For any user who wants to buy a new keyboard, unless he knows the difference between mechanical keyboard vs membrane. The first thing that you have to ask yourself is what you are going to use it for, if you are going to be in front of the PC for many hours, whether or not you care about silence, and of course, how much you intend to spend.
Like any competent professional, working with the right tools and in conditions will facilitate our daily work and even improve its quality. The cooks have their knives, the musicians their instruments, and the squeezes were not going to be less.
It is very likely that you have heard many talks about how wonderful mechanical keyboards are and probably told you that you need one. There are many keys to opt for a mechanical or membrane keyboard because, in the market, we always find very good products both from each other. In this article, we will help you choose the best option in terms of mechanical keyboard vs membrane keyboard.
But what is about mechanical keyboards?
The younger ones may not have had the opportunity, but I think most of you have probably used this kind of keyboard many years ago, even without being aware. I mean the classic cream-colored keyboards, very loud and rough. Those who had certain keys of a color that could not be defined if gray/green/ brown. I especially have in mind the IBM model M, one of the most famous and by many considered the best keyboard in the world.
According to trashn2tees, Due to the cost of manufacturing these types of keyboards, where the only ways to reduce costs a bit were summarized in the housings and their plastics, manufacturing was popularized using the now conventional membrane keyboards, greatly lowering the quality of these in favor of cost reduction — leaving writers, gamers, and many other programming gurus as outcast users of these “obsolete” keyboards so old fashion.
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane: different operation
Right now, what could you rely on to know if a keyboard is mechanical or membrane? Surely the first thing you think about is the typical click sound that mechanics make. But this is not entirely true since there are also totally silent and even low profile mechanical keyboards that perfectly pass through a membrane keyboard.
Mechanical keyboards are named for their switches; the keys are operated using a switch that is formed by several mechanical elements that activate or deactivate a contact inside that can even be an infrared beam of light.
With membrane keyboards, we have lived together for a long time, but be careful, because the oldest ones are mechanical, so it is not a new technology in computer science. The keyboards that work by means of a membrane basically have a flexible rubber switch.
When the key is pushed down, a flexible membrane composed of several layers moves down and makes contact with another electrified surface and at that time in an open circuit. At the end of the membrane that moves there is a conductive element placed on the electrified surface closes the circuit, and the activation of the key occurs.
So this is the first difference, its operation, and also this causes other aspects to take into account that we will see throughout the article. No doubt manufacturing a membrane keyboard is simpler than a mechanical keyboard, and this is because this silicone membrane is common to the entire surface of keys.
What about flexibility?
Flexibility allows a simple mechanism to build and simple to maintain. But this is a double-edged sword, since the membrane if it is not of great quality, wears out and becomes more rigid until we have enough problems to press the keys comfortably.
On the other hand, mechanical keyboards have independent switches for each key, this means that there is no common operating system, and consequently, greater key directionality and more durability, if the switches are good, of course.
How do membrane keyboards work?
On Wikipedia, they define them more or less like a keyboard whose keys are not separated with moving parts as with most other keyboards, but rather are pressure pads that have schematics and symbols printed on a flat and flexible surface. Very little, if any, touch feedback is perceived when using a keyboard like this, and typing blindly is difficult.
Maybe we just do not understand at all, so I explain a bit of its operation. It is composed of two-conductor layers, which form the circuit, and in the upper part, there is a membrane, normally forming a cavity with a spherical section, but not necessarily. Activation occurs when the membrane is pressed and pushes the two conductor layers that close the circuit and record the pulsation.
As we have said, they are very economical keyboards to manufacture. It is the manufacturing technique that is usually used in industrial products. They allow creating keyboards with an extremely fine profile, thus making them very versatile.
They have an approximate life of 5,000,000 beats, which is said soon, but it is enough.
Types of mechanical switches
Then comes the time to quickly see the most common switches found on mechanical keyboards. The manufacturer to highlight is Cherry MX, a company that has been making keyboards since 1967, and that in 1985 began to classify keyboards, or rather their switches, by color, depending on their characteristics.
Another of the leading manufacturers that have its own switches is Razer and also Logitech, and it is also worth giving a good review to identify colors and features. Then there are manufacturers like Outemu; what they do is simply copy, so to speak, Cherry MX switches, giving them the same colors and same characteristics to be able to identify them in the same way.
The basic differences of a switch are the type of interaction, tactile or linear, the presence of the clicky or sound, the actuation force, and the activation path. Perhaps the least clear of these characteristics is the touch element. A touch switch is made up of two elements, the button that we press, which is held on a rail with a spring for its recoil. But the actuator will be another independent element that is activated by pressing the other element. But the opposite of the linear path is simply a block composed of the switch and the spring. We will see it better in the animations.
The types in a nutshell:
- Cherry MX Blue: Tactile switches, with very marked and noisy sound. Its acting force is between 50 and 60 grams and the activation path of 2 mm. It is the brand’s best choice for writers.
- Cherry MX Green: Tactile switches, with sound, but less marked and noisy. Its actuation force is 80 grams, and the activation path is 2 mm. It is the SUV of Cherry switches.
- Cherry MX Brown: Touch switches, no sound. Its actuation force is between 45 and 55 grams and the activation path of 2 mm.
- Cherry MX Red: Linear switches without any feedback when hitting the actuation point. It just generates noise when bottoming out. Its actuation force is 45 grams, and the activation path of 2 mm. Because of its faster actuation, the Cherry MX Red is a very popular choice among gaming and programming keyboards.
It is then clear that the variety of switches is impressive, and that we have introduced only the best and most relevant in the market. It is clear then why mechanical keyboards are better than membrane keyboards in this regard for its more possibility of functions and also well-defined features.
Membrane keyboards will still have extra silence on their keys, but it will be more difficult to identify the one that best suits us to write or play.
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane – How do mechanical keyboards work?
Mechanical keyboards use complete and individual switches under each key. Each switch is composed of a base, a spring, and a stem. Depending on the shape of the latter, they have different types of drive and travel. Depending on the resistance of the spring, a different pressure is required to be operated.
With all the components that are required to manufacture such a unit, it is obviously much more expensive than the membrane ones, but they also make them very robust and pleasant to the touch option, but they may be somewhat noisy. They have a lifespan of 50,000,000 pulsations, about ten times more than membrane.
You can see several examples of its operation below.
Lately, there are different brands that are starting to manufacture this type of switches, as is the case of Razer. But certainly, the best known and widespread is the Cherry MX. Within these, we have different “flavors” each to satisfy each type of user.
Cherry MX Black:
It is one of the hardest, it takes about 60 grams to activate, so it is usually ideal to avoid double pressing. It has a linear touch, keeping the force constant throughout the tour. Because it has no auditory or tactile response that tells the user that the pulse has been registered and because of the hardness of its spring, we will have a tendency to press the key all the way down, especially with violence, so it is not usually the most recommended for those who want to start in the world of mechanics. From experience, I have verified that I can write much faster with this switch since it is not “scary to beat it,” thus achieving greater agility. Especially useful for FPS gamers.
Cherry MX Brown:
The SUV of the Cherry MX serving perfectly both players and to write. It has a half-way touch response where the activation of the key is recorded. It has a much softer feel than Black. Due to the tactile response, it does not feel linear, but it is still very comfortable. The most recommended in all forums for those who want to start in this world. Personally I find them somewhat boring, preferring the Black, but it is already a matter of taste.
Cherry MX Red:
It is the reference in terms of softness, very similar to Brown to have a reference, but being linear, so that in the same way as the Blacks, the networks have no tactile sensation or the classic click. Being a very soft switch, without any feedback, it can lead to committing double-tap to inexperienced users, but it is the most recommended for gamers. Most keyboards oriented to this sector mount this kind of switches.
Cherry MX Blue:
Another of the most widespread in the gamer world without a doubt. They are characterized by having a tactile response in addition to clicking at the time of activation. Therefore they are not linear. Also, for this same reason, they are the loudest of the entire range. It has the least resistance to activation. Personally, although at first glance they are the most fun, I wouldn’t say I like that clicking feeling that reminds me of membrane keyboards.
Cherry MX Clear:
It is a non-linear switch with tactile response and high hardness. In short, it is a Brown with the hardness of the Black. This one, in particular, is not the most common, but I put it for a good reason, and it is the best for what we are dealing with here in Geeky Theory, which is programming. It is not just my opinion, as I will explain later. Actually it is a hard switch that allows and encourages “clubbing,” but with a tactile response for those who like that feeling. It is one of the rarest to find.
These are the most relevant, but there are also more types, as you can see in the Wikipedia entry. There are also other types of switches, such as scissors, but they are not as common.
Characteristics of membrane keyboards
Practically, the secret of the quality of a membrane keyboard is in the membrane itself. An element that is normally constructed in silicone, very flexible and with conductive tracks to provide the activation of each key.
The advantage of these keyboards is distinct, silence; we do not have a switch that, when pressed, makes noise, although there are also silent mechanical keyboards as we will now see. Of course, the system makes pressing a membrane keyboard very different from a mechanical key because of the nature of the materials, although over time, we will notice how the membrane keyboard becomes harder and heavier, so that the mechanic will remain the same or even become softer. This is because the silicone hardens over time.
Another detail to take into account membrane diaphragms is the ability to become very flat, as it does not have a mechanical system to operate, the volume occupied by the keys can be reduced to truly small spaces, only a few millimeters. It is for this reason that laptops almost always carry membrane keyboards, and also wireless and flexible keyboards. It is one of the great advantages of plastic-based materials.
Characteristics of mechanical keyboards: switches or keys
Before going into detail with the switches and their classes concerning mechanical keyboard vs membrane, there is a fundamental difference in the operation of a membrane keyboard and a mechanic. While the activation of the key on the membrane keyboard is done at the end of its path, that is, since pressing the keyboard until the end, on the mechanical keyboard, it is not necessary. The switch has a certain activation path, which depending on the construction, may be greater or lesser and thus obtain different typing experiences.
So the versatility of a mechanical keyboard is much greater, we will have different switches with different paths, but also with varying forces of actuation. While it is true that the actuation force can also be configured on a membrane keyboard depending on the material used and its thickness, it is much more common to do this on mechanical keyboards, in addition, the typical click sound can be placed on the switches when they are activated or on the contrary, make it completely linear.
What about switches?
Certain keyboards have very light switches and a lower actuation point so that the distance to travel until clicking is smaller. These can be geared to games, with faster, softer keystrokes, while other keyboards will have more robust and longer-running switches, which will remind more of traditional typewriters.
These parameters are intended to adapt to the needs of each user that we find in the market. Inevitably for an office writer, it will be very important to have a silent keyboard, with a rather high acting force so as not to commit spelling mistakes and with a moderate route to be faster typing, but without making accidental keystrokes. While a gamer could look for a softer side tech, with less travel for quick keystrokes and with or without sound. Of course, everyone will have their own taste, and the least we can do is know and test the switches that are on the market.
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane – Which keyboard is better for games?
This is where the favoritisms and preferences of each one begin to arrive, and that is that each one will have their own tastes regarding keystrokes and keyboard types.
Many users will find it more comfortable and less tiring to use a membrane keyboard to play sporadically on their computer and type rather little. It is normal, which, in this case, do not opt for a mechanical keyboard; it would not make sense to pay the extra money to use it only occasionally. And everything is said if we are a little raw playing and burning humor, better to destroy a cheap membrane keyboard and compare other than a mechanical keyboard of 110 dollars.
In any case, we will all agree that using a slim keyboard (thin planes) is not, by far, the best option for gaming, and the truth is that many of the membrane keyboards use this configuration to differentiate themselves from the rest. The good thing about mechanical keyboards is the wide range of options we have available. Each switch is built for a purpose and for different tastes, so it will be easier for them to adapt to our usage preferences.
The main advantages of mechanical keyboards vs. membrane in games are:
Durability and quality: Mechanical keyboard vs membrane
The switches withstand more pulsations and greater forces. The switches degrade less with time than the membranes, and in the end, life will be much longer in mechanics.
Speed:
With a mechanical keyboard, we will not have to press the key all the way down to activate it, whether only a slight press, for example, on a yellow Razer will suffice. This is a palpable advantage in the speed of action.
If you are a player and you, need a keyboard that has more agile keys, and shorter-acting distances, a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Red or Silver switches will be your best option. Nor do we forget the Razer Yellow or Green or giving extra durability with the Optomechanics.
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane –which keyboard is better for typing?
Now we are going to the other fundamental question, and it is the writing experience that we are going to have with a mechanical keyboard vs membrane. Here surely the preferences of each user enter more fully; being 8 hours writing is reason enough to attend to the preferences in each one’s taste.
Many of these workers often use thin membrane keyboards, with very low keys to gain typing speed and avoid pressing the keys to have thick keys and force the wrists to be raised. The transition to a mechanical keyboard with a much higher height of up to 3 cm, will be complicated. However, we can say that this will be only at the beginning since we know in a good hand that in the end, we get used to it and even notice improvements in speed.
The possibility of not having to do the complete route of the key is extremely advantageous, and if we have the sound of the click, that warns us much better. Also, this can be combined, for example, with the addressable illumination of keyboards such as Razer; for people who look at the keyboard when typing, it will be interesting to configure the activation of color to know when the key has been activated.
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane, the cost
In any case, we can say that the price is the most significant advantage that membrane keyboards have compared to mechanical keyboards. Of course, they are cheaper to manufacture, even those with the best membranes such as Mac keyboards or some very good MSI. That is why they will almost always cost less.
An average mechanical keyboard of good quality usually comes out for about 90 dollars onwards, while a membrane keyboard will hardly reach those figures. And to this, we will have to add the quality of construction, the added value of the brand, and also the presence of RGB lighting and the Anti-Ghosting N-Key for games that can quietly reach 167 dollars or more.
That is why, if you have a very tight budget and you want a beautiful keyboard with full RGB lighting, with its 105 keys, the possibility of software customization, you will find your best option in membrane keyboards. For 28 or 33 dollars, you will have top-of-the-range membrane keyboards in the market. Of course, if you want to spend all day typing or use it a lot, be encouraged to compare a mechanical keyboard because, in the long run, you will thank it.
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane – Our recommendation
1. Rii RM400 Combo Keyboard
- Backlight with 7 colors on the keyboard and mouse.
- Specially designed keys for long durability and satisfactory touch response.
- Ergonomically designed keyboard and mouse for more comfortable use and grip.
- Laser engravings and keys with special coating for a more pleasant press.
- Dedicated multimedia keys to control music and volume. 2,000 DPI mouse in 3 preset levels (1,000, 1,600 and 2,000). System requirements: PC with USB port, Windows 7/8/10 / XP / Vista.
2. Mars Gaming MK215 – Membrane gaming keyboard
- Designed for gamers, thanks to its professional gaming technology with an ultra-fast refresh rate and anti-ghosting capability
- All its keys are disassembled to exchange their position and allow deep cleaning of the keyboard
- It offers visibility thanks to its seven-color backlight system and its extra gaming keys
- Adaptable to your needs thanks to its five Macro gaming keys, four profiles, and five multimedia keys
- Designed to last and perform with its double nylon braided cable and its 18-carat gold-plated USB connector.
3. Rii RK900 Multimedia Gaming Keyboard with mechanical sensitivity
- Support for Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP. PC, Laptop, Google Android TV Box, HTPC, IPTV, Smart TV, Mac IOS, Chrome OS, and all versions of Raspberry Pi.
- It automatically goes into suspension for energy savings. If there is no interaction for 10 minutes, the light goes out. Pressing any key returns to operating mode automatically.
- Keys engraved with laser and non-slip coating and dedicated multimedia keys for volume and music control.
- Ergonomic. Ultra-low keyboard profile for more comfortable use.
- A backlight in 7 colors. This function is not supported on MacOS systems.
But of course, we don’t forget that our Chinese friends are there to help us. Imitation switches, and indeed achieved, we must say, for example, with the Outemu, that many manufacturers use them to create mechanical keyboards at a ridiculous cost and that they also give us a very good performance. A clear example can be those of Mars Gaming or the recently analyzed by us, BG Gaming Raven of only 33 dollars.
4. Rii RM400 Combo Keyboard (Backlit with 7 LED Colors)
- Backlight with 7 colors on the keyboard and mouse.
- Specially designed keys for long durability and satisfactory touch response.
- Ergonomically designed keyboard and mouse for more comfortable use and grip.
- Laser engravings and keys with special coating for a more pleasant press.
- Dedicated multimedia keys to control music and volume. 2,000 DPI mouse in 3 preset levels (1,000, 1,600 and 2,000). System requirements: PC with USB port, Windows 7/8/10 / XP / Vista.
5. VicTsing Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
104 Keys & Anti-Ghosting: The mechanical gaming keyboard allows multiple keys to work simultaneously. It provides high-speed sensitive, perfect for authors, players, programmers, etc.
- Sensitive Touch: The SWITCHES BLUE provides you with satisfying sound at every click for a better machining experience. Test 50 million clicks, 60 +/- 15 grams of key strength, and 4.0 +/- 0.2mm speed.
- 6-Color Backlit: 9 light modes that you can adjust for a specific style of play. For example, FPS, RTS, MOBA. The brightness and light can adapt to different environments. You can customize your own combination.
- Durability; Waterproof with 4 drainage holes and resistant to fall to 76cm. Connector with 1.7m cable and letters never disappear.
- 12 Hot Multimedia Keys: Quick access to a calculator, media, volume, silence, etc. Press FN + WIN to block windows. Compatible with WIN 7/8/10 / XP (Does not work with Vista, Mac OS). 45 days refund and 12 months warranty.
6. DREVO Tyrfing 87 Key V2 RGB Backlit Customizable Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
- 16.8 million colors and 14 different light modes, so you have high color reproduction. Each key can be customized through DREVO’s Tyrfing V2 software
- The compact 87-key design ： the ergonomic 10 keyless keyboard saves time and ensures the greatest comfort for your hands when typing
- Authentic mechanical keyboard ： Anti-ghosting, N-key Rollover allows you to control each independent key. Transfer an accurate response when maintaining fluidity
- Excellent technology ： Panel material is Aluminum, USB content gold, the USB cable is superior nylon, 2 rubber brackets and single ABS double -shot keycaps
- Multi-function & Software Support: 5 program keys can remember the links keys for quick actions. It can also be used for windows lock and media control; it also includes Powerful software.
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane – Durability, the strongest point of a mechanical keyboard
Another important thing to remember is that, although membrane keyboards are cheaper to manufacture and, therefore, cost less than mechanical keyboards, mechanical keyboards also have a longer lifespan due to their better build quality.
Mechanical switches are certified to last longer than rubber dome switches in virtually all areas, regardless of manufacturer. For example, SteelSeries offers keyboards with a mechanical switch and rubber dome keyboards, and the company’s mechanical keyboards (the 6Gv2 and 7G) are tested to support up to 50 million keystrokes.
While their dome change of Rubber is valid for only 15 million, and that is with high durability switches that last longer than typical 1 to 5 million presses for most rubber dome keyboards. So even if a mechanical keyboard costs ten times more than a cheap dome switch keyboard costs, the mechanic should last long enough for the investment to be worthwhile, unless you spill your drink on it that is easily irascible.
So, it is normal for a membrane keyboard to cost less now if it only lasts a few years before it wears out, will it really be a better investment than a mechanical keyboard that now costs more, but will last many more years? The conclusion is that, on average, mechanical keyboards are the best option.
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane Key – material: ABS vs PBT
The keys of a keyboard can be formed by ABS (Acrylonitrile Butane-styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) material, to see if you are able to tell it all about the pull !, and no, it is not Mordor’s tongue. They are chemical compounds used to create plastic, without more.
All membrane keyboards bet on ABS material because it is cheaper. However, many mechanical keyboards are committed to including keys manufactured with PBT, which are much more resistant to the passage of time. In both cases, they are thermoplastic compounds, easily moldable, and of great durability.
The PBT keys are manufactured with a double injection of plastic, which makes the characters do not erase over the years, and they do not become oily to the touch, something that usually happens with the low-quality ABS keys. Our advice is to opt for a PBT keyboard whenever you can.
Types of keyboard formats
Next, we will see the main keyboard formats that we can find in the market; it is possible to find them both membrane and mechanical. It must also be said that most keyboards that are not full format will be mechanical.
Full size (100%)
They have 104, 105, or even 108 keys, depending on whether they are ANSI (US), ISO (EU), or JIS (Japan) designs. This keyboard comes with an integrated numeric keypad, usually on the right side, which is excellent if you enter numbers frequently or need the maximum number of keys at your disposal. Their main disadvantage is that they are large and take up a lot of desk space. So the least we can ask for is a good doll rest.
Tenkeyless
7. Steelseries Apex M750 TKL – Gaming Keyboard, American QWERTY, Color Black
- SteelSeries QX2 linear mechanical game switches offer ultra-fast and precise keystrokes
- RGB lighting by dynamic prism key adds 16.8 million colors and exciting lighting effects to your arsenal
- Designed in aerospace aluminum for extraordinary durability and a modern look
- Prism Sync lighting creates synchronized effects between your team with SteelSeries Prism
- The keyboard layout of this product is English (QWERTY). The distribution will differ from the product images, which have the American QWERTY keyboard
This distribution is only a full-size distribution without the numeric keypad, which results in 87 or 88 keys with approximately 80% of the width of a full-size keyboard. In exchange for giving up the numeric keypad, you get several advantages: the keyboard takes up less desk space, which allows you to adopt a more ergonomic posture and gives the mouse more space. These keyboards are ideal for gaming and for offices since we will have plenty of space to move the mouse.
75%
8. DREVO 72 Calibur Key RGB Wireless Bluetooth Backlit Mechanical Keyboard 4.0- FR Design White Brown Switch
- Assemble your desk with drevo: drevo will constantly search for the best solution to meet the requirements of each user.
- Wire and dual wireless – use: USB cable connection; or a stable wireless Bluetooth connection of up to 10 meters and 20 hours with 4 Bluetooth. 0. Support simultaneously connects up to 3 devices and easy to switch between them.
- Features that can be ignored – no: 72 customizable keys with lights that can be customized with each key’s backlight; true tenkeyless that avoids the key ghost effect; Quality abs keys with a special coating – high; RGB led mechanical backlit keyboard.
- Illumination: 7 different light effects include reactive mode, wave mode, expansion mode, aurora mode, breathing mode, snake marquee and advanced reactive mode (no conflict with customizable lights)
- Varied mechanical switches: mechanical switches with resistance up to 50 million views, ten times higher than membrane keyboards. Red/black/blue/brown switches to choose from, and enjoy every hit that stays the first time.
75% of keyboards are popular because they only shrink or eliminate some keys compared to a TKL. Most of the space-saving is done by reducing the gap between the different areas of the keyboard and placing keys such as Insert, Delete, and Start in a single column on the right side of the keyboard. They are keyboards that we have to get used to, especially if we change the situation and size of the Enter or the space bar.
9. Tutoy 61 Ansi Key OEM Design Pbt Profile Thick Keys for 60% Mechanical Keyboard
- Item: OEM keys
- Main Color: Black and White
- Mounting: 61
- This joint key is the OEM profile, higher than the cherry profile.
- The key is made of durable PBT material; the thickness is about 1.5 mm.
60% of keyboards lack a row of F keys at the top and the navigation group on the right, which means that only the alphanumeric zone is obtained. These deleted functions can be accessed through a function key (Fn), usually near the lower right side of the keyboard. That makes them super portable, and they just look great. They are ideal keyboards for travel because they are very compact and take up very little space. If we don’t want to work with a keyboard other than ours, it is the best portability option.
Wireless keyboards, membrane dominated the kingdom
If there is a point where membrane keyboards win by a win, it is the availability of wireless models, since we can find units of all prices and for all tastes, especially those of the Slim type. Mechanical keyboard manufacturers have always been reluctant to launch wireless models, arguing that players don’t want to have to deal with the greatest latency associated with a wireless connection, in addition to the lights that are integrated into all gaming keyboards reduce the life of the battery
However, both Logitech and Corsair have decided that high-end gaming mechanical keyboards with wireless connections are worth placing on the market. The Logitech G613 is a complete model, with integrated wrist rest and even a row of programmable macro keys. On the other hand, the Corsair K63 Wireless is a TKL model with a removable wrist rest, much more restrained in dimensions.
10. Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Dark Gray – UK – 2.4GHZ / BT – N / A – EMEA – UK
- Romer-G, the G613 mechanical switches offer precise and quiet performance with a duration of 70 million clicks; the short-run performance at 1.5 mm is 25% faster
- G keys, six programmable keys to which commands can be assigned per profile, strategically placed to optimize access and speed
- Multi-host, dual connectivity with LIGHTSPEED for a fast response speed of 1 ms or Bluetooth to control multiple devices
- Easily switch from one device to another with the press of a button
11. Corsair K63 Wireless – Wireless mechanical keyboard (Cherry MX Red, blue LED backlight, black color
- Ultra-fast wireless and wired modes: Connection with ultra-fast 1 ms 2.4GHz wireless technology optimized for gaming, low latency Bluetooth wireless mode or USB cable
- 100% CHERRY MX mechanical key switches: CHERRY MX Red mechanical game switches with gold contacts offer the ultimate competitive advantage and performance
- Keys with large sources and lighting control: Enjoy bright and dynamic blue backlight by customizable key
- Strong wireless encryption: 128-bit AES encryption protects keystrokes from wireless interceptions to keep personal data protected
- Compact and portable: Tenkeyless format to save desk space and facilitate transport
Mechanical keyboard vs membrane – Is a mechanical keyboard worth it today?
This already enters a little more in my personal opinion. I used an IBM model M in my youth, the problem is that, at that time, I was not such a regular user of “the new silly box,” so after when I was using a membrane keyboard, I did not miss You tackle those cream-colored ones.
That is why I had to rediscover the mechanics again a year and a half ago. Before I used an Apple keyboard very gladly at work, practically the same as my MacBook laptop, I hadn’t tried many more keyboards intensively, but I was delighted with them, and they were my favorites for their minimalism, ergonomics and typing comfort.
Actually any decent half keyboard today is useful for programming. As in photography, the camera does not make the photographer, a mechanical keyboard is not going to be better programmers/gamer/writers, but what is certain is that it makes our lives easier.
The more pleasant your work environment, the more comfortable and more productive you will have when you work. I am quite a tool lover, as a good engineer, I love working with the best tools I can, and in the field of software, it is no exception. That is why it does not hurt to invest in something that will make my work more productive.
Ok, you have convinced me which one do you recommend to choose – Mechanical keyboard vs membrane
There are very good options in the market right now, especially because it is now fashionable.
If what you are looking for is a high-end, that can be useful for you to chop code as to play, I know that many of you share a machine for leisure and work, with all its jaws such as macros, backlighting, different profiles, and other thousand nonsense , I would opt for the Roccat RYOS(in any of its three versions, each more expensive).
I am quite a fan of the brand, and it is the model I personally use today. It makes use of Cherry MX Black keys, a hard touch that allows me to give real blows when writing, I don’t get tired of my fingers at all, and I make sure that when I press, I press what I want, and I don’t make mistakes.
But, so that it is not said, I also have the recommendation of the competition, Razer, especially the BlackWidow. Which also has 3 other versions to choose from. Practically many qualities share these two keyboards; it is a matter of taste; do not forget that Razer has its own switches.
Cheap option
If you are looking for something cheap, more oriented to try these mechanics, and especially for writing or programming, I have enough appreciation for the SteelSeries brand for having very good quality products at competitive prices and has a very economical option to dare With these beasts, the SteelSeries 6G. This does not mean that it cannot be used to play, in fact, many gamers make use of this peripheral, but it is not as “cool” as the previous ones.
Now, if you want to program as kings, nothing better than CODE, designed by Stack Exchange co-creator Jeff Atwood, that is, those who created StackOverflow. He did it because of discontent with the current market options.
It is one of the few that mount Cherry MX Clear, the best according to experts for the subject of programming, and seeing that they have a behavior similar to Black, I can say that they surely are. Generally, it is a clean keyboard, without nonsense, but with the necessary functions to work. It is one of the most expensive options, since they have to send it to us from the other side of the puddle, and it does not come cheap already.
Do you dare to make the jump to the mechanics? Do you prefer membrane ones?
Bonus “Keyboard Layouts”
Whether it was a bit of a membrane vs. a mechanic, I would also like to comment on a trend maybe something “hipster,” maybe with some sense. Lately, and the more I evolve on a professional level as a programmer, I hear more and more often that some distribution in other languages is a bit crap in programming and that the American key distribution is much better for this purpose.
Especially for web developments, it may be a simple slap, or they may be partly right. I know several professionals who, after adapting to this distribution, have not wanted to return to the different versions. What do you think about it?
Conclusion on mechanical keyboard vs membrane
The reality of using any keyboard is that everything will be reduced to personal preferences. If you have spent the last 10 years using a membrane keyboard, you will discover that switching to a mechanical keyboard will take a little time to get used to and adapt.
Even changing a linear mechanical switch to another touch switch will also take some time to adapt. What this means is that, while certain mechanical switches may be tailored for specific use cases, the reality is that most users will eventually adapt to the keyboard they have. There is no other since you have bought it …
