Guide to Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms
This page is a guide of computer keyboard key switch mechanisms.
Rubber Dome Switch
most keyboard's key switch mechanism is rubber dome switch. For example, basically all laptop keyboard and Microsoft Keyboards.
Rubber dome switch is cheap to make, but is not as good as other mechanisms that use spring. Rubber dome's tactile feedback is not precise, wobbly, and wears out. Usually what made it worse is the cheap key housing that goes with it. (ever had squeaky keys that make ugly noises and sometimes stuck midway due to friction?)
Scissor Switch
Scissor-switch is found in laptop computers, starting around ~2002. It is still rubber dome, but is enhanced by a scissor-like mechanism above the rubber membrance.
Buckling-spring Switch
This is most famous as used by IBM Model M keyboard, and loved by many programers.
You press the key, the spring compresses, then at some point, it can't take it anymore, CLICK, it buckles, crumpling and gave up all resistance!
Buckling-spring switch keyboard is still available, from IBM Model M keyboard, Unicomp
Buckling-spring switch is the most noisy.
〔►see Mechanical Keyboard Noise Comparison〕
Cherry MX Switches
Cherry Corporation of Germany makes mechanical switches called Cherry MX. It is the most popular mechanical switch. There are several different models of Cherry MX, with different properties of feel. These models are color coded. They are:
Linear Action: Red, Black
MX Red requires the least pressure to activate the key. It's really nice. Typing on it is effortless.
For example of Cherry MX Red keyboards, see Cherry MX red
Cherry MX Black is same as Red, except more force is required. I don't like MX Black at all.
For example of Cherry MX Black keyboards, see Cherry MX black
Tactile Action: Brown, Blue
The Brown and Blue types are good for writers or programers. When you press down, after certain point, there's a bump feel, then after that the pressure is reduced. This lets you know when a key has been registered.
Examples Cherry MX brown
The difference between Brown and Blue are:
- Blue has a very definite click point, and makes a audible “click” sound
- Blue has less resistance.
- Blue is very noisy, it's all clicky clicky.
Examples Cherry MX blue
There are few others, but less common.
| Cherry MX | brown | blue | green | red | black |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Feel | Tactile Bump | Tactile Click | Tactile Click | Smooth (Linear) | Smooth (Linear) |
| Resistance | Medium-Low | Low | Firm | Very Low | Firm |
Cherry MX Compatible Switches
Several companies make Cherry compatible switches.
Kailh switch
Kailh Switch is a Cherry MX compatible switch, made by Kaihua Electronics Co., Ltd.”. (凯华).
see Mechanical Keyboard: Kailh Switch
Outemu/Gaote switch
Outemu switch is Cherry MX compatible made by Gaote Corp. 东莞市高特电子有限公司. Home page http://www.cngaote.com/
Gateron switch
Gateron switch is Cherry MX compatible made by Gateron (惠州佳达隆电子科技有限公司). company site: http://www.gateron.com/
Romer-G Key Switch
This is new tech, came out in 2015.
- The romer-g switch has hollow stem, which allows LED to be placed in center. So that key lights can shine brighter thru the key label, and without escaping effect at bottom.
- Romer-g switch is noticeably more quiet than any Cherry MX switches.
- Romer-g switch is supposed to last even longer than Cherry MX switches.
Romer-G key switch is used by Logitech, in • Logitech G910 Orion Keyboard • Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum Keyboard
Infra-Red Optical Key Switch
This is new tech, came out around 2016.
Optical switch is great because it does not need metal contact. Meaning, no wear, last longer, and easier to be water resistant.
Optical switch are actually not more expensive then Cherry MX compatible ones.
〔►see Optical Key Switch Keyboard〕
Electrostatic Capacitive Switch: Topre Switch
Another type of expensive switch is by capacitance. In particular, one made by Topre Corporation, of Japan.
The Topre switch's feel primarily came from its high-quality rubber dome, not the spring.
Topre key switch is most famously used in Happy Hacking Keyboard.
〔►see List of Keyboards with Topre Switch〕
White Alps Strongman Switch
Don't know how this switch works, but i have used one for a couple of years. It's excellent. See: Keyboard: Matias Mini Tactile Pro. This keyboard has strong presence in Mac community.
The Matias mechanical key switch is used by Keyboardio model 1. See Keyboardio Review
Hall Effect Switch
Key Noise Comparison
Mechanical Keyboard Noise Comparison
Does Mechanical Keys Matter?
Does Mechanical Keyboard Reduce Risk of Repetitive Strain Injury?
List of Keyboards with Mechanical Switch
List of Keyboards with Mechanical Switch
References
- https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/switch_guides
- http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_MX
Key Switch Topic
- Computer Keyboard Design Flaws
- Guide to Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms
- Mechanical Keyboard Noise Comparison
- What's NKRO, N-key Rollover?
- Blank Keycaps vs Labeled Keys
- Keyboard Keycaps: ABS, PBT
- Keyboard Key Label Printing Technologies
- List of Keyboards with Mechanical Switch
- List of Keyboards with Topre Switch
- Hall Effect Switch Keyboard
- Mechanical Keyboard: Kailh Switch
- Does Mechanical Keyboard Reduce Risk of Repetitive Strain Injury?
- List of Hardware Dvorak Layout Keyboards
- Programable Keyboards with Onboard Memory