Mechanical keyboards are “old school,” with a spring-loaded mechanical switch under each individual key. Modern keyboards use flat rubbery pressure-sensitive membranes, and pressing on different parts of the membrane registers different keystrokes.
Immediately you can see why there’s a difference in “feel” between the technologies, with the mechanical keyboard’s fuller solid keystroke and natural auditory “click” feedback, versus the membrane keyboard’s very short, more rubbery “mushy” sensation that’s practically silent. It’s basically like the difference between playing a traditional piano with “old school” mechanical keys, and one where all the keys are on a big flat electronic membrane you just touch and apply a bit of pressure to. It’s a totally different experience.
Like serious pianists who overwhelmingly reject membrane keys, many heavy computer keyboard users—like writers—prefer mechanical keyboards. And it’s not just writers; many other heavy keyboard users like computer programmers and gamers, not only prefer mechanical keyboards, they develop an obsession for them amid the sea of membranes.
Mechanical keyboards do, however, cost more to produce, and will therefore command higher prices. But this is offset by this fact: they are more durable and last longer than cheaply mass-produced throwaway membrane keyboards. Some users even reuse the same mechanical keyboard through multiple computer upgrades and changes!
It all comes down to personal preference, of course. But if you haven’t tried a mechanical keyboard as you do some serious writing, maybe it’s time you try one out!
