Membrane keyboards are often given less importance when considering keyboard gaming. But, that doesn’t mean that they are out of the competition. It will be a wiser decision to go for a membrane keyboard rather than a mechanical keyboard with cheap quality or non-branded mechanical switches. If you are on a budget and looking for a keyboard for moderate typing along with some gaming at the beginning level, then you should preferably go for a good membrane gaming keyboard.
The biggest advantage of the membrane keyboard is the cost over the mechanical keyboard which makes it preferable for beginner to moderate-level PC users. Of course, the performance may not be that good in comparison. But, you may able to manage most of the tasks if invested in a good membrane keyboard. You may know more about the differences between a mechanical and membrane keyboard by clicking here.
So, if you are reading this article, you may be in search of a budget keyboard with glittering RGB effects to draw anyone’s attention and also fulfil your gaming need.
What is a membrane gaming keyboard?
Membrane keyboards are almost everywhere and are easily available input devices. It is named such due to the application of silicon membrane under the entire key spaces and connected with a circuit board. So technically it recognises a keystroke when a circuit completes when a key is pressed down against the membrane.
It requires lesser maintenance and is easily replaceable due to its low cost. Another advantage of using a membrane keyboard is the noiseless ( or relatively lesser noise) experience of a mechanical keyboard. Here I am not talking about the cheap membrane keyboards which produce annoying noise and literally need to be hammered with your fingers to type. The chicklet or scissors type keyboard, just like the ones used in your laptop keyboard give you more smooth typing experience. You can read this article to know more about the types of keyboards.
Are membrane keyboards good for gaming?
Well, While explaining the answer to this question, let me clarify that the basic purpose of any keyboard is not gaming.
No matter if it is an expensive or cheap keyboard, you can pretty much do all kinds of normal stuff including gaming.
But, let me explain it in a simple way.
Can you run in sneakers?
Of course, you can.
But, do professionals prefer it for running?
No, they would rather prefer a running shoe. Because, the running shoes are something that provide them the proper cushioning and bear the pressure the type of running they do( whether a sprint or marathon).
So, the same applies to the keyboards as well.
If you game on a membrane keyboard you are pretty much good to go.
But, when talking about a more sophisticated and professional gaming, a mechanical keyboard would provide you with more responsive feedback and a tactile actuation force.
A membrane keyboard has a set of advantages over a mechanical keyboard. Like,
- You can achieve a more noise-free and spongy experience with a membrane keyboard.
- Due to the lower cost, it has more variety in its arsenal.
- Cleaning a membrane keyboard is also easier. You can easily disassemble it and fix it without any issues.
- While cheaper and less durable compared to mechanical keyboards, they offer a wide range of game-specific features to keep your setup looking flashy and gaming worthy.
So, yes membrane keyboards are good for gaming, especially if you are not in a professional zone. If you are at a beginner level in gaming or do not want to spend a lot on the expensive mechanical keyboards, then you can definitely opt for a good membrane keyboard.
Here are some of the best quality membrane gaming keyboards to go for.
Razer Ornata V3
This is one of the best choices in the arena of membrane gaming keyboards. Comprising the features like an ergonomic key profile with a large palm/wrist resting space and a mushy and quieter experience, this keyboard brings quality along with an aesthetic touch to your desk.
Talking about the technical feature, it offers you low-profile UV-coated keycaps with a spill-resistance design. You can get the chroma RGB lighting effects to lighten your mood. The ergonomic palm rest adds more comfort for a prolonged typing experience.
Key Highlights
- Low-Profile Keys
- Spill-resistant Design
- Spacious and Ergonomic Palm rest
- Silent Membrane Switches
- Chroma RGB Lighting
- Product Dimension: 44.3 x 14.4 x 3.1 cm
- Product Weight: 390 g
Pros
- Quiet mode of operation
- RGB Lighting
- UV-coating keycaps
- Water-resistance
Cons
- Require larger space on the desk.
- Higher Price
HyperX Alloy Core
This is another great gaming keyboard in the membrane variant. This is a full-size keyboard with a Durable solid frame to support your rugged gaming action. You will get a 5 Zones multi-colour customization option to glitter your gaming set-up with amazing effects.
The quiet and responsive keys have an anti-ghosting feature for the application of multiple buttons without any failure. Unlike the earlier one, you can have a rainbow lighting effect on this membrane gaming keyboard. However, the product has not been provided with a spacious wristrest, which can be a drawback for those who spend a lot of time with their keyboard for writing. But, worry not. Here I have covered a whole different list of keyboards ideal for writers.
The spill resistance is another standout feature of this keyboard, which has assured to withstand 120ml of liquid. Which is quite okay for an accidental spillage of water, tea or coffee on the keyboard surface
Key Highlights
- Dynamic RGB lighting effects
- 5 Zones multi-colour customization
- Durable solid frame
- Water Resistance
- Product Dimensions: 44.2 x 17.53 x 3.56 cm
- Product Weight: 1.13 kg
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Water Resistance
- Quick access buttons for lighting and Game Mode
- Dedicated media control buttons
Cons
- Heavyweight
- No software support for customisation
HP-K500F
HP keyboards are known for their strong build quality and durability. Here is an amazing option from this brand in the form of k500F. With this keyboard, you are getting an overall good keyboard which is good in terms of writing and gaming to get the most out of your paid price.
Talking about the features of this membrane keyboard, it houses ergonomic floating keycaps on a metal body surface. The build quality of this keyboard makes it a favourable machine and resembles a mechanical keyboard. The feedback of the keys is also quite responsive along with an impressive 26-key anti-ghosting feature.
The Mixed colour effects in this keyboard also add a funky touch to its appearance. With those amazing features, the 3-years of warranty assurance adds a cherry on top.
Key Highlights
- Metal body construction
- 26 Anti-ghosting keys
- Mixed colour lighting effects
- Dedicated media buttons with windows lock key
- 3 years warranty
- Product Dimension: 44 x 13.5 x 3.5 cm
- Weight: 698 g
Pros
- Double injection keycaps
- Responsive feedback
- Impressive lighting effect
- Provides warranty
Cons
- Text labels are a bit dark without LEDs
- No option for single colour mode
Razer Cynosa V2
Razor Cynosa is an amazing option for those who do not want to spend a fortune on a mechanical keyboard but expect a similar output. Comprising a great ergonomic and responsive set of keys, this could be one the best buy for your gaming set-up.
Describing the special feature of this keyboard is it has an individually customisable backlit option for keys along with a spill-resistant build. You can also programme its keys according to your gaming needs. Along with all 104 necessary keys, you will also get dedicated media buttons for easy control.
Key Highlights
- Individually backlit gaming keys
- Ergonomic floating keycaps
- Dedicated Media Keys
- Fully programmable keys for custom profiles
- Cable routing option
- 2-years of warranty
- Product Weight: 989 g
- Dimensions: 44.7 x 4.3 x 18 cm
Pros
- Impressive backlight features
- Responsive keys ideal for gaming
- Water resistance
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
Cons
- Higher price
- Small space for wrist rest
Redragon Shiva
This is another popular gaming keyboard in the membrane variant. With impressive RGB features along with the gaming settings in the keyboard, it offers you the best value for money at its price point. It has a dynamic RGB backlit feature like a mechanical keyboard. Along with that, the onboard macro keys give you a programmable feature to customise according to your need.
Talking about the ergonomic aspect, this membrane gaming keyboard offers you a soft touch mushy feeling with the keys. The detachable wrist rest also provides additional comfort for prolonged activity. You can also get software support for the customisation of RGB effect and macro customisation.
The cable in this keyboard is braided type along with the gold-plated USB for better connectivity. On top of that, it weighs only 450 grams, which is perhaps the least-weight keyboard on this list.
Key Highlights
- 6 Macro keys for personalisation
- Dynamic RGB lighting effects
- Software support for easy customisation
- Dedicated medial control
- Detachable wrist rest
- 26-key Anti-ghosting
- Dimension: 46 x 21 x 4 cm
- Weight: 450 g
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Impressive durability of 100 million keystrokes
- Easy Customisation through software
- Good gaming response
Cons
- Positioning of the macro keys is a bit awkward
- Some uneven lighting effects in unicolour mode
So, that’s it in this list of membrane gaming keyboards. Hope you enjoyed reading and getting some useful information out there. If you have any suggestions or queries regarding this topic, hit the comment button to express your thoughts. We would love to hear from you. For more updates regarding computer keyboards, keep checking here. Till then happy clicking and typing✌️.
Roy is a seasoned technical blog writer with a passion for unravelling the complexities of cutting-edge technology. With a background in Electronics Engineering, he has a keen interest in writing about the intricacies of keyboard and mouse in a simple way.