Explaining Hall-effect, TMR, and other new types of "mechanical" switches
This review explains the engineering behind modern contactless switch designs that have become increasingly common in premium keyboards over the past six years. It breaks down how different switch types work, explores why manufacturers are moving away from traditional mechanical contacts, and evaluates the practical differences in daily use versus marketing claims. The guide helps readers understand what they're actually paying for when choosing between mechanical, optical, Hall-effect, and other switch technologies.
Key points
- Optical and Hall-effect switches offer contactless alternatives to traditional mechanical designs
- Premium pricing for contactless switches not always justified by real-world performance
- Differences between switch types can be subtle in daily use despite marketing claims
Summary and key points written by AI from the headline and a short excerpt, so they can be incomplete or wrong. Ars Technica Features did the reporting; read the original for the full story.
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