Mechanical Keyboard VS Normal Keyboard: Which Is Better?

If you are in the market for a new keyboard, you will most likely come across two types — membrane and mechanical. With the considerable price difference between these two keyboards, you might wonder why the one is so expensive compared to the other one.

Both keyboards have their own set of advantages and are best suited for different needs. Although these keyboards have the same function, the way they feel and work is entirely different. Here are a few considerations when deciding which is best for you.

What Is a Membrane Keyboard?

A membrane keyboard is a regular keyboard and is the one most commonly used for general typing tasks. Depending on the membrane keyboard — and when compared to its mechanical counterpart — it is generally cheaper and more affordable.

They are usually made from plastic or rubber and the keyboard relies on a pressure pad to register keystrokes. Membrane switches generally last around 5 to 10 million keystrokes but vary depending on the keyboard. These keyboards are usually quiet and provide a softer typing experience.

Depending on your needs, a membrane keyboard could be the perfect fit. Like its counterpart, it can also have a wide range of features, especially when looking at gaming membrane keyboards — without the mechanical switches.

Best suited for:

• General typing tasks
• People/gamers on a budget or who do not need all the feathers a mechanical keyboard offers

What Is a Mechanical Keyboard?

Mechanical keyboards come with a heftier price tag but provide more benefits than regular keyboards. One of the benefits of a mechanical keypad is the customizable options and accessories available for it. Instead of relying on a pressure pad, it has individual mechanical switches that trigger a mechanism when pressed.

Each key has a little switch underneath it, simply made of a plastic stem and a spring. When a user presses a key, the stem pushes the spring down, connecting two metal contacts and triggering the keyboard circuit. This simple but effective structure gives mechanical keyboards their customary thick clicking sound, compared to the softer sound of a regular desktop keyboard.

Additionally, mechanical key switches require less pressure to trigger the keyboard circuit. They put less strain on your hands and fingers, allowing you to type faster, more accurately and for a more extended period. You can also customize your keys on a mechanical keyboard and move them around at your pleasure, which you cannot do on a default keyboard.

Best suited for:

• People who spend a large amount of their day typing and want a more satisfying experience — such as writers
• People looking for more customizable options
• Gamers who play competitively

Which Keyboard Is Better for Gaming?

This also largely depends on what games you play. Mechanical keyboards provide faster response time and are more accurate, making them the perfect choice for faster-paced games. Another reason mechanical keyboards are a good choice for gaming is their durability. 

The primary catalyst that causes traditional keycaps to break is overuse. Still, the word “overuse” has a different meaning with mechanical keyboards. Mechanical keys use metal-on-metal contact points while you type, allowing them to remain functional for much longer before needing to be replaced.

Meanwhile, most traditional desktops come with rubber-dome keyboards. When you type on these keyboards, it presses directly down on a polyurethane switch and the circuit board underneath.

Polyurethane is a plastic cushion between the keys and the circuit board. As you might expect, it doesn’t hold up nearly as well as the multiple moving parts of a mechanical keyboard. The stem, spring and metal contacts are made to endure the repetitive typing process.

They will provide a more enjoyable gaming experience but are not required. You can still use membrane keyboards for gaming. However, they will not offer the same pleasant experience. If you are more of a casual gamer and find that your regular keyboard gets the job done perfectly, there is no need to buy a mechanical one.

Should You Buy a Mechanical Keyboard?

This all comes down to personal preference. A mechanical keyboard might be a good investment if you are a gamer who plays many fast-paced action games where response time is crucial. The same can be said for writers or people who spend much of their day typing.

A mechanical keyboard might make more sense if you buy a new one every few months because a regular one cannot keep up with your typing needs. On the other hand, suppose you are a more casual computer user and your work or hobbies do not revolve around typing. A membrane keyboard would work perfectly.

Are Mechanical Keyboards Easy to Maintain?

Maintaining your mechanical keyboard is straightforward and accessible. Thanks to key switches, you can easily remove any keycap on the keyboard with a keycap puller.

Insert the puller into the keycap of your choice and listen for a clicking sound. The sound signifies that the puller has latched onto the keycap underneath. Pull gently once the puller has latched on, and the keycap should pop right off. 

Your keyboard might need some fine-tuning for several reasons:

• Cleaning: Every keyboard experiences dust and grime buildup between the keys. Easy removal allows for easy cleaning.
• Fixing your switches: Sometimes, the key switches can get sticky or moved slightly out of place.
• Replacing your keycaps: Whether you need just one new keycap or want an entire set, you can easily replace your caps on a mechanical keyboard.
• Customizing your keyboard: You might need to change your keyboard layout because of your language, line of work or personal preference.

With easy DIY maintenance, mechanical keyboards last much longer than regular keyboards. However, that does not necessarily mean mechanical keyboards are easier to break. They’re generally more durable and higher in quality.

At the End of the Day

It comes down to personal preference and how frequently you will use it. Both keyboards are great and are made for different purposes and users. Whichever one you end up choosing, ensure you do proper research and consider the benefits that each of them offers. If you are still trying to decide which keyboard to buy, select the one that best fits your typing needs.

Original Publish Date 9/25/2023 — Updated 11/26/2024