When building your dream gaming rig, there are a few pieces of hardware people put a lot of thought into. However, keyboards are not often considered when creating a master plan for gaming perfection. While keyboard enthusiasts worldwide may espouse the virtues of various keyboards in different settings, gaming is not something a keyboard is typically thought to enhance.
Gaming keyboards are considered, by and large, a luxury rather than a requirement. This contrasts with a gaming mouse, which any FPS player worth their salt will affirm is incredibly important.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes gaming keyboards click (or not) and whether the general perception regarding their superfluity is warranted. If you’re confused about whether or not you should fork over a cool hundred or so dollars for a snazzy gaming keyboard, this article is for you.
Is A Mechanical Keyboard Better For Gaming?
Broadly speaking, keyboards fall into two categories: mechanical and rubber-dome. The primary difference between the two lies in their key switches, i.e., how keystrokes are registered. Specifically, rubber-dome keyboards, also called membrane keyboards, rely on a rubber membrane underneath the keys.
This membrane is depressed upon a keypress, which completes a circuit and transmits the keystroke. Conversely, mechanical keyboards usually rely on a spring mechanism, though the specifics vary slightly with the model.
While the topic of key switches and their performance impact is rather complex, we can safely say that mechanical keyboards will probably improve your performance compared to a membrane keyboard. Not only are mechanical keyboards more resilient, they also offer a more natural feel and quicker response time. As such, a mechanical keyboard is a sound investment for any gamer.
What Is A Mechanical Key Switch?
A key switch refers to the underlying mechanism that causes a keystroke to be registered as an input. This can be accomplished in various ways and is the reason for the satisfying clickety-clack of mechanical keyboards.

Essentially, a keystroke causes a spring to bend, which pushes a metal leaf toward its pair. When the two leaves touch, a circuit is formed, and the keypress is registered. Indeed, it is the spring in this equation that gives mechanical key switches the satisfying and more natural feel not found in cheaper membrane keyboards.
Different Types of Mechanical Switches

While there’s a large variety of mechanical key switches being touted on the market, they generally fall into three categories: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky.
Linear switches are generally quiet and smooth, with no noticeable bump during a keystroke. These switches are excellent for people wanting the feel of a mechanical keyboard without all the hubbub. Common models include Red and Black switches.
On the other hand, Clicky switches are perfect for those who really want to hear when they type. These switches provide a loud click with each keystroke, accompanied by a bump during the keypress. If you want to feel like an old-timey writer about to write his magnum opus, these switches are for you. Popular models are Blue and Green.
If, like Buddha, you like to take the middle path, you should go for a Tactile switch. Not nearly as loud as a Clicky switch but not as quiet as a Linear one either, a Tactile switch is the perfect compromise for those wanting to hear those clicks without making their roommates/colleagues furious! The most popular model of this switch is the Brown switch.
Key Switch | Pros | Cons | Popular Models |
---|---|---|---|
Linear | Smooth key presses with a natural feel. Relatively quiet. | Lacks the characteristic clack of a mechanical keyboard. | Red and Black models. |
Clicky | Key presses are intentional and smooth. Provides a satisfying clack sound often associated with mechanical keyboards. | Some models have keys that are difficult to press to prevent stray keystrokes. | Blue and Green models are very popular. |
Tactile | Attempts to provide the best of both Clicky and Linear switches. | Compromise between the two switch types means that neither really shines. | The Brown model is very popular. |
Can Mechanical Key Switches Affect Gaming Performance?
When considering the impact a gaming keyboard (and its switch) may have on gaming, there are a few traits to remember. Let’s go over each in turn.
Actuation Point

In keyboard-speak, the actuation point refers to the distance the key needs to travel downwards before registering as a keypress on the computer. In essence, the actuation point refers to how hard it is to press a key. In this aspect, balance is key (pun intended). Keys should not be too easy to press, as a stray keystroke may spell trouble. Imagine if you are holding an angle in CSGO, and a stray keystroke causes you to incur movement inaccuracy and miss your shot!
At the same time, keys should not be too difficult to press either. We wouldn’t want you missing spells in DOTA 2 because you couldn’t press your buttons quickly enough! In this respect, a Tactile switch or a Linear switch such as the Brown, Red, and Black switches are a decent option. However, the difference is likely negligible and unlikely to manifest.
Response Time
As any avid gamer knows, response time matters a lot. Whether it is your own reaction time or server latency, time is of the essence when gaming. In this sense, a keyboard with a lower response time will provide some advantages, though its effects are likely trivial.
Apart from the abovementioned considerations, different key switches don’t introduce significant changes. Even the ones we can think of are so minor that they are unlikely to produce any tangible changes in performance. Still, we recommend a mechanical key switch over a rubber-dome-based keyboard any day!
Conclusion
While your gaming performance is unlikely to be impacted significantly by a snazzier gaming keyboard with fancy mechanical switches, the aesthetic improvements alone may be worth the cost. However, be wary of spending more in pursuit of improved performance!