Description: This article contains some of the most frequently asked questions about Mechanical and Membrane keyboards from Winter 2019.

Q: What is a membrane keyboard?
A: Membrane keyboards are the most common keyboards you will see. Underneath each key is a hollow membrane that flexes when the key is pressed down. When the key bottoms out it registers the keystroke.

Q: What is a mechanical keyboard?
A: Mechanical keyboards have solid physical switches underneath each key. Each switch has an activation point that registers the keystroke when the switch reaches that point in its travel.

Q: What are mechanical keyboard switches?
A: Mechanical switches are typically made of plastic. Each switch has a moving part, called the stem, which is held inside the switch housing. Each switch contains a spring underneath the stem that pushes the key back up after you lift your finger.

Q: There are a lot of different mechanical switches, what makes them unique?
A: Mechanical switches have a variety of things that can make them unique. Some switches have a bump during the keystroke to provide tactile feedback, some have an audible click, some have a smooth linear keystroke with no click. The springs can have different strengths to make the keypress heavier or lighter, and the switch housing shape can be different depending on the keyboard and maker of the switch.

Q: Are there different types of membranes like there are different mechanical switches?
A: Yes, membrane keyboards can have different designs that change how they feel when you type. Different materials or designs on the membrane dome underneath the switch will affect the feel of the keystroke, and some manufacturers will even make hybrid membrane keyboards that incorporate features from mechanical keyboards, such as a solid plastic housing and clicky elements. These are sometimes called memchanical keyboards.

Q: What are the pros of a membrane keyboard?
A: Membrane keyboards are typically cheaper and quieter than their mechanical counterparts. They also tend to be lighter which can be viewed as a pro or a con depending on your preferences.

Q: What are the cons of membrane keyboards?
A: They are typically less durable than mechanical keyboards and more difficult to clean because the keycaps are often hard to remove or are not designed to be removed. Membrane keyboards also tend to be less accurate or responsive with registering high speed keystrokes than mechanical keyboards.

Q: What are the pros of a mechanical keyboard?
A: Mechanical keyboards tend to last longer and are easier to clean because the keycaps are easily removable. The switches tend to be more consistent and responsive for high speed keystrokes which can be a benefit for fast typers or gamers.

Q: What are the cons of mechanical keyboards?
A: Mechanical keyboards tend to be louder than membrane keyboards and more expensive. They also tend to be heavier which can be viewed as either a pro or a con based on your preferences.

Q: How do you choose which keyboard to use?
A: It’s all based on your personal preference and the environment you are in. Some people prefer heavy switches with a strong tactile bump for strong feedback while typing. You may want a light linear switch to reduce hand fatigue while playing video games. If you are in a crowded office space, a loud switch could be disruptive so a quieter membrane keyboard may be the best option. If you can, try and test some different keyboards with different switches and designs to see what you like.