Why are mechanical keyboards so expensive?

Mechanical keyboards are expensive because they use high-quality parts like individual switches under each key. These switches are strong, long-lasting, and cost more to make than membrane layers.

What Is a Membrane Keyboard? A Beginner’s Guide

Published: 2 Sep 2025

Many people use keyboards every day, but did you know that most of them use membrane keyboards? You might wonder, “Why do some keyboards feel soft while others click loudly?” If your fingers hurt after long typing hours or your loud keyboard disturbs others, you’re not alone.

Membrane keyboards offer a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable typing experience. Whether you’re working, studying, or just browsing, knowing what a membrane keyboard is can help you make a better choice for your hands and peace of mind.

In this article, we’ll learn about what a membrane keyboard is.

Table of Content

What is a Membrane Keyboard?
How Does a Membrane Keyboard Work?
Types of Membrane Keyboards
Features of Membrane Keyboards
Where Are Membrane Keyboards Used?
Pros
Cons
How to Clean a Membrane Keyboard
Conclusion
FAQs

What is a Membrane Keyboard?

A membrane keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses a soft, flexible layer under the keys instead of separate mechanical switches. When you press a key, it pushes down on this soft layer to make contact and send a signal.

These keyboards are usually quiet, lightweight, and cheaper to make. They are common in laptops, budget desktops, and home offices.

Quiet: It makes very little noise when you type.
Soft: Keys feel smooth and gentle under your fingers.
Light: It is not heavy and is easy to carry.
Cheap: It costs less than most other keyboard types.
Simple: It is easy to use and great for daily tasks.

How Does a Membrane Keyboard Work?

A membrane keyboard has three main layers:

Top Membrane Layer: This layer has the printed symbols (like A, B, C) that we press.
Spacer Layer: This layer separates the top and bottom membranes. It has holes under each key to let them press down.
Bottom Membrane Layer: This layer contains the electrical circuits.

Here’s how it works.

When you press a key, the top layer pushes through the hole in the spacer layer and touches the bottom circuit layer.
This creates an electrical connection.
The keyboard then sends the signal to the computer to show the letter or number.

A simple way to understand this is to imagine a microwave button. When you press it, it makes no sound, but it still works. That’s how membrane keyboards feel.

Types of Membrane Keyboards

There are mainly two types of membrane keyboards.

Flat-Panel Membrane Keyboards: Membrane keyboards are flat, sealed, and used in devices like microwaves and calculators. They protect against dust and water, but are not made for fast typing.
Full-Travel Membrane Keyboards: Membrane keyboards look like regular computer keyboards. The keys move a little, which is called “travel,” and this makes typing more comfortable. They are common in laptops and desktop computers.

Both types use the same membrane principle, but full-travel keyboards are more user-friendly.

Features of Membrane Keyboards

There are many special features of a membrane keyboard that make it useful.

Quiet: They don’t make loud clicking noises like mechanical keyboards. This is great for offices or libraries.
Design: Because they use fewer parts, they are lighter and easier to carry.
Budget: Membrane keyboards are cheaper to make and buy. Great for students or home users.
Resistant: Some membrane keyboards are sealed and water-resistant, making them safer in case of accidents.
Compact: They often take up less space, which is great for laptops or tight workspaces.

These features make them a good choice for many users who want a simple and affordable keyboard.

Where Are Membrane Keyboards Used?

Membrane keyboards are used in many places.

Offices: For daily typing tasks like emails and documents.
Schools: Easy to replace if damaged and affordable.
Home: Perfect for browsing, homework, and casual use.
Gaming: Some gamers use membrane keyboards if they can’t afford mechanical ones.
Laptops: Most laptops come with membrane keyboards to keep them slim and light.

You might find them almost everywhere, from your kitchen microwave to your child’s toy laptop.

Pros

Membrane keyboards offer many good features for daily use. People like them because they are quiet, light, and easy to use. They also cost less and work well for simple tasks. That’s why many people choose them for home, school, or office work.

Let’s look at some clear advantages of a membrane keyboard.

Membrane keyboards stay quiet and do not make noisy typing sounds.
They cost less and are very affordable for most people.
These keyboards are lightweight, so you can carry them easily.
Many models resist water and stay safe from small spills.
The soft keys feel gentle on your fingers while typing.

Cons

Membrane keyboards also have some drawbacks. They may not last as long as mechanical keyboards. The keys can feel less responsive while typing. Fast typists or gamers may not enjoy using them for long hours.

Let’s look at some clear disadvantages of a membrane keyboard.

Membrane keyboards wear out faster and have a shorter lifespan.
They give less feedback, so you may not feel key presses clearly.
They work more slowly for fast typists and can reduce accuracy.
Dirt can get trapped inside, so they are harder to clean.
They respond slowly, so they are not great for gaming.

How to Clean a Membrane Keyboard

Keeping your keyboard clean helps it work smoothly and last longer. Dust, crumbs, and dirt can build up over time and affect how the keys feel or respond.

Here are the points to clean a membrane keyboard.

Turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard.
Shake the keyboard gently to remove loose dust or crumbs.
Wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth or a brush.
Use a cotton swab with a little rubbing alcohol to clean around the keys.
Remove keycaps carefully if the keyboard is very dirty.
Clean under the keys using a soft cloth or brush.
Use compressed air to blow out dust from hard-to-reach areas.
Do not pour water or spray liquid directly on the keyboard.
Let all parts dry completely before plugging it back in.
Clean the keyboard regularly to keep it working well.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve learned about a membrane keyboard. Membrane keyboards are a great choice for people who want a quiet, low-cost, and easy-to-use typing option. They may not be the best for gaming or fast typing, but they work well for everyday tasks like writing, browsing, or studying.

Their soft keys, simple design, and lightweight make them popular for home, school, and office use. Remember, simple tools like membrane keyboards can do a lot!

Did you enjoy reading this? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

FAQs

Here are some simple answers to help you understand membrane keyboards even better.

Where Are Membrane Keyboards Used?

Membrane keyboards are used in many places, like homes, schools, and office,s because they are simple, quiet, and affordable. They are also found in laptops and devices like microwave ovens and printers.

Are mechanical keyboards better for typing?

Mechanical keyboards can be better for typing because they have strong, clicky keys that feel more comfortable for some people. They give better feedback and are good for fast, long typing. However, they are louder and more expensive than membrane keyboards.

Why are mechanical keyboards better?

Mechanical keyboards are better because they use strong switches under each key, which makes typing faster and more accurate. They last longer, give better feedback, and feel more comfortable for people who type a lot.

Do membrane keyboards make noise?

No, membrane keyboards do not make much noise. They have soft keys that press down gently without loud clicks. This makes them great for quiet places like offices or libraries. Many people prefer them for late-night use or shared spaces.

Can I use a membrane keyboard with a laptop?

Yes, you can use a membrane keyboard with a laptop. You just need to plug it into a USB port or connect it through Bluetooth if it’s wireless. It helps when you want a bigger keyboard or don’t want to use the built-in one.

Are all cheap keyboards membrane keyboards?

Yes, most cheap keyboards are membrane keyboards. They are made with low-cost materials and a simple design, which makes them affordable. That’s why many budget keyboards use membrane technology.

Can kids use membrane keyboards easily?

Yes, kids can use membrane keyboards easily. The keys are soft, light, and don’t need much force to press, which is perfect for small hands. Their simple design also helps children learn typing comfortably and safely.

Are membrane keyboards waterproof?

Some membrane keyboards are water-resistant, but not all are fully waterproof. Water-resistant ones can handle small spills or splashes without damage. However, it’s still best to keep liquids away to avoid any risk. Always check the product details before buying.

Can a membrane keyboard be used for gaming?

Yes, a membrane keyboard can be used for gaming, especially for casual or beginner gamers. It works well for simple games and everyday use. However, for fast-paced or competitive gaming, many people prefer mechanical keyboards for better speed and accuracy.