What Is a Membrane Keyboard
2022-12-11Wireless keyboards come in all shapes and sizes. Some are great for gaming, while others are meant to work with tablets,desktop computer and phones on the go. It’s best to think about why you need a wireless keyboard along with what types of features you’re looking for before buying one.
What Will You Use Your Keyboard For?
Not all keyboards are created equal. To find the best keyboard, consider what you’ll primarily be using your wireless keyboard for. Here are a few common use cases:
- At Your Desk: If you plan to keep a wireless keyboard at your desk, then you should probably focus on ergonomics and style. You may also want to look at extra features like RGB lighting or Built-in tray for tablet and phone…
- On the Go: If you need a wireless keyboard for use with your tablet or laptop, no matter where you go, you should focus on slim form factors. You may even consider a tablet keyboard case.
- From the Couch: Smart TVs or media centers hooked up to computers practically need a wireless keyboard. In this case, we suggest using a wireless keyboard with a built-in trackpad.
- For Gaming: Most PC gamers use a mechanical keyboard, sometimes with programmable keys and RGB customization.
1/The Basics: Keyboard and Connection Type
There are two main keyboard types: membrane and mechanical. Though it may not seem it, they are quite different from one another, and the form that you decide on will dictate what specific kind of keyboard you can buy (a portable keyboard, an ergonomic keyboard, etc.).
Here are some of the qualities of membrane and mechanical keyboards:
- Membrane: Most modern keyboards are membrane keyboards. They’re slim and quiet. In other words, they feel more like the buttons on your TV remote than the keys on a typewriter (but that’s not a bad thing—it’s more a matter of personal preference). These keyboards are best for general use and portability, and odds are, you’re using one right now.
- Mechanical: Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, are modeled on the loud chunky keyboards of yesteryear. They provide a lot of physical feedback, and they’re easy to type fast on, but they also make loud clicking sounds. Mechanical keyboards have removable keys (so they can be cleaned and customized) and are most popular among gamers and computer nerds. They tend to have a better lifespan than membrane keyboards but, because of this, they’re typically more expensive as well.
2/Think About Ergonomics
People assume that ergonomics only matters if you spend all day at the computer, but that’s not entirely true. An ergonomic keyboard forces you to maintain your posture, which is essential for any typing session—even if it’s a short one.
Let’s begin with non-ergonomic and work our way up to those with full-on ergonomic designs:
- Flat Keyboards: Some keyboards lay flat on the tablet. This design tends to put a lot of strain on your wrists and makes typing more difficult. Unless you’re committed to a tablet keyboard case or a portable keyboard, we suggest avoiding flat keyboards if ergonomics are important to you.
- Slanted Keyboards: Most keyboards are slightly tilted or have built-in kickstands. A good slant is probably all you’ll need from a keyboard, even if you spend all day typing (provided you can keep your wrists straight).
- Wrist Rests: A keyboard with built-in wrist rests can help keep your wrists straight throughout the day. Of course, you can also buy separate wrist rests to go with any keyboard.
- All-In Ergonomic: Super-ergonomic keyboards often look ridiculous (though the designs are always improving), but they force you to use great posture. These keyboards are great for people who type all day, people who have bad wrist posture, or people who really want to avoid wrist problems.
3/Additional Design Options
let’s start with portable features. These features make keyboards easier to take away from home, which is great if you’re using a laptop or a tablet (keep in min:
- Slim Keyboards: Ultra-slim membrane keyboards are great for on-the-go use. You can also buy a portable mechanical keyboard for when you want to type as loud as possible in public.
- Tablet Keyboards: You can use just about any Bluetooth keyboard with a tablet, but we suggest using a keyboard case or a keyboard with a tablet kickstand.
- Foldables and Rollables: Foldable and rollable keyboards seem a bit gimmicky, but they’re extremely portable.
4/Special Features
These features aren’t always necessary, but they can make a bit easier or add more fun to work with:
- Multi-Device Keyboards: Some keyboards are able to quick-switch between devices at the push of a button.
- Couch Keyboards: Some wireless keyboards have built-in touchpads. These are most useful for portable laptop or tablet setups, but they’re also great for smart TVs or media centers (like a computer hooked up to your TV), as they mean you won’t have to keep a mouse connected as well.
- Backlights and RGB: Backlights can add a fun, futuristic touch to your keyboard (and help you type in the dark). And, of course, RBG-enabled keyboards can be customized to match the color of your entire computer rig or your room’s color scheme.