What are the main parts of a mechanical keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard is a keyboard that uses mechanical switches. It is different from a traditional membrane keyboard in terms of key structure and touch. This article will explain the basic structure of a mechanical keyboard.

Composition of mechanical keyboard

AULA F98 PRO Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Mechanical keyboard mainly consists of the following six parts:

1. Keycap: The keycap is the outermost part of a mechanical keyboard and is usually made of plastic. The keycap is marked with characters or icons to indicate the function of the key.

2. Shaft: The shaft is the most important part of a mechanical keyboard. It is located under the keycap and is responsible for converting key operations into electrical signals. Mechanical keyboards use different types of shafts, such as blue shaft, red shaft, brown shaft, etc. Each shaft has a unique trigger force, trigger sound, and trigger method.

3. Spring: The spring is located inside the shaft and restores the key to its original state by providing elastic force. When the key is pressed, the spring is compressed, and when the key is released, the elastic force of the spring causes the key to bounce. The material and strength of the spring will affect the rebound force and feel of the key.

4. Key shaft: The key shaft is the part that connects the keycap and the shaft body. It realizes key triggering by transferring force between the keycap and the shaft body. The key shaft is usually made of plastic or metal, which has certain durability and stability.

5. Circuit board: The circuit board of the mechanical keyboard carries the circuit and chip of the keyboard and is responsible for transmitting the key trigger signal to the computer. The circuit board may also contain other functional components, such as LED lights, encoders, etc.

6. Shell: The shell is the protective structure of the mechanical keyboard, usually made of plastic material. The shell protects the internal components of the keyboard and provides a comfortable feel and appearance design.

The basic structure of a mechanical keyboard gives it many advantages, such as precise triggering, obvious key feedback, high durability, etc. Different types of mechanical keyboards may differ in structure and touch, so users can choose a suitable mechanical keyboard according to their needs.