Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboard Comparison – 3 Best Picks on Work Rift!

Throughout this article we will provide you with a Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboard Comparison.

It is possible for a casual computer user to think that all keyboards are alike.

They could even be forgiven for thinking that – after all, the casual computer user…

…may only write a few emails and perform a few Google searches each day.

Hardcore gamers, however, place far greater importance on keyboard choice.

Good keyboards should have a tactile feel and give feedback.

The goal is to elevate your gaming (and computing) experience to the next level.

It’s about having a keyboard that feels right in your hands, so you can perform at your best.

There are two main types of keyboards – membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards.

The type you choose depends on a variety of factors.

It pays to consider how you’ll interact with your new build, too…

…since you’ve spent hours and dollars researching the best computer parts to buy!

Here are a few words from Alex…

During my childhood, I spent a lot of time playing games with a membrane keyboard.

Since about a year ago, I’ve been using a mechanical keyboard.

Even though I enjoyed using the mechanical keys, I missed the feel of membrane keys.

In the end, I decided to give this keyboard a try and fell in love with it.

In comparison with mechanical switches, this switch has a soft feel and is very quiet.

Furthermore, it has a 1000hz polling rate, which makes it very responsive.

I have been using it as my daily driver for some time now.

Let’s jump right in!

Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboard Comparison

Membrane Keyboard

I will start off with the first type of keyboard called a membrane…

…which uses three layers in its design, which are very flexible.

First, there is the membrane layer, which is followed by the conductive trace.

When a key is pressed, it passes through the second layer…

…which is made up of holes, allowing the pressure pads located under each key to pass through…

…and make contact with the conductive traces on top of the bottom membrane layer.

These designs fall into two categories.

The flat key design is commonly used on microwave ovens.

Despite using the same pad for keys, it doesn’t provide any noticeable “physical feedback”…

…on a computer keyboard, where typists rely on physical feedback to blink type.

There is also a type of keyboard called dome switch…

…which uses a dome with printed letters on top…

…sometimes the letters are printed on or laser stretched.

Rubber or silicone keypads come with domes as the top membrane layer of this keyboard.

When the domes are pressed down, they collapse…

…and the graphite under the dome completes the circuit beneath the membrane pad…

…which sends a signal that a key has been pressed.

Pros of Membrane Keyboards

• Similar Typing Experience to Mechanical Keyboard

Dome switch keyboards utilize rubber or silicone domes…

…to simulate the spring structure of mechanical keyboards…

…giving this type of keyboard solid physical feedback.

There is a difference between the typing experience of a membrane keyboard…

…and a mechanical keyboard, but with the advancement of technology, that gap is narrowing.

• It’s Relatively Quiet

While typing on any keyboard with a high speed can be loud…

…membrane keyboard have better reputation…

…than mechanical keyboards when it comes to typing sound volume.

Especially the blue switches on some mechanical keyboards can be very loud…

…although some typists enjoy the sound.

• More Portable

Membrane keyboards are usually made of plastic…

…making them lighter than mechanical keyboards…

…which have a greater number of gears.

You can easily carry a lightweight membrane keyboard…

…and type on your lap if that’s what you want.

• Cost-effective

Due to membrane keyboards’ common materials and matured technology…

…a membrane keyboard will be more affordable than a mechanical keyboard with the same features.

Cons of Membrane Keyboards

• Typing Feels

When you press down on the key, you have to exert more effort.

The typing experience of some typists is negatively affected by the “mushy” nature of membrane keyboards.

• Key Rollover

Sometimes, when you’re typing, if you’re a fast typist…

…the keys won’t register as a hit because they weren’t pressed down all the way.

It happens to me quite frequently.

• Lifespan

Though membrane keyboards can last for years and can withstand millions of key presses…

…they can still wear out faster than mechanical keyboards…

…as the membrane will become mushy and the keys will lose their feel.

• Cleaning

It is possible to remove keycaps from mechanical keyboards to clean them…

…but it is harder to clean a membrane keyboard since the keycaps are usually not removable.

Keep reading…

Mechanical Keyboard

Switches are used to send typing signals on mechanical keyboards.

Each switch performs differently. There are many different types of switches available.

Each key has its own switch, which consists of a base, a spring, and a stem.

Blue, red, brown, black, and many other colors are the most common switches.

There are some that require a certain amount of force to be pressed…

…others are tactile while making a clicking sound or without one, and some are easy to press.

“Mechanical keyboard usually provides exchangeable keycaps, which allow users to DIY their keyboard.”

Yingjie Zhang – Author at Prohavit.com

Pros of Mechanical Keyboards

• Removable Keycaps

You can remove the key caps so that you can customize your keyboard…

…to match the theme of your case, your desktop, or to give your keyboard a style’s look.

• Durability

Since mechanical keyboards don’t have membranes…

…they wear out more slowly than membrane keyboards.

Their feedback also remains the same since the day they were invented.

In contrast to membrane keyboards, you don’t have to get used…

…to the keyboard again if the feel changes.

• Tactility

As a result, when you type a letter is registered and it requires little effort…

…which is great for those who are fast typists…

…especially gamers who need to hit one or more keys quickly and repeatedly.

• Different Typing Style

Mechanical keyboards don’t require you to press a key all the way…

..to the bottom in order to register it, so you can press half way and stop.

You can type more quickly and without becoming fatigued.

• Heavy

Depending on how you use a mechanical keyboard, the weight can either be a pro or a con.

Mechanical keyboards tend to be heavy, so you won’t have to worry…

…about them being pushed around the desk while typing.

• Key Rollover

A mechanical keyboard usually allows you to press many keys at once;

…some even allow you to press all keys at once (N key rollover).

Users who play video games will appreciate this feature.

N key rollover is supported on all of our mechanical keyboards, even those with USB ports

• Easier to Clean

Keycaps of a mechanical keyboard can be removed…

…so you can easily clean a mechanical keyboard by removing the keycaps.

Cons of Mechanical Keyboards

• More Expensive

The materials and technology used in mechanical keyboards are more expensive…

…so you will need to spend more than you would on a membrane keyboard.

• Loud

Mechanical keyboards can produce loud sounds depending on the switches that are used…

…such as blue switches. So if you’re in a place with other people…

…they’ll hear what you’re typing, unless the door is closed or if you’re talking on a microphone.

Typists who like the sounds don’t mind them at all; in fact, some even enjoy them.

• Heavy

Despite the fact that it is a pro for some people…

…it can be a con for others who move their keyboards around while traveling or from one desktop to another.

• You May Need DIY Skills

The mechanical keyboard can be used right out of the box…

…but it will also be fun to customize it with different keycaps and switches.

Depending on your skill level, you may have to do a little DIY work.

Go on…

Which is Better?

This question can only be answered subjectively.

Mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards are equally efficient…

…can type equally quickly, and, depending on who you talk to, are both ergonomically designed.

Many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts swear by their keyboards…

…claiming that they are more comfortable and satisfying to use over the long haul.

Even though this may be true for many people…

…there are still many who prefer the smooth, quiet feel of a membrane keyboard.

Furthermore, gamers who rely on their keys to give them an advantage…

…over their opponents are concerned with accuracy and ease of use.

A major advantage of mechanical keyboards over membrane keyboards is a feature known as “key rollover.”

This allows the user to register multiple key presses simultaneously…

…because mechanical keys are individually actuated.

Membrane keyboards can only register one keypress at a time…

…which can result in “missed” key presses (which can be disastrous for gamers).

Because of this, mechanical keyboards are becoming increasingly popular for gamers…

…because of their ability to be customized and adjusted…

…as well as their tactile feedback and registering multiple keystrokes simultaneously.

When it comes to mechanical keyboards vs membrane keyboards…

…membrane keyboards are much lighter, more portable…

…and generally more affordable than mechanical keyboards.

If you’re the type of person who likes to game on the go or travels often…

…a membrane keyboard is probably the best option.

Perhaps you are wondering…

What to Consider When Buying A Keyboard

There are several key things to consider when purchasing a keyboard.

Type of use, portability, and personal preference are a few factors to consider.

Depending on what you will be doing on your PC, you should choose a keyboard accordingly.

If you rarely use your desktop or laptop, play casual games…

…or move around a lot, a membrane keyboard may be a better choice.

Are you a power user instead? Are you looking for something special…

…and unique to finish off your newly constructed home?

If so, a mechanical keyboard may be the perfect fit.

Perhaps you want a keyboard that provides enhanced tactile feedback…

…or that allows you to customize the appearance and feel of the board.

You may need a mechanical keyboard to take your gaming to the next level…

…which means no more missed spells in Dota and enhanced build speed in Fortnite.

You should also consider the size of the keyboard.

A full-sized keyboard with a ten-key numpad to the right is ideal…

…if you use your PC for both gaming and data entry.

However, if you just use your keyboard for gaming, a TKL (tenkeyless) design may be more suitable for you.

Consider a smaller, more compact keyboard if space is at a premium.

Membrane keyboards are typically full-sized, while mechanical keyboards are available in both standard sizes.

Our Top Picks

One Hand Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

The one hand Keyboard. I am sure you have not encountered this before.

Gaming enthusiasts like their independence.

When you play first-person shooter games…

…on the computer like PUBG or Counter Strike…

…there are two things you will need.

A keyboard with WASD keys and a mouse.

In response to this, ALLOYSEED has designed a keyboard…

…that has only a few number keys along with the WASD keys.

The keyboard is the size of your palm and is built exclusively for gaming. It is of excellent quality.

Furthermore, the ergonomics of the product are fantastic…

…with a palm support and a wrist support extension.

There are 35+ keys and a rainbow backlight. You can easily turn it on and off.

The keyboard will come in handy if you are playing PUBG on your phone.

With a proper setup, you can connect your keyboard and mouse…

…to the USB connector on your phone and play PUBG with a proper keyboard and mouse.

It doesn’t mean it has fewer features just because it has fewer keys.

There are functions for muting, pausing, increasing/decreasing volume…

…controlling the music player and switching on the backlight.

The device is very portable and can be carried in the smallest of bags.

AJAZZ Keyboard

If you’re looking for a gaming keyboard that’s a tad more premium but isn’t too expensive…

…you might want to think about the AJAZZ. AJAZZ AK33 is an amazing gaming keyboard…

…that has many features users will love.

As far as looks and features go, this is one of the most feature-rich keyboards…

…we’ve seen at this price point. Below are a few of the features it offers.

In terms of design, it has a raised keyboard structure, which makes it ergonomically friendly.

There are 82 keys and it can be pressed up to 60 million times, so it can last a lifetime.

Aside from the Aerospace aluminum panel, the keys won’t wear out over time…

…because they aren’t printed like other keyboards; rather, they are part of the keycap.

Consequently, the top buttons of the keyboard remain intact.

Some of the buttons are placed closer for faster access…

…and it was designed specifically for gamers.

This is a really sturdy product, not made of cheap plastic.

The inside is made from aerospace aluminum panels.

Various coatings and laser engraving processes are used to make the metal texture shine.

Since each key has its own installation…

…it is great for typing and you will hear the click sound for every key.

This is great not only for gaming, but also for schoolwork.

Let’s look at the colors. It has the true RGB rendering of 1680 colours.

There are about 12 backlight modes that do not require a separate driver.

Depending on your requirements, these modes can be customized.

Having each key installed separately makes it easy to use multi-key functionality.

Normal keyboards have an 8bit processor inside…

…but the AJAZZ has a 32bit processor that has no lag..

…and is super real-time when you press the key, which is super important while gaming.

USB cables do not corrode and have anti-oxidation properties…

…so they can be used for a long time.

HyperX Alloy Origins Core

Originally released at the end of 2019, HyperX’s Alloy Origins Core TKL gaming keyboard…

…featured custom HyperX Red linear mechanical switches.

Later, they released a version with HyperX Aqua switches…

…which was essentially their take on the Cherry MX Brown/tactile bump style of key switch.

There is now a new edition featuring HyperX Blue switches…

…and it’s one of the best gaming keyboards I’ve ever used.

The keyboard offers a sturdy build, sleek design..

…and excellent performance at a lower price than the market average.

In exchange for the competitive price, you’re not really sacrificing anything.

The box contains the keyboard itself, a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, and some documentation.

The Alloy Origins Core stands out for its excellent build quality.

Both the top and bottom of the body are built from aircraft-grade aluminum.

It’s built better than I expected for the price…

…and much better than many more expensive keyboards I’ve used in the past.

It has a sturdy, premium-feeling metal body and a very small bezel edge…

…so it won’t take up much space on your desk.

In addition to its smooth and rounded edges, the casing is solid…

…which enhances the auditory and physical feedback of the clicky switches.

These new HyperX Blue switches are a joy to use, whether you’re typing or gaming.

Their actuation point lines up nicely with their satisfying click, and they have a fast and precise feel.

As a result of the solid case, these switches have a great sound without too much ping…

…so if you’re looking for maximum feedback when you press a key this is a great option.

As well as the switches and keycaps, the build quality is excellent.

The stabilizers on the board work well, and the keys wobble minimally across the board.

The font on the keycaps is very clean.

The design gives the keyboard a luxurious professional look…

…with only the HyperX logo above the arrow keys…

…and HyperX insignia on the space bar indicating that the keyboard is a gaming product.

The secondary functions of each key are lit by the RGB function thanks to smart placement…

…and although some keys are more cramped visually than on other gaming models…

…having everything lit up makes it worth it.

With HyperX’s Ngenuity software, you can easily customize RGB lights.

YA user can save three different light and key assignment profiles to three…

…different hardware-stored slots under the F1, F2, and F3 keys.

If you have written these profiles to the board…

…you can instantly toggle between your custom settings with a key press..

…which is great for users who don’t want to run extra software all the time.

The lighting is bright, clean, and even across the entire keyboard…

…and quite eye-catching despite the black backplate.

Even during aggressive typing or gaming sessions, the keyboard remains stable.

There are large rubber feet on the corners and adjustable feet…

…of two different heights so you can tilt the angle to your liking.

The adjustable feet swing in and out with a prominent heft…

…and click that matches the rest of the keyboard’s build.

After just one hour of adjustment, the standard spacing and ergonomic profile…

…of the key caps helped me get up to full typing speed.

Sum Up!

Both keyboards have their advantages and disadvantages…

…and each meets the needs of many users.

There is no perfect keyboard.

With a high-quality membrane keyboard, students can use it…

…for writing assignments or playing games…

…and it is much more affordable than a standard keyboard.

A mechanical keyboard would be a good choice for you…

…if you are a very heavy user who uses the keyboard all the time…

…typing out stories, articles, coding or if you are a very fast typist.

Gamers can also benefit from one due to the requirement for quickness sometimes required by gaming.

This will come in handy as the last thing you want is your keyboard to sway back and forth…

…on your desk as you try to frag another player with a rocket launcher…

…causing you to accidentally strafe into a wall and shoot yourself in the face.

In case you wish to still use an O-ring in the home office…

…there are ways to make it quieter using O-rings, so that is still an option, even out of the office.

Having a place where you can test out keyboards and find one that fits your needs is essential.

Find out what works best for your fingers.

You can also determine which mechanical switches work best for you.

Conclusion

It may seem silly to some keyboard enthusiasts to have such strong allegiances…

…to one type of keyboard over another…

…but having a good keyboard can make or break your gaming experience and success.

For the most successful gaming experience, having the best tools for your gaming style is crucial…

…especially in competitive arenas where milliseconds can make a difference.

What are some of your favorite mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards for gaming, and why?

Let us know in the comments!

Related Articles For You!

• You may like:Logitech MX Keys Mini Wrist Rest Review and Buying Guide: 3 Important Things To Know!
• You may enjoy this article about: What Difference Makes Gaming Keyboards? 3 Best Picks on Work Rift!
• This article may be interesting: How To Make Mechanical Keyboard Quiet? Superb 6 Steps To Do It

Our Latest Posts:

Why Use Mechanical Keyboard For Gaming|Best Low-Cost Chinese Mechanical Keyboard|How Does Wireless Keyboard Work