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Mechanical switch technology dates back to the typewriters of the 1870s, but the modern era started with IBM's Selectric in 1961 and the iconic Model M in 1984. Cherry patented their MX switch family in 1983 - the same switches still used today. The enthusiast hobby as we know it took off around 2010, driven by online communities and the rise of custom builds.

The IBM Model M (1984) used buckling spring switches mounted on a steel backplate inside a thick PVC shell. The result: a keyboard that weighed over 2 kg, produced a distinctive loud clack, and was built to last decades. Many original units still work perfectly today. It set the standard for tactile feedback and build quality that the entire enthusiast community still references.

Over 200 distinct switch variants are documented across manufacturers. They all fall into three categories: linear (smooth keystroke, no bump), tactile (physical bump at actuation point), and clicky (bump plus audible click). The major brands are Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and Topre. Each brand offers dozens of force and travel variations targeting gaming, typing, and silent office use.

Reviews of keyboards we own are based on extended real-world use: typing, gaming, sound and daily use across different operating systems. Buying guides and comparisons also draw on manufacturer specifications, independent measurements and long-term feedback from the enthusiast community, and we aim to make clear which is which.

No. Our editorial content is completely independent. Some articles contain affiliate links (clearly disclosed), which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links - but this never influences our ratings or recommendations. We buy most products ourselves.