A low-profile mechanical keyboard like this could be the best of both worlds.
Choosing between mechanical and membrane keyboards
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.
What are membrane keyboards?
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!)
What are the types of membrane keyboards?
Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac is a widely used membrane keeb.
Membrane boards are categorized by their multiple layers and the design of their membranes, which can be either flat switches or dome switches.
Membrane switch
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.
Full travel
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
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
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 style
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.
Defining common keyboard terms
Several terms often come up in describing keyboard properties. Check them out:
Key travel and actuation point: Key travel refers to the distance the key travels from rest until it reaches the actuation point (to activate a switch).
Actuation force means the pressure needed to reach the actuation point, making a keystroke complete.
Tactility describes the sensory feedback a user receives when pressing keys.
Light touch or soft touch refer to a desirable feature ergonomics experts and users seek.
Comparing mechanical and membrane keyboards
Keychron’s Q1 mechanical model brought customizability to the masses.
What are mechanical keebs?
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.
Mechanical keyboards vs. membrane keyboards: Which is better?
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.
Summary: Membrane vs. mechanical keebs
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.
Using Vision Pro's virtual keyboard, you just reach out and touch parts of the screen when you need to. Photo: Apple
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.
★★★★☆
Satechi SM1 offers mac users a compact mechanical keyboard with multiple connectivity options. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
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.
You'll find plenty of options in our guide to the best keyboards for Apple's pint-size Mac.
Photo: Teddy GR/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac
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.
Satechi's first mechanical keyboard won't take up much room on your desk. Photo: Satechi
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.
The built-in cables make the KVM switch look a little complicated, but you can handle it. Photo: StarTech.com
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.
★★★★☆
This new Zagg Pro keyboard uses Bluetooth and wireless charging. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
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.
The new Zagg Pro keyboards use Bluetooth and wireless charging. Photo: Zagg
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.
★★★★☆
It’s useful having ports right at your keyboard. Even if I’m not using any of them in this picture. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
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.
This beautifully designed two-volume book delves deep into keyboard history. Image: Marcin Wichary/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
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.
★★★★☆
It’s a dramatic and radical keyboard that feels right at home with a Mac. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
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.
★★★★☆
Mac users looking for a small mechanical, keyboard should consider this one from Logitech. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
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.
★★★★★
The Das Keyboard MacTigr is a durable mechanical keyboard made specifically for Mac. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
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.
Not for Windows users. Das Keyboard promises MacTigr provides "a premium Mac typing experience." Photo: Das Keyboard
Unlike so many keyboards, the MacTigr is specifically for Mac. The designers at Das Keyboard included Mac-specific keys in a low-profile mechanical keyboard made of high-quality materials.
In addition to Cherry MX Low Profile Red mechanical switches, the accessory is packed with extra features, like a volume knob, sleep button and even a two-port USB-C hub.
With the new update, Logitech peripherals like the MX Master 3 mouse should work more smoothly. Photo: Logitech
In what will surely be welcome news for folks who like to use the company’s peripherals with their Macs, Logitech said it’s rolling out full native M1 support in the latest beta version of its Logi Options+ software.
If you use Logitech products, you may think of it as Logi Options. Logi Options+ replaces that software and features some enhancements in addition to the native support for Silicon Macs.
The new Logitech G413 SE comes in full size, above, or a tenkeyless version. Photo: Logitech G
Serious gamers like to use specialized gaming gear in their computer setups. And that includes input devices like souped-up mice and sleek mechanical keyboards. The good news is, the latter keep getting better and cheaper. On Wednesday, Logitech’s gaming arm, Logitech G, rolled out the G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in two sizes.
And better yet, the two new keebs’ prices won’t break the bank.
This concept drawing gives a side view of the mechanism that could be used in a MacBook with a pop-up keyboard. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Suppose the keyboard of your MacBook rose up slightly and pivoted toward you when you opened the lid. That’s the idea described by a patent Apple was just awarded.
The concept has ergonomic benefits but also adds moving parts.
Logitech’s new Pop collection hopes to make dark, drab desks a thing of the past. Both its Pop Keys keyboard, which features real mechanical keys, and the Pop Mouse sport quirky designs with bright and colorful finishes.
Prices start at $39.99, and they work great with Apple devices, including Mac and iPad. You can order yours this month.
Save on stellar accessories in Logitech’s big Memorial Day sale. You can get up to 56% off mice, keyboards, webcams and more, with prices starting at a mere $7.99. Start shopping before the sale ends!
The high-end MX Series keyboard and mouse from Logitech get a Mac-oriented overhaul. Photo: Logitech
Logitech launched Mac versions of its popular MX Keys and MX Master 3 on Tuesday, giving the pro keyboard and mouse a space gray makeover and adding some Apple-specific tweaks.
Most of the changes seem totally awesome for the “Mac purists” Logitech is targeting with these high-end accessories. One change might not be so welcome, though, depending on your experience with Bluetooth peripherals.
The company also released a new Mac-oriented version of its smaller K380 keyboard in white and pink color options.
The filthiest part of you computer is probably its keyboard. It’s the part you touch the most, it’s the part you likely use to catch the debris from your lunch, and it’s the part that you probably never clean, because you don’t look at it enough to get grossed out. And these days, as doctors warn us to wash our hands constantly (and correctly) to avoid the coronavirus, you probably want to make sure that your keyboard is not just clean, but sanitized.
This is a fairly straightforward process, so let’s get started.
The Kolude KD-K1 Keyhub combines two important accessories into one, saving on clutter. Photo: Kolude
The Kolude KD-K1 Keyhub merges keyboard and multiport hub into one accessory — it’s right there in the name. The designers included scissor-switch keys in an aluminum casing, as well as nine ports, including USB-A and HDMI.
It extends the connectivity of Macs and iPad Pro, and all the ports are easily accessible.
Finally, you can remap that stupid globe to an escape key. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Using a keyboard with your iPad is a beautiful thing. It seems like every iOS update brings more and more keyboard shortcuts. But until now, you’ve been stuck using Mac-compatible keyboards only. If you hooked up a PC keyboard to your iPad, then the ⌘ and ⌥ keys would be the wrong way around.
On the Mac, thats always been easy to fix, thanks to a preference screen for switching these keys via software. And now, in iOS 13.4 beta, you can finally remaps modifier keys, too. And, yes, you can even remap the stupid globe icon on Apple’s Smart Folio Keyboard.
Clickety-clacky, there's no going back Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
You probably need a keyboard. If you have an iMac, then you already have the one Apple included the box. If you have an iPad or a MacBook, then you should have that thing up on a stand at eye level, with a keyboard and mouse/trackpad attached so you don’t kill your neck/back/wrists. And if you want a clicky keyboard that works great with all three, then pretty much your best (and only) option is the Keychron K2, a beautiful, solid little device that can work with just about any device you have.
The Satechi Compact Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard leaves plenty of extra room on your desktop. Photo: Satechi
Don’t let the name fool you — the Satechi Compact Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard includes a full keypad and numberpad. Plus, it can be paired with three devices, and switch easily between them.
![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-1536x864.jpg "Logitech mechanical mini keyboard makes superb Mac companion [Review] ★★★★☆")
