KeyboardsPeripheralsInput devicesMembrane

What are the best membrane keyboards ?

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Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard vs Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 vs Corsair K55 RGB

 vs SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL vs Apple Wired Keyboard with Numeric Keypad vs Logitech G105 vs TypeMatrix 2030 vs Apple Wireless keyboard

Specs

Weight

-

Warranty

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Full Media Controls

-

Switches

-

Detachable USB

-

External dimensions

-

Dimensions

-

Weight

1.3 kg / 2.9 lbs

Warranty

3 years

Layout

QWERTY

USB Hub

No

Backlighting

No

Macros

Yes

Full Media Controls

Yes

Switches

Rubber dome

Detachable USB

No

External dimensions

503 x 262 x 82.8 mm ( 19.8'' x 10.3'' x 3.26'' )

Dimensions

-

Weight

-

Warranty

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Full Media Controls

-

Switches

-

Detachable USB

-

External dimensions

-

Dimensions

-

Weight

1.41 pounds

Warranty

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Full Media Controls

-

Switches

-

Detachable USB

-

External dimensions

-

Dimensions

364mm x 150mm x 40mm

Weight

-

Warranty

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Full Media Controls

-

Switches

-

Detachable USB

-

External dimensions

-

Dimensions

-

Weight

-

Warranty

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Full Media Controls

-

Switches

-

Detachable USB

-

External dimensions

-

Dimensions

-

Weight

-

Warranty

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Full Media Controls

-

Switches

-

Detachable USB

-

External dimensions

-

Dimensions

-

Weight

-

Warranty

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Full Media Controls

-

Switches

-

Detachable USB

-

External dimensions

-

Dimensions

-

Pros + Cons

Con
 Some keys aren't very reliable

Some keys (like Backspace or Enter), if not pressed perfectly perpendicularly, hit the shelf of the frame and get blocked on their way down. This means the stroke isn't registered and, on top of that, feels awkward. On the (slightly) bright side, this awkward feel acts as feedback that the key wasn't fully pressed.
Comment

Con
 The key switches used aren't ideal for long typing sessions

The switches used are scissor switches, which are the ones used in many laptops. They provide shallow keystrokes which don't give the same feedback as a mechanical keyboard. These keys need to be bottomed out in order to activate, which creates some strain on your finger's joints as they are constantly hitting the bottom of the stroke. Scissor switches are also known to be less accurate than other keyboards.
Comment

Pro
 Cushioned palm rest

This keyboard has a comfortable, cushioned palm rest.
Comment

Pro
 Ergonomically shaped

Our hands naturally rest angled when in front of us, and this keyboard has been built to conform to that, rather than having us awkwardly trying to straighten our hands on a regular flat keyboard, putting strain on our wrists. The keyboard is also curved into a dome shape, which contributes to its ergonomic shape.
Comment

Con
 Less durable than flat keyboards

Because of its shape and thin design, this keyboard will break more easily than the typical, flat rectangular keyboards. This makes it less portable, unless you're very careful.
Comment

Pro
 Clean look and flexible positioning due to wireless connection

This keyboard connects wirelessly to the computer. This offers many benefits, such as a clean, tidy look (no cable mess) or a flexible positioning (greater use range). On top of that, it doesn't occupy one of the ports.
Comment

Pro
 Quiet

Thanks to the scissor switches used, this keyboard is very quiet.
Comment

Pro
 Slider witch for using special functions or media controls

Rather than the usual Fn key that needs to be pressed in combination with other keys to activate said key's secondary functions, the Sculpt has slider switch that does this. This makes it easier to default to those functions.
Comment

Pro
 Low impact keys

The Sculpt's keys absorb impact quite well, avoiding injuries related to repetitive movements.
Comment

Pro
 Number pad can be placed where it is more convenient

Since the number pad is a separate part from the main keyboard, its position can adjusted and it can be moved out of the way when it isn't being used. This allows for a more ergonomic mouse use, since it can be placed closer to the keyboard, just like in a tenkeyless design.
Comment

Con
 Functions keys are not easy to use

The function keys are too small.
Comment

Con
 Bad separation of key clusters

The Page Up, Page Down, Home, Insert, End, Delete and Arrow keys are squeezed together, right next to Enter, right Shift and right Control, without any physical barrier/marker to separate the two key clusters. Since this is not an usual layout, it is disorienting for users.
Comment

Con
 No mechanical switches

The 4000 keyboard uses the same traditional rubber dome switches found on common keyboards, unlike the mechanical switches found on many other good programming keyboards. Rubber dome switches are inconsistent and always need to be bottomed out with each key press. They are also not especially durable, lasting about a quarter of the time their mechanical counterparts last. It should be noted this switch option is one of the main reasons why this keyboard is so affordable.
Comment

Pro
 Great value for money

With a retail price of $96.86, this keyboard is considerably more affordable than most ergonomic keyboards on the market. It doesn’t have the same caliber as more premium keyboards, but it’s a top option for those on a budget who are looking for a good ergonomic option.
Comment

Pro
 Ergonomic wrist support

Foam cushions support one’s wrists while typing, preventing “hanging hands,” which can cause fatigue over extended periods.
Comment

Con
 No right hand Windows key

There is no right hand Windows key.
Comment

Con
 Noisy

Despite not using mechanical switches, the 4000 keyboard is quite noisy, so it’s not the best pick for those looking for a silent option.
Comment

Pro
 Ergonomic and comfortable

The 4000 keyboard is designed to be more comfortable to type on than regular rectangular keyboards. Its key rows curve to match the human hands’ angled resting position, eliminating the wrist strain that happens with regular keyboards. This is an important factor in reducing the risk of injury.
Comment

Pro
 Great for people with big hands

Due to its size, this keyboard is great for those who have big hands.
Comment

Pro
 Can be used with a negative tilt

While the 4000 keyboard can be raised at the back like conventional keyboards, it also comes with a detachable platform that raises the front of the keyboard. This creates a negative tilt more natural to the arm-hand alignment.
Comment

Pro
 Several additional, personalizable keys

This keyboard has hotkeys for things like media control, zoom or launching applications. The function keys also have secondary functions, activated by an F-lock key. Some of them are customizable via a companion app (for Windows and macOS) that ships with the keyboard.
Comment

Pro
 Key swapping for macOS

On macOS, users have the option of swapping the Windows and Alt keys, so they match the Option and Command key order found on standard Apple keyboards, even if no alternate keycaps or stickers are provided for use with this OS.
Comment

Con
 Key printing gets erased after a short time

After 2 or 3 months of use, the most used keys loose their printed symbols.
Comment

Con
 The space bar is hard to press

While it's new, the space bar needs quite some force to be pressed down.
Comment

Con
 Most of the extra functionality keys are not supported on macOS

This keyboard has a lot of extra functionality keys useful for daily tasks, like media controls or back/forward keys. Unfortunately, most of them are not supported on macOS, even after driver installation.
Comment

Con
 Almost all the keys are hard to press

The keys can feel too rigid due to the force needed to press them down. This hinders the typing process, making it less fluid.
Comment

Con
 Not very portable

With external dimensions of 19.8’’ x 10.3’’ x 3.26’’ (503 mm x 262 mm x 82.8 mm) and weighing 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg), this keyboard is not easy to carry around.
Comment

Con
 Key layout is hard to reconfigure

It's hard to reconfigure the 4000's default key layout. Some users would like to have the option of moving a few keys around, which is very difficult with this keyboard.
Comment

Con
 No USB ports

Can't connect any external devices, since there aren't any USB ports.
Comment

Con
 Only solves some RSI problems

While this does help with many RSI problems, it still has the ergonomic disadvantages of a standard keyboard layout.
Comment

Pro
 Quiet

Comment

Pro
 Quiet

Comment

Pro
 Waterproof

Comment

Con
 Fixed cable

Comment

Pro
 Solid construction

Thanks to its thin aluminum enclosure, this keyboard is sturdy.
Comment

Pro
 Aesthetically impressive

Nothing really comes close to the Apple device's aesthetic flair.
Comment

Pro
 Ergonomic and good for fast typing

The low-profile, short-travel construction makes this keyboard more ergonomic than previous Apple keyboards and allows for fast typing because keys have only a small distance to go before registering.
Comment

Pro
 Portable

This keyboard is very light and can be easily carried around.
Comment

Con
 Lacks feedback

Compared to other keyboards, it lacks a tactile feel when typing.
Comment

Con
 Feels like a laptop keyboard

This keyboard feels like a laptop keyboard, since it's too flat. This isn't ideal for coding and makes this a pointless option for laptop owners who want an external keyboard.
Comment

Pro
 Widely available

Since this keyboard is mainstream, many big companies have it. So, if working at a big company, it is likely it is quickly available and for "free".
Comment

Pro
 Two USB ports

Handy for device connection
Comment

Pro
 Less typing fatigue

The low profile is comfortable and the traveling distance is short. The keys are light to press, leading to less typing fatigue.
Comment

Con
 Easy for fingers to slide off the keys

Due to the keys having no concavity, it's easy for fingers to slide off the keys.
Comment

Pro
 Good feedback for a membrane keyboard

The keys feels strong and with good sound
Comment

Con
 Backlighting may be too weak for some people

Comment

Pro
 Good value for its price

This keyboard is available from Amazon for less than $50. This is a pretty good deal for a gaming keyboard with backlighting and programmable keys.
Comment

Pro
 6 programmable keys

This keyboard had 6 keys that can be programmed, with macros, for example.
Comment

Pro
 Embedded backlighting

All keys are backlit on the keyboard, which is great for gaming in a dark room.
Comment

Pro
 Increased typing accuracy

This keyboard's matrix layout allows for increased typing accuracy. It gets rid of the typewriter keyboard legacy in favor of a more logical layout.
Comment

Pro
 Ergonomic keyboard

The matrix layout reduces the travel distance of fingers. The keys feature membrane switches with double-scissor substrate, which are quite comfortable and very quiet.
Comment

Pro
 Compact

This keyboard has a small footprint, only 324 by 133 mm. This not only leaves more room on the desk, but also and mainly reduces the lateral travel distance of the right hand to grab the mouse. It still offers a good numeric keypad thanks to the matrix layout.
Comment

Con
 Unusual layout

The central position of the Enter and Backspace keys, on top of the matrix arrangement, requires some time to get used to.
Comment

Pro
 BÉPO and Dvorak layouts

These layouts are not easy to find, especially the first one. While they don't necessarily increase the typing speed, they greatly reduce the travel distance of the fingers, and have a much better distribution of the keys than regular AZERTY or QWERTY layouts.
Comment

Pro
 Skins

Numerous skins are available, making it simple to keep the keyboard clean and even quieter. They also allow for multiple layouts.
Comment

Pro
 Very lightweight keys

The easy-click keys allow minimum effort when typing.
Comment

Pro
 Aesthetics

Visually more appealing than your typical all-black keyboard.
Comment

Pro
 Solid, but compact

Achieves a solid feel without feeling heavy or bulky.
Comment

Con
 Tenkeyless

This keyboard doesn't have a numeric pad.
Comment

Con
 Uncomfortable typing experience

Like the other Apple chiclet keyboards, it is not meant for touch typing: the switches are mushy and lack the tactile feedback, the keycaps are flat and so is the keyboard profile (not DSA or DCS, just plain ... flat).
Comment

Pro
 Wireless

Being wireless makes it easy to carry around in your backpack and also means less wire clutter on the desk.
Comment

Pro
 Works with iPad

This keyboard can be used with iPads.
Comment

Pro
 Takes up little space

A small keyboard means your mouse and/or trackpad can be closer to you, while having your keyboard right in front of you.
Comment

Pro
 Fully compatible with any MacBook series keyboard

You will be instantly familiar with MacBook keyboards.
Comment

Pro
 Tenkeyless

This keyboard doesn't have a numeric pad, making it more compact.
Comment

Con
 It's missing some useful keys

It doesn't have dedicated Insert, Home, End, Page Up or Page Down keys.
Comment

Con
 Works well only with Apple gear

It doesn't work properly with hardware that's not from Apple.
Comment
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