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A Beginner's Guide to Switches

Completely lost on all the confusing details about mechanical computer keyboard switches? This is your absolutely must have guide to all the small details that make keyboard switches so interesting. (Pictures included too!)

Rather than relying on tiny electronic circuits sandwiched within a rubber membrane underneath each key like most modern Dell and HP keyboards have, these ‘switches’ have an entirely different construction and mechanism that allows them to operate. As you may have noticed before, sure, mechanical switches do have a lot more travel and complexity to their motion than your laptop membrane or your phone keyboard, but that extra distance and the design of the internals is what allows you better cushion your fingers and protect from RSI injuries and the damage of typing over extended periods of time. The beauty in mechanical switches, and one of the sub-benefits mentioned above, is that they are highly customizable with respect to the force required to press them, their feeling, and even their travel distance – all of which can be tuned to not only your preferences, but to actually better ergonomically suit you and your needs as someone who uses a keyboard.

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