Increase in popularity of computer games, and computer-dependent professions has brought the mechanical keyboard back for a better typing experience. Some of the biggest differences in mechanical and membrane keyboards are aesthetics, experience, and price. The mechanical keyboard is usually a lot more expensive than the regular keyboards even with the same specifications. Let’s talk about these differences and figure out if making the switch is worth it.
What is a membrane keyboard?
Most of the available keyboards available today are membrane keyboards. These include those usually in desktop packages and built-in keyboards in laptops. It’s called a membrane keyboard because of the silicone membrane inside of it.
How does a membrane keyboard differ from a mechanical keyboard?
Mechanism
Membrane keyboards are made of one circuit pressed by pressure from a silicone membrane. This means all keys are connected to one another. For mechanical keyboards, each of its keys has individual mechanical switches under each key. This is how they differ in registering their keys. Membrane keyboards can feel mushy or squishy because of the silicone. Meanwhile, the mechanical keyboard can feel and sound more crisp.
Customization
Mechanical keyboards win this round. This is because the keys are independent off each other, it is possible to customize how each of the keys would sound, feel, and look. This allows the user complete control over how their typing experience would be. This is especially helpful for people where the sensory experience is important. As well as those who type or use the keyboard for extended periods of time.
This is not an option that’s available to membrane keyboards. Save for manually painting over the existing keyboard keys, using stickers, or replacing the entire set altogether, there aren’t a lot of options available. Although there are good quality membrane keyboards that feel and look good, this may be a minor issue.
Durability
Most mechanical keyboards are made of metal and can be more solid than their membrane cousins. They are heavier and can be about 10 times more durable. However, this doesn’t mean the membrane keyboard is easy to break. The wear and tear of most keyboards is pretty reasonable. In this respect, one of the downsides to membrane keyboards is that if one key is broken, it’s more likely that you would have to replace the entire board.
Mechanical keyboards can be a hassle to carry around due to their weight. It can also be redundant, especially if you’re looking for something more portable. If you are, you’re best left with the keyboard that is built-in on your laptop, or a thin membrane keyboard for your tablet.
Ultimately, choosing between a mechanical or membrane keyboard, or even as to what model and specifications, is up to what you consider important.
