Mechanical Keyboard vs Membrane Keyboard Gaming

Mechanical Keyboard vs Membrane Keyboard: Which one is best?

As a gamer looking for the perfect hardware setup, you’re undoubtedly going to need to make a decision between mechanical keyboard vs membrane keyboard. While each has its own array of pros and cons, one has been proven to be substantially better than the other. With the help of this guide, you’ll be well on your way to choosing between the perfect mechanical vs membrane keyboard.

Difference between mechanical vs membrane keyboard

Breaking it down

If you’re the type of gamer that is truly looking for a durable gaming keyboard that you’re going to be able to use comfortably for years instead of spending a lot of money on different keyboards over a short span, you’re going to need to look into several features, including:

1 – Durability

This is of the utmost importance, as it will determine the average lifespan of your gaming keyboard.

2 – Tactile Feedback

You might not realize it at first, but the tactile feedback you receive from a gaming keyboard can make or break your gaming experience.

3 – Weight

For the gamers who like to travel with their equipment, it’s important to think about weight as one keyboard may be more portable than the other

4 – Key Rollover

Depending on the type of games you’re playing, the key rollover can make a difference. The advantage of mechanical keyboards is that multiple keys can be pressed simultaneously without losing any information. This is called “N-Key Rollover“.  “N” is the number of simultaneously registered keystrokes.  When keyboard specs read 6KRO this means it registers 6 keys simultaneously.

1 – Durability

When it comes to durability, you’re first going to need to think about the differences between how mechanical keyboard vs membrane keyboard gaming equipment is made. Due to the different items used during construction, one is designed to last significantly longer than the other, especially with repetitive use.

Mechanical Keyboard

Mechanical keyboards are designed with physical switches underneath each of the keys that will alert the computer that a particular key has been pressed once it is pushed down. This physical switch is essential for durability as it is far less likely to wear out than the parts used in a membrane keyboard and as a result, you’ll find that your mechanical unit will last substantially longer.

Membrane Keyboard

In comparison, a membrane keyboard is designed with three layers of membranes underneath each key that trigger an electric synapse between the conductive traces and the top membrane layer. Although this is slightly more high-tech, it is also much easier to wear out over time, particularly if you’re pressing the same keys over and over.

Also, it’s far more difficult to repair in the event of a malfunction as a mechanical keyboard will require you to replace a single physical switch, whereas a membrane keyboard will require you to replace all three membrane layers.

Winner: Mechanical Keyboard

2 – Tactile Feedback

As mentioned, tactile feedback may seem like a trivial thing at first, but in reality, this is one of the largest buying criteria for many gamers. There are plenty of people that prefer the feeling of mechanical keyboards over membrane keyboards, but it’s also important to think about how responsive each is.

Mechanical Keyboard

With a mechanical keyboard, the physical switch underneath the keycap is what makes it so much simpler for a specific key to register with the computer. At times, you may even find that you need to push a key halfway down for it to register properly, which allows you to hit one or more keys faster, enhancing your gaming experience. However, mechanical keyboards are louder than membrane keyboards but there’s nothing as satisfying as hearing the traditional sound of clacking keys as you game.

Membrane Keyboard

A membrane keyboard has less tactile feedback, which plenty of gamers find to be unappealing due to its “mushy” texture. Not only that, but it can affect your typing experience as well as your gaming experience as you’ll have to put more effort into pressing down keys as you play.

Winner: Mechanical Keyboard

3 – Weight

When you’re heading out on a trip and you need to take some of your gaming equipment with you, the lighter you’re able to make your bags, the better. There’s no point in carrying around heavy-duty equipment as it’s only going to make your trip less enjoyable.

Mechanical Keyboard

Due to the hefty and resilient nature of a mechanical keyboard, you can surely bet that it’s going to be substantially heavier than a membrane keyboard. This may or may not work in your favor once you put it on your desk, but when it comes to travel it will certainly make your bags heavier.

Membrane Keyboard

Designed with more technologically advanced features in comparison to lightweight and high-tech features, a membrane keyboard is more lightweight than its counterpart. Due to its lightweight design, it’s the perfect traveling companion.

Winner: Membrane Keyboard

4 – Key Rollover

One of the most important features of a keyboard is its key rollover, similar to its tactile feedback, as it will determine how easily a particular key is registered when pressed. If you’ve been using a specific gaming keyboard and have noticed that your character isn’t moving or shooting as you would expect, it could be because you’re using the wrong type.

Mechanical Keyboard

Mechanical keyboards by far offer superior key rollover, giving you the ability to easily press several buttons at the same time without any issues. You won’t have to worry about jamming the same buttons over and over because they’re not registering properly, which can be incredibly frustrating.

Membrane Keyboard

Membrane keyboards, however, will require a little bit more practice and patience, especially if you’re a fast typist. The faster you use a membrane keyboard, the less likely it is to pick up all of the letters and directional arrows you’re pressing.

Winner: Mechanical Keyboard

Final Recount

Mechanical Keyboard: 3/4                    Membrane Keyboard: 1/4

Winner: Mechanical Keyboard

Pros and Cons of Each

Final – Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboard

It’s easy to see why mechanical keyboards are the best bet when it comes to choosing between mechanical vs. membrane keyboard gaming, no matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran. Although mechanical keyboards may be slightly more expensive than their counterparts, you’ll be receiving far more in exchange such as easy typing, pristine key rollover, and phenomenal tactile feedback. It’s important to try both to determine which is more comfortable for you, but it’s likely that mechanical keyboards are exactly what you’ve been looking for.