| MEMBRANE KEYBOARDS | SCISSOR-SWITCH MEMBRANE KEYBOARDS | MECHANICAL KEYBOARDS |
Less expensive (fewer parts)
| More expensive | Most expensive (each keyswitch is a part) |
| Subjectively lighter touch due to 'squishiness' | Subjectively bouncy touch due to scissor mechanism | Subjectively harder touch due to tactile click which improves typing accuracy and speed (does not apply on light tactile keyswitches) |
| Full travel distance (2.5 - 3.5 mm) | Reduced travel distance (2.0 mm) | Full travel distance (4 mm) |
| Quieter as there is no audible click when typing | Quieter as there is no audible click when typing | Audible click while typing which improves typing accuracy and speed (does not apply on light tactile keyswitches) |
| Actual force used is usually more than is necessary in order to ensure keystroke is generated | Actual force used is usually more than is necessary in order to ensure keystroke is generated | Actual force used is no more than is needed as tactile and audio feedback provides additional indicators of when keystroke is generated |
| Not durable - 1 to 10 million keystrokes | Can be more durable - 1 to 20 million keystrokes | Very durable - 20 to 50 million keystrokes |
| Over time keys become softer, harder, and/or sticky | Keys are less prone to degrading, but harder to fix if they get stuck due to debris, etc. | All keys maintain equal force throughout life of keyswitch (until complete failure) |
| Keys snap back more slowly, and get slower as keyboard ages | Keys snap back quicker, allowing maximum typing speed | Keys snap back quickest, allowing maximum typing speed |