Scissor keyboard - what is it?

The structure of the keyboard is a very simple mechanism that is based on the interaction of a button and a contact through a membrane. These devices come in many different types, but the most popular are scissor devices.

How does the scissor mechanism of a keyboard work?

This type of device has become widespread due to its convenience, reliability and durability. It consists in the following.

A dome-shaped silicone button is located under the key. Under it there is a three-layer membrane, when pressed, the contacts close and a signal is transmitted. The silicone button, due to its elastic structure, returns the key to its place, preventing sticking.

This description is universal for any type of device. However, the scissor design differs from the others in that special plastic legs are responsible for fixing the button and gasket. This mechanism allows you to improve some characteristics of the device.

Special feet secure the button through special grooves and ensure smooth pressing and no keys sticking or moving.

REFERENCE! This keyboard has almost no different actuation force. However, the entire load in this case falls not on the membrane, but on the plastic mechanism. This increases the wear resistance of such a gadget.

Pros and cons of scissor designs

This mechanism has its own characteristics.

Advantages

Devices of this design have several advantages over membrane ones, which do not have a special additional mechanism.

The main parameters that have been improved thanks to this technology:

• actuation force;
• life time;
• device reliability.

The service life is extended due to the fact that the main impact is on the legs, and not on the membrane, which is often subject to wear. On these keyboards, the lifespan of one key reaches 10 million keystrokes.

The big advantage of this device is also the reduced load on the fingers and hands. This is achieved due to the lower pressure required to press the buttons. Unlike a mechanical design, the scissor mechanism allows for longer operation without signs of fatigue.

Flaws

• Disadvantages include a more complex design, which makes it difficult to replace broken parts.
• Frames are also more susceptible to contamination. This not only reduces their service life, but also causes sticking or breakage.

REFERENCE! At the same time, the scissor keyboard has more adjacent keys. This reduces the degree of contamination of the internal structure.

• Another significant drawback is the increased noise when working on such a device. Since the main load falls not on the silicone membrane, but on the plastic structure, the sound when pressing the buttons is louder. However, in modern models they try to reduce this parameter, thanks to soft gaskets.

REFERENCE! Membrane mechanisms are characterized by almost silent operation, which is one of the main disadvantages of scissor mechanisms.

This type of device is mainly used in laptops, as this technology makes it possible to reduce the size of the buttons.