Do you really need a mechanical keyboard to play games?

Benefits of mechanical keyboards for gaming

Since we are talking about gaming, we will mainly focus on mechanical gaming keyboards, as they offer many features that regular mechanical keyboards do not offer. Of course, the article will also highlight the benefits of using any mechanical keyboard for gaming.

The impact force is lighter

The most common mechanical keyboard switches require less actuation force than conventional rubber dome keyboards. The rubber dome keyboard also requires a full key press to produce a click, and the added mushy feel makes you want to press the keyboard harder to feel some kind of tactile feedback. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, have a mid-range actuator, making bottoming out less necessary.

Mechanical keyboards have better tactile feedback

As the article mentioned, conventional keyboards require a strong key press to activate and have poor tactile feedback. Mechanical keyboards offer excellent tactile feedback, even if the switches on mechanical keyboards aren't particularly tactile. During intense gaming, this haptic feedback is very valuable. It lets you know that you performed the action successfully.

Mechanical gaming keyboards have many functions and features

Mechanical gaming keyboards have come a long way since they were first popularized in the early 2010s. Gaming brands have come up with many new features that take gaming to the next level.

You get the usual features like N-key rollover (allowing multiple keys to be pressed at once), customizable macro keys, low-latency wireless, and active lighting features.

However, there are unique features like on the Wooting HE, which is equipped with a Hall effect sensor that allows analog input instead of just the usual switches that most keyboards have. If you don't want to use in analog mode, you can also customize the actuation distance, allowing for instant actuation if millisecond accuracy is a concern.

Most mechanical gaming keyboards also have dedicated macro buttons - buttons that are easy to access to perform any action. For example, the Arma has so many key bindings that you often have to move your hand from one side of the keyboard to the other or move your other hand from the mouse to the keyboard. Macros and layers will allow those keys and functions to be pushed aside, saving time.

Mechanical keyboards are highly customizable

One of the most popular features that regular mechanical keyboards have is customization. You can buy a pre-fabricated, ready-to-use mechanical keyboard or purchase a variety of components to suit your needs.

Since gaming is practically a sport, having customized equipment that suits your individual gaming style is quite important. Speaking more specifically about gaming-oriented customization, you can use rubberized or textured keys to memorize the position of certain keys on the keyboard.

You can choose between clicky, tactile or linear switches, or even switches with different actuation points. There are so many different directions you can go with a mechanical keyboard.

Limitations of mechanical gaming keyboards

There aren't many limitations to mechanical keyboards because they do everything a regular keyboard does better. However, it is not without limitations. If you're currently using a regular keyboard, you should consider these things and see if it's worth switching to a mechanical keyboard.

Mechanical keyboards are heavier

Mechanical keyboards tend to be heavier. This can be a drawback for many people. Repositioning the keyboard mid-match can be tiring and make movement more difficult.

However, the customizable nature of mechanical keyboards means that if you really want a lightweight, ultra-portable keyboard, you can certainly build one yourself.

Mechanical keyboards cost more

Mechanical keyboards include more components: Switch, keycap, PCB, case, backplate, etc. These things combined will make a fully functional mechanical keyboard more expensive.

Most conventional keyboards are pretty simple, featuring a PCB that doesn't require switches to operate, a rubber grille that's nearly indestructible during normal use, and simple plastic covers and keycaps. This makes them cheaper and lighter.

Mechanical keyboards are noisier

The sound of a mechanical keyboard is something that really divides opinions. Many people love this sound but it seems there are also many people who hate it.

There are different types of switches with different sound configurations, but most of them are louder than regular keyboards. You can use an O-ring to muffle the sound, but that often ruins the feel of a mechanical keyboard.

To get a quiet mechanical keyboard, it will take a lot of effort to achieve it, which may not be worth it.

Do I need a mechanical keyboard to play games?

A mechanical keyboard is not a necessity for gaming. It differs from a mouse in that the mouse needs to accurately translate the same hand movements to the computer. Keyboards are really just circuit boards that include on-off switches.

Many professional gamers have reached high levels of performance with just regular, cheap keyboards, not mechanical keyboards. Try out mechanical keyboards at Internet cafes or technology stores, get a feel for them before making a purchasing decision. But if you can't stomach the high price of these keyboards, rest assured that you won't be missing out on much performance.