Gaming, programming, typing, or dull day-to-day tasks on the pcs and laptops cannot do without keyboards. This input device comes into many forms. You need to decide on a manual according to the nature of your work and preference.
The two most common types of keyboards are a chiclet keyboard and a mechanical keyboard. People often feel hard to select one between these two types of keyboards.
In this article, I will provide you a detailed overview of the chiclet and mechanical keyboards along with their pros and cons. So stick to this article until you decide the suitable manual for your desk.
Table of Contents
Chiclet Keyboard vs Mechanical Keyboard
The primary differences between these two keyboards are their apparent style and their internal design. Furthermore, the mechanical keyboards are considered the old model and the chiclet are an updated modern version of keyboards. Both types of keyboards have specifications that make them well suited for a particular function.
Take the example of “key rollover.” This term used for the capability of a computer to handle multiple keys simultaneously, imagine you pressed two keys at a time mistakenly, but your computer would register only one key and ignore the other.
And sometimes we need to press modifier keys like alt, control, a shift in combination with other keys to conduct some functions. This is how the keyboards used for different tasks with a combination of multiple or single keys.
Keyboards with high “N key rollovers” can register the key independently from the hardware and can identify the signal of multiple keys at the moment. Similarly, keyboards with low N key rollover would do the opposite job.
Now you must be getting close to the decision to getting a new keyboard for gaming, typing or programming. Which console has many N rollover keys, which has less number of N rollover keys, and which one will be suited for your activities?
At the end of this article, you will be able to get first-hand knowledge about the chiclet keyboard and mechanical keyboard. This will increase your understanding of the mode of actions and physical features of both keyboards. Below we are going to discuss these keyboards thoroughly.
1) Chiclet keyboard
Specification:
- Brightly backlit keys with illuminated characters for easy typing, even in the dark, compatible:Windows XP, Windows Vista , Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
- PerfectStroke key system makes every keystroke more comfortable, fluid and quiet.
- Powerful 2.4 GHz wireless connection with one tiny Unifying receiver that stays in your computer.
- Easily pair with other Logitech devices through a single Unifying USB receiver.
- Compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista , Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
The chiclet keyboard is available with many alternate names. Most commonly called chiclet, membrane or island-style keyboards. The reason behind its popular name is a physical resemblance with the American chewing gum brand called Chiclet.
You will find this type of keyboard on laptops, for example, Apple MacBooks. The prominent physical feature of this keyboard is flat, rectangular, or square-shaped keys. The corners of keys are made around with straight sides. No extra spacing found between keys. The chiclet keyboard is smooth and faster. They mostly considered for daily usage.
Usually, every keyboard has the circuits inside them. The chiclet keyboard has two membranes to complete their circuit, therefore called membrane keyboard as well.
The layers came into contact when the key pressed this action completes the circuit and prevents the tactile feedback, making them less noisy. We can say that this feature adds to the uniqueness of the chiclet keyboard.
Reasons to buy Chiclet keyboard
- Easy for pocket money as it will not be a burden on your pocket.
- The best chiclet keyboard is cheap to buy as compared to their mechanical counterparts. These are affordable and most commonly used.
- Portable: It has no extra burden of cords or switches. Therefore chiclet keyboard can be carried everywhere, even inside the bags.
- Mute: The chiclet keyboard does not produce a clicking sound. They are quiet, therefore suitable to use in public places.
- Travel-friendly: Chiclet keyboards generally embedded in the device like on laptops. Lightweight and less noisy are the attributes that contribute to their travel-friendly nature.
Reasons to avoid the Chiclet keyboard
- Difficult to clean: The chiclet keyboard lacks interspaces between the keys; therefore, it is hard to keep them clean.
- Difficult to repair or customize: Once any key broken, it becomes tough for the user to mend it because the chiclet keyboard has a membrane to complete the circuit. For this same reason, the chiclet keyboard cannot customize according to the user’s taste.
- Incompatible for competitive games: For competitive gaming, an appropriate setup needed for the team, therefore the chiclet keyboard is not suitable in this scenario.
2: Mechanical Keyboard
Specification:
- Cherry MX Brown mechanical key switches with Gold contacts for a soft Tactile feel and an unmatched typing experience
- Rugged construction to withstand 50+ million keystrokes with aluminum top panel
- Two port USB 3.0 Super speed hub 5 GB/s; 10x the speed of USB 2.0
- Oversized volume knob and dedicated media controls and instant sleep button
- Laser etched key inscriptions with Bumps on the F and J keys.Firmware updatable
- FULL N-key rollover with anti-ghosting
- DAS German engineering: durable build quality to instill confidence and precision
- Magnetically detachable footboard to raise keyboard that also functions as a ruler
Here is our next content of discussion about the chiclet mechanical keyboard. The mechanical keyboard would remind you of the school days.
Do you remember? Every time you clicked the bumpy key of your keyboard, and it produced sound on every click because in a mechanical keyboard every key behaves as a complete switch.
The keys of the mechanical keyboard have three sorts of switches underneath.
First is the Linear type of switches that use for consistent resistance; this type is suitable for prolonged typing. Another type of switches is tactile; this will not produce sound when touched. The third type of switch is tactile plus audio; this type will produce noise when reached.
Other types of switches are also available for example so let’s take the case of Cherry MX switches which are quite popular. These classified as Black, brown, red, and blue according to their actuation force and tactile feedback.
Actuation force is a term that means how much energy it requires to press on a key to get it recognized by the keyboard. Black has average to high actuation force about 60 CN, which will be rigid to press. Unlike black switches, red ones have the lowest actuation force of 45 cN, and they are marked as gaming switches because they need less effort to press.
Reasons to buy mechanical keyboards
- Easy to keep clean: Unlike the chiclet keyboard, the mechanical keyboard has interspaces between the keys, and these are easy to keep clean. The key caps can easily remove if dust penetrates inside the key.
- Easy to mend: If any key loses its function or it broke, it can be easily fixed or replaced.
- Tactile feedback on every click: The key can be pressed and released on the sound that it produces on every click. This feature is satisfying for typing.
- Favorable for gamers: Normally, players have voted in favor of mechanical keyboards because it prevents jamming during high-speed games. Furthermore, it reduces the stress during gaming caused by the ghosting because it has the right amount of N key rollovers. The mechanical keyboard usually complimented with desktops, which are ideal for competitive gaming.
- Long-lasting: The mechanical keyboard is long-lasting. It made for heavy usage which extends their life.
- Comfortable for fingers: The mechanical keyboard is easy and convenient for hands if you are doing any task for hours. It will prevent your hands from tiredness and pain.
Reasons to avoid mechanical keyboards
- Pricey: The mechanical keyboard is costly as compared to chiclets.
- Loud: The mechanical keyboard may cause noise, which makes it uneasy and lively. It is not suitable when you out of your private space.
- Unfavorable for travel: Usually, a mechanical keyboard is heavy and needs connecting wires which make it unsuitable for travel.
Final Words
While I am writing my concluding remarks about Chiclet vs. mechanical keyboards, hopefully, you have been cleared about your decision to buy the most suitable keyboard according to your needs. Every positive and negative aspect of both keyboards included in our article.
If you are a gamer and love to play without any delay, you should go for the best mechanical keyboard. If you are a blogger who spends most of the day typing on a different topic, a still mechanical keyboard is right for you. If you are a student or frequent traveler, then the chiclet keyboard is an appropriate choice for you.
Keeping in mind all the attributes of chiclet and mechanical keyboard as well as your budget will relieve your confusion, which has been a hurdle to buy the most suitable keyboard for you.
Check out which are the best selling Chiclet keyboards:
- STYLISH, QUIET PERFORMANCE – Sleek, full-sized keyboard with numeric keypad features low-profile chiclet keys for more faster, accurate, and quiet...
- LOOKS GOOD, FEELS GOOD – This wired keyboard's aesthetic, ergonomic design fits your natural typing position for comfortable use all-day
- START TYPING QUICK – Simply plug the keyboard's USB-A cable into your USB-enabled laptop or desktop PC and start typing right away
- KEYSTROKE OF GENIUS – Increase efficiency with this thin wired keyboard's convenient top-row shortcut keys that activate 12 common functions with...
- LET THERE BE LED – Stay in the zone with LED-illuminated Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock that lets you see what's on or off at a glance
- 【Excellent Typing Experience】: Similar to a laptop, the low profile keys provide responsive typing for precise control. Full size layout is ideal...
- 【Typing Without Fatigue & Noise】: Tilt stands allow you to angle the keyboard at a comfortable degree. Also the keys are much quieter than a...
- 【Durable Without Worn Off Characters】: Chiclet keys are arranged in a traditional layout and are less susceptible to damage or wear off because...
- 【Plug & Play】: Quickly get typing with fast and simple installation through the wired Lightning connection that is completely reliable and easy to...
- 【12 Quick Access Keys】: For convenient shortcuts to functions performed often. Hotkeys combine FN enable play music and movie, browse the web,...
- 2Pcs Keyboard - There are 2 full size keyboard in the package.
- 【Easy, Ultra-Fast to Play】CL206 wired computer keyboard is super easy to use, it works instantly with any USB devices, no driver needed, no need...
- 【Responsive Low-Profile Chiclet Keys】Provide optimized responsiveness and effortless tactile feedback that remind you the key has been hit. You...
- 【Slim, Modern Design】Own your style with a slim computer keyboard with premium matte finish, and you can easily carry it when you work from home....
- 【Ergonomic, Noiseless Typing】The keyboard angle is adjustable with flip out legs, supporting your hands in a more ergonomic gesture to relieve...
- 【𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧】Don't have to be familiar with the new keys, USB wired...
- 【𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭】Multimedia USB Computer Keyboard boost your workflow and...
- 【𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝】With noise reduction design, no matter you are...
- 【𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠】The USB keyboard angle is adjustable with flip out...
- 【𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝】The waterproofness is carefully...
- 【 EXCELLENT TYPING EXPERIENCE 】 With comfortable low-profile keys and standard PC keyboard layout with full-size design allow for quiet and...
- 【 ULTRA-SLIM AND ERGONOMICS DESIGN 】 POWZAN keyboard is convinced that is Ultra-slim with the high-end scissors switch whisper-quiet keys, sleek,...
- 【 SPLENDID LED BACKLIGHT 】 The keyboard is an essential piece of equipment for any computer. It takes a prominent position on your desk and will...
- 【 PLUG AND PLAY COMPATIBILITY 】 POWZAN keyboard is ready-to-use right out of the box, so there is no need to download and install any software or...
- 【 A MUST-HAVE FOR MAC& WINDOWS USER 】 12 Hotkeys designed specifically for both Windows & MAC OS. Shortcuts let you do more with less effort in...
- CORDLESS FREEDOM - Cut the cord clutter with a wireless keyboard and mouse combo that lets you roam untethered thanks to a single 2.4 GHz wireless...
- STYLISH & COMFORTABLE – The ergonomically designed wireless keyboard with chiclet keycaps and number pad provides all-day typing comfort, while the...
- KEYSTROKE OF GENIUS – Increase efficiency with this thin wireless keyboard's convenient top-row shortcut keys that activate 12 common functions with...
- FREE YOUR MOUSE - Compact, portable wireless mouse features a 1600 dpi optical sensor for smooth, lag-free mouse tracking on virtually any surface (1)...
- LET THERE BE LED - Easy-to-see LED indicators illuminate the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock keys so you can see what's on or off at a glance
- 【𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞】Each low profile key, optimized key travel...
- 【𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞】The tight, modern design with height-adjustable 8 ° tilt legs...
- 【𝟮.𝟰𝐆 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧】 Forget about drop-outs and delays, thanks to a strong, reliable...
- 【𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭】Multimedia USB Computer Keyboard boost your workflow and...
- 【𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝】With noise reduction design, no matter you are...
And here are the best selling mechanical keyboards:
- Full Size Mechanical Keyboard - RK100 wireless mechanical keyboard is 96% full size with compact 100 keys, which is solid, stable and durable....
- Three Modes Connectivity - This mechanical keyboard includes 2.4Ghz wireless, Type-C-USB 2.0 wired and bluetooth 5.1 connections. And RK100 gaming...
- Hot-swappable Switches - RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK100 wireless keyboard can be hot swapped at wish and replaced by all of MX-similar mechanical switches...
- 3 USB Ports - This hot swappable keyboard is armed with a 3750mAh large battery and geared with 2 built-in USB pass-through ports and 1 Type-C port,...
- All Keys Programmable - This bluetooth mechanical keyboard is attached with a newly-developed software that you can customize the lighting modes,...
- LIGHTSYNC technology provides next-gen RGB lighting that synchronizes lighting with any content. Personalize each key or create custom animations from...
- Low Profile mechanical switches offer the speed, accuracy, and performance of a mechanical switch at half the height.
- Beautifully crafted, G815 uses aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to deliver an incredibly thin but rigid and durable design. Now in white and black...
- Five dedicated G-keys can be programmed with custom macros and commands per game or app profile. Requires use Logitech G HUB to easily set up and...
- Dedicated media controls with a precision-engineered, edgeless volume wheel provide convenient and easy control to quickly play, pause, skip or mute...
- An adjustable 4-8 degree tilt and slim front lets you type at a comfortable angle.
- Choose between Red, Blue, or Brown switches for the right level of sound and tactile key feedback.
- White backlighting in 5 patterns lets you be productive your way — even in the dark.
- A modern and durable aluminum design gives you all the mechanics of a gaming keyboard in a sleek premium package that lasts
- A full-size keyboard featuring a number pad and FN keys — all in a surprisingly compact footprint.
- A 75% layout (84-key) RGB backlight compact Bluetooth mechanical keyboard. The ultimate tenkeyless keyboard that retains shortcut and arrow keys....
- Connects with up to 3 devices via Bluetooth 5.1 and switch among them easily. With high reliable and broad compatibility Broadcom Bluetooth chipset,...
- With a unique Mac layout, K2 has all necessary Mac function keys, while compatible with Windows. Extra keycaps for both Windows and Mac operating...
- K2 can last up to 72 hours typing, or up to 7 days normal use (count 8hrs per day) with a 4000 mAh big battery, which is one of the biggest in...
- Charming RGB backlight with elegant keycap legends helps to type in dime environment, you can also choose other static color backlight mode. Durable...
- Hybrid mechanical gaming switches – The tactile click of a blue mechanical switch plus a smooth membrane
- OLED smart display – Customize with gifs, game info, discord messages, and more. OS-Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox, and PlayStation. USB port required
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame – Manufactured for unbreakable durability and sturdiness
- Dynamic per-key RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects for every key
- Premium magnetic wrist rest – Provides full palm support and comfort
- Take your gaming skills to the next level: The Logitech G413 SE is a full-size keyboard with gaming-first features and the durability and performance...
- PBT keycaps: Heat- and wear-resistant, this computer gaming keyboard features the most durable material used in keycap design
- Tactile mechanical switches: Uncompromising performance is always within reach with this wired gaming keyboard
- Premium color, material and finish: Elevate your gaming setup with this backlit keyboard featuring a sleek, black-brushed aluminum top case and white...
- 6-Key rollover anti-ghosting performance: Experience reliable key input with this anti-ghosting keyboard versus non-gaming mechanical keyboards
- 【Top/Gasket Dual-mount 75% Keyboard】Incredible typing experience & sound, this mechanical keyboard gives you the ultimate typing experience and...
- 【Customized Womier Coffee Switches】The switch adopts POM long pole and PC shell to bring better typing experience with 40gf actuation force and a...
- 【Metal Scroll Knob and Hot-swappable Wired Keyboard】Hot-swappable design of this wired custom keyboard enables super convenient pullout and pop-in...
- 【South-Facing RGB Backlight Keyboard and Software Customization】Keyboard with 16.8 million RGB cool backlight. Up to 18 factory-set lights are...
- 【Smooth Gaming Keyboard Experience】G75 Mechanical keyboard is compatible with Windows and Mac. Full keys anti-ghosting bring you more smooth...