A membrane keyboard is a keyboard that uses a single-sheet switch. It has a single-seat switch and is less expensive than a mechanical keyboard with independent switches.
In this article, we will introduce the detailed mechanism and mechanism of the membrane keyboard used as a standard in personal computers, and how it differs from other types of keyboards.
Membrane Keyboard Uses One Sheet Switch
Membrane keyboards generally refer to keyboards that use rubber cups, but pantograph type and buckling spring type also use membrane sheet switches, so it can be said that they are included in membrane type keyboards.
The Atari 400 and Atari800 are well-known computers with membrane keyboards. It was sold for home use as an 8-bit computer series, and in addition to computers, regular keyboards were also manufactured.
In addition, membrane keyboards are not limited to computers, but are also used in keyboards of game equipment such as the Commodore Max machine and the Sinclair ZX80.
Even in modern times, among computer users, choosing a keyboard is the real pleasure of choosing a membrane keyboard or a mechanical keyboard.
Typical Structure And Components Of Membrane Keyboard With Integrated Switches
The following is a typical mechanism of membrane keyboards:
Rubber cup
Typical mechanism of a membrane keyboard. A rubber cup is a dome-shaped protrusion made of silicone. In a membrane keyboard, a key cover is installed on top of this rubber cup, and the rubber cup is deformed by pressing the key cover. The protruding part of the deformed rubber cup comes into contact with the contact part on the membrane sheet switch, and the switch is pressed. The rubber cup type is a type that is widely used in personal computer keyboards and is characterized by deep touch. Some rubber cup types also have thinner membranes that are lighter to the touch than the usual ones.
Pantograph
The basic structure is the same as that of the rubber cup type. What is different from the rubber cup type is that it has a support structure. In addition, the rubber cup has a structure that supports the key, so there is a click feeling, and the key is pressed even if it is not the center of the key. In particular, it is a structure that is often used in notebook computer keyboards.
Buckling Spring
Instead of a rubber cup, it is a type that adopts a special spring. Of course, it is also used in membrane keyboards with integrated switches, but it is also used in mechanical keyboards where each key is independent. There is a definite click feeling than the rubber cup type.
Basic Structure Difference Between Membrane Keyboards And Mechanical Keyboards
Keyboards can be broadly classified into two categories: membrane keyboards, and mechanical keyboards. The difference between the two is whether the switch is independent or not.
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In the membrane keyboard, one switch is laid on the entire keyboard, but in the mechanical keyboard, each independent switch is used.
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Because the integrated switches are less expensive than being independent one by one, membrane keyboards are widely used as standard keyboards for both desktop and laptop computers.
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However, since the initial cost is low, it is an integrated switch, so if there is a failure, only the part that has failed can not be replaced.
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If there is a breakdown or trouble, the keyboard itself must be replaced.
Summary
We have introduced you to membrane keyboards. A membrane keyboard that is widely used as a standard personal computer keyboard. In addition to the basic rubber cup, there are also types such as pantographs, and there are detailed methods and variations among membrane keyboards. If you want to lower the initial cost, you may want to consider a membrane keyboard, or if you want to enjoy a unique click feeling with each independent key, although it is expensive, you may want to consider a variety of mechanical keyboards.