I'm not sure which model you are referring to as "mechanical". I have the Hero, which is the one that does embroidery, and I pretty much love everything about it. The only thing that does drive me batty is the thread sensor(s). I does not allow you sew without thread (like to perforate paper for paper piecing), and the bobbin sensor thinks it is empty when it still has more than enough thread to do that last inch or two I need.