Cooper Chynoweth
Standard parts of a mechanical keyboard:
- Switches
- Stabilizers (for big keys like spacebar)
- PCB
- Plate
- Case
- Keycaps
How a mechanical keyboard works:
- User presses down the switch stem
- Stem moves down, allowing two electrical contacts to touch
- Signal is sent through the PCB to the computer, registering a keypress
- When released, the spring pushes the stem back up into place, thus reopening the circuit
An assortment of switches
| Switch type | Switch name | Travel distance | Actuation force | Bottom out force |
| Linear | Cherry MX Red | 4mm | 45g | 75g |
| Akko CS Starfish | 4mm | 50g | 60g | |
| Tactile | Cherry MX Brown | 4mm | 55g | 60g |
| Hako Royal Clear | 3.6mm | 50g | 85g | |
| Clicky | Cherry MX Blue | 4mm | 60g | 60g |
| Kailh BOX Jade | 3.6mm | 50g | 65g |