Differences between a mechanical keyboard and a membrane keyboard:

There was a time when the "click" of the computer keys was the soundtrack of many offices. No need to go back to the era of typewriters, just look a couple of decades ago to remember those keyboards that seemed to last a lifetime. With the emergence of the home PC and laptops, the mechanical keyboards were giving way to membrane keypad which is quieter, lighter and cheaper.

However, the quality of the mechanical keyboards has kept them alive and in the last decade, they have returned to many desks. Yes, they are more expensive but for many users who spend hours and hours in front of the computer, they are worth it. 

Differences between a mechanical keyboard and a membrane keyboard:

What defines a keyboard as mechanical is the way in which the keys are operated. While the custom membrane switches register the pressure of the key and transfer it through a silicone that is in contact with the electrical circuits, the mechanical keyboards work with a mechanical mechanism similar to that of the light switches.

Keyboard Mechanism of the keys of a membrane keyboard:

In the membrane keyboards, it is made with silicone rubber keypads that registering our pulsations and transferring them to the circuit. Because of this technology, membrane keyboards are easy and cheap to manufacture, in addition, there is hardly any tactile and auditory feedback, or what is the same, they make little noise when the keys are pressed and the sensation when doing so is minimal.

Mechanical Mechanism of a mechanical key:

The mechanical keys do not have silicone. Each key activates a physical switch that uses a spring as a recoil mechanism recording what you write. In this way, if a key fails it does it individually without affecting the rest of the keyboard, being able to be replaced. This technology provides a lifespan that can reach 50 million pulses.

The mechanical keyboards are more sensitive and provide clear feedback between what you press and what you see on the screen, as well as being louder. In addition, they allow users to press several keys at the same time. Because of their technology, they are thicker, heavier and more expensive.

When to choose a mechanical keyboard versus a membrane keyboard?

Each type of keyboard has its advantages and disadvantages, so both have their audience. There is no keyboard that is optimal for everyone.

So, if you are looking for a keyboard that is economical, that is silent, that is compact for use with a tablet or wirelessly and you are not looking for maximum performance, membrane keypads are a good alternative. Today we can find this type of keypads in almost all touch screen technology.