I think so far buckling springs are my fave. This is a new development.
However... honestly I've seen zero non-anecdotal evidence for mechanical switch superiority regarding reliability, with the exception of old IBMs. Of the handful of popular mechanical manufacturers, several have a history of problems. I think it's so unfounded that unqualified preaching of it to newcomers is borderline irresponsible.
From what I can tell, the Logitech 200 and $6.99 Lite-On 1788 have a better record of reliability than Das Keyboard, ABS M1, and the Scorpius. That's a big chunk of the handful of companies marketing mechanical boards. I've personally overseen 100s of rubber dome boards that have lasted years in high usage, high abuse environments. It's really more about the particular brand. Keytronic has a lifetime warranty. No mechanical switch board has that. Even if it's a gimmick, it wouldn't be very wise if rubber domes all lasted 10 months.
So that pretty much leaves personal taste.
I likes my buckling spring, but just sayin.
I think otter put it well. come on guys, without anyone saying domes are better, isnt it absolutely true that with so many mechanical models, there have been more headaches than not? This forum itself is a monument to the level of headache that a mechanical board can produce. Not saying domes are better; AM saying it really actually is hard to make any objective case for 'betterness' with mechanicals in any broad way.
Just the other day someone was trying to produce a 'persuasive' argument in favor of mechanicals, and they couldnt find enough info, on reliability, not even on ergonomics.
So like otter, while I wont say domes are better, I do think this is a situation where taste and likes/dislikes plays a huge role. I think this is a case where it plays a legitimate role, too. Everyone types differently.
its like if you compare automobiles. You can say one is faster than another, but if that were the only criteria, anyone who doesnt own a bugatti is to be considered an idiot? There are so many other factors that go into the purchase decision, personal tastes, uses for which the automobile will be put, and economics, and availability, and etc etc. But in the end the car is a just a tool, too. It takes you from point A to point B. Hybrids will be replacing gasoline engines - which is 'better'? Depends on what you're comparing. Paddle shifters will be replacing manuals. Which is better?
I know I "like" manual shifters over paddles. I know for a long time they were faster than electronic paddle shifters. I know today paddle shifters shift faster than a human can, and smoother. What do I have left in my defense? Nothing but the simple "like". I "like" manuals over paddles. I can no longer justify it on objective grounds. Or cost. Or maintenance. It does the job and i like it. Its not "the best", but that doesnt make me a looney either.
There's a lot of middle ground between "best" and "like". I think most people live in that middle ground. I think most people can probably find both domes and mechanicals that work well enough for them, without artificially forcing an (unsustainable) 'either/or' onto it.
