Ah yes, the everlasting debate continues: between a mechanical vs. membrane keyboard, which is best for gaming? It’s simple really, membrane keyboards are outclassed by a mile! Well…for the most part. If you compare a top-tier mechanical keyboard to any membrane one, the differences are more than noticeable.
Both options have their advantages, but what’s the difference between the two? Or more importantly, which keyboard should you choose?
What Is the Difference Between a Mechanical and Membrane Keyboard?
Aside from the satisfying feel of a “clicky” mechanical keyboard that contrasts with the soft feel of a membrane keyboard, what’s so different about the two?
Plenty of things!
In order to understand the key differences between them, let’s first look at the characteristic of each keyboard, followed by the pros and cons.
What Is a Mechanical Keyboard?
A mechanical keyboard is, as the title suggests, a keyboard that’s mechanical. What this means is that the keyboard is built with durable, often spring activated key switches, rather than a rubber dome. The thing is, it’s difficult to compare a mechanical keyboard to a membrane keyboard, as not all mechanical keyboards are the same. So while some come with switches that are light, fast, and quiet, others are heavy, slow, and extremely “clicky”.
Pros of Mechanical Keyboards:
- Depending on the switch style used in a mechanical keyboard, key presses will be registered faster as you won’t have to bottom out the keys.
- You can customize mechanical keyboards with your own keycaps and key switches.
- Swapping out mechanical switches is a simple process. All you need is a keycap puller that comes with most mechanical keyboards.
- Many mechanical keyboards come with a lifespan of around 30 to 70 million clicks. So as long as you aren’t bashing away at the keyboard all day, it’ll last you longer than a membrane keyboard.
- You can’t deny how satisfying the clicking sound of a mechanical keyboard is. If you disagree, well, you’re wrong! Jokes aside, if you don’t like the sound, check out the “cons” section for a quick tip
Cons of Mechanical Keyboards:
- Some people might not like how loud mechanical keyboards can be. If you agree, you can either reduce the level of sound your keyboard makes by using O-rings or choose a silent mechanical keyboard model.
- Mechanical keyboards are extremely popular among gamers, yet they are often much more expensive than membrane keyboards. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to find a decent budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that song break the bank.
What Is a Membrane Keyboard?
Unlike a mechanical keyboard, membrane keyboards are made up of rubber domes that sit on top of pressure pads. This is what gives a membrane keyboard its flat surface which can cause errors upon typing.
Pros of Membrane Keyboards:
- Membrane keyboards are better for the office as they tend to be quieter than mechanical keyboards.
- They are often more affordable owing to the materials (plastic) used to create them.
- As they are made out of plastic, they are much lighter, which in turn, makes membrane keyboards more portable.
- Although mechanical keyboards have a longer lifespan in comparison to other keyboards, membrane keyboards still last a long time
Cons of Membrane Keyboards:
- On some membrane keyboards, keys won’t register unless you press the key all the way down. So if you’re a fast typist, you’ll probably dislike cheap membrane keyboards.
- The keycaps on membrane keyboards are usually not removable, making it difficult to properly keep your keyboard clean.
Types of Mechanical Switches:
What’s the one thing that makes a mechanical keyboard mechanical? The key switches!
There are several types of Razer and Cherry MX switches to choose from, but what’s the difference between them? Look no further, as we’ve created below table to help you understand the actuation force and the actuation distance of each type of switch. There is a common debate whether are Cherry MX Red switches better than Browns for gaming but these two are the clear ‘champions.’
| Switch Type | Clicky | Actuation Force | Actuation Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Red: Linear | No | 45cN | 2mm |
| Cherry MX Brown: Tactile | No | 45cN | 2mm |
| Cherry MX Speed: Linear | No | 45cN | 1.2mm |
| Cherry MX Blue: Clicky | Yes | 50-60cN | 2mm |
| Cherry MX Clear: Light Tactile | No | 55-65cN | 2mm |
| Cherry MX Black: Linear | No | 60cN | 2mm |
| Cherry MX Green: Tactile | Yes | 80cN | 2mm |
| Razer Yellow: Linear | No | 45cN | 1.2mm |
| Razer Green: Tactile | Yes | 50cN | 1.9mm |
| Razer Orange: Tactile | No | 45cN | 1.9mm |
Membrane vs Mechanical: Which is Best?
A standard membrane keyboard that you’d find in a school library doesn’t have the same satisfying click to it as a mechanical keyboard does. Still, they both work well for gaming and typing, so whatever keyboard type you choose, make sure you feel comfortable using it.
On the topic of keyboards, if you’re after a brand new one for all of the games in your Steam library, why not check out the best gaming keyboards on the market? There are some premium choice options, as well as some great value-for-money gaming keyboards for those of you on a tight budget.
Sources:
- Membrane vs. Mechanical, Reddit
- Guide to Gaming Keyboard Switches, SteelSeries Blog