When it comes to selecting the right keyboard, two primary choices stand out – the mechanical keyboard and the membrane keyboard.
If you haven’t try any mechanical keyboard before, maybe you are using a membrane keyboard. With some limitation of membrane keyboard, from the perspective of one keyboard brand, it is worth to try a mechanical keyboard or custom mechanical keyboard. You must want to know What a mechanical keyboard is or why it is important to get a mechanical keyboard. Or which keyboard can offer better typing experience for you?
Here is a guide blog about the components that are used to build a mechanical keyboard. You can find the answer what a mechanical keyboard is.
In most instances, if we order a computer, there would be a membrane keyboard come together. Most people have become accustomed to using those keyboards before trying any mechanical keyboard. Today, let’s open the door to the world of mechanical keyboards for beginners.
The mechanical keyboard and the membrane keyboard offer distinct typing experiences and usage characteristics, so understanding their features and advantages is crucial. Let’s introduce the differences in 4 areas, structure, typing feeling and sound, appearance, lifespan and using experience.
Structure
Firstly, Each key of mechanical keyboard owns individual physical switches, which means each key having a separate mechanical switch responsible for registering the keystroke. The metal leaf within the switch is used to connect the circuit and obtain the key by moving. This design provides an outstanding typing feel and feedback for each key. Each keycaps and each switches can be replaced easily.
In contrast, the membrane keyboard is composed of four parts: the panel, some silicone bowls, the isolation layer, the upper conductive circuit and the lower conductive circuit. The panel is the outer case of the keyboard. Under the panel, there is a upper conductive circuit with conductive patterns. When we press the keycap, the silicone bowl makes 2 layers of conductive circuit contact with each other. If the circuits are connected, the keys will be triggered. The isolation layer is designed with holes under each keys, which sits between the 2 layers of circuit to stop them contacting all the time. The bounce of keys mainly comes from the silicone bowls.
image from ZF
Typing feeling and sound
A mechanical keyboard offers more noticeable key feedback while typing, allowing you to easily sense key actuation and prevent accidental keystrokes. And because of the feature of replacing switch, we can even try different switches in the different part of one keeb. In the market, there is several types of switches now, from tactile, linear, clicky, to silent style. It is fun to get joy from customize our own mechanical keyboard. The clear trigger feedback makes typing become more accurate.
On the other hand, membrane keyboards may require more forceful presses, leading to uncertainty about whether a key has been successfully pressed. The soft typing feeling has almost no rebound, and the typing sound is very low or very dull. This makes mechanical keyboards more comfortable during extended use, reducing finger fatigue. So when pressing a single key, there is a easy way to tell the mechanical keyboard or membrane keyboard. If there is obvious sound, it is almost a mechanical keyboard. Or if the typing feeling is similar to silicone pad or there is hardly sound of keyboard, we can guess it must be a membrane keyboard.
Appearance
The mechanical keyboard normally is equipped with several layers of filling material to keep a better typing sound. And because of the structure, the keyboard owns both top and bottom case. The keycaps varies from different profiles, like Cherry, MDA, SA and so on. The weight of mechanical keyboard is relatively heavier than membrane keyboard. The switches are located in a separate layer under the keycap. As for the membrane keyboard, the simple structure makes it lighter and lower than the mechanical keyboard.
Lifespan and typing experience
Mechanical keyboards generally have a longer lifespan than membrane keyboards, as their mechanical switches can withstand a higher number of keystrokes, like 50 million times. For those who frequently use keyboards, mechanical keyboards are the more durable option. And if there is one key or switch broken, we can solder off the single socket and replace with a new one. And we can custom the typing feeling with hot swappable keyboard.
As for the membrane keyboard, it can afford about 5 million keystrokes. And if there is one key useless, the whole keyboard needs to be replaced.
Cons and pros of Membrane keyboard
Membrane keyboards also have their advantages. Due to their simpler construction, they are often slimmer and more portable, making them easier to carry and move around. Additionally, membrane keyboards tend to be quieter, making them suitable for use in quieter environments, while mechanical keyboards produce more distinct sound. And the cost of membrane keyboard is much lower than the mechanical keyboard. The integrated structure ensures that the keyboard has good tightness and features excellent moisture-proof, dust-proof and oil-proof properties.
The main drawback is also quite obvious.
Touch sensitivity easily deteriorates: After prolonged use, the rubber dome will soften, resulting in a poor touch sensation and a floppy feel.
Shorter lifespan: Compared to mechanical keyboards, its key lifespan is usually shorter.
Key conflicts: There are widespread key position conflicts, which is not conducive to complex game operations.
In conclusion, the mechanical keyboard might be better if you seek a superior typing experience, increased durability, and precise key feedback. And in the area of mechanical keyboard, there are divided into many smaller category. For example, magnetic switch keyboard, low profile keyboard, ergonomic split mechanical keyboard, numpad and so on.
Yet, if you prioritize portability, low noise, and bargain, a membrane keyboard may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Regardless of which type you choose, ensure the keyboard's quality and brand reliability for an enjoyable typing experience.