Membrane keyboard

Also called a dome switch keyboard, a membrane keyboard is a computer keyboard with a rubber-like membrane underneath each key. The membrane is often an unbroken piece of rubber-like material made of polyethylene terephthalate with small domes containing conductive ink for each key. Membrane keyboards include two additional plastic layers: a 'hole layer' which ensures no contact is made when keys are not pressed, and a 'conductive layer,' which registers the keypress. When a key is pressed, the membrane dome goes down through the hole layer and makes contact with the conductive layer to indicate a key press. The following picture shows an Apple membrane keyboard assembly that consists of the three layers mentioned above. However, in this example, the membrane keys are not one unbroken piece of material.

Where are membrane keyboards found?

In addition to membrane keyboards used with computers, membrane keyboards are also found in the following devices.

• ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
• Calculator
• Feature phone
• Laptop keyboard
• Peripherals with a keyboard (e.g., printer)
• Household devices with a keyboard (e.g., microwave)
• PoS (Point-of-Sale) system
• Gamepad
• TV remote

Advantages of membrane keyboards

Cost

Membrane keyboards are easier to manufacture because they have fewer moving parts, like a mechanical keyboard. This simplified manufacturing process makes them more affordable than other keyboard types.

Durability

Because the membrane is one solid piece of material with no moving parts, it's more durable than other keyboards. Additionally, the membrane prevents the keyboard from dust, dirt, hair, and minor liquid spills.

Disadvantages of membrane keyboards

Accuracy and feel

The membrane material provides less tactile feedback when pressing keys, many described it as a mushy sensation. Most people who spend a lot of time typing on the keyboard prefer mechanical keyboards over membrane keyboards because of their feel and because it often improves accuracy. Due to the ease of pressing membrane keys, users are more likely to unintentionally trigger incorrect keys while typing.

Longevity

Although membrane keyboards have more durability, well-designed mechanical switches can keep a keyboard working for a lifetime. Mechanical switches are made of steel or more rugged material that does not wear as easily. Also, many mechanical keyboard switches can be replaced independently if they fail.

Customization

More customization can be done with a mechanical keyboard. First, there are many types of mechanical switches that give each key pressed a different tactile feel and sound. Second, more companies make keycaps for mechanical keyboards, giving mechanical keyboard users more colors, styles, and designs.

Do I have a mechanical or membrane keyboard?

Without removing a key, it's difficult for end users to identify a mechanical keyboard from a membrane keyboard by feel. Therefore, we first recommend trying to identify the keyboard's make and model. Most desktop computer keyboards have the model information on the bottom of the keyboard that can be searched for on the Internet and identified.

If the model information is not available or returns no results, try identifying the keyboard by how it sounds. A loud and clicky keyboard is a mechanical keyboard, and a keyboard that's quiet and feels mushy is often a membrane keyboard.

How long does a membrane keyboard last?

A membrane keyboard key can last between five and ten million key presses with average computer use. For most users, this is between two and five years of use before problems like losing tactile feedback or unresponsive keys. Below are some things that can affect a membrane keyboard's lifespan.

• Keyboard material: Cheap keyboards are made of cheap material that wears out faster.
• Frequent heavy use: For example, when gaming, you're often repetitively using the same keys (e.g., WASD keys). Because these keys are used more often, they're more likely to fail faster.
• Keyboard's environment: If the keyboard is in a place with a lot of dust, dirt, food, or spills, it can affect the membrane or conductive layers. Cleaning the keyboard can improve the keyboard's lifespan.

• How to clean your computer and its components.

Can the keys on a membrane keyboard be replaced?

Yes, the keycaps on some membrane desktop computer keyboards can be replaced with compatible keycaps. However, this only replaces the keycap and doesn't fix a key that's not working because of a membrane issue. To replace the keycap because it's broken or for cosmetic reasons, remove it and identify the connector style. Once identified, you must find a company selling compatible keycaps.

Fixing a membrane that's no longer working requires removing all keys, opening the keyboard assembly, and diagnosing if the membrane is bad or it's a keys dome problem. If a membrane dome is stuck, it can be repositioned, but if it sticks again or loses its conductive ink, the membrane is bad. When this happens, we recommend the keyboard be replaced.

• How to remove the keys on a keyboard.
• How to remove and replace a laptop key or keycap.

What is a flat-panel membrane keyboard?

A flat-panel membrane keyboard is a computer keyboard with completely flat keys. These keyboards are excellent for harsh environments because they're not susceptible to water, dust, or dirt. However, the keyboard keys also offer no tactile feedback, which makes them difficult to use. These keyboards were used in early computers like the ZX81 but have since become obsolete because of improved technologies like touch screens.

Where can I buy a membrane keyboard?

Below is a link to our affiliate link with Amazon to get a membrane keyboard and support Computer Hope. If Amazon isn't available in your area, we also have a link to other places to buy computer parts.

• Amazon affiliate link for a membrane keyboard.
• Where to buy computer hardware parts.

Keyboard, Keyboard terms, Mechanical keyboard