The Costly Truth Behind Mechanical Switches

As a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, you may have noticed that mechanical switches are often more expensive than their membrane counterparts. But have you ever wondered why? In this post, we will explore the reasons behind the high cost of mechanical switches.

Firstly, mechanical switches are made up of more components than membrane switches. Each switch consists of a housing, stem, spring, and contact points. The manufacturing process for these components is more complex and requires higher precision, which drives up the production cost.

Secondly, the materials used in mechanical switches are of higher quality than those used in membrane switches. For example, the stem and housing are typically made of durable plastics such as PBT or ABS, while the contact points are made of gold-plated metal. These materials are more expensive than the plastics and metals used in membrane switches.

Thirdly, mechanical switches are designed to last longer than membrane switches. They are rated for tens of millions of keystrokes, while membrane switches typically have a lifespan of only a few million keystrokes. This longevity is achieved through the use of higher quality materials and a more robust design, which again drives up the cost.

Lastly, the demand for mechanical switches is relatively low compared to membrane switches. This means that manufacturers cannot achieve the same economies of scale as they can with membrane switches, which further increases the cost per unit.

In conclusion, the high cost of mechanical switches can be attributed to their complex manufacturing process, high-quality materials, robust design, and low demand. However, for those who value the tactile feedback, durability, and customization options that mechanical switches offer, the extra cost may be worth it.