Keyboard switches may seem like an obscure topic. But ask any writer, coder or gamer – and you‘ll hear strong opinions arguing the merits of scissor versus mechanical key switches!
As an electronics hobbyist and keyboards enthusiast myself, I‘ve gathered hands-on experience with dozens of different keyboard makes and switch types over the years. In this comprehensive write-up, we‘ll analyse everything from noise and longevity through to ergonomics and customization capacity across scissor and mechanical options.
My goal is to provide the definitive briefing to help anyone – whether a keyboards pro or casual home user – understand the core differences and make the right choice for your needs!
At a Glance: Quick Comparison of Scissor vs Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Let‘s kick off with a high level overview before we dive into the details:
| Scissor Switch Keyboards | Mechanical Switch Keyboards | |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | Silent to low noise | Loud and clicky to quiet options available |
| Feedback/Feel | Smooth but mushy | Tactile, responsive |
| Build | Non-serviceable membrane | Modular and customizable |
| Key Lifespan | 5 million keystrokes | 50 – 80 million keystrokes |
| Cost | Lower, $15 to $149 | Mid to high range, $50 upwards |
| Ease of Use | Very easy, requiring minimal force | Steeper learning curve but faster typing ultimately |
With that quick comparison as context, let me elaborate on each factor:
Keyboard Switch Noise – Sound Comparisons
One of the first things keyboard newbies wonder about mechanical switch keyboards is whether the loud clicking will drive family or coworkers crazy! Here‘s an in-depth look at the noise profiles:
Scissor Switch Keyboards operate nearly silently with decent sound isolation from the rubber membranes muting key presses. At max 55 decibels noise is comparable tomoderate rainfall. Here‘s an example:
Meanwhile, Mechanical Keyboards are renowned (and infamous in some quarters!) for their audible feedback. Clicky switch types especially create loud ‘clacks‘ with each keystroke – measuring 60 to 70 decibels comparable to a vacuum cleaner.
However, many quiet linear and tactile mechanical switches are available suiting noise-sensitive environments better while retaining signature feel. So you aren‘t forced into loud clicky switches just to enjoy mech boards!
Keyboard Switch Noise Levels
Scissor: 55 dB
Mechanical (Quiet): 50 - 55 dB
Mechanical (Clicky): 60 - 70 dB
Ergonomics, Comfort and Usability
Beyond sound though, a keyboard‘s ergonomics and daily typing comfort are vital. How do scissor and mechanical switches compare?
Scissor switch keyboards offer short, laptop-style key travel between 1.5mm and 2mm. Light keypresses register swiftly with minimal finger exertion. This leads some users to prefer scissor switches when coming off laptop membrane boards.
However, short travel can cause soreness in high volume typists over time. And the light presses provide less tactile feedback mid-keystroke compared to mechanical keyboards.
Most mechanical switch keyboards instead give desktop style key travel between 2mm and 4mm depending on switches used. This longer travel leads to a satisfying "collapse" at the actuation point. It does mean you exert more force typing versus scissor membranes.
But conscientious users tend to make less errors bottoming out mechanical switches leading to greater typing accuracy once attuned to the feel. The wide array of tactile, clicky or linear switches lets you customize actuation feedback as well.
For long duration typing comfort and usability, a majority still rate quality external mechanical keyboards higher. But you should try different switch feels personally rather than accepting conventional wisdom!
Key Travel Distance
Scissor Switches: 1.5mm to 2mm
Mechanical Switches: 2mm to 4mm
Average Force Required
Scissor Switches: 45g
Mechanical Switches: 45g to 70gGaming Performance Factors
With custom keyboards from Razer, Corsair and more targeting gamers specifically – how suitable are scissor and mechanical switches for winning play?
For most gaming needs, both scissor and mechanical switches register keypresses rapidly enough to satisfy casual users. But factors below give mechanical switches an edge for pro eSports players and streamers:
Anti-ghosting capability allows correctly detecting fast paced multi-key inputs. Mechanical keyboards reliably offer 6-key rollover or higher – compared to only 2 to 4 key presses tracking properly on most scissor switch models. This matters when executing tricky combat combos.
Actuation points on mechanical keys can be tuned based on switch choice – light linear switches for rapid firing versus tactile Brown types for eliminating false inputs. Most scissor boards only actuate mid-travel giving less flexibility tailoring to your game genres.
So while scissor switches work very adequately for casual gaming, mechanical keyboards provide incremental responsiveness and accuracy factors that matter if you play at professional levels.
Customization and Modding Potential
One simply cannot discuss mech keyboards without gushing over the almost endless modification and customization capacity sets them in a league above scissor switches:
Scissor switch keyboards offer no meaningful customization at all since keycaps/switches aren‘t replaceable. You‘ll void warranties attempting to tweak anything internally. External changes like wrist pads are all that is practical.
In glaring contrast, mechanical keyboards are intentionally designed as customizable platforms right down to the PCB layer. You can tailor them entirely as per personal preferences:
- Switches can be hot-swapped to change clicking force, feel and auditory signatures
- Keycaps swapped for colored or textured sets matching your aesthetics
- Underglow LEDs and animations programmed through open source firmware like QMK
- OLEDs showing vital system parameters integrated elegantly
- For gaming, macro pads with programmable keys added where needed
This capacity for modifying layouts, looks and behaviors makes building mechanical keyboards an addictive hobby in itself!
Maintenance Requirements and Durability
Let‘s now evaluate maintenance needs required to keep keyboards functioning when exposed to years of intense daily use:
Scissor switch keyboards unfortunately degrade faster with key letters, connectors and membranes wearing out. Attempting fixes requires replacing entire keyboard components since modular repairs are impossible.
Premium mechanical keyboards achieve stellar lifespans of 5+ years with basic user care. Hot swappable designs allow separately replacing any damaged switches, stabilizers or keycaps extending service life indefinitely!
Proactive cleaning like blasting compressed air keeps mechanicals working flawlessly. Compare this to scissor boards where debris may permanently damage membrane sheets and contacts underneath over time.
Key Lifespan Ratings
Scissor Switches: 5 million presses
Mechanical Switches: 50+ million presses
(Up to 80 million for top models)So from a total cost perspective including repairs/replacements down the road, investing just a bit more upfront in mechanical keyboards pays dividends via exceptional durability.
Budget vs Premium Options
With such a dizzying array of choice between dozens of competing brands – what price range makes sense for both scissor and mechanical keyboards today?
If seeking a basic keyboard for light home usage, you can readily find scissor switch models between $15 to $50 from Microsoft, Dell, Logitech and co. This affordable segment offers great value for money.
In 2022, advanced mechanical keyboards now start as low as $45 from Havit, Ajazz and other Chinese brands focused on budget community options with RGB backlighting. Stepping up to $100 unlocks vastly superior quality that lasts years from Keychron, Royal Kludge etc.
At the highest end, customized mech keyboards crafted from aircraft grade aluminum, bespoke keycap materials and boutique switches from smaller makers do cross $500+. But well engineered German brand boards satisfaction demanding enthusiasts on lower budgets too.
Scissor vs Mechanical – Which Wins Out Ultimately?
We‘ve covered a lot of ground comparing membrane scissor switches versus mechanical key switches across all essential factors – acoustic signatures, ergonomics, customization capacity and expected lifespans.
Accounting for everything, premium mechanical keyboards designed specifically for serious typing clearly provide the most well rounded user experience – hence their surge back into mainstream consciousness lately.
However casual users just needing a keyboard for emails or homework don‘t require this level of engineering finess. For them, scissor switches present a competitively priced option with surprisingly decent response for day to day computer usage.
But for intensive data entry clerks, programmers, writers and definitely gaming – mechanicals justify higher initial layout through better efficiency, accuracy and vastly superior longevity. Their capacity for customization to exact personal preference only strengthens their case further.
I suggest trying out some highly rated quiet Red or Brown switch mechanical keyboards first before deciding. You may just be convinced to join the enthusiast mech movement sweeping workplaces and bedrooms everywhere!
What has your experience been comparing scissor and mechanical keyboards? Which switch type do you swear by currently? Let the debate continue in comments below!
