Difference Between Membrane Keyboard and Mechanical Keyboard


A keyboard is an input device which is used in computers and typewriters to type different types of alphabets, numerals, and symbols. In the case of computers, the characters typed through the keyboard are visible on the screen. Previously, keyboards were used only for typing but now games can also be played. Keyboards are of many types and in this article, we will discuss the difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards.

What is a Membrane Keyboard?

A membrane keyboard consists of three layers of membrane. The location of each key is different on the three-layered membrane. The membrane is sensitive to pressure and if it is applied on a key, the output will be visible on the screen.

The membrane of this keyboard consists of a circuit which is covered by a layer of rubber which consists of the keys. The rubber is pressurized when a key is pressed and it presses the circuit which sends the output to the screen through the CPU. Users have to kick the keys very hard so that typing can be done.

What is a Mechanical Keyboard?

Mechanical keyboard was launched in 2000 and each key in this keyboard consists of a separate switch. If a key is pressed, it is registered as a keystroke and the result can be seen on the screen. When a key is pressed the circuit sends the information to the CPU and the output is displayed on the screen.

Difference between Membrane and Mechanical keyboard

The difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards can be found in the table below −

Membrane Keyboard Mechanical Keyboard
The membrane keyboard consists of a layer of rubber on which the buttons are attached. The mechanical keyboard consists of buttons and each of them has a separate switch.
Rubber is forced when a key is pressed. This rubber has to touch the circuit s that information can be sent to the CPU and the output is displayed on the screen. When a key is pressed, a mechanism on the side is touched which touches the circuit, and the information is sent to the CPU to display the result.
Users have to press the keys hard so that the rubber can touch the circuit. Keys have to be pressed gently.
It is an inexpensive keyboard. The price of a mechanical keyboard is comparatively expensive.
No sound is produced when a key is pressed. A sound is produced when a key is pressed.
Customization options are very less. It is highly customizable as it consists of backlighting, a key cap, and a switch type.
The membrane keyboard is not suitable for playing games Mechanical keyboard is suitable to play games.
Membrane keyboard is less durable as it can clutter or get stuck easily due to heavy use. It is a durable keyboard and will provide the feeling of a new keyboard for a long time.

Conclusion

Keyboards are of many types but the most popular ones are membrane keyboards and mechanical keyboards. A mechanical keyboard consists of a rubber layer below which there is a circuit. When a key is pressed, the rubber gets in touch with the circuit which sends the information to the CPU, and the result is displayed on the screen.

The mechanical keys consist of a mechanism which sends the information to the CPU on clicking and the result is displayed on the keyboard. Both of them come with a lot of features but the membrane keyboard is cheap and no sound is produced. Mechanical keyboard is expensive but it is comparatively durable and has a long life.

FAQs on Membrane Keyboard Vs. Mechanical Keyboard

1. Which keyboard is more durable and has a long life?

Mechanical keyboard has a long life it is highly durable. Membrane keyboards are less durable as keys may sometimes get stuck or users may face other problems.

2. Which keyboard is suitable for playing games?

Mechanical keyboard is suitable to play games as the keys can be hit hard and it will not get damaged easily.

3. Which of the keyboards is noisy?

Mechanical keyboard is noisy as it consists of separate nodes for each key. Membrane keyboard has a rubber layer which reduces the sound.

4. Which keyboard has a low price?

Membrane keyboard is cheap in comparison to the mechanical keyboard.

5. Which keyboard has a rubber layer?

Membrane keyboard has a rubber layer due to which sound is low when the keys are pressed.

Updated on: 26-Jul-2024

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