Keyboards 101

Compared to membrane keyboards

Basic switch types

The switch's colors

Different colors, represent:

• Different mechanisms
• Typing experiences
• Required weight to press

(These specs also depend on the switch's brand)

E.g. Cherry MX switches specs

Why?

• More convenient
• Sounds heavenly
• Can give more feedback
• Overall better typing experience

Most important: Switches

• Choose the most convenient for you (linear, tactile, clicky)
• Have the right pressing weight
  • Heavier ones may be too much for you at first
• Is it pre-lubed?

Wait you said lubed?

Yep

• Less spring noise
• Smoother presses

And it's not just the switches

There are lots of factors, e.g.:

• Material of keycaps (e.g. PBT)
• Material of case
• Material of plate
• Gasket
• Foaming

Keycap profiles

Split keyboards

E.g. Alice style

Fully split keyboards

Staggers

AND THERE IS EVEN MORE!

Staggering in 3D

E.g. Kinesis keyboards

But they're so weird... Why?

We rarely ever use our thumbs on regular keyboard

These keyboards:

• Fix this problem
• Prevent shoulder pain
• Less moving hands and use of our pinky
• Give more opportunities for layers

AND

Layouts

• QUERTY
• QUERTZ
• COLEMAK
• DVORAK

What are layers?

We use it everyday! E.g.:

• Standard layer
• Shift layer

There are more types of layers

• Hold (Shift)
• Toggle (Caps Lock)
• Hold duration (Mac special characters)

But we can make custom ones!

Programable keyboards

Software based layout changes

My VIA demo

Summary

• What are mechanical keyboards?
• Works differently... But why get one?
• How to have a good keyboard?
• Increase the comfort of typing
• Custom layouts and layers

Questions?