When you choose to get faster at typing, the first thing you may consider is practice. But what about the tool you are typing on? The everyday keyboard you use could be a major factor in how quickly, accurately, and comfortably you type. The two most common types of keyboards are mechanical and membrane. Typists have debated for years on which is better. Let's understand the differences between mechanical and membrane keyboards and pick the one that suits you best for fast typing.
What is a Membrane Keyboard?
A membrane keyboard consists of a single rubber or silicone sheet underneath the keys. When you press a key, it pushes the rubber dome down to make contact with the circuit board below. Membrane is the most common type of keyboard available, including most standard office keyboards and laptop keyboards.
- Pros: They are budget-friendly, very quiet, and often spill-resistant.
- Cons: They have a "mushy" feel. Because there is no clear physical feedback, you often "bottom out" (press the key all the way down), which slows you down and tires your fingers.
What is a Mechanical Keyboard?
Under each and every key on a mechanical keyboard, there is an individual plastic switch. Each switch has a spring and metal contacts. When you press the key, you feel a distinct tactile bump or hear a click halfway down, meaning the key has already registered. You don't need to press the key all the way to the bottom.
- Pros: Excellent tactile feedback and extreme durability (often lasting 50 million keypresses). You can type faster because you don't have to press keys fully.
- Cons: They are louder and more expensive than membrane keyboards.
Why Mechanical Keyboards Are Popular Among Fast Typists
Mechanical keyboards are the choice of most professional typists and programmers. The secret lies in the "actuation point." The actuation point is the moment the key registers. On a membrane keyboard, you have to press the key all the way down. On a mechanical keyboard, the key registers halfway up. This means you can "float" over the keys, barely pressing them, allowing for incredibly fast typing speeds. Interested in whether a mechanical keyboard can boost your WPM? Try our Free Typing Speed Test before and after switching!
Choosing the Right Mechanical Switch for Typing
Not all mechanical keyboards are the same. The "switch" inside determines how it feels:
- Linear Switches (e.g., Red): Smooth from top to bottom. Good for gaming, but typists might make more mistakes because there is no bump to tell you the key registered.
- Tactile Switches (e.g., Brown): Has a small bump in the middle of the press. This is the best switch for typists because the bump tells your brain exactly when to stop pressing, reducing fatigue and errors.
- Clicky Switches (e.g., Blue): Has a bump AND a loud click sound. Great feedback, but the noise can drive your coworkers crazy!
Are Membrane Keyboards Bad for Typing?
No, absolutely not. You can still type at 80+ WPM on a membrane keyboard. In fact, many people prefer the quietness of membrane keyboards for office environments. If you are on a budget or work in a shared space, a high-quality membrane keyboard is perfectly fine for practicing. Our Typing Lessons can help you build speed regardless of what keyboard you own.
Conclusion
If you want the absolute best tool for speed, accuracy, and reducing finger fatigue, a mechanical keyboard with tactile (Brown) switches is the winner. However, a membrane keyboard is still a perfectly good tool for everyday typing. The most important thing is to practice consistently. Ready to test your current setup? Take our 1-minute Free Typing Test now and track your progress!