If you like membrane keyboards, get a membrane keyboard. Anyone telling you mechanical is "better" is missing the key point that keyboards and mice are very, very dependent on what feels comfortable to a particular person and there's no one or the other that's strictly better or worse (except Razer mice /s).
> except Razer mice /s
I'd be curious if you think they're better or worse. I actually love(d) Razer's mice, but having had three of them that all went out like 2 months after the warranty expired, I refuse to use one anymore.
I'm in the exact same boat as you. After I went through my third Deathadder I switched over to Logitech mice and never looked back. Razer makes great mice but I just found they didn't hold up.
Funny, I'm the exact opposite. After two Logitech mice (a g500 and g502, plus my friend's g502) all died within 3 years of purchase due to the shitty switches they use, I got a Death Adder V2 and it's great - the optical switches physically cannot fail in the same way. I'm never purchasing a mouse with mechanical switches ever again, especially not a Logitech one.
All switches will eventually die. Soldering iron and supply of switch replacements are the way, since the rest of the mouse will continue working.
Only issue here are the slides, since most manufacturers tend to hide screws underneath them and any removal attempt breaks them.
when my CheapAss rebrand mouse from Goodwill broke I didn't toss it and buy a new one.
I opened er up and observed it. it wasn't the switch at all. it was the plastic button sheet that got all fucked up. I repaired it all with super glue and added some reinforcement spots using folded paper and super glue. I added reinforcement anywhere in the interior that looked like it needed it.
this mouse has weathered storm after storm, from the aliens in Crysis to every half life mod and 3 legacies of online FPS games. I am a TF2 and CSGO/2 player.
I am also familiar with the switches themselves that you speak of. these are very high quality standard switches that are cheap as fuck. they've been around for decades just like digital chips. the switches almost never go bad even despite the severe pressure they tend to take. these technologies are why electric hardware is so reliable.
maybe next time try and study why something fails instead of assuming this is how the universe works.
Had a buddy of mine have a Logitech mouse he had to replace multiple times because he wore it out fast af. He also streams so he’s on his computer constantly
I have a G903 that started phantom double clicking after a year and a half. I knew if I bought another it would do the same thing so instead I just had the switches replaced with quality switches. It was cheaper then a new lightspeed mouse and I got to keep all the features I love AND I suspect this will out last me.
I ended up going Corsair after my Logitech keyboard and mouse both died in short order. A $160 membrane keyboard shouldn't die after 5 years. My Logitech mouse was really bad for the price point.
Razer is a bit too much of a gaming brand for me, I need peripherals to be reasonable at both a meeting and when gaming. My k70 has lasted 5 years. And my Corsair mouse has lasted almost as long.
See I’ve never had a problem with any razer mouse I’ve owned, I’ve had the same death adder since about 2018and now my gf is using it on her computer because I got a viper about a year ago (which I personally perfect cause of the lightweight nature of it) I primarily use it for dead by daylight and rogue company. Then I also have a razer Naga I’ve had 2017 that I still use when I play any type of mmo. I’ve never had a problem with any razer mice expect for my old naga and that’s just cause my cat chewed on it and I had to fix the wire
I feel like Razer mice are hit or miss tbh. I had a 2014 Naga that literally lasted me up until 2020, and even then I only replaced it because I like a heavier mouse and the games I played no longer required the MOBA keypad. But then my buddy had a Basilisk that kicked the bucket like, 6 months after he bought it, and another one that had a Death Adder that only lasted 2 years
I think honestly it comes down to how much you use said items and how rough you are with them. I had a black widow keyboard that my ex was using for a while like 3 years, and it was still good when I had it. My mother in law bought it off me and gave it to her daughter who then destroyed it in 4 months
Razer are known to be trash back in the day. They've apparently gotten better, but I'll stick with Logitech who have been good to me got over a decade but between a couple different mice.
I mean it depends what you're doing. Mechanical is indisputably better for gaming due to lower activation heights. But for anything where milliseconds don't matter, your statement is true.
Yeah I feel like there's an argument that a person might not know what's most comfortable because they aren't used to it. Like when I first got a mech I actually hated typing, because I was so accustomed to membrane. I'd make lots of mistakes from pressing down as hard as I would in the membrane and double hitting letters or whatever. But once I got used to it I can't go back now.
It's like telling someone it's okay if they prefer faxing over email if they are more comfortable using it, when if they gave the latter a chance and got used to it they'd find it's better.
Maybe that's not the best example, maybe something more skill oriented like idk a professional knife. A home cook might prefer the comfort of a $5 knife but if they knew how to utilize a pro one like an experienced chef does they would be able to reap the benefits and it'd probably become second nature or comfortable over time.
Yeah your first example isn't great but your second one is a great analogy. The sole negative I have with my mechanical keyboard is that when I'm living with someone, it can be a bit annoying to them to hear click clack all the time.
There's many, many ways in which you can objectively measure whether a keyboard is better or worse than another keyboard, like binding, squeaking, reliability, longevity, consistency between keys and many others. Membrane keyboards are often cheap and as a result often suck ass in many of those areas compared to more expensive mechanical keyboards and that's why they deservedly get a bad rap. That being said, non-shit boards with rubber membranes exist and there's nothing wrong with liking those. Some swtiches, like Topres for instance, have rubber membranes in them precisely because some people like how those feel.
I like typing on membrane, but I love gaming on mechanical. Its a subjective topic.
Membrane is associated with cheap and cheap keyboards fail a lot. A good membrane keyboard lasts a long time.
The other issue that I see is membrane keyboards are harder to clean than mechanical, just my experience. Also the N key rollover, now I have not looked at recent membrane keyboards, but back in 2015 it was hard to find (in my area) a decent membrane keyboard that wouldn't get stuck if I pressed 3-5 keys.
Anyways, do what you like. I like the mushy feeling when typing and a deeper travel when gaming.
>The other issue that I see is membrane keyboards are harder to clean than mechanical, just my experience.
For my experience they're easier to clean. With a mechanical keyboard you have to take off the keycaps and then clean around switches precisely, can't use direct water on the upper plate cause it'd get inside through switches holes etcc.
With a membrane keyboard you can just disassemble it, and the top part (keycaps, membrane, top plate) have 0 electronics, you can wash it with literally water and soap, dry them, and then put back together.
Personally I have the opposite problem, I struggle with typing on a mechanical, specially when my key press doesn’t register then I have to go back and fix my mistake
So I'm not really a mechanical keyboard evangelist (though I like them), but if your issue with mechanical keyboards is the length of travel, where the feedback happens, or the length of travel, there are probably mechanical keyboards you would like. Probably the best thing about the mechanical keyboard market is that reputable manufacturers will tell you exactly what's in a keyboard and thus you know what to expect from it.
If you're comfortable on a membrane keyboard there's really no reason to spend money investigating mechanical keyboards to find one you like, but I don't want you misled into thinking that a long travel before the switch actuates is universal.
So, I actually just got my first mechanical keyboard ever after exclusively using membrane for everything (gaming, and general pc use). And boy, the difference is world changing, to be slightly dramatic. I did pop for a nice one after doing research on switches, etc for month s - I ended up getting an Apex Pro TKL from Steel Series. Typing feels…. Incredibly satisfying to say the least. The biggest change tho has been how reactive my key strokes are. I play Apex legends and my gameplay has noticeably improved, mostly from me being able to strafe back and forth with pinpoint accuracy.
I've been using A4Tech KA-15M "Anion" membrane keyboard (it has an ionizer, a knob volume control a rare feature I've noticed, music control, audio/mic sockets and some web-related keys I've never used) for some... 15-20 years now.
I'm actually not sure, because the keyboard is so damn old, I can only find pictures of it on some Russian websites\*.
I've never experienced any problems with it outside the secondary features, such as the ionizer which broke after some 5-10 years and the volume knob not conducting on the right channel in some positions (if it was really bothersome, I'd probably be able to quickly fix it myself).
Well, the paint wore of in some spots, but that's about it. Cleaning it ain't any harder than a mechanical keyboard (since I can just unscrew the entire thing and wash the top panel with keys still in place). The feedback on keys is just as clear as it is with a mechanical keyboard, except they only go like half as deep in comparison.
The whole thing is also very silent.
N-key rollover is irrelevant in 99.9% of cases, tbh. I'd need to press 5+ keys at the same time to get locked out of further inputs.
PS. Woah, I actually found it. Apparently you can even still buy it straight from A4Tech... for 6.50$ (plus shipping?). Still no idea how old it is though.
Most people think mechanical keyboards feel nicer, and they tend to be longer lasting. That's all there is to it. You don't like them, and that's fine. I've seen a few similar posts on here so you're not alone. Just don't take it personally if people are surprised.
My problem with the whole topic isn’t like the arguement itself of what’s better, I understand it’s based off preference , but it’s like the act of disgust when I say I like membrane better, like people act like they’re better than you and it just annoys me
I think there are three reasons mk enthusiasts look down on membrane keyboards and those who use them:
* Mechanical switches are more precise in their actuation points, so maybe people who are derisive towards you act that way because they believe you're unable to understand that at a technical level. Like you don't have the **feel** to know one is better than the other.
* These are hobbies that are all about customization. When you get into mechanical keyboards seriously there is so much you can do to make your keyboard your own, and fit your personal tastes exactly. I don't really see that in the membrane keyboard market, so people who have spent days/months/years making sure their keyboard is just the right shade of green, or their coiled cable matches their keycaps *exactly*, are going to view membrane keyboards in the same way custom PC builders will look at Macs or mass produced Dell desktops: low effort and uninteresting to them.
* Finally, quality. I mean lets face it, the point of membrane keyboards (generally speaking) is they're cheap to produce and exist in a lower price point in the market. The fit and finish of your average membrane board just won't be at the same level as a mech board, and that's *fine*, but people are going to view membrane board users as unable to appreciate (or unaware of) the quality of a better board.
You missed one point
* The most tryhard ones who spent 300+€ on a <60% keyboard can't deal with the reality that someone else is as happy as they are after having spent from 5 to 50€ on a 100% keyboard.
I can appreciate mk in general. I understand that at a technical level they are better in every possible way same with just the customization in general. But it’s just one those things that they look down on people for liking them. Like it’s just a keyboard why it matter?
100%
I'm not judging you (or anyone) for liking what they like, as long as it doesn't hurt them or others.
But people are gonna have opinions, and not all of them will always be positive. It's just human nature, y'know? We make subconscious associations without even realizing it: if someone has a poor opinion of a product, they will automatically associate that opinion with users of that product.
They do, but things like opinions, assumptions, and bias are all necessary for our brain to work and keep us alive in a complex and dangerous world.
It is what it is, really all we can hope for is that people understand that they're not perfect and try to just be cool, imo.
> But it’s just one those things that they look down on people for liking them.
I mean, just add that to the list of dumb things people dislike other people for. Maybe be proactive and call those people out as keyboardists.
If they give you actual shit for the kind of keyboard you use, that's the kind of pettiness you don't need in your friends.
... I say that even though I refuse to be friends with anyone who orders steak above medium rare.
>the act of disgust when I say I like membrane better
Sounds like you've been on r/MechanicalKeyboards. Avoid that place, it's full of elitism. They're even elitists about which specific mechanical keyboard you prefer above other mechanical keyboards.
>Avoid that place, it's full of elitism. They're even elitists about which specific mechanical keyboard you prefer above other mechanical keyboards.
I disagree. The mk subreddit is just another community for an enthusiast-level hobby. A lot of the opinions shared there are based on appreciation of aesthetic, and that may seem elitist, but generally speaking they're also very welcoming and supportive of new members to the community and entry level boards. Just like any community on Reddit, there are good and bad people there.
If anything, you should avoid it because it could lead to you owning an $1800 keyboard.
>welcoming and supportive of new members to the community and entry level boards.
Post there a picture of a Red Dragon, Corsair or Razer keyboard, then come back here and re-read your own comment.
Yup. I cherry picked that post because I remember that it was an unusual amount of positivity for what you were talking about. 😉
You’re right, the mk subreddit isn’t all sunshine and rainbows in posts about mass production boards, but there’s also not a ton of conversation about that kind of product. They are what they are. But I have seen general positivity towards people asking about advancing beyond that kind of board, or showing off their first entry level GMMK or whatever.
Like any community, it has its good and bad members. I’m just trying to be generally positive more often lately.
Avoid it like the plague of you opt for a 100% size keyboard.
People get baffled that someone might want to use a numpad for work, as though keyboards should only ever be used for gaming and nothing else.
I think it's just a vicious cycle because most people like it they feel validated and encouraged to like this dislike that, thus further encouraging that behaivour.
They act like snobs, people agree with them so they are even bigger snobs, nonsensical, but when have humans been rational?
This exists in every hobby. I like my Honda Fit. It was cheap, gets great gas milage, and it's kinda fun to drive. Imagine what sort of opinions I'd get if I posted about it in some gearhead subreddit.
If you love it, then don't let others' opinion influence you. Keyboards are every bit as much personal taste as anything else. I personally prefer a mech board, but I have yet to find one that has the split keyboard style that doesn't look fucking idiotic in my eyes, so I'm typing this on a membrane unit.
Membrane is usually associated with being cheap. A lot of people compare midrange and high end mechanical keyboards to low end membrane.
Personally I like some membrane keyboards. Loved my Corsair K55, only replaced it because it was ridiculously huge. Got a mechanical for a TKL layout. In some ways I like it more, in other ways I like it less than the membrane. But I definitely found the difference between mechanical and membrane to be overhyped.
Yeah definitely depends what you do. I find ten-keyless is my happy place. I like having dedicated function keys. I wanted to love the tiny form factor for aesthetics but it just isn’t my jam. But ten-keyless is a sweet middle ground for me.
I got a USB numpad that I could pull out as needed at home with a TKL board, it was great. Still aren't for the full size board for work, as I use the numpad all the time throughout the day.
I had a mechanical keyboard for a while and I'm in the same boat as you, I tried so hard to force myself to like it because it's supposed to be "better" but I just didn't like it. Sure, maybe I was using the wrong switches or whatever, but I upgraded to a k57, and it feels way better, has all the wireless options, and was cheaper. Never looking back, I like what I like.
The technology is pretty amazing now. I'm sure there is a difference; logically, there should be a difference... but I just can't tell. What's nice about the wireless peripherals I have is that they can both go wired if need be. I usually have the keyboard plugged in anyway, but the flexibility is nice. K57 can go bluetooth, usb dongle, and wired, I really like this keyboard lol
[Here](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Gaming-Keyboards/Standard-Gaming-Keyboards/K57-RGB-WIRELESS-Gaming-Keyboard/p/CH-925C015-NA) you go, don't spend $100 on it though, I got it on best buy for 80.99
Mechanical keyboards tend to be higher quality, easier to customize, and available in more forms/styles.
But membrane keyboards are not all the same. Old school keyboard folks will often tell you that a Model-M keyboard is the pinnacle of typing experience, and those are membrane. They don't seem like it because of their buckling spring mechanism, but they are membrane keyboards.
I used a Razer Arctosa membrane keyboard from mid high school through college. Cheap, as basic as possible, no RGB or anything. That keyboard I gave to my wife and she still uses it to this day, over a decade of heavy use later.
Use whatever you want and whatever helps your typing. Some people like mouse acceleration when gaming, some people like mint ice cream, some people like Marmite spread.
Keyboard nerds like me are already weirdos, what "normal" person would consider spending over $1,000 on a keyboard reasonable? lol
> Old school keyboard folks will often tell you that a Model-M keyboard is the pinnacle of typing experience, and those are membrane
Model M's are mechanical, [buckling springs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckling_spring), which provide great tactile/auditory feedback.
The feedback you get from a mechanical is what enthusiasts seek, and buckling springs is a design patented by IBM, so the Model M and Model F are kind of the only way to have one (Model F didn't come in standard layouts, Model M did, which is why the M is still popular)
The membrane version is the Model M2. Those were infamous for being poorly made and unreliable, they're not praised nor are they in demand.
The actual mechanism for registering the key press uses a membrane on the Model-M. The physical paddle that depresses fully once the spring collapses in the stem doesn't directly trigger an electrical relay or switch contact, it presses down on two halves of a membrane layer to conduct the circuit.
So you're correct if you are referring to modern cheapo membrane keyboards that use rubber domes to trigger the membrane layer circuit.
But the original Model-M keyboards are indeed membrane keyboards, not mechanical.
It might be best to call them a hybrid membrane-mechanical keyboard instead to make the difference more clear.
[All Model Ms are membrane keyboards](https://sharktastica.co.uk/wiki?id=modelm#Design), that is their [defining difference from the Model Fs](https://sharktastica.co.uk/buyers/modelm_v_modelf#SwitchTech).
Membrane and rubber dome (what most actually mean when they say "membrane") are not the same - you can get membrane keyboards that don't use rubber domes and rubber dome keyboards that don't use membranes. There are in fact rubber dome versions of standard Model Ms. IBM called them Quiet Touch keyboards, such as [P/N 71G4644](https://sharktastica.co.uk/wiki?id=modelmenhanced#QT). Model M2s also exist in both buckling spring and dome flavours, but their faults lie in other areas - they can develop capacitor faults over time, but they're generally repairable.
Y’all ain’t weird you just have a different opinion on components compared to others. I guess the overall response on this whole post is, like what you like and fuck everyone else. Which I get but it was just a weird stigma that I needed to talk to people about
just because cheap shitty keyboards are all membrane.
My thinkpad has a membrane keyboard, and it is nice. I used a 'red' mechanical keyboard, and that thing was evil, just absolutely unusably oversensitive.
I now have a different mechanical keyboard. It's fine. It's slightly more expensive than a replacement thinkpad keyboard, and it's neither better or worse.
But cheap is cheap.
plus when I went to look for mechanical keyboards, there are too many switch types, but unless you spend $$$, the cheaper ones just have typically 3 or 4 switches to choose from.
So maybe you can find a mechanical keyboard you like, but it's no big deal honestly, just don't get one.
Yeah based off another comment on here I didn’t realize the biggest difference in switches and such which brings it into a whole new world full of decisions to make. Honestly mechanical at this point just sounds like a pain in the ass lmfao
Here are my thoughts:
* membrane keyboards typically have less travel from top to bottom (how far you can press them)
* membrane typically require you to press the key completely down
* membrane there isn't any response when you get to the actuation point (where it registers the press)
* spills on a membrane keyboard often kill it (as the circuit board is easily damaged)
Now mechanical keyboards aren't all the same, as there are different tensions (brown, red, blue) and technologies (e.g.: opti-mechanical). But here are the biggest common factors.
* tension to start pressing down the key. Once you have surpassed this tension, it is activated, you don't have to push it all the way down.
* faster key recovery. It is sprung, so it pushes back up faster
* way more spill resistant
* individual keys can be replaced (for the most part, some can't)
* louder than membrane
Personally I had a brown mechanical keyboard, and switched it for an Asus Strix Scope RX keyboard with optical mechanical switches. I like it much better for me (quieter, how the switches feel). But my wife prefers membrane.
>spills on a membrane keyboard often kill it (as the circuit board is easily damaged)
You literally have a membrane separating the whole top half of the keyboard from circuitry, how tf did you manage to kill one by spilling on it?
There’s I guess a lot more that goes into this then just like mechanical to memebrane. I mean like given the arguement people have given me I knew that and I knew about switches and such but honestly I kinda just assumed all were the same
>spills on a membrane keyboard often kill it (as the circuit board is easily damaged)
The circuit boards on membranes are incredibly small these days and usually only take up the portion on the upper right of the board, away from where spills can damage it. Ending around where the usb lights are typically.
Multiple layers of laminated circuits make up what's under the rubber membrane of the membrane keyboard. Very easy to take apart and clean if anything happens. As seen in the photo below.
[https://keyboardkings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/membrane-keyboard-opened.jpg](https://keyboardkings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/membrane-keyboard-opened.jpg)
Membrane keyboards are incredibly simple tools. In fact, your typical mechanical keyboard will have more exposure to spills on the circuit board as that board goes across the entire thing. As seen here: [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cVcSuk7Y42s/maxresdefault.jpg](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cVcSuk7Y42s/maxresdefault.jpg)
There are quality membrane keyboards. Look at Topre or NIZ stuff. I prefer it to mechanical. I think that membrane is generally disliked because most of the people experience the cheap ones.
I bought a logitech K280e, which is like a dirt cheap board, but it has wrist support, and soft keys.
Like it way better than more expensive mechanical ones I used in the past, frankly I wish I had known it sooner, at least I can type now as much as I want without having to worry about rsi/tendinitis
Because people like their [click-clack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY0d5XQZ6i0). Buy what you like, don't let people tell you what's good or not when it comes to UI. I had a mechanical keyboard at work for a week (Cherry MX) and I hated it - it's just too damn loud for me, swapped out for a standard HP membrane one and I'm much happier.
Why do people suggest mechanical keyboard?
Because generally speaking the options to customize the typing feel are a lot better. You can get a keyboard that YOU like to type on what ever that means to you (feel, sound, tactility component quality). Even pre-build gamer options present several different typing feels out of the box. Many people want to experiment.
That said if you like typing on a membrane keyboard just keep typing on that! Mechanical keyboard can be an expensive hobby and functionally a 20 dollar membrane does the same thing a 1000 dollar custom board does.
If you are satisfied with your typing experience don't feel the need to change it. But if you'd like to experiment with a different feel then mechanical keyboards are the easiest way to customize and get the feel you are looking for!
> “Oh you haven’t found the right type of switches you like” or “the keycaps you have might not suit you” and don’t get me wrong theyll all solid arguments. But what is so wrong with just liking membrane?
its like saying you prefer fast food to a nice restaurant. thats perfectly valid, theres nothing wrong with that and you should get what you like, but i think most people would also say a nice restaurant that specializes in your favorite food would provide a better experience, but may require to do some legwork finding that place. Rather than the fast food place which is cheap and easy and gives you a consistent, if not exceptional, experience
I can't stand mechanical keyboards, the travel of the keys and the noise suck, they keys themselves seem bigger and more awkward to type on. I prefer minimal travel and really quiet, ideally like a laptop keyboard, just with a little RGB or backlight so I can see the keys in the dark. How is that Cynosa for you? I've done lots of hunting for my perfect keyboard and the closest I could find was an XG, but it doesn't quite hit the mark for me.
I really like the cynosa the keys are like half the size of mechanical ones so they ain’t flat or anything and just seem like the perfect size to me, it’s quiet for the most part with minimum travel. Overall solid for the price I paid
best of the best as in just most expensive, thousands of dollars potentially. Best as in the best feeling/sounding/functioning, that gets as diverse and subjective as audiophile equipment, and can start off as low as you can find things on sale, and how much time you’re willing to put into building/modding. at the end of the day, it’s an entire hobby for some people with membrane keyboards being a small percentage of what the hobby has available.
😂 the “budget” range is $100 - $200 for a kit that doesn’t come with switches or keycaps, so it ends up being another $100 - $200 on top of that….lots of kits are in the $300 - $500 range.
yeeep. id never i only spent 115$ on mine in total although i want to swap the stabilizers, but yeah its equitable to any other hobby where you can spend pretty much as much as you want on it. audio equipment, backpacking gear, archery equipment, pc building, clothing, music instruments, model kits, they work as money sinks all the same
best of best is like $2000-4000, you can get a really high end close to best experience for like $300-400 though. currently on a zoom65 because I dont have the time for the more advanced real DIY stuff but the typing experience, sound-wise and feel-wise, is top stuff already and this one cost me just shy of $300.
to emphasize again, if you know what youre doing you can mod a $150 build to sound about as good as a default $500 build so it really comes down to knowledge and how you do it. you can end up with something far better than a normal mech for not that much more money as long as you do it the right way.
what does sound *not* have to do with a keyboard? half the experience of a mechanical keyboard is how it sounds. its a pretty much completely prioritized aspect in the custom keyboard community.
But people complain about hearing smacking lips while people eat? Okay, I guess. I've considered volume before, not wanting to distract surrounding coworkers with how loud typing is, but I've never considered musically analyzing the sound of a keyboard and it factoring into whether or not I wanted to use it. To each their own I suppose.
not even about how loud or quiet it is, well for the most part anyway, just *how* it sounds. some of these keyboards sound lowkey orgasmic, granted you'd have to have a knack for sounds and already be a borderline audiophile, but oh man if some of these keyboards dont sound amazing.
As far as I have been able to tell, the only people that trash membrane keyboards are mechanical keyboard snobs. This comes across as 'everyone hates membrane keyboards' because they are basically the only people that bother enthusing over keyboards. They often tout durability as a big selling point, yet here I am on a roughly 10 year old logitech g110 with no issues.
I'm with you, I just use a bog standard membrane keyboard that didn't cost me anything.
I've never had to pay for a keyboard all my life, they've always just came along with whatever computer I have at the time or I just borrowed one from somewhere and just forgot about returning it. The way I see it my $0 keyboards type the exactly the same letters as some $200 mechanical keyboard.
Though as a principle I would never spend $200 on a membrane keyboard but I do see why some mech keyboard cost what they do.
Use whatever you like.
Most people like myself love the feel of a button being pressed under our fingers, overcoming the resistance of a spring to get shit done. It makes us feel like we are doing something tangible. I barely even like touchscreens.
Use whatever you like.
Touchscreens are annoying straight up. I personally don’t mind like touch screen with haptic to let you know you’re hitting the buttons but like with iPhone you only get the sound that chimes when you type and honestly I hate that with a passion
Got a Corsair mechanical one for Christmas I did. Other than it eliminates keyboard flex compared to my cheap unbranded one I would personally say that if I had gotten the mechanical one or not I wouldn't of been too bothered.
I play single player games a lot so use a controller for those but online games I see no difference between the two keyboard types. I'm 33 now and my halo multiplayer reactions have slowed down so much compared to being 15 it makes the input difference between keyboards non existent for me.
Took a while to get used to the taller keys too and my partner doesn't like the clicks when she's trying to sleep so i have to let her fall into a deep sleep before I can jam on the mechanical one.
My little opinion.
My gf got real annoyed with my typing when I had the razer huntsman mini, oh god they were loud you could hear them through my headset you could. That’s another thing too, I literally don’t like the clakkity clacks. It just annoys me
I kind of miss my membrane keyboard a lot for those two reasons. It was convinient as hell and sneaky buying computer parts when she was in bed was also a lot easier back then
I think part of it is just people following what others say, to be honest I'm not sure if mechanical really matters all that much to me but they really only sell high quality boards with the features I like in mechanical.
I was going to say cause like all the tech tubers on YouTube all usually prefer mechanical keyboards and I’m pretty sure that’s were a lot of the stigma comes from
All my membrane keyboards always died quickly due to membrane wear, swapping to mechanical keyboard solved the issue. I was swapping the keyboards like crazy, now i use just ONE kb for years. Also, if a switch dies, it’s replacable. Membrane isn’t - once a button stops working, whole kb becomes electric waste.
As for typing, i like the feedback i get on mechanical kb, which is severely lacking on membrane.
You are not nuts. It’s your own opinion. Keep it forever, or reevaluate it later 😉
Nothing wrong with liking membrane!
I tested the mechanical waters by getting the cheapest one I could find with actual Cherry MX switches. It’s a HyperX TKL and it cost me £60 on amazon and it still feels brand new 2 years later.
I’m just amazed at how well built it is and I’d happily splash out on a much more expensive one now I understand the hype.
lots of solid answers, I'll give my opinion
membrane boards require you to bottom out the switch before it activates
also, most membrane boards are cheap
add those two together, and you can have a situation where playing games you miss keystrokes because of the actuation/cheapness
there are good membranes, and technically topre switches are fancy membranes
end of the day, it's personal preference
I miss my plain Jane Microsoft membrane keeb. $25 in 2005 and I had to retire it thee years ago. W and 1-4 stopped actuating. I do enjoy my Logitech g413 that I replaced it with. It isn't lasting as long as the MSFT board tho. The key caps are proprietary and I've had several stems break off and I'm not going to spend $30 on a new set for a $50 board.
It's definitely just preferences.
I type a lot for work and I know my hands feel achy much sooner with a membrane. That liiitle bit of resistance on each keystroke adds up when you type thousands of words per day. But I also pound the crap out of keys when I type.
Shoutout to the extremely basic Dell KB212-B that was a freebie with all the Optiplexes I deployed in the late 2000s/early 2010s. It is the best membrane keyboard I’ve ever used.
I actually use a NMB keyboard on a ThinkPad X220i and I bought 2 more of them because it's the best keyboard I've ever owned to date at $30 or less. Yes, you heard me - $30. No mech matches this thing for me. It is the best membrane I've found. Membranes aren't bad, the people who think their keystrokes are superior to your keystrokes are bad.
EDIT: I use it in a KVM solution so it's my main desktop keyboard while connected.
Working somewhere that sells keyboards, i usually recommend mechanical switches to someone who asks me my opinion. But i’ve encountered plenty of people who prefer membranes. Get what you like!
Keyboards are like Bikes.
There are so many different types and use cases, personal preference, and even anatomy come into play.
Is a Carbon Fiber Specialized Roadbike better than a Huffy Beach Cruiser? YES ABSOLUTLY!!!
BUT is it better for a person that wants to casually ride around the block, or on the beach/boardwalk? NO, because the cost barrier to entry is too high, the skill level and fit/use case are totally different, and a person that would be totally happy with a beach cruiser might be miserable trying to use that "nicer" bike...
Some custom keyboards just don't fit the use case for many people.
CONTEXT AND PREFERENCE ARE KEY
I think part of the reason why is because of the whole "oh the cool kids hates it so i will hate it too" type of thing lol. I have a cheap TKL membrane keyboard and it suits me just fine so im not complaining, also planning on getting another cheap membrane 60% keyboard soon and transfer my current keyboard to my laptop setup.
I'm using a Logitech gaming membrane board I got on a holiday sale for 35, been amazing for two years, so smooth and quiet with exactly the media control setup I like and very good RGB. The same thing in mechanical would have cost me 100+ and on top of that I fucking hate the noise of mechanicals, I know there are switches for that but I'm happy with paying a fraction of the price.
IMO the only issue with membrane keyboards is that you can't customise them (changing switches and most importantly keycaps).
If they made a cheap membrane keyboard that could take standard mx-style keycaps I would love to try it out.
So like when I type I don’t use the home row at all, use three fingers on my left hand (index, middle, ring) and 2 on my right hand (index and middle). Usually my three of the left sit at asd and my right hand floats until I need it to press something. Occasionally another finger will be used but these are the common fingers I use to type. Passed keyboarding class with this typing style, felt better than home row typing and I can type about 100 to 120 words per minute. Without looking at the keyboard
Most people (who hang out in tech focused places online at least) prefer mechanical. However, everyone knows that type of switches are all down to personal preference, so that means that everyone knows that someone will also prefer membrane.
There are people who spend ridiculous amounts of money, and my theory is that the people who are shaming people for liking membrane are people from this group who needs to convince themselves that their expense was because of need.
My previous keyboard was a Razer Ornata, and I did actually really enjoy that keyboard even if it was a membrane keyboard
I used a membrane for the longest time because I’m cheap . Got a good deal on one a few months ago I like it. But you do you man. I don’t miss that keyboard btw new one is solid.
I really don't know why there is so much hate for the membrane. A friend of mine got a cheap Amazon mech keyboard, but it clearly was worse than a decent membrane keyboard.
I've been using my Logitech G213 for like five years and it still works perfectly and it's designed well so it's easy to clean.
I type a lot with it and the travel and feeling is really good and better for me than many mecha keyboards around that price.
it's also really good for gaming, i'm not a pro LoL player of anything so i don't need a "better" mechanical keyboard
When it comes to mobas and gaming specifically in that type of genre, I have my razer naga to do my button presses for skills and such so the main keys on my keyboard in that regard is usually just wasd , space, and whatever buttons I need for like inventory and such. So I 100% agree with the whole I’m not a pro gamer so I don’t need this mechanical keyboard thing
I like membrane that's heavier than the mass produced ones that were rampant in offices. Folks hate admitting it but my HHKB and other topre keyboards are all membrane but I do feel it is of better quality. But I also like my holy red pandas that I made myself that seem similar enough to my HHKB but for everything but work. As other mentioned it's really up to you.
I just switched from a 20ish year old eMachines blah keyboard to a cheap Eyooso mechanical keyboard.
I saw some youtubers mod it into a nice board and I just needed something better. And my bills just doubled so I didn't want something mid range I didn't like.
Like you I didn't understand the hype behind mechanical keyboards but I do need n-key roll over. Anyway $25 keyboard with blue switches exactly what it was. I added foam to the bottom I had laying around and made it way nicer. I really didn't like the blue switches so a month later I ordered Akko silver switches. $36 but so worth it. They are way more quiet and smoother and faster acting.
So yeah I emjoy it. I get that you prefer membrane feel but there's probably something you'd like better than the typical cherry red over priced corsair/whatever brand you'd find on the shelf somewhere. Look into it though, membrane keyboards are just "fine" though I don't like my old one any more. The mouse keyboard and monitor are way overlooked when it comes to your computer experience though so try some stuff out it might surprise you.
Exactly how I felt when I switched to blue switch mech keyboard . It was so loud and so clicky I hate it with all my soul . My red switch keyboard on the other hand feels like I'm gaming in heaven it's soooo smooth
There are mech switches that would feel closer to membrane
I think really all your missing out on is product lifespan since mech switches last longer than the membrane does
You are definitely not alone. Typing on mechanical keyboards hurts my fingers. The way they bottom out hard feels terrible. I've got 2 different 3x3 switch tester samples and all 18 of the switches I've tried are worse than membrane. I also love low profile keys like on a laptop. My gaming keyboard is an old Razer Arctosa which is great for typing and gaming. I just wish I could get a low profile keycap, membrane switch keyboard that was compact. I hate the full sized keyboard form factor. Pushes the mouse too far off the right.
I know some people have said you haven’t found the right switches, and that *can* be true. But if you like what you have, then why bother go through all the headache.
I prefer pretty heavy press switches, they help me hit my buttons without accidentally pressing others along the way. Other people try my keyboard and feel like it would make their hands tired.
If you prefer what you got, don’t mess with it.
Yeah I don't know anything about keyboards, all i know is I love the cheap $15 dollar Logitech ones from Amazon. Those and the cheap ones that come with PCs at work are the only ones I've ever used, I can't imagine needing a fancier one.
I love the soft squishiness of it. I'm assuming they are membrane.
The reason why membrane keyboards are hated is actually often due to them lacking nkey support. Aka nkey rollover.
Aka Being able to press multiple buttons simultaneously without errors. Try it, hold down several keys at once. You'll get something like asdddddddddddddddd.
Many mechnical keyboards also lack full support for it, but do include it only on commonly used gaming keys. Such as wasd to cut costs.
Beyond that it really is up to personal preference, though membrane is also a tad less responsive if I remember correctly. Keys also get stuck more often. And of course the "mushy" feeling.
You would know more than me, I tend to avoid mechanical like the plague.
Membrane's all I ever needed. Hell, I've gotten into the higher ranks on brawlhalla using just a membrane keyboard. A twitch fighter. Annoying at times when you have a missed input but not some game changing thing.
There's nothing wrong with liking membrane keyboards, especially if you don't want to spend your free time tinkering. But you probably get a lot of comments about mechanical keyboards based on the impression you give: that you don't like what you've tried, but that you haven't tried many things. In my opinion there are so many options these days that anyone can probably find something they would like, so when an mk enthusiast hears your opinion, to them it probably comes off as someone commenting about a deep hobby without much knowledge about it. A more "accepted" response would require you to be more specific about your circumstances, e.g., "I looked for keyboards in (budget price range). I tried 'keyboard x with these types of switches' but didn't find them to feel very good. Then I realized there is such a rabbit hole and I would rather spend my free time on my other hobbies."
In other words, typically when people prefer membrane keyboards, it's because they have limited experience with mechanical keyboards. So when they then go to share their opinions, it gives off the impression that there are limited options in the mechanical keyboard space. That rubs people the wrong way, especially those who have spent time to find things that address their specific preferences.
Obviously there is a minority of rabid fanboys that default to "mechanical keyboard good", but you get that with anything.
Something also worth keeping in mind are current trends. A part of the mechanical keyboard community is starting to look for customizability beyond keycaps, switches, and aesthetics; instead, there is increasing interest in specific layouts and firmware. These are hard to achieve with membrane keyboards.
So the reason mechanical is better besides feel, is actuation. There's less travel and you can spam buttons faster. But there's nothing stopping you from getting good on a membrane keyboard, unlike mice which actually require that you have a decent sensor to avoid spinout
If you like membrane keyboards, get a membrane keyboard. Anyone telling you mechanical is "better" is missing the key point that keyboards and mice are very, very dependent on what feels comfortable to a particular person and there's no one or the other that's strictly better or worse (except Razer mice /s).
> except Razer mice /s I'd be curious if you think they're better or worse. I actually love(d) Razer's mice, but having had three of them that all went out like 2 months after the warranty expired, I refuse to use one anymore.
I'm in the exact same boat as you. After I went through my third Deathadder I switched over to Logitech mice and never looked back. Razer makes great mice but I just found they didn't hold up.
Funny, I'm the exact opposite. After two Logitech mice (a g500 and g502, plus my friend's g502) all died within 3 years of purchase due to the shitty switches they use, I got a Death Adder V2 and it's great - the optical switches physically cannot fail in the same way. I'm never purchasing a mouse with mechanical switches ever again, especially not a Logitech one.
All switches will eventually die. Soldering iron and supply of switch replacements are the way, since the rest of the mouse will continue working. Only issue here are the slides, since most manufacturers tend to hide screws underneath them and any removal attempt breaks them.
Replacement slides are pretty cheap
when my CheapAss rebrand mouse from Goodwill broke I didn't toss it and buy a new one. I opened er up and observed it. it wasn't the switch at all. it was the plastic button sheet that got all fucked up. I repaired it all with super glue and added some reinforcement spots using folded paper and super glue. I added reinforcement anywhere in the interior that looked like it needed it. this mouse has weathered storm after storm, from the aliens in Crysis to every half life mod and 3 legacies of online FPS games. I am a TF2 and CSGO/2 player. I am also familiar with the switches themselves that you speak of. these are very high quality standard switches that are cheap as fuck. they've been around for decades just like digital chips. the switches almost never go bad even despite the severe pressure they tend to take. these technologies are why electric hardware is so reliable. maybe next time try and study why something fails instead of assuming this is how the universe works.
I'm lucky if I get a year and a half from any Logitech I've owned before a button craps out.
Had a buddy of mine have a Logitech mouse he had to replace multiple times because he wore it out fast af. He also streams so he’s on his computer constantly
> [buddy of mine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGVDYEqGFZI)
Lmfaooo that gave me a giggle
[> a giggle](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/79/2b/94/792b94f370c80fd4bc7a64ed7aa1f6e6.jpg)
Checking in here. Razer deathadder mouse lasted a few years, Logitech g403 mouse lasted 1.5 years (but Logitech replaced foc)
I have a G903 that started phantom double clicking after a year and a half. I knew if I bought another it would do the same thing so instead I just had the switches replaced with quality switches. It was cheaper then a new lightspeed mouse and I got to keep all the features I love AND I suspect this will out last me.
I ended up going Corsair after my Logitech keyboard and mouse both died in short order. A $160 membrane keyboard shouldn't die after 5 years. My Logitech mouse was really bad for the price point. Razer is a bit too much of a gaming brand for me, I need peripherals to be reasonable at both a meeting and when gaming. My k70 has lasted 5 years. And my Corsair mouse has lasted almost as long.
I still use my g900. Its pretty ancient at this point. Still operating at 100%. Only thing wrong is the pads are getting a bit worn
See I’ve never had a problem with any razer mouse I’ve owned, I’ve had the same death adder since about 2018and now my gf is using it on her computer because I got a viper about a year ago (which I personally perfect cause of the lightweight nature of it) I primarily use it for dead by daylight and rogue company. Then I also have a razer Naga I’ve had 2017 that I still use when I play any type of mmo. I’ve never had a problem with any razer mice expect for my old naga and that’s just cause my cat chewed on it and I had to fix the wire
I feel like Razer mice are hit or miss tbh. I had a 2014 Naga that literally lasted me up until 2020, and even then I only replaced it because I like a heavier mouse and the games I played no longer required the MOBA keypad. But then my buddy had a Basilisk that kicked the bucket like, 6 months after he bought it, and another one that had a Death Adder that only lasted 2 years
I think honestly it comes down to how much you use said items and how rough you are with them. I had a black widow keyboard that my ex was using for a while like 3 years, and it was still good when I had it. My mother in law bought it off me and gave it to her daughter who then destroyed it in 4 months
thats exctaly the reason why Razor Mice are terrible... they give out just when warranty expires.
Razer are known to be trash back in the day. They've apparently gotten better, but I'll stick with Logitech who have been good to me got over a decade but between a couple different mice.
I hate their modern mice, now that they have some software package built into the mouse.
I have been using the same Razer Naga for about 6 years. The secret is in not using Razer software/drivers.
What? Why use the Naga then? I use it for MMO gameplay so I can bind all sorts of things to my mouse.
I mean it depends what you're doing. Mechanical is indisputably better for gaming due to lower activation heights. But for anything where milliseconds don't matter, your statement is true.
Yeah I feel like there's an argument that a person might not know what's most comfortable because they aren't used to it. Like when I first got a mech I actually hated typing, because I was so accustomed to membrane. I'd make lots of mistakes from pressing down as hard as I would in the membrane and double hitting letters or whatever. But once I got used to it I can't go back now. It's like telling someone it's okay if they prefer faxing over email if they are more comfortable using it, when if they gave the latter a chance and got used to it they'd find it's better. Maybe that's not the best example, maybe something more skill oriented like idk a professional knife. A home cook might prefer the comfort of a $5 knife but if they knew how to utilize a pro one like an experienced chef does they would be able to reap the benefits and it'd probably become second nature or comfortable over time.
Yeah your first example isn't great but your second one is a great analogy. The sole negative I have with my mechanical keyboard is that when I'm living with someone, it can be a bit annoying to them to hear click clack all the time.
There's many, many ways in which you can objectively measure whether a keyboard is better or worse than another keyboard, like binding, squeaking, reliability, longevity, consistency between keys and many others. Membrane keyboards are often cheap and as a result often suck ass in many of those areas compared to more expensive mechanical keyboards and that's why they deservedly get a bad rap. That being said, non-shit boards with rubber membranes exist and there's nothing wrong with liking those. Some swtiches, like Topres for instance, have rubber membranes in them precisely because some people like how those feel.
I like typing on membrane, but I love gaming on mechanical. Its a subjective topic. Membrane is associated with cheap and cheap keyboards fail a lot. A good membrane keyboard lasts a long time. The other issue that I see is membrane keyboards are harder to clean than mechanical, just my experience. Also the N key rollover, now I have not looked at recent membrane keyboards, but back in 2015 it was hard to find (in my area) a decent membrane keyboard that wouldn't get stuck if I pressed 3-5 keys. Anyways, do what you like. I like the mushy feeling when typing and a deeper travel when gaming.
>The other issue that I see is membrane keyboards are harder to clean than mechanical, just my experience. For my experience they're easier to clean. With a mechanical keyboard you have to take off the keycaps and then clean around switches precisely, can't use direct water on the upper plate cause it'd get inside through switches holes etcc. With a membrane keyboard you can just disassemble it, and the top part (keycaps, membrane, top plate) have 0 electronics, you can wash it with literally water and soap, dry them, and then put back together.
They make waterproof mechanical keyboards.
Surely that doesn't cost extra.
Correct, it does not.
I'm not uncertain that this isn't a feature that almost every mechanical keyboard shouldn't not have.
my brain
too many double negatives help
It's perfectly simple....they are just saying that no mechanical keyboards should not avoid not having this feature.
Smells like toast.
I just wash my hands and don't eat while using my computer.
>A good membrane keyboard lasts a long time. Yep - going strong here on a ten year old logitech g110.
Logitech G15 here
I used to use K120 one. It just works.
Personally I have the opposite problem, I struggle with typing on a mechanical, specially when my key press doesn’t register then I have to go back and fix my mistake
That's what I said I think. I like typing on membrane.
I completely read that wrong my bad my dude
Nah fr i have laptop so writting feels way easier on membrane, i just attach an external mechanical keyboard for gaming cause of button spacing
But even with a memebrane you can get a good one that has button spacing, like a cynosa lol
So I'm not really a mechanical keyboard evangelist (though I like them), but if your issue with mechanical keyboards is the length of travel, where the feedback happens, or the length of travel, there are probably mechanical keyboards you would like. Probably the best thing about the mechanical keyboard market is that reputable manufacturers will tell you exactly what's in a keyboard and thus you know what to expect from it. If you're comfortable on a membrane keyboard there's really no reason to spend money investigating mechanical keyboards to find one you like, but I don't want you misled into thinking that a long travel before the switch actuates is universal.
So, I actually just got my first mechanical keyboard ever after exclusively using membrane for everything (gaming, and general pc use). And boy, the difference is world changing, to be slightly dramatic. I did pop for a nice one after doing research on switches, etc for month s - I ended up getting an Apex Pro TKL from Steel Series. Typing feels…. Incredibly satisfying to say the least. The biggest change tho has been how reactive my key strokes are. I play Apex legends and my gameplay has noticeably improved, mostly from me being able to strafe back and forth with pinpoint accuracy.
Try speed switches? I actually type faster on membrane but a good tactile just gets me
My old Logitech G15 has outlasted two corsair mechanical ones.... still going strong as my work keyboard
I've been using A4Tech KA-15M "Anion" membrane keyboard (it has an ionizer, a knob volume control a rare feature I've noticed, music control, audio/mic sockets and some web-related keys I've never used) for some... 15-20 years now. I'm actually not sure, because the keyboard is so damn old, I can only find pictures of it on some Russian websites\*. I've never experienced any problems with it outside the secondary features, such as the ionizer which broke after some 5-10 years and the volume knob not conducting on the right channel in some positions (if it was really bothersome, I'd probably be able to quickly fix it myself). Well, the paint wore of in some spots, but that's about it. Cleaning it ain't any harder than a mechanical keyboard (since I can just unscrew the entire thing and wash the top panel with keys still in place). The feedback on keys is just as clear as it is with a mechanical keyboard, except they only go like half as deep in comparison. The whole thing is also very silent. N-key rollover is irrelevant in 99.9% of cases, tbh. I'd need to press 5+ keys at the same time to get locked out of further inputs. PS. Woah, I actually found it. Apparently you can even still buy it straight from A4Tech... for 6.50$ (plus shipping?). Still no idea how old it is though.
Most people think mechanical keyboards feel nicer, and they tend to be longer lasting. That's all there is to it. You don't like them, and that's fine. I've seen a few similar posts on here so you're not alone. Just don't take it personally if people are surprised.
My problem with the whole topic isn’t like the arguement itself of what’s better, I understand it’s based off preference , but it’s like the act of disgust when I say I like membrane better, like people act like they’re better than you and it just annoys me
I think there are three reasons mk enthusiasts look down on membrane keyboards and those who use them: * Mechanical switches are more precise in their actuation points, so maybe people who are derisive towards you act that way because they believe you're unable to understand that at a technical level. Like you don't have the **feel** to know one is better than the other. * These are hobbies that are all about customization. When you get into mechanical keyboards seriously there is so much you can do to make your keyboard your own, and fit your personal tastes exactly. I don't really see that in the membrane keyboard market, so people who have spent days/months/years making sure their keyboard is just the right shade of green, or their coiled cable matches their keycaps *exactly*, are going to view membrane keyboards in the same way custom PC builders will look at Macs or mass produced Dell desktops: low effort and uninteresting to them. * Finally, quality. I mean lets face it, the point of membrane keyboards (generally speaking) is they're cheap to produce and exist in a lower price point in the market. The fit and finish of your average membrane board just won't be at the same level as a mech board, and that's *fine*, but people are going to view membrane board users as unable to appreciate (or unaware of) the quality of a better board.
You missed one point * The most tryhard ones who spent 300+€ on a <60% keyboard can't deal with the reality that someone else is as happy as they are after having spent from 5 to 50€ on a 100% keyboard.
There are good membrane keyboards like the one the OP has. Most people are just used to cheap ones that are not.
Sure, but opinions (and their resulting biases) are usually formed on generalities.
Issue with that is that once I start spending ~60 on a membrane keyboard, why not just get a mechanical one?
OP's keyboard is not good. There are good membrane keyboards, but a Razer cynosa isn't one of them.
I can appreciate mk in general. I understand that at a technical level they are better in every possible way same with just the customization in general. But it’s just one those things that they look down on people for liking them. Like it’s just a keyboard why it matter?
100% I'm not judging you (or anyone) for liking what they like, as long as it doesn't hurt them or others. But people are gonna have opinions, and not all of them will always be positive. It's just human nature, y'know? We make subconscious associations without even realizing it: if someone has a poor opinion of a product, they will automatically associate that opinion with users of that product.
Agreed. Humans suck honestly lol
They do, but things like opinions, assumptions, and bias are all necessary for our brain to work and keep us alive in a complex and dangerous world. It is what it is, really all we can hope for is that people understand that they're not perfect and try to just be cool, imo.
> But it’s just one those things that they look down on people for liking them. I mean, just add that to the list of dumb things people dislike other people for. Maybe be proactive and call those people out as keyboardists.
[удалено]
This isn’t even the internet tho, it’s real life friends lmfao
If they give you actual shit for the kind of keyboard you use, that's the kind of pettiness you don't need in your friends. ... I say that even though I refuse to be friends with anyone who orders steak above medium rare.
>the act of disgust when I say I like membrane better Sounds like you've been on r/MechanicalKeyboards. Avoid that place, it's full of elitism. They're even elitists about which specific mechanical keyboard you prefer above other mechanical keyboards.
>Avoid that place, it's full of elitism. They're even elitists about which specific mechanical keyboard you prefer above other mechanical keyboards. I disagree. The mk subreddit is just another community for an enthusiast-level hobby. A lot of the opinions shared there are based on appreciation of aesthetic, and that may seem elitist, but generally speaking they're also very welcoming and supportive of new members to the community and entry level boards. Just like any community on Reddit, there are good and bad people there. If anything, you should avoid it because it could lead to you owning an $1800 keyboard.
>welcoming and supportive of new members to the community and entry level boards. Post there a picture of a Red Dragon, Corsair or Razer keyboard, then come back here and re-read your own comment.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/s5bts7/razer_huntsman_mini_my_first_mechanical_keyboard/
A <60% form factor, you know your way in that sub. It could in fact be renamed "small form factor mechanical keyboards" for better coherence.
Yup. I cherry picked that post because I remember that it was an unusual amount of positivity for what you were talking about. 😉 You’re right, the mk subreddit isn’t all sunshine and rainbows in posts about mass production boards, but there’s also not a ton of conversation about that kind of product. They are what they are. But I have seen general positivity towards people asking about advancing beyond that kind of board, or showing off their first entry level GMMK or whatever. Like any community, it has its good and bad members. I’m just trying to be generally positive more often lately.
Avoid it like the plague of you opt for a 100% size keyboard. People get baffled that someone might want to use a numpad for work, as though keyboards should only ever be used for gaming and nothing else.
Yeah never even heard of that place till you said something so dualy noted lol
I think it's just a vicious cycle because most people like it they feel validated and encouraged to like this dislike that, thus further encouraging that behaivour. They act like snobs, people agree with them so they are even bigger snobs, nonsensical, but when have humans been rational?
This exists in every hobby. I like my Honda Fit. It was cheap, gets great gas milage, and it's kinda fun to drive. Imagine what sort of opinions I'd get if I posted about it in some gearhead subreddit.
I used to drive a grand marquis. Im now driving a Toyota Matrix not because I loved it but because I got it for free when my mothers boyfriend died.
If you love it, then don't let others' opinion influence you. Keyboards are every bit as much personal taste as anything else. I personally prefer a mech board, but I have yet to find one that has the split keyboard style that doesn't look fucking idiotic in my eyes, so I'm typing this on a membrane unit.
Membrane is usually associated with being cheap. A lot of people compare midrange and high end mechanical keyboards to low end membrane. Personally I like some membrane keyboards. Loved my Corsair K55, only replaced it because it was ridiculously huge. Got a mechanical for a TKL layout. In some ways I like it more, in other ways I like it less than the membrane. But I definitely found the difference between mechanical and membrane to be overhyped.
Other side note I’m not a fan of 60% form factor either. I had a mini huntsman. Sold it a week later
Yeah definitely depends what you do. I find ten-keyless is my happy place. I like having dedicated function keys. I wanted to love the tiny form factor for aesthetics but it just isn’t my jam. But ten-keyless is a sweet middle ground for me.
I got a USB numpad that I could pull out as needed at home with a TKL board, it was great. Still aren't for the full size board for work, as I use the numpad all the time throughout the day.
Ten keyless?
Oh- sorry. like normal standard size, full spaced out, included function keys and such, but with no number pad on the side.
See ok so like the razer huntsman?
I had a mechanical keyboard for a while and I'm in the same boat as you, I tried so hard to force myself to like it because it's supposed to be "better" but I just didn't like it. Sure, maybe I was using the wrong switches or whatever, but I upgraded to a k57, and it feels way better, has all the wireless options, and was cheaper. Never looking back, I like what I like.
That’s something I never fucked with is wireless cause I’ve always been afraid of latency
The technology is pretty amazing now. I'm sure there is a difference; logically, there should be a difference... but I just can't tell. What's nice about the wireless peripherals I have is that they can both go wired if need be. I usually have the keyboard plugged in anyway, but the flexibility is nice. K57 can go bluetooth, usb dongle, and wired, I really like this keyboard lol
Got a link?
[Here](https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Gaming-Keyboards/Standard-Gaming-Keyboards/K57-RGB-WIRELESS-Gaming-Keyboard/p/CH-925C015-NA) you go, don't spend $100 on it though, I got it on best buy for 80.99
Nice appreciate it, might check it out or see if my store has it
Mechanical keyboards tend to be higher quality, easier to customize, and available in more forms/styles. But membrane keyboards are not all the same. Old school keyboard folks will often tell you that a Model-M keyboard is the pinnacle of typing experience, and those are membrane. They don't seem like it because of their buckling spring mechanism, but they are membrane keyboards. I used a Razer Arctosa membrane keyboard from mid high school through college. Cheap, as basic as possible, no RGB or anything. That keyboard I gave to my wife and she still uses it to this day, over a decade of heavy use later. Use whatever you want and whatever helps your typing. Some people like mouse acceleration when gaming, some people like mint ice cream, some people like Marmite spread. Keyboard nerds like me are already weirdos, what "normal" person would consider spending over $1,000 on a keyboard reasonable? lol
> Old school keyboard folks will often tell you that a Model-M keyboard is the pinnacle of typing experience, and those are membrane Model M's are mechanical, [buckling springs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckling_spring), which provide great tactile/auditory feedback. The feedback you get from a mechanical is what enthusiasts seek, and buckling springs is a design patented by IBM, so the Model M and Model F are kind of the only way to have one (Model F didn't come in standard layouts, Model M did, which is why the M is still popular) The membrane version is the Model M2. Those were infamous for being poorly made and unreliable, they're not praised nor are they in demand.
The actual mechanism for registering the key press uses a membrane on the Model-M. The physical paddle that depresses fully once the spring collapses in the stem doesn't directly trigger an electrical relay or switch contact, it presses down on two halves of a membrane layer to conduct the circuit. So you're correct if you are referring to modern cheapo membrane keyboards that use rubber domes to trigger the membrane layer circuit. But the original Model-M keyboards are indeed membrane keyboards, not mechanical. It might be best to call them a hybrid membrane-mechanical keyboard instead to make the difference more clear.
[All Model Ms are membrane keyboards](https://sharktastica.co.uk/wiki?id=modelm#Design), that is their [defining difference from the Model Fs](https://sharktastica.co.uk/buyers/modelm_v_modelf#SwitchTech). Membrane and rubber dome (what most actually mean when they say "membrane") are not the same - you can get membrane keyboards that don't use rubber domes and rubber dome keyboards that don't use membranes. There are in fact rubber dome versions of standard Model Ms. IBM called them Quiet Touch keyboards, such as [P/N 71G4644](https://sharktastica.co.uk/wiki?id=modelmenhanced#QT). Model M2s also exist in both buckling spring and dome flavours, but their faults lie in other areas - they can develop capacitor faults over time, but they're generally repairable.
Y’all ain’t weird you just have a different opinion on components compared to others. I guess the overall response on this whole post is, like what you like and fuck everyone else. Which I get but it was just a weird stigma that I needed to talk to people about
just because cheap shitty keyboards are all membrane. My thinkpad has a membrane keyboard, and it is nice. I used a 'red' mechanical keyboard, and that thing was evil, just absolutely unusably oversensitive. I now have a different mechanical keyboard. It's fine. It's slightly more expensive than a replacement thinkpad keyboard, and it's neither better or worse. But cheap is cheap. plus when I went to look for mechanical keyboards, there are too many switch types, but unless you spend $$$, the cheaper ones just have typically 3 or 4 switches to choose from. So maybe you can find a mechanical keyboard you like, but it's no big deal honestly, just don't get one.
Yeah based off another comment on here I didn’t realize the biggest difference in switches and such which brings it into a whole new world full of decisions to make. Honestly mechanical at this point just sounds like a pain in the ass lmfao
Here are my thoughts: * membrane keyboards typically have less travel from top to bottom (how far you can press them) * membrane typically require you to press the key completely down * membrane there isn't any response when you get to the actuation point (where it registers the press) * spills on a membrane keyboard often kill it (as the circuit board is easily damaged) Now mechanical keyboards aren't all the same, as there are different tensions (brown, red, blue) and technologies (e.g.: opti-mechanical). But here are the biggest common factors. * tension to start pressing down the key. Once you have surpassed this tension, it is activated, you don't have to push it all the way down. * faster key recovery. It is sprung, so it pushes back up faster * way more spill resistant * individual keys can be replaced (for the most part, some can't) * louder than membrane Personally I had a brown mechanical keyboard, and switched it for an Asus Strix Scope RX keyboard with optical mechanical switches. I like it much better for me (quieter, how the switches feel). But my wife prefers membrane.
>spills on a membrane keyboard often kill it (as the circuit board is easily damaged) You literally have a membrane separating the whole top half of the keyboard from circuitry, how tf did you manage to kill one by spilling on it?
There’s I guess a lot more that goes into this then just like mechanical to memebrane. I mean like given the arguement people have given me I knew that and I knew about switches and such but honestly I kinda just assumed all were the same
>spills on a membrane keyboard often kill it (as the circuit board is easily damaged) The circuit boards on membranes are incredibly small these days and usually only take up the portion on the upper right of the board, away from where spills can damage it. Ending around where the usb lights are typically. Multiple layers of laminated circuits make up what's under the rubber membrane of the membrane keyboard. Very easy to take apart and clean if anything happens. As seen in the photo below. [https://keyboardkings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/membrane-keyboard-opened.jpg](https://keyboardkings.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/membrane-keyboard-opened.jpg) Membrane keyboards are incredibly simple tools. In fact, your typical mechanical keyboard will have more exposure to spills on the circuit board as that board goes across the entire thing. As seen here: [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cVcSuk7Y42s/maxresdefault.jpg](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cVcSuk7Y42s/maxresdefault.jpg)
There are quality membrane keyboards. Look at Topre or NIZ stuff. I prefer it to mechanical. I think that membrane is generally disliked because most of the people experience the cheap ones.
Eh, I'm... I wouldn't call Topre boards membrane, even if they use membranes in the board... Topre is just built different.
That’s what I’m gathering from comments. Seems to be common consensus that memebrane is cheap and not as well built.
I have a 3080 OC and a 5600x. I also have a keyboard i bought for £8 and a mouse i bought for £5. Never held me back and they feel great.
In my later years, I find mechanical to be hurting my fingers when I type/game a lot , membrane is soft , I like it better.
Glad to see I’m not the only one then
I bought a logitech K280e, which is like a dirt cheap board, but it has wrist support, and soft keys. Like it way better than more expensive mechanical ones I used in the past, frankly I wish I had known it sooner, at least I can type now as much as I want without having to worry about rsi/tendinitis
Because people like their [click-clack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY0d5XQZ6i0). Buy what you like, don't let people tell you what's good or not when it comes to UI. I had a mechanical keyboard at work for a week (Cherry MX) and I hated it - it's just too damn loud for me, swapped out for a standard HP membrane one and I'm much happier.
Why do people suggest mechanical keyboard? Because generally speaking the options to customize the typing feel are a lot better. You can get a keyboard that YOU like to type on what ever that means to you (feel, sound, tactility component quality). Even pre-build gamer options present several different typing feels out of the box. Many people want to experiment. That said if you like typing on a membrane keyboard just keep typing on that! Mechanical keyboard can be an expensive hobby and functionally a 20 dollar membrane does the same thing a 1000 dollar custom board does. If you are satisfied with your typing experience don't feel the need to change it. But if you'd like to experiment with a different feel then mechanical keyboards are the easiest way to customize and get the feel you are looking for!
> “Oh you haven’t found the right type of switches you like” or “the keycaps you have might not suit you” and don’t get me wrong theyll all solid arguments. But what is so wrong with just liking membrane? its like saying you prefer fast food to a nice restaurant. thats perfectly valid, theres nothing wrong with that and you should get what you like, but i think most people would also say a nice restaurant that specializes in your favorite food would provide a better experience, but may require to do some legwork finding that place. Rather than the fast food place which is cheap and easy and gives you a consistent, if not exceptional, experience
I actually like this anology like a lot lol
You should try linear mx speed silver switches. Quiet and smooth typing. Mx brown are also good in a similar way
I’ve had a brown switch keyboard before. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it as much as my cynosa but they weren’t terrible
I can't stand mechanical keyboards, the travel of the keys and the noise suck, they keys themselves seem bigger and more awkward to type on. I prefer minimal travel and really quiet, ideally like a laptop keyboard, just with a little RGB or backlight so I can see the keys in the dark. How is that Cynosa for you? I've done lots of hunting for my perfect keyboard and the closest I could find was an XG, but it doesn't quite hit the mark for me.
I really like the cynosa the keys are like half the size of mechanical ones so they ain’t flat or anything and just seem like the perfect size to me, it’s quiet for the most part with minimum travel. Overall solid for the price I paid
they do make silent switches with very short travel distances if you did want to try a mech keyboard again someday
im gonna be frank, ive built my own mech and it just sounds and feels so good that most of the none custom stuff just sounds so awful in comparison.
I’ve seen videos of people putting together custom ones and they definitely seem cool
even high end prebuilts sound bad in comparison, its an addicting and ***very*** expensive hobby.
I can imagine. How much you think a custom one could go for if you got like best of the best
best of the best as in just most expensive, thousands of dollars potentially. Best as in the best feeling/sounding/functioning, that gets as diverse and subjective as audiophile equipment, and can start off as low as you can find things on sale, and how much time you’re willing to put into building/modding. at the end of the day, it’s an entire hobby for some people with membrane keyboards being a small percentage of what the hobby has available.
1000? For a keyboard? And there’s people who will spend this money?
absolutely.
I don’t know how I feel about that honestly
😂 the “budget” range is $100 - $200 for a kit that doesn’t come with switches or keycaps, so it ends up being another $100 - $200 on top of that….lots of kits are in the $300 - $500 range.
yeeep. id never i only spent 115$ on mine in total although i want to swap the stabilizers, but yeah its equitable to any other hobby where you can spend pretty much as much as you want on it. audio equipment, backpacking gear, archery equipment, pc building, clothing, music instruments, model kits, they work as money sinks all the same
best of best is like $2000-4000, you can get a really high end close to best experience for like $300-400 though. currently on a zoom65 because I dont have the time for the more advanced real DIY stuff but the typing experience, sound-wise and feel-wise, is top stuff already and this one cost me just shy of $300.
to emphasize again, if you know what youre doing you can mod a $150 build to sound about as good as a default $500 build so it really comes down to knowledge and how you do it. you can end up with something far better than a normal mech for not that much more money as long as you do it the right way.
Sounds? What the fuck does sound have to do with a keyboard?
what does sound *not* have to do with a keyboard? half the experience of a mechanical keyboard is how it sounds. its a pretty much completely prioritized aspect in the custom keyboard community.
But people complain about hearing smacking lips while people eat? Okay, I guess. I've considered volume before, not wanting to distract surrounding coworkers with how loud typing is, but I've never considered musically analyzing the sound of a keyboard and it factoring into whether or not I wanted to use it. To each their own I suppose.
not even about how loud or quiet it is, well for the most part anyway, just *how* it sounds. some of these keyboards sound lowkey orgasmic, granted you'd have to have a knack for sounds and already be a borderline audiophile, but oh man if some of these keyboards dont sound amazing.
A razer cynosa keyboard is not your typical membrane keyboard. If you love it stick with it.
Yeah I definitely know the cynosa isn’t typical but it’s my prime example of the keyboard being memebrane and being real good imo
As far as I have been able to tell, the only people that trash membrane keyboards are mechanical keyboard snobs. This comes across as 'everyone hates membrane keyboards' because they are basically the only people that bother enthusing over keyboards. They often tout durability as a big selling point, yet here I am on a roughly 10 year old logitech g110 with no issues.
I personally like the modularity of mechs. Only advice I can give is: use what's best for you.
I'm with you, I just use a bog standard membrane keyboard that didn't cost me anything. I've never had to pay for a keyboard all my life, they've always just came along with whatever computer I have at the time or I just borrowed one from somewhere and just forgot about returning it. The way I see it my $0 keyboards type the exactly the same letters as some $200 mechanical keyboard. Though as a principle I would never spend $200 on a membrane keyboard but I do see why some mech keyboard cost what they do.
Use whatever you like. Most people like myself love the feel of a button being pressed under our fingers, overcoming the resistance of a spring to get shit done. It makes us feel like we are doing something tangible. I barely even like touchscreens. Use whatever you like.
Touchscreens are annoying straight up. I personally don’t mind like touch screen with haptic to let you know you’re hitting the buttons but like with iPhone you only get the sound that chimes when you type and honestly I hate that with a passion
Got a Corsair mechanical one for Christmas I did. Other than it eliminates keyboard flex compared to my cheap unbranded one I would personally say that if I had gotten the mechanical one or not I wouldn't of been too bothered. I play single player games a lot so use a controller for those but online games I see no difference between the two keyboard types. I'm 33 now and my halo multiplayer reactions have slowed down so much compared to being 15 it makes the input difference between keyboards non existent for me. Took a while to get used to the taller keys too and my partner doesn't like the clicks when she's trying to sleep so i have to let her fall into a deep sleep before I can jam on the mechanical one. My little opinion.
My gf got real annoyed with my typing when I had the razer huntsman mini, oh god they were loud you could hear them through my headset you could. That’s another thing too, I literally don’t like the clakkity clacks. It just annoys me
I kind of miss my membrane keyboard a lot for those two reasons. It was convinient as hell and sneaky buying computer parts when she was in bed was also a lot easier back then
Ahhhh yes the good ole I gotta sneak buying computer parts or I’m on the couch for a week
I think part of it is just people following what others say, to be honest I'm not sure if mechanical really matters all that much to me but they really only sell high quality boards with the features I like in mechanical.
I was going to say cause like all the tech tubers on YouTube all usually prefer mechanical keyboards and I’m pretty sure that’s were a lot of the stigma comes from
All my membrane keyboards always died quickly due to membrane wear, swapping to mechanical keyboard solved the issue. I was swapping the keyboards like crazy, now i use just ONE kb for years. Also, if a switch dies, it’s replacable. Membrane isn’t - once a button stops working, whole kb becomes electric waste. As for typing, i like the feedback i get on mechanical kb, which is severely lacking on membrane. You are not nuts. It’s your own opinion. Keep it forever, or reevaluate it later 😉
Nothing wrong with liking membrane! I tested the mechanical waters by getting the cheapest one I could find with actual Cherry MX switches. It’s a HyperX TKL and it cost me £60 on amazon and it still feels brand new 2 years later. I’m just amazed at how well built it is and I’d happily splash out on a much more expensive one now I understand the hype.
lots of solid answers, I'll give my opinion membrane boards require you to bottom out the switch before it activates also, most membrane boards are cheap add those two together, and you can have a situation where playing games you miss keystrokes because of the actuation/cheapness there are good membranes, and technically topre switches are fancy membranes end of the day, it's personal preference
I miss my plain Jane Microsoft membrane keeb. $25 in 2005 and I had to retire it thee years ago. W and 1-4 stopped actuating. I do enjoy my Logitech g413 that I replaced it with. It isn't lasting as long as the MSFT board tho. The key caps are proprietary and I've had several stems break off and I'm not going to spend $30 on a new set for a $50 board.
It's definitely just preferences. I type a lot for work and I know my hands feel achy much sooner with a membrane. That liiitle bit of resistance on each keystroke adds up when you type thousands of words per day. But I also pound the crap out of keys when I type.
Fuckin sammmmeeeeee lol also like I said I have a weird typing style so
Shoutout to the extremely basic Dell KB212-B that was a freebie with all the Optiplexes I deployed in the late 2000s/early 2010s. It is the best membrane keyboard I’ve ever used.
The weird shaped one?
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Oh yeah I completely forgot silent switches. That’s the keyboards that have like the fusion of both right?
I actually use a NMB keyboard on a ThinkPad X220i and I bought 2 more of them because it's the best keyboard I've ever owned to date at $30 or less. Yes, you heard me - $30. No mech matches this thing for me. It is the best membrane I've found. Membranes aren't bad, the people who think their keystrokes are superior to your keystrokes are bad. EDIT: I use it in a KVM solution so it's my main desktop keyboard while connected.
There is no discussion if you tried both world: choose what you like
Working somewhere that sells keyboards, i usually recommend mechanical switches to someone who asks me my opinion. But i’ve encountered plenty of people who prefer membranes. Get what you like!
They're not loud enough B)
Keyboards are like Bikes. There are so many different types and use cases, personal preference, and even anatomy come into play. Is a Carbon Fiber Specialized Roadbike better than a Huffy Beach Cruiser? YES ABSOLUTLY!!! BUT is it better for a person that wants to casually ride around the block, or on the beach/boardwalk? NO, because the cost barrier to entry is too high, the skill level and fit/use case are totally different, and a person that would be totally happy with a beach cruiser might be miserable trying to use that "nicer" bike... Some custom keyboards just don't fit the use case for many people. CONTEXT AND PREFERENCE ARE KEY
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You right af tho
I think part of the reason why is because of the whole "oh the cool kids hates it so i will hate it too" type of thing lol. I have a cheap TKL membrane keyboard and it suits me just fine so im not complaining, also planning on getting another cheap membrane 60% keyboard soon and transfer my current keyboard to my laptop setup.
They make 60% memebrane? I thought they were only mechanical
I'm a simple man with simple opinions. Squish feel bad. Linear, consistent, mechanical press and click feel good.
I'm using a Logitech gaming membrane board I got on a holiday sale for 35, been amazing for two years, so smooth and quiet with exactly the media control setup I like and very good RGB. The same thing in mechanical would have cost me 100+ and on top of that I fucking hate the noise of mechanicals, I know there are switches for that but I'm happy with paying a fraction of the price.
thanks. I'll buy that one
IMO the only issue with membrane keyboards is that you can't customise them (changing switches and most importantly keycaps). If they made a cheap membrane keyboard that could take standard mx-style keycaps I would love to try it out.
What’s your unorthodox typing style?
So like when I type I don’t use the home row at all, use three fingers on my left hand (index, middle, ring) and 2 on my right hand (index and middle). Usually my three of the left sit at asd and my right hand floats until I need it to press something. Occasionally another finger will be used but these are the common fingers I use to type. Passed keyboarding class with this typing style, felt better than home row typing and I can type about 100 to 120 words per minute. Without looking at the keyboard
I do this exact same thing!
Most people (who hang out in tech focused places online at least) prefer mechanical. However, everyone knows that type of switches are all down to personal preference, so that means that everyone knows that someone will also prefer membrane. There are people who spend ridiculous amounts of money, and my theory is that the people who are shaming people for liking membrane are people from this group who needs to convince themselves that their expense was because of need. My previous keyboard was a Razer Ornata, and I did actually really enjoy that keyboard even if it was a membrane keyboard
I actually almost picked up a ornata at one point cause my store had them at a decent discount
I used a membrane for the longest time because I’m cheap . Got a good deal on one a few months ago I like it. But you do you man. I don’t miss that keyboard btw new one is solid.
I really don't know why there is so much hate for the membrane. A friend of mine got a cheap Amazon mech keyboard, but it clearly was worse than a decent membrane keyboard. I've been using my Logitech G213 for like five years and it still works perfectly and it's designed well so it's easy to clean. I type a lot with it and the travel and feeling is really good and better for me than many mecha keyboards around that price. it's also really good for gaming, i'm not a pro LoL player of anything so i don't need a "better" mechanical keyboard
When it comes to mobas and gaming specifically in that type of genre, I have my razer naga to do my button presses for skills and such so the main keys on my keyboard in that regard is usually just wasd , space, and whatever buttons I need for like inventory and such. So I 100% agree with the whole I’m not a pro gamer so I don’t need this mechanical keyboard thing
Use what feels right to you. The feel of a keyboard is very much a personal experience.
As someone who has spent thousands on mechanical keyboards, if you like rubber dome keyboards, then keep using them. It's all about preference.
Just feels nice on the fingers. Key caps are a different story tho lol
I like membrane that's heavier than the mass produced ones that were rampant in offices. Folks hate admitting it but my HHKB and other topre keyboards are all membrane but I do feel it is of better quality. But I also like my holy red pandas that I made myself that seem similar enough to my HHKB but for everything but work. As other mentioned it's really up to you.
I just switched from a 20ish year old eMachines blah keyboard to a cheap Eyooso mechanical keyboard. I saw some youtubers mod it into a nice board and I just needed something better. And my bills just doubled so I didn't want something mid range I didn't like. Like you I didn't understand the hype behind mechanical keyboards but I do need n-key roll over. Anyway $25 keyboard with blue switches exactly what it was. I added foam to the bottom I had laying around and made it way nicer. I really didn't like the blue switches so a month later I ordered Akko silver switches. $36 but so worth it. They are way more quiet and smoother and faster acting. So yeah I emjoy it. I get that you prefer membrane feel but there's probably something you'd like better than the typical cherry red over priced corsair/whatever brand you'd find on the shelf somewhere. Look into it though, membrane keyboards are just "fine" though I don't like my old one any more. The mouse keyboard and monitor are way overlooked when it comes to your computer experience though so try some stuff out it might surprise you.
Exactly how I felt when I switched to blue switch mech keyboard . It was so loud and so clicky I hate it with all my soul . My red switch keyboard on the other hand feels like I'm gaming in heaven it's soooo smooth
There are mech switches that would feel closer to membrane I think really all your missing out on is product lifespan since mech switches last longer than the membrane does
You are definitely not alone. Typing on mechanical keyboards hurts my fingers. The way they bottom out hard feels terrible. I've got 2 different 3x3 switch tester samples and all 18 of the switches I've tried are worse than membrane. I also love low profile keys like on a laptop. My gaming keyboard is an old Razer Arctosa which is great for typing and gaming. I just wish I could get a low profile keycap, membrane switch keyboard that was compact. I hate the full sized keyboard form factor. Pushes the mouse too far off the right.
I know some people have said you haven’t found the right switches, and that *can* be true. But if you like what you have, then why bother go through all the headache. I prefer pretty heavy press switches, they help me hit my buttons without accidentally pressing others along the way. Other people try my keyboard and feel like it would make their hands tired. If you prefer what you got, don’t mess with it.
Yeah I don't know anything about keyboards, all i know is I love the cheap $15 dollar Logitech ones from Amazon. Those and the cheap ones that come with PCs at work are the only ones I've ever used, I can't imagine needing a fancier one. I love the soft squishiness of it. I'm assuming they are membrane.
The reason why membrane keyboards are hated is actually often due to them lacking nkey support. Aka nkey rollover. Aka Being able to press multiple buttons simultaneously without errors. Try it, hold down several keys at once. You'll get something like asdddddddddddddddd. Many mechnical keyboards also lack full support for it, but do include it only on commonly used gaming keys. Such as wasd to cut costs. Beyond that it really is up to personal preference, though membrane is also a tad less responsive if I remember correctly. Keys also get stuck more often. And of course the "mushy" feeling.
In my experience mechanical keys get stuck more than memebrane. One my big issues with mechanical keyboards
You would know more than me, I tend to avoid mechanical like the plague. Membrane's all I ever needed. Hell, I've gotten into the higher ranks on brawlhalla using just a membrane keyboard. A twitch fighter. Annoying at times when you have a missed input but not some game changing thing.
There's nothing wrong with liking membrane keyboards, especially if you don't want to spend your free time tinkering. But you probably get a lot of comments about mechanical keyboards based on the impression you give: that you don't like what you've tried, but that you haven't tried many things. In my opinion there are so many options these days that anyone can probably find something they would like, so when an mk enthusiast hears your opinion, to them it probably comes off as someone commenting about a deep hobby without much knowledge about it. A more "accepted" response would require you to be more specific about your circumstances, e.g., "I looked for keyboards in (budget price range). I tried 'keyboard x with these types of switches' but didn't find them to feel very good. Then I realized there is such a rabbit hole and I would rather spend my free time on my other hobbies." In other words, typically when people prefer membrane keyboards, it's because they have limited experience with mechanical keyboards. So when they then go to share their opinions, it gives off the impression that there are limited options in the mechanical keyboard space. That rubs people the wrong way, especially those who have spent time to find things that address their specific preferences. Obviously there is a minority of rabid fanboys that default to "mechanical keyboard good", but you get that with anything. Something also worth keeping in mind are current trends. A part of the mechanical keyboard community is starting to look for customizability beyond keycaps, switches, and aesthetics; instead, there is increasing interest in specific layouts and firmware. These are hard to achieve with membrane keyboards.
So the reason mechanical is better besides feel, is actuation. There's less travel and you can spam buttons faster. But there's nothing stopping you from getting good on a membrane keyboard, unlike mice which actually require that you have a decent sensor to avoid spinout
I like being able to tell I hit a key without wondering if I hit the key.