The history of the first mechanical gaming keyboard is somewhat murky, as different sources disagree on who invented the device. However, according to some sources, the honour belongs to John Gilmore – an employee of the gaming hardware manufacturing company, Cherry Corporation. In 1987, John Gilmore began experimenting with a design for a gaming-specific mechanical keyboard. He wanted something more suited for gaming activities than the traditional keyboards of the time, which were built for purposes like data entry and word processing. He used a Cherry MX switch for the keys, which he found to be more reliable and responsive than the traditional switches. It was Cherry Corporation who released the first mechanical gaming keyboard to the public – the G80-3000 series.
The G80-3000 series quickly became popular amongst gamers and keyboard enthusiasts alike. This was because its Cherry MX switches provided an improved typing speed, accuracy and feel compared to other keyboards. Moreover, the G80-3000 also gave users the ability to customize the look and feel of the keyboard, with keycap and LED lighting options. While Cherry Corporation initially received some criticism for the G80-3000’s hefty price tag, its success saw other companies enter the mechanical keyboard market and lower the standard price.
Today, mechanical keyboards have become a staple for gamers and many others. They are widely available, with many manufacturers offering a variety of models with different switch types, customizability and price points. As such, it is safe to say that John Gilmore’s involvement in the development and release of the G80-3000 series has had a lasting impact on gaming keyboards today.
Innovations to Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
The invention of the first mechanical gaming keyboard by John Gilmore enabled numerous innovations in the years that followed. One key advancement was the introduction of adjustable key switches, providing users with the option to adjust the force required to activate a switch for each key. This allows for a more personalized gaming experience, as users can make switches more sensitive for fast typing or more resistant for more precise keypresses. In addition, devices such as N-key rollover and anti-ghosting were introduced,; which allow multiple keys to be pressed simultaneously for quicker and smoother in-game movements, with no missing keystrokes.
Moreover, customised gaming keyboards have become increasingly popular due to the introduction of RGB lighting. RGB lighting enables users to create elaborate light shows, with LEDs capable of producing a wide range of colors, as well as adjustable layers, loops and effects. Along with custom keycaps, these lighting options further allow users to customize their gaming keyboards to suit their personal styles.
Finally, mechanical gaming keyboards have also adopted wireless connectivity, providing gamers with an even more convenient way to enjoy their gaming experience. With such capabilities, this type of keyboard is ideal for competitive gaming as there is no need to be tethered to a PC, allowing for easier and more comfortable movements while gaming.
Software Support
In order to further enhance the flexibility and usability of mechanical gaming keyboards, software support is often used to enable macro programming and further hotkey customisation. This allows users to assign specific commands to a specific key or combination of keys for speedy and accurate execution of multiple commands at once. These macros have become increasingly common in MMORPGs and strategy games, as executing complex sequences of commands quickly is often the key to victory.
Automatic profiles can also be created and assigned to games, allowing the user to switch between specific sets of commands without the need to manually change their settings. Furthermore, macro software also allows users to essentially customise their own keyboards and create and store multiple macros for different games. With this level of customisation and convenience, it is no wonder that mechanical gaming keyboards have gained so much popularity among gamers.
Collaborations
Collaborations between manufacturers, game developers and software companies have also allowed for even more customisability for mechanical gaming keyboards. Manufacturers have worked closely with game developers to create game-specific keyboard layouts, with exclusive designs and features. In addition, software companies have worked with developers to create dedicated software for mechanical gaming keyboards, allowing for macros to be created and setup quickly, as well as automated profiles to be assigned to each game.
These collaborations have brought ease and convenience to users, while also helping to boost the popularity of mechanical gaming keyboards. With all the unique and interesting design possibilities available, it is no surprise that there is such a diverse range of gaming keyboards available on the market.
Durability
In addition to its customizability, the durability of mechanical gaming keyboards is also a major factor of their popularity. With their namesake mechanical switches, these keyboards are much harder wearing than traditional membrane keyboards, meaning they can remain functional for much longer. This makes them ideal for tougher gaming environments and more rigorous use, and Cherry Corporation’s original G80-3000 series still remains popular today.
That being said, many mechanical keyboards also come with more rugged materials and designs, such as anodised aluminium and water-resistant properties. Utilising these design features, manufacturers have been able to create keyboards that are even more durable and can withstand harsher environments. With this combination of customizability, custom software and durability, mechanical gaming keyboards are often seen as the pinnacle of gaming keyboard designs.
Final Thoughts
John Gilmore’s invention of the first mechanical gaming keyboard has had a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Its Cherry MX switches and customizability allowed for much greater accuracy and control while gaming. This led to the creation of adjustable switches and custom software, which further enhanced the convenience and flexibility of mechanical gaming keyboards. On top of this, these keyboards are also renowned for their durability, making them ideal for more intense gaming. With all of these features combined, it is clear to see why the mechanical gaming keyboard remains the favourite of many gamers.
