Are Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards Worth It

The classification in mechanical keyboards is usually with regards to the type of Cherry switch they use. But there is one more classification with regard to the profile of the keyboard. You can classify a mechanical keyboard as a low-profile keyboard and a normal keyboard.

There are certain key differences between the two. But are low-profile keyboards worth it considering the price it comes with? In this article, we shall discuss the difference between a low-profile keyboard and the normal keyboard and understand whether they are worth it or not.

If you want an ergonomic keyboard with less key travel, faster actuation, and minimalistic design, then low-profile mechanical keyboards are worth it. They have a subtle design with exceptional ergonomics when compared to normal keyboards. To be precise, low-profile keyboards have all the benefits of a mechanical keyboard and avoid all the disadvantages it has by making everything more comfortable.

To understand the worthiness of low-profile mechanical keyboards, you must understand the key specifications it has in different from the normal keyboards. Let us get to it.

Key Highlights of Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards

Low-profile mechanical keyboards have some peculiar highlights in terms of Design, Ergonomics, Key Travel, and Actuation. We shall discuss these factors in detail.

Design

The overall form factor of the keyboard in itself is different from the normal keyboard. You can find the board thinner and very sleek. Also, the keycaps are made sleekier to match the board thickness.

Some models might have a normal keycap with a thick design while only the board is thin. This cannot be considered low profile. Both the board and the keycaps must be thin. This thin form factor is very comfortable to take this device anywhere you go around.

So, you get a minimalistic design with excellent portability with a low-profile keyboard when compared to a traditional mechanical keyboard.

Ergonomics

Most users prefer low-profile keyboards for their ergonomics. Because of the minimalistic design, the typing experience is enhanced and it doesn’t fatigue the user. Even with long hours of typing or gaming, you will not feel any tiredness in your hands and fingers.

Some models come with a wrist support attachment and some don’t. But either way, you get a better typing experience. You don’t have to raise your fingers too much to reach the top of the keycap. Due to this, your wrists don’t have to strain while typing with this keyboard.

Key Travel

Along with the thin design, you get the benefit of less key travel. In traditional keyboards, there will be a distinct gap between each key and you might have to work your fingers slightly longer. But with the low-profile keyboard, you don’t have to strain yourself while typing.

The travel distance between keys is about 3.2mm to 3.4mm only and you cannot feel the fatigue with continuous usage. Key travel is very important for office-goers and content creators. They usually have to type a lot and having a low-profile keyboard helps them better.

Actuation

Another key highlight of using a low-profile keyboard is that they have a low actuation distance compared to usual mechanical keyboards. This is a major advantage because most of us don’t want to put more effort while using a keyboard.

The actuation distance denotes how far you have to press a key to register a keystroke. In low-profile keyboards, the actuation is just 1.2mm which is considerably less when compared to traditional mechanical boards.

When you can register a key entry just by pressing half the distance you were previously doing is a great comfort. You don’t have to work harder with your typing and at the same time, you get your tactile feedback for satisfaction.

Also, if you look at the switch design in low-profile mechanical keyboards, they have less height than traditional ones. So, you don’t have to press it harder. But you get the different types of Cherry switches in this too. So, you might have to give a slightly tougher push to harder switches.

Wireless Keyboard

We mentioned that low-profile keyboards are portable. It is mainly because of their wireless models. There are some wireless models with low-profile keyboards that make it very easy to carry around.

You can get all the gimmicks of a mechanical keyboard like tactile feedback, ambient lighting, and durability with portability in a wireless low-profile keyboard. Even if the keyboard is wired, you don’t have to take much effort to carry it around wherever you go in your small backpack.

These are the reasons to claim low-profile mechanical keyboards are worth it. But it is not a condition that everyone should go and get one. We shall now look at the cons of a low-profile keyboard and then decide the type of keyboard he or she wants.

Cons of low-profile mechanical keyboards

First of all, it is costly. You cannot find a cheap low-profile keyboard in the market and even though they have a smaller minimalistic design, their price is humongous.

Some models just keep the basic board design low profile. But the switches and keys are large which are not truly low profile. So, you might be deceived by the keyboard.

If you truly don’t need a highly sophisticated, minimalistic keyboard, then you don’t have to get a low-profile keyboard. In that case, it is better to get a full-fledged mechanical keyboard instead of a smaller low profile one.

If you have large hands and fingers, then a low-profile keyboard might not suit you. It will do more harm than good. So, you will eventually have to consider a normal mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

Whether it is low profile or normal profile, mechanical keyboards are worth their money due to their ability to give the ultimate user experience. For those who want to enjoy a better typing experience with portability features, then low-profile keyboards are the best choice.