As a PC user we always want all of its components to best suit our preferences and needs.
One of them is the keyboard with which we interact directly, not only with the installed programs, but also with the games. Hence it’s important to choose one that can withstand the intensity of use that you give to carry out both activities.
That is why in this post we bring you the differences between mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards so that you know in which aspects stand out more one or the other and thus help you make the most appropriate decision regarding this peripheral.
Mechanical keyboards vs. membrane keyboards: What are the differences between them?
These are the most important aspects where mechanical and membrane keyboards present notable differences:
Gaming performance
Mechanical keyboards represent a standard for many gaming enthusiasts. Being mechanical, their switches, tactile response and precise actuation give you a competitive advantage in fast-paced games where split-second decisions are constant.
Besides, due to the existence of mechanical keyboards with different types of switches, you have the possibility to choose the option that fits your personal preferences and game genre you’re used to play. If you’re an FPS gamer then you might want to get a Cherry MX Red keyboard as it has linear switches, which allows for smooth and fast keystrokes.
But if you’re more of a MOBA and RTS gamer, then the Cherry MX Brown model with tactile switches and subtle response will be more appropriate.
Thanks to the durability that mechanical keyboards have, they’re able to withstand intense and repeated keystrokes that are likely to be common in your gaming sessions.
However, this does not mean that membrane keyboards are not suitable for gaming, as they have a quieter operation than mechanical keyboards, allowing for a softer feel that can be beneficial for late-night gaming sessions.
Many gaming-focused membrane keyboards come integrated with features such as anti-ghosting (a function that allows different keystrokes to be registered) and n-key rollover (a function that allows the execution of each key when several keys are pressed simultaneously), bringing them closer to mechanical keyboards.
Productivity
Numerous office workers and writers use mechanical keyboards because they trust in their responsiveness and enjoy the click generated by their keystrokes.
They also claim that mechanical keyboards improve their speed and allow them to type more accurately. Since there are different versions of mechanical keyboards you can choose the model that best suits your typing needs.
As for how good membrane keyboards are for productivity, they tend to be quite popular thanks to the fact that their functioning is much quieter than their counterparts.
This feature allows for smoother keystrokes that your hands will appreciate as it’ll make them feel less tired during those long days of typing at home or in the office. For this reason, membrane keyboards are suitable for different types of users, also helping them to improve their ergonomics by purchasing the slimmer profile. Even more so if they complement their use with a wrist rest.
Durability and longevity
When it comes to durability, the scale is tipped more on the side of mechanical keyboards. Thanks to the millions of keystrokes their individual switches are capable of withstanding, mechanical keyboards are apt to give you years of heavy use.
And in case any of the switches wear out, they can be replaced individually, thus prolonging their life span. Membrane keyboards have a shorter lifespan, but they have advantages. One of them is that since they’re easier to manufacture the number of moving parts that can fail is smaller, making them also more resistant to dust and splashes. Even so, if the keyboard wears out it’ll have to be replaced by a new one.
Noise levels
Be it in shared workspaces or at home, the noise generated by a keyboard can end up being an important factor for many users…and the people around them.
In that regard, mechanical keyboards, especially those with click switches, are known to generate loud sounds that can be satisfying to some people or tormenting in low-noise environments. This is where membrane keyboards have a chance to shine as they’re quieter in their keystrokes, so you can use them in offices, libraries or any space where noise must be kept to a minimum.
Although it seems that mechanical keyboards are now available with “silent” switches that reduce some of the noise generated by your keystrokes.
Budget
As it happens with the rest of the PC components, budget is a factor that many people consider when thinking about buying a keyboard for their PC.
Here membrane keyboards are usually found in the market at a lower price compared to mechanical keyboards, allowing them to be purchased by a larger number of users. If you look for this type of keyboards in online stores you’ll see models with prices starting from $20, as well as gaming-oriented models with additional features that can be priced between $50 and $100.
If you choose to buy mechanical keyboards you should know that its price is usually more expensive, due to the complexity present in its manufacture, as well as the use of higher quality materials.
There are basic models that you can buy from $30 and high-end models that can exceed $200, but taking into account its qualities, there are many people who are willing to pay it to improve their experience of use with this peripheral and get better performance in their games and work.
For whom is it convenient to buy a mechanical keyboard?
With everything said in each of the sections described above, we recommend you to buy a mechanical keyboard if you meet the following conditions:
- Type frequently for long periods of time.
- Play fast paced or competitive games
- Want to customize your keyboard
For whom is it convenient to buy a membrane keyboard?
Choose a membrane keyboard if you’re a person who:
- Want an affordable keyboard with a gaming-oriented focus
- Don’t play fast-paced titles
- Don’t spend long days typing
Hybrid Keyboards: The Best of Both Worlds
You may not be aware that some keyboard manufacturers have models that combine the most favorable features of mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards. So, in the end you would get a keyboard with membrane switches modified with mechanical elements that would give you a more tactile feel along with quieter operation, and best of all, at a lower cost.
Because of their bounce and responsiveness, hybrid keyboards are preferred by many professional gamers, with the Razer Huntsman Elite and the Logitech G815 being the most commonly used models for this purpose. But gaming is not the only area where these keyboards provide good performance, as their features also make them suitable for work.
Mechanical keyboards vs. membrane keyboards: Who’s the winner?
Whether you play games or work, having the right keyboard will make any of these activities more optimal and enjoyable. So, if you’re an enthusiastic gamer and a passionate typer who is willing to pay a considerable amount and does not find the noise generated by your keystrokes annoying, mechanical keyboards are a good choice.
While if you’re someone who gives priority to buying a keyboard with quieter functioning and lower price, then the membrane keyboard is the solution you need to get a user experience that meets your needs. There is also the middle ground with hybrid keyboards or mechanical keyboards with silent switches that can give you the best of both worlds and make your relationship with this peripheral much more satisfying.