Keyboard Comparison: "Ctrl" Your Typing Life

The keyboard is essential for your typing needs. In fact, I'm using my keyboard to type right now! Since we use our keyboards pretty much every day, it would be a rational decision to invest in at least in a worthy one. Though there are many types of keyboards on the market, we are going to focus on two today: mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards.

How Keyboards Work

Keyboards work by you pressing a key. Pressing down on that key completes an open circuit under said key. When the open circuit is completed, it sends an electrical signal to the computer registering whatever key you pressed on the screen. If the key is held down, the key repeats itself until you let go. All keyboards, whether mechanical or membrane, work this way. If you don't believe me; open up Google and hold down any key you like.

Membrane Keyboards

These adequate keyboards are popular on the market. Membrane keyboards feature quiet, average high-speed typing, being more affordable than mechanical keyboards while still having the same functions. On the other hand, they don't live as long a life as other types of keyboards and wear out more easily. In addition, on some membrane keyboards you feel as if you are pressing into JELL-O when the typing starts. However, experienced keyboard users know that membrane keyboards just don't cut it when it comes to professional typing/gaming.

Mechanical Keyboards

Ah, the classic mechanical keyboard, a typist's or gamer's ultimate dream: The satisfying clickety-clack sounds overwhelm you as you pass the 40 WPM mark or when you're about to receive a "Pentakill" in your "League of Legends" match. Your fingers are flying across the keyboard with speed and precision.

Above is a quite accurate description of owning a mechanical keyboard. These can also be referred to as the "Elite Group of Keyboards". Mechanical keyboards 1 up membrane keyboards in terms of high-speed typing, precision and lifetime. Professional typists and gamers know that it's like switching from driving a horse-drawn carriage to a 2017 Ferrari. However, they can be loud. The clickety-clack sound mechanical keyboards make can get quite annoying over time; especially if you're the quiet type of person. For instance, imagine you are working late at night on a project. You are tired. Loud clickety-clack sounds are not comfortable sounds to hear when you are close to collapsing in your chair.

Judgement Time

   So which type of keyboard is superior? The truth is that both keyboards have their own strengths and weaknesses. Both keyboards outclass each other depending on the situation where you use the keyboard for. If you're one of those hardcore typist/gamers and choose the mechanical keyboard with its rapid high-speed typing and long life, your choice will serve you well. On the other hand, if you're not much of a computer person or enjoy your quiet time, it's best that you stick to a more economically friendly membrane keyboard.