Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboards: Which is Better for Gaming?

In gaming, your keyboard choice can greatly affect your performance and enjoyment. There are many kinds of keyboards, but the two most popular are mechanical and membrane keyboards. But which is better for gaming? Is it the satisfying click of a mechanical keyboard, or the quieter, softer feel of a membrane keyboard?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the mechanical vs membrane comparison, explore the advantages and drawbacks of both, and help you determine which type of keyboard is ideal for your gaming setup.

What’s the Difference Between Mechanical and Membrane Keyboards?

Before we compare which is better for gaming, let’s look at the key differences between mechanical and membrane keyboards:

Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards are known for their individual mechanical switches under each key. These switches are typically made up of a housing, a spring, and a stem, which makes each key press distinct. There are different types of mechanical switches, like Cherry MX Red, Blue, and Brown. Each type gives a unique feel, such as tactile, linear, or clicky feedback.

Pros of Mechanical Keyboards:

• Excellent Key Responsiveness: Mechanical keyboards provide faster response times, which is vital for competitive gaming.
• Durability: These keyboards are built to last, with many models rated for tens of millions of keystrokes.
• Customisation: You can easily swap key switches or even customise the feel of individual keys to suit your gaming needs.
• Tactile Feedback: The tactile response (especially with Cherry MX Blue switches) helps provide a satisfying key press, improving typing accuracy and gaming performance.

Cons of Mechanical Keyboards:

• Price: Mechanical keyboards usually cost more than membrane keyboards. This is because they are built to last and perform better.
• Noise: Some mechanical switches, like Cherry MX Blue, can be loud. This noise can be distracting in shared spaces or during late-night gaming.
• Weight and Size: Mechanical keyboards are usually bulkier and heavier than membrane ones. This can be less ideal for people who want a portable and space-saving setup.

Membrane Keyboards

Membrane keyboards use a different mechanism. These keyboards use a flexible membrane layer under the keys instead of individual mechanical switches. When the keys press down, the membrane touches a circuit layer to activate the key presses. These keyboards are quieter and more affordable than mechanical ones.

Pros of Membrane Keyboards:

• Affordability: Membrane keyboards are often cheaper, so they suit gamers on a tight budget.
• Quieter: These keyboards are often quieter than mechanical ones. This makes them a better choice if you share your gaming space with others.
• Lightweight and Compact: Membrane keyboards are lighter and thinner. This makes them portable and easy to store.

Cons of Membrane Keyboards:

• Less Key Responsiveness: Key presses feel softer and need more force to activate than mechanical switches. This can slow down response times in competitive gaming.
• Durability: Membrane keyboards can wear out quickly. They may lose their responsiveness over time, especially with heavy use.
• Limited Customisation: Membrane boards are not easily customisable like mechanical keyboards. You can’t change key switches or feel.

Which is Better for Gaming: Mechanical or Membrane?

When deciding between a mechanical vs membrane keyboard for gaming, several factors come into play. Let’s break it down based on key criteria for gamers:

1. Responsiveness and Speed

One of the most critical factors in gaming is keyboard responsiveness. In fast-paced games, every millisecond counts. Mechanical keyboards have a clear advantage here. They provide fast, accurate key presses with little force needed. This helps players react quickly and control better. It’s especially useful in competitive games like first-person shooters (FPS) and real-time strategy (RTS) titles.

Membrane keyboards, on the other hand, often feel less responsive. The keys are softer and require more force to register a press, which can delay your response times during high-stakes gaming moments.

Verdict: Mechanical keyboards win for responsiveness and speed, making them the preferred choice for gamers who need split-second precision.

2. Comfort and Feel

The feeling of typing or gaming on a keyboard greatly influences how comfortable it is to use. Mechanical keyboards offer different switch types that cater to various preferences. Some gamers like tactile switches because they provide feedback when pressed. Others prefer linear switches since they enable faster key presses without a bump.

Membrane keyboards feel softer and more uniform. Some users may find this less satisfying. However, others may prefer it if they don’t like the tactile bump of mechanical switches.

Verdict: Mechanical keyboards give a more personalised and enjoyable typing experience. But if you like a softer, quieter feel, a membrane keyboard could be a better choice for you.

3. Durability

Mechanical keyboards last much longer than membrane keyboards. Mechanical switches can handle tens of millions of key presses. This makes them perfect for gamers who spend hours on their keyboards. Mechanical keyboards usually have better build quality. They feature sturdier frames and stronger designs.

In contrast, membrane keyboards tend to wear out faster. Key presses will get less responsive as time goes on. The membrane layers can also wear out, which can hurt your gaming performance.

Verdict: Mechanical keyboards are the clear winner in terms of durability and longevity.

4. Noise

Noise can be a major concern when choosing a keyboard, especially in shared living spaces. Membrane keyboards are quiet. They make almost no sound when you type. This makes them great for late-night gaming or places where noise might bother others.

Mechanical keyboards are great for their tactile feel and speed. However, they can be noisy, especially with switches like Cherry MX Blues. If you’re gaming in a shared space or need a quieter option, consider a mechanical keyboard with silent switches, like Cherry MX Reds or Blacks.

Verdict: Membrane keyboards are quieter, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments. However, mechanical keyboards with silent switches can still offer a good balance.

5. Price

Membrane keyboards are typically more affordable, making them a great entry-level option for those on a budget. If you’re a casual gamer or new to gaming, a membrane keyboard could be a good option if you want to save money.

Mechanical keyboards cost more because of their better build and added features. But the investment is usually worth it for serious gamers seeking high performance and durability.

Verdict: Membrane keyboards are the budget-friendly option, while mechanical keyboards are a higher investment but offer superior performance and durability.

Best Gaming Keyboards for Different Needs

1. Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Razer Huntsman Elite

• Key Features: Opto-mechanical switches, RGB Chroma backlighting, media controls, and a detachable wrist rest.
• Why It’s Great: The Razer Huntsman Elite is ideal for gamers seeking quick response times, comfort, and a high-quality design. The Opto-mechanical switches provide ultra-fast keypress recognition for competitive gaming.

2. Best Membrane Gaming Keyboard: Logitech G213 Prodigy

• Key Features: RGB lighting, membrane switches, and a spill-resistant design.
• Why It’s Great: The G213 Prodigy gives you great value. It features quiet key presses, bright RGB lighting, and strong durability. This makes it perfect for casual gamers who want a responsive and quiet gaming experience at an affordable price.

Which Keyboard is Right for You?

The decision between mechanical vs membrane keyboards ultimately depends on your priorities as a gamer. If you’re looking for speed, durability, and a customisable typing experience, then a mechanical keyboard is your best bet. They offer superior performance but come with a higher price tag.

If you’re on a budget or prefer a quieter, more affordable option, membrane keyboards can still provide a great gaming experience for casual players. They might not be as responsive or durable, but they are quieter. They are also easier for gamers who don’t need top performance.

Both mechanical and membrane keyboards have their roles in gaming accessories. It’s all about finding what fits your needs and gaming style best!