A mechanical keyboard that uses infrared light and photoelectric switches to detect a key press. Keyboards with optical switches have a quicker reaction time than metal switches and have a longer life because there is no metal contact. They also eliminate the debouncing required to ensure only one signal is generated when the key is depressed. In addition, each key switch is easily removed for cleaning or replacement. For gamers, some optical switches can provide analog signaling that can be picked up in gaming software as a signal from 0 to 100% based on how far or how fast the key is pressed. See
mechanical keyboard.