Nowadays, the mechanical keyboard has become the best type of keyboard to use because of its useful features and performance. However, these keyboards are more expensive compared to normal keyboards or membrane keyboards. So, it can be a hard choice for you to decide to purchase it because you don’t know whether it is worth it or not, and how long mechanical keyboards last.
How Long Can Mechanical Keyboards Last?
Normally, mechanical keyboards can last up to 10 to 15 years if you use them every day. Thus, they can last much longer if you use them less than the average usage.
According to the manufacturers, mechanical switches are rated for 50+ million keystrokes, which means they can stand for years under heavy use. In addition, you can replace or repair broken parts, which will easily expand the mechanical keyboard lifespan even longer.
The build quality of your keyboard is also important, an expensive one usually lasts longer than a cheaper one.
In this article, we will explain what makes mechanical keyboards more durable than others and give you a list of parts that can be repaired to improve the longevity of your mechanical keyboard.
Why Do Mechanical Keyboards Last for So Long?
For various reasons, mechanical keyboards can last quite a long time. Below is the list of why:
High Durability:
Mechanical keyboards have high durability. Every component of them is made of high-quality materials, which is a major reason why mechanical keyboards are much better than normal ones.
We all know that switches are the most used part of a keyboard. Each switch can take 50 million clicks. And some premium ones, like Cherry MX switches, can take up to 100 million keystrokes per switch.
Let’s say that a normal person can type 40 WPM (word per minute). They will hit 50 million keystrokes in 20833 hours, which is 2.4 years.
To reach that point, you will have to constantly type for 2.4 straight years, with no breaks. So, you don’t need to worry about its durability even under heavy use.
Besides, you can replace the broken switch with a new one. It can be done easily if you have a hot-swappable keyboard. If not, you will have to use the solder kit to remove and attach it back.
Long Lifespan:
As mentioned above, a mechanical keyboard can last up to 10 to 15 years. Note that durability is different from lifespan.
Durability decides how long each part of a mechanical keyboard lasts in heavy usage conditions. Lifespan decides how long it lasts, like a whole machine.
So, if you put your keyboard under heavy use, it can last 10 years. Otherwise, you can expect 15 years or more.
In fact, a lot of keyboards are still working flawlessly after 20+ years.
Aluminum Case:
Most premium mechanical keyboards offer an aluminum case that is very helpful in protecting them from external environments such as high temperatures, dust, and moisture.
It can also protect you from electric shocks and provide earth conductance, which makes mechanical keyboards electrically stable.
Which parts can be replaced to increase the durability?
Although all the components of a mechanical keyboard are made of high-quality materials, they can break accidentally for many reasons.
But this can be easily solved by replacing broken parts, all thanks to the fact that manufacturers offer replaceable parts to them.
You can replace almost all the parts of the keyboard, whether it is to repair or to upgrade, or even add extra functionality to the keyboard. Here is the list of replaceable components:
- Keycaps: You can use a switch puller to easily remove the keycaps and replace with others.
- Switches: Can be replaced easily if your keyboard supports hot-swappable. If not, a solder kit is required to do the job, but it’s not too hard regardless.
- Stabilizers: This part helps your wider buttons more stable.
- LED lights
- Case
- Power cable
- PCB board
How to Increase the Lifespan of Mechanical Keyboards?
You need to maintain your keyboard by cleaning it regularly to make it last a long time. It somewhat depends on the surrounding environment when using your keyboard to clean it daily or every month.
You will need to keep cleaning your mechanical keyboard if you like to have food and drinks next to your keyboard. This will help your keyboard last for years. It only takes a few minutes for this regular maintenance, so don’t worry if you don’t have much spare time.
Make sure that you unplug the keyboard before cleaning.
- You can use a handheld vacuum to clean the dirt under the keycaps. If possible, you should use an anti-static vacuum.
- Next, use a microfiber rag to quickly clean the case and the sides of the keys. The fabric should be slightly moist.
- After using cloth to dry the keys and case, you can plugin the keyboard and use it normally.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that mechanical keyboards last a very long time. 50-100 million keystrokes are only the start of the equation. You can further prolong the lifespan with many optional upgrades.
These keyboards are specifically designed in such a way that they can be easily repaired if damaged. Broken parts can be replaceable with ease.
Mechanical keyboards are designed with the highest standards, and thus they are of the highest quality and worth the price.
Hopefully, this article will help you answer your question and enjoy your amazing mechanical keyboard.
