Summary

• Mechanical keyboards offer an objectively superior typing experience compared to membrane keyboards.
• They aren't just for gamers, and offer tons of options for pre-built buyers and custom builders alike.
• Quality mechanical keyboards are more affordable than ever before, with excellent options going for as low as $50.

I might be fairly new to mechanical keyboards compared to many veterans in the community, but there's one thing I can confidently say — there are a lot of nonsensical myths about mechanical keyboards floating around on the internet. For better or worse, the "mech keeb" community is still a niche one, so there are many more people outside of it than the ones in the know. So, a regular PC user might still have some misconceptions about mechanical keyboards that are far from the truth.

These myths range across all aspects of mechanical keyboards, from the look and feel to the sound and price. Perhaps the only silver lining we have is that most of these myths are super easy to debunk, so people don't have an excuse to stay uninformed any longer.

6 Mechanical keyboards are just a gimmick

This is objectively false

Almost all of us started our keyboard journey with regular membrane keyboards (mostly rubber dome) which seemed fine as long as we had nothing to compare them to. But, when mechanical keyboards started becoming more popular in the early 2000s thanks to a new wave of "gaming keyboards," it became clear that an objectively superior typing experience had arrived.

Mechanical keyboards are inherently more responsive and provide a more precise and satisfying typing experience, no matter what kind of user you are.

Although mechanical keyboards have existed since the 1970s, they have existed in their current form only more recently. With a mechanical keyboard, you ditch a single membrane in favor of individual switches to make contact with the PCB. Mechanical keyboards are inherently more responsive and provide a more precise and satisfying typing experience, no matter what kind of user you are.

You can customize nearly every facet of a mechanical keyboard to tailor the typing experience to your preferences. They're also more durable and repairable than membrane keyboards, and offer a lot more variety and features. If you're still not convinced, you should find a way to experience typing on a mechanical keyboard, perhaps in a nearby store or just buy an affordable one to experiment with.

5 Mechanical keyboards are only for gamers

The community is actually driven mostly by non-gamers

This myth has its roots in the fact that in the 2000s and even the 2010s, this technology was popularized mostly by gaming keyboards. These keyboards were generally poorly built, expensive, cheap-sounding, and manufactured by big-name brands. This gave rise to the misconception that it was only the gaming community who had any need for expensive mechanical keyboards with needless features.

Outside of insanely-priced, big-brand gaming keyboards, the mechanical keyboard market caters mostly to hobbyists and professionals prioritizing a superior typing experience.

While gaming mechanical keyboards still constitute a large share of the market, the community is mostly characterized by non-gamers who buy pre-built mechanical keyboards for work and daily use, or enthusiasts and tinkerers who want to build their own custom keyboard to get the most personalized experience. Outside of insanely-priced, big-brand gaming keyboards, the mechanical keyboard market caters mostly to hobbyists and professionals prioritizing a superior typing experience.

With all the different layouts, switch options, keycap styles, material variety, and DIY kits coming out, it's hard to make the assertion that mechanical keyboards are just for gamers.

4 All mechanical keyboards are noisy

They can be as clicky or as silent as you want

While it's true that the earliest mechanical keyboards were quite loud compared to most membrane keyboards, this is hardly the case anymore. In fact, there are endless forums and creators dedicated to customizing the sound of mechanical keyboards. Due to the nature of how a mechanical keyboard is put together, you can swap out different switches, keycaps, sound-dampening materials, cases, stabilizers, and more to tweak the sound of your keyboard.

There's endless freedom when it comes to mechanical keyboards, whether you're buying a silent pre-built model or building one yourself.

If you like a mechanical keyboard that has a distinctive (and loud) clicky sound, there are enough and more custom and pre-built options out there. But if you prefer a silent keyboard, you still have countless keyboards to choose from, with linear switches typically offering the best silent keyboard experience. You can even choose keyboards that come with wooden or aluminum cases that sound especially "thocky."

Finally, once you're confident, you can always build a keyboard from scratch or choose the middle ground with a DIY kit that comes semi-assembled, allowing you to add your own choice of switches and keycaps. There's endless freedom when it comes to mechanical keyboards, whether you're buying a silent pre-built model or building one yourself.

3 Mechanical keyboards are way too complicated

They truly don't have to be

Sure, compared to membrane keyboards, choosing a mechanical keyboard can seem overwhelming — there are too many components to care about. But, if you're not an enthusiast and aren't building a mechanical keyboard for the first time, there's no need to get bogged down by the details. You just need to narrow down your preferences based on a few parameters, and then choose a reliable and well-received pre-built keyboard that ticks all the boxes.

First, decide what size or layout you want on your keyboard. Every keyboard layout has its pros and cons, but you can make it easier by deciding which keys you absolutely can't do without, and which size "looks" the most pleasing to you. Once you've done that, you should decide which switch type you want, as this will contribute a lot to the typing experience of the keyboard.

Chances are that there are already tons of well-reviewed options on the market built to meet your needs.

Linear switches work great for gaming as well as typing, but tactile switches could be better if you want a distinct bump when pressing the switches. Clicky switches are ideal for those who like the quintessential "loud"-sounding mechanical keyboards. Lastly, decide if you want a wired or wireless keyboard, and which features you want, such as a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch swaps, pre-installed foam for fuller sounding boards, and RGB backlighting.

There's not a lot more to buying your first pre-built mechanical keyboard, and chances are that there are already tons of well-reviewed options on the market built to meet your needs.

2 Bigger mechanical keyboards are the best

Bigger isn't always better

If you're new to mechanical keyboards, you might gravitate toward full-size (100%) or 1800 (compact full-size) layout keyboards, since those are the sizes you're most familiar with. But, before declaring that the biggest mechanical keyboard you can find is the best, consider the disadvantages that might come with it. Firstly, a full-size keyboard will have the biggest footprint, occupying a lot of space on your desk.

If you don't have any need for a numpad, don't blindly go for full-size keyboards.

Full-size can also hinder your productivity, as you need to stretch more when reaching for various keys as well as when using your mouse. Also, after using it for some time, you might not like the look of a full-size keyboard compared to other popular options out here, such as TKL, 75%, and 65% keyboards. Lastly, 100% keyboards aren't really portable if you're someone who frequently likes to work away from a dedicated desk. If you don't have any need for a numpad, don't blindly go for full-size keyboards.

In terms of features, you can find almost all the features of a full-size keyboard on more compact keyboards, including macros and dedicated media controls. So, assess your priorities carefully and choose the layout that will satisfy most, if not all, of your requirements.

1 Mechanical keyboards are too expensive

This is not true anymore

It used to be that mechanical keyboards were prohibitively expensive, especially the "gaming keyboards" that first debuted on the market. For a well-built, feature-rich model with very few compromises, you had to pay a minimum of $200. Today, you can get a wireless, hot-swappable, gasket-mounted model with PBT keycaps and solid build quality for under $70. The Aula F87 is a prime example of the new wave of extremely affordable yet excellent pre-built mechanical keyboards.

The barrier to entry for newcomers is lower than ever before.

You can go even lower than that without compromising too much on quality, with some incredible keyboards available for under $50. There's no lack of budget mechanical keyboards competing aggressively for your consideration. You can still find premium keyboards costing upwards of $500, but the market, as a whole, has become much more affordable than even a few years ago. The barrier to entry for newcomers is lower than ever before.

It's the golden age of mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards are going through a bit of a moment right now. There are countless options available from both big-name and niche brands, pricing has never been more affordable, custom builders have tons of DIY kits, and there's an electrical buzz in the community.

Whether you're on YouTube, Instagram, or Reddit, it's hard to argue against the renewed interest in modding mechanical keyboards and simply geeking out about them with fellow enthusiasts.