That might seem like an odd question.
After all, any piece of hardware can break if you hit it hard enough, mechanical keyboards included.
In the end, the keys are made of plastic, there are mechanical springs underneath those or even additional light sensors in some cases.
That doesn’t mean your keyboard will break on you for no reason, though.
If you have a high-quality keyboard, it’ll likely take a lot of abuse before you see a drop in performance or any kind of misfiring.
Even subpar keyboards will require effort to actually break them.
What causes them to break?
Yes, mechanical keyboards do break.
When your team loses a game that’s too close for your liking, you probably take it out on the keyboard.
Likewise, when your gaming character dies at a critical point, your keyboard probably gets a punch or two.
Well, that needs to stop.
Pounding your keyboard switches will take its toll on them. They may not break the first time, but they’ll get there eventually if your team is having a bad season.
If you don’t pound on your switches when you’re angry, your chances of breaking the keyboard become less.
However, it could still break due to being mishandled, dropped or otherwise physically damaged. If you’re moving your computer, make sure to store your keyboard in safely so it doesn’t get mashed up against, or crushed by, anything else.
Mechanical keyboards have delicate keys, and they may break or dislocate upon impact. They can be fixed or replaced, but you’ll have to pay for that so it’s an unnecessary cost.
Can water damage mechanical keyboards
Yes, because water and electronics are not compatible with each other. So the most likely outcome of spilling water/soda/liquid on your keyboard is that you’ll temporarily short it out.
The first warning signs that something is wrong will be things like your keyboard typing on its own, or the wrong characters appear when you type.
Or, nothing at all happens when you push down on any of the keys.
The potential to survive water damage is an area where membrane keyboards might have a slight advantage over mechanical models.
So the best thing to do is avoid spilling water on your keyboard if at all possible – not keeping drinks near your keyboard is a good place to start.
How Much Does Replacing Broken Keyboard Parts Cost?
The three parts of a mechanical keyboard that are most likely to break are:
- Keycaps
- Switches
- Stabilizers
Keycaps are the easiest to replace; you only have to remove them using your fingers, then put the new ones in place. Although it is best practice to use a keycap removal tool if you want to avoid accidentally breaking anything.
Each keycap will cost you $0.5–$2, depending on the material you want. Of course, if you replace all keycaps, that’ll cost you nearly the price of a new keyboard.
The switches are a bit more challenging to replace. They need desoldering before replacing them with new ones. Most of them need both soldering and desoldering. Each switch should cost an average of $1, but it depends on the material.
So, if you plan on replacing the switches yourself, you’ll also need to buy a soldering kit.
As for the stabilizer, replacing it will need you to remove the broken one from the PCB, then buy the new one. It’ll cost you anything from $2 to $25, depending on your keyboard’s model and which stabilizer you have.
What Mechanical Keyboards Are Less Likely to Break?
Mechanical keyboards that are the least likely to break are the ones with aluminum cases or chassis. Aluminum is one of the most durable, break-resistant materials out there.
So, if the case is made of aluminum, it’s capable of absorbing a lot more punishment than a piece of plastic.
That’s not the only benefit, though. Aluminum cases will also change how the switches feel under your fingers. They’ll feel solid and heavy rather than flimsy.
You’ll pay a bit more for a keyboard with an aluminum housing, but at least you know it can take an accidental drop or accidental punishment.
Meanwhile, plastic keyboards are more likely to break because the material is flexible and light. It’ll bend or break much easier than aluminum.
Brand name vs. cheapies
Not all mechanical keyboards are created equal, so never assume that just because you own a mechanical keyboard that it will never break no matter how you treat it or how long you own it.
Right now the market is flooded with cheap, knock-off mechanical keyboards that retail for under $50.
Most of these cheap mechanical keyboards are simply not manufactured to the same standard as say one by Corsair, Logitech or Cherry.
There’s no comparison.
The knock-offs look like high-end mechanical keyboards but that’s where the similarities end.
A true high-end mechanical keyboard costs more money for several reasons i.e. the parts cost more and the manufacturing process is more refined.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to computer hardware.
How Can You Protect Your Keyboard From Breaking?
If you just got your mechanical keyboard, it’d be a shame to notice a broken key or switch after a few weeks.
These fellas are expensive, so you want to keep them protected for as long as you can. Here’s how to do it.
Avoid pounding the keys
When you’re feeling angry, take it out on something else. Try not to pound on the keyboard using your fist because that’ll increase the risk of breaking it.
Store the keyboard safely
When storing your keyboard in its case, make sure the case is snug around it, so it doesn’t move inside, and the switches keep bouncing. If you’re moving apartments or transporting your keyboard somewhere else, you can add cushioning inside the case for extra protection.
To wrap up
To answer your question, yes, mechanical keyboards do break if you’re not careful enough when handling them.
If your keyboard is expensive, you’ll want to treat it carefully to prevent broken key caps or switches.
Remember to store it appropriately and avoid pounding on the keys too hard. If you do that, it’ll hopefully keep from breaking.
