The modern keyboard started its history as the simplest information input device, and it has acquired many functions. It is an integral part of the computer and is usually purchased for "delivery". But it's so simple to choose which one is better - we understand this material.
key mechanism
Considering the choice of keyboard, the first thing worth mentioning is the operation of the key mechanism. Whether membrane or mechanical, they have their own advantages and disadvantages. In turn, they can significantly affect a device's noise, key travel, reliability, and price.
There are several types of membrane devices: plunger, scissor, and conventional membranes. They differ slightly in the implementation of the keys, but are held together by a silicone substrate beneath the keys. The internal structure is a three-layer board. Two layers have conductive tracks, and the third layer is responsible for their separation. The spacer has cutouts where the button is, so that the contacts can come into contact when the button is pressed. The silicone backing, in turn, provides an accurate click, and its rounded shape returns the button to its original position after a click. It looks like this:
Mechanical keyboards are more complicated. Here we will not find the rubber gasket described above. Use a separate switch for each button instead of a single board. The inner spring is responsible for the initial position of the button. The strength of the key depends on its rigidity. Therefore, the stiffer the spring, the greater the force required to click. The system looks like this:
These switches come in a wide variety to suit every taste. Mainly red, blue and brown. More about them:
Red
blue
Brown
for gaming solutions
One-stop solution for text printing
A little effort to click, no click
Half-stroke firing with a clicking sound
Haptic feedback with almost no clicks
Some manufacturers produce their own solutions, and it's easy to get confused in this abundance. Therefore, the only right decision to choose a keyboard is field testing.
noise
The main problem with mechanical keyboards is noise. With all the advantages of machinery, this nuance can be decisive for buyers. Manufacturers are working hard to invent all kinds of switches that reduce noise levels, but it's hard to come close to the muteness of a membrane keyboard. If you type a lot in the office or work from home at night, the blue switch keyboard can be a real pain in the ass for those around you. A sure way to get out of this situation is to choose Brown and Silent switches with reduced noise levels. You can also buy the "damping ring" for the cover separately.
On the other hand, membrane devices are characterized by low noise. They don't have spring-loaded switches, and the rubber gasket acts as a kind of shock absorber. Thanks to the soft material, most of the noise is absorbed, and the low-profile travel allows for near-reference silence.
Haptic feedback
Whether you're a gamer or an office worker, keyboard responsiveness matters. During mechanical operation, the buttons actuate halfway through the keystroke. That is, we will clearly feel the click and the corresponding sound without having to keep pressing the button. This, in turn, will save you a lot of time when typing large amounts of text without causing serious fatigue. Every press is recorded, no matter how many other keys are pressed at the same time. This plus is a great help for gamers - faster response times when you need to press one or more buttons in a short amount of time.
Haptic feedback is the weak point of membrane keyboards. To activate a key, it needs to be pressed all the way down, and it takes more effort than a mechanical key. The simplest products cannot handle pressing more than three buttons at the same time. More expensive - no more than six. This is due to the structure of the membrane. This is especially noticeable when typing fast, when a "click" occurs and the keystroke is not active. In case you're not typing too fast, this shortcoming won't be as noticeable.
In addition to the parameters considered, the convenience of the product is also important. In addition to the mouse, the keyboard is our daily direct contact with the device. As a starting point, we considered the equipment's weight, ease of cleaning and customization. Membrane keyboards are much lighter than mechanical keyboards. It's easy to take with you or move around your workspace. We don't go around people who like to eat at the computer because there are enough of them. In the assortment, you can find keyboards for which the manufacturer indicates the presence of water protection.
It can be achieved in different ways: either slightly - from splashes, or severe - with through and through holes. In the second case, even a large spill of liquid will not damage the device. The liquid spilled on the membrane is not so important. Of the total mass, it lingers on the rubber layer. If we're talking about dirt, crumbs and other stuff, you'll have to completely disassemble the keyboard, which isn't very convenient.
In a mechanical keyboard, everything is diametrically opposed. If you splash water on the keyboard without proper protection, you could end up with a non-working device entirely. Metal parts are very sensitive to liquids. Mechanics are very handy when it comes to dry cleaning. It is enough to remove the cap and we will have access to the site. The presence of an easily removable cover is another advantage.
We can replace them to our liking and create truly custom devices. In gaming solutions, you can often find interchangeable covers in kits and sell separate kits for complete customization. In membrane equipment, we are deprived of such privileges.
reliability
The reliability of the device depends on how long the purchased keyboard will last. Of course, there are exceptions everywhere. Even the cheapest membranes can outlast expensive mechanical membranes. Also, don't forget the combination of equipment and operating conditions. Mechanical keyboards have more wear resistance and are more corny due to the metal in the design. Switch's resources can reach 50-100 million hits. Cleaning them regularly and monitoring the condition is sufficient and will last for many years.
Membrane devices lose their original state over time, a "fatigue effect". If you're using it for high-volume, everyday printing, this nuance will appear faster. Gaskets made of silicone or rubber will wear out over time. Button clicks became less noticeable, which in turn resulted in less than the best feedback.
price
The second obvious advantage of membranes, besides quiet operation, is price. Due to its simplicity and low production costs, membrane keyboards are the largest on the market. You can literally buy a device with the necessary features for a penny. Minimal metal parts have a positive effect on price.
Mechanical products cost more and more. They are more expensive to manufacture, but in return we get a more reliable product. A particularly large price gap is observed in the lower segment.
Let's summarize. In modern reality, you can choose the keyboard for any task. It is enough to determine the scope of the task for which you intend to use the device. An everyday home computer that can surf the web and print study reports? Budget membrane keyboards are fine, but for convenience, look at models with multimedia buttons.
Are you typing a lot of text at work every day? Mechanics is everything. Choose an ergonomic model with a palm rest and mute switch. For avid gamers, there are versions with additional multifunction buttons, backlighting and interchangeable caps. If you are concerned about noise to other people, a good quality membrane will be the general solution.
To save your work space, compact form factor models will help you. They don't have number blocks, and the gaps between keys are reduced. Also, don't forget devices with wireless connectivity, which will keep you safe from interfering wires.
