Comment by jmspring
14 hours ago
The keyboards look janky. Why buy this over something like Das Keyboard which has mechanical keys as well and is cheaper?
14 hours ago
The keyboards look janky. Why buy this over something like Das Keyboard which has mechanical keys as well and is cheaper?
MX switches are the entry point of the "mechanical keys". You can go into way too many rabbit holes beyond consumer brands like Das Keyboard.
There are topre capacitive switches (HHKB, Realforce etc) , buckling spring switches like the ones in this post (& older IBM model M, Unicomp), Alps switches (older mac keyboards, matias), and an endless selection of MX compatible customized switches. All with different tactility and sound profiles.
Merely "having mechanical keys" is a very basic criteria especially for enthusiasts who might have very specific requirements and preference for how their keyboards should feel and sound. This one is mainly targeted towards those enthusiasts.
It's a real shame that the world standardized on MX and ALPS has been left in the dust.
Mechanical was always a dumb name. A collapsing rubber dome is a mechanism anyway.
Because it’s a physical mechanism that has a unique feel that modern switches don’t mimic.
I like lots of keyboards and switches but this is a unique switch with deep historical roots that has been brought back to life by an enthusiast. I think it’s worth supporting (if you can afford it) on general principle.
Essentially every keyboard key is mechanical. Most "mechanical keyboards" are using Cherry MX or Cherry MX-like key switches.
The key switches in these are as different in design from a Cherry MX switch as a Cherry MX switch is from a rubber dome.