlipperyNinja said:
DSR? You've lost me.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?cli...,cf.osb&fp=ce29245d43c22910&biw=1920&bih=1117

SlipperyNinja · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:52

Fair enough, I knew certain online retailers had return policies but I didn't know that it was written in the law. Thanks

Rroff · 29 Mar 2012 at 21:54

Mechanical keyboards are like 120Hz TFT for some people the difference is like night and day for others they don't notice much difference so definitely something you need to try before you buy.

I swear by Cherry MX Black switches for FPS gaming myself.