The Four Major Types of Keyboard Switches

Keyboards are commonplace in today’s society, from computers to industrial machines to keypads for door closures and security locks. Now there are a number of different keyboard switch types, each is ideal for a different application or environment. There are four major types of keyboard switches, dome switch, scissor switch, mechanical switch and buckling spring switch. Each of these types has their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Dome Switch: Dome switches are a combination of mechanical and membrane switches. A membrane switch consists of a membrane that is pressed onto a circuit board which is connected to a circuit that performs and action. Dome switches contain a small, flexible dome that is placed above each key that touches the circuit. A dome switch keypad typically has a membrane over the dome in order to keep the keypad protected.

Scissor Switch: This version of keypad is a more complicated version of the dome switch as it has a scissor like joint underneath the key; this scissor switch presses a rubber dome quickly and efficiently. This makes a scissor switch keyboard able to be small as they require less space between each key, which allows the keyboard to stay cleaner as debris has a harder time to get in between the keys.

Mechanical Switch: Mechanical switch keyboards are consider the original forms of keyboard switches. Each key in a mechanical keyboard has its own switch right under the key. This makes each key less likely to fail but also adds time in the manufacturing process. They are slowly being phased out for more keyboards that are more efficient to make.

Buckling Spring Switch: The other original when it comes to keyboards, the buckling spring switch is used in old typewriters as each key as its very own hammer which hits the key and causes the key to engage. While it may not be the most efficient process each key press results in a satisfying sound and indentation.