Mechanical & Membrane keyboards

[KingSaif]

What is the difference between a mechanical and a membrane keyboard?

Do (most) laptops come with mechanical keys because the laptop that I'm currently on (Gateway NV52 (old laptop)) feels very comfortable.

Thanks! =P

Any suggestions on cheap comfortable keyboard FOR gaming; NOT a GAMING keyboard, just for FPS gaming, like Battlefield 3.

Budget: 25$

 

[skaz]

The mechanical keyboard guide is a great source for understanding Mechanical boards. http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

Most laptops have rubber membrane keyboards, but some I believe do have the mechanical scissor switch keyboards.

I can't recommend anything at $25. At that price point you will have to get a rubber membrane keyboard.

EDIT: Heres the comfort curve by MS at under $20 http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Comfort-Curve-Keyboard-3000/dp/B004V94F5C/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1354074737&sr=8-13&keywords=microsoft+keyboard

Or you could get this for $10, and then put the other $15 towards a mechanical keyboard savings fund =)---> http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wired-Keyboard-200-Business/dp/B004SUILFO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1354074737&sr=8-7&keywords=microsoft+keyboard

 

[ssddx]

mechanical keyboards use switches with springs while most keyboards use switches with rubber domes for the action. mechanical keyswitches are generally smooth and precise while rubber dome keyswitches are spongey.

some laptops use scissor dome switches which are a combination type. they use rubber domes with springs in a scissored arrangment for low profile. while not quite the same as a normal mechanical keyboard they are better than normal rubber dome switches.

for $25 you are almost guaranteed to get a rubber dome keyboard.

you can probably nab one of the cheaper models with cherry mx keyswitches for $50-75 on sale and brand new unicomp customizers are in the $60-80 range if i remember correctly.

 

[KingSaif]

The mechanical keyboard guide is a great source for understanding Mechanical boards. http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

Most laptops have rubber membrane keyboards, but some I believe do have the mechanical scissor switch keyboards.

I can't recommend anything at $25. At that price point you will have to get a rubber membrane keyboard.

EDIT: Heres the comfort curve by MS at under $20 http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Comfort-Curve-Keyboard-3000/dp/B004V94F5C/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1354074737&sr=8-13&keywords=microsoft+keyboard

Or you could get this for $10, and then put the other $15 towards a mechanical keyboard savings fund =)---> http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wired-Keyboard-200-Business/dp/B004SUILFO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1354074737&sr=8-7&keywords=microsoft+keyboard

Thanks! So I'm guessing my $400 laptop has a rubber membrane keyboard, which I love using.

Guess I'll be going with a rubber membrane keyboard. Do you suggest any under $25
-with/without (preferably without because I want it to be small) number pad
-Wired/wireless, doesn't matter but I do prefer wireless.
-USB no PS/2 or whatever connection. :S
-Sound doesn't matter, because my keyboard is really loud and it doesn't bother me.
-NOgaming features, just comfortable and durable. (soft thin keys)

Thanks.

 

[ssddx]

logitech.

-their rubber dome switches tend to be lower resistance and easier to press
-they do make models with half height keys
-logitech excells when it comes to bluetooth and rf wireless keyboards and mice
-logitech offers good value for the money

normally you do not find many native ps2 port keyboards. usually they are usb with a provided usb/ps2 adapter if anything.

as far as durability is concerned, dont go with a rubberized keyboard.

 

[KingSaif]

logitech.

-their rubber dome switches tend to be lower resistance and easier to press
-they do make models with half height keys
-logitech excells when it comes to bluetooth and rf wireless keyboards and mice
-logitech offers good value for the money

normally you do not find many native ps2 port keyboards. usually they are usb with a provided usb/ps2 adapter if anything.

as far as durability is concerned, dont go with a rubberized keyboard.

Thanks, what do you think about:

http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K72357US-Keyboard-Compatible-Black/dp/B00426HI8U/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1354105494&sr=1-11&keywords=aPPLE+KEYBOARD+black

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-002478-Keyboard-K120/dp/B003ELVLKU/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1354061778&sr=1-4&keywords=WIRELESS+KEYBOARD

 

[ssddx]

sorry but i cannot view shopping links and its pretty much impossible to keep up on every single model.

i would highly suggest going to a store which sells keyboards and has a display to try some out. staples, officemax, best buy, microcenter to name a few. this way you can try them out per se before you buy them.

 

[KingSaif]

Best answer selected by KingSaif.