Mechanical keyboards seem to steadily gain popularity compared to membrane-based models like Apple’s popular Magic Keyboard and models for iPads. They’re the two most common types of keyboards on the market today.
Both have their specific strengths and weaknesses, and each offers a unique typing experience.
This article compares mechanical “keebs” and membrane models, discussing their structure, functionality, user experience and more.
Thin layers of flexible material make up membrane, or membrane-switch, keebs. The layers represent keys used to activate signals to input data in a device or system.
Each switch controls an electrical circuit that remains inactive until it is pressed.
In a membrane keyboard’s layers, the top one, usually plastic or rubber, contains the keys. This is where a user touches the keyboard.
Underneath the keys are pressure pads made of thin, flexible rubber or plastic membrane with printed conductive traces on their backside. The next layer, the hole layer, separates the pressure pad next to a key from the bottom. That ensures no mechanical contact occurs unless a key is pressed.
Membrane board design is not limited to the conventional QWERTY format and can be customized to provide a better user experience. They are lightweight and typically more portable than many mechanical keyboards (and quieter!)
Membrane boards are categorized by their multiple layers and the design of their membranes, which can be either flat switches or dome switches.
A membrane switch keyboard is comprised of flexible material covered with a transparent flexible membrane. The keyboard’s graphics are printed on the membrane material. It operates by temporarily opening and closing an electrical circuit when touched.
People associate full travel membrane keyboards with computers. Their keys are directly integrated into the keypad and are made of a single piece of plastic or rubber material. The flexibility of the membrane is placed over a matrix of electrical switches.
Dome-switch membrane keebs, aka direct-switch, combine features of switch-panel membrane and mechanical-switch keyboards. We see them in handheld controllers, consumer electronics, mobile phones, medical devices and personal computers.
Scissor-switch keyboards use a rubber dome with a plastic scissor mechanism that links the keycap to a plunger. They find a home in laptop keyboards like those on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Chiclet keyboards, or island-style keebs, find popularity for their use of modern technology found in the latest laptops and desktops. They look distinctly sleek and minimalist.
Several terms often come up in describing keyboard properties. Check them out:
Mechanical keyboards feature a mechanical switch consisting of a spring, a plunger and a pair of metal contacts underneath each key cap. Your fingertips press down on the key caps.
Mechanicals often have a longer actuation distance and noisier sound than membrane models. That creates an old-school typing feel that some people prefer.
In fact, mechanical keebs seem to inspire devotion more than membrane models, both for that old-school feel and for their customizability.
And yes, Apple made mechanicals. Its most beloved one? Apple Extended Keyboard II, which it rolled out in 1987 and won a design patent for in 1990.
If mechanical keebs are so nice, why doesn’t everyone use them? One big reason is price — membrane boards often cost less.
Membrane models cost less to produce and buy, so the majority of keebs — both external and attached to laptops — go membrane. They’re also much quieter than most mechanical models.
But mechanical keyboards attract many followers, especially in certain pursuits, like gaming. Mechanical boards offer special features gamers love, like “rollover.”
Rollover means that even if you press multiple keys simultaneously, all the inputs go through. That’s because each key contains its own switch. Membrane keyboards share one circuit board, so they struggle with rollover. Competing inputs can cancel each other out.
Mechanical keyboards make cleaning, repairing and customizing easier, too. You can remove each key on a mechanical keyboard with your fingers, or more safely with a key puller. That simple tool often comes with a new keyboard.
Manufacturers make many mechanical boards “hot swappable.” That means you can take out and replace switches under the keys without needing a soldering iron. And if a key or switch breaks, you can replace it. If gunk falls between the keys, you can remove them to get it out.
In conclustion, mechanical and membrane keyboards offer different advantages and disadvantages. Mechanical ones boast a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. But they tend to cost more than their membrane counterparts, and they make a lot more noise (some people love that but others hate it).
So membrane keebs offer quieter typing, lower pricing and a softer typing feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and your specific needs and preferences.
★★★★☆
The Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand is an ideal option for those who need to add a travel keyboard to their iPad and don’t want to limit the accessory to only one tablet. Or want to add a portable keyboard to their iPad without giving up the case they like.
It can switch between computers with a simple push of a button. Plus, it’s not limited to tablets.
I’ve tested the multi-device input device with my iPad and iPhone, and came away quite pleased.
It’s the ultimate battle of the small Mac keyboards: Logitech MX Keys Mini vs. Apple Magic Keyboard. Choosing between these two premium compact keyboards is tough, and the decisions you make can significantly impact your daily typing experience and productivity.
They’ve both become top contenders for professionals and tech enthusiasts alike. And while they’re similar, they’re not the same.
Find out which is better for you in our head-to-head comparison.
The Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 is powered by light, and it connects via Bluetooth, so no cables are ever needed.
It features a full keyboard layout with number keys in a slim and low-profile form. It works with Mac, iPad and iPhone.
The just-launched Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth Keyboard with Stand is for those who need a travel keyboard for their iPad and don’t want to limit the accessory to just one tablet.
Plus, Satechi launched a new OntheGo Bluetooth Mouse at the same time.
★★★★☆
The Winmaxle Mobdel B1 can be a physical keyboard for typing on your iPhone, harking back to the days of the BlackBerry. And because it’s also a motion-sensitive mouse, you can use it with your iPad, too. Either way, it’s a handy little gizmo.
I found multiple uses for the wireless keyboard while I was testing it. But I also ran into a limitation that made it not as useful with my iPad as I hoped.
Suppose you want your office to have a retro look, but you can’t give up your modern computers (of course). You need the Qwerkywriter — it has the look of a classic typewriter, but includes an integrated iPad stand. Or it can wirelessly connect to your Mac.
Add a vintage-looking keyboard to your setup, without giving up functionality.
You can usually count on Amazon bargain site Woot! for great deals on computers and peripherals. It features another killer set of Logitech deals this week on gear like keyboards, mice, iPad folios, gaming products and more. Discount range up to 56% off. The sale goes through November 12.
★★★★☆
The ProtoArc XK01 Tri-Fold Bluetooth Keyboard is ready to make your business trips more productive. It’s full size, with a numpad and function keys, too. But it folds down to fit easily in a briefcase.
It’s available solo, or with a travel mouse, or as the centerpiece of a bundle with the mouse plus a USB-C hub and multi-port wall charger.
I fully tested the folding keyboard with my 13-inch iPad Pro, plus the other components, too.
★★★★☆
The Willow Wombat Pro is a great keyboard without much compromise. It’s mechanical, with comfortable key switches to type on all day, but it’s not loud. It’s narrow, but it still has all 102 keys, with an unusual key layout. It’s thin, but it’s not flimsy: It’s sturdy and well-made.
The whimsical yellow color scheme will also add a flash of color and flair to your Mac setup. Buy it now on Amazon or keep reading below.
★★★★☆
Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 for iPad is the portable keyboard for those who need to type on the go but don’t want a keyboard built into their tablet’s case. It’s a standalone accessory designed to travel with a tablet or be left behind when it’s not needed.
I tested the very slim and lightweight product with my iPad Pro and my iPhone 15. Its extreme portability makes it useful in situations that more typical keyboards are not.
Mac users in the market for a new desktop keyboard have new options from Logitech. There are small and large models and an ergonomic one, too. Plus a mouse.
The additions to the lineup include MX Keys S for Mac, MX Keys S Combo for Mac, MX Anywhere 3S for Mac, MX Keys Mini for Mac (in Space Gray), and Ergo Series Wave Keys for Mac.
Amazon bargain site Woot! did it again this week with another killer sale. This time it’s deals on Logitech peripherals and accessories going for anywhere from $5 to $255. The list of 60 items includes keyboards, mice, iPad folios, webcams, headsets and other gaming gear, and more.
And if it’s Woot!, there must be a cheeky phrase at the top of the sale page: “This isn’t logitech, captain.” – Science Officer Sprock.
The Vision Pro’s virtual, floating-in-the-air keyboard has been nearly universally condemned. There’s no way around it: Typing on Vision Pro sucks.
But people said the same thing about the original iPhone, which ditched a physical keyboard compared to the BlackBerry. And these days, physical keyboards for your iPhone are more of a novelty than a standard accessory that everybody buys.
So to get to the bottom of exactly how bad the Vision Pro keyboard is, I took a bunch of different typing tests across a bunch of different keyboards. And the results I found were incredibly surprising. I accidentally discovered the best way to input text in Vision Pro.
Check out our latest YouTube video or keep reading to see what happened.
★★★★☆
The Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard offers a 75% layout with low-profile brown switches so it’s easy to type on while not taking up much room on your desk. This mechanical keyboard for Mac can connect with up to four computers, including your iPad and iPhone, plus Windows machines. And it uses a variety of connectivity methods: Bluetooth, wired and more.
I’ve used it for several weeks now in my home office. I found a lot to like.
Apple’s smallest desktop computer is a powerhouse in a small package, but it doesn’t come with peripheral devices — so what are the best keyboards for Mac mini?
Whether you use a Mac mini for work or gaming, adding the right keyboard is crucial for maximizing your productivity and comfort.
I’ve always been fascinated with keyboards and have several. I’ll show you 10 of my favorite choices for great keyboards to use with Mac mini below.
The Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard offers a 75% layout with low-profile brown switches. It can connect with up to four computers, whether Mac, iPad, iPhone, Windows, etc.
The wired/wireless keyboard debuted at CES 2024, and is available now.
In Cult of Mac‘s Setups coverage, we often come across users wondering on social media about how to easily switch between personal and work computers using the same display, keyboard and other peripherals. A solid solution is a KVM switch, and StarTech rolled out five new ones recently.
The devices’ compact designs could suit home setups — especially elaborate ones that folks are proud enough of to flaunt online.
★★★★☆
The Zagg Pro Keyboard 12 is a slim, lightweight desktop keyboard that uses Bluetooth so no data cable is required. And it also charges wirelessly so it never needs a cable of any kind.
The accessory can be paired with multiple devices, and switch easily between them.
I tested the membrane keyboard in my home office for several weeks. Here’s what it’s like in real-world use.
Zagg just launched a line of Bluetooth desktop keyboards that range in size from 12 inches all the way up to 17 inches, with larger models adding a numberpad and function keys. And they really don’t need wires, as they also charge wirelessly
In addition, the new keyboard lineup includes one designed specifically to plug into the Lightning port of an iPad. And there’s a USB-C variant, too.
★★★★☆
A utilitarian and professional-looking keyboard by day, the 3inus Kebohub EE01 turns into a light show for streaming Fall Guys or whatever on Twitch by night. Live now on Kickstarter, it’s a full RGB-backlit customizable mechanical keyboard with a handy-dandy hub for your USB accessories and HDMI display.
To put it in car terms, it’s like the BMW X5 M, a practical, midsize luxury SUV that’s also trying to be a performance car. Or, in a less generous metaphor, a mullet.
I’ve had a few weeks with the Kebohub EE01; here’s why it’s a good mechanical keyboard plus a good desktop dock for a MacBook.
Shift Happens, a book about keyboards, is now 400% funded on Kickstarter. This makes it the second-most funded non-fiction book ever on the crowdfunding site. The book, by designer/writer Marcin Wichary, “tells the story of keyboards like no book ever before, covering 150 years from the early typewriters to the pixellated keyboards in our pockets,” according to the project website.
Shift Happens is available on Kickstarter until March 9. Donate $150 and you can get the two-volume hardcover set inside a slipcase.
★★★★☆
I’ve been on a quest to discover the perfect Mac keyboard. I’m looking for a compact keyboard with modern Mac styling — and the best key switches money can buy.
That’s when I discovered Model F Labs, whose keyboards are truly one-of-a-kind. They offer plenty of normal designs — but I ordered one in silver with blank unprinted keys. Keep reading to find out why I ordered what I did, why I love it and why I’ll be keeping it on my desk.
![Logitech mechanical mini keyboard makes superb Mac companion [Review]](https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Logitech_MX_Mechanical_Mini_for_Mac_Review.jpg "Logitech mechanical mini keyboard makes superb Mac companion [Review] ★★★★☆")
★★★★☆
The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is a keyboard optimized for Mac. It features low-profile mechanical switches and backlighting, and can be paired with up to three computers
I’ve been using the Bluetooth keyboard in my home office for weeks. Here’s why I’ve come to love it.
Logitech just launched its first mechanical keyboard optimized for Mac. The MX Mechanical Mini features low-profile switches and backlighting.
It’s joined by the MX Master 3S mouse and the Lift mouse in Logitech’s new “Designed for Mac” collection.
★★★★★
Das Keyboard’s MacTigr is specifically for Mac users looking to get serious work done. It uses top-quality mechanical switches in a 105-key layout, and adds on Mac-specific keys as well as other bonus features.
I tested the low-profile keyboard in my home office. Here’s why I’m so impressed.