5 Disadvantages of Using a Mechanical Keyboard

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Mechanical keyboards have essentially become the default for those looking to build or upgrade a computer. This makes sense, because a mechanical keyboard has many advantages over the old membrane keyboards that come with all pre-built PCs.

I remember building computers in the 2000s and never thinking about what type of keyboard to buy. The forums almost never talked about it either, with most of us just grabbing whatever was on sale at the local CompUSA store. Chances were, most people were just buying pre-built PCs, each of which came with the cheapest mouse and keyboard possible.

However, some people argue that mechanical keyboards have a number of drawbacks, especially as other keyboard types have become better and more versatile over the years. There are also communities of membrane keyboard enthusiasts, with some professional gamers choosing them over more popular mechanical offerings. Although mechanical keyboards have grown in importance, they are not always the best option. Here’s why.

I use two separate keyboards in my life these days. I have a Womier SK75 TMR keyboard that was given to me a few years ago and a newer Logitech MX Keys Mini. Both of these keyboards are fantastic, but they have very different uses. For a long time, my mechanical keyboard was my daily driver before I started working full time from home.

Nowadays, my schedule is a bit haphazard, with most of my work done at night. Using a mechanical keyboard is great, but it’s a noisy experience. If you share a space with someone who is sensitive to repetitive sounds, this can drive them up the wall. While gaming this isn’t so bad, when typing articles and working with essay-length Word documents it can be annoying.

That’s why I switched to the MX Keys Mini, the keyboard much more similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard. The sound is negligible at best, and it’s a great option for those who use a computer around others. It’s also good for users who themselves might be sensitive to the sound of louder mechanical keyboards.

Although I love my mechanical keyboard, the older I get, the more tiring the experience can be when typing for long periods of time. Their high height profile and generally longer key travel that requires more pressure can often lead to faster fatigue or discomfort. This is less of an issue when using a membrane keyboard or a keyboard that uses a scissor mechanism for its keys.

The MX Keys Mini mentioned above really helps with this problem, and it’s one of the main reasons why I now only use it when typing for long periods of time. Mechanical keyboards tend to lack as many options in terms of ergonomics. Non-mechanical keyboards generally offer more variety in terms of layouts, such as using a split design or being more travel-friendly.

The Arteck Split ergonomic keyboard is the perfect example with its scissor mechanism keys. It’s also cheaper, being half of a similar split design mechanical keyboard. It’s worth noting that a number of mechanical keyboards such as the Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Keyboard now come in a slim form factor, trying to combine the best of both worlds.

There are people who are not interested in the multitude of options when it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard. Each mechanical keyboard is a unique beast, many of which are tailored to specific needs and even personalities. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds when trying to build the perfect mechanical keyboard.

What type of keycaps do you want to purchase and do you want different keycaps for specific keys? So, what type of switches will you select? Many types of keyboard keys are differentiated by their color. Do you go for a clickier mechanical switch, do you prefer a smoother linear switch, perhaps more precise switches, or even a mix of all of the above.

You should also consider the manufacturers of each type of switch, as several companies make switches and may be assigned their own color preferences. You have options like the GLORIOUS Kailh Box White Mechanical Keyboard Switches or the EPOMAKER Creamy Jade 45gf Gaming Keyboard Switches. And that’s not even talking about lubrication and O-ring options, all of which can be a headache for the average computer user.

The mechanical keyboard I use is very nice, but also quite heavy. It is made of a metal shell and weighs almost two pounds. It’s as much a tool for typing and gaming as it is a self-defense weapon if someone breaks into my house. God forbid if you accidentally drop it on your foot while cleaning.

The reality is that mechanical keyboards can be quite bulky, heavy and a bit unruly. It’s not uncommon to see people showing off their major mechanical keyboards online that weigh more than 15 pounds. Even the switches you choose for your mechanical keyboard come in different weights, and when you have nearly 100 switches, the weight of your keyboard can quickly balloon.

Software developers and serious typists often complain about the height of mechanical keyboards compared to those that use a shallow key depth. The Macally Small Wired Keyboard is a great example of a slim, compact, and low-profile non-mechanical keyboard that gives you a better laptop typing experience while featuring a solid metal frame.