which mechanical switches are like membrane

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Gwiz

Limp Gawd
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Nov 1, 2011
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Alright so I have been using a logitech g110 membrane keyboard for a few years and I love it but I wanted something a little smaller (without rows of macro keys). With that I also decided to also upgrade to a mechanical keyboard and i recently purchased a corsair k60. I love the overall small size of the keyboard but I hate the switches they are way to soft for me I end up having keys depressed and not knowing it until I click on a text box and it spams it with random key presses.

So question is which key switch is most like a membrane keyboard?
 
You can't really compare Cherry MX to membrane because the force curve is way different. Anyway, I usually see people recommending blacks if wanting something similar to rubber domes.

Edit - I'd probably visit the semi nearby Micro Center before making a decision :)
 
MissJ84 said:
You can't really compare Cherry MX to membrane because the force curve is way different. Anyway, I usually see people recommending blacks if wanting something similar to rubber domes.

Edit - I'd probably visit the semi nearby Micro Center before making a decision :)
Click to expand...


Well the nearest microcenter is an hour and ten away so thats last resort. But black hmm thats good to know I was going with blue by decriptions.
 
If you're fixed on a clicky tactile switch and want something heavier, you could always go with greens (or less noisy whites - harder to find). I personally found blue switches to be fun to type on for the first hour, like a novelty, but that wore off and they quickly became annoying. Other people love them and you may as well. Again, I'm not sure what your options are (Retail, Friends, etc,), but I'd definitely try different switches before buying if possible.

I don't want to come off as a profile stalker lol, but I did search for the nearest MC. I thought there was a closer one, but it looks like that's a corporate Micro Center.
 
MissJ84 said:
If you're fixed on a clicky tactile switch and want something heavier, you could always go with greens (or less noisy whites - harder to find). I personally found blue switches to be fun to type on for the first hour, like a novelty, but that wore off and they quickly became annoying. Other people love them and you may as well. Again, I'm not sure what your options are (Retail, Friends, etc,), but I'd definitely try different switches before buying if possible.

I don't want to come off as a profile stalker lol, but I did search for the nearest MC. I thought there was a closer one, but it looks like that's a corporate Micro Center.
Click to expand...

I just need something that will support my heavy resting hand while im not typing....

And currently im at school a little further west.
 
Fair enough. I'd also wait for more replies if you can, because what I posted is nothing more than what I've read on GeekHack. I've obviously used rubber domes, but my Poker has Ergo-Clears (Clears with light springs) and I've only tried light switches (Reds, Browns, and Blues). To me, they all feel much lighter than rubber domes, but again the force curve is much different and your subjective experiences may be different.

I hope you find the switch that's right for you :)
 
Something you should know about membranes....as they wear out over time, they stiffen. Alot. The feeling you're liking off your G110 most likely is not how that keyboard felt when you bought it...most likely that feeling you like is actually a worn out rubber dome keyboard.

It is easy not to notice if you're using that board regularly over time. At work, one of the audio workstations I had to use had a shitted-out dome keyboard that was years old...first time I tried to type on it I went WTF...asked the regular user of the machine, and he hadn't noticed that he needed a jackhammer to actuate each key, and that he could no longer touch type.
 
Your best bet would be MX blacks with some o-rings. If you wanna try some different switches, buy the WASD keyboard sampler kit, it's not ideal since you cant type on it, but it will give you a feel of the switches with the o-orings.
 
Grow a pair.

You should have been around when mechanical typewriters were how work got done.

They don't make a keyboard with better feel than a mechanical.
 
there is only one mfg of switches so you can choose from blue red black or brown.

there are no other choices at all and everyone who likes membrane keyboards is wrong because all membrane keyboards are terrible.
 
^There are more switch types out in the wilds than that...

Since you're looking for something that "feels like a membrane board" with high resistance... A heavy switch with a tactile bump seems to be the nearest fit I can figure.

Cherry MX Clears have a pronounced peak of 100 cN after the actuation point (before it bottoms out), there may be heavier switches I'm unaware of... I prefer light switches.

I'll give you a couple links you can dig through though...


Check the links specific to key switches right at the top.

This link is for all the tactile switches on deskthority.

Should help anyway, read up on the mx clears for sure though. Good luck!
 
Skripka said:
Something you should know about membranes....as they wear out over time, they stiffen. Alot. The feeling you're liking off your G110 most likely is not how that keyboard felt when you bought it...most likely that feeling you like is actually a worn out rubber dome keyboard.

It is easy not to notice if you're using that board regularly over time. At work, one of the audio workstations I had to use had a shitted-out dome keyboard that was years old...first time I tried to type on it I went WTF...asked the regular user of the machine, and he hadn't noticed that he needed a jackhammer to actuate each key, and that he could no longer touch type.
Click to expand...

This is the reason I finally went to a mechanical keyboard. <3 my MX blue.
 
crABtoad said:
^There are more switch types out in the wilds than that...

Since you're looking for something that "feels like a membrane board" with high resistance... A heavy switch with a tactile bump seems to be the nearest fit I can figure.

Cherry MX Clears have a pronounced peak of 100 cN after the actuation point (before it bottoms out), there may be heavier switches I'm unaware of... I prefer light switches.

I'll give you a couple links you can dig through though...


Check the links specific to key switches right at the top.

This link is for all the tactile switches on deskthority.

Should help anyway, read up on the mx clears for sure though. Good luck!
Click to expand...


Thank you very much and clear does sound like what I want.
 
Which Mechanical keyboard has the least resistance and lowest amount of travel required?
 
OP might want to look into Topre, but be prepared to pay big bucks.
 
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_PixelNinja said:
OP might want to look into Topre, but prepared to pay big bucks.
Click to expand...

I second the Topre suggestion. I'm shopping for one, myself, right now.

Google Topre Realforce.

Edit: I've settled on the black Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2, with printed caps. It costs roughly the same as the Realforce, but it's more portable. And the HHKB is easier to resell, if I don't fall in love.
 
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Fahim said:
Which Mechanical keyboard has the least resistance and lowest amount of travel required?
Click to expand...

Least resistance would be reds with 45g springs, but good luck finding 45g springs.
Lowest amount of travel would be cherry ML boards. They're like browns, but have half of the amount of travel as Cherry MX (2mm vs. 4mm) and you can get a new one (G84-4100) on ebay for $16 shipped - http://www.ebay.com/itm/380553840843?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

PS - They're a pain to lube, but I've read ML switches are nice after being lubed. Also, you can't use standard keycaps with these.
 
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MissJ84 said:
Least resistance would be reds with 45g springs, but good luck finding 45g springs.
Lowest amount of travel would be cherry ML boards. They're like browns, but have half of the amount of travel as Cherry MX (2mm vs. 4mm) and you can get a new one (G84-4100) on ebay for $16 shipped - http://www.ebay.com/itm/380553840843?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

PS - They're a pain to lube, but I've read ML switches are nice after being lubed. Also, you can't use standard keycaps with these.
Click to expand...

There are some Topre switches that supposedly have an actuation force of just 30cN (like 30.6 gram-force) I've never seen a keyboard for sale anywhere with less than ~45g switches though.

As for recommending Topre switches to OP (other reply in this thread): While they're similar in construction* to membrane switches... They're far lighter and wouldn't match the force requirements he stipulated.

Edit:// Definitely would recommend the MX Clears or the (heavier) MX Whites which Miss J recommended previously.
 
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crABtoad said:
There are some Topre switches that supposedly have an actuation force of just 30cN (like 30.6 gram-force) I've never seen a keyboard for sale anywhere with less than ~45g switches though.

As for recommending Topre switches to OP (other reply in this thread): While they're similar in construction* to membrane switches... They're far lighter and wouldn't match the force requirements he stipulated.

Edit:// Definitely would recommend the MX Clears or the (heavier) MX Whites which Miss J recommended previously.
Click to expand...

Yeah I only mentioned reds w/45 to Fahim, because Topre are not mechanical.

Edit - Please save your time an energy by not starting a "Topre is mechanical" debate with me. I'll agree to semi-mechanical, but that's it :)
 
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MissJ84 said:
Least resistance would be reds with 45g springs, but good luck finding 45g springs.
Lowest amount of travel would be cherry ML boards. They're like browns, but have half of the amount of travel as Cherry MX (2mm vs. 4mm) and you can get a new one (G84-4100) on ebay for $16 shipped - http://www.ebay.com/itm/380553840843?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

PS - They're a pain to lube, but I've read ML switches are nice after being lubed. Also, you can't use standard keycaps with these.
Click to expand...

Thanks man! Thanks for the link! But I need a 10 Key :( After thinking long and hard - I think I'm going to go with the MX Blue's with O Rings - I realized write way more emails than I game...

Keyboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009FTWL2C/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Rings http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051XWXCE/ref=biss_dp_t_asn

does that sound right?
 
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Fahim said:
Thanks man! Thanks for the link! But I need a 10 Key :( After thinking long and hard - I think I'm going to go with the MX Blue's with O Rings - I realized write way more emails than I game...

Keyboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009FTWL2C/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Rings http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051XWXCE/ref=biss_dp_t_asn

does that sound right?
Click to expand...


I'm a light typist and don't really bottom out, so I can't really help you with the O-rings. If you want a Tenkey with blues, then you'll probably be happy with the CM Storm Trigger you linked.
 
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i fitted these to my Rosewill MX-Red keyboard


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051XWXCE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Same as the WASD 50A-R dampers but cheaper... anyways it feels (to me at least) the little i have used the Roswill (because I actually use my WASD V1 MX-Brown keyboard daily) ..but i messed with the rosewill (spare keyboard.. got for $25~ on crazy newegg combo deal) with and with out the dampers ..and i felt in my own experience that (some will think this is a negative??) those dampers changed the keyfeel a bit..I feel like it the made the keypress a little stiffer? I seemed to have less issues with accidental keypresses after fitting those anyways.

i have basically zero problems with my WASD MX-Brown keyboard w/ accidental keypresses however.
 
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atarione said:
i fitted these to my Rosewill MX-Red keyboard


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051XWXCE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Same as the WASD 50A-R dampers but cheaper... anyways it feels (to me at least) the little i have used the Roswill (because I actually use my WASD V1 MX-Brown keyboard daily) ..but i messed with the rosewill (spare keyboard.. got for $25~ on crazy newegg combo deal) with and with out the dampers ..and i felt in my own experience that (some will think this is a negative??) those dampers changed the keyfeel a bit..I feel like it the made the keypress a little stiffer? I seemed to have less issues with accidental keypresses after fitting those anyways.

i have basically zero problems with my WASD MX-Brown keyboard w/ accidental keypresses however.
Click to expand...

Nice - I'm excited to get mine - I was about to order Brown but backed out to go for the Blue. NewEgg had a deal for the Quick Fire Pro for -$20 and -$20 Rebate for the Brown.
 
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crABtoad said:
There are some Topre switches that supposedly have an actuation force of just 30cN (like 30.6 gram-force) I've never seen a keyboard for sale anywhere with less than ~45g switches though.

As for recommending Topre switches to OP (other reply in this thread): While they're similar in construction* to membrane switches... They're far lighter and wouldn't match the force requirements he stipulated.

Edit:// Definitely would recommend the MX Clears or the (heavier) MX Whites which Miss J recommended previously.
Click to expand...

They only put those super low force switches on specific keys. I've seen a couple Topre keyboards where each key has a specific amount of force depending on the finger used to press it. For example the pinky keys will be 30g and the index finger keys will be 55g.

Cherry Reds are the lowest force you can find a whole board at with 45g.
 
Gwiz said:
Alright so I have been using a logitech g110 membrane keyboard for a few years and I love it but I wanted something a little smaller (without rows of macro keys). With that I also decided to also upgrade to a mechanical keyboard and i recently purchased a corsair k60. I love the overall small size of the keyboard but I hate the switches they are way to soft for me I end up having keys depressed and not knowing it until I click on a text box and it spams it with random key presses.

So question is which key switch is most like a membrane keyboard?
Click to expand...

I was faced with the same problem when I transitioned to a Cherry MX Red switch, and I was also using a Logitech membrane keyboard (G15). I purchased another mechanical keyboard recently Cherry MX Brown (Max NighthHawk X8). I love these keys! No more accidental actuation's and improved typing accuracy!

They don't make a clicking noise, but their actuation force is slightly higher, and the most important aspect is there's a *slight* resistance right before the actuation occurs so you have a tactile feedback when you're pressing keys. Whereas Cherry MX Red's are linear so you actuate very easily if you rest your fingers on the keys.
 
chanchan said:
I was faced with the same problem when I transitioned to a Cherry MX Red switch, and I was also using a Logitech membrane keyboard (G15). I purchased another mechanical keyboard recently Cherry MX Brown (Max NighthHawk X8). I love these keys! No more accidental actuation's and improved typing accuracy!

They don't make a clicking noise, but their actuation force is slightly higher, and the most important aspect is there's a *slight* resistance right before the actuation occurs so you have a tactile feedback when you're pressing keys. Whereas Cherry MX Red's are linear so you actuate very easily if you rest your fingers on the keys.
Click to expand...

Are you serious about activating reds when you rest your fingers on them? I have big hands and they don't even come close to actuating when I rest my fingers on them. If I rest both of my thumbs on the space bar it will press in but that is it.
My elbows are level with my keyboard and I use a wrist rest. Are you coming from a downward angle or something?
 
sharknice said:
Are you serious about activating reds when you rest your fingers on them? I have big hands and they don't even come close to actuating when I rest my fingers on them. If I rest both of my thumbs on the space bar it will press in but that is it.
My elbows are level with my keyboard and I use a wrist rest. Are you coming from a downward angle or something?
Click to expand...

No wrist rest here and reds easily actuate under just the weight of my fingers.
 
IRSmurf said:
I second the Topre suggestion. I'm shopping for one, myself, right now.

Google Topre Realforce.

Edit: I've settled on the black Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2, with printed caps. It costs roughly the same as the Realforce, but it's more portable. And the HHKB is easier to resell, if I don't fall in love.
Click to expand...



Holy!!! wow yea that a little more then i would spend on a keyboard.
 
Hey, you're back!

Are you still interested in getting heavier switches that feel like a membrane board? I could throw you some links to boards available from mechanicalkeyboards.com with MX Clear or MX White switches...

I'm just really nervous about recommending something outright without you having a chance to check out the switches first.

Do you have a local brick and mortar computer store that carries mechanical boards? If they have a board with MX Black switches you could see if those switches are too light/heavy or just right.
 
brighenne said:
No wrist rest here and reds easily actuate under just the weight of my fingers.
Click to expand...

No wrist rest here and I've never accidentally actuated MX Reds by resting my fingers/hands on my keyboards, that is from a direct transition from rubberdome to MX Red over a year ago as well; although I do wish they were a bit heavier personally.

To OP; you're not going to find something that really mimics rubberdomes, the only way you're going to be happy with your purchase is to actually try out different keyboards/switch variants until you find something you enjoy using. Noone can tell you what that will be and not all keyboards are constructed equally; so even when you do find a switch type/variant it may not feel the same on a different brand/line of keyboard.

This can be an expensive hobby if you begin the quest for the "Perfect Keyboard".
 
sharknice said:
Are you serious about activating reds when you rest your fingers on them? I have big hands and they don't even come close to actuating when I rest my fingers on them. If I rest both of my thumbs on the space bar it will press in but that is it.
My elbows are level with my keyboard and I use a wrist rest. Are you coming from a downward angle or something?
Click to expand...

Yups, you're lucky that it doesn't happen with you, my keyboard position is always a flat surface and I use the lowest typing position, as in I don't use any of the legs.

I've read in reviews both by journalists and users that it's a common problem. I guess it's just a habit that I picked up that I leave my right hand on the "ASDF/Space" keys when I'm navigating on my PC.

But it's amazing how a simple switch characteristics can affect your computing experience so immensely, that's why it's highly recommended that potential buyers spend a good time at the store to determine their own preference. Considering that these keyboards aren't cheap.
 
I just got my blue CS Trigger - I'm not huge fan of the extra macro buttons-i thought they would be cool when is saw them, but now i have to readjust to where the escape key is. Same goes for the control key.

it is extremely annoying to be dependent on the software to be able to use the Window's key.

Blue are much harder than i thought - should have started out with the Browns.

really forces you not to try and bottom out the keys. My palms have to be elevated and / floating to help touch type more.

Anyways i can for sure tell the difference in the feel of hitting the keys for the better - but now I will have to see if i can get used to it. Tomorrow I get my O-Rings - should interesting to see how that changes the dynamics.
 
s1mple_x said:
Your best bet would be MX blacks with some o-rings. If you wanna try some different switches, buy the WASD keyboard sampler kit, it's not ideal since you cant type on it, but it will give you a feel of the switches with the o-orings.
Click to expand...

^^^
Buy the WASD sampler kit and give all the keys a try. I came from loving membranes and found blacks with o-rings as the perfect transition.
 
doug_7506 said:
^^^
Buy the WASD sampler kit and give all the keys a try. I came from loving membranes and found blacks with o-rings as the perfect transition.
Click to expand...

Things make that much of a difference huh? I'm excited to get mine!
 
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