What’s not to like about mechanical keyboards? They are responsive, made with higher-quality materials, and offer a better tactile and user experience. However, have you wondered about the various components beneath its elegant exterior and their purposes? If the answer is yes, you are in the right place!
Join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate anatomy of a mechanical keyboard. By the end of this exploration, you will hopefully gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into these remarkable devices and how each piece contributes to a keyboard’s unique feel and functionality.
Overview of a mechanical keyboard
Manufactured boards and custom-built units differ significantly in configuration, material quality, and part selection. However, by and large, they all feature five primary components. Check out our table listing the typical parts of a mechanical keyboard and its functions.
Components of a mechanical keyboard: in detail
Whether you opt for a pre-built board or wish to assemble your mechanical keyboard from scratch, there is something you must understand. The quality and style of each component can vary significantly between brands due to their manufacturing processes. Therefore, it is essential to understand your options before diving headfirst into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Component #1: Keycaps
Source: Switch And Click
The part of the keyboard that sits atop the mechanical switches and that you press with your fingers, keycaps are usually the most visually apparent part of your mechanical keyboard. However, they are more than just aesthetics. Variations in keycap profile and materials can affect the keyboard’s performance, longevity, and feel.
Most keycaps are made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT). With that said, custom keycaps can consist of different materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, or wood. However, ABS and PBT are the most popular options.
Most keyboard enthusiasts prefer the latter, as they are robust and durable, minimising the risk of fading. However, they are usually more expensive than ABS keycaps, which are flexible, impact-resistant, and boast sharper colours and crisper legends. This price difference has contributed to ABS keycaps being more commonly used in the market today.
Regardless of your preference, you can choose between two categories – single-shot or double-shot. The former is made from one layer of plastic. Conversely, the latter contains two layers of plastic moulded together. One layer comprises the primary housing. Meanwhile, the other is injected inside the keycap to form the legend and stem.
Single-shot keycaps are usually dye-sublimated, meaning they utilise digital printing technology to etch the legend on the keycap. This form of printing may fade over time, which explains why some might prefer double-shot keycaps. There is a low possibility of the marking ever fading since the latter utilises a separate piece of plastic injected into the keycap.
Learn More: Double-Shot Vs. Dye-Sub Keycaps: Understanding The Differences
One last thing to note about keycaps is the various profiles available. The vast majority of pre-built mechanical keyboards stick to what is called an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) profile. However, Cherry and SA (spherical all) are two other popular keycap profiles found on the market today.
Of course, keycap profiles are primarily a matter of personal preference. So your choice depends on your preference, although your decision can affect performance. Cherry profile keycaps are popular among gamers and writers due to their balance of accuracy, comfort, and speed. Conversely, while SA profile keycaps are not optimised for speed, they are an excellent all-purpose option for those who prefer taller keycaps.
Component #2: Switches
Mechanical keyboard switches are the heart and soul of every tactile sensation encountered on every keyboard. They are also responsible for transferring keystrokes to the printed circuit board through the crosspoint. Users may notice distinct characteristics, such as the force needed to press the key, the feel, and the sound produced while typing, even among the various keyboard switches from the same brand.
Keyboard switches come in various styles, but in general, they comprise the following components:
- Upper Housing: The top of the switch where the keycap rests.
- Stem: Once pressed, the keycap travels partway down the stem, activating the contact.
- Contact or Crosspoint: When activated, the contact closes the circuit on the PCB, sending the signal to the computer.
- Spring: Provides resistance and returns the keycap to its original position.
- Housing Base: Mounts the switch to the PCB or the keyboard plate.
- LED Pipe: Backlit keyboards have a single-colour LED light that inserts into the switch.
Similar to every component of a mechanical keyboard, users have numerous choices when customising their mechanical switches. With various options available, you can fine-tune your typing experience to perfection. It is a highly personal decision, so it is essential to understand how each type can affect your overall user experience.
Keyboard switches are separated into three distinct categories, each offering a different feel and sound:
- Tactile: Users will notice a bump when pressing down on the switch, but it is silent.
- Clicky: Users will encounter the same feel as a tactile switch but with an audible click sound.
- Linear: Users will not experience any bumps or sounds. It feels completely smooth when pressed.
Those with a pre-built keyboard can tell what kind of switch is utilised for the board by looking at its internals. If the slider’s leg has no bumps, it is a linear switch. In contrast, the device uses a tactile switch if a bump is present. If the switch is clicky, there will be a floating middle component. This part will hit the bottom of the switch housing when pressed to produce the clicking sound users are familiar with.
Component #3: Case
Think of the case as a protective shell. It houses the various electronics and internal components of a mechanical keyboard. Depending on the design and mounting style, a mechanical keyboard can feature a top and a bottom case or only the latter. The bottom case is everpresent because it houses the keyboard. Generally, most board cases are made from ABS plastic. Although, some premium devices are available in aluminium, carbon fibre, or wood.
Component #4: Mounting plate
Mounting plates serve dual functions. Firstly, they provide a stabilising effect, thus ensuring consistency and accuracy with each keystroke. Secondly, they safeguard the circuit board from damage, preventing debris from falling between the keys. However, some users may opt to forego this component to allow the LED lighting (if applicable) to shine in all directions or make it easier to clean their mechanical keyboards. In such cases, users may use the outer case of the board as a mounting plate.
Regardless of your choice, various pre-built and custom designs are available to support your preferred situation, allowing you to tweak the feel of your board to your liking. Those seeking a solid typing experience can opt for a pre-built mechanical keyboard that utilises its case as a mounting plate or one that includes an aluminium or steel plate. The recommendation holds even if you are building a custom model.
Conversely, you might want to consider a little give in your mounting plate if your fingers often feel sore at the end of a long day of typing. Those with this issue may opt for a brass, copper, or plastic option.
For those who want a quiet and cushy typing experience, we recommend a gasket-mounted plate for your mechanical keyboard. This setup involves sandwiching a bumper (usually made of silicone, rubber, or other compliant materials) between the mounting plate and attached circuit board, with no rigid connection between the outer case and keys.
The result is a softer and more cushioned typing experience, with the gasket functioning as a dampener to absorb vibrations and soften the impact of keystrokes. The isolation between the plate and the case also reduces the harshness primarily found in other mounting styles and safeguards the internal components from dirt, dust, and liquid. However, some may find it imprecise and prefer more auditory feedback from their keystrokes.
Component #5: Printed circuit board
Source: 68keys
The printed circuit board (PCB) is essentially the brain of your mechanical keyboard, containing all the circuitry, resistors, and diodes that convert keystrokes into electrical signals before transmitting them to the computer. Some PCBs include a USB port to charge the device or a volume knob to control the sound output.
Another feature unique to some PCBs is “hot swap sockets”. These tiny contacts eliminate the need to solder switches into the circuit board. Instead, keyboard switches are pushed into place and secured by the socket’s metal contact, making it quicker and easier for users to experiment with different switch designs or tinker with various customisation options. While hot-swappable PCBs are more convenient, they can be less stable than their soldered counterparts.
If you prefer to build a custom keyboard, ensure the circuit board fits your preferred case and supports your ideal layout. Another factor to consider is the connectivity option. Opt for a keyboard with a USB-C port if you want to add a custom cable. However, consider the inherent latency of Bluetooth and its impact on your typing or gaming experience if you prefer to go wireless.
A mechanical keyboard may appear to be a simple device. However, there are various components that must work together for the peripheral to function as intended, with each part playing a significant role in ensuring its quality and performance. So if you are serious about improving your gaming or typing experience, we recommend investing in a quality mechanical keyboard.
Whether you prefer purchasing a pre-built keyboard or creating your custom keyboard, you can find everything you need at The Masked Studio. We offer various pre-built keyboards, custom bases, and peripherals from popular brands at attractive prices. Visit our website today to browse our comprehensive catalogue.
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