If you are a gamer, you may have heard that membrane keyboards are not the best choice for gaming. But what exactly are membrane keyboards and why are they bad for gaming? In this blog post, we will explain what membrane keyboards are, how they differ from mechanical keyboards, and why they are not ideal for gaming. We will also discuss some of the benefits of membrane keyboards and when they may be preferable over mechanical keyboards.
What is a membrane keyboard?
A membrane keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses a thin layer of rubber or plastic to create electrical contacts when a key is pressed. The keycaps are attached to the membrane layer, which sits on top of a circuit board. When a key is pressed, the membrane layer is pushed down, creating a connection between the contact points on the membrane and the circuit board. This registers a keystroke.
Membrane keyboards are very common and cheap to produce. They are often found in laptops, low-end desktop keyboards, and some gaming keyboards. They are also more resistant to dust and dirt than mechanical keyboards, making them suitable for use in dusty or dirty environments.
What is a mechanical keyboard?
A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses individual switches for each key. The switches are mechanical devices that have a spring and a metal contact. When a key is pressed, the switch is activated, closing the circuit and registering a keystroke.
Mechanical keyboards are more expensive and complex to produce than membrane keyboards. They are also more durable and reliable, as they can last up to 10 times longer than membrane keyboards. They offer a better typing experience, as they have a tactile feel and audible feedback that makes typing more enjoyable.
Why are membrane keyboards bad for gaming?
Membrane keyboards are generally not considered ideal for gaming due to several reasons:
- Lack of Response: Membrane keyboards don’t have the same level of response as mechanical keyboards. This means that you may miss keystrokes or experience slow response times, which can be frustrating during gameplay. Mechanical keyboards have a faster and more consistent response, as they activate at a certain point of travel, regardless of how hard you press the key.
- Durability: Membrane keyboards tend to wear out more quickly than mechanical keyboards. The membrane layer can degrade over time, resulting in less responsive keys or keys that stop working altogether. Mechanical keyboards can withstand millions of keystrokes without losing their performance or quality.
- Typing Experience: Mechanical keyboards offer a better typing experience than membrane keyboards. They have a tactile feel and audible feedback that makes typing more enjoyable. You can also choose from different types of switches that suit your preference, such as linear, tactile, or clicky switches. Membrane keyboards have a mushy and quiet feel that can be boring or tiring to type on.
- Replacement: While membrane keyboards may be more affordable and easier to replace than mechanical keyboards, they will need to be replaced more often than mechanical keyboards. This can add up to the cost and hassle of maintaining your keyboard. Mechanical keyboards have a higher initial cost but lower maintenance cost, as they can last for years without needing replacement.
What are the benefits of membrane keyboards?
However, it is worth noting that membrane keyboards have some benefits as well:
- Price: Membrane keyboards are usually much cheaper to manufacture than mechanical keyboards, making them more affordable. If you are on a tight budget or don’t want to spend too much on your keyboard, membrane keyboards may be a good option.
- Noise: Membrane keyboards are much quieter than mechanical keyboards, which can be beneficial in certain environments. If you share your space with others or don’t want to disturb anyone with your typing noise, membrane keyboards may be a good choice.
- Resistance to Dust and Dirt: Membrane keyboards are more resistant to dust and dirt than mechanical keyboards, making them a good choice for use in dusty or dirty environments. If you work in an environment where dust and dirt can get into your keyboard, membrane keyboards may be easier to clean and maintain.
Conclusion
Overall, while membrane keyboards may have some advantages, they are not ideal for gaming due to their lack of response, durability, and typing experience. It is recommended to upgrade to a mechanical keyboard for a better gaming experience.
