Xah Lee, 2011-06-14
This page is some study notes about computer keyboard key switch mechanisms.
Most keyboard key mechanisms today uses rubber dome. e.g. basically all labtop keyboard and Microsoft ＆ Logitech keyboards. Rubber dome type is cheap to make, but is not as good as other mechanisms that uses a spring.
Laptop keyboard construction. img src
Rubber dome switch. img src
Scissor-switch is found in labtop computers, starting i think mid 2000s. It is still rubber dome, but is enhanced by a scissor-like mechanism above the rubber membrance.
This is most famous as used by IBM Model M keyboard, and loved by many computer geeks.
IBM Model M keyboard
buckling spring mechanism.
This tech is old. If you want the tactile feel of the click, you can get from keyboards usings Cherry Blue switch. But if you really want buckling-spring, you can buy it from Unicomp. See bottom of: The Idiocy of Hacker Keyboards
Cherry Corporation of Germany makes mechanical switches used in many high-end keyboards. Their switchs are known as Cherry MX switches. There are several different models with different properties of feel. These models are color coded. They are:
• Cherry MX Black. Linear tactile (i.e. smooth action when presing down. No clicks). Good for gaming when a key needs to be pressed repeatedly quickly. (e.g. gun trigger)
• Cherry MX Red. A variation on the MX Black, with lower operating force.
Cherry MX Blue Switch mechanism
Cherry MX Blues are like the opposite of Cherry Black/Red. It is similar to buckling spring in feel. It generates a audible detectable click when the key is pressed.
This is best for typing intensive work, such as data-entry, writing, programing.
Gamers may not like it because it's harder to activate the same key repeatedly in quick succession.
The Cherry MX Brown is middle ground between the Black and Red. It is rather silent, but do have a tactile feel. This is most common.
Cherry MX Brown Switch mechanism
Tenkeyless Tactile Touch Keyboard
Cherry MX Brown Switches
Compact "Tenkeyless" Layout
USB/PS2 N-key Rollover
Model: FC200RT/AB
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Tenkeyless Tactile Click Keyboard
Cherry MX Blue Switches
Compact "Tenkeyless" Layout
USB/PS2 N-key Rollover
Model: FC200RC/AB
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pdkb400w_full.jpg Happy Hacking Professional 2 (White/Gray)
Topre Capacitive Switches
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truely ergonomic http://www.trulyergonomic.com/benefits.html
Cherry MX brown
These gold-plated and metal-plate-mounted keyswitches
Das model s pro. http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional/
Cherry MX blue mechanical key switches with gold contacts (clicky tactile)
Laser-etched key cap inscriptions to prevent fading
Full n-key rollover with a PS2 adapter, and 6 keys with USB
Enhanced 104-key layout
Two Windows keys
Model S Professional Silent Keyboard
Cherry MX brown mechanical key switches with gold contacts (soft tactile)
Laser-etched key cap inscriptions to prevent fading
Full n-key rollover with a PS2 adapter, and 6 keys with USB