The major difference in the keyboard is the type of mechanism used. At first, the membrane keyboards were cheaper to produce, with little tactile feedback and more commercial. Later they evolved, this type of mechanism is also present on many models by gamers.

The membrane looks like this:




In the picture, the new Raptor Corsair K50, that uses a membrane system.

In addition to the membrane, there is the well-known mechanism Cherry MX typical of mechanical keyboards. There are different types of Cherry MX: black, red, blue, brown and clear.

Black and red are typical for the hardcore gamers.
Blue is typical for the writers.
Brown and clear are a hybrid suitable for gamers and writers.

Following, a pic of a Cherry MX Red (from Corsair K65).




The key travel of the CherryMX is always 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom.


Cherry MX:

Black

Type: Linear Switch
Tactile: No
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 60g (40g-80g overall)

Red

Type: Linear Switch
Tactile: No
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 45g

Blue

Type: Tactile & Clicky Switch
Tactile: Yes, precise
Clicky: Yes
Actuation Force: 50g (60g Peak Force)

Brown

Type: Tactile Switch
Tactile: Yes
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 45g (55g Peak Force)

Clear

Type: Tactile Switch
Tactile: Yes
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 55g (65G Peak Force)



GHOST problem

The phenomenon of ghosting is a problem that affects most of the keyboards economic / non-gaming and it appears when you try to press a key combination. Usually, these types of keyboards are able to detect only the signal of two buttons. This problem exist a cause of an electrical and design restriction. Not all combinations are, however, ambiguous or difficult to recreate for the keyboard.

Many manufacturers have invented a method called "no-ghosting" that limits and sometimes resolves the problem. Analyze together the various types:

-2KRO: allows you to press 2 buttons simultaneously

-3KRO: allows you to press 3 buttons simultaneously

-6KRO: quite rare, however, allows you to press 6 keys simultaneously addition to the SHIFT, CTRL, ALT and ALT GR.

-NKRO -(N-KEY Roll Over): each key is analyzed in a completely independent way, so any pressure is correctly detected. NKRO has not a limitation of simultaneous pressures.


Keypuller
The keypuller is a tool very useful for remove the keycaps.




(In pics, the keypuller included in the bundle of the CM Storm Quick Fire TK)


Polling rate
The Polling rate is the frequency of refresh between your keyboard and your computer. It is measured in Hertz. Usually the steps are: 125 - 250 - 500 - 1000

Now there are also Cherry MX RGB: official site



Unlimited choice of illumination colours for every single key on your keyboard.



Exclusively on Corsair gaming keyboards

Cool, so these seems to be the mechanical answer to the SteelSeries keyboard bobo reviewed lately.

Cherry RGB are not only for Corsair but, if I'm right, also for Cherry's Keyboard.

Citation :

Do you know any other manufacturer, that uses these RGB key already?

Citation :
Only Corsair and maybe new lineup will be unveiled at CES 2014

Citation :

True, maybe some manufacturers have a few things in their backpack for CES. I'm quite curious about CES 2014 anyway.

I will update soon with Topre, White Alps and much more