Click Clack

Every day we use computers.  Unless you're going to be away for the weekend on a camping trip or something of that nature.  Most of our lives we use a computer at the very least once a day, and with that computer interaction, there is the need for a keyboard.  Keyboards have come in all shapes and sizes over the years, and most of the time there isn't much thought put into what kind of keyboard we decide to use.  Usually we are using laptops that have chosen our keyboard for us, while other times we just use a keyboard that we have been using for years and have never questioned how it works or where it came from (aliens).

There are two types of keyboard in use today: the membrane (sometimes called rubber-dome) and the mechanical keyboard.  The membrane keyboard is used by the majority of desktop keyboards and 100% of laptop keyboards.  Membrane keyboards are cheap to make, and do not move as far when pressed, making them ideal for laptop keyboards as well as desktop keyboards.  A membrane keyboard works by having a plastic key cap press down on a rubber "dome."  This rubber is then pressed onto an electrical conducting surface that registers a keystroke.  These keyboards have limited customization options, especially if they are found on a laptop.  Back lights are possible, and key caps are replaceable, but due to the lack of an enthusiast community for them, key cap options are usually not available.  This type of keyboard is the standard for laptops and most if not all out of box computers.

The second type of keyboard is a mechanical keyboard.  These keyboards are much more expensive and are usually bought, used or made by enthusiasts of.. well.. typing.  Instead of using a rubber dome, these keyboards utilize a mechanical switch that registers the keystroke instead of waiting for conducting materials to come into contact.  Several different companies manufacture these switches, however the most popular supplier of switches is a German corporation called Cherry Corp.  Switches come in all different noise, resistance, and tactile levels.  Some keys have an audible click, while others have a tactile bump instead.  Others are simply linear with no bump or click, and all keys come in different pressure levels required.  Enthusiasts often change the key caps for different colors or designs, personalizing and customizing their little tools of communication.

Now, some might say, how are you literally interested in keyboards, all you need to do is type on them.  Which is true! but you also can get away with doing the bare minimum with a lot of things, like food and clothes.  Why not have some fun with something you are going to be coming into contact with almost every day?  Mechanical keyboards can price from as much as $80 to $200.  Some might think that that's absurd for a keyboard, but if it's something I'm using every day, I say it's worth it!  Some articles of clothing are close to $200 or more that people only wear once (prom dresses for example).  I can type faster on it, and it is more fun.  It makes cooler sounds, like I'm actually typing on a mechanical thing.  It also feels much better when you press every key, rather than the mushy membrane rubber.

Another part of mechanical keyboards that I love is the community of people that follow and support them.  If you head over to reddit.com/r/mechanicalkeyboards you will see thousands of posts of how people customized their own keyboards.  These keyboards can come in all different sizes, colors, and shapes, it's all up to you how you want them to look, feel and sound!

I think that more people should experience the wonderful feeling of typing on a mechanical keyboard.  Once I tried it for the first time I never looked back.