Every morning before going to work, Mr. Phuong Duy, an office worker in Hanoi, chooses a keyboard to bring to the office. This action seems quite confusing to most people, when most offices provide computers and full seats for employees. However, for those who are passionate about collecting mechanical keyboards like Mr. Duy, the feeling of typing while working is also an important factor.
"Bringing your own keyboard to the office sometimes makes people look at you strangely, but that's not uncommon among mechanical keyboard collectors," said Duy.
"Stimulants" made from plastic
In the modern technological world, mechanical keyboards bring a very different feeling when touching each key. Not just a tool to support work, mechanical keyboards have become a sophisticated hobby, where users find the sublimation of touch and light, like a melody blending mechanics and art.
Unlike conventional rubber keyboards, mechanical keyboards are crafted with a more complex structure. Each key has a separate mechanical switch, called a switch, which makes up the "soul" of each keystroke. Switches can be considered small musical instruments, when pressed down, they create a different sound, responding to the feeling of each fingertip. Names like Cherry MX Blue, Brown or Red are not simply technical specifications, but also personal choices of the user, expressing their own style through the way they interact with the keyboard. For those who "play" mechanical keyboards, they can easily feel the difference not only in the bounce, but also in the light but firm feeling of each keystroke. Durable switches, with a lifespan of up to tens of millions of presses, have become a symbol of longevity, far surpassing fragile rubber keyboards in the face of time and harsh weather.
"Not only features, mechanical keyboards also have a very modern and attractive beauty thanks to the RGB LED system. Many people participate in collecting keyboards initially because they love the way manufacturers put attractive lighting systems into their products," said Mr. Duy.
These light strips often have up to 16.8 million colors, easily turning the user's workspace into an artistic space, where each shimmering light reflects its own personality and style.
Mechanical keyboards are not just commercial products; they are a playground for creative minds. The custom keyboard trend - where players assemble and customize their own keyboards - is growing, like a modern art. From choosing the right switch, lube for smoother key travel, to changing keycaps (keys of mechanical keyboards) according to preferences, all are steps to create a unique work, reflecting the owner's personality. Handcrafted keycaps, also known as artisans, are considered precious jewelry, sometimes worth up to hundreds of dollars, and are the pride of stylish mechanical keyboard players.
Various ways to collect mechanical keyboards
"Mechanical keyboards are not difficult to buy, they are sold a lot in technology stores. However, to have a mechanical keyboard that is just right and special, many collectors have spent a huge amount of money," Mr. Duy shared.
Indeed, common mechanical keyboards with prices ranging from a few hundred thousand to a few million are sometimes not enough to satisfy enthusiasts. To have a keyboard that is just right and special, some people choose to buy individual parts from many different brands, then assemble them into a unique keyboard. Even many mechanical keyboard manufacturers understand this trend and have launched product sets that include separate parts. When receiving the goods, buyers will have to assemble the parts together to have a complete keyboard set, bringing a special experience every time they buy a new product.
Mechanical keyboard groups on social networks are also easy to find, with some groups having hundreds of thousands of members. This is where enthusiasts of this accessory exchange and give feedback on their collectibles. This large community makes it easy for newcomers to learn, as well as creating a vibrant market for mechanical keyboard businesses.
Moreover, many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts do not stop at buying and collecting but have started to tinker and manufacture. Some people have even opened companies to manufacture and supply mechanical keyboard components that are recognized and trusted by international friends, including Vietnamese keyboard brands such as Mechlovin or BPcanhcach.
"Owning your own mechanical keyboard brings a very interesting experience. From choosing accessories, assembling to using in daily work, there are very interesting feelings. As an office worker, the keyboard plays an important role in my work, and therefore, I do not regret spending a small amount of money to buy the right keyboard for myself," said Mr. Duy.
