Normal keyboard vs Mechanical keyboard

Normal keyboard vs Mechanical keyboard

In today’s world, many types of keyboards are available out there in the market. The selection of a good keyboard is crucial, especially when you are a gamer or someone who uses a computer all day long. Normal Keyboard vs Mechanical Keyboard Never-Ending Competition and Comparison. Let us Find Out Normal Keyboard vs Mechanical Keyboard.

Here, we are going to look around the difference between Normal keyboard and Mechanical keyboard.

Normal keyboard

Normal keyboards operate on membrane technology as the manufacturing cost is very low and easy to produce. A normal keyboard consists of three layers. The top layer is called a dome, which uses a plastic or metal material where different symbols are imprinted. The membrane is in the middle layer. A circuit-board resides at the bottom layer.

When a key is compressed, the force is transmitted to the circuit beneath to register the keystroke. To register the keystroke, the user must apply an adequate amount of force to compress the key completely.

The keycaps are not detachable, hence the cleaning process is a tough job. The lifespan of each key resides between 5 to 10 million clicks. Moreover, a user cannot press many keys together which can be an issue whilst typing swiftly or playing games.

Merits

Quiet

Cheap

Lightweight

Demerits

Low durability

Lack of tactile feedback

Difficult to clean

Heavy keypress

Mechanical Keyboard

In these keyboards, mechanical switches are used to activate the keys whenever pressed. Each key has its dedicated mechanical switch consisting of a base, spring, and stem. These switches have activation points that reside just above the lowest point of compression. Because of this, the requirement of complete compression is omitted which results in lighter keystrokes for typing. Usage of springs and components makes these mechanical switches long-lasting, providing a better lifespan of approximately 50 million clicks.

In mechanical keyboards, multiple keys can be pressed at once and have them all be registered which is called key rollover feature. As it is kind of mandatory to have “N Key Rollover” feature whilst playing games, most of the gaming keyboards are mechanical keyboards. These mechanical keys give you better response time that leads to low latency. The keycaps can be removed and replaced which allows the customization.

Merits

High durability

Customizable keys

Light keypress

Easy to clean

Demerits

Expensive

Loud

Heavyweight

Which one is for you?

The bottom line is that you should consider your needs before selecting the keyboard. Those who use the keyboard all the time, coding, programming, writing/typing different stories or articles, playing games, the mechanical keyboard would be the perfect option for you. The rest of all can go with the normal keyboard.

Mechanical Keyboards: Should You Switch?

You do not need to go out and buy an amazing mechanical keyboard for a light-use family PC or an Office PC, and you won’t want to plug one around for your laptop or tablet. But if you’re a PC power user, Gamer / Streamer and you’re willing to shell out a few hundred dollars on a high-end CPU or graphics card, don’t cheap out with a pack-in stock membrane keyboard. You might find that moving up from your old rubber-switch keyboard to a nice mechanical model could make your computing more enjoyable overall. More people like us love to hear that TAK-TAK-KHAT-TAK sound.

Are Mechanical Keyboards Better for Gaming?

Huh? What the heck is this question? Personally, I’m fond of Mechanical Keyboards, because of sound and feel plus response time. Lots of people want to know the answer to this; unfortunately, it’s usually more complicated than they expected.

Every gamer is different. Your best bet in figuring out if mechanical keyboards are better for gaming for you is to try them!

Our Recommendations

Budget Price: Redgear Semi-Mechanical RGB -> BUY HERE

Medium Price: Cooler Master RGB Mechanical -> BUY HERE

High Price: Logitech RGB + Mechanical -> BUY HERE

By: Kunj ‘SomeN’ Patel

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The Best Mechanical Keyboards for 2022

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test. (Opens in a new window)

The springiness, the satisfying "click clack" with every key press...a mechanical keyboard should have it all. And that’s what our selection below—of the best mechanical keyboards we've tested—reflects, with our top choices for gaming, office use, budget buyers, ergonomics, and more. Read on for our favorites, followed by a deep-dive guide to how to choose the right board for you.

By definition, a mechanical keyboard is a keyboard that uses an individual spring and mechanical switch under each key. While older users may have fond memories of the classic buckling-spring switches on their IBM Model M keyboards, today’s mechanical keyboards come in dozens of different flavors, with a variety of key switches that suit just about every occasion and preference, whether you’re playing a hectic FPS, writing the next great American novel, or manipulating numbers in a spreadsheet.

Razer Pro Type Ultra Best Overall Mechanical Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It You might recognize the Razer Pro Type Ultra if you’ve checked out our best keyboard roundup, but there’s no denying the Razer Pro Type Ultra is an excellent pick for mechanical keyboard users and enthusiasts. The keyboard’s white paint job looks gorgeous on just about any tabletop, and once you put it to use, you’ll quickly understand why it’s our top pick. Razer Yellow switches, the company's fastest and quietest, deliver a satisfying linear typing feel. Meanwhile, its sculpted soft-touch keys, hinged feet, and wrist rest provide ample comfort. Who It's For For just about anyone! If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that fits just about every use case, then you won’t go wrong with the Razer Pro Type Ultra. It's a great crossover keyboard for folks who need to project a clean-looking professional desktop by day, and get down and dirty with gaming at night. PROS Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless

Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless Controls up to four devices

Controls up to four devices Extremely comfortable for fast typing

Extremely comfortable for fast typing As quiet as a mechanical keyboard gets

As quiet as a mechanical keyboard gets Bright backlight

Bright backlight Cushioned wrist rest CONS Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board

Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board Synapse 3 software requires registration, contains ads

Synapse 3 software requires registration, contains ads Windows only, not macOS Sold By List Price Price Amazon $159.99 $159.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Razer $159.99 $159.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Razer Pro Type Ultra Review

Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It Who says you have to spend top dollar for a mechanical keyboard? Drop delivers one of our favorite mechanical keyboards for less than $100—and who can say no to that? A sleek, compact tenkeyless design complimented by Gateron Yellow key switches make the Drop ENTR the perfect entry-level mechanical keyboard for those looking to dip their fingertips into the key switch pool and see what the hype is all about. Who It's For If you’re looking for an entry-level mechanical keyboard or just an excellent compact keyboard on the affordable end of the spectrum, you won’t go wrong with the Drop ENTR. PROS Compact design

Compact design Incredible build quality

Incredible build quality Gatreon Yellow switches

Gatreon Yellow switches Detachable USB-C cable CONS No configuration software Sold By List Price Price Amazon $99.00 $99.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Drop $90.00 $79.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard Review

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It The RGB, the macros, the volume roller! The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Gaming Keyboard is a mouthful of a name, but more important, it’s a monster of a board. Outfitted with a choice of classic Cherry MX key switches, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT features a fantastic design and tons of great features, including Elgato Stream Deck support. Sure, you might not need all of these bells and whistles, but hardcore gamers and streamers will appreciate the K95’s bevy of functions. Who It's For For hardcore gamers, streamers, or those who have the money to spend on a premium product, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT delivers a state-of-the-art gaming and typing experience. PROS Same great K95 Platinum design and features.

Same great K95 Platinum design and features. Elgato Stream Deck support.

Elgato Stream Deck support. More onboard profiles.

More onboard profiles. New and improved wrist rest.

New and improved wrist rest. PBT doubleshot keycaps. CONS Not an enormous upgrade over the previous K95 Platinum. Sold By List Price Price Amazon $199.99 $149.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $199.99 $174.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Walmart $199.99 $177.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Review

MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic Mechanical Keyboard Best Value Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you deserve to be condemned to the sparest of feature-deprived mechanical keyboards. There are plenty of diamonds in the rough in the keyboard market if you look (and by "rough," we mean roughly the $100 range). Making use of MSI’s own Sonic Red key switches, the GK71 keyboard provides a silent light touch, which feels great—especially when tapping the same key repeatedly. Aside from the excellent keys, the GK71 comes with a wrist rest and a keycap puller, a volume roller, dedicated media buttons, and some very nice RGB lighting. It's a deluxe feature set for a moderate price. Who It's For You might be able to find mechanical keyboards for even cheaper than the MSI GK71's asking price, but probably, most will lack the feature set and quality of life add-ons that this keyboard enjoys. For those looking to save a buck, the MSI GK71 Sonic provides everything a gamer needs at a good price. PROS Impressive RGB lighting

Impressive RGB lighting Quiet operation

Quiet operation Light-touch keycaps

Light-touch keycaps Nifty volume roller

Nifty volume roller Wrist rest and keycap puller included

Wrist rest and keycap puller included Cable routing helps keep cords tidy CONS Wrist rest is not magnetic

Wrist rest is not magnetic No dedicated macro buttons

No dedicated macro buttons No USB passthrough

No USB passthrough Ambient Link LED option is limited to a handful of games Sold By List Price Price Amazon $129.99 $121.20 See It (Opens in a new window) Newegg $129.99 $129.99 See It (Opens in a new window) MSI $129.99 $129.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic Mechanical Keyboard Review

Corsair K70 RGB Pro Best Mechanical Keyboard for Esports 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The Corsair K70 shares a lot with the feature-rich K95 XT above, including its quality build and feature set. But what makes this keyboard a true "Pro" is its Cherry key switches (which come in MX Red, MX Blue, and MX Silver choices) and its tournament switch. The latter disables custom actions and macros to prevent accidental activation, changes the backlighting to a static single color to reduce distraction, and disables profiles or profile switching. All are features that are sure to put a smile on the faces of competitive players. Who It's For For professional gamers or pros-to-be looking for a finely tuned keyboard that’ll serve them well on any battleground, the Corsair K70 delivers. It's great for casuals, too! PROS Solidly built

Solidly built Dedicated media keys

Dedicated media keys Volume roller

Volume roller Detachable, braided USB cable

Detachable, braided USB cable Per-key RGB backlighting

Per-key RGB backlighting Up to 8,000Hz refresh rate CONS Expensive

Expensive "Hyper-polling" differences hard to detect Sold By List Price Price Amazon $169.99 $169.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $179.99 $167.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Corsair K70 RGB Pro Review

Asus ROG Claymore II Wireless Keyboard Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It Asus' revised wireless keyboard impresses us with its sharp design, detachable number pad, and RGB lighting. (The number pad, which can be repositioned on the left or right side of the board, makes this model a rare "ambidextrous" keyboard.) And with its 144 hours of battery life on a single charge, expect to get a lot of use out of this board before you reach for the included USB-C cord. With macros, volume rollers, Asus’ own brand of Cherry-like switches, and even a USB passthrough, the Asus ROG Claymore II has more than its fair share of conventional cool features, plus a few uncommon ones. Lefties, line up! Who It's For Really, it's good for both lefties and righties. If you’re eager to cut the cord without losing any functionality, the Asus ROG Claymore II is an easy recommendation. Expect a quality typing feel, deep functions, and plenty of battery to ensure hours of cordless freedom. PROS Wireless and mechanical

Wireless and mechanical Number pad can attach to either side of the keyboard

Number pad can attach to either side of the keyboard Four dedicated macro keys

Four dedicated macro keys Perfectly light ROG RX opto-mechanical switches

Perfectly light ROG RX opto-mechanical switches Detachable wrist rest CONS Number pad doesn’t always feel secure

Number pad doesn’t always feel secure Removable end caps for keyboard and number pad are easily lost

Removable end caps for keyboard and number pad are easily lost USB passthrough only works in wired mode

USB passthrough only works in wired mode Very expensive Sold By List Price Price Amazon $269.99 $227.18 See It (Opens in a new window) Newegg $269.99 $269.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Asus ROG Claymore II Wireless Keyboard Review

Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Gaming Keyboard Best Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Ergonomics are important for any board, whether you’re gaming or working a spreadsheet, but the Kinesis Freestyle Edge is still one of our favorite mechanical keyboards thanks to its best-in-class ergonomics. I mean, look at the thing! Split the keyboard right down the middle for added comfort and even use the inverted optional lift kit to create an inverted-V, if you're into that kind of thing. It takes some time to get used to, for sure, but your hands and wrists will thank you once they get a load of the plush wrist rest and Cherry MX keys. Who It's For Great for gaming or general productivity, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge's out-there design makes for an impressive and unmatched ergonomic mechanical keyboard. PROS True Cherry MX switches in a choice of three varieties.

True Cherry MX switches in a choice of three varieties. Comfortable ergonomic design, once you're accustomed to it.

Comfortable ergonomic design, once you're accustomed to it. Superb, plush wrist rest.

Superb, plush wrist rest. Per-key customizable RGB lighting. CONS Driverless SmartSet app is more work than we'd like.

Driverless SmartSet app is more work than we'd like. Optional "lift kit" costs extra.

Optional "lift kit" costs extra. Steep learning curve. Sold By List Price Price Amazon $199.00 $199.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Walmart $0.00 $199.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Gaming Keyboard Review

Das Keyboard 6 Professional Best Mechanical Keyboard for the Office 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Sure, your office setup probably has a basic keyboard, but if you want to step up your productivity and comfort, the Das Keyboard 6 Professional is right for you. It uses classic components: This full-size board comes with your choice of high-quality, tactile Cherry Brown or Blue MX keys, and even has two USB-C ports for connecting additional peripherals. And while there’s no RGB backlighting, we imagine this won’t be too much of an issue in an office; you do get high-contrast, stark white key lighting. Who It's For If you’re looking for a new office mechanical keyboard and you’re willing to pay a bit of a premium, the Das Keyboard 6 Professional might be right up your alley—it even has professional in the name! Your co-workers will envy this effective, high-quality keyboard (so long as they can tolerate the key chatter). PROS Excellent build quality

Excellent build quality Two USB-C pass-through ports

Two USB-C pass-through ports Dedicated sleep key CONS Expensive

Expensive No configuration software

No configuration software No linear switch option Sold By List Price Price Amazon $199.00 $199.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Walmart $199.00 $214.09 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Das Keyboard 6 Professional Review

NZXT Function Mini TKL Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The NZXT Function Mini TKL comes up on our list because it’s such a compact device. Packing all the features of a tenkeyless board into such a small form factor is impressive enough, but potential buyers will have access to NZXT’s customization service, which offers tons of different key switches, colors, and even color accents. It looks great, and it performs even better. Who It's For For those who like to accessorize and those who want to compartmentalize. The NZXT Function Mini TKL should appeal to those looking for a compact board with everything you’d expect from a tenkeyless board. PROS Compact and lightweight

Compact and lightweight Lots of customization options

Lots of customization options Gorgeous keys and design including volume roller

Gorgeous keys and design including volume roller Well-designed software CONS No wrist rest

No wrist rest Few RGB presets Sold By List Price Price Amazon $99.99 $99.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our NZXT Function Mini TKL Review

Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard Best 65% Mechanical Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It Some folks don’t have the space for a full-size keyboard or would prefer to consolidate their shortcuts in as few keystrokes as possible. Whatever the reason, so-called "65%" keyboards trim the fat off the keyboard to just the basics—and nothing beats our favorite 65% keyboard, the Fnatic Streak65. It features comfortable, low-profile switches; dedicated macro buttons; and concave keycaps that help reduce the learning curve that comes from typing on a smaller board. If a smaller keyboard is what you want, the Streak65 is an optimal choice. Who It's For With just enough room for additional macros, the Fnatic Streak65 is a great choice for gamers looking for a compact mechanical keyboard they can take just about anywhere (or fit on any crowded desk). PROS Compact, 60-percent design

Compact, 60-percent design Comfortable, low-profile switches

Comfortable, low-profile switches Four dedicated macro keys

Four dedicated macro keys Marked keycaps indicate essential function shortcuts CONS Limited customization options

Limited customization options Tightly packed keys Sold By List Price Price Amazon $114.99 $63.19 See It (Opens in a new window) Fnatic Ltd $94.99 $94.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard Review

Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless Best 60% Mechanical Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It If 65% mechanical keyboards are still too large for your typing pleasure, a 60% keyboard might be just what the doctor ordered, and we can’t help but prescribe the Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless. With a whopping 50 profiles via the iCue App, hot-swappable key switches, multiple wireless connections, and gorgeous RGB implementation, the lightweight K70 Pro Mini Wireless is an immediate winner. Who It's For The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is a perfect fit for gamers with extremely limited space desk space, or who are constantly on the go and want to keep an elite keyboard close by. Yes, the price is somewhat high, but with the tiniest form factor you can find in a keyboard, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless still packs a lot of function in a small package. PROS Excellent RGB implementation

Excellent RGB implementation Hot-swappable key switches

Hot-swappable key switches Included key cap and key switch puller

Included key cap and key switch puller Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options

Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options Compact and lightweight

Compact and lightweight Can create up to 50 user profiles via Corsair iCue app CONS Expensive

Expensive 8,000Hz polling maximum may be overkill Sold By List Price Price Amazon $179.99 $159.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless Review

Roccat Vulcan II Max Best Mechanical Keyboard for Max RGB Lighting 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The gamer aesthetic of bright RGB lighting has become an almost mandatory addition to gaming gear, and for our money, the best-looking board if that's your jam is the Roccat Vulcan II Max. A gorgeous display of rainbow lights from key to wrist rest, the Vulcan II Max pairs beauty with brains, featuring all the functions of a full-size board with additional customization options thanks to Roccat's Easy-Shift+ technology. Its keycaps might not be for everyone, but its key switches are compatible with many third-party keycaps, so additional comfort is just one swap away. Who It's For For streamers looking to illuminate their setup or gamers who appreciate a keyboard light show and extreme customizability, the Roccat Vulcan II Max merges function with flash, delivering productivity and aesthetics in one package. PROS Attractive design with gorgeous RGB lighting

Attractive design with gorgeous RGB lighting Easy-Shift+ adds tons of functionality

Easy-Shift+ adds tons of functionality Switches compatible with many third-party keycaps CONS Expensive

Expensive Keycaps could be more comfortable

Keycaps could be more comfortable No wireless connection options Sold By List Price Price Amazon $229.99 $214.02 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $229.99 $229.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Roccat Vulcan II Max Review

Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard Best Customizable Mechanical Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Keyboard nerds should be well acquainted with Drop, the keyboard-component and custom-keycap maker that also happens to make exceptional keyboards. The Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard is its enthusiast model. Drop’s luxurious Halo True switches provide an amazing typing feel, while its unique design manages to squeeze a full-size keyboard into a more compact package. It comes with a hefty price, but considering the quality and ease of customization, it’s a no-brainer for those looking for top-shelf components. Who It's For It's an expensive keyboard, but keyboard enthusiasts looking for the best of the best for all their typing needs will love the Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard. PROS Unique design squeezes a full-size keyboard into a compact package

Unique design squeezes a full-size keyboard into a compact package Incredible build quality

Incredible build quality Halo True Switches

Halo True Switches Magnetic feet that allow for standard and reverse tilt CONS Web-based configuration app is hard to use

Web-based configuration app is hard to use Expensive Sold By List Price Price Amazon $290.00 $290.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard Review

Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard Best Mechanical Keyboard for Mac 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Mac users tend to look to Apple for their accessories, but they’ll quickly learn that there are plenty of premium alternatives like the Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard. Its gray-on-gray aesthetic might not be the most exciting, but it’s an excellent keyboard with quiet keys, attractive backlighting, and, most important—software that is compatible with macOS, something that is still not as common as you’d imagine. It could use a price cut, but depending on where you shop, it’s still probably less expensive than the Apple Magic Keyboard With Touch ID. Who It's For Mac-ready mechanical-keyboard options may not be as robust as those on a Windows PC, but they exist. Mac users looking for a mechanical keyboard don’t have to look much further than the Logitech MX. PROS Full-size and tenkeyless models available

Full-size and tenkeyless models available Excellent, not-too-noisy typing feel

Excellent, not-too-noisy typing feel Attractive backlighting

Attractive backlighting Choice of three switch types

Choice of three switch types Handy setup software CONS Dull, dark appearance

Dull, dark appearance Impractical emoji key

Impractical emoji key No wrist rest

No wrist rest No macro programming Sold By List Price Price Amazon $162.99 $162.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Logitech $169.99 $169.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard Review

Buying Guide: The Best Mechanical Keyboards for 2022

If you're a computer user of, shall we say, "a certain age," you remember a time when a room-filling cacophony of clicking was synonymous with typing as words appeared...uh, on a sheet of paper. Typewriters were, in a sense, the original mechanical keyboard, and generations of 20th-century office workers and aspiring novelists honed their typing chops on them. But as the hardy, ribbon-based machines gave way to computers, a different kind of mechanical keyboard came to the fore: the battlewagon keyboards of the early days of computing. And they were beasts. They used keys that clicked and rattled, and many of them felt like they would last forever. (Indeed, some of them are still in service.)

That's the appeal of today's mechanical computer keyboards: They feel like products built for the ages, in these days of disposable tech. Even throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, mechanical keyboards were as common a part of computer setups as floppy disk drives—because the people who were creating and using them knew what typing could, and should, be. Sadly, with the explosion of the home PC market in the 1990s and into the early 2000s, sturdy mechanical boards fell out of favor, as manufacturers looked for cheap, mass-market ways of getting tens of millions of people on their machines and online. Typing, that most basic of computing activities, became something you and your fingers had to endure, not enjoy, on subpar gear.

(Credit: Mike Epstein)

Luckily, the keyboard-quality pendulum has swung back in the other direction over the last decade. Mechanical keyboards are once again popular alternatives to the bundled cheapies. They cost more, but they are far more rugged than a run-of-the-mill model. And keyboard makers now make them in lots of flavors to serve most major subclasses of buyers: productivity-minded users (with plain models), gamers (with keyboards replete with LED bling and macro features), ergonomically minded folks, and more.

A mechanical keyboard is a bit of an investment, though, so here's what you need to know in order to make the right choice.

Is a Mechanical Keyboard Really Worth It?

First and foremost, the thing that defines a mechanical keyboard is the key switch it uses. Most budget keyboards today use dome-switch technology, which registers a keypress when you type and push down a silicone dome and connect two circuit-board traces. (This technology is also sometimes referred to as "membrane switch" or "rubber dome," with minor variations in the essential design.) Though this style is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, pressing the keys requires a relatively large amount of force, which can result in a heavy, mushy feel to the fingers and a lack of either tactile or auditory feedback when you type. Plus, after a fairly "short" time (five million keystrokes, give or take), the domes can lose their springiness or stop working altogether. So, you'll probably have to replace the keyboard at least once or twice over the life of the computer that you use it with.

(Credit: Mike Epstein)

Mechanical switches, by contrast, get rid of the silicone altogether. Pressing down on the key activates a real, physical switch, usually involving a spring as the pushback mechanism, that registers what you type. Because the parts used are much more substantial than those in dome-switch keyboards, mechanical keyboards typically have a much longer life span. (Many boast ratings of 50 million keystrokes or more per switch, and may well outlast the first—or fifth!—computer you use them with.) The typing feedback also creates a more direct relationship between your fingers and what appears on the screen. Because of the hardware involved, mechanical keyboards tend to be thicker, heavier, and more expensive than their dome-switch counterparts. They are more of an investment, but one that will pay off in sheer satisfaction if the quality of typing really matters to you.

(Credit: Mike Epstein)

When shopping for a mechanical keyboard, you will want to pay attention, above all else, to the kind of switch it uses, and whether it offers auditory feedback (in other words, a click you can hear) or tactile feedback (a "bump" you can feel), or both. Also important is the amount of pressure that the switches require to activate (the "actuation force"). That will greatly affect its functionality and the possibility of finger fatigue.

Cherry MX Switches: What Color Is Best for a Mechanical Keyboard?

The best known and most frequently encountered mechanical key switches come from a company called Cherry Industrial. These "Cherry MX" switches come in a range of styles that offer different operation and feedback to better match with your own personal preference, and the work or play you plan to do most on them. (Note that most have an actuation point of 2mm.)

The different types of Cherry MX keys are named for colors. This rundown of the most common Cherry switches will help you better match what you need with the mechanical keyboards you can buy. Keep in mind that some keyboard makers use switches of a similar style, made by companies other than Cherry. But most manufacturers maintain the same basic "color" scheme and related traits to help keep confusion down. (So, for example, Cherry MX Blue switches, and Blue-"style" switches from other makers, both tend to be clicky.) Razer is a big exception, and largely does its own thing, with its own color-scheme names for its proprietary Razer key switches. (For lots more detail on mechanical switches, see our deep-dive guide.)

Cherry MX Blue

A close approximation of the old-school buckling-spring switch (see below), but with a new-style mechanism, Cherry MX Blue switches are both tactile and clicky. With Blue switches, you feel as well as hear the completion of a keystroke (via a bump when it activates, and a distinct click). These switches are ideal for serious typists (many of whom insist that the switches deliver a turbocharging bounce you can't get anywhere else), but they are not best for gaming applications, as they have a rather higher actuation force (50 centi-Newtons, or cN) than you might prefer for a fast-twitch gun battle.

Another potential downside of the Blues: Some people find the keys' audible click quite loud (and possibly, annoying), which may cause problems in close quarters, whether at the office or at home. An office full of Cherry MX Blue keyboards will sound suspiciously like a big-city newsroom, circa 1935.

Cherry MX Black

With the highest actuation force of the standard Cherry varieties (60cN), the Cherry MX Black switch can come across as stiff. This type is thus less suitable for the kind of nimble key work most speed and touch typists depend on, and fast-fingered gamers tend to shun it. But this makes Black an excellent switch for cases where precision is paramount: entering mission-critical data (say, for an accountant or at a point-of-sale terminal) or for certain kinds of more deliberate gaming, as you will seldom have to worry about accidentally striking a key twice. Cherry MX Black switches are also neither tactile nor clicky.

(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)

Cherry MX Red

Similar to MX Black, Cherry MX Red switches lack both tactile and auditory feedback. But they have a lower actuation force (45cN), so they can be hit more quickly and more often, giving you the edge in any game demanding ultra-quick input. MX Red keyboards tend to be favored by gamers who play games that require fast-twitch actions. These same qualities, however, keep them from being a good choice if typing is your primary activity, as they make it easier to register more keystrokes than you intend or to trigger typos on a slightly stray stroke. Certain highly precise typists, though, will appreciate their light touch.

Cherry MX Brown

If you spend about as much time scribing emails and Word documents as you do mowing down charging zombies in first-person shooters, the Cherry MX Brown switch may be for you. Its 45cN actuation force is identical to what you get from the Red switch and, like it, the switch isn't clicky, but it gives you the same typing-boosting tactile bump you get from Blue. It's often cited as a good balance for gaming and typing between the clicky MX Blues and the "fast" MX Reds.

Cherry MX Speed Silver

Much like MX Reds, Cherry MX Speed Silvers demand the same 45cN actuation force, albeit with a shorter actuation point of just 1.2mm. (Reds have a 2mm actuation point.) The total travel distance is shorter too, at 3.4mm as opposed to the 4mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Reds. Having to press down less of a distance contributes to these switches' namesake trait: speed. As a result, the delay between pressing down a key and performing an action is kept to a minimum, making Speed Silvers a refreshed favorite for gamers.

(Credit: Mike Epstein)

Other Cherry MX Switches

The above switches are the kinds you're most likely to find in a keyboard you purchase today, but Cherry's rainbow does extend a bit further, to a few much less common types. Cherry Clear switches are tactile like Brown, but possess a higher actuation force; Green switches can be considered stiff Blues, both tactile and clicky; and White switches are quieter Greens. Several other types have specialized uses (such as just for space bars), but they will seldom be identified as such on any package or marketing material.

Non-Cherry Mechanicals: Who Else Makes Key Switches (and Are They Any Good)?

A number of companies make switches that either mimic or try to improve on the Cherry MX switch functionality. Some gaming-keyboard switches, for example, have shorter actuation points to register your keypress action more quickly. Razer, for one, recently developed a hybrid "Mecha-Membrane" variety that uses mechanical means to activate a silicone dome switch. We've seen this used in the likes of the Ornata Chroma, as well as in the Cynosa Chroma and its underglow-laden twin, the Cynosa Chroma Pro. But we'd consider these spinoffs as opposed to true mechanicals. (Cooler Master and SteelSeries have offered similar "hybrid" switches.)

(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)

Razer also offers true mechanical switches, known as Razer Green (tactile and clicky), Razer Orange (tactile and silent), and Razer Yellow (linear and silent). Here's where one vendor goes off the color rails: The Razer Greens are most similar to Cherry MX Blue switches, Razer Oranges are closest to Cherry MX Browns, while Razer Yellows are congruent to Cherry MX Reds. Razer key switches exhibit unique travel distances and actuation points, too: Greens and Oranges are 4mm deep and actuate at 1.9mm, and Yellows are 3.5mm deep and actuate at 1.2mm. You'll want to try these before you buy as they are a world of their own.

Logitech's mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, have become increasingly popular for their homebrew Romer-G switches. These come in both Tactile and Linear flavors and are rated for a whopping 70 million keystrokes. Romer-G switches are outfitted with an actuation distance between that of the Cherry MX Reds and Silvers, and they require the same 45cN force to actuate. Furthermore, Logitech now posits GX Blue switches as an alternative to Cherry MX Blues.

(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)

None of these has become quite as popular or as widespread as the Cherry MX switches, though, so for the most part they're not worth discussing in depth. If you come across a keyboard brand using an unfamiliar switch type, try to determine both its actuation force (explained above) and its actuation point (at which depth of the keypress what you type is registered). Compare these values with those of the Cherry switches, and you should get an idea of what you're in for. Trying them in person is also recommended; we've tried imitation Blue, Brown, and other switches, and noted some subtle and not-so-subtle differences in feel from the Cherry standard. One major, common maker of Cherry-like key switches is Kaihua Electronics, better known by its subsidiary brand, Kailh(Opens in a new window). Kailh switches are often used in lower-cost mechanical models, and indeed, if you yank a keycap off a late-model mechanical keyboard and don't see the word "Cherry" on the switch, "Kailh" is the next most likely branding you might see.

One of the most unusual switches you can find is, in fact, a quintessential mechanical example. The buckling-spring switch was used in the now-legendary IBM Model M keyboards that made such an impact in the 1980s—some of which are still in use today. It can still be found in keyboards from Unicomp, the company that acquired the manufacturing rights to it. (The Unicomp Ultra Classic definitely lives up to its name.) Buckling-spring keyboards use a genuine spring to activate the switch; when it bends in the middle as you press it, it causes tactile and aural feedback (the latter from the spring hitting the sidewall of the switch enclosure). Keyboards using this style of switch are rare these days, but they're prized for their unparalleled typing capability and psychological satisfaction.

What Are the Major Features of Mechanical Keyboards to Look For?

Their switches aside, mechanical keyboards have the same feature considerations as other kinds of keyboards. You may want key backlighting, whether of one color or an entire spectrum you can program at your whim. ("Per-key" RGB backlighting, in which you can program each key across the whole RGB spectrum, is the ne plus ultra of key backlighting, but it adds to the cost. See our favorite RGB keyboards.) Multimedia controls, whether they're activated by pushing separate buttons or using a Function key to access a secondary ability on one of the standard keys, can make it easy to adjust volume or move backward and forward in your track list while playing music.

(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)

Look for convenience features such as a volume dial or roller. (Corsair is well known for nifty volume rollers on some of its high-end mechanical boards, but other makers have adopted them, too.) And dedicated macro buttons can be a real boon for gamers, saving you the trouble of executing tricky key combinations or menu manipulations every time you want to perform a common action.

Most mainstream and gaming models offer a 10-key numeric pad, which laptops frequently lack and is a necessity for anyone who needs to tally numbers or enter data into a spreadsheet. So-called "tenkeyless" models slice off the numeric pad in the interest of space savings and keeping your typing and mousing hands closer together. Bear that in mind if you're looking at gaming keyboards, as tenkeyless models are a recent trend, especially in that subclass. If you want to go even smaller, so-called "60%" keyboards eliminate even more keys. Check out our 60% keyboard guide for everything you need to know about the category.

Mechanical keyboards can be particularly well suited to use with Macs. Many come with Mac-compatible configuration software, and you can even pop the keys off some models and replace them with Mac-specific keys such as Command and Option. Our roundup of the best keyboards for Macs gets into those details.

So, Which Mechanical Keyboard Should I Buy?

In any case, whatever you want from a keyboard, you can find a mechanical keyboard capable of making it a reality—with more heft, longevity, and style than you may have thought possible. Mechanical keyboards are back and here to stay, and likely to only get better as more and more buyers realize the benefits they offer to laser-focused typists, hardcore gamers, and everyone in between.

If you're not wedded to mechanical key switches, check out our overall roundup of the best general-purpose keyboards we've tested, as well as the best gaming keyboards. And if you're in the market for a pointing device to go with your keyboard, see our lists of the best computer mice and the best gaming mice. But if you want to go with a terrific clicky model, we've got a spec breakout of all of our above picks laid out below. Scroll on down.

Membrane Keyboard vs Mechanical Keyboard: Which One You Should Use?

There are many ranges of keyboards from many different makers out there, most of whom are either membrane keyboards or mechanical keyboards. Being a gamer and a typist I used many different keyboards over the years, all with their different benefits or downfalls. Some feel good on my hands, others not so. When you do a lot of work or a lot of gaming, you want something that will perform well to your fingers. Now not all keyboards are made the same granted that some are made better than others even if they are similar. Today we will compare the membrane keyboard and mechanical keyboard, and provide recommendations about who should use membrane keyboard and who should use mechanical keyboard.

Jump to:

What is a membrane keyboard

Pros of membrane keyboards

Cons of membrane keyboards

What is a mechanical keyboard

Pros of mechanical keyboards

Cons of mechanical keyboards

Which one you should use?

Membrane Keyboard

What is a Membrane Keyboard

Let’s get down to business with the first type of keyboard called a membrane, it uses 3 different layers in it design, which are very flexible. The first layer is called the top membrane layer, under the top there is a conductive trace. When the key is pressed, it moves thru the second layer which is made up of holes, allowing the pressure pads that are located under each key to pass through, and make contact with the conductive traces on top of the bottom membrane layer.

Membrane keyboard diagram. Photo by Fourohfour from Wikipedia

There are two types of designs that are used. One is the flat key design, which is commonly used on microwave ovens. The keys in this design are printed on the same pad, It still uses an pressure pad, but because it provides no notable “physical feedback”, it makes it hard to use on a computer keyboard, which typist rely on physical feedbacks to blink type.

The other type called dome switch keyboard, which uses a dome with printed letters on top, sometimes they are printed on or laser stretched. This type of keyboard uses a rubber or a silicone keypad that comes with domes as the top membrane layer. When the domes being press down, they collapse, and the graphite under the dome will complete the circuit underneath the membrane pad, thereby sent signal of a key being pressed.

Pros of Membrane Keyboards

Similar typing experience to mechanical keyboard

Relatively Quiet

More Portable

Affordable

The dome switch keyboard uses rubber or silicone domes to simulate the spring structure of mechanical keyboard, which gives this type of keyboard solid physical feedbacks. Although there is difference between the typing experience of membrane keyboard and those of mechanical keyboard, with the advance of technology, the gap between them is getting smaller.While typing on any keyboard with a high speed can be loud, membrane keyboard have better reputation than mechanical keyboards when it comes to typing sound volume. Some mechanical keyboard, especially the blue switches, can be very loud, although it may not be a bad thing as some typists enjoy this sound.Membrane keyboards usually are usually made of plastic, making it lighter than mechanical keyboard, which has a larger proposition of metal gears. You can easily carry a light membrane keyboard and type on your lap if you want to.

As membrane keyboards can be made with common materials and matured technology, a membrane keyboard will be more affordable than a mechanical keyboard that comes with the same features.

Cons of Membrane Keyboards

Typing Feels

Key Rollover

Lifespan

Cleaning

Mechanical keyboard

What is a mechanical keyboard

The keys require more of an effort to type, when you press down on the key. Some typists found that membrane keyboards are “mushy” to type on, which affect their typing experience.If you’re a fast typist there will be times when you’re typing that the keys will not be registered as a hit as the key wasn’t pressed down all the way. This happens to me all the time.Though having a lifespan of millions of key presses and lasts for years, the membrane keyboard can still wear out quicker than a mechanical keyboard, when they do wear out the membrane will start to feel more mushy which causes the keys to loose feedback.While you can take away keycaps of mechanical keyboards to clean the keyboard, it is harder to clean a membrane keyboard as the keycaps are usually not removable.

The mechanical keyboards use switches to send typing signal. There are more than one kind of switches out there, each one performing differently. Each key has its own switch, which comes with a base, a spring and a stem. The most common switches are blue, red, brown, black etc. Some require a certain amount of force to be press, Tactile while making a clicking sound or without, and others can be easy to press. Mechanical keyboard usually provides exchangeable keycaps, which allow users to DIY their keyboard. For more details about the definition of mechanical keyboard and membrane keyboards, please visit Wikipedia.

Outemu RGB Blue Switch. Photo by Outemu

Pros of mechanical keyboards

Removable Keycaps

Durability

Tactility

Different Typing Style

Heavy

The key caps can be removed which allow you to customized your keyboard to match the theme of your case, your desktop or give a style's look to your keyboard.Since there isn’t a membrane inside the mechanical they take a longer time than membrane keyboards to wear out. Plus they stay the same since day one and do not change feedback. Meaning you do not have to get used to the keyboard again if the feel changes unlike membrane keyboards.Typist benefit from the keys as so, when you type the letter is registered and it does not require a lot of effort to type, which is great for those who are fast typist including gamers, who need to hit one or more then quickly or often.With mechanical keyboard, you don’t have to press a key all the way down to the bottom to make it register, which means you can press half way and stop. This allows faster typing speed and less fatigue.

The weight of mechanical keyboard can be either a pro or a con, depending on how you use it. Mechanical keyboards tend to be heavy which helps by stopping the keyboard from being pushed around your desk when you type.

If you are not a fan of heavy mechanical keyboard, the HV-KB390L low profile mechanical keyboard is your ideal choice.

Key Rollover

Mechanical keyboard usually allows you to press many keys at the same time; some even allows you to press all keys at the same time (N key rollover). This will benefit those who games with the keyboard.

N key rollover is supported with all of our mechanical keyboards, even with USB ports

Easier to Clean

Cons of mechanical keyboards

More expensive

Loud

Heavy

DIY skills may required

Which one you should use?

As the keycaps of mechanical keyboard can be removed, you can clean a mechanical keyboard easily by removing the keycaps.Mechanical keyboards use more expensive materials and technology, so you will need to spend more than you normally would for a membrane to get one.The sound volume of mechanical keyboard depends on the switches that are used, such as blues as they can be loud. So if you’re in a location with other people, they will hear you typing away, unless you have the door closed, or if you’re talking on a mic. Again, some typists don’t mind the sound and even enjoy them.Weight while this is a pro for some people, this can be a con for others those who move their keyboards around while its traveling or move from different desktops.While mechanical keyboards can be used out of the box, it will be also fun to customize it with different keycaps and switches. However, customizing it may require some DIY skills.

As you see both keyboards have their ups and downs, and each one meets the different needs of many users. Not one keyboard is for everyone. If you’re on an budget and doesn’t care about how the keyboard perform or using this with an laptop on the go, use with something as simple as an tablet, use with your home theater PC, or in your home office working and talking on the phone a lot with your job, traveling an lot etc., then a quiet membrane keyboard would be good enough for you, as you won’t have to worry about the size and the weight of the keyboard. Students will benefit from the flexibility of a high quality membrane keyboard, as it can be used to write assignment or game, and is much affordable.

Now if you are a heavy user who uses the keyboard all the time, typing out a story, articles, coding or even a fast typist, a mechanical keyboard would be a very good choice for you. Even gamers will benefit from using one with their gaming due to the quickness that is required at times. The weight will be handy as the last thing you want your keyboard to do is movie around on your desk as you try to frag another player with a rocket launcher, causing you to mistakenly strafe into a wall and shoot yourself in the face. There are ways to make the mechanical quieter by using O-rings if you wish to still use one in the home office, so that still an option, even outside the office.

The best thing you should is find an place that will let you try out the different keyboards and find one that fit your needs, as that’s what important, to find out what works best in your fingers. And you can also figure out which mechanical switches that you feel work best for you.

Admin's Note: After having genclaymore to review our HV-KB378L mechanical keyboard last week, we invited him again to compare the membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards, and give us recommendations about who should use membrane keyboards and who should use mechanical keyboards. Editings are made. Feel free to learn more about all the membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards we have to offer.

What do you like about membrane keyboards or mechanical keyboards, and why? Please feel free to leave the comment.