Mechanical Keyboards have been present on the peripherals market for many years. You can find them in popular stores as well as on the desks of enthusiastic gamers. How does this type of keyboard differ from traditional keyboards, and how do you choose the best model for yourself?

Mechanical keyboards, although they have become extremely popular over the years, are not a new invention. They have been around longer than classic keyboards and are more advanced than them. The first "mechanics" were created back in the 1970s. The question is, what really sets them apart from membrane keyboards, and do the differences justify the price you have to pay for some of the most expensive mechanical models? How do you choose the perfect gaming mechanical keyboard? We'll answer that!

Mechanical keyboard - how does it differ from a regular one?

Although a mechanical keyboard and a "membrane" keyboard may seem similar, they actually have many differences. The basic element is the key mechanism and its activation method, which determines what needs to happen for the key press to be visible on the computer screen.

In the case of membrane keyboards, special film layers (called membranes) are used. Just above them, a small rubber dome is placed, and above that - a plastic button. When you press the plastic button, the rubber dome also undergoes a significant amount of pressure. It interacts with the membranes, which ultimately come into contact with the electrical circuit and close it. This is how the computer sends a signal to the player in the form of a character displayed on the screen.

Mechanical keyboards work completely differently. Although pressing a key is still required to activate an action, there are no membranes or rubber domes inside. Instead, there are small mechanisms called switches. This type of keyboard is equipped with a separate switch for each key (the type of switch used here is crucial), which reacts with exceptional precision to each click. Moreover, their construction is not the simplest. Mechanical keys are made up of several components (e.g., springs, plungers). Pressing a key transfers force to the mechanism, and each of the switch components starts to interact with each other, ultimately closing the circuit between the contacts and activating the key. This solution not only makes the pressing much more precise but also makes the key activation itself more enjoyable because you don't have to press it all the way down, just to a certain depth (depending on the type of switches). The use of mechanical switches gives a real advantage.

Advantages of gaming mechanical keyboards

Now that you know how a gaming mechanical keyboard works, it's time to answer the question of whether the different construction and key activation method offer any advantages. We have already mentioned two of them. The first is significantly more precise operation, the absence of the need for strong key presses and pressing them all the way down, which means that your hands won't get tired during intense gaming or work sessions. Thanks to this, even the best membranes cannot match mechanical models.

For example, to activate a key on a traditional keyboard, you usually have to press it to a depth of at least 3 mm (classic key travel). In the case of some mechanisms (e.g., switches requiring only 1.2 - 2 mm, as in the Genesis Thor 300 RGB), which distinguishes mechanical versions. This is significant during critical moments in games. Thanks to mechanical keyboards we also gain:

1. Greater durability - this is a characteristic feature of many mechanical switches (e.g., Kailh Brown, Gateron Brown). Therefore, the switches can guarantee operation even after tens of millions of clicks. Thanks to their durability, a purchased device can stay with you for a very long time.

2. Better construction - mechanical keyboards also stand out for their better construction. The durability of gaming keyboards such as the Genesis Thor 303 TKL or Thor 660 RGB is particularly impressive. Often, you can find additional reinforcing materials inside them (most commonly steel plates) that increase their weight, stability on the desk, and resistance to bending. Aluminum frames on which the switches are mounted have also become the norm. Such materials ensure that not only the switches will provide flawless operation for years, but also the overall durability of these types of keyboards will meet the expectations of even the most demanding gamers.

3. Greater versatility - due to the fact that there are many types of switches available, gaming mechanical keyboards allow for much easier customization. You can find mechanisms from popular manufacturers (e.g., Cherry Electrical Products - Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue; Kailh - Kailh Brown, Red, Blue; Gateron - known for popular Gateron Brown; Outemu - e.g., Outemu Red switches), as well as proprietary switches created and modified by keyboard manufacturers. Each switch type behaves differently, with some being quiet and quickly returning to the initial position after being pressed, making them great for fast-paced games. Others may be louder, slower to reset, but allow you to feel the activation point, eliminating the need to press the key all the way down. This variety ensures that everyone can find something suitable for their needs.

What to consider when choosing a gaming mechanical keyboard?

When buying a gaming keyboard, it is important to pay attention to several elements. Some of them are so crucial that they can suggest whether the chosen model is truly worth investing in. These aspects include:

1. Type of switches and their construction - the type of switches is the foundation that should be considered when purchasing a professional mechanical keyboard. It will determine how the keyboard performs (whether it has a classic key travel or not) and in what application it will excel. For example, if you are looking for a typing keyboard that not only provides a pleasant typing experience but also allows you to quickly sense key activation, you should look for models with "Blue" switches (popular mechanical blue switches from various manufacturers or their proprietary equivalents). On the other hand, if you prefer quiet switches that provide quick activation and are suitable for gaming, linear switches (such as Red, Silver, or Black) are worth considering. A good example is the Genesis Thor 303 TKL with Outemu Peach Silent switches. These silent keyboards are perfect for gaming at night. Some switches are less audible when typing, while others are more noticeable. It's important to remember that the type of switches (e.g., Kailh Brown) is not the only factor to consider. The construction of the switches (e.g., stable mounting on a steel frame, absence of wobbling) is also important.

2. Keyboard layout - it is as important as the type of switches or additional features (such as RGB backlighting). Do you prefer a well-thought-out key layout that you use daily and allows you to comfortably position your fingers? If so, pay attention to the layout when making a purchase. It often happens that gamers choose models with a completely different layout (e.g., UK instead of US), which can differ significantly in several aspects.

3. Keycap construction - while the mechanism is important, the keycaps that come into direct contact with your fingers are also crucial. Keycaps can noticeably differ from each other not only in dimensions but also in the material they are made of and the method of printing characters. Some keycaps are made of cheaper ABS plastic, which is prone to shine and wear off quickly. On the other hand, keycaps made of PBT material with laser-etched characters offer a completely different quality that is often worth investing in.

4. Overall build quality - which includes the type of materials used, the presence of anti-slip materials, excellent fitting of even the smallest components (this is a very important aspect of the device. It not only affects the durability of the entire structure but often also the comfort. Sharp, poorly ground edges of the device or inaccurately fitted frame is something that even the best switches cannot compensate for.

5. Additional software - do you want full keyboard customization to be possible? If so, invest in a model with additional software. It allows you to control RGB LED backlighting (e.g., adjust brightness, LED lighting modes), create not only complex combinations and profiles assigned to each application but also provides many useful settings (e.g., USB polling rate, key remapping, blocking accidental key combinations that can interrupt gameplay, and much more). Not every model is equipped with such an addition, just like RGB LED backlighting. It is e worth paying attention to it. What can you gain from RGB backlighting or regular keyboard backlighting? A full-size RGB mechanical keyboard can help you with nighttime gaming without the need for additional lighting and match the equipment to your entire setup.

Check out the Genesis Thor 660 RGB - a recognized wireless mechanical keyboard from Genesis.

Is a mechanical keyboard suitable for every gamer? What about the price?

Initially, when "mechanical keyboards" returned to the market, their prices were indeed not among the lowest. Many top models cost even several hundred zlotys back then! What's more, such devices can still be found today. However, the good news is that there are also cheaper models, which - interestingly enough - sometimes outperform more expensive models in certain aspects while costing several hundred zlotys less (one of them is, for example, the well-rated Genesis Thor 300 TKL).

Which keyboard should you choose? Summary

Is such an investment worth it? After all, membrane counterparts (such as the Genesis Rhod 110) can be purchased for several dozen zlotys and replaced regularly in case of failure. However, "mechanical keyboards" are something more. It is a more expensive purchase, but not only with the idea of long-term use at the highest level but also for comfort (not only thanks to RGB backlighting, additional features, but above all, excellent craftsmanship). When faced with the choice of a keyboard, it is really worth paying attention to them because with a mechanical keyboard, you can only gain.

Check out the best keyboards available at the Genesis store.