In the early days of computers in the 1960s and 1970s, all keyboards were mechanical. As computers progressed into the 1980s and 1990s, membrane keyboards became more prevalent due to their lower cost of production compared to mechanical keyboards. However, mechanical keyboards never truly disappeared and enjoyed a dedicated following among typing enthusiasts and gamers who craved the better tactile feedback and durability they provided.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, interest in mechanical keyboards began growing rapidly again on internet forums and communities. Enthusiasts appreciated mechanical keyboards for their customizable key switches, durability, and superior typing experience compared to modern laptop and desktop keyboards. This resurgence led to more options on the market from brands big and small catering to mechanical keyboard fans. Today, mechanical keyboards are one of the hottest segments in the peripheral market.

Key Differences from Membrane Keyboards

At their core, mechanical keyboards differ from modern membrane keyboards in how key presses are registered. Instead of rubber domes under each key like a membrane keyboard, mechanical keyboards use individual mechanical switches under each key. These switches last much longer than membrane switches and provide a superior tactile "bump" and audible "click" with each key press.

Another core difference is modularity. Unlike integrated membrane designs, mechanical keyboards allow for easy replacement of individual key switches down the line if any fail. Enthusiasts also enjoy customizing their boards with colorful keycap sets, different types of switches for particular jobs, and aftermarket cases. The modular and upgradable nature of mechanical designs have made them a favorite among creative professionals and hobbyists.

Types of Mechanical Switches

Within the mechanical keyboard world, choice of switch type is one of the most important decisions. Different switch designs provide varying tactile responses and sounds suited to different use cases and preferences:

- Cherry MX Blue - The "click jacket" design provides a very tactile bump and audible click. Best for typing but can be noisy for shared working environments.

- Cherry MX Brown - A tactile but quieter design with a subtle bump but no click. A good balance of feel and noise level.

- Cherry MX Red - A linear switch with no bump or click, just smooth travel down. Best for gaming where fast actuations are important over tactility.

- Kailh Box White - A very tactile click jacket switch but with a crisp click sound over Blues. A favorite of enthusiasts.

- Gateron Yellow - A smooth and light linear switch. Often preferred by gamers over Reds for their smoother actions.

Most boards allow choosing between multiple switch types to customize the build to specific needs. Combining different switches on a board is also possible for ultimate customization.

Cost and Build Quality

While a basic Mechanical Keyboard can be found for under $20, mechanical keyboards start closer to $50-$100 at the entry level. But the quality difference is immense - even inexpensive mechanical boards use high quality components compared to cheaper membrane boards and will easily outlast several generations of lesser keyboards.

Some factors that increase cost are choice of premium switches like Jailhouse Blues ($75-$150), aluminum case construction ($150-$300), full programmability ($150-$300) and luxury materials like brass or exotic wood. At the high-end are bespoke custom builds featuring top-tier components selling for thousands due to the high level of craftsmanship. But for average users, a solid $100-$150 mechanical board delivers a great typing experience for years.

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