What is the Difference Between Mechanical and Membrane Keyboards?
Keyboards have become a significant and integral aspect of our routine life. From business to personal interactions, we need a keyboard to communicate. However, as for business, the choice of keyboards matters more. It is given that a considerable part of an organization’s productivity is associated with an individual’s typing efficiency.
While the market is full of keyboard choices, two of the most prominent choices include mechanical and membrane keyboards. Both are unique choices. However, how do you make the right choice? Here’s a blog that discusses membrane vs mechanical keyboards across a few vital aspects to help you make an informed choice.
What are Membrane Keyboards?
Membrane keyboards use a single continuous membrane beneath the keys. When the user presses a key, it pushes down on this membrane, completing a circuit and registering the keystroke. Membrane keypads have three layers – the top membrane with keys, the middle layer with conductive traces, and the bottom membrane. They are available in variants, including scissor-switch membrane switches. These keyboards use a scissor-like mechanism under every key to improve stability and key travel. Some advantages of membrane keyboards include the following.
- Less noisy operations due to the rubber dome switch beneath the keys
- Higher portability due to their slender and light structure
- The inner circuitry is protected from dust and spills due to the membrane layer
- Softer and cushioned feeling while typing
- Cheaper than mechanical keypads and hence more affordable
What are Mechanical Keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards use separate mechanical switches for each key. They have physical switches with various moving parts. When the user presses a key, the switch actuates, registering the keyboard’s keystroke. Some advantages of mechanical keyboards include the following.
- Increased durability due to robust switches and high-quality components
- Prominent tactile feedback to let the user know about the actuation of the key
- Comfortable and enjoyable typing experience
- Various switch options like linear, clicky, and tactile serve varying preferences concerning sound, feedback, and actuation force
- Customizable layout based on user preferences
- Straightforward cleanliness and maintenance
Membrane Vs. Mechanical Keyboards – Key Differences
Now that you’ve seen the basic concept of membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards, let’s look at membrane vs mechanical keyboard durability and their differences across various other aspects.
| Parameter | Membrane Keyboards | Mechanical Keyboards |
| Tactile Feedback | Quieter and softer typing experience without clicks. | Mechanical keyboards provide unique tactile feedback and audible clicks. |
| Switch Technology | Membrane keyboards have a single continuous membrane underneath the keys. | Mechanical keyboards have separate mechanical switches for every key. |
| Typing Experience | Softer, more peaceful, and has a less tactile typing experience. | These keyboards provide a more satisfying and precise typing experience. |
| Customization Options | Membrane keyboards cannot be customized as much or provide a limited customization scope. | Mechanical keypads can be customized to a significant extent with the availability of various switch types. |
| Durability | The membrane can wear over time. Hence, membrane keyboards aren’t as durable. | The individual switches of mechanical keyboards make them more durable. |
| Applications | Membrane keyboards are commonly used as budget keyboards, laptops, and for routine use. | Mechanical keyboards enjoy widespread applications across typists and gamers given their quality, durability, and typing experience. |
| Price | Membrane keypads are economical keyboards and hence reasonably priced. | Mechanical keypads excel in various aspects like durability, customization, and typing experience. Hence, they are more expensive than membrane keyboards. |
Looking for Membrane Keyboards or Mechanical Keyboards? Choose Cutek!
With years of experience and unparalleled credibility across the market, Cutek Circuits proves the right choice for membrane and mechanical keyboards. We manufacture a broad array of mechanical and membrane keyboards to serve various applications and user typing needs. Our keyboards consist of superior parts. Besides, they offer various customization options to provide optimum user comfort, convenience, and experience.
We hope the above helps you make an informed choice. Please connect with us at info@cutekcircuits.com to learn more about our membrane and mechanical keyboards.
