Five Mechanical-Switch Keyboards: Only The Best For Your Hands
Table of contents
- 1. Keyboards 101
- 2. Keys: Cherry MX Black And MX Red
- 3. Keys: Cherry MB Brown And MX Clear
- 4. Keys: Cherry MX Blue And Others
- 5. PS/2 Or USB?
- 6. Anti-Ghosting Demystified
- 7. Test System And The Five Candidates
- 8. SteelSeries 6Gv2: Speeds And Feeds
- 9. SteelSeries 6Gv2: Test
- 10. Ione X-Armor U9BL: Speeds And Feeds
- 11. Ione X-Armor U9BL: Test
- 12. Ione X-Armor U27 Wireless: Speeds And Feeds
- 13. Ione X-Armor U27 Wireless: Test
- 14. Zowie Celeritas: Speeds And Feeds
- 15. Zowie Celeritas: Test
- 16. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate: Speeds And Feeds
- 17. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate: Test
- 18. Summary And Recommendation
Today's we're venturing into the world of mechanical-switch keyboards, which are oh-so-satisfying to use. We'll present five different models and offer an educational exploration of the technology. At the end of the day, these are all a pleasure to use.
Keyboards, along with mice, are the most important input devices on a PC, and should therefore be chosen carefully. Like a good pair of shoes, the ideal keyboard is well-made, comfortable, and suited to its purpose. But what if the technology doesn't conform to our needs?
Before we put the samples in this story through their paces, we want to get rid of some of the myths and uncertainties surrounding these devices:
• We'll explore differences between the two main key switch designs. All buttons are not created equal!
• USB or PS/2: hype, legend, or nonsense? We perform a more detailed analysis.
• We demystify the myth of anti-ghosting. It's a tale of marketing versus reality.
What will readers find in this article? First, we'll present the different kinds of switches and the accompanying application scenarios. Then we'll explain some of the most important keyboard concepts. And finally, of course, we'll give you the results of our practical tests, including:
- Five models with different types of keys
- Five hours gaming use per keyboard by various users
- Typing test by a professional secretary
- Evaluation of materials, workmanship, and durability
Each of the keyboards we're testing underwent many hours of taxing gaming use, was mercilessly pounded by a professional composing long documents, and was subjected to hands of varying strength and size. Not every keyboard is right for every user, but once you find a keyboard that works for you, it may define whether work is enjoyable or not.
Let's first take a look at the switches, the heart of any keyboard.
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but gold is used for it's corrosion resistance rather than higher level of electrical conductivity.
Very interesting article all-in-all
I would have liked to have seen the FILCO keyboards included, I found their Cherry (Brown key) the best keyboard. Good weight and build quality. Mechanical keyboards suppliers in the UK seem rare, I found The Keyboard Company to be very professional (only connection as a customer) http://www.keyboardco.com.
The simultaneous key presses are somewhat important to FPS gaming. Try running in diagonal (that's two presses), duck-jumping (hello Half-Life and that's 5 presses) and shooting all at once. Glad the shooting part is often in the mouse.
Looks like the Qpad MK-80 is a rebrand Ione X-Armor U9BL for the UK: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/show [...] =KB-000-XM
Love the article. Bit of a shame there weren't some non-mchanical keyboards thrown in for comparison, eg the popular G15 and maybe some cheap ones. Would put the mechanical's scores in context for most(?) people like me who have never used one. But again, love the article.
Good work on highlighting the existing of mechanical keyboards
Bad work, Not mention the MAJOR disadvantage of the black widow not even being 6KRO