Are you looking for a non-mechanical computer keyboard that will give you the edge when gaming?
If so, you may be wondering if a membrane keyboard is a right choice for you.
So, Are Membrane Keyboards Good for Gaming? A gaming type of membrane keyboard is good for gaming, especially for casual gaming. The keys on a membrane keyboard are also typically quiet and have smooth actuation. However, membrane keyboards are not recommended for FPS games and during tournaments.
Let’s get started!
Let’s get started!
Contents of The Article
What are Membrane Keyboards?
A membrane keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses rubber domes or plastic membranes to complete the circuit and register a keystroke.
Membrane keyboards are often seen as inferior to other types of keyboards because they offer a lesser typing experience.
However, it turns out that membrane gaming keyboards do pretty well in gaming.
There are a lot of budget gaming keyboards available in the market with advanced features, and RGB lighting in membrane keyboards.
How long do membrane keyboards last?
Membrane Keyboards have an average lifespan of 1-1.5 years on heavy usage. This is the time that it would last typically for a regular gamer as they need to spend a lot of time using their keyboard throughout the day.
Why Are Membrane Keyboards Good for Gaming?
Membrane keyboards are often seen as inferior to mechanical keyboards, but they actually have some advantages that make them good for gaming.
Here are five reasons why membrane keyboards are good for gaming:
1. Affordable Price Point
Mechanical keyboards can be quite expensive, but membrane keyboards are much more affordable. This makes them a great option for budget-conscious gamers.
So, for budget gamers, membrane keyboards turn out to be a better alternative than considering an expensive mechanical keyboard.
2. Quiet Typing Experience
Another advantage of membrane keyboards is that they’re much quieter than a mechanical switch keyboard that has clicky switches(e.g. From Cherry MX Switch we have Cherry MX blue switch) or tactile switches on them.
If you’re someone who likes to game in silence, a membrane keyboard is a great choice.
So, It can be said all membrane keyboards are silent, however, only a percentage of mechanical keyboards are silent(linear switch ones). The loudest mechanical switches are the clicky switches.
3. Light Weight
If we compare a full-sized mechanical keyboard with a full-sized membrane keyboard, the membrane keyboards are much lighter in their weight.
With a lightweight, they can be easily carried to competition and hence turns out to be a travel-friendly option.
4. Media Keys
A membrane keyboard is used as a regular keyboard worldwide for regular work, casual gaming, and school.
They have media control keys which make them easier to access volume control and more functionalities.
This even comes in handy during gaming as you can easily use it to control your Volume without interrupting your gaming experience.
Downsides of Membrane Keyboard
There are a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before you make your purchase.
1. Less Responsive than Mechanical
One downside of membrane switch keyboards is that they can be less responsive than mechanical keyboards. This can be a problem when gaming, as you may need to press the keys more firmly to get a response.
“How much less responsive will I feel during gaming?” Practically, you won’t notice lag during gaming.
However, if you play an FPS game using a membrane and a mechanical keyboard switching one to the other you will clearly feel the increase in responsiveness during actuation in the case of the mechanical keyboard.
However, if you choose a membrane gaming keyboard, it is a much more optimized experience in gaming performance as compared to a regular membrane keyboard. In this case, your gaming experience would be better.
2. Less Durable than Mechanical
Another downside is that they can be less durable than mechanical keyboards.
If you are hard on your keyboard playing games often, a membrane keyboard may not be able to withstand heavy use as good as a mechanical keyboard can.
Membrane keyboards would wear off quickly with more actuation as compared to mechanical keyboard switches.
“Will it easily break during gaming?” No, it will not easily fall off. However, the durability is not that good.
My Overall View for Membrane Keyboards for Gaming Purposes
Overall, there are several reasons why membrane keyboards can be just as good, if not better, for gaming than mechanical keyboards.
If you are looking for a high-quality keyboard that is affordable, portable, and responsive, then a membrane keyboard may be the perfect option for you.
They are definitely not better than a mechanical keyboard as I found mechanical keyboards better in gaming. However, in terms of budget, membrane keyboards do very well in gaming.
“Which one would I choose If I can buy anyone from a Mechanical and A Membrane Keyboard?”
If my budget allows, obviously I would opt for the mechanical one. And as said, I myself use multiple mechanical keyboards.
I prefer the linear switch as the switch type of my mechanical keyboard for gaming.
“Do I recommend a membrane keyboard if you are a pro gamer?” No, I would not recommend a membrane keyboard if you are a pro gamer. A wired mechanical gaming keyboard would be the best one for you.
If you would like to know about what is a mechanical keyboard and how mechanical keyboards work, you can check these posts written by me. You will understand why I love a mechanical keyboard for gaming over a membrane keyboard.
Conclusion: Should you use a Membrane Keyboard for gaming?
Let’s conclude the post on whether are membrane keyboards good for gaming!
It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly keyboard that’s durable and quiet, a membrane keyboard is a good option.
However, if you’re looking for a high-performance best gaming keyboard that’s comfortable to use, you might want to consider a mechanical gaming keyboard.
I hope you enjoyed reading the post.
