People keep comparing membrane keyboards to mechanical ones, claiming that the former isn’t fit for gamers. But are membrane keyboards bad for gaming, or is that just a myth?
The truth is that membrane keyboards are generally not recommended for gaming because many of their features don’t suit that purpose.
Still, that doesn’t make them a downright bad choice.
In fact, some gamers prefer them over mechanical keyboards.
Surprise, right?
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the pros and cons of membrane keyboards and how they can affect your gaming experience.
So, let’s dive in!
3 Reasons Why Some Gamers Love Membrane Keyboards
While this is a widely unpopular opinion, membrane keyboards have their plus points in the gaming world.
Here’s a few of them..
1. They’re Quite Affordable
The coolest thing about membrane keyboards is that they’re more affordable than mechanical keyboards. That doesn’t mean that membranes aren’t expensive at all, it’s just that they’re available at a wider range of prices.
Therefore, people of all budget sizes can invest in good membrane keyboards for gaming without having to break the bank.
The affordability of these keyboards is particularly attractive for beginners, too. These gamers will usually be looking for a keyboard that isn’t over-the-top expensive to introduce them to this new world. At this point, they may not care much about tactility.
2. They Have a Smaller Footprint
Mechanical keyboards tend to be bulkier than membrane keyboards, which may not be a problem to some gamers. Yet, for others, that could be a big disadvantage if they don’t have much desk space.
Also, if you tend to travel a lot for work but would still like to enjoy a fun game of Call of Duty wherever you are, a membrane keyboard may be the best fit here. It won’t take much space in your suitcase, giving you more room to put the rest of your belongings comfortably.
3. Some People Prefer the Lower Keys
While the majority of gamers appreciate having the higher keys of mechanical keyboards to increase tactility, others don’t. Some gamers just love the way that the keys of membrane keyboards respond to their touch.
After all, it’s a matter of personal preference.
3 Reasons Why Many Gamers Don’t Like Membrane Keyboards
If you ask a seasoned gamer why they don’t enjoy playing with a membrane keyboard, they’ll probably list the following reasons. And, to be frank, they’ll have a valid point.
1. They’re Not Tactile
One of the most frustrating things about membrane keyboards is that pressing down their keys feels like pushing your finger on a cushion. This is because membrane keyboards are covered with a rubbery layer.
Of course, this soft press will likely take you out of the mood of an intense game.
There’s nothing like pressing those keys quickly and forcefully as if your life depended on it. And the sound that mechanical keyboard keys produce when you hit them over and over, that just matches the adrenaline pump perfectly!
Another point that makes membrane keyboards less tactile is that they don’t allow you to push two keys at the same time.
As you know, some games depend on pressing two or even three keys simultaneously to get things moving. In that case, a membrane keyboard won’t be of much help.
2. They’re Not Durable
Membrane keyboards can give you an average of five million keypresses if you use them to play games. Of course, that lifespan is considered short when compared to the roaring 80 million keypresses of a high-end mechanical keyboard.
This is why most gamers won’t invest in a membrane keyboard despite its budget-friendly price range. It won’t be as durable as a heavy-duty mechanical keyboard, which can live to five years or more if you take proper care of it.
3. They’re Difficult to Clean
Let’s face it, part of every gamer’s routine is to clean their gaming hardware like award-winners would polish their trophies. For that reason, a typical gamer will always prefer a keyboard that’s easier to deep clean, which isn’t a membrane keyboard.
See, it’s pretty tough to remove the keys of a membrane keyboard to clean it properly, which might affect its performance in the long run. On the other hand, you can take care of a mechanical keyboard without having to move the keys at all.
Where Do Membrane Keyboards Shine Best?
Membrane keyboards exist for a reason, which is typing. Their cushioned keystrokes are perfect for that purpose, keeping writers from being too loud when they type. We can’t say that for mechanical keyboards!
Ironically, some people who use keyboards for office work love the loud sound that they make when typing on a mechanical keyboard. So, again, it’s all about personal preference no matter how strange it may seem to others.
Final Words
Are membrane keyboards bad for gaming?
We can’t label any type of keyboard as bad, but we can only say that most gamers don’t prefer membrane keyboards for many good reasons. They don’t match the nature of a fast-paced game, they don’t live as long as mechanical ones, and they don’t register more than one keystroke in one moment.
Still, it’s fair to mention the upsides of using a membrane keyboard for gaming. For example, it won’t cost you as much as a mechanical keyboard will, not to mention that it’s much easier to transport.
Now that you have all the facts, you can decide whether or not it’s a good idea to invest in a membrane keyboard to play games.
