Keyboards, although they perform the same function, are very different from each other. The main difference is the keystroke mechanism, which determines the durability and tactile sensations when working. In this regard, the leading position is occupied by scissor keyboards. The principle of operation of such devices is based on the action of membrane keyboards. Therefore, they cannot be considered separately.
Scissor and membrane keyboards
The vast majority of computer keyboards are equipped with a membrane keypress mechanism. It is a small silicone dome-shaped cap, turned upside down, which is mounted on the back of the key and is located directly above the three-layer membrane. When pressed, the contacts are closed, and a certain set of signals is transmitted to the computer. The reverse movement of the key occurs due to the elastic forces arising in the silicone cap.
The scissor keyboard, which has a scissor mechanism in its design, should be assigned to a separate category. As in the keyboard with gaskets-caps, contact closure occurs when the walls of the three-layer membrane come into contact, but just plastic “scissors” are responsible for holding the key in the designated place. The introduction of this mechanism in the design of keyboards significantly improved their characteristics.
Principle of operation
Structurally, the scissor keyboard keys are plastic “caps” that have half-cylindrical grooves connecting them to the scissor mechanism. The lower edge of such “caps” is in contact with a plastic cap, but is not rigidly connected with it, as, for example, in classic membrane keyboards. Silicone caps “cover” a three-layer membrane.
When the button on the keyboard is pressed all the way, the silicone cap presses on the upper layer of the membrane, pushes it through a special hole in the lower layer, resulting in a short circuit that sends a signal to the computer.
Unlike conventional membrane devices, scissor keyboard keys are constantly in a “suspended” state: miniature “scissors” pull the keys down, and the membrane pushes it up. Thanks to this “confrontation”, a small effort is enough to trigger.
Scissor Key Benefits
Any keyboard is characterized by several indicators: the response force, the volume of the sound produced when the sound is pressed, the service life and the course of the key, that is, the distance the button should “fail” to send a PC signal.
Scissor keyboards practically do not differ in response force from devices only with silicone caps. Depending on the brand of the manufacturer, it ranges from 25 to 100 grams / force, but on average this figure is in the range of 60-80 grams.
The main advantage of scissor keyboards is an extended service life. If the keys of a classic membrane device are capable of “overpowering” only up to 1 million keystrokes, then the buttons on the keyboard with “scissors” withstand at least 5 million operations. When using high-quality materials in the manufacture of this figure increases to 10 million.
The stroke length of the “scissor” keys is usually in the range of 1-2.5 mm, which is 1.5-3.0 mm less than the classic membrane keyboards. This reduces the percentage of jammed keys and their failure when pressed to zero.
Disadvantages of scissor keyboards
The main disadvantage of scissor keyboards is the complicated construction compared to membrane devices: here the keys are much more stationary. In addition, in the cross-plastic frames “like” to get stuck hairs, fibers of tissues, which are then very difficult to remove.
At the same time, the scissor keyboard, due to the better fit of the buttons to each other, is less prone to dust pollution.
The second insignificant minus can be called the noise level emitted during operation. Less silicone in the key design reduces cushioning, which makes you hear the sound of the buttons touching the keyboard base. In addition, due to the less elasticity of the rubber caps, a characteristic click appears when the key is returned to its original position. Membrane keyboards work absolutely silently.
Who should use the scissor keyboard?
The scissor keyboard, due to the less effort required to trigger the keys, is best suited to people whose profession is associated with typing voluminous texts - copywriters, typesetters and all those who type on the keyboard several tens of thousands of characters daily. At the same time, the load on the hands during operation with such a device will be significantly lower than with a mechanical keyboard.
If you are an ordinary office worker, secretary, or occasionally like to play computer games in the evening, then it makes sense to look at membrane types. Due to the low price, it is available to everyone, at the same time, its resource is enough for a long time.
For cybersportsmen, gamers and people who are seriously involved in video games, a scissor keyboard is not suitable - there is a risk of accidental operation of the keys. For this category of people, mechanical devices will be the best option.
Scissor Keyboard Manufacturers
Among the variety of devices to choose the truly worthwhile is really difficult. And among the popular manufacturers of keyboards with a scissor mechanism it is worth highlighting:
- A4Tech is a Chinese company manufacturing high-quality peripherals for PCs, attention should be paid to the models KV-300H, KX-5MU, KX-6MU and KX-100;
- Dialog - the oldest organization operating in Russia, mainly specializes in audio devices, among keyboards look at copies of KP-112, KP-113 and KP-114;
- Gigabyte - Taiwanese manufacturer of computer equipment, recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of professional gaming accessories. When choosing devices, pay attention to the model GK-K7100.
When choosing, you need to focus on the purpose of the keyboard, as well as on the sensations obtained when you press the keys - do not be afraid to try. And remember - if during the test the keyboard with the scissor mechanism of the keys bothers you with something, then it's better to abandon it, because you will have to work for it for more than a dozen hours.