Membrane keyboards have become increasingly popular in the past few years. Unlike traditional “mechanical” keyboards, their keys are not separate parts, but rather they consist of pressure pads with letters and symbols printed on a flexible surface. So when the user presses down on a membrane key, the underlying layer makes contact; thus, registering the keypress and sending it to the computer.
Unless you’re familiar with membrane keyboards, however, you might be wondering why they are such a popular choice in the workplace. Companies of all shapes and sizes — and in different industries — use them on a daily basis. So, why are membrane keyboards the “go to” choice among business owners and professionals?
Among the most notable benefits of membrane keyboards is their resistance to moisture. Because mechanical keyboards consist of detachable/removable keys, there’s a greater risk of moisture-related damage. If moisture becomes embedded underneath the keys, it can seep down into the electrical components of the keyboard, causing permanent damage. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem with membrane keyboards, as the protective outer membrane acts as a barrier against water and moisture. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor applications where moisture is commonplace.
In addition to protecting against moisture damage, membrane keyboards are also protected against dust, dirt and debris. Again, this is due to the fact that membrane keyboards consist of a single membrane without detachable keys. It’s not uncommon for dirt and debris to make its way underneath mechanical keys, wearing down the components and damaging them over time. Membrane keypads are naturally protected against this damage, however, as the protective outer layer prevents dust, dirt or other debris from making its way underneath the keys.
There’s no denying the fact that membrane keyboards are comfortable to use, thanks in part to their ergonomic design. Mechanical keypads aren’t necessarily difficult or painful to use, but they lack the form-fitting, ergonomic design of their membrane counterpart.
These are just a few of the many reasons why so many business owners prefer membrane keypads over their mechanical counterpart. From resistance to moisture damage and dirt, to greater comfort and ergonomic design, membrane keyboards are the perfect choice for the workplace. Don’t take my word for it, though. See for yourself why so many business owners prefer them over mechanical keyboards.
