Each user encounters challenges when adapting to a new device, particularly when transitioning from a membrane to a mechanical keyboard.
The shapes of mechanical keys differ slightly, and the switches beneath them offer a distinctive tactile response that requires some time to become accustomed to.
As a result, adjusting to a mechanical keyboard often involves a process of relearning.
Why Switch To A Mechanical Keyboard?
The mechanical keyboard is unlike its counterparts. It is easier, offers a quick response, and lasts longer.
Although in use since the 1980s, a mechanical keyboard is rarely seen in-home or in offices because it is slightly expensive.However, there is a good reason for it.
A quality mechanical keyboard has a lifespan of 50-60 million clicks per switch, while a membrane keyboard would last only 5-6 million clicks.
Additionally, it utilizes a hard-plastic or mechanical switch beneath each key to offer a more precise and rapid response to every keystroke.
Transitioning to a mechanical keyboard offers numerous benefits that cater to both frequent and occasional users.
Here are several compelling reasons to make the switch to a mechanical keyboard promptly;
1. Long Lasting
The prolonged life expectancy alone would be enough to buy a mechanical keyboard.
A regular keyboard may take a lot of heat from users that will cut its life short, requiring buying a new one every 1-2 years or even lesser.
On the other hand, a standard mechanical keyboard will last you around 10-15 years because it is built for durability.
A typical mechanical keyboard offers at least 50 million clicks per switch which may take years to cover.
It is also robustly designed to keep every piece intact after frequent wear and tear.
2. It Offers a Quicker Response
The mechanical keyboard employs a switch underneath every key and does not have a rubber layer found in membrane keyboards.
A rubber layer prolongs the time for the keypress to travel to the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
However, a mechanical key has a mechanism that directly sends the input to the CPU, reducing the response time.
It takes around a 6ms response time to register a press in the mechanical keyboard (a blink of an eye takes around 100ms).
On the other hand, a membrane keyboard may take 30+ ms.
3. Greater Tactile Feedback
A mechanical keyboard provides superb tactile response.
Each key press is detected without fully depressing the key, typically accompanied by a distinct clicking noise midway through the press. This feature reduces the likelihood of typing errors.
Moreover, the audible feedback informs you promptly if the keystroke has been recognized, aiding in typing accuracy.
Additionally, if desired, this clicking sound can be muted to facilitate a quieter typing experience, which can benefit learning.
4. Customization Options
The keys can be customized according to your preference. Because of its mechanical makeup, you can pull out each key and replace it with another without damaging the unit.
The ability to replace individual keys means you need not throw away the unit when one key stops working.
5. Great For Some Professions
Because of the more significant tactile response, low latency, and durability, it can be helpful to a few professions.
The typist who spends a significant amount of time on the keyboard can type faster without making many errors.
Similarly, those who use a keyboard more often benefit from a long-lasting and comfortable-to-use mechanical keyboard.
Why Is It Hard To Get Used To Mechanical Keyboard?
Users who have never used a mechanical keyboard may struggle to get used to it at first. It takes time for their muscle memory to be registered on the new keypad.
A membrane keyboard employs more like a pressure pad with outlines and symbols used as buttons.
Moreover, most users start their typing journey with a membrane keyboard because it is cheaper and found on most laptops.
Others may use a keyboard with flat keys that offer a different tactile response and feel.
How Long Does it Take to Get Used to a New Mechanical Keyboard?
A Reddit user points out it may take a few weeks to a month to familiarize myself with a new setup.
Most mechanical switches are lighter than most membrane keyboards, so you will want to learn to type correctly.
Hence, getting your brain to relearn typing on an entirely new keyboard takes a while.
1. Analyze Old And New Keyboard
Users should begin by examining the differences between your old and new keyboards to understand how to adapt to them.
Key distinctions to note include variations in key shapes and sizes, key imprints, the presence of new buttons, and differences in keyboard size and layout (compact or full-size).
Some differences may only become apparent during use, such as tactile feedback, ease of use, sound, and response time.
However, not all keyboards feature additional buttons, but if yours does, consider asking the seller for guidance.
2. Practice Regularly
Acing a new keyboard may take some practice. However, you better do it regularly than seldom.
The only way to familiarize a new keyboard is through typing; hence, the more you type on it, the more you will feel.
It may come quickly to writers who spend significant time typing on the keyboard, but others may not have such a privilege.
You can gradually increase your typing time to learn to quickly and smoothly.
If you are wondering, you can use applications like Notepad, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or interactive typing software like Typing Master to type on.
3. Improve Your Typing Skill
Along with regular practicing, strive to type faster to improve your writing. The command over the keyboard is often signified by your typing speed and the number of errors you would make.
When you can type faster without making errors, you will know you have aced your typing game!
| Words Per Minute | Rating |
|---|---|
| 0 – 4 | Novice |
| 4 – 10 | Slow |
| 10 – 20 | Satisfied |
| 20 – 40 | Good |
| 40 – 60 | Very good |
| 60 – 100 | Excellent |
| 100 – 160 | Unbeatable |
| Over 160 | Legendary |
Another way to improve typing skills is to learn to type without looking at the keyboard. This will help you get the hang of the new device.
Many video tutorials and software will help you master typing without looking.
4. Enjoy The Process And Have Patience
The key to successfully familiarizing a new device is some patience. Starting anything new takes some time; familiarizing a new keyboard is no different.
Have some patience and enjoy the process of learning smoothly.
Tabithaemma, a brand designer, points out that you have won before you have even started if you enjoy the process. To be passionate about something, you do it no matter the outcome.
It would help if you enjoyed typing on it, no matter the outcome.
Comfortable Mechanical Keyboard In 2024
The best keyboard will provide a comfortable work experience and encourage productivity with minor damage.
Here is a list of a few keyboards that will be great for many users;
| Mechanical Keyboard | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1. CHERRY G80-3000 Mechanical Keyboard | – Quick actuation time and smooth operation. -Two-shot molding method -Silent keys with long gaming sessions |
| 2. Logitech G513 Mechanical Keyboard | – SilentTouch technology to eliminate over 90% of distracting noises -spill-resistant construction, long-lasting keys, and robust tilt legs |
| 3. CORSAIR Strafe MK.2 Mechanical Keyboard | -Silent Cherry MX red switches -Full key rollover -RGB lighting |
| 4. Filco Majestouch 2 TKL Mechanical Keyboard | -Cherry MX Brown Silent switches -Keycaps with black padded printed ABS |
| 5. SteelSeries Apex M750 Mechanical Keyboard | -Cherry MX Silent Switches -Omnipoint Adjustable switches -OLED Smart Display |
| 6. Das Keyboard 4 Mechanical Keyboard | -Thinnest Mechanical Keyboard -Silent Cherry MX Brown switches -Keycaps with laser etching for optimal durability |
| 7. Razer BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Keyboard | -Razor Silent Green switches -Chroma RGB lighting -Doubleshot ABS Keycaps |
| 8. Corsair K100 RGB | -Responsive optical switches -All the RGB, all the time -Premium build quality |
| 9. Ducky One 2 RGB TKL | -Silky stabilizers -High-quality keycaps -Surprisingly affordable |
| 10. Fujitsu Realforce R2 RGB | -Smooth as butter Top switches -Adjustable actuation point -Media controls |
You can easily ace the mechanical keyboard with practice, but it may take a while to get used to!
Rest assured, a quality mechanical keyboard will last around 10-15 years, saving you a lot of money in the future.
Have some patience and follow this guide to find the best tips about familiarizing yourself with your mechanical keyboard.
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