How long does a mechanical keyboard last? Mechanical keyboards, known for their durability, can last up to 100 million keystrokes, depending on their quality. That's a lot of typing and gaming! However, their longevity can vary based on how you use and maintain them. So, if you’re aiming to make your keyboard last even longer, we’ve got some tips and tricks to keep your typing companion in top shape.
Mechanical keyboards typically last between 10 to 15 years, withstanding 50 to 100 million key presses. This lifespan applies to moderate to heavy usage, including gaming. With light use, they can last up to 18 - 20 years.
High-quality switches like Cherry MX are rated for 100 million keystrokes, while some brands like Kailh and Logitech claim up to 100 million, potentially extending lifespan to 20 years or more. This durability significantly outperforms membrane keyboards, which are typically rated for only 5 million keystrokes. Additional features like RGB lighting may have a shorter lifespan, usually 6 - 8 years with heavy use.
It's important to note that actual longevity can vary based on usage patterns, environmental factors, and maintenance. Proper care can significantly extend a keyboard's life beyond these estimates.
| Type of keyboards | Low Usage | Moderate Usage | Heavy Usage |
| Mechanical keyboard | 18 - 20 Years | 14 - 16 Years | 10 - 15 Years |
| Membrane keyboard | 10 - 20 years | 5 - 10 years | 1 - 5 years |
| Chiclet keyboards | 5 - 10 years | 3 - 5 years | 1 - 3 years |
Curious about why membrane keyboards have a shorter lifespan compared to mechanical ones? Read our in-depth comparison between Membrane vs Mechanical keyboard and discover the differences!
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Mechanical keyboards are intended to be more durable than regular membrane keyboards. With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality mechanical keyboard can last a long time. The longevity can also be determined by factors such as usage frequency, typing patterns, and the quality of the keyboard's construction. Some mechanical keyboards come with warranties, indicating that the manufacturer is confident in their durability.
The keyboard's overall structure and materials can have a big impact on how long it lasts. Keyboards made of premium materials with sturdy construction, such as premium plastic and metal, should last longer.
The quality of the USB connector or cable significantly impacts keyboard durability. Modern mechanical keyboards often use USB-A, USB-C, and PS/2 connectors. USB-C is praised for its robustness and reversibility, while PS/2 connectors are known for reliable connections and low latency, ideal for gamers.
Strong, well-designed connectors resist wear and prevent connectivity issues, ensuring a longer lifespan for your keyboard.
Keycap material significantly impacts the lifespan of a keyboard. It can be a crucial factor in protecting the keyboard against abrasion. High-quality keycap materials ensure a more durable and aesthetically pleasing keyboard, contributing to its overall longevity.
Keycaps made from PBT are known for their durability and resistance to wear and shine, making them longer-lasting compared to ABS keycaps, which tend to wear out more quickly and develop a glossy appearance with prolonged use.
Besides PBT and ABS, there are also a lot of keycap materials out there that might make you overwhelmed. Our ultimate guide to choosing the best keycap materials will make it a breeze to find your perfect match.
The quality of the switches is one of the most important factors that will determine the lifespan of a mechanical keyboard. High-quality switches like the Cherry MX or Gateron are made from durable materials and can withstand millions of keystrokes. Lower-quality switches may not be as durable and may start to wear out after a few years of use.
Most switches come with 3 types: linear, tactile, and clicky. But how do these differ, and which one will last longer? Check this post, we will give you a full comparison among them.
The frequency of use will also have a significant impact on the lifespan of a mechanical keyboard. If you use your keyboard heavily every day, it will wear out more quickly than a keyboard that is only used occasionally. Regular use may also cause wear-and-tear problems such as switch degradation and keycap fading.
When it comes to the lifespan of mechanical keyboards, manufacturer reputation plays a crucial role. Well-known brands like Cherry MX, Razer, and Ducky have built their reputations on producing high-quality, durable keyboards. These companies invest heavily in quality control and rigorous testing, which often translates to a longer-lasting product.
The durability claims from some manufacturers can be quite impressive. For instance, Razer boasts that their Huntsman Elite can withstand a whopping 100 million keystrokes – theoretically lasting 195 years! Not to be outdone, SteelSeries and HyperX claim their APEX M750 and Alloy Elite models will endure 50 million keystrokes, or about 97 years of use.
However, these figures are typically derived from controlled laboratory tests and don't account for real-world conditions. Factors like dust, spills, and regular wear and tear in homes and offices can significantly reduce a keyboard's lifespan.
While a good manufacturer reputation often indicates quality and durability, it's important to remember that no keyboard will last forever. The actual lifespan will depend on usage patterns, maintenance, and environmental factors.
Another factor that may shorten your keyboard's life is your typing technique. Heavy users, such as avid typists or gamers who play fast-paced games like Call of Duty or strategy-heavy titles like League of Legends, may cause switches and keycaps to wear out more quickly than users with a lighter touch.
The lifespan of a keyboard can be affected by various environmental factors, such as dust, moisture, and high temperatures, which can exacerbate wear and tear. Adverse weather conditions have the potential to deteriorate materials and compromise overall functionality.
Proper maintenance can also help extend the lifespan of your mechanical keyboard. This includes cleaning your keyboard regularly and replacing worn-out keycaps.
Here are some signs that it might be time to replace your aging keyboard:
If you notice that keys either repeat unintentionally or fail to register a single press, it indicates wear or mechanical issues within the switches.
When keys feel mushy or unresponsive and no longer provide the satisfying click or bounce you’re accustomed to, the switches may be degrading.
You can easily notice visible wear such as cracked or missing keycaps, frayed cables, or other physical damage that impairs functionality and performance. Additionally, internal components can also easily suffer lasting damage from spills, drops, or accidents.
Finally, mechanical keyboards wear out over time based on how much they’re used. It's time to consider replacing your keyboard if you notice issues like key chatter, a decrease in tactile feedback, or visible physical damage.
If you're on a tight budget and not ready to buy a new mechanical keyboard, then check out 12 tips to extend the lifespan of your mechanical keyboard below.
Regular cleaning can significantly prolong your keyboard's lifespan by preventing dust, dirt, and debris from accumulating inside and around the keys.
Basic dust cleaning should be done 2 – 3 times a week, while one should thoroughly clean their keyboards once every two to three months. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the keyboard. Alternatively, you can use compressed air to blow out any dust from between the keys. Avoid using harsh chemicals or liquids, as these can damage the keycaps and switches.
Handling your keyboard with care can prevent physical damage and wear for internal components, helping your keyboard stay in top condition for a longer period. Avoid dropping or knocking on your keyboard. When transporting your keyboard, use a protective case or bag to prevent it from getting bumped or scratched.
Keeping your firmware up-to-date helps maintain smooth operation and can address potential issues before they cause significant damage, thus prolonging the overall life of your keyboard. You can follow these steps to update firmware:
If you're not using the keyboard, consider covering it to protect it from dust. Spills, dust, and debris are all prevented by a cover. It is especially helpful in settings where there may be hazards present for the keyboard.
Regular battery replacement for wireless keyboards guarantees continuous operation and guards against power-related problems. For a more environmentally friendly option, choose rechargeable batteries instead.
A robust metal casing can protect and dissipate heat. In addition, aluminum cases offer protection and durability. They increase the keyboard's overall lifespan by protecting it from physical damage. However, metal casings are heavier, less portable, and more expensive than plastic. Not to mention, they can also scratch and dent more easily, affecting their appearance over time.
Using a high-quality replacement cable can help maintain a solid power connection, lowering the chance of connectivity problems. You should replace it if the cable is frayed, damaged, or causing connectivity issues. Follow these steps:
Furthermore, if your keyboard is damaged, avoid putting pressure on the cable and use a clamp or cable holder to avoid damaging the USB connector.
Water can harm electronic components. Precautions can help avert potential injury, such as using a spill-proof keyboard and keeping liquids away. In the event of an inadvertent spillage of water on your keyboard, promptly unplug it, flip it over, and allow it to air dry.
Are you clumsy and spilling water everywhere, including on the keyboard? Luckily, these 10 best waterproof mechanical keyboards will save you.
Extreme temperatures can also damage your keyboard. Avoid storing or make yoủ mechanical keyboard getting hot or cold. Ideally, keep your keyboard in a temperature range of 50 - 80°F (10 - 27°C) for optimal performance and longevity. For gaming keyboards, which can heat up during intense sessions, consider using a cooling pad or placing it in a well-ventilated area to help manage temperature and prevent overheating.
Lubing the switches and stabilizers can reduce friction between the moving parts and minimize wear and tear. This helps the switches and stabilizers last longer. It also prevents dust and debris from building up inside, which can lead to mechanical issues or sticky keys. Additionally, well-lubed switches provide smoother keystrokes and prevent key chatter, ensuring a consistent typing experience.
If you don't know how to lube or film switches, check out these articles:
Over time, keycaps can become worn, cracked, or faded. Worn-out keycaps can cause uneven pressure on switches and expose them to dust, accelerating wear and reducing the keyboard's lifespan.
If this happens, you should replace them with new keycaps. This will not only improve the appearance of your keyboard but also extend its lifespan. You can go for durable keycap materials like PBT over cheaper ABS to ensure greater resistance to wear and fading.
We have provided a detailed comparison guide for two famous types of ABS and PBT keycaps on the mechanical keyboard market for you to make the most reasonable choice for your keyboard.
Higher-end keyboards generally have a longer lifespan due to superior build quality, durable materials, and advanced components. If you are a clumsy person, or just want something durable, IP-rated keyboards are a great investment. Keysonic and Clinell keyboards are amongst the best choices for IP-rated keyboards, with prices starting from $80.
A good mechanical keyboard can be more expensive initially, but the investment pays off over time with a dependable and durable typing experience that outperforms less expensive options.
In conclusion, a good mechanical keyboard can be with you for about a decade or two. Additionally, you can change the damaged part with a new one easy to make it last longer.
Also, you may want to consider the case and keycap materials, power case, and no RGB light for an ultimate lifetime.
If you want to make a note for later references, use our summary table to remember important aspects related to mechanical keyboard longevity.
Mechanical keyboards can last from 5 to 20 years based on the prices and some other elements such as how you use them.
RGB lighting itself doesn’t affect lifespan, but high-quality RGB keyboards, which use better components, may last longer. LED lighting on keyboards typically lasts about 50,000 hours.
A gaming keyboard can last for 50 to 70 million keystrokes. This means it can last 5 to 10 years, with high-end models often lasting longer.
With good maintenance, a Logitech keyboard can last between 5 - 10 years.
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