In this review, we will consider different types of switches that are used in modern keyboards.
In the 1980s, at the dawn of computers, all keyboards were mechanical. Cherry, which has been producing mechanical switches since 1953, has especially distinguished itself. However, over time, competitors (including Apple and Microsoft) decided that they knew what was best for the user - and began to use sensitive membrane substrates in their keyboards.
Manufacturers tried other solutions (capacitive, reed switches), but they did not become popular. Now progress does not stand still, new technological methods are still appearing - for example, the optical-mechanical switch from Razer.
The key difference between mechanical keyboards and the rest is that they have breakable contacts. The bottom line is that when a person presses a button, the registration of pressing (operation) occurs exactly in the middle of the stroke (usually two millimeters). In the membrane keyboard, the button must be pressed to the very end for it to work.
Mechanical keyboards are more expensive due to their more complex design. A separate mechanism is responsible for pressing the button, in addition, gold-plated contacts are often used.
Mechanical keyboard switches are durable, and even after a few years of use, the feel of using them will be exactly the same (while the membrane ones are pressed tighter over time due to the hardening of the rubber domes). Another important plus for many is that the mechanics supports an unlimited number of simultaneous clicks.
The disadvantages include high noise during operation and a rather “biting” price.
Mechanical switches are not all the same, they have four subspecies highlighted in the Cherry MX series:
It is important to remember that a keyboard with mechanical switches does not add skill in games and does not provide any advantage; however, according to most users, it improves the comfort of using a computer.
The only example of such switches on the market today is made by Topre in Japan. Their design is mechanical, however, a special sensor is used to register pressing - it measures the capacitance of the contacts at the bottom of the switch, since it changes depending on the pressing force. Operation is registered only at a given moment and nothing else.
Such keyboards are quieter and softer than linear ones, although they are not inferior in reliability. They show good results both in typing and in games. Unfortunately, they have a high price (up to 10,000 rubles for 2019).
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
ASUS (STRIX TACTIC PRO)
Corsair Vengeance K70
This design consists of:
When a person presses the key all the way, its rod first touches the upper membrane layer, then “pushes” this first layer through the opening in the second layer, until it comes into contact with the lower one. By touching the bottom layer, the cap thereby closes the chain - the signal goes to the computer, the key function works. The middle layer is needed to avoid closing the contacts between the first and third layers if the user accidentally touches the button. Therefore, membrane switches respond only to full pressure.
The shape and thickness of the cap-tip affect the tactile feedback, the level of resistance, and in general the features of the key travel. But still, the so-called “bottoming out” (the need to press the button to the very end for it to work) is considered to be the main feature.
Several operational nuances of keyboards with membrane switches:
It should be noted that there are two types of membrane switches: dome-shaped and flat-panel ("dome" / "flat panel"). The latter are not equipped with a round cap gasket and rather resemble flat buttons used, say, in microwave ovens. The travel of such keys is minimal. In computer keyboards, the option is practically not used, although occasionally it is built into specialized models (as portable devices for travelers) or, conversely, stationary industrial computers.
Logitech G213 Prodigy
Razer DeathStalker Essential
Genius Scorpion K9
There are also plunger switches - a subspecies of membrane switches. In fact, they are the same membrane, only slightly improved in such a way that the pressing sensations are closer to the mechanics.
Conventional membrane keyboards have a solid key, pressing which immediately transfers pressure to the dome. The sound depends on the softness of the dome and the shape of the key.
In the plunger, the key cap (in the image -1) and the piston or plunger (in the image - 2) are separated. Caps are most often compatible with mechanical switches. The complete design of the plunger switch consists of:
1 - key (cap)
2 - plunger (piston)
3 - cap blocker
4 - plunger stabilizer
5 - silicone or rubber dome
Due to the ambiguity of the design, this type of keyboard switches is not very popular.
Tesoro Lobera
Tt eSports Challenger Edge Pro RGB
Freshly developed by Razer.
While traditional mechanisms are based on the physical contact of moving parts with each other, this type of switch uses a completely different design - optical-mechanical.
The key difference is that instead of physical contact, a light beam is used to signal. When the user presses a key, light from a special optical sensor penetrates the switch and sends a signal to the computer that serves as a command to perform the desired action.
Due to the design features, optical switches are devoid of any kind of delay when triggered. When pressed, a click sound is heard, tactile feedback is present.
In use, the Razer Opto-Mechanical feels like the Razer Mechanical Switch, designed specifically for gamers and providing a solid competitor to the mechanical Cherry MX. However, in Opto-Mechanical, the click is triggered exactly at the moment the click sound is heard. In all previous models, this was not feasible due to the properties of the mechanisms. So Razer set a new benchmark in switch response speed with its innovation.
A4 Tech Bloody B820R
Razer Huntsman
When choosing a gaming keyboard, it is most logical to focus on your personal feelings and preferences.
Mechanical keys have a minimal delay time, but at the same time they have a characteristic sound, a click when pressed, due to their mechanical design. If you like loud keystrokes and tactile feel, then mechanical switches are for you. If you want to print as quietly as possible, choose membrane ones. It is unlikely that your skill will suffer from this.
However, if you just want maximum response speed to keystrokes, then optical switches are the best option for today.
Hello friends! Today we will discuss mechanical keyboard switches - what they are, how their types differ from each other and which ones are better.
From this article you will learn:
All switches, or as they are called, switches, are arranged according to the same principle. In the initial position of the button, the contact that activates the character set remains open. When pressed, the key moves the plunger holding the contact.
That one, unbending, closes, and the keyboard controller receives a signal that the key has been actuated.
The main difference between all switches lies in the resistance force holding the button of the spring and in the features of the interaction between the capkey and the plunger.
By simulating various types of interaction between these elements, designers can implement a device with any parameters: from an almost silent switch that works with a keystroke of a few millimeters, to a keyboard that completely imitates an old typewriter - with a corresponding rumble during operation and tactile sensations.
And now - about the popular types of switches.
Produced in Germany since 1983. In fact, the company has almost a monopoly, as such switches are used in the vast majority of mechanical keyboards. 
This brand is recognized as a quality standard in the industry due to its trouble-free operation over a long period of time. There are several varieties:
It is worth noting that the color of the switches is not a marketing name: they are actually colored according to the name, so it is not difficult to distinguish between them.
The Japanese brand has been producing electrostatic capacitive switches since 1983. According to user reviews, keyboards with these switches last for decades. The structure can be described as hybrid: in addition to the spring, there is an elastic membrane in the structure.
By tactile sensations, they are more reminiscent of expensive membrane keyboards.
The key travel is smooth and soft, and the actuation point is located at the very beginning of the button travel. When pressed all the way, the switch makes a characteristic click. They sound nice, while being quieter than most mechanical switches.
Such switches were produced by the Japanese company of the same name until 1996. Today, all switches of this brand are exact copies of products of a well-known brand. They differ in a rather complex design: up to 10 components in each switch. 
There are various modifications: tactile, linear, clicking and silent. The most famous today are Matias products, which are simplified versions of ALPS switches.
And despite the fact that the original keyboards of this brand have not been produced for a long time, you can find used ALPS in excellent condition on the Internet - for example, on eBay.
These switches are assembled in China at the Dongguan Gaote Electronics factory. There are several modifications:
Linear. Linear. They have a smoother and tighter feel compared to Cherry MX SilentRed and are popular with many gamers.
Inexpensive Chinese clones of Cherry MX switches. Recently appeared on the market, so not well tested. Often, keyboards equipped with these switches have problems with rattling or double key actuation.
However, at this price it is difficult to expect perfect performance. 
They are placed in inexpensive mechanical keyboards, costing $ 30-40. In premium models, as a rule, they are not used.
The hegemonic leader, who swung at the championship in the creation of gaming devices, abandoned the products of other brands and uses his own switches in mechanical keyboards.
This is due not only to the fact that the brand wants to be on its own, but also to the fact that Cherry's production capacity was not enough for the growing appetites of Razer. There are several varieties of switches of this brand:
Perhaps the most famous and beloved by users are Cherry MX clones. They have a predictable quality and a smoother keystroke compared to the original.
The cheapest Chinese clones of Cherry MX. Do not be seduced by the affordable price: the keyboards on these switches are known for their inconsistency, that is, it takes different efforts to press different keys. Not very comfortable.
It is difficult to judge which switches are better. The only thing that can be unequivocally stated is that it is better to use originals than clones, even despite the difference in price. In all other respects, the tactile sensations, the sound produced and the effort required to activate it are a matter of personal preference.
There is a difference, of course, but the sensations when working at the keyboard with switches of one type or another are subjective: all users have different tastes. Fortunately, the lineups of flagships allow with any parameters.
And that's all for today. I would be grateful to everyone who shares this post on social networks. Till tomorrow!
German mechanical switch manufacturer Cherry recently announced a new switch that offers all the features of regular Cherry MX switches but in a low profile format. This is the first time in 30 years that the company has introduced potentially new switches.
The new items are named. They measure just 11.9mm, which is significantly shorter than the 18.5mm of standard Cherry MX switches. In addition, low-profile Cherry switches are slightly smaller in width and depth (15x15mm) compared to traditional MX switches (15.6x15.6mm).
The manufacturer notes that the actuation point in the new switches has decreased from 4.0 mm to 3.2 mm, but the user will not notice a difference in operation. All the sensations of working with traditional switches will remain the same. Note that the new Cherry switches are equipped with Gold Crosspoint technology (that is, they have gold-plated anti-corrosion contacts that can be self-cleaning).
Switches are rated to withstand over 50 million keystrokes without compromising performance. The new RGB switches are made in a transparent case with multi-color SMD LEDs (a type of LED that is located directly on the printed circuit board and provides uniform illumination of the key).
In the future, Cherry MX Low Profile switches may be used in gaming laptops that would benefit from a mechanical keyboard. Gamers will appreciate this innovation. The first switches will be the low-profile Cherry Red series, and the first product to offer the new switches will be a desktop keyboard.
is an essential and must-have gear on the battlefield of the latest FPS PC games, legendary MOBAs and epic MMO worlds. HyperX™ keypads are equipped with Cherry® MX switches, providing significant benefits for responsiveness and durability. Made in Germany, mechanical switches guarantee more than 50 million keystrokes, which, of course, directly affected the price of the finished product.
Whether you love the audible click of every keystroke or prefer quiet typing, Cherry has switches to suit every need. They feature minimal actuation force, meaning less wear and more comfort, whether you're crushing the competition in a game or typing a 30-page memoir.
So, below we will consider what exactly is special, and which switches to choose directly for video games and typing.
Cherry MX switches are manufactured and supplied in many "colors" from brown, blue, red to black, white, green. They differ not only in the color of the basis of the mechanisms, but also have several other differences. There are three different types of switches: clicky (blue and green), tactile (brown and transparent), and linear (black and red).
They were introduced only in 2008. They have the lowest actuation force of the three most common switches. Red switches are designed as gaming switches with a light click to allow for maximum speed and have become more common in gaming devices. For players who require fast double or triple keystrokes, this type of key mechanism offers some speed advantages.
The most popular type of non-click tactile switch is the . This switch was introduced in 1994 as a special "ergo-soft" switch, but quickly became the most popular. Today, most keyboards come with Brown switches, as this type is a good medium all-round option, suitable for both frequent typing and gaming. They're also ideal for office work, where the click of a switch won't annoy employees who prefer to work in silence.
So, Cherry MX Brown is considered the best all-round switch. Its tactile impact, silent movement and actuation power make it versatile. Since the tactile impact is generated from a fin in a broken fin, the hysteresis is less pronounced than with blue switches. Additionally, they are often used in environments where blue switches are too loud, but fast typing is required.
It is the most common type of mechanical key and was first released on Filco keyboard models in 2007. Blue switches are preferred primarily by frequent typists due to their tactile impact and audible click. However, they are less suitable for video games as the actuation force is relatively high at 50 grams, and slightly harder to double-tap as the release point is higher than the actuation point. Blue switches are noticeably louder than other "mechanics".
The blue gear is recommended mainly for typing as it has a great click sound making it the loudest switch. Therefore, if you want the device to sound like a typewriter, you can safely buy a "clave" with blue switches.
The separate slider design also provides the most significant responsive feedback unlike any of the switches from the German company. The two-part slider design introduces a very pronounced hysteresis, which makes it more difficult to shoot quickly in video games than in linear switches.
So what is a mechanical keyboard? While most keyboards use soft silicone parts, mechanical keyboards feature springs and metal, and are much more complex than membrane keyboards.
The latter type of construction is based on 3 thin layers of film under the keys. The top and bottom layers are equipped with conductors, and the middle layer plays the role of an insulating link. The features of this design have become the cause of the main disadvantages of the membrane keypad. After all, in order to close the contact, the keys must be pressed all the way. The mechanics, in comparison with them, looks much more complicated. They contain:
The key works before it reaches the stop. Thanks to this, the keys do not need to be tapped at all until the stroke limiter is felt. This makes typing texts more comfortable, and in a video game it makes it possible to understand when a key has been actuated.
At the same time, mechanical keypads are more reliable than membrane ones. Such a mechanism includes LED backlighting, which provides better visibility at night, and also has a much larger number of clicks, many times exceeding the membrane.
Another advantage of mechanics is durability. They will work for more than one year, moreover, the key travel and tactile feedback will not change: they will be pressed with the same ease as on the day of purchase. They support an infinite number of keystroke logging. However, this is individual and depends on the type of keypad.
Cherry MX BLUE is a lightweight switch. Unlike most other switches, this plunger consists of not one, but two parts:
These switches emit a characteristic click, which does not depend on the presence of a keycap. The answer to the question of how blue switches differ from red ones is extremely simple - blue ones have higher stiffness than red ones, as well as a slightly longer stroke. Therefore, in order for the mechanism to work, it is necessary to apply a force of 60 grams.
MX BLUE allows you to clearly feel and also hear the moment when the mechanism worked, however, there will be no such control in games as red and brown switches have. In general, these switches are still great for games, because the gamer will clearly understand whether the press worked or not. The blue type of switches is ideal for those who prioritize not gaming, but typing.
Cherry MX BROWN - refers to tactile switches that lack a characteristic click. The switch is pressed unevenly and has a characteristic cut-off, that is, you can feel it when you press the switch. The approximate pressing force is 45 grams, which is the most optimal. On these switches, Extra RGB and other counterparts are produced. Cherry MX BROWN is one of the best switches for video games and typing because they:
Cherry MX RED are non-clicky linear switches that are unusually quiet. However, they lack tactile feedback, so they are also very smooth.
This type allows you to instantly respond to events in games. This is the highlight of the mechanics: the ability to easily control the process and the speed of operation. The pressing force to operate this switch is about 40 grams. In principle, these are very light switches, and you can play them for quite a long time, while your fingers do not get tired.
Of the minuses, you can highlight the sound, that is, the reproduced volume. How can they be loud if they are linear and don't have a click? Everything is very simple! Due to the fact that the pressing force is very small, when the keycap is bent over the switch, it comes into contact with the plastic of the switch itself and makes a characteristic sound. It follows from this that red switches without a keycap are quite quiet, but as soon as you put on a keycap, the sound is two or even three times louder.
As a powerful piece of gear for gaming, it's important to consider not only good looks and durability, but also the type of switches you use. The quietest switches are those with the highest pressing force. However, with all of them, they negatively affect fingers and fatigue. It turns out that with prolonged typing or playing, the fingers will get tired, but the device will work very quietly.
Red and brown mechanisms are the best option for a gaming keyboard and at the same time for typing. That is, if you want optimal switches in terms of sound, tactile sensations and, in fact, price, Cherry MX BROWN and RED brands are the best switches for computer games, and MX BLUE is most suitable for typing. When playing or typing for a long time on these switches, your fingers will not get tired, and the sound will be average: not very quiet, but not very loud either.
Naturally, the “mechanics” will not give you a 100% victory in gaming competitions, but its advantages will greatly increase your chances.
Mechanical keyboards are already quite firmly entrenched in the gaming market and not only peripherals. Yes, they are not cheap, but they have a number of significant advantages. Also, very often manufacturers release the same keyboard model with several types of switches - and users naturally have a question about which type of keys to choose for themselves. To sort out this confusion a little, we have prepared this material for you, and as an example we will use the HyperX Alloy FPS model, kindly provided by Kingston.
The reason for writing this article was the appearance on sale of new modifications of the HyperX Alloy FPS keyboard. As you remember, we really liked this model (you can read the review of the keyboard). It went on sale only with Cherry MX Blue switches, which could stop those who prefer not only high-quality “mechanics”, but also silence from buying. The keyboard is now also sold with Cherry MX Brown and Red switches. Structurally, the novelties do not differ from the model with which we have already met, the difference lies only in the type of switches.
Each Cherry switch is manufactured in Germany (at a factory in Bayreuth. For each of them, the manufacturer claims a resource of 50 million clicks. Thanks to this approach, Cherry MX series switches have long become a certain quality mark for mechanical keyboards. In particular, any new type of switches , produced today, is compared in terms of characteristics with the products of this brand.It is the place of production of switches that determines the considerable cost of ready-made solutions.
If you have used only membrane keyboards, you may have noticed that the keys lose their properties over time, which they possessed for the first time after purchase. This is due to the fact that the silicone membrane that underlies such keyboards dries out over time or, conversely, stretches, which leads to a change in tactile sensations during operation. Mechanical keyboards do not have such a disadvantage, and the moment when the mechanical switch loses its original properties will occur much later - and it is not a fact that it will be possible to catch it. This is important primarily for those who are associated with typing large amounts of text and intense gaming sessions.
So, there are several types of switches in the Cherry MX line, and there are only four main and most massive ones: Blue, Brown, Red and Black. They are named because of the color in which the base of the mechanism is painted. There are more of them, but the most commonly used by manufacturers are those listed. Each of them has its own properties that directly affect the comfort during play or work.
This type of keys is characterized by the presence of a tactile response approximately in the middle of the course. Pressing the key, halfway through you will feel a slight stop, and after it passes the key will make a fairly loud click. The last moment will be a disadvantage for many, since during fast typing, the keyboard will sound like a typewriter from the beginning of the 20th century, which will negatively affect acoustic comfort. But if the sound does not bother you or others and you need to dial a lot and regularly, then pay attention to the “blue” switches. The force required to press is about 45 grams, which is quite a bit even for not very strong fingers. At the same time, for triggering, you do not have to press the key all the way, pressing is registered in the middle of the stroke. This also applies to other switches considered today.
We put the "brown" switches next for a reason, as they are very similar in their characteristics to the MX Blue. With the exception of one feature - they are almost silent in operation. The only sound they can make is the impact of the cap on the base of the keyboard, but this is not necessary, since pressing, as in the MX Blue, occurs approximately in the middle of the key travel. The switch has a tactile response at the moment of actuation, but not as pronounced as the "blue switches" have. Cherry MX Brown are, in our opinion, the most balanced switches, as they are well suited for both typing and gaming, and at the same time they will not piss off others.
This type of switch has the most significant difference from the above: it lacks tactile and audible feedback when pressed, and its travel is linear along its entire length. However, it still requires 45 grams of force to press, and the actuation is also registered approximately in the middle of the stroke. In the author's personal opinion, this type of keys is very well suited for games, especially active shooters, since due to the lack of tactile feedback, maximum smoothness and speed are achieved. But for typing, these “switches” are also quite good thanks to this feature. At the same time, like the MX Brown, the "red" ones are absolutely silent in operation.
Cherry MX Red has a sibling called MX Black that has the same properties, with one exception - the force required to press is 60 grams, and from personal experience it is worth noting that "black" switches are only good for games, but not for typing, no matter how strong your fingers are. The increased stiffness of the spring requires more force when pressed, and typing large amounts of text, unfortunately, is not a comfortable experience. The HyperX Alloy FPS model is not available for sale with this type of switches, but we could not help but tell about it.
We hope that in this article we have clarified some issues related to mechanical keyboards. Of course, "mechanics" is not a panacea in games and work, but it has its own advantages. As for the question of which mechanical switches to choose, it cannot be answered unambiguously, but you can try. If you play more than you type, take a look at Cherry MX Red\Black. If typing is a priority, then you should look at Cherry MX Brown. In addition to all the advantages of "blue" switches, they have one indisputable advantage - silence in operation.
