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The most fundamental choice in your setup. Do you want the click or the quiet?
For gaming and heavy typing, Mechanical is superior due to accuracy, durability, and feel. Membrane is best if you are on an extreme budget (<$20) or need absolute silence in a shared library.
The difference lies in what's under the keycap. Mechanical keyboards use individual physical switches for each key, while membrane keyboards use a pressure pad that registers a press when you bottom out.
Under every key is a complex mechanism composed of a stem, spring, and metal contacts. This design provides distinct tactile or audible feedback.
These use a rubber dome over a circuit sheet. When you press down, the dome collapses and touches the circuit. It's simple, cheap, and water-resistant.
| Feature | Mechanical | Membrane |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 50M+ Keystrokes | ~5M Keystrokes |
| Actuation | Mid-travel (Faster) | Bottom-out (Slower) |
| Rollover | Full NKRO | 2-6 Keys |
| Price | $$ | $ |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean/repair | Difficult |