Mechanical keyboards are an elegant hobby that once you get into it, it's hard to quit, especially if you're a seasoned player, you definitely can't miss a custom mechanical keyboard on your desk. But what if you're a newbie and don't know about custom mechanical keyboards? Don't worry, SiliconZ will introduce you to the important components of a mechanical keyboard before you embark on this endless path of keyboard passion.
Essential components of a keyboard
1. Keycap
Keycap is simply understood as a button printed with letters and numbers wrapped around the switch so that we can type and interact with electronic devices. This is the means for us to type and press keys to input data to the keyboard. Keycaps are often classified according to the keycap profile, which is the height and slope that each company designs for its keycap set. Keycaps can be easily replaced in sets or individual keycaps. Keycaps are made of plastic, which can be ABS or PBT plastic, or even made of high-grade alloy with some types of exceptional typewriter keyboards. When it comes to keycaps, when choosing to buy or learn, you will need to remember the following terms:
- Material
- Keycap Profile
- Character printing technique on keycap
- Keycap thickness (how thick or thin the plastic is molded can make a difference in how it feels when typing).
2. Case (Keyboard case)
The outer shell of each keyboard is usually made of plastic or metal. It can have sharp or rounded designs depending on the manufacturer's intention. The effect of the case is not only to compact the layout of the entire keyboard, or create a distinctive appearance, but also to create a feeling of sturdiness or not, especially in the first impression when you first hold the keyboard in your hand, without pressing or doing anything. This is when a sturdy, high-end case will captivate you.
3. Switch – The soul of every mechanical keyboard
The part located under the keys, connected to the keys by a cross stem (usually). This is the signal transmission part, and is the core of a mechanical keyboard, all operations, operations, sounds, and typing feel are thanks to the switch. Mechanical keyboards are different from each other, and completely different from normal keyboards thanks to the switch.
4. PCB – Printed Circuit Board: Printed circuit board
Switch is the heart, and PCB is the soul of the mechanical keyboard. All functions, connections between other remaining components on the keyboard are located on this printed circuit board. Normally, switches will be soldered with extremely high precision on the PCB.
5. Plate – an indispensable part of modern mechanical keyboards
The plate is the part placed on top of the PCB, whose main function is to help fix the switches that were soldered onto the PCB before. It sounds simple and unimportant, but if you try a keyboard with a plate made of common, non-high-end metal and not too tightly connected to the PCB, you will understand why high-priced mechanical keyboards always pay a lot of attention to the plate. A good plate will help the key press not to wobble, the feeling of pressing the key is also much more solid and clear. Not to mention, some plates are also moisture-proof and waterproof, which greatly supports the lifespan of the entire keyboard.
6. Stabilizer: stabilizer of mechanical keyboard
This is a part that helps create a stable balance for the keys, especially for long keys or keys that are larger than normal. The most popular is the Cherry stabilizer, compatible with all mechanical keyboard lines. There is also the Costar, this type of stabilizer often appears on mechanical keyboards from Filco, Razer, ...
7. Key LED light
With many modern mechanical keyboards, the LED/RGB light set is an indispensable element. LEDs on mechanical keyboards have a variety of designs, in which the most common are round, square and flat. Round LEDs are the most popular and the price is also lower than the other shapes.
There are two options with the LED system on the mechanical keyboard: monochrome LED or RGB LED, which usually has 16.8 million colors. Depending on the design and personal preferences of each person, there will be different choices. Although monochrome LED has only one color, with optional function keys, you can easily adjust the brightness and flexible effects, creating a simple lighting effect, but no less sparkling than the RGB LED system. RGB LED has many color ranges, you can freely combine and transform them for an extremely soft and magical space. Usually, RGB effects need to be adjusted through the software that comes with the keyboard.
8. Cable – Wired connection for professional mechanical keyboard
Wired mechanical keyboards are often considered more reliable, durable, and have lower latency than wireless ones. There have been many controversies that have raged until today, but regardless, cables have always been an indispensable part of a mechanical keyboard.
The cable has a structure with one end plugged into the keyboard and one end plugged into the CPU (usually a USB port). Depending on the model, system and operating system, the keyboard cables may be different. Compatibility with different CPUs may also vary depending on the manufacturer. Users should keep this in mind when choosing to buy a wired mechanical keyboard.
For some mechanical keyboard addicts, the cable is not just a connecting wire but also an aesthetic highlight for the keyboard.
