Which key to choosing? Mechanical keyboard switches
Mechanical keyboards have become one of the most important accessories for gamers today. Many players do not know which keyboard key to buying in the mechanical keyboard preference, which is highly diversified according to different playing styles. In this article, we list which mechanical key is for you.
What is a mechanical keyboard?
Mechanical keyboards, which seem like new technology products today, are similar to old-style keyboard structures. In other words, the first keyboard samples were mechanical keyboards. However, with time and technology, keyboards that offer a soft touch, quiet and comfortable use and mechanical keyboards are a thing of the past. Until it rears up in the game world.
The most distinctive feature of mechanical keyboards is their sound, which we can call “take tuk” in Turkish. Although this is a very nice feeling for the players, it is not very pleasant for the people around. Especially when typing on mechanical keyboards, you can say “This is the head!” style may cause you to react.
It’s also not the main reason mechanical keyboards are more expensive than other keyboards because they currently buy popular or “gaming” jewelry. These keyboards require a bit more budget, mainly because they are more costly on the production side. On rubber-based keyboards, we see a strip on the underside that has rubber dots. This offers the advantage of producing an entire keyboard from a single production line. However, in mechanical keyboards, it is necessary to produce the necessary structure for each key and place it on the keyboard skeleton. Therefore, the production cost of mechanical keyboards is higher.
What are the differences between mechanical keyboards?
There are two important criteria in the switches’ structure: switches in mechanical keyboards. These are known as the activation point and the activation force. Activation point; It is the point where the signal is sent to the computer during keypress on the keyboard. The activation force can be summarized as the force required until it reaches the activation point during pressing. This is specified as CN, ie Centi Newton. Since 1 CN corresponds to 1.2 grams, we can say that 1 gram weight is required for 1 CN force without drowning in mathematics. This is the feature that distinguishes mechanical keyboards from classical keyboards. Because in normal rubber-based keyboards, the key signal is transmitted to the computer only when the key is pressed to the end, while in mechanical keyboards it is transmitted according to these rates.
The differences between the mechanical switches are primarily these ratios. Some switches can keep the actuation point higher or lower, but also harder or softer with the required force.
When it comes to mechanical switches, the first company that comes to mind is Cherry and the Cherry MX keyboards it uses. The reason for this is the patents obtained by the German company in the 1980s. This was the case as mechanical keyboards were produced only with Cherry MX patents during this time. However, although companies such as Logitech and Razer have their switches, we can say that Cherry MX is still the most known and reliable one. At this point, we see linear, tactile, and clicky types. The difference between them is the movement style of the switch. Linear switches are in a tactile style that makes you feel like you are touching, while the movement of the key moves without stuttering, giving you a feeling of impact during pressing.
From this point of view, the linear types of Cherry MX switches are quieter and softer, the tactile ones are a little louder and the clickable ones are the loudest and hardest.
Might be you also Interested to Read: What is a Trackball
Cherry MX Clickable Switches
Cherry MX Mavi
Feedback Type: Clickable
Activation Distance: 2.2 mm
Total Distance: 4 mm
Activation Force: 0.60 N
Sound: Loud
A true gem for MOBA, and MMO-style games, the MX Mavi is also loved for its crackling sound. It is recommended to be used in lonely environments.
Cherry MX Green
Type of Feedback: Clickable
Activation Distance: 2.2 mm
Total Distance: 4 mm
Activation Force: 0.80 N
Sound: Loud
It is famous for sounding exactly like a typewriter. It is generally seen in the spacebar of keyboards that use the blue key. However, some brands provide stand-alone use. It is the keyboard with the loudest and hardest characteristics.
Cherry MX Tactile Switches
Cherry MX Brown
Type of Feedback: Tactile
Activation Distance: 2 mm
Total Distance: 4 mm
Activation Force: 0.55 N
Sound: Medium
This switch, which offers the feeling of pressing compared to linear switches, draws attention by requiring little force. It is a mid-range keyboard. It is also suitable for writing.
Cherry MX Renksiz
Type of Feedback: Tactile
Activation Distance: 2 mm
Total Distance: 4 mm
Activation Force: 0.65 N
Sound: Medium
Again this middling switch requires a bit more force. The colorless variant, which has a larger structure than brown, is usually found in the spacebar of keyboards using MX Brown. It is harder and more pronounced. As a game genre, we can say that it is general.
Cherry MX Linear Switches
Cherry MX Red
Feedback Type: Linear
Activation Distance: 2 mm
Total Distance: 4 mm
Activation Force: 0.45 N
Noise: Low
Recommended for fast FPS-style games. We can say that it is the most logical choice for fast button pressing without hindrance.
Feedback Type: Linear
Activation Distance: 1.9 mm
Total Distance: 3.7 mm
Activation Force: 0.45 N
Sound: Quiet
Especially ideal for writing. It attracts attention with its silence in office environments rather than games.
Cherry MX Speed Silver
Feedback Type: Linear
Activation Distance: 1.2 mm
Total Distance: 3.4 mm
Activation Force: 0.45 N
Noise: Low
This switch, also known as Speed, stands out as the type of switch you can press the fastest. It has a very comfortable and light-pressing feeling. It can be used in both office and games that require quick reaction.
Cherry MX Black
Feedback Type: Linear
Activation Distance: 2 mm
Total Distance: 4 mm
Activation Force: 0.60 N
Noise: Low
It is a type that provides a fast press just like Speed Silver and Red. This key, which is suitable for the FPS style, can also be preferred by those who want a more complicated keyboard instead of the red key, as it has a harder press feel.
Cherry MX Silent Black
Feedback Type: Linear
Activation Distance: 1.9 mm
Total Distance: 3.7 mm
Activation Force: 0.60 N
Sound: Quiet
The black version of the relationship between red and muted red. This switch is for FPS gamers looking for a hard keyboard like black. If silence is required at home, your choice can be silent black.
