A keyboard is one of the most integral parts of any setup.
It is in the limelight 24/7, and when you're not scrolling through with your mouse, you're typing with your keyboard.
The keyboard game has revolutionized over the years, and has come to a point where you can get quality keyboards at a budget-friendly price (as low as $40).
Firstly, let's start with the basics:
The Membrane vs. Mechanical Keyboard Debate - What's The Difference?
If you are currently using a mechanical keyboard, then you already know the difference between the two.
However, if you have never had the luxury to try out a high-quality mechanical keyboard, then you're in for a treat.
You can already sort of tell where I side on this debate by the way I describe mechanical keyboards, but bare with me.
Membrane Keyboards
A membrane keyboard uses what's called rubber domes.
Rubber domes sit under the keycaps of your keyboard, and is the mechanism that is pressed down using the keys, so the button that you press registers to the keyboard.
Membrane keyboards are the most widely used keyboards, especially in any office environment, since they are reliable and cheap.
But, once you go mechanical, you never go back.
Mechanical Keyboards
If membrane keyboards are a nice, clean Honda Civic, a mechanical keyboard is a Lamborghini with the doors flipping up sideways.
Sure, the Honda Civic is super reliable, will last you a long time, and is nice to drive, but the Lamborghini gives you an experience like no other.
That's how I felt when I switched to a Mechanical keyboard.
My first keyboard was a Redragon K552 KUMARA and dayum, what a difference!
The Redragon was an amazing budget-friendly mechanical keyboard, and needless to say, I will never go back to membrane.
Mechanical keyboards have type of 'mechanical switch' technology. This works the same way as rubber domes, but provide additional satisfying benefits, such as:
- Having a satisfying "clack" sound when typing
- Have a very smooth, satisfying type of feel when pressing each key
- Can come in a more compact shape (TKL, 75%, 60%, 40%, these will save you desk space)
So, What Should You Get?
If you want speed, responsiveness, satisfying sounds and feel, opt for a mechanical keyboard.
If you want a silent, reliable, cheap alternative to game in silent, or to work without annoying your co-workers, opt for a membrane keyboard.
Of course there are exceptions to the rule, there are premium-built membrane keyboards that come with a ton of features specific to gamers, and there are high-quality premium mechanical keyboards that come with the fastest key actuation response.
For us, we will always choose a mechanical keyboard, everytime!