Why Are Mechanical Keyboards So Expensive?(Ans!)

Author: Anirban Saha

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Mechanical keyboards have become much popular nowadays and if you try to have a good one you will find a mechanical keyboard at a very expensive price.

While purchasing a mechanical keyboard, you might have thought why are mechanical keyboards have so high price points?

So, why are mechanical keyboards so expensive? There are a few reasons why mechanical keyboards are so expensive.

  • Firstly, they tend to be built with higher-quality materials than cheaper keyboards, which makes them more durable.
  • Secondly, they often come with a range of features that you wouldn’t find on a cheaper keyboard, such as backlighting, programmable keys, and macro functions.
  • Finally, mechanical keyboards have a reputation for being more comfortable and responsive to use, which can help improve your typing speed and accuracy.
a compact mechanical keyboard

Let’s get started!

Why Are Mechanical Keyboards so Expensive?

Mechanical keyboards can cost more than five times as much as regular keyboards, but this is understandable. The labor required to make one of these boards is more than that of a standard keyboard.

Unlike other keyboards, mechanical keyboards have switches under each key that operate mechanically. The switches are independent, resulting in more consistent and accurate typing.

You can choose from a variety of switch types. 

It is possible to order switches with a low actuation force, so you do not need to press as hard. On the other hand, if you tend to hit your fingers on keyboards while typing, choose a switch with a high actuation force to protect your fingers.

Here are the Reasons for Mechanical Keyboards Are Expensive:

image of mechanical keyboard

Hardware:

The mechanical keyboard hardware has a higher quality and better craftsmanship overall. Some components include:

Exterior Shell:

Cheaper keyboards have plastic exterior shells, while mechanical keyboards use aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal that can withstand daily abuse.

Keycaps:

Mechanical keyboards feature PBT keycaps or ABS Keycaps. The keycaps are made of thermoplastic polymer, which is of superior quality compared to ordinary plastics.

This material is widely used in high-end keyboards due to its high resistance to wear and UV radiation discoloration.

Switches:

Mechanical switches last longer and are more reliable and they are faster and more accurate in registering keystrokes.

You can hit multiple keys at once, and each will register the keystroke. Mechanical keyboards also feature a variety of switches.

The switches fall into three categories: tactile, linear, and clicky.

1) Tactile switches offer a small bump that registers the keystroke and provides feedback to the user. As the key is pressed, it bounces back, signaling the key is pressed. These keyboards are ideal for typing.

2) Linear switches offer a smooth, even keystroke with no bumps. The smooth keystroke ensures faster and more consistent actuation. These features make these keys ideal for gaming keyboards.

3) Clicky switches are like tactile switches, except they click loudly when pressed.

Customization

There are typically more options available when it comes to customization and personalization with mechanical keyboards. You can often find them in different styles, sizes, colors, and materials to suit your own taste.

The Benefits of Using a Mechanical Keyboard

There are several advantages of using a mechanical keyboard. They include:

  • Durable
  • Provide a better typing experience
  • Improve speed and typing accuracy
  • Have specialized key for gaming accuracy

Drawbacks of Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have several drawbacks.

  • Expensive
  • Can be loud
  • Requires more maintenance
  • Some users did not like the feel of the keys

Are mechanical keyboards really better?

The truth is, there is no simple answer. It depends on a lot of factors, including what you’re using the keyboard for, what your budget is, and what your personal preferences are.

There are a few things that we can say for sure, though.

  • Mechanical keyboards are generally more durable than their non-mechanical counterparts. They’re also usually more expensive, but you get what you pay for.
  • They usually offer a better typing experience. The keys are more responsive, and the overall feel is just better.
  • Mechanical keyboards are more customizable than non-mechanical keyboards. You can usually swap out the keycaps for different colors or designs, and you can even change the switches to suit your needs.

So, are mechanical keyboards really better? In most cases, yes. But as with anything, there are exceptions. It really just depends on what you’re looking for.

Are Mechanical Keyboards worth it still being expensive?

Mechanical Keyboards are worth the additional investment than a non-mechanical alternative, especially if you’re a power user or gamer.

Here’s why:

They’re More Durable

One of the biggest advantages of mechanical keyboards is that they’re built to last.

The individual key switches are usually rated for tens of millions of keystrokes, so you can rest assured that your keyboard will be able to keep up with your typing (or gaming) for many years to come.

They’re More Responsive

Another big advantage of mechanical keyboards is that they’re simply more responsive than their rubber dome counterparts.

This is due to the fact that each key switch is its own independent mechanism, so there’s no need to press the keys all the way down in order to register a keystroke.

They Offer a Better Typing Experience

Simply put, mechanical keyboards offer a better typing experience than rubber dome keyboards.

The key switches are usually smoother and more consistent, which leads to a more enjoyable typing experience.

In addition, the physical feedback that you get from a mechanical keyboard can be quite satisfying.

They Offer a Better Gaming Experience

Just as mechanical keyboards offer a better typing experience, they also offer a better gaming experience.

The extra responsiveness and durability of mechanical keyboards can give you a significant advantage in fast-paced games, and the physical feedback can help you keep your focus on the game.

They’re More Customizable

Another big advantage of mechanical keyboards is that they’re highly customizable.

You can usually swap out the keycaps for different colors or textures, and you can even purchase different types of key switches to customize the feel of your keyboard.

So, there you have it!

These are just a few of the reasons why we believe that mechanical keyboards are definitely worth the investment.

If you’re looking for a high-quality keyboard that will last for years and offer a great typing or gaming experience, then a mechanical keyboard is definitely the way to go.

Conclusion

Let’s conclude the post on why are mechanical keyboards so expensive!

Mechanical keyboards are well built, durable, useful for regular work and gaming, and overall a great choice. It is worth the investment though it comes at a higher cost than the non-mechanical alternatives.

I hope you enjoyed reading the post.

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