What’s the difference between mechanical and regular keyboards?
Regular keyboards (the kind that usually come with pre-built computers) use membrane or rubber dome mechanisms. All the keys sit on a single pressure pad that registers a press when you push down hard enough. They work fine for everyday use, but the feel is often soft, inconsistent, and not particularly satisfying.
Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, have individual switches under each key. This gives you:
- A more consistent and tactile feel
- Better durability, with switches often lasting up to 100 million presses
- And the ability to customise everything — from the sound profile to the typing experience itself.
Most traditional custom keyboards use MX-type switches, based on the original Cherry MX design. These have a cross-shaped stem for keycaps and come in several styles: linear (smooth), tactile (with a bump), clicky (with an audible click), and silent versions with dampening to reduce noise. MX switches are widely supported, easily interchangeable, and remain the standard choice for most custom builds.
Beyond MX switches, there are also alternative switch types:
- Alps – (Similar to MX) Mechanical switches that use a physical slider and leaf system to register keypresses, offering tactile or clicky feedback with a unique, snappy feel.
- EC (Electro-Capacitive) / Topre – These register input through electrical capacitance, giving a softer, more refined keypress. PCBs like DynaCap EC let you use these switches in custom builds.
- HE (Hall Effect) – magnetic switches that detect movement via sensors, allowing adjustable actuation points and analogue input. PCBs such as the Venom65 HE support HE switches, so you can experiment with them on layouts you already enjoy.
These technologies are generally at the higher end of the market but show how diverse the keyboard hobby has become. Whether you prefer a classic clacky MX feel, a buttery-smooth electrostatic press, or a modern magnetic setup, there’s a keyboard to match your preferences. Many PCBs even let you swap these switches into existing builds, depending on layout and compatibility, giving you freedom to experiment without starting from scratch.