Ultimate Keyboard Showdown: Mechanical vs. Membrane Keyboards
The casual computer user might think that all keyboards are the same. They may even be forgiven for thinking that – after all, the casual computer user might only write a few emails and perform a few Google searches a day.
For the hardcore gamer, however, keyboard choice is far more crucial. Having the right keyboard is about tactile feel and feedback. It is about elevating your gaming (and general computing) experience to the next level. It is about having a keyboard that feels right in your hands, that enables you to perform at your best.
There are two core types of keyboards – membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards. Deciding which type is right for you depends on several factors. After all, you may have spent countless hours and dollars researching the best computer parts to buy – it pays to think about how you’ll be interacting with your new build too!
Key differences between membrane and mechanical keyboards
Membrane keyboards are the more common of the two. With membrane keyboards, a thin membrane presses on a circuit layer, that registers the key pressed. They are lighter, generally more portable, cheaper, and quieter than their mechanical counterparts.
Key downsides of membrane keyboards include their tendency towards a “mushy” key feel, a shorter lifespan, as well as an increased difficulty to clean. Lastly is the inability to allow “key rollover”. With a membrane keyboard, you can only actually register one keystroke in a single moment. This means you may get moments when the key you press does not actually register. Whether you are gaming or typing, this can be a significant disadvantage.
Mechanical keyboards are notable for their distinct key-feel. Mechanical keyboards provide much more direct feedback to the user. While a membrane key cap presses down on a thin membrane layer, to a conductive circuit underneath, a mechanical keyboard has spring-loaded switches instead. These register the key pressed – often with a distinct click, unique to mechanical keyboards. A unique element is their use of spring-loaded switches – these come in several different feels.
The main trinity of switch types are linear, where the keystroke is smooth; tactile, where a bump in the middle of travel provides feedback; or clicky, which provide a crisp aural feedback. A couple of lesser known switch types are the speedy, where the key actuates as quickly as possible and the silent, where the key switch makes minimal aural feedback. Switches can also be found in the low profile format which makes for a slimmer keyboard and shorter key travel.
Recently there have been some advances in the key technology. Razer has created optical switches with very low acuation times using a light beam below the switch stem. Steelseries' response is their OmniPoint switch which can be configured to actuate at different actuation points.
The other key difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards is customisation. Mechanical keyboards allow you to literally change the keycaps – therefore radically altering the look and feel of your keyboard. There is no shortage of keycaps on the internet, meaning the opportunity to customise allows you to set up your keyboard exactly how you want it. If you are interested in the custom keycaps, have a look the photos from our Mechanical Keyboard Mini-meet we hosted in our showroom.
Mechanical Vs Membrane Keyboards: Which Ones Are Good for Typing?
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A Keyboard is a vital component of your computer setup. Whether you want to use them for dedicated typing, gaming, or throwing some comments on blogs and social media, you need a top-quality keyboard.
Well, scrap social media, but everything else needs a good keyboard.
When you start looking for a good computer keyboard you’ll understand that the headache worsens when you have to choose between Mechanical and membrane keyboards.
“Ding! Ding! Ding! ‘It’s Mechanical Vs Membrane Keyboards, let’s get ready to rumble!’”
You find yourself torn between a keyboard known for precision and responsiveness and another known for being a more muted and inexpensive typing device.
Of course, you also have to worry about the cost, your aesthetic needs, and the reason you want a keyboard. If you consider all these factors, you can make a prudent decision, and that’s why I came up with this post.
Read on to find out the advantages and drawbacks of using either type, their differences, the top 3 of each type, and FAQs on mechanical and membrane keyboards.
Mechanical Keyboards: Quick Overview
Mechanical keyboards have switches that allow for quicker actuation.
A mechanical keyboard uses a mechanical switch, and it’s the switch that is responsible for the distinct key feedback and clicking sound.
The mechanical switches also provide an element of durability as they usually outlive their membrane counterparts.
There are several different types of switches, but most of them use a metal spring. There are linear switches, tactile switches, and clicky switches.
Membrane Keyboards: Quick Overview
Membrane keyboards are quiet even when you’re typing at high speed.
Unlike mechanical keyboards, membrane keyboards don’t have switches. Instead, they use layers of thin ‘membranes.’
Conductive traces under these membranes trigger the character or action that is pressed, and the letters pop up on your screen.
Although membrane keyboards came later than mechanical ones, they are mostly used in laptops because they are quieter, more portable, lighter, and cheaper than their counterparts.
Major Differences Between Membrane and Mechanical Keyboard
A table that shows the main difference of mechanical and membrane keyboards.
Actuation Force
The actuation force is different for the two, but they’re also a manufacturer-dependent variable for membrane keyboards―because they use unique membranes, unlike the similar mass-produced switches used in mechanical keyboards―and are switch dependent for mechanical keyboards.
You could have two membrane keyboards but they’d require different amounts of pressure. Having said that, I’d like to say for membrane keyboards; actuation force ranges between 60 and 80 grams. For mechanical keyboards, actuation force ranges between 45 and 85, but it might be high as 300 grams.
Actuation distance
Actuation distance is the distance a key travels to before making electrical contact. It is a good parameter for measuring a keyboard’s responsiveness.
Mechanical keyboards have short actuation distances, much shorter than membraned keyboards. This makes them pretty responsive and faster than membranes and if you’re a writer who doubles as a serious gamer, mechanical keyboards are go-to keyboards.
Tactility
Tactility, as far as keyboards are concerned, means feedback that we get when typing. Most mechanical keyboards give a more tactile feel compared to membrane keyboards.
Membrane keyboards feel kind of mushy and not as solid as mechanical keyboards because of their absence of mechanical switches.
Durability
Mechanical keyboards are tough bastards!
Compared to the measly 10 million key-stroke life expectancy of membrane keyboards, they can live as long as 50 million keystrokes.
Some low-quality membrane keyboards don’t live beyond 2 million keystrokes.
Noise
Membrane keyboards are the quieter of the two. This is because mechanical tactile key switches produce a clicking sound at the point of actuation and a ‘clack sound’ when the key bottoms out.
Cost
Membrane keyboards are cheaper. That’s not strange considering that they have a shorter life span and rarely endure the kind of beating that mechanical keyboards do.
Types of switches
Membrane keyboards use membrane switches. When the ends (poles) of two membranes make contact, the keys circuit is closed, and a keypress is registered.
Mechanical keyboards use mechanical switches, which are available in different types. There are linear switches―like the Cherry MX Red Stems―which don’t give tactile feedback or noise when hitting the actuation point, then clicky switches which produce a click sound when hitting the actuation point, and tactile switches―like the Cherry MX Blue Stems―which give tactile feedback when hitting the actuation point.
Cherry MX Blue Switches. (Image credit: Cherrymxblue on Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mechanical Keyboards (Pros and Cons)
Pros
Tactile Feedback―They provide tactile feedback. With mechanical keyboards, you can tweak your switches to get more acoustic feedback.
Key rollover―they handle simultaneous keystrokes efficiently. This means that a user can press a couple of keys at the same time and they’ll all be registered.
Removable keycaps― Keycap replacement is easier and hence mechanical keyboards are highly customizable.
Durable―they have longer lifespans. This longevity is what makes mechanical keyboards the best option for heavy typing. Mechanical keyboards can last between 30 and 70 million keystrokes; hence they live tens of millions of keystrokes longer than membrane keyboards.
Cons
Noisy―the switches create noisy ‘click-clack’ sounds. Not all mechanical switches share this trait, some are relatively quiet. But most are loud and they are the best keyboards in shared environments, especially at night when your housemates or roommates are sleeping, if your goal is to keep them awake.
Bulky and heavy―they are not as portable as membrane keyboards because their sturdy build makes them heavy.
Costly―Expensive compared to membrane keyboards. I should add that usually, the high price reflects the durability and the top quality of these mechanical machines.
Membrane keyboards (pros and cons)
Pros
Quiet―Membrane keyboards are quiet and smooth because they’re cushioned by rubber or silicon. The noiselessness makes it the favorite keyboard for shared environments like homes, open offices, and business meetings.
Compact and portable―without the switches and other additions, membrane keyboards are lighter and portable. Because of their light weight and compactness, membrane keyboards are great when you want to write on the road.
Cheaper―they don’t cost as much as mechanical keyboards.
Cons
No key rollover―they can be inconsistent when they’re simultaneous keystrokes.
Not highly customizable and harder to replace parts. It’s hard to replace keycaps and other important parts of membrane keyboards. If a component fails or falls off, you’re probably going to be forced to replace the entire keyboard.
Shorter lifespan. Membrane keyboards have shorter lifespans compared to mechanical keyboards. Membrane keyboards last between 1 million and 10 million keystrokes.
Mechanical Vs Membrane Keyboards Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I Have a Membrane or Mechanical Keyboard?
I have talked about the ‘clicking’ sound that mechanical keys produce. For experts, this would be enough to differentiate between a mechanical and membrane keyboard. But for amateurs, these clicking sounds might sound the same as a membrane key bottoming out.
Keys on mechanical keyboards are usually thicker than on a membrane keyboard.
Some experienced keyboard enthusiasts can tell the difference by simply looking at the thickness of the keys―keys on mechanical keyboards are usually thicker than on a membrane keyboard.
However, if you want to be sure that it’s a mechanical or membrane, you’d have to remove the keycap to reveal the switch mechanism underneath.
If the keyboard is new, check the product description. Mechanical keyboards usually mention the switch type used―if you see something like Cherry MX Blue, Red, et cetera, it’s a mechanical keyboard.
Can You Take Keycaps Off a Membrane Keyboard?
Yes, you can but removing keycaps off a membrane keyboard isn’t as easy as removing keycaps off a mechanical keyboard.
Do Mechanical Keyboards Last Longer Than Membranes?
Yes, that’s normally the case, but build quality comes into play, and some membrane keyboards do outlive their mechanical counterparts.
Mechanical Keyboard Vs Membrane Response Time
Generally, mechanical keyboards have better response times. That’s one reason why gamers love mechanical keyboards; their fast response time is usually that thin line between victory and defeat.
Their response time can be as fast as 0.2 milliseconds, and if you know anything about response times, this is very fast.
Do You Type Faster or Slower On a Mechanical Keyboard?
Having read the answer to the previous question, you have a pretty good idea of what is a faster keyboard.
Obviously, mechanical keyboards are faster than membrane keyboards, but typing speed hugely depends on the person typing―if you’re slow, you’re slow, and you shouldn’t expect the keyboard to turbocharge your WPM.
What Is a Semi Mechanical Keyboard?
A semi-mechanical keyboard is
EITHER
A keyboard that has mechanical key switches on certain keys but has rubber dome switches on other keys. The Corsair Vengeance K90 is one good example of such ‘semi-chemical keyboards.’
OR
A keyboard with key switches that combine mechanical and membrane mechanisms. These keyboards usually have switches that have a switch mechanism on top of a membrane or rubber domes built as an individual switch module. A lot of these semi-mechanical keyboards― IBM Model M, for example―slip into the mechanical keyboard category, but they’re semi-mechanical.
IBM keyboard Model M.
BUT
For marketing purposes, some manufacturers put the term semi-mechanical in their product description of rubber dome keyboards with individual sliders. This is an effort to tap into the popularity of mechanical keyboards.
Are Membrane Keyboards That Bad?
No! Membrane keyboards are not bad keyboards.
In fact, I prefer them to mechanical keyboards because I’m between ‘hunt and peck’ and expert typing. So I don’t really notice the speed and accuracy elements.
But I have a mechanical keyboard and I must admit that it’s way more enjoyable to use when I ‘pretend’ to add an extra gear.
Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboard: Which One is Better?
Choosing your keyboard will be a matter of personal preference. I can’t make you ‘fall in love with a certain type of keyboard.’
But I can guide you, expertly.
Had it been that we were talking about gaming keyboards, I’d have told you that mechanical keyboards are it. Mechanical keyboards live longer, allow key rollover, and they’re easy to clean.
But we’re talking about keyboards for typing. So, which one do I think is better? Mechanical keyboards.
There’s no noticeable difference between the mechanical and membrane keyboards in terms of speed and accuracy when you ‘hunt and peck.’ But if you’re an expert touch typist or you’re learning to touch type, the speed and accuracy of mechanical keyboards are a bonus. Plus, you might like the audio feedback and the tactility that mechanical keyboards offer.
But then again, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Mechanical Keyboard and Membrane Keyboard Sound and Latency Test.
Top 3 Mechanical Keyboards
The mechanical keyboard market is filled with many exciting options, but after a forensic search, I have to conclude that these are the best mechanical keyboards in 2022.
1. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard
2. Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard
3. SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Top 3 Membrane Keyboards
In the membrane keyboard category, these three keyboards are the top choices for most users.
1. Logitech G213 Membrane Keyboard
2. Corsair K55
3. Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard
Mechanical Vs Membrane Keyboards: Bottom Line
Let me say this again, choosing any keyboard boils down to personal preference.
In some rare instances, it might be a work requirement thing. For some people―like myself―choosing between a membrane keyboard and a mechanical keyboard is done based on the merits or demerits of the two. In my case, I know that switching fully to a mechanical keyboard would take a bit of getting used to. I’m not ready for that.
Plus, there are just a lot of mechanical switches which are totally different from each other in terms of feel and function. Getting used to all of these would be a degree program on its own.
But a lot of people know pretty well that there are a lot of benefits of switching from a membrane keyboard to a mechanical keyboard; it’s the adaptation process that they aren’t ready for.
The difference between mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards can be marginal, but those marginal deviations are vital in many unique situations.
So it’s not strange that I know a lot of people, some of whom aren’t gamers, pay an extra dollar for mechanical keyboards. It’s okay if you don’t care about speed and those extra geeky things like the clicky-clack stuff, but you still have to remember that mechanical keyboards outlast membrane keyboards.
Just to remind you, neither mechanical nor membrane keyboards will transform you into a pro typing beast. Either might help you do that, but it will require a lot of your effort and perhaps aided by these software typing tutors.
Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboard: Which is Best for Gaming?
As a gamer, every part of your battle station matters. Your monitor is the visual window into your gaming world. Your desktop PC is working hard behind the scenes to power all of your CPU-intensive triple-A (AAA) games. Your keyboard helps you react quickly to enemies on the screen. Plus, it’s not just crucial for success during gameplay, your keyboard is also essential for your non-gaming computing tasks.
As you search for keyboards, you’ll quickly run into a debate: mechanical vs membrane keyboards. There are benefits and drawbacks to each keyboard variety which are affected by variables such as your lifestyle, budget, and purpose for this oft-ignored but essential peripheral. Keep reading for our full guide to gaming keyboards and learn how to determine which one might be the best to outfit your battle station.
What are the pros and cons of mechanical keyboards?
In the debate between mechanical vs membrane keyboards, it’s first important to understand the difference between the two. A mechanical keyboard utilizes what’s called a mechanical switch. There are a variety of switches but typically, they use a metal spring since it has a long lifespan compared to other types of keyboard mechanisms.
Switch types
Linear switches
Linear switches provide users with the same feeling from the second you press down on the key to when the key bottoms out. There is no noise or feedback when a user gets to the actuation point, the point at which the keypress gets registered. In terms of user experience, this means you’ll reach the bottom of each keypress every time.
Tactile switches
Tactile switches give you touch (or tactile) feedback when you hit the actuation point. When you press a key with a tactile switch, you’ll feel a small bump that alerts you to a successful key press.
Clicky switches
A clicky switch provides you with a satisfying click sound when the key hits the actuation point. The main benefit of clicky switches and tactile switches is that you don’t have to push the key all the way until it bottoms out. You can move on to your next action after your keypress is registered.
Pros of a mechanical keyboard
A mechanical keyboard is typically a sturdier variety that can last for years, even with lots of daily use. It’s all a matter of preference but if the benefits below appeal to you, it might be the right keyboard to complete your gaming rig or home office.
1. Long lifespan
One of the major benefits of a mechanical keyboard is they have a longer lifespan than other types of keyboards. These kinds of keyboards are tested to last 30 and 70 million keypresses. Comparatively, membrane keyboards will reach the end of their operational lifespan after around 5 million presses.
2. Durable
Another huge benefit to mechanical keyboards is that since they don’t wear out as fast, they feel like new for much longer than membrane keyboards. In most cases, keys won’t clatter or get stuck, even if your mechanical keyboard has seen better days.
3. Great feedback
A mechanical switch offers users a more satisfying typing experience thanks to the tactile feedback. Users also have the chance to create a more customized typing experience since these keyboards can be tweaked more than membrane keyboards.
For some switches, you can opt for more acoustic feedback. There are also switches built specifically for gaming while others are built specifically for typing and daily computing tasks. This allows you to choose the keyboard that suits your work or gaming requirements.
4. Stability
Mechanical keyboards have a robust design that offers you bountiful typing stability. It’s not going to slide around, even if you’re an aggressive typist.
Cons of a mechanical keyboard
There are also some drawbacks to mechanical keyboards you may want to take into consideration while you shop around for the right peripheral to add to your computer setup.
1. Noise
Mechanical keyboards can be quite loud due to their robust construction. This can be a problem if you are gaming in a central location of your home and there are others around who may not want to hear all of your keypresses, especially if you game late into the night.
Note: If that’s a worry for you, there are silent mechanical keyboards you can choose and add-ons you can purchase to help dampen the noise.
2. More expensive
Another drawback of mechanical keyboards is that they can be pricy. However, keep in mind that the price reflects the quality and longer lifespan you’ll enjoy with this type of keyboard.
3. Heavier
If you typically like to have your keyboard in your lap or you travel with your keyboard, a mechanical keyboard may not be the right choice for you. Because of its sturdier design, mechanical keyboards can be heavier overall which may make them awkward in some contexts.
What are the pros and cons of membrane keyboards?
Membrane keyboards are typically characterized by three different layers made of very flexible materials. The top of this keyboard consists of a membrane layer followed by an inert middle layer and another membrane layer at the bottom [3]. Under each layer is what’s called a conductive trace. A conductive trace is what triggers the letter or action onscreen during a keypress.
Flat membrane keyboard
There are two types of membrane designs. One is the flat key design. You can see this type of membrane keyboard on microwaves, some printers, and other tech devices. The keys in this design are printed on the same pad that you press to actuate the keypress. While this kind of membrane keyboard still uses a pressure pad, it provides users no significant tactile feedback, making it harder to use as a computer keyboard.
Dome switch membrane keyboard
The other type of membrane keyboard is called a dome switch keyboard which uses a dome with printed letters on the topmost layer [4]. In some cases, these letters are printed and in other cases, they are laser stretched. This is generally the type of keyboard that comes with your standard laptop.
Membrane keyboards all share the same single, soft rubbery layer instead of separate keys with their own respective parts like the setup on a mechanical keyboard.
Pros of a membrane keyboard
Many computer users prefer the feel and relative quiet of membrane keyboards. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why membrane keyboards might be your pick for gaming and general computing.
1. Satisfying feedback
One of the typical characteristics of a membrane keyboard is the crisp response associated with them. While they don’t have the same physical feedback of mechanical keyboards, some models do offer a similar tactile response.
2. Quiet
Another benefit of a membrane keyboard is that it’s quiet, even during moments of high-intensity typing. This is a great choice in open-office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum because every small noise adds up. It also helps if you rely on conference calls to collaborate with clients or colleagues. Taking notes with a mechanical keyboard right next to the microphone might just drive everyone on the call crazy.
3. Variety
In terms of accessibility in the marketplace, there are still more variants of membrane keyboards available. This makes it easier for users to find the right keyboard.
4. Economical
Membrane keyboards also tend to be more affordable because they’re constructed from easily available materials.
5. Small and compact
If you regularly travel with a keyboard, it’s probably going to be a little easier for you to invest in a membrane keyboard since they’re lightweight and compact. They make a great travel companion and are easier and less costly to replace if they are lost or damaged in transit.
Cons of a membrane keyboard
A membrane keyboard isn’t for everyone, especially if you prefer more physical feedback and a durable setup.
1. Not as sturdy
While the membranes on this keyboard are flexible, they’re not as long-lasting as the components of a mechanical keyboard.
2. Harder to replace a part
If one component stops working on a membrane keyboard, it usually means you have to replace the entire keyboard.
3. Shorter lifespan
Membrane keyboards typically have a shorter lifespan since they’re not as robust as mechanical keyboards.
What is the best keyboard for gaming?
After reading about the differences between mechanical and membrane keyboards, you might be curious about which one is best for you. By and large, gamers tend to favor mechanical keyboards because they offer a more durable, faster gaming experience.
Professional gamers helped to popularize mechanical keyboards, but the newest models - which offer tactile and auditory feedback - also made them a more practical choice outside of the influence of professional gamers. Mechanical keyboards are built with gamers in mind since they can recognize a large number of keypress inputs simultaneously (also known as N-key rollover). For gamers, this means more accurate, precise gaming [5].
What are the best mechanical gaming keyboards?
HP OMEN Sequencer keyboard
If you’re ready to invest in a mechanical keyboard, you may want to consider the HP OMEN Sequencer keyboard . This capable device enables you to strike faster than your opponent, giving you an amazing tactical edge. In fact, you can enable a 0.2 millisecond response time which is ten times faster than traditional mechanical switches. As for durability, you’ll be able to use this keyboard through 70 million clicks.
Speed and behind-the-scenes power aren’t everything, but luckily this keyboard delivers on every front. Each key is individually backlit and offers users up to 16.8 million RGB colors so you can express your personal aesthetic.
There’s also a one-year limited warranty for total peace of mind that your product will stand up to the rigors of any game you play. Powered by optical-mechanical switch technology, the HP OMEN Sequencer keyboard could be the crowning jewel to the serious gamer’s battle station.
HP Pavilion gaming keyboard 500
For a more budget-friendly option, users can also opt for the HP Pavilion gaming keyboard 500. It’s a nimble and silent mechanical keyboard designed from bottom to top to improve your gaming experience. Response time is incredibly important when you’re trying to break into professional gaming. In fact, milliseconds could be what separates you from a win or a loss.
With those kinds of margins, it is abundantly clear that your gaming keyboard is crucial to your success. The RGB LED backlighting helps you quickly identify what keys you need to press and boasts a floating key design. You can customize the colors so it reflects your personal preference. Every time you power on, your gaming rig will shine the colors that uniquely represent you, your tribe, or your team.
HP OMEN keyboard 1100
Another great option for serious gamers is the HP OMEN keyboard 1100 . With N-key rollover capability, you can press any number of keys at once and they’ll all be registered. You’ll never experience a misstep in a game because your keyboard will handle those simultaneous keypresses.
It also boasts anti-ghosting technology to ensure the accuracy of your keypresses every single time you power up to play your favorite triple-A (AAA) games.
Takeaways: a keyboard for every type of user
If you’ve ever borrowed a keyboard from a friend or a colleague, you know that alien, unfamiliar feeling that comes with a device you’ve never used before. Maybe the physical feedback was off or perhaps you missed keypresses, had a slow response time, or the keys were just a little too spread out and inconvenient. Keyboards make a huge difference in the enjoyment of our computing experience.
When you’re deciding between a membrane vs mechanical keyboard, it can be a little confusing determining what’s best for you. If you prefer a lightweight, compact keyboard that works better for traveling and doesn’t take up a lot of real estate on your desk, a membrane keyboard might be the right solution.
And if you’re a gamer looking for a reliable, sturdy device that can handle a lot of gaming abuse day in and day out, a mechanical keyboard will be a better choice. Mechanical keyboards also offer more variation in their feedback, actuation, and response times which may help you react more quickly to in-game stimuli.
Whether you’re looking for a gaming keyboard or a regular keyboard for daily computing, the HP Store accessories page has a range of options to help you make the most of your day.
