Mechanical keyboards use individual physical switches under each key — instead of the rubber-dome membrane found in standard keyboards — giving more consistent keystrokes, longer lifespan (commonly 50–100 million keystrokes per switch), and a choice of feel and sound: linear, tactile, or clicky.

What to check before buying

  • Switch type — linear (smooth, fast), tactile (bump feedback), or clicky (audible feedback)
  • Layout — full-size, TKL (tenkeyless), 75%, 65%, or 60% depending on desk space needs
  • Connectivity — wired, 2.4GHz wireless, or Bluetooth (or all three)
  • Hot-swappable sockets — lets you change switches without soldering
  • Polling rate (Hz) — higher rates reduce input lag, relevant for gaming

What's the difference between linear, tactile, and clicky switches?

Linear switches move smoothly with no bump and are generally preferred for fast gaming. Tactile switches have a noticeable bump partway down the keystroke, favored for typing accuracy. Clicky switches add an audible click on top of the tactile bump — satisfying for many typists but louder for shared spaces.

Are hot-swappable mechanical keyboards worth it?

Yes, if you want to try different switch feels or sounds over time — hot-swap sockets let you remove and replace individual switches without any soldering, unlike traditional soldered boards.
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