Choosing between a mechanical or non-mechanical keyboard used to be simple – most mainstream keyboards were of the non-mechanical membrane type. However in recent years, mechanical keyboards have exploded in popularity, especially amongst enthusiasts, gamers and power users.
But what exactly is the difference, and why does it matter? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll examine everything you need to know about mechanical and non-mechanical keyboards, from how they work to their key differences, costs, use cases and health impacts. You‘ll have all the information you need to decide which type of keyboard is the right fit for your needs and budget.
How Mechanical and Membrane Keyboards Work
First, let‘s understand what makes a keyboard "mechanical" or "non-mechanical" at the most fundamental level – the switch mechanism.
Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Mechanical keyboards get their name from the fact that they use physical, mechanical switches under each key to register key presses. These switches have metal spring-loaded components and move up and down to connect electrical contacts each time a key is pressed.
There are several types of mechanical keyboard switches, with the most common being:
- Cherry MX – Made by German company Cherry, these patented MX switches are the most popular. Common Cherry MX switches include Blue, Brown and Red.
- Topre – Made by Japanese company Topre, these electrostatic capacitive switches have a smooth, consistent feel.
- Alps – Made by Japanese company Alps Electric, common Alps switches include Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Cream and more.
Each mechanical keyboard switch type has slightly different operating characteristics, but they share the spring-loaded physical mechanism that gives mechanical keyboards their tactile feel and rapid response.
Non-Mechanical Membrane Keyboards
Non-mechanical keyboards use a membrane instead of individual switches under the keys. This membrane is made of layers of plastic, silicone or rubber with conductive traces in between. Pressing a key collapses the membrane at that point, allowing the top and bottom layers to make contact and complete a circuit to register the key press.
Common types of non-mechanical keyboards include:
- Rubber dome – The most common type, where each key has a little rubber dome that provides some tactile feedback.
- Scissor switch – Uses a scissor mechanism under each key for a slimmer keyboard profile.
- Flat membrane – Simple flat membrane with no tactile feedback at all.
While membrane keyboards can vary in quality, in general they do not have the precise feel or durability of mechanical switches. However, they are significantly cheaper to manufacture.
Key Differences Between Mechanical and Membrane Keyboards
Now that we understand the underlying switch technologies, let‘s compare some of the key factors that differentiate mechanical and non-mechanical (membrane) keyboards when choosing one for your own use.
1. Feel and Tactile Feedback
This is one of the most noticeable differences – mechanical keyboards simply feel better to type on thanks to their physical switch mechanisms. The tactile "bump" and clicking noise provides clear confirmation that a key press has registered.
Membrane keyboards feel mushier in comparison. Rubber dome types provide some tactile feedback, but lower quality membranes feel like pressing on a damp piece of cardboard.
If keyboard feel is important to you, mechanicals win hands down. High quality membranes can come close, but only at a premium price.
2. Audible Noise
While some users love the satisfying "clack" of mechanical key presses, others may find the noise distracting or annoying, especially in shared spaces. This comes down to personal preference.
Certain mechanical switches like Cherry MX Reds are designed to be quieter with less noise than Blues or Browns. And there are also ways to dampen noise levels through o-rings or sound-dampening materials.
Overall, membrane keyboards will generally be quieter than most mechanicals – with the exception of Topre electrostatic switches which produce very little noise.
3. Customization and Switches
If you want to fine tune the feel of your keyboard or even change switches in the future, that level of customization is only really possible with mechanical keyboards.
You can choose from dozens of mass-produced or artisan mechanical switch types to match your preferences. Many mechanical keyboards even allow you to open up the chassis and hot-swap switches whenever you want without soldering.
With membrane keyboards, you are stuck with whatever integrated mechanism the manufacturer decided to include. The feel and sound does not change over time. While there are varying levels of quality, customization is not really feasible.
4. Ergonomics and Comfort
Both mechanical and quality membrane keyboards can be designed with ergonomics in mind – examples include split and angled layouts to reduce strain.
However, mechanical keyboards provide some inherent advantages:
- Lower actuation force reduces fatigue
- Tactile bump provides typing rhythm
- Ability to choose light linear switches
For users who spend many hours per day typing, mechanical keyboards with customized switches can really make a difference in comfort and potentially avoid repetitive strain injuries.
5. Aesthetics
Aesthetics are subjective, but mechanical keyboards tend to feature more premium materials and design elements compared to mainstream membrane keyboards focused purely on low cost.
Enthusiasts love to customize their mechanical boards with custom keycaps and coiled cables. The chassis and switches themselves are often exposed by design, highlighting the "guts" of the keyboard.
There certainly are some unique and innovative membrane keyboards, but mechanicals dominate the premium keyboard market when it comes to Industrial design.
6. Gaming Performance
For competitive and professional gamers, the consistent, rapid response of mechanical switches gives them an edge over both standard and gaming membrane keyboards.
Features like n-key rollover (press multiple keys simultaneously) and anti-ghosting are also easier to implement in mechanical keyboards. And the wide range of specialized gaming switches gives players choice over actuation distance and pressure.
Casual gamers likely won‘t notice a huge difference. But for FPS, MOBA and MMO genres where every millisecond counts, mechanical is preferred.
7. Typing Speed and Accuracy
Closely related to gaming, most touch typists can achieve higher WPM scores and accuracy rates on mechanical keyboards.
The tactile and auditory feedback allows faster key presses without bottoming out. And the reliable response time reduces errors. One study saw participants increase typing speed by 8% on mechanical keyboards.
But for slower typists unlikely to hit 100+ WPM speeds, the difference may be negligible if membrane keyboards don‘t cause discomfort.
Cost Analysis and Long Term Ownership
Of course, the higher performance and quality of mechanical keyboards comes at a price. Let‘s break down the costs, as well as long term value.
Upfront Purchase Price
Mainstream membrane keyboards can readily be purchased for under $20. Decent quality versions from trusted brands generally cost between $30-60. Even "gaming" membrane keyboards rarely exceed $100.
Meanwhile, base-level mechanical keyboards tend to start around $80-100. High-end and custom boards can easily cost $200+ or even $500+ when you add in keycaps, custom cables etc. The sky‘s the limit for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts!
So there‘s no question – you will spend considerably more money upfront if you want a mechanical keyboard. How much more depends greatly on the quality, customization and features you desire. The cheapest membranes cost 4-5 times less than more premium mechanicals.
Long Term Value and Total Cost
However, when doing an analysis based on total lifespan and cost of ownership, mechanical keyboards can provide great value over a long period of time.
On the low end, basic membrane keyboards may only last 1-2 years before failing or becoming extremely worn out for heavy users. Nicer quality versions may go 4-5 years.
Meanwhile, mechanical keyboards rated for 50+ million keystroke lifetimes can easily outlast 5+ years of use, or 10+ years for lighter users – even decades in some cases!
So while you pay more upfront, a $100-150 mechanical keyboard that lasts 5+ years is a better value than replacing a $30 membrane keyboard every couple years. Factoring in their better comfort, performance and customization, mechanical boards provide good ROI.
The other consideration is maintenance and repairs. Mechanical keyboards are more serviceable – key switches and caps can be replaced without needing an entire new board. Membrane keyboards are discarded when they fail or keys start sticking.
Ideal Users for Each Keyboard Type
Now we‘ve compared their differences and costs. But who should actually choose a mechanical vs membrane keyboard?
Writers, Coders and Office Workers
For anyone who types for hours a day in their job or hobby, mechanical keyboards provide the most benefits in terms of reduced fatigue, higher typing accuracy and enjoyment of using your work machine. Programmers, writers and secretaries will all appreciate mechanicals.
Avid PC Gamers
As discussed earlier, all serious and competitive PC gamers should choose mechanical for optimal responsiveness, features and durability to withstand high intensity gaming key presses over years of use. FPS, MOBA and MMO players benefit most.
Casual Home Users on a Budget
Users who just browse the internet, occasionally type up documents at home or let kids play simple online games have the hardest time cost-justifying higher-end mechanical keyboards. In those cases, mid-range membrane keyboards provide good enough performance.
Health Benefits of Mechanical Keyboards
Beyond improved performance and enjoyment, mechanical keyboards can provide genuine health and ergonomic benefits versus traditional membrane boards – especially for intensive computer users.
Reduced Fatigue
Due to very light actuation pressure on many mechanical switches, you can type all day with less exertion on your fingers, hands and wrists. Repetitive high-force key presses on membranes cause strain over time. Typists can maintain stamina and avoid pain by switching to mechanical.
Avoiding RSI
Closely tied to fatigue reduction, the ergonomics of premium mechanical keyboards can help avoid repetitive stress injuries (RSI) like carpal tunnel for chronic computer users. Customization allows matching switch pressure/distance to your hands. Proper posture and rest is still crucial, but mechanicals help.
By reducing injury risks, mechanical keyboards can actually save on medical costs down the road. An ergonomic investment in your equipment that allows you to work comfortably for years without needing surgery or braces can yield huge cost and health savings overall.
Environmental Impact
In recent years, sustainability and environmentally-friendly manufacturing has become important to consumers when making purchases. So how do mechanical and membrane keyboards compare when it comes to ecology?
Materials and Manufacturing
Very cheap membrane keyboards tend to use more environmentally harmful plastics and chemicals which aren‘t biodegradable or recyclable. Some use PVC which can release hazardous dioxins when burned or degraded.
Higher-quality keyboards use safer and greener materials like ABS plastic. Mechanical in particular emphasize recyclable metals and durable plastics. Responsible vendors highlight sustainability initiatives and supply chain ethics.
But there haven’t been definitive independent life cycle studies comparing total ecological impact taking into account manufacturing, packaging, shipping etc. Likely a toss up depending on keyboard quality tier.
Product Lifetime and Replacement Rate
Where mechanical keyboards shine is their environmental benefits over years of actual use, due to their dramatically extended product lifetime versus most membrane boards.
As a concrete example, let‘s presume a daily computer user replaces their $30 membrane keyboard every 2 years, over a 10 year period. That‘s 5 full keyboards manufactured and shipped.
Instead, if they purchased a single $150 mechanical keyboard built to last 8-10 years, there would be huge savings in raw materials, manufacturing pollution and electronic waste disposal related to avoiding 4 additional keyboard purchases.
So while the upfront embedded emissions might be higher for that one mechanical board, the long-term reduction in replacement waste pays back that carbon debt quickly. Buying quality products that last for the long haul is inherently greener behaviour.
The Future of Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboards
Keyboard enthusiasts eagerly await new developments in the industry. What does the future hold for the mechanical vs membrane battle?
Innovations in Switch Technology
Mechanical keyboard switches have remained largely similar in underlying function since Cherry MX pioneered modern designs in the 1980s. Variations in force, travel distance and sound profiles came later.
But in recent years, optical mechanical switches have been introduced, replacing metal contacts with infrared beams to register presses. Other vendors are exploring analog pressure sensitivity, hall effect sensors and low profile or ultra compact switches. Wireless connectivity and RGB backlighting integration continue advancing as well in both mechanical and quality membrane boards.
So while core mechanical switch technology remains proven and durable for traditionalists, incremental innovations to suit wider audiences help the segment compete against consumer electronics brands.
Growth in Enthusiast Market
Far from peaking, the mechanical keyboard enthusiast scene continues exponential growth thanks to customization options and internet communities spurring hobbyists to invest heavily in premium equipment as both functional tools and status symbols.
Streamers flaunt flashy mech boards on camera. Top gamers use their sponsor’s branded mechanical models. Startups run successful group buy campaigns for artisan keycap sets and boutique keyboard kits shipping a year after orders open, sight unseen! Clearly this niche has tremendous energy and room still to blossom.
Adoption By Mainstream Computer Users
While Purists argue that increased popularity waters down the hobby and 5 figure custom boards remain proudly esoteric, major brands also recognize an opportunity to bring mechanical keyboards to mass market.
Logitech, Razer, Corsair and other peripherals giants now offer a range of gaming focused mechanicals. At the same time boutique vendors provide entry points for curious newcomers.
The interest and demand is certainly there – converting keyboard agnostics over time to see the advantage mechanicals provide in tangible feel during daily computer use rather than cost alone. There appears a long runway for continued penetration into standard office and home setups.
The Verdict: Who Should Choose Mechanical Keyboards?
In nearly all use cases for dedicated computer users across work, gaming and hobbyist activities, mechanical keyboards provide a superior typing experience with greater comfort, performance, enjoyment and long term value over membrane keyboards.
Their higher upfront cost can deter casual users. But for writers, programmers, MMO gamers and technology enthusiasts who interact heavily with their keyboard daily, mechanicals reward owners with better productivity and reduced strain. Even general office professionals stand to benefit greatly.
Those without a specific need for precision typing who use computers casually for basic web browsing, media viewing and document editing can likely settle for midrange membrane boards and skip the mechanical investment without missing much.
But for nearly everyone else across work, play, and passion projects, mechanicals deliver an unparalleled experience that pays off over their extra-long usable lifetimes. In 2023 the choice is clear – mechanical for the win!
