Mechanical keyboards are often touted as the best option for gaming and typing, which is why many people buy them… And then are quickly disappointed because they don't like it. But what happened? And can this be fixed? Howtogeek.com portal speakWhy can a brand new mechanical keyboard be disappointing?
Naively, some people think that just because a mechanical keyboard is popular or expensive, it automatically means it is objectively good. But in reality, the feel, sound, and aesthetics of a keyboard are a matter of personal preference. Therefore, a popular keyboard that is preferred by some may not be preferred by others.
For example, the switches inside the keyboard are important components of the device. If your peripherals don't feel or sound the way you expect, there's a good chance the switches are the problem. Maybe you want loud, flashing keys but instead get a keyboard with a quieter sound—or vice versa. Maybe smooth linear switches are better for you, but you bought harder tactile switches instead. Mistakes like these are easy to make when you first step into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Another good example is a gaming keyboard. The translucent keys, backlighting, and stylized fonts certainly suit many gamers' aesthetics, but the functionality of these keyboards is tailored for gaming, not typing. Magnetic switches are therefore optimized for quick clicks and quick responses, but as a rule, they are not very popular among people who type a lot.
Additionally, many gaming keyboards use a non-standard bottom row layout, where Ctrl and Spacebar are increased, and Alt and Win are decreased. This key arrangement helps in RPGs and FPS, but it can cause you to frequently press the wrong keys out of habit.
Continuing the conversation about ergonomics, chances are you're unhappy with your keyboard due to its style or layout. For example, keyboards without a numeric keypad, 75% and 60% layouts are known to eliminate “extra” keys to create more room on the desk for the mouse. But if you buy a device without an F-key row or a numeric keypad, and then find yourself actually using them every day, the keyboard experience won't be the most comfortable.
What to do if the keyboard is uncomfortable? The first and most obvious way is to change the switch, provided the device supports replacement. Think about what you like and don't like about your current switches and look for an alternative that better suits your preferences. Before buying a new set of switches, you should clearly understand what you want to get. Some enthusiasts buy special switch testers for this purpose, but they are quite expensive. You can do it just by visiting a large hardware store where no one forbids you from touching the keyboard on display.
If you like the sound and feel of your keys but don't like the stiffness of the keys, try lubricating the switches. This process isn't the easiest and will require some skill, but it's almost guaranteed to improve the feel of typing on the keyboard and only needs to be done once.
If you have magnetic switches soldered to the board, try adjusting the actuation point in the keyboard adjustment application. This can also completely change the feeling.
Sometimes it happens that the switches are fine but people don't like the sound of the keyboard. Here you can try simple modifications, such as acoustic foam, placed inside the body of the keyboard. It will not turn a bad device into a good one, but it will increase comfort and does not require many resources. Or you could just change the keycaps – you'd be surprised how much they can change tactile feel, sound and even ergonomics.
