So I still can't get over my new keyboard... · 10:56am Jun 25th, 2016
Maybe in a month or so I would, but for now I am loving it, more than a week after I have bought it. Why I haven't discovered mechanical keyboards earlier I'll never know. Maybe it's because they're expensive, and they are. That's one caveat for those who might be thinking they can just go out and buy one. But it would be all worth it, let me assure you. And you will feel the difference right away as well if you have been using membrane keyboards for so long.
A mechanical keyboard in general is a typist's dream. They were made for typists. It was only later that gamers realized its advantages and began using them. The first PC keyboards were mechanical. It was later that it gave way to membrane as the latter is much cheaper to manufacture. Mechanical keyboards are expensive in part because underneath each key there is a mechanical switch, unlike that of a membrane keyboard. So for those who do write (or type as it is) fanfics, I would really recommend getting a mechanical keyboard.
Not just any mechanical keyboard though. Most mechanical keyboards now use Cherry MX switches, and there are different types of them. The most common are the Blue, Red and Brown switches. There are also Green, Black and Clear ones. Cherry has recently come out in April of a new switch called the Cherry MX Speed, which is silver in color. Each key switch is different, so that is the first thing one should take note of. Generally for typing it is recommended to get Cherry MX Blue. For those who like to use the keyboard for both typing and gaming most would say the Cherry MX Brown would be good while most agree that for gamers Cherry MX Red is preferable, though Red might not be good for prolonged typing.
For a simple guide, here are videos for the different Cherry MX switches:
Though Cherry is the most popular for mechanical keyboards, there are other switches as well, especially Cherry MX copies. When Cherry's patent for its switches expired in 2014, other companies have since made Cherry MX copies. For instance, my keyboard is using Kailh Blue switches. Razer as well use Kailh switches on some of its keyboards though they are Razer's design. Razer has the Razer Green which is equal to the Cherry MX Blue and Razer Orange which is like the Cherry MX Brown. Other Cherry MX copies include Outemu, Greetech and Gateron.
But Cherry MX and its clones aren't the only mechanical switches now. Logitech has its own called the Romer-G. There is also the Topre switch. Older keyboards such as the IBM Model M use switches with buckling springs. Buckling spring switches are much harder to press though than even Cherry MX Blues or Blacks, though the switch is rarely, if ever, used now.
So what has this to do with FiM or EqG? Well, as said, since many here are fanfic authors, the type of keyboard used can be vital. Typing for long hours can put a strain on the fingers, and having the right keyboard will help a lot. Most are familiar with membrane keyboards. These are now the standard keyboards used for desktop computers. They may come as a bundle with the PC or else one would buy one. It's cheap, but not exactly good for long typing unlike that of a mechanical keyboard. Once one has used a mechanical keyboard the differences can be felt.
Another connection is that somewhere, sometime I might customize my keyboard. There are those who customize by painting it or changing its keycaps (or doing both really). There are a lot of Cherry MX custom keycaps now out in the market. They could be used for any Cherry MX keyboard or Cherry MX-compatible switches. If ever I get to it, I might paint the keyboard red and yellow to match Sunset's hair. If I could find red and yellow keycaps then that would be good, though they have to be doubleshot keycaps with a translucent letter/symbol since my keyboard has backlighting wherein the light illuminates the letters and symbols.
So this is a more comprehensive post about mechanical keyboards. For authors out there, or just about anyone in general, I hope this has somewhat helped in making one decide on a mechanical keyboard. If you want a better typing (and gaming even) experience, then using a mechanical keyboard is really recommended.
Those keyboards look awesome.
4048172 They are. And I would recommend them for any writer. It helps a lot in actually typing on a keyboard that is suited for it.
4049773
Maybe in the future. For now, I'll stick with my current keyboard.
4050045 Yup, it's good to save for a mechanical keyboard. It's not an easy thing to decide especially if you're still used to a membrane keyboard. Took me a few weeks before I finally bought one, but after using it I am more than satisfied and would not return to a membrane keyboard.