Mechanical Keyboard Switch Testing Explained

[scolaner]

We've employed a texture analyzer to test mechanical keyboard switches. Here's what it can measure, and what it can't.

Mechanical Keyboard Switch Testing Explained : Read more

 

[hunshiki]

I would be glad to read durability tests.
As in for example a Brown switch is how hard to press at first, and how it degrades.

Because I used Blue and Brown switches, and they both get mushy after a few years of use. Brown was like 1 year, Blue was ~2-3 before getting mushy. They both just lose that tactile bump feel to them.

The Brown cap kb was a Corsair Strife RGB, the Blue was a Razer BlackWidow. Cherry cap, original, older model.

Of course this test could only work with tactile ones as Reds don't change with time. For example Reds simply bottom out and that's the only feel you can get out of them.

 

[raulinbonn]

I'm looking forward to measurements and comparisons between mechanical Cherry Blue switches vs. the recent hybrid from Razer, the so called "mechamembrane" Ornata, which I find to be excellent and pretty much peerless for typing purposes

 

[scolaner]

I would be glad to read durability tests.
As in for example a Brown switch is how hard to press at first, and how it degrades.

Because I used Blue and Brown switches, and they both get mushy after a few years of use. Brown was like 1 year, Blue was ~2-3 before getting mushy. They both just lose that tactile bump feel to them.

The Brown cap kb was a Corsair Strife RGB, the Blue was a Razer BlackWidow. Cherry cap, original, older model.

Of course this test could only work with tactile ones as Reds don't change with time. For example Reds simply bottom out and that's the only feel you can get out of them.

Well yes, so would we. As we stated, we just don't have the capability to test that at this time. If you have suggestions for tools we could use to do so (that aren't super-expensive pieces of factory equipment), please let us know!

 

[cats_Paw]

I am quite sure anyone who ever used a mechanical keyboard can confirm that the 50 million clicks is a myth.
I have used 3 keyboards in 5 years (two of them are dead now) and I certainly did not click 50 million times on the same key.

But ofc, who is gonna bother to confirm this?
Id say 1-3 Million is a bit more realistic.

 

[munted]

Is a standard office membrane keyboard going to be tested for comparison? I've used Cherry Blue and Brown switches and found both of them quite tiring to type on although I didn't use them for very long, I've always wondered how much effort a mechanical keyboard is compared to a membrane.

 

[bettsar]

I'd love to see an article that compares 1 or 2 cheap rubber dome keyboards to some with mechanical switches. Texture, noise, force. It would be interesting, and potentially helpful in understanding whether I should spring for a nice mechanical keyboard or not.

 

[scolaner]

I'd love to see an article that compares 1 or 2 cheap rubber dome keyboards to some with mechanical switches. Texture, noise, force. It would be interesting, and potentially helpful in understanding whether I should spring for a nice mechanical keyboard or not.

We do have data on that. We have a ton of content coming based on all our testing, but that's one I hope to tackle when I have the chance.

 

[bgunner]

Roughly how long will it be before we start seeing articles using this type of data?

 

[scolaner]

Roughly how long will it be before we start seeing articles using this type of data?

POOF, your wish is granted : http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/patriot-viper-v760-mechanical-gaming-keyboard,4798.html