First Mechanical Keyboard

Throughout history, the technology behind typing devices has evolved significantly. In the 1870s, the first typewriter was manufactured. Then, in the 1940s, an electric typewriter was invented. These devices were the precursor to the present day mechanical keyboard.

A typewriter uses individual physical switches for each key. The switch sends information to the computer, which displays the output on the screen. Mechanical keyboards are also able to type characters more accurately and quickly. They are more durable and easy to clean. The design has evolved over the years, and many models are now available with programmable RGB lighting. They are also available in many different layouts. They are often used in eSports as well.

In the past, mechanical keyboard were primarily used in the office. However, as time passed, they started to become popular with gamers. Gaming keyboards are often designed to be more comfortable for users. In addition, some gamers prefer the feel of the keys to a membrane keyboard. The Razer Blade FYI keyboard is a good example of this. It has a gaming heritage and features tactile mechanical keys. In addition, the keyboard supports modern wireless setups. It is also more compact than most 100% keyboards.

Mechanical keyboards have a more modular design than membrane keyboards. This allows manufacturers to tailor-make solutions to suit specific user needs. It also allows for customizing the keyboard, which can be done via software tools. Some mechanical keyboards also come with onboard macro programmability.

What Was the First Mechanical Keyboard?

Many manufacturers produce keyboards with mechanical switches. The most common switch type is the Cherry-style switch. This type of switch is a spring-loaded conical spring encased in a rubber dome. A small lever trips the spring when a key is pressed. This allows the stem to depress into the housing. This is similar to the buckling spring design used in early Apple computer keyboards.

Other manufacturers use Alps switches, which are also a variation of the buckling spring design. This type of switch also uses a plastic slider similar to the stem in Cherry MX-compatible designs. However, Alps switches are not produced any longer. They are used by some manufacturers, such as Monoprice. These keyboards are often less expensive than the mechanical keyboards, and are also less noisy. Some gamers prefer the tactile feel of the keys, which is less likely to be noticed when typing on a membrane keyboard.

Another type of switch is an optical switch. Optical switches are similar to mechanical switches, but they use a different PCB to actuate the switch. The PCB detects a changing capacitance of the spring and triggers at the set point. Some optical switches are tactile, while others are linear. Optical switches are usually compatible with the same keycaps as mechanical keyboards. However, they also use a different pin configuration, making them not interchangeable.

Mechanical keyboards are also available with non-clicky linear switches, which are more popular among gamers. In addition, some gamers prefer the feel and sound of a clicky keyboard.