Welcome to the Mechanical Keyboard Rabbit Hole
Once you try a quality mechanical keyboard, there's no going back. The tactile feedback, the sound, the customization—it's a world of its own.
Understanding Switch Types
Linear Switches
Cherry MX Red, BlackSmooth keystroke from top to bottom with no tactile bump. Preferred by gamers for rapid key presses.
Tactile Switches
Cherry MX Brown, ClearNoticeable bump at actuation point. Great all-rounder for typing and gaming. Most popular choice.
Clicky Switches
Cherry MX Blue, GreenTactile bump PLUS audible click. Loved by typists, hated by coworkers. Very satisfying to use.
Quick Recommendations
Linear switches (Red, Silver) for fastest response
Tactile (Brown) or Clicky (Blue) for feedback
Silent switches to keep peace with coworkers
Tactile switches, comfortable for long sessions
Pro Tip
Buy a switch tester before committing to a full keyboard. It's a small investment that prevents expensive mistakes.
Beyond the Switches: Custom Builds
🎨 Keycaps
Material matters: PBT > ABS for durability and feel. Profile affects typing comfort (Cherry, SA, DSA).
🛠️ Hot-Swappable PCBs
Change switches without soldering. Perfect for experimentation and maintenance.
🎵 Sound Dampening
Foam mods, O-rings, and lubing switches dramatically improve acoustics.
📐 Layouts
Full-size, TKL, 75%, 65%, 60%—smaller saves desk space but needs layers.