The Ultimate Guide to Mechanical Keyboards: Switch Types, Customization, and Why They’re Worth It

by PC BUILD JAPAN


If you’ve ever typed on a mechanical keyboard, you know the satisfying click, smooth key travel, and overall quality that regular keyboards just can’t match. Whether you’re a gamer, programmer, or writer, switching to a mechanical keyboard can completely change how you experience typing.

But what exactly makes mechanical keyboards so special and how do you choose the right one? This guide breaks down everything from switch types and keycap materials to customization options and maintenance tips.

What Is a Mechanical Keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard uses individual mechanical switches under each key instead of a single rubber membrane (found in most cheap keyboards).

Each switch is made of several parts:

  • Housing – The plastic shell that holds the switch components.

  • Spring – Determines the resistance and actuation force.

  • Stem – The moving part that the keycap sits on; its shape affects the feel.

  • Contacts – Register the keystroke when pressed.

Because every key has its own switch, mechanical keyboards are more durable, responsive, and customizable.

Switch Types: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky

1. Linear Switches

  • Feel: Smooth and consistent from top to bottom.

  • Sound: Quiet.

  • Examples: Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow, Kailh Cream.

  • Ideal for: Gamers who want fast, uninterrupted key presses.

2. Tactile Switches

  • Feel: Noticeable bump at the actuation point.

  • Sound: Moderate.

  • Examples: Cherry MX Brown, Boba U4T, Glorious Panda.

  • Ideal for: Typists who like feedback but not too much noise.

3. Clicky Switches

  • Feel: Tactile bump and audible click.

  • Sound: Loud and crisp.

  • Examples: Cherry MX Blue, Box White, Razer Green.

  • Ideal for: Typists who love that classic typewriter sound.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Switches

  • Actuation Force: How much pressure is needed to register a press.

  • Travel Distance: How far the key moves down.

  • Spring Weight: Heavier springs can prevent accidental presses.

  • Lubing: Some enthusiasts apply lubricant to reduce friction and noise.

  • Hot-Swappable Boards: Let you change switches without soldering, great for experimenting.

Customization: Where the Fun Begins

1. Keycaps

Keycaps define your keyboard’s look and feel.

  • Materials:

    • ABS: Smooth, tends to shine over time.

    • PBT: More durable, textured, resists shine.

  • Profiles:

    • OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, XDA, etc. Each has different height and shape.

2. Lighting

  • RGB Lighting: Fully customizable per-key lighting effects.

  • Single-Color Backlight: Simple and clean.

  • No Backlight: For minimalist builds.

3. Cases and Plates

  • Case materials: Plastic (lightweight), aluminum (premium feel), or acrylic (aesthetic).

  • Plates: Brass, aluminum, polycarbonate. Each affects typing sound and flex.

4. Sound Dampening

  • Add foam layers, switch films, or O-rings to customize the sound profile from thocky to clacky.

Why Mechanical Keyboards Are Worth It

1. Durability

Most switches are rated for 50–100 million keystrokes, far longer than membrane keyboards.

2. Typing Comfort

Mechanical switches provide consistent, accurate feedback, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions.

3. Customization and Repairability

Everything is replaceable: switches, keycaps, stabilizers, and even the PCB.

4. Sound and Aesthetics

The sound of a well-tuned mechanical keyboard can be deeply satisfying, a blend of function and personal expression.

Building or Buying: Which Is Right for You?

  • Pre-Built Keyboards:
    Brands like Keychron, Ducky, Logitech, and Corsair offer ready-to-use options. A previous blog post of ours covering some of these brands and more can be found here.

  • Custom Builds:
    Enthusiasts prefer building from scratch, choosing each component, tuning stabilizers, lubing switches, and crafting a unique typing feel.

  • Hot-Swappable Keyboards:
    Perfect middle ground, plug-and-play switch swapping without soldering.

Maintenance Tips

  1. Regular cleaning: Use compressed air or a keycap puller.

  2. Deep clean: Remove keycaps and gently wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

  3. Lubricate switches and stabilizers for smoother performance.

  4. Firmware updates for programmable boards (like VIA or QMK).


Mechanical keyboards are more than just tools, they’re customizable pieces of technology that reflect your personality and preferences. From buttery-smooth linear switches to satisfying clicky feedback, there’s a perfect combination for everyone.

If you’re interested in creating your own personalized setup, we can help design and build a fully custom mechanical keyboard tailored to your style, performance needs, and budget from switch selection to keycap design and assembly when ordering a PC with us.

Contact us to get started!

ブログ（現在は英語のみ）に戻る