Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
IC, your boards are great and unique. But stuff happens and I'm out a keyboard because one PCB failed and it is literally impossible to buy it.
Say you get this drop and don't join the drop for the Halo switches. What would you do if 3 of your switches died in 6 months? Input Club and MassDrop won't replace the switches and you can't buy Halos anywhere but during a drop.
But then I ask you what would you do if some of the switches on the typical mechanical keyboard from ducky/corsair/cm/razer etc. dies? Either begin soldering yourself voiding your warranty or send in a RMA. And why dont ever those big named corporations sell their keyboards in parts for you to freely choose? Because it will kill them in costs and logistics. And keeping amounts of spare parts results in inventory costs. They rather trash the RMA Keyboard after inspecting the problem and either refund or give you a new one instead of repairing it.
And what would you say about the Corsair and Cherry exclusive timed monopoly deal on their MX Speed switches? Complain that they won't sell you the switch too?