The switch technology determines the feel of a keyboard. The majority of keyboards use one or more of these three concepts.
Membrane / Rubber Dome
You probably have a membrane keyboard if you don’t know what type of keyboard it is. You get the keyboards free with an All-In-One computer. Most of the keyboards on sale are membrane keyboards.
Rubber dome keyboards contain a rubber dome within each key. This rubber dome acts as a switch, actuating it and making sure that the keycap is back up. The signal is transmitted by several membrane sheets beneath the rubber domes (-> membrane keyboard). Although these terms refer to two different techniques, most keyboards use both.
Membrane keyboards have a low cost of production, which makes them very popular. The downside is that the keys can wear very quickly. After a while, the keys become clattering and get stuck more often. These effects are stronger and earlier when you use keys such as the space bar or letter “e”. The user may also be affected by the irregular wear of keys.
Scissor switch
Apple’s keyboards, as well as most notebooks, use scissor switches. Scissor switches have rubber domes that look similar to common membrane keyboards but use a different mechanism to guide and hold the key cap. There are two plastic cross arms for each key, instead of the large plastic guide shafts.
The scissor mechanism keyboards have a lower profile and last a lot longer than other membrane keyboards (10 – 30 millions key presses).
Mechanical switches
Mechanical switches are a common feature on expensive keyboards. There are many types of mechanical switches. However, most often a metal spring is used as the actuation mechanism. A mechanical switch that has a metal spring will wear out much faster than one with a rubber-domed dome. We’ll talk more about the disadvantages and advantages of mechanical switches in a moment.
For decades, Cherry, a German company, dominated the market in mechanical switches. These mechanical switches are still extremely popular. However, many other manufacturers produce their own. (See Switch Types for more information).
The Comparison: Advantages & Disadvantages
Mechanical keyboards offer many advantages over rubber dome and scissor switches keyboards. There are also some small drawbacks.
Advantages of a Mechanical Keyboard
Longer Lifespan
Mechanical keyboards last a lot longer. Mechanical switches can withstand 30 to 70 million key press cycles, and some mechanical switches can withstand up to 100,000,000 key presses. Common membrane keyboards have a lifespan of approximately 5 million key presses.
No need to wear out
Mechanical switches last longer than other switches and they are also very durable. A mechanical keyboard can still feel almost like it was the first day even after many years. You don’t hear any clattering or keys getting stuck.
Feedback / Improved Typing Experience
A mechanical switch has more options for tweaking than a rubber dome. It’s not surprising that there are many different types of switches with different characteristics.
Some switches can be detected at a certain point. Others provide additional feedback through acoustic sound. There are switches that are optimized for gaming, and switches that are optimized for typing. You can read more about this in the Switch Types article.
High Stability/ Robustness
Mechanical keyboards weigh significantly more than scissor or membrane keyboards. They are also more stable and won’t move as easily.
Mechanical Keyboards: Advantages and Disadvantages
Sound Level
The sound level of mechanical keyboards is usually higher than that of other keyboards. You can choose from one of the silent models of mechanical keyboards or you can use O-Rings (to reduce the volume of your keyboard).
High price
Mechanical keyboards can be more expensive than other membrane keyboards. However, it is worth considering as an investment. If you take care of your keyboard properly, you won’t have to replace it for a while.
High weight
The stability of the keyboard is enhanced by more weight, but transporting it around can be a little less easy. The keyboard can also be heavy, which can make it difficult to place on your lap.
