Mechanical vs membrane keyboard: which is better? ?

For any user who wants to buy a new keyboard, unless they know the difference between a mechanical keyboard and a membrane keyboard. The first thing you have to ask yourself is what you are going to use it for, if you are going to spend many hours in front of the PC, if you care about silence or not and of course, how much you intend to spend.

Index of contents

Chances are you've heard a lot of people talk about how wonderful mechanical keyboards are, and you've probably been told that you need one. There are many keys to opt for a mechanical or membrane keyboard, because in the market we always find very good products both from one and the other. In this article we will help you choose the best option.

Mechanical vs membrane keyboard: different operation

Right now What could you base yourself to know if a keyboard is mechanical or membrane? Surely the first thing you think about is the typical clicking sound that mechanics make. But this is not entirely true, since there are also completely silent and even low-profile mechanical keyboards that perfectly impersonate a membrane keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are so called because of their switches, the actuation of the keys is carried out by a switch that is made up of various mechanical elements that activate or deactivate a contact inside that can even be a beam of infrared light.

With membrane keyboards we have lived together for a long time, but be careful, because the oldest are mechanical, so it is not a new technology in computing at all. Membrane-operated keyboards basically have a flexible rubber switch. When the key is pushed down, a flexible membrane made up of several layers moves downwards and makes contact with another electrified surface and at that moment in open circuit. At the end of the membrane that moves, there is a conductive element that placing it on the electrified surface closes the circuit and the key is activated.

So this is the first difference, its operation and also this causes other aspects to keep in mind that we will see throughout the article. Making a membrane keyboard is certainly simpler than a mechanical keyboard, and this is because this silicone membrane is common to the entire key surface. Flexibility allows a simple mechanism to build and simple to maintain. But this is a double-edged sword, since the membrane, if it is not of high quality, will wear out, it will become more rigid until we will have enough problems to press the keys comfortably.

Instead, mechanical keyboards have separate switches for each key, this means that there is no common actuation system, and consequently, more key directionality and more durability, if the switches are good, of course.

Characteristics of membrane keyboards

Practically, the secret of the quality of a membrane keyboard lies in the membrane itself. An element that is normally built in silicone, very flexible and with conductive tracks to provide the activation of each key.

The advantage of these keyboards is obvious, silence, we do not have a switch that when pressed makes noise, although there are also silent mechanical keyboards as we will see now. Of course, the system makes pressing a membrane keyboard very different from a mechanical key due to the nature of the materials, although over time, we will notice how the membrane keyboard becomes increasingly hard and heavy, by means of which the mechanical will remain the same, or even become softer. This is because the silicone hardens over time.

Another detail to take into account of the membrane keyboards is the ability to become very flat, since they do not have a mechanical system to operate, the volume that the keys occupy can be reduced to truly small spaces, of just a few millimeters. It is for this reason that laptops almost always carry membrane keyboards, and so do flexible wireless keyboards. It is one of the great advantages of plastic based materials.

Features of mechanical keyboards: the switch

Before going into detail with the switches and their classes, there is a fundamental difference in the operation of a membrane keyboard and a mechanical one. While the activation of the key on the membrane keyboard is done at the end of its travel, that is, since pressing the keyboard to the end, on the mechanical keyboard it is not necessary. The switch has a certain activation path, which depending on the construction may be greater or less and thus obtain different typing experiences.

So the versatility that a mechanical keyboard gives is much greater, we will have different switches with different paths, but also with different actuation forces. Although it is true that the actuation force can also be configured on a membrane keyboard depending on the material used and its thickness, it is much more common to do this on mechanical keyboards. In addition, the switches can also be fitted with the typical clicking sound when activated or, conversely, be made completely linear.

Certain keyboards have very light switches and a lower actuation point so that the distance to travel to click is shorter. These can be game oriented, with softer, faster keystrokes. While other keyboards will have harder, longer travel switches, they will be more reminiscent of traditional typewriters.

These parameters are intended to be adapted to the needs of each user that we find in the market. Surely for an office writer, it will be very important to have a quiet keyboard, with a rather high actuation force so as not to misspell and with a moderate path to be faster typing, but without accidental keystrokes. Whereas a gamer could look for a softer side, with less travel for quick keystrokes and with or without sound. Of course everyone will have their own taste, and the least we can do is know and test the switches on the market.

Types of mechanical switches

Then it is time to quickly see the most common switches found on mechanical keyboards. The manufacturer to highlight is Cherry MX, a company that has been making keyboards since 1967, and that in 1985 began to classify keyboards, or rather their switches, by color, based on their characteristics.

Another prominent manufacturer that has its own switches is Razer and also Logitech, and it's also worth giving it a good look at identifying colors and features. Then there are the manufacturers like Outemu, what they do is simply copy, so to speak, the switches of Cherry MX, giving it the same colors and characteristics to be able to identify them in the same way.

The basic differences of a switch are, the type of interaction, tactile or linear, the presence of the clicky or sound, the actuation force and the activation path. Perhaps the least clear of these characteristics is the tactile element. A tactile switch is made up of two elements, the button that we press, which is attached to a rail with a spring for its recoil. But the actuator will be another independent element that is actuated through the pulsation of the other element. But on the contrary, the linear path is simply a block made up of the switch and the spring. We will see it better in the animations.

• Cherry MX Blue Cherry MX Green Cherry MX Brown Cherry MX Black Cherry MX Red Cherry MX Clear Cherry MX Speed ​​(Silver) Razer Orange Razer Green Razer Yellow Razer Optomechanics Logitech Romer-G

Tactile switches, with very loud and noisy sound. Its actuation force is between 50 and 60 grams and the activation travel of 2 mm. It is the best choice of the brand for writers.

Tactile switches, with sound, but less marked and noisy. Its actuation force is 80 grams and the activation stroke is 2 mm. It is the SUV of Cherry switches.

Tactile switches, without sound. Its actuation force is between 45 and 55 grams and the activation travel of 2 mm.

Linear switches, without sound. Its actuation force is between 40 and 80 grams and the activation travel of 2 mm. They are by far the hardest on the list, and are not recommended for fast rear, but they are accurate.

Linear switches, without sound. Its actuation force is 45 grams and the activation stroke is 2 mm. They are favorites by gamer users as a rule.

Tactile switches, without sound. Its actuation force is between 55 and 65 grams and the activation travel of 2 mm.

Linear switches, without sound. Its actuation force is 45 grams and the activation travel of 1.2 mm.

Razer's own switches are linear and soundless. Its actuation force is 45 grams and the activation stroke is 1.9 mm.

Razer's own switches, are tactile and with sound and the most common. Its actuation force is between 50 and 55 grams and the activation travel of 1.9 mm. They are the most versatile and used, recommended for games and for writing.

Razer's own switches are linear and soundless. Its actuation force is 45 grams and the activation travel of 1.2 mm. They are the brand's fastest switches.

Razer's own switches have a tactile circuit with a sensation similar to Razer Green, but the keyboard is activated by light, with infrared. Its actuation force is 45 grams and the activation stroke is 1.5 mm. Durability rises from traditional 50 million clicks to 100 million. The most durable and ideal for all kinds of tasks due to its incredible benefits.

Logitech's own switches are tactile and soundless. Its actuation force is 45 grams and the activation stroke is 1.5 mm.

It is then clear that the variety of switches is impressive, and that we have introduced only the best and most relevant on the market. So it is clear why mechanical keyboards are better than membrane keyboards in this regard. More possibility and also well defined.

Still the membrane keyboards will have an extra silence on their keys, but it will be more difficult to identify the one that best suits us to write or play.

Which keyboard is better for gaming?

This is where the favors and preferences of each one begin to arrive, and it is that each one will have their own tastes in terms of keystrokes and types of keyboard.

Many users will find it more comfortable and less tiring to use a membrane keyboard to play sporadically on their computers and write rather little. It is normal, that, in this case, we do not opt ​​for a mechanical keyboard, it would not make sense to pay the extra money to use it only once in a while. And everything is said, if we are a bit rough playing and in a burning mood, better to destroy a cheap membrane keyboard and compare other than a mechanical keyboard for 100 euros.

In any case, in case we will all agree that using a Slim keyboard (thin planes) is not, even close, the best option for gaming, and the truth is that many of the membrane keyboards use this configuration to differentiate themselves from the rest. The good thing about mechanical keyboards is the wide range of options that we have available. Each switch is built for different purposes and tastes, so it will be easier to adapt to our preferences of use.

The main advantages of mechanical vs. membrane keyboards in games are:

• Durability and quality: the switches withstand more pulsations and greater forces. The switches degrade less over time than the membranes and in the end the life will be much longer in the mechanical ones. Speed: with a mechanical keyboard we will not have to press the key all the way to activate it, both just a slight press, for example, in a yellow Razer will be enough. This is a palpable advantage in speed of action.

If you are a gamer and need a keyboard that has more agile keys and shorter actuation distances, a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Red or Silver switches will be your best option. We also do not forget the Razer Yellow or Green or giving an extra durability with the Optomechanics.

And what keyboard is better for typing?

Now we go to the other fundamental question, and it is the writing experience that we are going to have with a mechanical keyboard vs. membrane. Here surely the preferences of each user enter more fully, spending 8 hours writing is sufficient reason to attend to the preferences in taste of each one.

Many of these workers often use Slim membrane keyboards, with very low keys to gain typing speed and avoid wrong keystrokes by having thick keys and forcing the wrists to be raised. The transition to a mechanical keyboard with a much steeper height of up to 3 cm more is going to be difficult. However, we can say that this will only be at the beginning, since we know well that in the end we end up getting used to it and even notice improvements in speed.

The possibility of not having to do the full key travel is extremely advantageous, and if we have the sound of the click that warns us much better. In addition, we can combine this for example with the addressable lighting of keyboards like the Razer, for people who look at the keyboard when typing it will be interesting to configure the activation of a color to know when the key has been activated.

Keyboards with Cherry MX Blu e switches, or Razer Green switches, are heavier and will improve typing accuracy by reducing typing and typing errors. If we want a keyboard for the office, the best Cherry MX Brown, Logitech Romer-G or the Razer Orange since they are quieter. And if we do not want to part with the membrane experience, a Logitech K120 is one of the best options and super cheap.

Mechanical keyboard vs. membrane, the cost

In any case, we can say that price is the most significant advantage that membrane keyboards have compared to mechanical keyboards. Of course they are cheaper to manufacture, even those with the best membranes such as Mac keyboards or some very good MSI ones. That is why they will almost always cost less.

An average mechanical keyboard of good quality usually comes out for around 80 euros onwards, while a membrane keyboard will hardly reach those figures. And to this we will have to add the build quality, the added value of the brand and also the presence of RGB lighting and Anti Ghosting N-Key for games. figures that can easily reach 150 euros or more.

This is why, if you have a very tight budget and want a beautiful keyboard with full RGB lighting, with its 105 keys, possibility of customization through software, you will find your best option in membrane keyboards. For 25 or 30 euros you will have top of the range membrane keyboards on the market. Of course, if you want to spend all day typing or use it a lot, go ahead and compare a mechanical keyboard because in the long run you will appreciate it.

No products found.

Mars Gaming MK215 - Membrane gaming keyboard (dual software, programmable, 5 macro keys, 4 profiles, 4 multimedia keys, RGB 7 colors, antighosting, detachable keys and extras, USB)

• Designed for gamers, thanks to its professional gaming technology with an ultra-fast refresh rate and anti-ghosting capacity All its keys are disassembled to change its position and allow a deep cleaning of the keyboard It offers visibility thanks to its seven-color backlight system and its extra gaming keys Adaptable to your needs thanks to its five Macro gaming keys, four profiles and five multimedia keys Designed to last and perform with its double nylon braided cable and its 18-karat gold-plated USB connector

24, 90 EUR Buy on Amazon

Rii RK900 Gaming Multimedia Keyboard with Mechanical Sensitivity, 7 Colors Backlit for Use in the Dark. The most modern and advanced to date. (QWERTY with Spanish Layout, Black)

• Support for Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP. PC, Laptop, Google Android TV Box, HTPC, IPTV, Smart TV, Mac IOS, Chrome OS, and all versions of Raspberry Pi. It automatically goes into sleep for energy saving. If there is no interaction for 10 minutes the light turns off. Pressing any key automatically returns to operating mode. Laser engraved keys with anti-slip coating. Dedicated multimedia keys for volume and music control. Ergonomic. Ultra-low profile keyboard for comfortable use. 7-color backlighting. This feature is not supported on MacOS systems.

17.99 EUR Buy on Amazon

But of course, nobody forgets that our Chinese friends are there to help us. Imitation switches, and truly successful we must say, for example, with the Outemu, that many manufacturers use them to create mechanical keyboards at a laughable cost and that they also give us very good benefits. Clear example can be those of Mars Gaming or the one recently analyzed by us, BG Gaming Raven of only 30 euros.

No products found.

VicTsing Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, 105 Keys and Blue Switches, with Cable and 6 Colors RGB Backlit, Anti-Ghosting-Spanish Version

• 104 Keys & Anti-Ghosting The mechanical gaming keyboard allows multiple keys to work at the same time. Provides high-speed responsive, perfect for authors, gamers, programmers, etc. Sensitive Touch SWITCHES BLUE provides you satisfying sound with every click for a better machining experience. Test 50 million clicks, 60 +/- 15 grams of key strength, and 4.0 +/- 0.2mm of speed. 6-Color Backlit 9 light modes that you can adjust for a certain style of play. For example FPS, RTS, MOBA. The brightness and light can adapt to different environments. You can customize your own combination. Durability Waterproof with 4 drain holes and resistant to dropping up to 76cm. Connector with 1.7m cable, and letters never disappear. 12 Hot Keys Multimedia Quick access to the calculator, average, volume, silence etc. Press FN + WIN to block windows. Compatible with WIN 7/8/10 / XP (Does not work with Vista, Mac OS).

39.99 EUR Buy on Amazon

DREVO Tyrfing 87 Key V2 RGB Backlit Customizable Tenkeyless Gaming Mechanical Keyboard with Multimedia Keys, Software Support - Outemu tctil US Layout

• 16.8 million colors and 14 different light modes to have high color rendering. Each key can be customized through DREVO's TyrfingV2 software. The compact 87-key design, the ergonomic 10-keyless keyboard saves time and ensures the best comfort for your hands when Typing The authentic mechanical keyboard Anti-ghosting, N-key Rollover allows you to control each key independently. Transfer an exact responders when maintaining fluidity Excellent panel material is Aluminum, Gold-plated USB plug, USB cable is superior nylon, 2 rubber mounts and single ABS double-shot keycaps Multi-function & Software Support: 5 key programs can remember key links for quick actions. Can also be used for windows lock and media control, also includes Powerful software

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Durability, the strongest point of a mechanical keyboard

Another important thing to remember is that while membrane keyboards are cheaper to manufacture and therefore cost less than mechanical keyboards, mechanical keyboards also have a longer lifespan due to their better build quality.

Mechanical switches are certified to last longer than rubber dome switches in virtually every setting, regardless of manufacturer. For example, SteelSeries offers mechanical switch keyboards and rubber dome keyboards, and the company's mechanical keyboards (the 6Gv2 and 7G) are tested to withstand up to 50 million keystrokes, while their dome change of Rubber is good for just 15 million , and that's with the high-durability switches that last longer than typical 1 to 5 million presses for most rubber dome keyboards. So even if a mechanical keyboard costs ten times more than a cheap dome switch keyboard costs, the mechanic should last long enough for the investment to be worth it, unless you spill your drink on it - or easily irascible.

So it's normal that a membrane keyboard can cost less now if it only lasts a few years before wearing out, will it really be a better investment than a mechanical keyboard that now costs more, but will last many more years ? The bottom line is that, on average, mechanical keyboards are the best option.

Keys Material: ABS vs PBT

The keys on a keyboard can be made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butaniene Styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) material, to see if you can say it all at once! And no, it is not the language of Mordor. They are chemical compounds used to create plastic, without more. All membrane keyboards opt for ABS material because it is cheaper. However , many mechanical keyboards bet on including keys made with PBT, which are much more resistant to the passage of time. In both cases they are thermoplastic compounds, easily moldable and highly durable.

The PBT keys are made with a double plastic injection, which means that the characters do not fade over the years, and they do not become oily to the touch, something that usually happens with the low quality ABS keys. Our advice is to opt for a PBT keyboard whenever you can.

Types of keyboard layouts

Next, we will see the main keyboard formats that we can find in the market, it is possible to find them both membrane and mechanical. It must also be said that most non-full-format keyboards will be mechanical.

Full size (100%)

Corsair Strafe RGB - Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (Cherry MX Brown, Multicolor RGB backlight, Spanish QWERTY), Black

• QWERTY Espaol

Buy on Amazon

They have 104, 105, or even 108 keys, depending on whether they are ANSI (US), ISO (EU), or JIS (Japan) layouts. This keyboard comes with a built-in numeric keypad, usually on the right side, which is great if you enter numbers frequently or need the maximum number of keys at your disposal. Its main disadvantage is that they are large and take up a lot of desk space. So the least we can ask for is a good wrist rest.

Tenkeyless

Steelseries Apex M750 TKL - Gaming Keyboard, American QWERTY, Color Black

• SteelSeries QX2 linear mechanical game switches deliver ultra-fast and accurate keystrokes Dynamic prism key RGB lighting adds 16.8 million colors and exciting lighting effects to your arsenal Designed in aerospace aluminum for outstanding durability and modern looks Prism Sync create synchronized effects between your gear with SteelSeries Prism The keyboard layout for this product is English (QWERTY). The distribution will differ from the images of the product, which have the American QWERTY keyboard

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This layout is just a full-size layout without the numeric keypad, resulting in 87 or 88 keys with approximately 80% of the width of a full-size keyboard. In exchange for giving up the numeric keypad, you get several benefits: The keyboard takes up less space on the desktop, allowing you to take a more ergonomic posture and give the mouse more room. These keyboards are ideal for gaming and for offices since we will have a lot of space to move the mouse.

75%

DREVO 72 Calibur Key RGB Wireless Bluetooth Backlit Mechanical Keyboard 4.0- FR Design White Brown Switch

• arm your desk with drevo: drevo constantly search for the best solution to satisfy the requirements of each user. wire and dual wireless - use: usb cable connection; or a stable wireless bluetooth connection of up to 10 meters and 20 hours with 4 bluetooth. 0. Support simultaneously connect up to 3 devices and easy to switch between them. Features that can be ignored - No: 72 customizable keys with lights that can be customized with backlight of each key; true tenkeyless nkro that avoids the ghost key effect; quality abs keys with a special coating - high; RGB LED Mechanical Backlit Keyboard Lighting: 7 different light effects include Reactive Mode, Wave Mode, Expansion Mode, Aurora Mode, Breathing Mode, Snake Marquee and Advanced Reactive Mode (no conflict with customizable lights) Varied mechanical switches: mechanical switches with resistance up to 50 million views, ten times higher than membrane keypads. Red / black / blue / brown switches to choose from, and enjoy every hit they keep like the first time.

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75% keyboards are popular because they only shrink or remove a few keys compared to a TKL. Most of the space savings are made by reducing the gap between different keyboard areas and placing keys like Insert, Delete and Home in a single column on the right side of the keyboard. They are keyboards that you have to get used to, especially if you change the location and size of the Enter or the space bar.

60%

Tutoy 61 Key Ansi Design OEM Profile Pbt Thick Keys for 60% Mechanical Keyboard

• Item: OEM Keys Main Color: Black and White Assembly: 61 This joint key is OEM profile, higher than cherry profile. The key is made of durable PBT material, the thickness is about 1.5mm.

29.49 EUR Buy on Amazon

The 60% keyboards lack a row of F keys at the top and the navigation group on the right, which means that only the alphanumeric zone is obtained. These removed functions can be accessed through a function key (Fn), usually near the lower right side of the keyboard. That makes them super portable and they just look great. They are ideal keyboards for traveling, because they are very compact and take up very little space. If we do not want to work with a keyboard other than ours, it is the best portability option.

Wireless keyboards, membrane-dominated kingdom

If there is a point in which the membrane keyboards win by a landslide, it is the availability of wireless models, since we can find units of all prices and for all tastes, especially those of the Slim type. Mechanical keyboard manufacturers have always been reluctant to launch wireless models, arguing that gamers don't want to have to deal with the higher latency associated with a wireless connection, in addition to the lights built into all gaming keyboards reducing life battery.

However, both Logitech and Corsair have decided that it is worth putting high-end wireless gaming mechanical keyboards on the market. The Logitech G613 is a complete model, with built-in wrist rests and even a row of programmable macro keys. On the other hand, the Corsair K63 Wireless is a TKL model with a detachable wrist rest, much more measured in dimensions.

Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Lightspeed 1ms 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, Romer-G Touch Keys, Multi-device, 6 Programmable G-Keys, English QWERTY Layout, Black

• LIGHTSPEED Wireless Connection: Enjoy LIGHTSPEED wireless technology with a fast response speed of 1 ms Romer-G Keys Touch: Romer-G mechanical switches offer quiet and precise mechanical performance with a duration of 70 million clicks for feel and durability optima Programmable G-Keys: Six programmable G-keys put customizable macro sequences and application commands in your hands 2.4GHz + Bluetooth Multihost: Connect to multiple devices with LIGHTSPEED for fast 1ms response speed or Bluetooth for flexibility Battery Life Up to 18 Months: With only 2 AA batteries, the G613 can be used for up to 18 months, when the batteries are at 15 percent, a notification will notify you before the critical moment arrives

135.84 EUR Buy on Amazon

Corsair K63 Wireless - Wireless mechanical keyboard (Cherry MX Red, blue LED backlight, Spanish QWERTY), black

• Ultra-fast wired and wireless modes: Connection with ultra-fast 1ms 2.4GHz wireless technology optimized for gaming, low-latency Bluetooth wireless mode or USB cable 100% CHERRY MX mechanical key switches: CHERRY MX Red mechanical game switches with Gold contacts offer the ultimate competitive advantage and performance Large source keys and lighting control: Enjoy bright, dynamic blue backlighting with customizable keys Strong wireless encryption: 128-bit AES encryption protects keystrokes from wireless interceptions to keep Protected personal data Compact and portable: Tenkeyless format to save desktop space and facilitate transportation

129.99 EUR Buy on Amazon

Conclusion on mechanical keyboard vs membrane

The reality of using any keyboard is that it will all come down to personal preference. If you've spent the past 10 years using a membrane keyboard, you'll find that switching to a mechanical keyboard will take a little time to get used to and adapt to. Even changing from a linear mechanical switch to a tactile one will also take some time to adjust to. What this means is that while certain mechanical switches may be tailor-made for specific use cases, the reality is that most users will eventually adapt to the keyboard they have. There is no other, total, since you bought it…

We recommend our guide to the best keyboards on the market

In the event that you opt for a mechanical keyboard, my personal recommendation is that you go for a TKL model, once you have tried it you will not want to go back to a huge full keyboard. TKL keyboards offer you everything you need, without giving up anything, and with a smaller size than full-format ones. This will make your desk look much clearer , you will have much more room to move the mouse, and your hands will be closer together and in a more ergonomic position when playing. Of course, make sure that the Enter keyboard is very large because otherwise it will not be difficult for you to get used to it.

And in general, we believe that mechanical keyboards are the logical choice for people who give continuous use to their keyboard, whether for gaming or writing. In the long run, the advantages are palpable, we say people who have had both kinds.

As you have read, we have differentiated to the maximum the mechanical keyboards and the membrane keyboards, as well as the pros and cons of each one so that you have a better idea of ​​their differences. This ends our article mechanical keyboard vs. membrane, we hope you found it very useful. Which one do you opt for?

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