Mechanical vs. Membrane Keyboard- Which one is better?

You are probably reading this because you're searching for the best user-friendly keyboard to
replace your worn out decade-old keyboard. Now, it's crucial to note that while each of these
critical boards has its advantages and disadvantages, picking the right one will go a long way to
give you a smooth experience. Follow me as I take you through a brief but insightful journey for
each. We shall look at the features for each keyboard then the pros and cons for each. I believe
this will help you make an informed choice.

The mechanical keyboard

This kind of keyboard uses a switch and a spring under each of its keys. The system uses a
switch to make and break the circuit while the spring provides the force to reset it back to
position.

However, not all mechanical keyboards are similar. They differ by the mechanical switch that
makes them. Some mechanical switches use light sensors or magnetic effects to send a signal,
which determines whether the keyboard is better suited for gaming, typing, or both.

You might, therefore, need to consider the type of mechanical switch that makes the keyboard
when choosing a mechanical keyboard.

Some switches are more suitable for gaming but not as good for typing, and the vice versa is
also true.

Pros of a mechanical keyboard

 More stable since they are heavier than their membrane counterparts so that they
won't shift unnecessarily

 You can personalize the key switches and keycaps on your keyboard
  The mechanical keyboard comes with a keycap puller that you can use if you want to
swap the mechanical switches
 Long lifespan of 50 million presses, which is comparatively longer than that of the
membrane keyboard.
 It registers the keypresses much quicker than the membrane keyboard though this
depends on the switch style.
 Excellent typing and gaming experiences because of the various types of switches
available

Cons of a mechanical keyboard

 They are relatively costly.

 They are not easy to handle, especially if you want to work on your laps. The weight
might not favor you on this.
 The clicking noise might be annoying to some people, especially in an office setting. You
can, however, resolve this by using O-rings, which reduces the amount of noise the
keyboard produces, or you can alternatively invest in a silent model.

Membrane keyboard

Rubber domes sitting on top of pressure pads are what make the membrane keyboards. The
design in this keyboard is a flat flexible structure with outlines and symbols, unlike in a
mechanical keyboard that has separate keys. Whereas the mechanical keyboard uses spring to
return the key to their position, the membrane keyboard uses the rubber domes for the same
purpose.

Pros of the membrane keyboards

 Better for office use since they don't make the clicking noise which some people might
find annoying
 They are much affordable than their mechanical counterparts. This is because of the
plastic materials that make them
 They are lighter and so more portable

Cons of the membrane keyboards

  You cannot remove the keycaps from a membrane keyboard, which makes it difficult to
clean the keyboard properly.
 The keys on some membrane keyboards do not easily register unless you press them
down firmly. You might dislike this type of keyboard if you want to type very fast.
 The short life span of around 5 million clicks

Conclusion

If you're searching for a keyboard that makes gaming and typing easy and fun, you would better
go for the mechanical keyboard. It's also durable and will last you a lifetime. If you're working
on a tight budget, however, the membrane will do just fine as you wait to save enough for a
keyboard of your choice.

Whatever keyboard you pick, ensure it fits your budget and that it meets its intended purpose.