A membrane keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses a rubber or silicone membrane beneath the keys to provide the typing mechanism. When a key is pressed, the membrane compresses and completes an electrical circuit, registering the keystroke.
Membrane keyboards are typically slim, lightweight, and more affordable than mechanical ones. There are many reasons why membrane keyboards are still preferred, one of which is their quiet operation. Apart from that, many additional features are available on membrane keyboards, making them a decent choice for a tight budget.
- Key Style: The key style in a membrane keyboard refers to the design and physical characteristics of the keys themselves. The key style for a membrane keyboard can vary in shape, size, texture, and overall aesthetics. The key style plays a vital role in the user experience and can impact typing comfort, accuracy, and overall satisfaction.
- Special Features: Special features in a membrane keyboard include features like anti-ghosting, shortcuts, and RGB lighting that are more commonly available on premium-range mechanical keyboards. Anti-ghosting is a crucial feature, especially for gamers and fast typists. It allows the keyboard to accurately register and recognize multiple simultaneous key presses. Keyboard shortcuts on the other hand provide quick access to specific functions, commands, or macros.
- Connectivity Options: Many membrane keyboards offer a wired connection option, typically through a USB interface. Wired connectivity provides a reliable and stable connection between the keyboard and the computer. However, a lot of options these days also offer wireless connectivity, which makes it possible to travel with the keyboard and connect it to any of your systems with ease, even portable devices like laptops and smartphones.
Today, we will look at some of the best options for a membrane keyboard. If you have already decided that a mechanical keyboard is not something you would prefer for your home or office, you have come to the right place. We have carefully curated this list of the best membrane keyboards where you can find the best options from leading accessories brands. We also have a “Buying Guide” for the best membrane keyboards, where you can find additional information about the best features and specifications of a membrane keyboard.
Best Membrane Keyboard List
| Membrane Keyboard | Key Style | Special Features | Connectivity Options | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arteck 2.4G Membrane Keyboard | Square Keycaps | -- | USB Wireless | Check On Amazon |
| Logitech Membrane Keyboard | Square Keycaps | -- | USB | Check On Amazon |
| Perixx Membrane Keyboard | Round Keycaps | short cut - 12 | USB | Check On Amazon |
| LANGTU Membrane Keyboard | Square Keycaps | anti-ghosting - 25 | USB | Check On Amazon |
| TopMate Membrane Keyboard | Square Keycaps | short cut - 11 | USB Wireless | Check On Amazon |
| AmazonBasics Membrane Keyboard | Square Keycaps | - | USB | Check On Amazon |
| Fiodio Membrane Keyboard | Square Keycaps | anti-ghosting - 26 | USB | Check On Amazon |
| SABLUTE Membrane Keyboard | Square Keycaps | -- | USB A Wireless | Check On Amazon |
Best Membrane Keyboard Reviews
1. Arteck 2.4G Membrane Keyboard
If you are looking for a membrane keyboard for routine tasks, then we suggest going with an option that is preferred by thousands of buyers already. The following keyboard from Arteck is the most popular option for you today for a membrane keyboard.
The Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard is our list’s 1st and most popular membrane keyboard for you today. With this keyboard, you can have an effortless setup with the 2.4G Wireless connector. The keyboard’s ergonomic design is crafted from stainless steel, providing a robust and durable feel. The low-profile keys ensure a quiet and comfortable typing experience, reducing noise distractions.
The built-in rechargeable lithium battery boasts an industry-leading capacity, offering an impressive 6-month battery life on a single charge. This estimate is based on 2 hours of continuous daily use, ensuring long-lasting performance without the hassle of frequent battery replacements.
Despite its compact size of 16.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches and lightweight design of 14.9 ounces, the Arteck Wireless Keyboard doesn’t compromise functionality. It features full-size keys, including arrow keys, a number pad, and convenient shortcuts, allowing for comfortable and efficient typing.
Best Features
- This keyboard has square keycaps
- Easy to set up
- It supports USB and wireless connectivity
- It has up to 6 months of battery life
Pros
- Most popular option available on the market right now
- Battery life is pretty impressive
- It has 2 years of warranty
Cons
- It does not have RGB illumination
2. Logitech Membrane Keyboard
Logitech, as we all know, is one of leading brands on the market for computer accessories. Apart from a wide range of high-profile mechanical keyboards, it also offers a few options for a premium membrane keyboard.
The Logitech MX Keys Keyboard is meticulously designed to offer a perfect typing experience with uniquely shaped keys to match the contours of your fingertips. With that, you can enjoy comfortable, stable, and precise typing on a keyboard crafted for optimal comfort and stability. You can also connect the keyboard to your device using the included Unifying USB Receiver or Bluetooth low-energy technology, offering versatility and convenience.
The MX Keys Keyboard also features smart illumination with hand proximity detection and automatic backlighting. The keyboard is powered through the USB cable, which only provides power and can last up to 10 days on a full charge or up to 5 months with the backlighting turned off, ensuring long-lasting performance. As for the wired connection, you will find a USB-C port on the keyboard on this 5.1 x 16.9 x 0.8 inches compact keyboard
Best Features
- This keyboard has square keycaps
- Smart backlight with ambient sensor
- It supports USB connectivity
- 3 color options are available
Pros
- Coming from a highly reliable brand
- Battery lasts for up to 5 months
- USB- C port for connectivity
Cons
- Very expensive option for a membrane keyboard
3. Perixx Membrane Keyboard
Coming back to budget options, we have a great option coming from a brand called Perixx. You will find the design and appearance of this keyboard quite different from standard membrane keyboards, and close to premium mechanical options.
The Perixx PERIBOARD-317R features a big font and a full-size layout for an improved typing experience. With 105 keys, this keyboard offers an elegant and adjustable backlighting system, making it easier to see the keys. The letters on the keys are four times larger than those on a typical keyboard, ensuring enhanced visibility and readability. The Periboard-317 Keyboard showcases a stylish key design inspired by classic typewriter-style keys. These round keycaps provide a stable and comfortable typing experience with every keypress.
Accessing shortcuts is made convenient with this keyboard thanks to its 12 hotkeys for shortcuts. You can simply activate the hotkeys by pressing the Fn key. These shortcuts include media control, e-mail, a calculator, and a home button, streamlining your workflow and improving productivity. The keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, ensuring broad compatibility with different operating systems. The package includes one Periboard-317 Keyboard, and it comes with a 12-month limited warranty.
Best Features
- This keyboard has round keycaps
- You will find 12 easy shortcut keys on the keyboard
- It supports USB connectivity
- Tri-color backlit illumination
Pros
- Keeys caps have a large font
- Different keycap design
- It has a year of warranty
Cons
- Overall build quality could have been better
4. LANGTU Membrane Keyboard
As we mentioned before, it is quite common nowadays to find a highly attractive membrane keyboard that resembles the design and appearance of a premium mechanical option. LANGTU is also a keyboard manufacturer offering a wide range of such options.
Unlike most other membrane keyboards on the market, the LANGTU Membrane Gaming Keyboard is a membrane keyboard especially designed for gamers. With this keyboard, you can enhance your gaming experience and seek a competitive edge in your favourite games. With its durable construction and responsive keys, this keyboard offers optimal performance for gaming enthusiasts. Inside the package, you will find a detachable wrist rest for comfort in extended sessions.
It also has customizable RGB backlighting, allowing you to personalize your gaming setup with vibrant lighting effects. You can choose from various colors and lighting patterns to create an immersive gaming atmosphere. The dedicated function keys can easily adjust or turn off the backlighting. But more importantly, it is equipped with anti-ghosting technology so that every keystroke is registered accurately, even during intense gaming sessions. This feature prevents key conflicts, allowing you to execute complex commands seamlessly.
Best Features
- This keyboard has square keycaps
- It has 25 anti-ghosting keys
- It supports USB connectivity
- Soft and responsive keys
Pros
- Overall design is pretty good
- Rated for up to 10,000,000 clicks
- Rainbow backlight is pretty attractive
Cons
- Keyboard is a bit heavier than other options
5. TopMate Membrane Keyboard
If you are specifically looking for a membrane keyboard, you might be looking for an option that you can travel with and easily work on the go. For that, we will suggest the combo deal presented here from TopMate.
Up next, we have a value-for-the-money deal with the TopMate Wireless Keyboard and Mouse. The combo utilizes a single Nano receiver, conveniently stored at the bottom of the mouse, eliminating the need for additional software installation. Simply plug and play for a clutter-free desk setup. It features a full-size layout with a numeric keypad and 11 function keys for quick access to music, volume control, email, and more. The wireless keyboard and mouse combo is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows XP/ME/Vista/7/8/10/11.
The keyboard works seamlessly with devices with a USB slot, such as PCs, laptops, Macbooks, desktops, Chromebooks, and smart TVs. Designed with portability in mind, the wireless PC keyboard boasts an ultra-slim and lightweight design. With dimensions of 14.55 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches and a slim ABS plastic body of only 0.8 inches, it saves space and is easy to carry. The sleek keyboard and mouse combo design is a perfect match for any office desk, making it suitable for business travel, home, library, and other public occasions.
Best Features
- This keyboard has square keycaps
- There are 11 shortcut keys available
- It supports USB and wireless connectivity
- 9 different color options are available
Pros
- It comes with a free wireless mouse as well
- Overall very portable and compact option
- Batteries are included
Cons
- Size may be to compact for some users
6. AmazonBasics Membrane Keyboard
While there are a lot of budget options available for a membrane keyboard, AmazonBasics is the ultimate solution for day-to-day tasks. This is a highly reliable budget option from this brand like the rest of its product lineup.
Experience comfortable and quiet typing with the AmazonBasics Low-Profile Wired Keyboard. This keyboard features low-profile keys that provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The matte black design adds a sleek touch to your workspace, while the US layout (QWERTY) ensures familiarity and ease of use. With a simple wired USB connection, this keyboard offers a hassle-free setup. Connect it to your device using the USB cable, and you can start typing.
Convenient hotkeys are included, allowing easy access to media controls, My Computer, mute, volume adjustments, and the calculator. These hotkeys provide quick shortcuts to commonly used functions, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Additionally, four function keys control the previous track, stop, play/pause, and next track on a media player, making it convenient to manage your music playback. The Keyboard is compatible with various Windows operating systems, including Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. Whether you have an older version of Windows or the latest one, this keyboard is designed to work seamlessly with your system.
Best Features
- This keyboard has square keycaps
- Low profile keyboard
- It supports USB connectivity
- Perfect option for basic needs
Pros
- Most affordable membrane keyboard
- Standard design of the keyboard
- Low profile design for portability
Cons
- It does not have any visually appealing features
7. Fiodio Membrane Keyboard
We have yet another top-rated gaming membrane keyboard up next on our list from Fiodio. Even though it is not as popular as other options on this list, you can still find many decent features on this keyboard.
We have one more great choice to offer if you are looking for a gaming membrane keyboard. The Fiodio Rainbow Membrane Gaming Keyboard has been tested for over 10,000,000 keystrokes, ensuring long-lasting performance and a reliable typing experience. The spill-resistant design adds an extra layer of protection, allowing you to use the keyboard without worry, even in accidental spills. Inside the package, you will also find a user manual to assist you with any setup or usage questions you may have.
This USB-wired keyboard is also a plug-and-play device, eliminating the need for any additional software support. It is a versatile choice for PC, laptop, and computer use. The keyboard is compatible with operating systems such as Win XP, Win7, Win8, and Win10. And with the anti-ghosting technology, the keyboard allows up to 26 keys to be pressed simultaneously without conflicts. This feature provides a smooth and responsive gaming experience, ensuring your commands are registered accurately. Additionally, the multimedia keys offer convenient control over audio settings, making it easier to adjust volume or other media functions.
Best Features
- This keyboard has square keycaps
- It has 26 anti-ghosting keys
- It supports USB and wireless connectivity
- Spill resistant keys
Pros
- RGB gaming membrane keyboard
- Made up of ABS material
- Rated for 10,000,000 keystrokes
Cons
- Slightly expensive than a few other options
8. SABLUTE Membrane Keyboard
If you have not found the perfect membrane keyboard for your needs yet, you will surely like our last option from SABLUTE. Unlike any other keyboard we have seen so far, this keyboard offers some exclusive features in terms of compatibility and accessibility.
Rounding up our picks for the best membrane keyboards is the SABLUTE Wireless Keyboard. Since this is also a versatile option, it comes with 7 switchable backlights and 3 brightness levels to create a personalized visual typing atmosphere and easily work in dark environments. The keys are clear and illuminated, providing excellent visibility. Additionally, the U-shaped holder with the keyboard allows for better viewing angles when watching videos, video conferencing, reading materials, or placing your devices for charging.
With this keyboard, you will experience a super quiet typing experience with no latency. The unique scissor-switch key design adds stability, quick press, and bounce for enhanced comfort while reducing typing noise by over 95%.
This keyboard shows consideration for your surroundings, making it ideal for quiet environments such as libraries, coffee shops, or late-night work. The rechargeable keyboard offers low energy consumption and long-lasting use. On a single charge, it can work normally for up to 90 days without the backlight function. If the backlight function is turned on, the normal usage time ranges from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the brightness level.
Best Features
- This keyboard has square keycaps
- 7 color backlight setting
- It supports USB – A and wireless connectivity
- Full-size rechargeable keyboard
Pros
- It has a wrist rest
- Keyboard also has a smartphone holder
- Come with multiple accessories
Cons
- Not the best option for official use
Buying Guide For The Best Membrane Keyboard
Membrane keyboards tend to be more resistant to dust, dirt, and liquid spills. The membrane layer acts as a protective barrier, preventing debris from entering the key mechanism and potentially damaging the internal components. For that and many other reasons, you will find a lot of people out there going for a membrane keyboard instead of a mechanical one.
Also, the softer and more cushioned typing feel compared to mechanical keyboards is somewhat less tiring on a membrane keyword, making it possible to sustain hour-long typing sessions without fatigue. But for that, you must also get your hands on the perfect membrane keyboard. With the rising popularity of mechanical options, you will find fewer and fewer choices in the membrane keyboard section nowadays. Therefore, we have already shortlisted the best options for you right here. And if you are unsure how to pick up the perfect membrane keyboard, worry not. You will find all the information you need in our buying guide here.
1. Key Style
One crucial aspect of key style is the shape of the keys. Different shapes, such as flat, concave, or domed, can affect how the fingers naturally rest on the keys and the overall typing ergonomics. The shape of the keys can influence the accuracy of keystrokes and reduce the likelihood of accidental key presses.
The size and spacing of the keys also contribute to the key style. Adequate spacing between the keys is also crucial for preventing accidental keystrokes and improving typing accuracy. Additionally, the size of the keys should not be overlooked as it can impact the overall typing experience. Keys that are too small or too large may cause discomfort and hinder typing speed and accuracy. The key style should balance providing enough surface area for comfortable typing and maintaining sufficient spacing to minimize errors.
2. Keyboard Size
The size of a membrane keyboard plays an important role in its functionality, ergonomics, and overall portability. The size of a membrane keyboard directly affects the comfort and ergonomics of typing. A larger keyboard typically provides more space for your hands and allows for a more natural and relaxed typing posture. It also reduces the likelihood of accidental key presses and minimizes hand and wrist strain during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, smaller-sized membrane keyboards offer advantages in terms of portability and space constraints.
Compact keyboards, such as tenkeyless (TKL) or 60% keyboards, have a reduced size by eliminating the numeric keypad and sometimes other function keys or navigation keys. So as you can imagine, such keyboards can be ideal for those who like to work on the go or looking for a secondary keyboard to use while traveling.
3. Special Features
When it comes to special features, there is a lot more to see with the new generation of keyboards available on the market, for both mechanical as well as membrane keyboards. One of the most prominent features you will find on many keyboards these days is RGB illumination. RGB lighting in a membrane keyboard adds a visual appeal and customization options.
The ability to customize individual keys’ color and lighting effects allows users to create personalized lighting schemes that match their preferences or gaming setups. Apart from making the keyboard a visual treat, it also helps users to type in the dark, making it possible to work at night without needing to keep your desk lamp turned ON.
Some membrane keyboards also offer programmable macro functionality, allowing users to record and assign complex series of keystrokes or commands to a single key or combination of keys. This feature is highly beneficial for streamlining repetitive tasks, automating sequences of actions, or executing complex commands with a single press. Lastly, we will suggest you check the aunty-ghosting feature on membrane keyboards. Just like mechanical options, this feature on a membrane ensures that all keystrokes are accurately detected and provides a seamless and responsive user experience.
4. Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, you can easily find options on the market that offer wired, wireless, or in some cases, both options. Wired keyboards are basically plug-and-play devices, requiring no additional driver installations or initial setup. They are also not susceptible to wireless interference, making them a dependable choice for professional use, gaming, or situations where a consistent and uninterrupted connection is desired. As for wireless options, you can find 2 different Bluetooth or connection options via a dedicated dongle. Out of which, Bluetooth-powered wireless keyboards are more versatile and compatible with a wider range of options. The keyboards that work with a dedicated dongle are somewhat limited in terms of compatibility, as you will need a USB port on your system to connect these options. Also, the wireless connectivity option would be useless if you lose the dongle while traveling.
Membrane Keyboard – FAQs
Ans: While membrane keyboards can be used for gaming, they may not offer the same level of performance and tactile feedback as mechanical keyboards. Membrane keyboards generally have a softer and quieter keypress feel than mechanical ones. Some gamers prefer the more cushioned and low-profile keys of membrane keyboards, while others prefer the distinct tactile feedback and higher actuation force provided by mechanical switches.
Ans: Membrane keyboards typically have limited customizable lighting effects compared to mechanical keyboards. While some membrane keyboards may offer basic lighting customization, such as changing the backlight’s color or brightness, a few options support zone-based RGB illumination. However, there aren’t many options for a membrane keyboard that can come close to the customization options available with premium mechanical keyboards offered by Razer or Corsair.
Ans: In most cases, keycaps on a membrane keyboard can be replaced, but it’s important to note that the options for keycap replacements might be more limited, unlike what you get with mechanical keyboards. Keycap replacements for membrane keyboards must be compatible with the specific keyboard model. Membrane keyboards often have a different keycap design and attachment mechanism than mechanical ones. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the replacement keycaps are designed specifically for your membrane keyboard model to ensure proper fit and functionality.
Ans: In general, most membrane keyboards would not require any additional software or drivers to function. They are typically plug-and-play devices that can be connected to a computer or other compatible device via USB or PS/2 ports. Once connected, the keyboard should work immediately without the need for any additional software installations. The operating system recognizes membrane keyboards as standard input devices, and the basic keyboard functionalities, such as typing and standard shortcut keys such as volume control, pause/play, etc, should work without specific drivers or software.
Conclusion
In this guide, we discussed membrane keyboards and various aspects related to their functionality, features, and suitability for different purposes. These simplistic keyboards are highly beneficial for some users, especially those looking for a basic keyboard that can offer a comfortable typing experience without any additional noise. So even though mechanical keyboards are highly popular right now, there is also a pretty high demand for membrane keyboards. Another advantage of membrane keyboards is their relatively low cost. The materials and manufacturing processes used in membrane keyboards make them more affordable to produce compared to mechanical keyboards. If you are unsure how to buy the perfect membrane keyboard, you can check out our buying guide for the best membrane keyboards. Or, you can simply go with one of our top choices below.
- Just like most other tech products and accessories, AmazonBasics Membrane Keyboard is offering a budget alternative for a membrane keyboard as well, which easily passes as the perfect keyboard for usual tasks. This low-profile full-sized USB keyboard is highly portable because of its slim design. You also get a handful of hotkeys on this keyboard for media control, computer access, volume control, etc. The keyboard measures about 17.39 x 5.01 x 1.06 inches, meaning you will already feel familiar with the keyboard even on the first try.
- As we mentioned before, many brands are out there that are bringing the features of a premium mechanical keyboard to a membrane option so that you don’t miss out on the goodie. One such option is the SABLUTE Membrane Keyboard which comes with 7 colored backlights and wireless connectivity via a 2.4G connector. Apart from that, this keyboard also features a dedicated slot to hold your smartphone so that you can easily use the keyboard on your smartphone. Once fully recharged, this keyboard will easily suffice for up to 90 days of performance if the backlight is not used, or up to 24 hours with full backlight in wireless mode. For wired connectivity, you also get a Type C USB port so you don’t have to stop your work if the keyboard is discharged.
- Lastly, we recommend going with the most reliable brand choice available for PC accessories. The Logitech MX Keys Membrane Keyboard is one of the few options that can guarantee the tactile feel of a mechanical keyboard on a membrane keyboard. It also features smart illumination so you won’t have to turn on the backlight in a dark room manually. Since it is also a premium wireless keyboard, you can expect up to 5 months of battery backup without the backlight and up to 10 days of performance with smart illumination. One of the exclusive features of this keyboard is the multi-compatibility that allows you to switch between different systems with just a single touch.
