What exactly is a mechanical keyboard? The name refers to the fact that each key on the keyboard has its own individual switch underneath it, rather than being limited to the two or three switches shared by an entire block of keys on an old-fashioned keyboard.

Overview: What is a Mechanical Keyboard?
When you're shopping for a new keyboard, many of them say that they're mechanical. What does that mean? A mechanical keyboard uses actual physical switches under each key instead of membrane or rubber dome switches. On these types of keyboards, you'll find two main types: full-size and tenkeyless (or TKL). Full-size versions take up more space on your desk and come with more features like macro keys, dedicated media controls, extra USB ports, etc. Tenkeyless versions are better if you want to save some space on your desk or travel frequently with your keyboard (because they take up less room). If a tenkeyless is what you need, we can help you figure out which one is best for your needs!

Choosing Switches
Before you start shopping, there are a few things you need to know about switches. First, each switch has its own actuation force or actuation point. This is how much pressure you need to apply for a keystroke. Some folks may prefer switches with light actuation, as it feels less like you're actually pressing down on something. Others may love a heavy actuation because they feel like they have more control over when their keystroke registers. Either way, once you find a keyboard that uses one of your preferred switches, check and see if those particular models are available with different switch options.

Choosing Keyboards
There are many factors that go into choosing a keyboard. First and foremost, you need to decide if you want an individual keyboard for each of your devices, or if a multi-device keyboard will suffice. Individual keyboards can save you some space on your desk and allow for custom profiles per device (so your experience is always consistent). Multi-device keyboards are a great alternative because they allow users to switch between PC and Mac with just one keyboard. They also tend to be more affordable than their single-device counterparts. Another thing that comes into play when choosing a new board is design preference: membrane, scissor switch, or mechanical? How about backlighting?

Choosing Cases
Apart from just wanting your keyboard to be durable, it’s also important that it has a sturdy case. This is because some keyboards feature LED lights on its keys which look great when they light up your keyboard in an array of colors, but if they are surrounded by a plastic that shatters or bends easily, then you have a problem. Opt for a model that features a solid metal casing and thick aluminum faceplates around its keys; these will ensure nothing gets broken should you accidentally bump into something or spill water over your keyboard. Also consider things like rubber feet at each corner of your board—these keep them from slipping off whatever surface you use them on, and also absorb any shock should something hit or drop onto it.

Choosing Plates
First, decide on which size you need. Most hot-swap units have room for at least four drives, but some have space for up to 12. If you’re building a RAID system with six or more drives and your case can handle it, go big—it’ll save you time down the road when you need to upgrade without replacing all of your storage equipment. Just make sure there is enough room behind each drive tray before purchasing a hot-swap unit that holds more than four drives. You may also want to consider buying a hot-swap model that comes with preinstalled fans; otherwise, be prepared for a lot of noise and heat coming from inside your case.

Choosing Stabilizers Wiring
Stabilizers are essential for anyone best budget hot swappable keyboard about competitive gaming. Anti-Ghosting is a popular feature on many mechanical keyboards, but not all keyboards have it. Keep in mind that standard anti-ghosting caps are only 6 keys total. If you want N-key rollover, you’ll need to buy extra keycaps and switch out your normal keycaps with them instead (typically found under a different keycap style). This will allow up to 6 keys at once without being ghosted out (not able to register) by any other button input.

Summary
Before you choose a mechanical keyboard, you must consider many different factors. These include the Number of switches: You have three options here, but only one is ideal. Switches are either MX browns or blues (both tactile) or MX reds and blacks (both linear). The third option is capacitive switches found on models such as Das Keyboards, but these don’t make sense for gaming; I recommend sticking with traditional buckling-spring switches in that case.