选购机械键盘Shopping Mechanical Keyboards

Before we begin, there are a few things we need to consider before selecting a keyboard:

Switches: The switch is located underneath the keycap and determines the tactile feel when you press down on a key.

Number of keys: Do you want a full-size keyboard with 104 keys, a tenkeyless keyboard with 87 keys (no number pad), or a compact 64-key keyboard with only letters and function keys?

Wired or wireless: Do you want a wired keyboard or a wireless one?

Switches#

Here is a very good article to start with: link. You can only read the Cherry black, red, blue, and brown parts, those four are the most popular ones.

• Switches are like CPUs in that, despite there being over 100 computer brands, the CPUs typically come from only two manufacturers, Intel and AMD. Similarly, in the keyboard industry, the most popular switch manufacturer is Cherry. However, companies like Logitech and Razer have also started making their own switches for use in their keyboards.

• If you’re a gamer, black and red switches might be a better option as they allow for faster key presses and require less force, which can be helpful in games that require quick reflexes. However, if you also plan on doing a lot of typing, brown switches might be a better choice as they strike a balance between gaming and typing needs. Ultimately, the choice of switch type comes down to personal preference and your intended use for the keyboard.

• I would recommend trying out both blue and brown switches at a friend’s house or at a store like BestBuy before making a purchase. However, due to the current pandemic situation, it’s important to take precautions and practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly after using the keyboard.

• All my keyboards are blue switch keyboards.

• Any differences between Logitech switches and Cherry switches? I have tried both in blue and brown, and as far as I can tell, there are almost no differences. Cherry switches are slightly smoother, but it might just be because I’m used to Cherry ones.

Number of Buttons (Size)#

Full size. you basically got everything

Tenkeyless. Get rid of the number pad!

Compact. Most of my keyboards are in this type.

Others. The three types I mentioned are the most classic ones, but there are always outlaws. Like the one below:

Number-pad-less size but with a number pad.

I can’t say which one is better. It’s all about your needs.

Connection#

Wireless keyboards typically use Bluetooth to connect to your computer. If you are using one in a large office, you might have to think twice because Bluetooth devices can sometimes interfere with each other.

Wireless keyboards can also have a slight delay when in use. You won’t feel it if you’re only typing, but it could be annoying if you’re using it for FPS gaming.

However, think about the benefits of a wireless keyboard: it looks elegant and having a desk without cables is impressive!

Brands#

So here comes the most important section: which brands are among the best? Here are my recommendations (you can basically choose any model you like from these brands!):

Filco

Well, I’m using a Filco keyboard, so this is definitely the first brand I will recommend. Filco uses Cherry switches, so you don’t have to worry about the feel.

Filco keyboards are also extremely durable. My first Filco keyboard, which I’m using to type this article, is eight years old and still works perfectly.

Filco only has one model for each size so if you want a Filco just select the switch and size and then you know what to buy!

Cherry#

It’s like Intel to Microsoft Surface. Cherry also makes its own keyboards, but they are pretty old-fashioned and don’t have any wireless models.

iQunix#

My next keyboard is definitely iQunix! Just check the website out.

It’s a relatively new brand, so I’m not 100% sure about its durability. However, one of my friends has been using it for over a year and it still hasn’t broken.

iQunix also uses Cherry switches, so you can rest assured about the typing experience.

I highly recommend it for its stylish design! I personally love this model very much:

Logitech#

Logitech is always a safe choice.

I tried this one (in Logitech blue switch) in a Bestbuy store, and the feeling is almost as good as my Filco.

Ducky#

Another famous brand among keyboard enthusiasts, Das Keyboard has been around for quite some time and has a good reputation in terms of durability and quality. They also use Cherry switches, which is a plus for many users. I personally used one for almost half a year during my undergraduate studies and had a good experience with it.

Other Brands#

Here is the corrected paragraph:

There are a few other brands that I am not super familiar with, but are also good:

iKBC and Obins are also famous fan brands, similar to Ducky and iQunix.

Corsair, SteelSeries, and Razer are famous for their gaming keyboards.

Happy Hacking is a special brand… You will find it out

A few more things#

• There are also a few other elements that affect the typing experience, such as whether there is a steel board underneath the switches. The effects of these elements are subtle, so I ignored them in this article.

• Don’t worry about the keycaps (such as if the keyboard is designed for Mac or Windows). They are all interchangeable.

• LED backlights? I don’t like them, but you can give them a try!