Reason to upgrade to mechanical?

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Nick3306

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#1 Nick3306
Member since 2007 • 3429 Posts

I am just wondering if someone here can give me any reasons to buy a mechanical keyboard. Why are they so much better than non mechanical keyboards? I currently own a sidewinder x4 and have been interested in what positives a mechanical keyboard actually has over a non mechanical one.

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deactivated-579f651eab962

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#2 deactivated-579f651eab962
Member since 2003 • 5404 Posts

I can't really explain why but now I have a good Mechanical keyboard I wont be going back to domes.

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Nick3306

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#3 Nick3306
Member since 2007 • 3429 Posts

@klunt_bumskrint said:

I can't really explain why but now I have a good Mechanical keyboard I wont be going back to domes.

So basically you're saying that it's better, you just cant tell me why its better.

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Tokeism

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#4 Tokeism
Member since 2006 • 2365 Posts

Basically mechanical keyboards are more versatile, durable, customizable, offer better speed and precision.

Read more here:

http://www.gameskinny.com/kwnfo/choosing-your-weapon-mechanical-vs-membrane-keyboards

http://gaming-keyboard-review.toptenreviews.com/gaming-keyboards-the-advantages-of-a-mechanical-keyboard.html

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FelipeInside

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#5 FelipeInside
Member since 2003 • 28548 Posts

@Nick3306 said:

@klunt_bumskrint said:

I can't really explain why but now I have a good Mechanical keyboard I wont be going back to domes.

So basically you're saying that it's better, you just cant tell me why its better.

I've used both and I really don't see the benefit of going mechanical. They are louder and if you type a lot, depending on the model it's worse.

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IvanElk

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#6 IvanElk
Member since 2008 • 3798 Posts

@Nick3306 said:

@klunt_bumskrint said:

I can't really explain why but now I have a good Mechanical keyboard I wont be going back to domes.

So basically you're saying that it's better, you just cant tell me why its better.

I can. First, for typing (excluding MX reds which I personally am not a fan of), you are able to actuate a key without having to "bottom out" the key, I can type faster and longer than I could on a standard keyboard. This makes the actuate distance shorter, it takes less force than a dome keyboard to actuate. The switches last a lot longer on a quality mechanical keyboard than any dome keyboard. It does take a little to get used to before you notice a benefit. Personally I gained around 15 WPM putting me above 100WPM on several typing tests.

For gaming, I personally like better due to the shorter actuation distance, some people prefer the reds for this because a lot of people when gaming tend to fully bottom out the key anyway.

Mechanical keyboards are a luxury item. They are not necessary, but I like them and especially since I do a lot of typing on a daily basis. Finger fatigue is a pretty big issue for me.

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illmatic87

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#7 illmatic87
Member since 2008 • 17935 Posts

It's the feel of it. There's just less effort involved and pressure required to press a key. There is also a nice responsive click that gives you feedback that improves your co-ordination from key to key inputs. These things seem minor, but it adds up.

My maximum typing speed jumped from 80 WPM to about 90 after switching to one. Most importantly, I make alot less typing errors from missed inputs.

But as Felipe already mentioned, be careful with what you're purchasing, as there are some mechanical keyboards out there that are very sensitive and seems prone to slight input errors.

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superclocked

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#8 superclocked
Member since 2009 • 5864 Posts

I grew using the old IBM mechanical keyboards, so I can type much, much faster using a mechanical keyboard. I guess that I just prefer the feel of the keys...

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GeryGo

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#9 GeryGo  Moderator
Member since 2006 • 12810 Posts

@Nick3306 said:

I am just wondering if someone here can give me any reasons to buy a mechanical keyboard. Why are they so much better than non mechanical keyboards? I currently own a sidewinder x4 and have been interested in what positives a mechanical keyboard actually has over a non mechanical one.

longer longlivity and clicky keystrokes (I have blue switches :P)

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caseystryker

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#10 caseystryker
Member since 2005 • 5421 Posts

Just bought a Corsair Vengeance K70. It's much more responsive than my old Logitech, not to mention it sounds cool when you type. Reason enough for me.

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Nick3306

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#11 Nick3306
Member since 2007 • 3429 Posts

@caseystryker said:

Just bought a Corsair Vengeance K70. It's much more responsive than my old Logitech, not to mention it sounds cool when you type. Reason enough for me.

Well its not really a good enough reason to spend over $100 for just that.

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IvanElk

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#12 IvanElk
Member since 2008 • 3798 Posts

@Nick3306 said:

@caseystryker said:

Just bought a Corsair Vengeance K70. It's much more responsive than my old Logitech, not to mention it sounds cool when you type. Reason enough for me.

Well its not really a good enough reason to spend over $100 for just that.

Why do you buy the quality sony ps2 controllers over the Mad Catz piece of shits? Why do you spend X amount on a Cooler Master case when some random brand you haven't heard of has the same specs? Just like those examples there are Mech Keyboards under 100$ too most people would rather spend more on a quality one, however.

Also most have n-key rollover which provides a significant advantage over budget dome keyboards.

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caseystryker

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#13 caseystryker
Member since 2005 • 5421 Posts

@Nick3306: As many have stated it's simply a personal preference. The best thing you can do is go to your local electronic store and test some out and see if you like the feel of them. Basically what it comes down to is durability, well defined actuation points, and overall responsiveness. If that's not enough to sway you then maybe going to mechanical isn't the thing to do for you.

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JigglyWiggly_

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#14 JigglyWiggly_
Member since 2009 • 24625 Posts

They are firm to press and not mushy.

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Gaming-Planet

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#15  Edited By Gaming-Planet
Member since 2008 • 21107 Posts

Not really an upgrade, it's a matter of preference.

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#16  Edited By True_Sounds
Member since 2009 • 2915 Posts

It feels better to type on mechanical keys. If you spend alot of your time in front of your computer, it will improve the quality of the experience. It's basically the same reason someone would buy a more comfortable, better sounding headset, or a more form fitting gaming mouse.

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AutoPilotOn

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#17 AutoPilotOn
Member since 2010 • 8655 Posts

All this talk if mechanical keyboards soy wife bought me a corsair k70 today. I only used it do like an hour so far but it's very nice, sturdy. I forgot how solid keyboards used to feel when I started on pcs not the cheap light weight flimsy plastic.

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Nick3306

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#18  Edited By Nick3306
Member since 2007 • 3429 Posts

I was thinking about getting a logitech g710+. Overall feedback has been positive from the people i have talked to, is there a better option available at that price ($100 on amazon)?

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#19 amafi
Member since 2013 • 30 Posts

@Nick3306 said:

I was thinking about getting a logitech g710+. Overall feedback has been positive from the people i have talked to, is there a better option available at that price ($100 on amazon)?

Can't really speak to alternatives but I'm a fan of the G710+. Backlighting works, the brown switches feel nice, and build quality isn't bad at all.

I also have a zowie celeritas mx brown that is great as well, even if the space bar took a bit of getting used to. I also know a lot of people that swear by Ducky keyboards.

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#20  Edited By Insert-Coin
Member since 2013 • 52 Posts

Plus you can write a letter with them when your printer breaks.