Suppose you’re considering purchasing your first mechanical keyboard. In that case, you may have heard that it can be loud, heavier than regular keyboards, harder to clean, and more expensive than non-mechanical keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards are popular among many tech enthusiasts, gamers, and writers. However, some prefer regular keyboards due to their lower price tag and easier portability.
This guide will teach you about the 13 main differences between mechanical and non mechanical keyboards which will help you decide which one best fits your needs and preferences.
13 Main Differences Between Mechanical and Non Mechanical Keyboards
1) Key feel
Mechanical keyboards most often use MX switches which are the highest quality mechanical keyboard switches on the market. They produce crisp, clean, accurate tactile feedback when typing. The high-quality switches result in a more responsive and reliable keyboard.
The keys on mechanical keyboards actuate at a much faster rate than regular rubber dome keyboards do. They also have a longer lifespan of around 50 million keystrokes. This is three to four times the amount that most standard keyboards have.
The only downside to this type of keyboard is that the keys must be cleaned after every hundred thousand keystrokes to maintain their consistent quality. They can be cleaned by using a damp cloth and mild soap.
Non-mechanical keyboards such as rubber domes, membrane keyboards, membrane keyboards with rubber domes, and scissor switches use plastic domes that make a snap or clack noise when they actuate.
They are more affordable than mechanical keyboards because they can be produced in larger quantities at lower prices. This is also the reason why gamers often use them.
They also have a shorter lifespan of around 10,000 keystrokes. These keyboards can be cleaned using warm soapy water and an anti-static brush.
2) Customization
Most mechanical keyboards allow for customization using a variety of switches. By replacing individual keys or keycaps, you can give your keyboard a unique look that fits your personality or preferences. For example, you can place neon green switches instead of the standard brown ones.
You can also choose to purchase your own set of custom keycaps and replace all the keys with different colors on your own. This can really make the keyboard stand out from the crowd.
In order to customize your non-mechanical keyboard, you have to replace it with another keyboard. This can be done by unscrewing the current keyboard and replacing it with a new one. You can also change the keycaps. This is a more expensive way of customizing your keyboard.
3) Sound
You probably won’t hear a tremendous difference between the two types of keyboards when it comes to sound levels. The sound of a mechanical keyboard is louder because it uses switches that are more precise. This means that you’re more likely to hear the click of the key as you type.
Non-mechanical keyboards are often filled with foam or rubber to reduce the sound of each keystroke.
4) Durability
Mechanical keyboards are more durable because they use better quality switches. They will last longer than regular keyboards. The more precise keys help make this type of keyboard more responsive and reliable as you type on it.
Non-mechanical keyboards are more cost-effective and portable because they can be snapped together at a very low price. They don’t require any special tools or giant pieces of equipment to assemble, so you can easily take them apart for cleaning or repairs.
5) Weight
Mechanical keyboards are heavier than non-mechanical ones. This can make them a bit difficult to carry around. There are also parts that have to be installed in the keyboard and add weight.
Finally, there’s the cable which adds additional weight to the keyboard. If you’re looking for a very portable keyboard, a non-mechanical one is probably what you want.
6) Cost
The most expensive mechanical keyboards on the market are custom-made with higher quality switches by different keyboard companies. They are also more sophisticated as they have other features like USB pass-through, RGB light effects, and macros.
The least expensive non-mechanical keyboards use rubber domes and scissor switches. You can find these in lots of online stores or at discount shops. They are usually very inexpensive and durable as they are made with plastic domes or rubber keys instead of additional keycaps.
Non-mechanical keyboards are much more affordable than mechanical ones. This is also why they are often used by gamers. They also have a shorter lifespan of around 10,000 keystrokes. These keyboards can be cleaned using warm soapy water and an anti-static brush.
7) Compactness
Mechanical keyboards aren’t as small as rubber dome keyboards. They are often wider and taller as well. This makes them take up much more space on your desk and is a source of frustration for people who want to place them on the desktop.
Non-mechanical keyboards are more compact and are often just smaller versions of standard keyboards with a few additional keys added in. They can be bought in all shapes and sizes, and you will probably find one that fits your desk perfectly.
8) Comfort
If you’re looking for a keyboard that gives you comfort as you type, you probably want to go with a non-mechanical one. They have better keycaps with cushioned bottoms and are generally more comfortable to use. As they are filled with foam or rubber, they have a softer surface, so your fingers won’t get as tired while typing on them.
Mechanical keyboards are popular with gamers because their keys have a longer lifespan of around 50 million keystrokes. This is three to four times the amount that regular keyboards have. The buttons on mechanical keyboards also click very crisply and are very responsive.
Non-mechanical keyboards are more comfortable because they use lighter plastic domes or rubber keys instead of additional keycaps. They also have a shorter lifespan of around 10,000 keystrokes. These keyboards can be cleaned using warm soapy water and an anti-static brush.
9) Accuracy
Mechanical keyboards are more precise because their keys are made of high-quality switches. These can give you a better experience when you’re typing on them. The buttons on a mechanical keyboard also click very crisply and are very responsive.
The more buttons a non-mechanical keyboard has, the more expensive and advanced it is. Its keys can be made with different types of switches, and they may even have special features like USB pass-through, RGB light effects, and macros.
10) Consistency
The most expensive mechanical keyboards are very consistent. This makes them more accurate and reliable, especially when you use a high-speed mechanical keyboard.
For non-mechanical keyboards, you can customize the switches on them to give the keyboard the type of feel and responsiveness you want. There will probably be more than a dozen different switches available, and they can be purchased individually or in sets.
11) Force curve
Mechanical keyboards are more precise because their keys have a force curve that is much more linear than non-mechanical keyboards. This makes them much more responsive, and the keystrokes seem to come together in one smooth motion.
The more buttons on a non-mechanical keyboard, the more expensive it is. Depending on the type of switches you choose, they can also give you a better experience when you’re typing on them.
12) Palm rejection
Mechanical keyboards have a feature called palm rejection to help you avoid accidentally hitting the wrong keys while typing. This keeps everything as smooth and consistent as it should be to allow you to flow through your work at high speed.
The non-mechanical keyboards that are popular with gamers often have a feature called palm detection, so they keep an eye out for your hands while they’re on the keyboard. This makes them much more responsive and allows you to flow through your work at high speed.
13) Reliability
Mechanical keyboards are more reliable because they have better quality switches and keycaps. This means that the keys can last much longer and give you the type of responsiveness you want.
Non-mechanical keyboards are more durable because they use plastic domes and rubber keys instead of additional keycaps. They are also made with more sophisticated switches and have USB pass-through, RGB light effects, and macros to make them more advanced than standard keyboards.
Conclusion
There are plenty of reasons why people go with non-mechanical keyboards. They’re more stylish, have better responsiveness, and have more features in general. You might even find a keyboard that fits your desk perfectly and gives you the type of responsiveness and features that you’re looking for.
Go out there, experiment with different types of keyboards, and see what works best for you.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our “Should You Angle Your Keyboard For Gaming?” article here!
