5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Mechanical Keyboard | Drawbacks & Benefits of Mechanical Keyboard

What is Mechanical Keyboard ?

Mechanical keyboard is a kind of keyboard which uses dedicated switches for their operations. They are different from the regular keyboards that we use today. It is popularly used during the 80s and the 90s until the invention of Rubber/Membrane keyboard. Especially gamers, copyrighters and journalists prefer to use a mechanical keyboard. 

Why is Mechanical Keyboard used ?

Although many of us have left using mechanical keyboard today, for some this keyboard is more convenient to use. Still there are some features in the mechanical keyboard which cannot be ignored. For knowing if this keyboard will be suitable for your needs, the below listed advantages and disadvantages will help you.

In this article, I will be illustrating about 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Mechanical Keyboard | Drawbacks & Benefits of Mechanical Keyboard. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using mechanical keyboard.

Let's get started,

Advantages of Mechanical Keyboard

1. User Friendly

The keys present in a mechanical keyboard is more user friendly when it comes to typing. It typically requires less force to press a key. As a result, your fingers don't feel the pain after several hours of use. 

Moreover, different types of mechanical keyboards are available that fits according to users preference. For gamers, there is specifically designed mechanical keyboards which is well optimized for gaming.

2. Durability

Compared to a membrane keyboard, a mechanical keyboard has longer durability (depends on the number of keystrokes). This rate is almost 20x times greater. What makes it more durable is the material which it is used to be made. The keys and the case which the keyboard is made of is high quality. Each keys can withstand over 20-80 million keystrokes.

3. Stability

The weight of a mechanical keyboard makes it more stable. Meaning it can withstand more force while typing. Even if you keep typing vigorously it is less likely to shake and move.

4. Physical Damages

Another reason why a mechanical keyboard is high durable is because it is less prone to physical damages. Unlike other types of keyboards, the keys are completely free of stucking and clattering. Even after several years of use, it will still continue to function as a new one.

5. Anti-Ghosting

Mechanical keyboards are equipped with a function known as Anti-ghosting. Anti-ghosting is a process where many keys are allowed to be pressed simultaneously. Even if the users presses 8 keys at once it won't damage the keyboard. 

Especially, gamers prefer to use this keyboard due to this feature. Every small moment in a game is important for a gamer. Even though many of the gaming keyboards are equipped with this function they are limited.

Disadvantages of Mechanical Keyboard

1. Cost

Mechanical keyboards are generally expensive due to their complex structure and high quality. Depending on the type of model the price varies. And also, they are extremely rare to find. But these prices are definitely worth the investment. If taken proper care, they could last for years.

2. Convenience

The typing mechanism used in a mechanical keyboard is similar to that of a type writer. The keys are increased in height which makes them difficult to type at a faster rate. If typed in a hurry, the users could produce many typos. Users who are used to membrane keyboard needs to practice using this keyboard until they get experienced.

3. Portability

Although a mechanical keyboard is more stable because of its weight, the same feature could affect negatively. A mechanical keyboard is much heavier than a regular membrane keyboard. This excess weight can pose problems in portability. Users often feel uncomfortable for transporting this keyboard from one location to another.

4. Noises

It is normal for a keyboard to produce noises when typing. But typing in a mechanical keyboard produces more noises than usual which can be distracting to many. Particularly, people in a work environment find this noises stressful. However, by using a silent mechanical keyboard you can decrease the noise level to some extent. 

5. Anti-Ergonomic

Some models are mechanical keyboards are anti-ergonomic. Users who use for a long time experience fatigue. The reason for this is they contain switches which requires more operational forces. Which means that more force needs to be given by the finger. Usually this problem will not be noticed until the keyboard is been used for a long time.