Why Are Mechanical Keyboards More Ergonomic?

Mechanical keyboards are well known for their comfortable typing experience and firm feedback. However, they are less well-known for being more ergonomic than membrane-type keyboards. This blog aims to provide all the information necessary for our readers to understand why mechanical keyboards are superior and more ergonomic.

We will explain why mechanical keyboards are all the rage for gamers, office, and industrial users alike. Then, we will move to understanding the importance of ergonomics in computer usage. Afterward, we will focus on why mechanical keyboards are more ergonomic than their counterparts. Let's begin learning about the ergonomics of mechanical keyboards.

Mechanical Keyboards: Superiority Amongst All Types

Pressing a key on a mechanical keyboard provides a satisfactory feeling that has something to do with affirmance. Everyone craves mechanical feedback from the tactile, linear, or clicky switch. Understanding why it stands out lies in its design. Let's learn some key features of mechanical keyboards:

Key Features of Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have distinct construction and inherent qualities that other keyboard types cannot replicate or require cost-intensive systems to enable. Let's analyze some of their key features and compare them with membrane keyboards later.  

● Mechanical Switches are the most treasured components in a mechanical keyboard. They define the keyboard's feel and sound. There are mainly three types: linear, tactile, and clicky. Each has its distinct sound and physical feedback.

● Dampers: Due to mechanical forces, these keyboards feature dampers that convert the clickity-clack to a thicker sound. It makes the whole assembly feel more durable and firm.

● Customization: Most mechanical keyboards have hot-swappable switches, and the front plate is customizable. It allows users to have different mechanical switches based on their requirements on the same keyboard.

● N-Key Roll Over (NKRO): Mechanical keyboards are NKRO due to their inherent feature. This feature allows users to press infinite keys together while gaming or working, and the keyboard will still register the press.

Comparison with Membrane Keyboards

Membrane keyboards have a rubber dome that deforms as we press down on a key. The rebound is mushy, and the keycaps sometimes wobble during the movement. Due to the mushy feeling, it can sometimes be hard on your finger joints. It can stress your finger joints as you constantly attempt to press the key down straight. As the keyboard gets older, the looseness will continue to increase to the point that it becomes hard to type.

Mechanical keyboards have long-lasting mechanical switches. These switches provide an easy glide motion, solid feedback, and smooth actuation. Users can lube the switch to bring the keyboard back to life if the switch ages. In case of mechanical damage, users can replace it with a new compatible pin switch on the keyboard.

Popularity Among Professionals and Gamers

Industrialists and gamers love mechanical keyboards mainly because of their durability and performance under rough conditions. In industries, keyboards need to operate reliably and consistently. Spills, dust, falls, stacking, and other physical stresses can wear out a traditional membrane keyboard. However, mechanical keyboards come in varieties and switches that can have an IP rating.

During gaming, there can be moments when gamers exert more significant force than the required amount of force to activate a button. It can be stress or a knee-jerk action while playing action-packed games. Mechanical keyboards can handle such forces while providing pleasant physical and audible feedback. It reassures the gamer of the keypress and makes their gaming more accurate.

Importance of Ergonomics in Computers

Now that we know about mechanical keyboards, we can move on to computer ergonomics. Mechanical keyboards need to be ergonomic to ensure our physical well-being. Fifty percent of the global workforce now uses computers as their daily drivers. Gamers use computers as a popular choice for gaming online. Most gamers and streamers have made their careers using computers online. However, sitting for long hours on a computer with non-ergonomic peripherals and accessories can lead to health problems.

Health Implications of Poor Ergonomic Practices

Posture is key when using a computer. Even laptop users switch to an external keyboard and mouse connection to ensure proper posture. With time, users have found out that wrong posture can lead to long-term health problems like:

● Typing Fatigue: Typing fatigue is a common problem with membrane keyboards. If the keyboard is not ergonomic, it can cause weary fingers and joints.

● Repetitive Strain Injuries: Unnatural forces at wrong angles can lead to RSI. It means pressing the keys repetitively, causing stress to muscles and tendons.

● Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Unnecessary pressure on the median nerve caused by the unnatural posture and wrist position can lead to CTS.

● Poor Posture: Using devices that are not ergonomic can lead to poor posture.

Key Ergonomic Principles for Computer Use

In computers, it's essential to maintain posture, that is, the position of the hand, elbows, shoulder, back, and eye. Ensuring that all of these are at the correct location will guarantee ergonomics. Devices and peripherals play a vital role in helping you with ergonomics. A chair will keep you upright with good blood circulation to the legs. The height of the table should also be ideal and compatible with the chair so that your elbows are at a right angle when you place your hands on a keyboard. Wrist rests keep the wrist in a natural position. Also, the keyboard width plays a significant role in maintaining shoulders in an ergonomic position.

How Mechanical Keyboards are More Ergonomic

Now that we understand what ergonomics are and why they are essential alongside the basics of mechanical keyboards, we can truly grasp the device's importance. Here are the key benefits that mechanical keyboards provide that make them superior to any other type of keyboard:

Reducing Typing Fatigue

According to research by Gerard et al. (2010), which investigated the effects of key stiffness on typing force and fatigue, typing fatigue is directly related to the force applied. In an experiment, subjects typed for two hours on keyboards with different resistance keys. The study found that higher resistance keys (0.83 N) led to increased peak force, finger flexor EMG, and fatigue, indicating that key stiffness plays a significant role in typing fatigue.

Mechanical keyboards have different mechanical switches. Users can opt for ones with lower stiffness to enhance their typing. It will result in longer typing sessions with less fatigue, leading to better productivity and performance. UAswitch, like the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch, requires only 45 cm (centinewtons) force for actuation. It is lighter on the hand, thus reducing typing fatigue.

Improving Posture and Comfort

Mechanical keyboards come in various sizes and designs. There are 60%,65%,75%, TKL, and full-size layouts. Users can go for the one that suits them best. Smaller size means you have more room for mouse movement. The mouse can come closer to the keyboard, thus indirectly reducing stress on the shoulder.

Split-style mechanical keyboards are the best for reducing stress. They can also help adjust the keyboard to a more ergonomic hand-shake position, enabling a smoother typing experience with lower reach and better control.

Minimizing Risk of Repetitive Strain Injuries

There are multiple mechanisms through which mechanical keyboards can reduce the chances of RSI. Let's have a look:

● Tactile Feedback: Mechanical keyboards have tactile feedback, which allows users to understand that the key is registered. It reduces the need to press the key down, reducing stress on the finger.

● Hot-Swappable Key Switches: Mechanical keyboards allow users to select different mechanical switches. The hot-swappable keyboard lets users easily swap out switches with a keycap puller and switch puller. They can replace the factory fitted with the ones they feel comfortable with. Customization helps users have a tailored experience as per requirement, reducing RSI.

● Programmability: You can program some keys to perform functions that users perform regularly to reduce the chances of repeatedly putting the muscles through the same pattern, which can cause RSI.

● Lubrication: Mechanical keyboards have lubricated switches that enhance movement and smooth it out, reducing strain injuries.

Final Verdict: Reasons Why Mechanical Keyboards Are More Ergonomic

After reading the blog, we can conclude that mechanical keyboards are more ergonomic due to their design features. These highly customizable keyboards allow users to adjust their feel, position, and sound using various methods.

Visit the MEETION lineup for ergonomic, highly customizable mechanical keyboards. A major manufacturer of mechanical keyboards, MEETION offers products in entry-level, mid-range, and premium categories for gamers and office users. We hope you find the right product for you!