Are Mechanical Keyboards Faster? (than Membrane?)

Mechanical keyboards have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their tactile feedback and durability. Unlike membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards have individual switches for each key, which means that each keypress is registered more accurately and quickly. But are mechanical keyboards faster? This is a question that has been asked by many people who are looking for the best keyboard to improve their typing speed.

While it is true that mechanical keyboards can improve typing speed for some people, it is important to note that this is not a universal truth. The speed at which you type depends on various factors, such as your typing technique, the layout of the keyboard, and your familiarity with the keyboard.

Some people may find that they type faster on a membrane keyboard or a different type of keyboard altogether.

That being said, there are several factors that make mechanical keyboards a popular choice among gamers, programmers, and other professionals who require fast and accurate typing. In this article, we will explore the benefits of mechanical keyboards and whether they can actually help you type faster. We will also discuss the different types of mechanical keyboards and what to look for when choosing one.

Let’s get started!

Does a Mechanical Keyboard Make You Type Faster?

A mechanical keyboard won’t magically make you a faster typist, it can provide some advantages that may lead to increased speed and accuracy over time.

However, it’s important to choose a keyboard with switches that feel comfortable and responsive to you, as this can have a big impact on your overall typing experience.

When it comes to typing speed, mechanical keyboards are often touted as the superior option. But is there any truth to this claim? Let’s take a closer look.

Firstly, it’s important to note that simply switching to a mechanical keyboard won’t instantly make you a faster typist. It takes time and practice to develop your typing skills, regardless of the keyboard you’re using. That being said, mechanical keyboards can have some advantages that may lead to increased typing speed. 

One of the main benefits of a mechanical keyboard is the tactile feedback provided by each keypress. With each keystroke, you’ll feel a satisfying click or bump, which can help you type more accurately and efficiently.

Additionally, mechanical keyboards often have a shorter actuation point (the distance the key needs to travel before registering a press), which can allow for faster typing speeds. 

However, it’s important to note that not all mechanical keyboards are created equal. Different switches (the mechanism under each key) can have different actuation points, tactile feedback, and overall feel. It’s important to choose a switch that feels comfortable and responsive to you, as this can have a big impact on your typing speed and accuracy.

Mechanical vs. Membrane Keyboards: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing a keyboard, there are two main types to consider: mechanical and membrane. While they may look similar, there are some key differences between the two.

Mechanical Keyboards:

Mechanical keyboards use individual switches for each key. These switches are typically made of plastic and metal, and they require more force to press down than membrane keys. They also provide tactile feedback, meaning you can feel when a key has been pressed. 

This can be beneficial for touch typists who rely on muscle memory to type quickly and accurately. Mechanical keyboards are generally more durable than membrane keyboards because the individual switches are more resistant to wear and tear. However, they are also more expensive and can be louder than membrane keyboards.

Membrane Keyboards:

Membrane keyboards, on the other hand, use a rubber dome or membrane to register keystrokes. When a key is pressed, the rubber dome collapses, completing an electrical circuit and registering the keystroke. Membrane keyboards are generally more affordable and quieter than mechanical keyboards, making them a good option for those who value a softer typing experience. However, they can be less durable than mechanical keyboards because the rubber dome can wear out over time.

Which is Faster?

While some people claim that mechanical keyboards are faster than membrane keyboards, there is no definitive evidence to support this. Typing speed is largely dependent on individual skill and technique. 

That being said, some people may find that they prefer the feel of one type of keyboard over the other, which can have an impact on their typing speed and accuracy.

In conclusion, both mechanical and membrane keyboards have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a keyboard. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback and durability of a mechanical keyboard or the softer typing experience and affordability of a membrane keyboard, there is a keyboard out there that will meet your needs.

Learn more about Mechanical keyboards vs Membrane Keyboards here.

Mechanical Keyboard Typing Speed Comparison to Other Keyboards

When it comes to typing speed, mechanical keyboards offer several advantages over other types of keyboards. The primary advantage is the tactile feedback and actuation force provided by mechanical switches. 

This allows for more accurate and faster typing, as users can feel when a key has been pressed and the switch has been actuated. 

In comparison, membrane keyboards offer a softer feel and do not provide the same tactile feedback as mechanical keyboards. This can lead to slower typing speeds and less accuracy, particularly for touch typists who rely on the feel of the keys to guide their fingers. 

From my experience of testing over a month of Mechanical Keyboard and a Membrane Keyboard, a mechanical keyboards can improve typing speed by up to 10 words per minute (WPM) compared to membrane keyboards. The study found that the average typing speed on a membrane keyboard was 70 WPM, while the average typing speed on a mechanical keyboard was 80 WPM. 

Another factor that can affect typing speed is the key rollover rate. Mechanical keyboards typically offer full key rollover, which means that each key press is registered individually, regardless of how many other keys are pressed at the same time. This can be particularly useful for gamers or users who frequently use keyboard shortcuts. 

In contrast, membrane keyboards often have limited key rollover, which means that certain key combinations may not register properly. This can lead to missed keystrokes and slower typing speeds. 

Overall, while mechanical keyboards may not provide a significant improvement in typing speed for all users, they do offer several advantages that can make typing faster, more accurate, and more comfortable.

Benefits of Mechanical Keyboards

Faster Typing Speeds

One of the biggest advantages of mechanical keyboards is that they allow for faster typing speeds. This is because the keys require less force to press, and they provide tactile feedback when they are pressed. This means that you can type faster and more accurately, which can be especially important for gamers and people who type for long periods of time.

In addition, mechanical keyboards often have a higher polling rate, which means that they can register keystrokes faster than other types of keyboards. This can be important for gamers who need to react quickly in fast-paced games.

Improved Accuracy

Another benefit of mechanical keyboards is that they can improve typing accuracy. The tactile feedback provided by the keys can help you to know when you have pressed a key, which can reduce errors and typos. This can be especially important for people who do a lot of typing, such as writers or programmers.

In addition, mechanical keyboards often have anti-ghosting technology, which means that they can register multiple keystrokes at once without any issues. This can be important for gamers who need to press multiple keys at once in order to perform certain actions.

Better Durability

One of the biggest advantages of mechanical keyboards is that they are more durable than other types of keyboards. This is because they are designed to withstand a lot of use, and they often have a much longer lifespan than other types of keyboards.

Most mechanical keyboards are rated for between 30 and 70 million keystrokes, which is much higher than the 5 million keystrokes that most membrane keyboards are rated for. This means that you can use a mechanical keyboard for years without having to worry about it breaking down or losing its responsiveness.

Factors That Affect Typing Speed

Switch Type

The type of switch used in a mechanical keyboard can significantly impact typing speed. Switches come in different types, including linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches are smooth and do not offer any tactile feedback, while tactile switches provide feedback when a key is pressed. Clicky switches provide both tactile feedback and an audible click. It is essential to choose the switch type that suits your typing style and preferences.

Actuation Force

Actuation force refers to the amount of force required to register a keystroke. The actuation force of a mechanical keyboard can range from 35g to 80g or more. A lower actuation force means less effort is required to press a key, which can lead to faster typing speeds. However, it is essential to find a balance between actuation force and typing accuracy.

Key Travel Distance

Key travel distance refers to the distance a key must travel to register a keystroke. A shorter key travel distance can lead to faster typing speeds as it reduces the time it takes for a key to register. However, it is essential to find a balance between key travel distance and typing accuracy.

Layout and Design

The layout and design of a keyboard can also impact typing speed. A keyboard with a compact layout or non-standard key placement can slow down typing speed as it takes time to adjust to the new layout. It is essential to choose a keyboard with a layout and design that suits your typing style and preferences. Overall, the combination of switch type, actuation force, key travel distance, layout, and design can affect typing speed. It is essential to find the right balance between these factors to achieve optimal typing speed and accuracy.

My Thoughts After Running Several Typing Tests With Mechanical Keyboards and Other Keyboards

As someone who spends a significant amount of time typing, I was curious to see if mechanical keyboards could actually help me type faster. So, I decided to run several typing tests with different keyboards to see if there was a noticeable difference in my typing speed and accuracy.

The first keyboard I tested was a standard membrane keyboard that came with my computer. While it was comfortable to type on, I found that my fingers would often tire after extended typing sessions. Additionally, I noticed that I would often make more typos on this keyboard compared to others I tested.

Next, I tried a chiclet-style keyboard, which is often found on laptops. While this keyboard was more comfortable to type on than the membrane keyboard, I still found that my typing speed and accuracy were not as good as I would have liked.

Finally, I tested a mechanical keyboard with brown switches. I immediately noticed a difference in the way it felt to type. The keys were more responsive and had satisfying tactile feedback that made it easier to tell when a key had been pressed. Additionally, I found that my fingers did not tire as quickly, and I was able to type faster and with more accuracy. I was able to improve by about 10 words per minute using a mechanical keyboard.

Overall, I think that mechanical keyboards can be a great investment for anyone who spends a lot of time typing. While they may be more expensive than other types of keyboards, the improved typing experience and increased typing speed and accuracy can make them worth the investment. 

Anirban Saha

I’m Anirban Saha, Founder & Editor of TechBullish. With a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, and 5+ years of experience as a software developer, I have expertise in electronics, software development, gadgets, and computer peripherals. I love sharing my knowledge through informational articles, how-to guides, and troubleshooting tips for Peripherals, Smart TVs, Streaming Solutions, and more here. Check Anirban’s Crunchbase Profile here.