Mechanical Keyboards Actually Aren’t for Everyone (And That’s Okay)

Mechanical keyboards have gained a passionate following from a growing audience for their tactile feedback, satisfying sound, and unique designs. But if you’re not into the hype, that’s perfectly okay, and you’re not in the wrong for feeling that way.

Why Some People Obsess Over Mechanical Keyboards

There are many reasons why mechanical keyboards have become so popular in the past few years. The most apparent is that mechanical keyboards simply feel nicer to type on.

Whether it’s a smooth linear switch, a tactile one with a satisfying bump when you press it, or a clicky one that harmonizes with your typing speed, the tactile feedback that comes with each keystroke is just fantastic. I’ve tried some truly cheap, horrible mechanical keyboards, and they still felt better than an average membrane keyboard you’d find in an office or school.

The second factor is the sound. Whether it’s a deep, satisfying thock, a loud clack, or a marbly or creamy in-between noise when bottoming out, every custom keyboard has its own unique tone.

Off-the-shelf mechanical keyboards also have distinct sounds, which you can customize significantly by swapping the switches and keycaps or doing advanced mods to literally tune the keyboard’s sound to your liking.

Speaking of mods and customization, that’s another huge benefit of mechanical keyboards. If it’s a hot-swappable model, you can replace the switches in the keyboard with any compatible model on the market. This allows you to experiment with different switches that can provide a vastly different typing experience, even without changing anything else.

For example, you can go from light linear switches to heavy tactiles, and it’ll instantly transform it into a whole new keyboard.

But it doesn’t stop there. Even if a mechanical keyboard isn’t hot-swappable, you can still replace its keycaps to refresh the look, feel, and even sound. There are thousands of different keycap sets on the market with prices ranging from ~$15 for affordable (yet decent) PBT keycaps to fancy artisan sets that can cost over $100.

For gamers, there’s a significant performance gain to consider. The current trend among gaming keyboards is Hall Effect switches, which have extremely low input latency, adjustable actuation points for lightning-fast reaction times, and other gaming-oriented features like rapid trigger and Snap Tap.

By the way, HE switches last even longer than traditional mechanical switches—which themselves can easily outlast membrane keyboards.

Why They’re Not for Everyone

All right, you’ve heard enough of my rambling about how great mechanical keyboards are, so let’s see why not everybody is a fan. Interestingly, many of the reasons people dislike them are the very same reasons enthusiasts love them.

I’ve spoken to several people who have tried mechanical keyboards and didn’t like them, and one of the main reasons is noise. Many associate mechanical keyboards with the infamous clicky Cherry MX Blue switches or the older buckling spring design found in the Model M—and that’s a fair assessment. Those keyboards are undeniably loud; the noise is overwhelming for anyone nearby.

Another major reason people are put off by mechanical keyboards is the tall keycaps, especially for those accustomed to standard desktop keyboards, laptop keyboards, or low-profile models with scissor switches, such as the Logitech Pop Icon Keys.

My wife has tried all of my keyboards, and the tall keycaps are the one consistent complaint she’s had (even with the flat XDA keycaps). Honestly, it’s a fair point—most mechanical keyboards have fairly chunky keycaps that can feel more physically taxing to type on, particularly for light typists.

The variety of layouts that mechanical keyboards come in can also be confusing. There are tenkeyless, 75%, 60% models, and more. Some take up a lot of desk space, which can be a problem if you have a smaller workspace.

Cost is another major factor. When you read about how much people spend on their keyboards, it’s easy to feel like the barrier of entry is extremely high. Worse, what if you spend over $100 on a mechanical keyboard that everyone seems to like, and you end up not liking it at all? Then you have to spend a lot of money and effort on modifying it so that it’s at least usable.

Even the software that comes with many mechanical keyboards can be confusing, especially for Hall Effect gaming models. What do all those settings even do? And why isn’t it just a simple plug-and-play experience like most non-mechanical boards?

All of this can be overwhelming for casual typists. That’s why it’s easier to take the path of least resistance by narrowing the options to a few popular non-mechanical models and picking one that looks nice. Most membrane keyboards feel similar to typing on, so as long as it’s reasonably well-built, it will feel familiar.

A Few Last Things to Try Before You Give Up on Mechanical Keyboards

It’s totally fine if mechanical keyboards aren’t your thing—but before you give up entirely, consider a few alternatives that might change your mind.

If sound is an issue, here’s some good news—unlike the clicky switches of the past, modern mechanical keyboards can be equipped with relatively quiet switches that produce a deep thock much quieter than older models. And if you need absolute silence, silent mechanical switches exist—and as someone who owns a set, I can confirm they’re pretty darn quiet.

If you dislike chunky keys or feel they’re slowing you down, consider a low-profile mechanical keyboard instead. These retain most of the satisfying mechanical typing feel but have thinner keycaps and shorter travel distance, making them feel more familiar. Together, these features can create a lightning-fast typing experience with much of the satisfaction of a traditional mechanical keyboard.

If you’re put off by the feel of mechanical switches themselves rather than the keycaps or sound, maybe you should try an electro-capacitive (Topre) keyboard. These combine a rubber dome with a spring and plunger to create a perfect hybrid between mechanical and membrane switches.

The result is a soft, cushioned bump when you press the key, accompanied by a deep, muted thock. A good one to try is the NIZ Micro 84, though it is quite pricey.

If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, either, then at least do yourself a favor and get a keyboard that uses a scissor-style switch like the aforementioned Logitech Pop Icon Keys. Scissor switches are essentially membranes but offer a much more consistent and satisfying typing feel thanks to the scissor mechanism under each key.