PCB Technical - Introduction to mechanical keyboard PCB

A mechanical keyboard PCB is so precise with special tactile feedback that it allows you to have super fast and precise execution of each click, and in its duration longer than any other keyboard by such a type of keyboard.Due to its unique architecture,incredible durability and ultra-fast responsiveness,its demand is growing every day.

Depending on the switch, there are usually two types of computer keyboards.The first is a PCB substrate membrane keyboard, which is easily available in the market,which is why it is used in all situations.The other is a mechanical keyboard.Currently,there is no substitute for gaming mice and mechanical keyboards for gamers.Many people are interested in using mechanical keyboards for all reasons such as response time,build quality,appearance and RGB.Since it is not like a traditional keyboard,its price is higher than that of a normal keyboard.Mechanical keyboards are now widely used by gamers,but now many content creators use mechanical keyboards.In games or typing,the mechanical keyboard brings a new typing experience.However, depending on the price, brand and type of switch,the fun of using a mechanical keyboard is different.Moreover,if there are RGB LEDs on the keyboard,you can change the color of the keys as needed. 

Mechanical keyboards are usually made of printed circuit boards and switches.Metal objects and springs are used inside the switch.When two metal objects touch the key,the key is registered. Since the mechanical keys are located on the printed circuit board,if the switch does not work,the switch can be replaced.One of the main differences between keyboard pcb and membrane keyboards is that,unlike mechanical keyboards,they do not have separate key switches.Place the rubber dome on top of the film sheet to register it on the keyboard when the key is pressed.

Design Process

The design process of keyboard PCB board includes four stages: schematic design, PCB layout design, PCB alignment design and board production. Among them, the schematic design is the basis of the keyboard PCB design, which involves the overall structure of the circuit, the signal transmission path and the connection of the components, etc. PCB layout design focuses on considering the spatial layout of the PCB board and the placement of components, etc., and should also consider the signal transmission distance and the need for signal impedance control.PCB alignment design is mainly to solve the problem of the signal transmission path and the way of wiring, need to pay attention to the overall direction of the signal and signal level division. PCB alignment design mainly solves the orientation of the signal transmission path and wiring mode, need to pay attention to the overall direction of the signal and signal level division. In the production stage, the quality of PCB boards needs to be tested and controlled, and test keyboards or other devices need to be assembled.

Component Layout

Component layout is a key step in keyboard PCB design, which determines the relationship between components and the reliability of signal transmission. Usually, the input and output ports and power and ground pins are arranged at both ends of the PCB board, which is conducive to the balance of signal transmission. In addition, for complex keyboard PCB boards, a modular layout should be used to divide the entire board into multiple functional modules to facilitate subsequent testing and maintenance.

Signal Impedance Control

Signal impedance control is one of the key technologies to stabilize and improve the transmission performance of the keyboard PCB board. Usually, in order to ensure signal quality and transmission effect, the signal impedance needs to be matched and controlled. For example, in the design of high-speed USB interface, the differential signal impedance needs to be stabilized at about 90 ohms to ensure the stability and reliability of high-speed data transmission.

Electromagnetic compatibility design

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) refers to the circuit board design to take into account the power supply noise, radiated noise, scattered interference and other issues to ensure that electronic equipment in a variety of operating conditions can work properly and not interfere with other equipment. In the design of the keyboard PCB board, you need to pay attention to the signal lines and power lines as far as possible to separate the arrangement, while as far as possible grounding and isolation of interference sources to ensure the correctness of the signal and the stability of the keyboard.

From the keyboard PCB board design principles and technical points of view, the design process, component layout, signal impedance control and electromagnetic compatibility design are indispensable key technologies and steps in the design of the keyboard PCB board. Only under the guidance of these techniques and steps can we develop high-quality, stable and reliable keyboard PCB boards, so as to realize better user experience and application value.

Factors to consider when building a mechanical keyboard circuit board:

1. Circuit layout

Circuit layout is a core factor in mechanical keyboard circuit board design.A proper layout optimizes signal transmission, reduces interference, and improves overall performance. The design should consider the distance between each component, as well as their relationship with the power supply and grounding to ensure stable signal transmission and the reliability of the electrical connections.

2. Material selection

The choice of materials is crucial when making a high-quality mechanical keyboard circuit board. For example, the number of layers and material of the PCB will affect the reliability and durability of the board. Commonly used materials such as FR-4 are widely used for their superior electrical insulation properties and mechanical strength.

3. Compatibility

When designing a circuit board, compatibility with mechanical switches needs to be ensured. Mechanical switches usually have different types of legs and the board design should take these different types into account to ensure a seamless connection. Additionally, the board needs to be compatible with interfaces to computers or other devices that support multiple operating systems and feedback mechanisms.

4. Functionality

Functionality is an important factor in the user experience, such as macro programming, lighting control and media key support. The microcontroller in the board needs to have the ability to handle these additional functions in order to enhance the overall performance and ease of use of the keyboard.

5. Stability and Durability

High-quality PCB design should focus on improving stability and durability, which can be realized through rational circuit design and high-quality materials. The PCB design should be able to withstand the physical impact and environmental changes during long time usage to reduce the failure rate. Special attention should be paid to the robustness of the soldering and connections to prevent components from loosening due to vibration or other external factors.

6. Thermal Design

Under high load conditions, the board may generate heat, so the thermal design is also a factor that should not be ignored. Heat dissipation channels and materials should be considered to prevent overheating from affecting the performance of the keyboard.

For mechanical keyboard PCB,there are 3 types of keyboard switches:Linear,touch,Clicky.

These three types of switches have some unique characteristics, called the color of the switch.

Linear: Black Cherry MX, Red MX, Linear Gray MX, Logitech R G

Touch: Cherry MX brown, MX transparent, MX tactile, razor orange GT

Click "Switch": Razor Cherry MX blue, MX green, MX white and chroma green GT.

This is Logitech's Cherry, and Razor is the brand of the switch manufacturer. One of the most popular is Cherry MX Switch. Cherry is a company located in Germany. Many Chinese switch manufacturers also manufacture mechanical switches in the form of Cherry MX switches. For example,Otemu, Gritech, GETRON, etc. Most importantly, there are now optical mechanical switches that feel similar to mechanical keyboards, and keyboards claim to have faster response times.However,depending on the name of the switch, the switch will be clickable, muted or tactile. In most cases, we say that the toggle click refers to the blue switch. When typing on the keyboard,the click sound provides a comfortable feeling. Tactile switches usually don't click, but they do have tactile feedback. Like Cherry MX Brown or Razor Orange Switch. On the other hand,linear switches are very quiet, and there is no click or feedback like linear switches. Like Cherry MX Black and MX Red, in the early 1970s, the IBM keyboard was one of the first keyboards known for its capacitive sensor beam spring switch. In the past, on the keyboard, capacitive sensing technology is similar to touch screen technology. It works exactly the same as the touch screen, but there is a small pad under the switch under the finger, which can simulate your finger instead of using your finger directly. Touch the screen. To increase electrode capacitance. 

In the end,this technology gave way. The way the beam spring behaves is unique.When pressed, some internal parts will reverse and rise. The keyboard feels almost like using a typewriter. The real goal of developing something that makes people feel like a real typewriter. Because at that time most people were familiar with the sound and nose of a typewriter. The keyboard is beautiful because it has two keystrokes, a separate space bar and a huge weight of 10 pounds. Her voice is louder than that of the IBM model. It also uses a solenoid that triggers with every click, making a louder noise and giving a more printed feel. However, the size and weight of this keyboard are very large and impractical. Moreover, it is very expensive, in 1970 its price was 1,500 US dollars, according to today's market price is 8,000 US dollars. IBM has been producing some of the best keyboards for decades, and the Model F switch is one of the best. The main goal is to provide the same typewriter feel in a more compact size frame at a lower cost, and this method has been successful. 

Nowadays,professional typewriters prefer the mechanical keyboard pcb,because in the membrane keyboard, it is likely to fall when you press it.This means that you think you have pressed it,but you cannot use it because the membrane cannot touch the keys.There are great possibilities in the keyboard.If you click the switch,it will definitely respond due to its unique mechanism.

How mechanical keyboard pcb board affects the response speed of the keyboard

Circuit design: a good circuit design can ensure that the key signals are not interfered with in the transmission process, reduce signal attenuation and delay, thus improving the response speed of the keyboard. At the same time, a reasonable circuit design can also reduce the power consumption of the keyboard to extend the service life.

Material Selection: High-quality materials have better conductivity and stability, which can ensure that the key signal in the transmission process to maintain high speed and stability.

Manufacturing process: advanced manufacturing process can ensure that the pcb board lines and solder joints more fine and solid, thus improving the reliability and responsiveness of the keyboard. The manufacturing process also affects the size and weight of the pcb board, which further affects the overall performance of the keyboard.

How to improve the responsiveness of a mechanical keyboard

Choose a high-quality mechanical keyboard pcb board: a high-quality pcb board can ensure the fast transmission of key signals and stability, thus improving the response speed of the keyboard. When buying a mechanical keyboard, you need to pay attention to the brand and manufacturing process of the pcb board, and choose a reputable brand and advanced manufacturing process.

Maintain a good use of the environment: mechanical keyboards need to avoid being affected by humidity, dust and other environmental factors during use. These factors may cause the wiring and solder joints on the pcb board to be damaged or aged, thus affecting the responsiveness of the keyboard. Therefore, we need to keep the keyboard clean and dry and avoid exposing it to harsh environments.

Regular maintenance and cleaning: Mechanical keyboards need to be cleaned and maintained after a period of use. We can use professional cleaners and tools to clean and maintain the keyboard to ensure the proper functioning of the pcb board and other components. In addition, we also need to regularly check whether the keys of the keyboard are sensitive, whether the connection is firm, etc. to ensure the performance and reliability of the keyboard.

Mechanical keyboard pcb as one of the core components of the keyboard, its performance directly affects the keyboard's responsiveness and use experience. Therefore, we need to pay attention to the material, design and manufacturing process of the pcb board and other factors, choose a high-quality mechanical keyboard pcb  and maintain a good use of the environment and use of habits, in order to improve the responsiveness and service life of the keyboard.