Description: This article contains some of the most frequently asked questions about keyboards and keyboard switches from winter of 2019.

Q: What are keyboard switches and what do they do?
A: Keyboard switches are components that are built into keyboards under the keys that you press that change the feel, sound, and response time when pressed. Some are better for typing documents whereas some are preferable for gaming and faster paced programs.

Q: What are the differences between membrane and mechanical keyboards?
A: Membrane keyboard key presses are activated when an electrical signal is sent to the computer when a key is pressed all the way down. The key can be activated any number of times without the key being completely raised again. A mechanical keyboard key is activated when the key is pressed about halfway down and hits the switch underneath, activating it. The key must be fully extended back above that halfway mark to be able to be activated again.

Q: What are the differences between linear and tactile switches?
A: For a keyboard to recognize a linear key being pressed, the key must be pressed all the way down before registering the keystroke. Tactile keys only have to be pressed about halfway down for it to be fully recognized, which can make these better for faster typing.

Q: What kinds of switches are there and what are how are they different?
A: There are quite a few different types and colors of switches, each of them feeling, sounding, and performing in their own way. Some examples would be Cherry MX keys, which have several different versions or colors; reds, blacks, browns, blues, and silvers.

Q: Can you change the switches on mechanical keyboards?
A: There are models that allow you to easily swap the switches on the keyboard, but not all keyboards. Most will be soldered to the base which has to be removed before being able to change out the switches, so it’s recommended to know which switches you like before choosing a keyboard.

Q: What are the actuation point and actuation force for a switch?
A: The actuation of a switch is when it’s pressed and recognized by the computer. The actuation point is how far down the key must be pressed, and the actuation force is how much pressure must be put onto it to be pressed to actuation. The lower the number for both the actuation point and actuation force that a switch has, the easier and faster it is to get a response when pressed.

Q: What is an opto mechanical switch?
A: An opto-mechanical switch is a newer technology that’s like other switches with the main difference being that the point of actuation - the part of the switch that detects when it’s being pressed down - is instead a laser. When the key is pressed, the laser is blocked. This sends the signal that it’s being pressed down. Some say this method is faster than their non-laser variants, but one issue is that it’s like a membrane keyboard in which the key must be fully released before being able to actuate again.

Q: Which switches are best for what I do?
A: The most popular preferences would be using linear keys for gaming and tactile switches for typing, but it’s all personal preference in the end. It’s recommended to test multiple different types of switches before deciding on one specific type as no two are the same.