Mechanical keyboards are famous, but are they better than membrane ones?

If you are a fan of video games, the first thing you think of when you talk about keyboards is mechanical switches . This type of keyboard has established itself as the perfect option for gaming, and with good reason. But, you should never rule out membrane-type keyboards , as they can be very good options.

Throughout my life I have used a large number of keyboards, of different brands and types. I must say that I have played with both mechanical keyboards and membrane-type keyboards. We must not rule out the membrane type, since they are an interesting solution if you have a very tight budget.

Mechanical keyboards are famous

How to choose the best possible option?

We are going to rule out capacitive keyboards, since they are intended for more electronics and development functions. These types of keyboards are activated when we play them directly, without pressing a key. We can say, simplifying, that it is a PCB without more which we touch and it is activated. Some of these keyboards are covered by different thin materials.

Membrane type keyboards have an internal circuit with two contacts under each key. When we press the key, both contacts come together and an electrical signal is generated . The keyboard, in this case, sends the signal after pressing.

teclado tipo membrana

We do not have an internal mechanical element, we can easily say that it is a mechanism that joins two pins. This type of keyboard is characterized above all by being extremely economical. It is not the only strength of this type of keyboard, since they are also lighter , thinner and quieter than mechanical keyboards.

A mechanical keyboard is characterized by having a separate switch , which is commonly referred to as an axis . In this case we have an internal contact in the body of the axis . When we press the key, the shaft body generates an electrical signal.

The mechanical keyboard is characterized, above all, by having a much longer useful life than a membrane -type keyboard. In addition, it allows the creation of different zones, combining different types of mechanical switches. It allows this to generate a different feel for each key, but in this case, it will be much more expensive.

teclado interruptores mecánicos

It all depends on our needs and economy

In my experience, you can play perfectly with a membrane type keyboard, they work perfectly. They are slim keyboard, cheap, simple to use and, above all, they are extremely cheap. For those who are going to play casually or have a tight budget, it is a great option.

If we are going to play intensively, we are interested in a mechanical keyboard. There are very interesting options, such as those based on Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, which are very good to play and quieter than other keyboards. In addition, Cherry has reduced size switches that allow you to create more compact keyboards.

Mechanical switches offer us a great capacity for customization. A membrane switch is simple and does not allow any type of customization, there are no different types of routes and axes. Within the mechanics, we have different axes, routes and actuation forces. Creating a custom keyboard isn’t cheap, but if you can afford it…