The fact that a keyboard is mechanical, in simple terms, just means that it records your keystrokes through mechanical switches. Each key has its own individual switch. Mechanical keyboards differ from "regular" keyboards because non-mechanical keyboards detect keystrokes via a rubber membrane (located between the PCB and the keycap itself).

Historically, mechanical keyboards have been dominant in the market. But in the early 90s, membrane keyboards became more and more popular, simply because they are cheaper to (mass) produce and they make less noise when you type on them. In addition, the form factor could be changed. Membrane keyboards are smaller and thinner because a rubber membrane takes up less space than a mechanical switch. This is of great practical importance, for example, in a laptop. 

Over the past 30 years, membrane keyboards have dominated the market, but more recently, keyboards with mechanical switches have experienced another slight upswing.

Firstly, there are dozens of different switches on the market. Light, hard, quiet, clicky, tactile and non-tactile. You decide what feel and sound you want, based on which switches you choose. In addition, many mechanical keyboards are so-called "how-swappable", which means that you easily can swap switches whenever you want, without having to de-solder and solder the new switches. And if you want different switches for the different keys - no problem. You can read more about switches and their characteristics here.

Keyboard with mechanical switches.

Mechanical keyboards come in different designs and price ranges. Generally speaking, we can say that mechanical keyboards are higher in price than their rubber membrane siblings.

This is mainly due to the fact that the switches have a much higher cost than a rubber membrane. Instead of a single rubber membrane, each key on a mechanical keyboard has its own corresponding switch. On a full (100%) keyboard, this is equivalent to 105 switches.

But there are still plenty of budget-friendly mechanical keyboards for well below a hundred dollars. These will work great for typing, and they can be fitted with cool keycaps and RGB lighting as well. Nevertheless, the material quality, the construction, the sound and the typing experience are often inferior to the more expensive keyboards.

If you move up to the range between 100 and 200 dollars, you will find mechanical keyboards with considerably better construction and material quality. In this segment, as a rule, there are vast options for customizing the keyboard. The keyboards are often assembled in way that makes it is easy for the user to swap switches and keycaps, or make other desired modifications.

In the upper echelon, from a 2-300 dollars and upwards, you will find the premium keyboards. It is quite possible to find mechanical worthy of both 1000 and 3000 dollars. But it's not necessarily the case that the higher the price, the higher the quality and typing experience. Among other things, the switches used in premium keyboards can accually be identical to the switches used in the cheaper keyboards.

Compare it to a vintage wine or a Rolex watch. The watch shows the same time, whether it is expensive or cheap. And wine is, as you know, taste and pleasure. The wine doesn't necessarily get better and better with every penny in price increase. There are several explanations for the high price tag. And a lot of it is about exclusivity.

Here are four factors that may help explain what differentiates the premium segment from the less expensive keyboard variants:

1. Better construction and material quality. Sturdy and durable materials such as aluminium, brass, copper, titanium and carbon fibre are used. The cheaper keyboards are often manufactured in thin plastic, e.g. ABS.

2. More customization options - often referred to as "custom keyboard". Many mechanical keyboards are sold as kits, where the user chooses parts according to personal preferences and builds the keyboard oneself.

3. Greater focus on aesthetics. Engraved designs, brass or polished steel elements are not uncommon on premium mechanical keyboards.

4. Produced in lower quantity, in many cases as groupbuys. It goes without saying that a production quantity of 50pcs gives a higher price per unit compared to a production quantity of 10,000 pcs. This, combined with the choice of materials, is probably the most important factor why some keyboards go for three thousand dollars.

Our own Drekiskip (dragonship) custom mechanical keyboard.

According to Google Trends, interest in mechanical keyboards has increased significantly over the past ten years. In 2011, there were relatively few searches for "mechanical keyboard" on Google, and interest was limited to a few enthusiasts and special interests. However, over the past few years, the search trend has increased dramatically, and today "mechanical keyboard" is one of the most popular search terms in the computer accessories category.

A particular increase in searches is seen around the time Covid-19 broke out. Since then, interest has levelled off a bit. But the range of mechanical keyboards on the market has by no means slowed down. Today, there are plenty of options - in different categories and price ranges.

Those who haven't delved into the world of mechanical keyboards might find the growing interest a bit odd. And that's it! But that's also the case with art, sports, interiors, clothes – the list goes on. Some people love to watch sports on the telly. Others don't stand it. Some people spend thousands of dollars on new shoes even though the old ones work just fine.

If you just want a keyboard that does the job done, then it's enough to find a cheap one at the electronics store in town. It will probably work fine to write on. You can probably use it for several years before it needs to be replaced.

If, on the other hand, you want a keyboard with a solid construction, that has superb durability, that is very comfortable to type on, that can be customized and modified to your own preferences, that consists of high-quality materials and that looks good on your desk - then the cheapest keyboard might not be your thing. It's a bit like choosing between buying second-hand clothes or expensive branded clothes. You probably keep warm with both varieties, but that's where the similarities stop.

If you are dragged down the rabbit hole of mechanical keyboards, you will discover that there is a whole world of different products, players/manufacturers, influencers and enthusiasts. For some of the most devoted, the keyboard isn't just a tool — it's a hobby.