Optomechanical keyboard: what is it and how is it different from a mechanical one?

As for keyboards, we have been stuck in the same technology for many years and lately we are seeing innovative advances. The optomechanical keyboard is but one of the possible answers to the dilemma of how to improve the old mechanical switches and here we will see why.

But before we go through the bush, do you know what an optomechanical keyboard is? It sounds very similar to what many of us have, but what does that prefix 'opto-' mean?

Index of contents

What is an Optomechanical Keyboard?

Just as a mechanic is made up of switches of the same type, an optomechanician is nothing more than a keyboard mounted with optomechanical switches. It is worth mentioning that some people also call them optical switches and keyboards. It is for this reason that at first glance we cannot notice any changes.

Razer Optomechanical Keyboard Switches

The main difference between these two switches is how they send the data on whether the key is pressed or not. It is still a digital keyboard, that is, each key can only report whether it is active or not active (1 or 0) .

In general, optomechanical keyboards are slightly faster (not noticeable) , stronger and more durable than mechanical keyboards. In the other sections, we can not highlight any plus on the classic keyboards.

The chassis does not depend on the switches, so you can mount whatever you like such as multimedia buttons, LED displays, or macro keys. Neither the feel, nor the extra functionalities, nor the construction materials change.

What a user can notice with the naked eye is a change in their life expectancy, since the optomechanical switches have an average of 100 million pulses. If we compare it with traditional mechanics, we have about 50-70 million and in the best case 80.

Optomechanical switch

As we have already said, the main difference between switches lies in their method of making contact in the circuit. By pressing a key, the circuit is closed, it is activated and the information of the pressed key is sent, that is, a 1. Otherwise, the laser remains blocked and the signal remains at 0.

Functional diagram of classic switches

On mechanical keyboards, two pieces of metal were in contact and when one pushed the other, a click was generated (the recognizable sound of a mechanic) and the circuit was closed.

With optomechanical switch technology we no longer have metal parts, we have a laser sensor. When pressing the key, the laser that was blocked closes the circuit, then the system sends the information that the key has been pressed. Below we show you a little better with a gif.

Operating diagram of optomechanical switches

This brings several main benefits:

• Parts do not wear as much because no part exerts force or is touched by another (except the switch mechanism). The electrical signal is now a light signal, making it much more difficult to interrupt, while also being faster overall. The switches are not soldered to the PCB , so we could change them in case one of them breaks. We could also have keyboards with mixed switches. Partial resistance to liquids and dust, provided that the PCB board is prepared and insulated for it.

As you see, optomechanical keyboards will eventually replace the ones we currently have. They are more durable, faster and more difficult to break, so you can only wait to see when other companies embark on this new jungle.

However, if you are already thinking about changing your peripheral, you have several optomechanical keyboards on the market.

Razer Huntsman / Huntsman Elite

The Razer Huntsman is the first optomechanical keyboard from the Singaporean brand. It is a very simple peripheral, but very well designed.

One of the attractions of Razer Optomechanical Switches is that they carry, what they call, a stabilizer bar. This metal bar supports the switch so that the keystroke actuates the switch no matter where on the key it has been pressed. This will help especially in space and for users with a tendency to misuse buttons.

It does not have any special key to control multimedia and other sections. However, this is solved by good Razer Synapse software . With this application, we can create macros on any key and to the user's liking, in addition to customizing the RGB and other functions.

Also, the sound controls, multimedia etc. They will be implemented in the second key layer, that is, you will have to press them next to the Fn key. Most of them are conglomerates in row F1-F12.

Finally, comment that it is in Classic Black, Rose Quartz and White Mercury and there is a slightly more expensive version called Huntsman Elite. This version brings small adjustments, a palm rest and some multimedia controls in the upper right corner.

Razer Huntsman Elite - Keyboard with Enhanced Opto Mechanical Switches, Spanish QWERTY, Black Razer Optomechanical Switches for fast operation; Optical drive to maximize your APM with a quick entry 189, 99 EUR

Mars Gaming MK6

This keyboard usually goes more unnoticed than its optomechanical brothers, although it is a similar and equally interesting iteration as the others.

Mars Gaming MK6 keyboard

The Mars Gaming keyboard gives us everything we need from a full keyboard with optical switch technology. It has an attractive silkscreen with a good gaming design and good lighting around the entire body. The lighting (of course) is RGB and we can control its behavior through the brand's software, mainly.

Like the Razer Huntsman and most trending keyboards, we lack multimedia keys. In return, these will be on the F1-F12 key line, from where we will have to use them when pressing them next to the Fn button .

On the other hand, we will have small details of the brand such as an ergonomic plastic palm rest or a modest cable management system. We have to comment that we can acquire them the three typical colors of switches, that is, Blue, Brown and Red.

Although without a doubt, the most attractive point of this optomechanical keyboard is its price. For a fairly low cost that many can afford, we will have a high quality keyboard with new generation switches.

Mars Gaming MK6, optical-mechanical keyboard, Dual Chroma RGB LED, blue Total Antighosting switch, braided cable and gold plated usb 51, 99 EUR

ASUS TUF GAMING K7

Finally, we talk about the ASUS TUF GAMING K7, a keyboard that has hit the market not too long ago and that encompasses the idea of ​​a quality gaming keyboard quite well.

ASUS TUF GAMING K7 keyboard

The TUF GAMING K7 has a similar approach to the Mars Gaming that we have seen previously. It lacks any type of multimedia keys, as it focuses on the central and important part of the keyboard, which has RGB lighting.

As a relevant section, the brand offers us IP56 resistance with which the keyboard becomes strong against dust and splashes. Here, ASUS TUF boasts the features that these switches are capable of.

On the other hand, it has a very soft magnetic wrist rest , since it is made of memory foam. Unlike other plastic ones, this one feels more like a pillow.

Finally, note that everything is supported by the Armory II software, which includes Aura Sync and many other functions. Among them, we can see the recording of macros on the fly and the use of a small integrated memory of the device to exchange profiles.

Comfort Zone New formula

Final words on the optomechanical keyboard

Everything seems to indicate that the optomechanical keyboards will end up replacing the current mechanics. They are better and stronger and really are not more expensive (we already checked with Mars Gaming).

Without a doubt, it is a fairly safe choice in terms of quality, although the problem is that we currently have few brands that offer this technology. If you are looking for variety or some differentiating feature, right now you will not find much to trust, but if you are just looking for a new keyboard, you can already enter the ring.

The most complete model, currently, is the Razer Huntsman Elite, which is quite famous for networks. However, you will also have to pay a good amount for it. Our personal recommendation, if you want to try an optomechanical keyboard, is that you go for Mars Gaming. It has a complete format, good design and the brand has experience in the field.

Until this becomes standard, we may have to wait about 5 or 7 years. Meanwhile, other companies have been betting on other technologies such as Hall effect switches on Wooting or SteelSeries keyboards.

Undoubtedly, we are facing some very interesting years for the world of peripherals, although more for that of mechanical keyboards.

We recommend reading the best keyboards on the market

What do you think of optomechanical keyboards? Will you make the change when you buy a new keyboard? Tell us your ideas below, in the comment box.