Switches
The model of switches (switches) used in the keyboard - switching mechanisms installed under each individual key. These details are given if the design uses advanced mechanics, positioned as a better option than traditional switches. Mostly gaming keyboards are equipped with such mechanics.
The most popular switch brands in our time are
Cherry MX, considered the "classic of the genre" for high-quality mechanics;
Gateron, practically not inferior to him; not so advanced, but also cheaper
Kailh and
Razer, as well as ultra-budget
Outemu. For all these brands, different types of switches have a different stem color, which can be used to determine the features of the keyboard. It is also worth saying that modern mechanical switches are divided into three main varieties:
linear,
tactile and
clicky.
- Linear. Such solutions are closest to conventional membrane keyboards: the key travel is uniform along the entire length, with minimal resistance and the absence of a clear actuation point. There is an opinion that the linear "mechanics" is best suited for games where you have to deal with fast and frequent clicks; however, in practice, this moment largely depends on the personal tastes of the u
...ser, nothing prevents the use of such keyboards for working with texts.
- Tactile. Switches with a clearly defined actuation point - a kind of barrier to the path of the key. Such a "barrier" allows you to clearly determine by touch whether the key has worked or not. Tactile keyboards are valued primarily by tech who have to type large volumes of texts.
- Tactile-auditory (Clicky). In such switches, the actuation point is felt not only by touch, but also by ear: the actuation of the key is accompanied by a clearly audible click, which is often compared to the sound of the keys of a typewriter. Due to this, this option is also very popular among users dealing with texts. Some people consider switches of this type not very suitable for games, since they are supposedly not very convenient for frequent, fast pressing; however, a quality Clicky switch is as good as a linear switch in this regard, and the choice depends solely on personal preference. But the unequivocal disadvantages of such keyboards include a rather loud click sound, which in some situations may be superfluous.
As for specific colors, here are their features:
- Red (red). Linear type switches with minimum resistance. They are popular, in particular, among professional gamers who deal with dynamic games and try by all means to speed up their reaction to gaming events. On the other hand, a low force increases the likelihood of accidentally pressing an unnecessary button.
— Black. Another type of linear switches. They have a tighter move compared to Red, which, on the one hand, requires a little more effort, on the other hand, minimizes the chance of accidentally pressing the wrong key.
Blue. Switches in clicky format, with tactile feedback and a click.
— Brown. Switches with tactile feedback, but no "click". The Brown action is great for when you want a keyboard with tactile feedback and at the same time you want to avoid unnecessary noise (although the sound is still louder than on a membrane keyboard). In addition, it is considered a good option for tech who are just starting to get acquainted with mechanical keyboards.
— Silver. Linear switches designed for maximum operating speed. They have a very low stroke - about 1 - 1.2 mm - as well as a very small pressing force, which contributes to high speed. At the same time, the use of such a keyboard requires a certain skill, since even a small effort from an accidental touch usually leads to the operation of a key.Cyrillic colour
The colour of the Cyrillic letters printed on the keyboard.
This colour is usually chosen so that the letters are clearly visible. This point does not affect the functionality of the keyboard, and the choice in this case depends mainly on personal preferences. However, there is also a practical point: for inexperienced users who have not mastered touch typing, it is desirable that the letters stand out as much as possible against the background of the keys.
Transparent letters are a separate case — they are used in keyboards equipped with a backlight (see below), due to which such characters, when the backlight is on, are visible even in the dark.
Palm rest
The presence of an additional
palm rest in the design of the keyboard. Such a stand is located in the lower (closest to the user) part of the device and is a kind of continuation of the “board”, providing additional support and increasing the comfort of use. However, comfort is largely a matter of personal preference, and not all users like stands; therefore, most often they are made removable.
Lighting effects
The presence of additional effects in the backlight provided in the keyboard (see above). For models with the
backlight synchronization function, this item indicates the synchronization technology.
Additional backlight effects can be different: multi-coloured backlighting of individual keyboard zones, smooth “flowing” of one colour into another, response to system or game events, etc.; specific features should be clarified for each model separately. As for synchronization, it allows you to coordinate the backlighting of various system components — keyboards, case mice, graphics cards, etc.; this opportunity is especially appreciated by the owners of high-end gaming stations. Coordination requires that all highlighted components support the same technology; usually, each manufacturer has its own — Aura Sync for Asus, RGB Fusion for Gigabyte, etc.
Skeleton keyboard
Keyboards made in
a Skeleton case.
The main difference between such cases and the classical ones is that the mechanism of each key is not hidden at the base of the keyboard, but, on the contrary, rises somewhat above it. Due to this, the keys can be easily removed and put back into place, which makes it much easier to clean from dust and dirt. And in gaming keyboards of this type, the kit often includes interchangeable buttons that differ in colour and texture from the main ones. Actually, almost all models with this feature are specifically gaming (see "By Direction").
Waterproof
Protecting the keyboard from spilling liquid on it. Most
waterproof keyboards do not have a full-fledged sealed case and are designed to remain operational in the event of accidental contact with a relatively small amount of liquid (up to 200 mL) — for example, in the classic case of spilling coffee on the keyboard.
