Types of Switches Found on Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards are a type of electronic keyboard. There are several types of switches that can be found in these keyboards. These include rubber-dome and optical switches.

Alps switches

Alps switches on mechanical keyboard are popular among keyboard enthusiasts. They are commonly found on vintage keyboards. These are known for their unique tactility. However, there is little official information on the switches. It is likely that Alps no longer makes these switches. Instead, they are manufactured by other companies. The switch is a mechanism that sits under each key.

Initially, Alps switches were made with black plastic switchplates. Later, they used all-black mouldings. A notch was cut into the rear of the base to prevent contact bounce. This was done to reduce the drag on the tactile leaf.

During the 1990s, Alps added the logo to the upper switch shell. There was also a securing tab for the shell, which contained a slight clearance recess for an LED.

Alps switches are generally considered smooth, but they are not reversible. In addition, they are categorized as complicated, rather than basic. Although they are similar to many clones, they are a different kind of switch.

Alps switches are known for their unique keyfeel. Unlike clones, they are not rotationally symmetrical. Also, they are not quite as quiet. Moreover, the operating force is measured in millimeters.

Alps SKCL/SKCM series are known as “Complicated Alps”. In this series, each switch has several parts. Some have latching action. Moreover, they have a lower mounting plate.

The SKCL/SKCM series was first introduced in 1983. Over the years, Alps has altered its design numerous times.

One of the major modifications was the new switch design, which allowed for a reduced profile. Another change was the reversible slider.

Aside from these, there are other versions. Besides the classic blue and yellow, there are a few other colors to choose from. Among them, there is a reversible green switch, a Brown switch, and an Amber switch.

DSA switches

It’s no secret that gamers and keyboard enthusiasts like a good DSA keycap. For one, the company makes some of the best switches around and the keycaps themselves are well crafted. There are some caveats though. The main culprits are the cost and lead time. Fortunately for the lucky few, there are a few companies out there making the requisite parts. This is particularly true of DSA’s brethren from the other side of the Atlantic, namely Geekark and Infinikey. These companies provide both the products and the expertise to boot. While it may take a bit of trial and error, you’re sure to find the right combination of DSA keycaps to suit your tastes.

To wit, if you’re in the market for new keycaps, you’ll be hard pressed to go past Geekark’s XDA full 140 keyset. This sexy set costs less than $20 and provides a smooth typing experience for those who aren’t in a rush. And the sexy keycaps themselves are a cinch to snap on and off. One thing you might want to do is to give them a couple of weeks to acclimatize to your rig. After that, you’re in the clear.

Another notable entrant is Infinikey’s patented PBT dye-substitute. Though they’re not the cheapest, their lead times are a good place to start. As you can see from the namesake, the company makes a wide range of custom keycaps and offers a handy contact list for those interested in making the aforementioned magic. You might also consider a custom logo to make your keycaps stand out from the crowd. Alternatively, you could opt for a plain old plastic set. If the above mentioned luxuries aren’t your cup of tea, consider a full length keyboard with a standard keycapset.

Optical switches

Optical switches are becoming increasingly popular. The reason is that they provide the user with a faster keystroke response and better feel. They’re also less likely to suffer from debounce delay, which is a common complaint with mechanical keys.

Unlike mechanical keys, optical keys don’t use pins or contact points. This means they’re much more durable and water-resistant. In addition, they’re able to be more easily cleaned.

Optical switches are a relative newcomer to the keyboard market. However, they’re starting to gain popularity, thanks in part to the growing number of gaming enthusiasts. A number of top gamers are now using them in their high-powered PCs.

Choosing an optical switch over a mechanical one comes down to personal preference. There are many factors to consider, such as price, durability, and speed. But, for some, the smoothest feel and most satisfying click are key.

There are some very good options out there, but not all are created equal. When shopping for a new keyboard, be sure to compare a variety of models and prices.

You should also remember that there’s more to a good optical switch than just speed. For example, there are a few different types of tactile optical switches, and each offers a different level of feel.

It’s also important to note that you don’t have to break in your optical switch. Some of the top brands, like Razer, offer a liner optical switch that won’t require a lengthy break-in period.

It’s also worth noting that most optical switches on the market can last for around 100 million keystrokes. That’s five times more than the average mechanical keyboard can do.

If you’re looking to save money and have the best possible typing experience, opt for a mechanical keyboard. These keyboards are more affordable and come in a variety of styles.

Rubber-dome switches

Rubber dome switches are a cheap and easy way to build a keyboard. They offer good tactile feedback and reliable typing experience. However, they lack some other features, like the ability to be programmed or customize the keys. So they aren’t ideal for professional gamers. Nevertheless, they can be a good choice for everyday users and gamers.

Rubber domes are made of rubber or polyurethane. They are placed on top of a flexible membrane layer underneath the keys. This is the cheapest way to manufacture a keyboard.

In addition, rubber domes are much more resistant to spills. That’s because a thin layer of silicone serves as the spring. As the silicone wears down, it becomes softer. Consequently, you can have more trouble depressing the contacts.

Membrane keyboards are also inexpensive to make. They are relatively easy to clean. And they’re easier to replace in the event of a malfunction. On average, a membrane switch will last five to 10 million keystrokes.

Some high-end keyboards use a rubber dome over a membrane. This creates a better typing experience, though it can be expensive.

Topre switches are another hybrid. These keyboards are less common. Rather than using a metal spring, they use a silicone sheet.

Rubber domes are also used on entry-level gaming keyboards. Many keyboard enthusiasts prefer them to membrane switches, claiming they offer more reliable and accurate key actuation. But they don’t provide the same tactile feedback as mechanical keyboards.

Compared to rubber domes, membrane keyboards are cheaper to manufacture and offer a larger variety of key switch types. The switches can also be changed without soldering. Nonetheless, they can be noisy, and may disintegrate after a few years.

Topre keyboards

Topre mechanical keyboards are a popular choice for those who want a unique keyboard. It’s a type of mechanical keyboard that combines rubber dome and mechanical switches to provide an enhanced feel, sound, and speed. The key features include a light weight, adjustable backlight, and silent keys.

While there are other types of mechanical keyboards, such as those that use a Cherry switch, Topre is a favorite amongst gamers and other users. Topre’s patented switch has gained a reputation for being one of the best in the business.

Topre mechanical keyboards are made in Japan. These keyboards are available at local retailers and online. Some keyboards even have customizable color options. Most models have two USB ports.

A key feature of Topre keyboards is that they’re easy to use. They’re not a hassle to type on, especially if you have a lot of fingers. This also means that they’re great for those who spend a lot of time on the keyboard.

Topre’s switch is a combination of a rubber dome and a spring. Although there are many variations, most Topre switches use a conical coiled spring to register the force of a key press.

However, some keyboard enthusiasts don’t consider this to be a mechanical switch. That’s because the actuation force isn’t as strong as a regular mechanical keyboard.

Topre’s switch is the same as a regular Cherry keyboard switch, but it requires a little more force to register the key press. In addition to this, the spring is a little heavier.