Scissor keyboard - what is it

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

How does the scissor mechanism of the keyboard

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

Dome Silicone Button located under the key. Under it is located three-layer membrane when pressed, the contacts are closed and the signal is transmitted. The silicone button due to the elastic structure returns the key in place, preventing sticking.

This description is universal for any type of device. but the scissor construction differs from the others in that special plastic legs are responsible for fixing the buttons and gaskets. This mechanism allows you to improve some characteristics of the device.

Special legs fix the button through special grooves and ensures smooth pressing and the absence of sticking or key offsets.

REFERENCE! Such a keyboard hardly differs in response force. However, the whole load in this case falls not on the membrane, but on the plastic mechanism. This increases the durability of such a gadget.

Pros and cons of scissors

This mechanism has its own characteristics.

Benefits

Devices of this design have several advantages compared to membrane devices, 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 effect is made on the legs, and not on the membrane, which is often subjected to wear. On these keyboards, the lifetime of one key reaches 10 million keystrokes.

A big advantage of this device is also less stress on fingers and hands. This is achieved due to the lower pressing force that is required to press the buttons. Unlike mechanical construction, the scissor mechanism allows for a longer operation without signs of fatigue.

Disadvantages

• Among the shortcomings should be highlighted more complex design, which complicates the replacement of broken parts.
• Framework also more susceptible to pollution. It's 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 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 the buttons are pressed is louder. but 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 drawbacks of scissors.

Basically, this type of device is used in laptops, as this technology allows you to reduce the size of buttons.