Chiclet Keyboard vs Mechanical Keyboard | The Ultimate 2023 Showdown

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.

Chiclet Keyboard vs Mechanical Keyboard

Chiclet Keyboard vs Mechanical Keyboard

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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

Logitech K800 Wireless Illuminated 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

Das Keyboard 4 Professional 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:

Bestseller No. 1
ASUS VivoBook F412DA 14" Laptop - AMD Ryzen 5 - 1080p 8GB DDR4 RAM 256GB SATA Solid State Drive...
  • ASUS VivoBook F412DA 14" Laptop - AMD Ryzen 5 - 1080p 8GB DDR4 RAM 256GB SATA Solid State Drive Backlit Chiclet Keyboard
Bestseller No. 2
POWZAN Aluminum Quiet Wired Keyboard Backlit- Slim Chiclet Keyboard Compatible with Apple iMac,...
  • 【 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...
Bestseller No. 3
VivoBook ASUS F412DA 14" Laptop - AMD Ryzen 3 3250U 3.5GHz - 1080p 8GB DDR4 RAM 256GB SATA SSD...
  • 14-inch FHD 4 way NanoEdge bezel display with stunning 87% screen-to-body ratio
  • Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3250U Processor (4MB Cache, Up to 3.5GHz)
  • AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics with 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD
  • Comprehensive connections including USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Wi-Fi 5(802.11ac) with Ergonomic chiclet backlit keyboard with...
  • Windows 10 in S mode exclusively runs apps from the Microsoft Store. To install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, simply switch out...
Bestseller No. 5
ASUS 15.6" ROG Strix G15 Laptop | AMD Ryzen 7 4800H Processor | GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics | 16GB...
  • 【RAM & Storage】This computer comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD.
  • 【AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor】The AMD Ryzen 7 4800H is a Renoir APU designed for larger, more powerful laptops with room for better termals. The...
  • 【15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) Display】15.6" Anti-glare IPS FHD (1920 x 1080) 250-Nits 144Hz Display.
  • 【Other features】NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060,Intel Wi-Fi 6 (2x2/160) Gig+ and Bluetooth 5.1,10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN,Backlit Chiclet Keyboard...
  • 【Bundle with HDMI Cable】Bundled with a High-Speed HDMI Cable that supports 4K content.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Computer Keyboard Wired, Plug Play USB Keyboard, Low Profile Chiclet Keys, Large Number Pad, Caps...
  • 【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...
  • 【Optimize Your Productivity】Boost your workflow and simply how you use your computer with a large number pad, 3 indicator lights and 12 multimedia...
Bestseller No. 7
ASUS ROG Strix G15 Gaming Laptop 2023 Newest, 15.6" FHD 144Hz Display, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, GeForce...
  • 【AMD Ryzen 7 4800H Processor】 AMD Ryzen 7 4800H Processor (2.90 GHz, up to 4.20 GHz Max Boost, 8 Cores, 16 Threads, 8 MB Cache) to deliver maximum...
  • 【 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics】 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics. Backed by 6GB GDDR6 dedicated video memory for a fast, advanced GPU to fuel...
  • 【Display】 The 15.6" Display. Marvel at detail-rich visuals with a 144Hz FHD display that deftly balances refresh rate and resolution. Both panels...
  • 【Upgraded】Up to 64GB RAM smoothly run your applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. Up to 2TB PCIe SSD boots up...
  • 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools,...

And here are the best selling mechanical keyboards:

Bestseller No. 1
Logitech K845 Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard, Strong Adjustable Tilt Legs, Full Size, Aluminum Top...
  • 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.
Bestseller No. 2
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK100 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Bluetooth5.1/2.4G/Wired 96% Full Size 100-Key...
  • 【Full Size Mechanical Keyboard】RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK100 is a wireless mechanical keyboard with compact 100 keys. A 96% full size body can be solid,...
  • 【3 Modes Connectivity】This mechanical keyboard includes 2.4GHz wireless, Type-C-USB 2.0 wired and bluetooth 5.1 modes. Be equipped with a 2.4GHz...
  • 【Hot-swappable Switches】 RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK100 can be hot swapped at wish and replaced by all of MX-similar mechanical switches(including...
  • 【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...
  • 【All Keys Programmable】This bluetooth mechanical keyboard is attached with a newly-developed software that you can customize the lighting modes,...
Bestseller No. 3
Logitech MX Mechanical Wireless Illuminated Performance Keyboard, Clicky Switches, Backlit Keys,...
  • Fluid and quiet mechanical typing: MX Mechanical keyboard features Tactile Quiet switches that deliver next-level feel and flow with less noise -...
  • Low-profile keys, more comfort: A keyboard layout designed for effortless precision, with a full-size form factor and low-profile mechanical switches...
  • Smart illumination: Backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach the cordless keyboard and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting...
  • Faster workflow, more customization: Customize Fn keys, assign backlighting effects, enable Flow cross-computer, multi-device control, and more in the...
  • Multi-device, multi-OS: Pair MX Mechanical Bluetooth wireless keyboard with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system via Bluetooth Low Energy or...
SaleBestseller No. 4
SteelSeries Apex Pro USB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Adjustable Actuation Switches – World’s...
  • OmniPoint adjustable switches allow for customization of actuation distance from 0.4 millimeter to 3.6 millimeter
  • OLED smart display: An integrated command center for adjusting settings and tracking on the fly info straight from your game, Spotify, Discord, and...
  • Aircraft grade aluminum alloy built for a lifetime of durability and stability
  • RGB Illumination unmatched customization with 16.8 million colors per key
  • Premium magnetic wrist rest: Provides full palm support and comfortable, ergonomic feel. Compatibility : (OS) Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox, and...
Bestseller No. 5
Keychron K2 Version 2 Wireless Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Bluetooth/USB Wired Compact 84 Keys RGB...
  • 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...
Bestseller No. 6
60 Percent Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Black&Gray Mixed Color Keycaps Gaming Keyboard with Blue...
  • ✅ [ N-Key Rollover ] All keys non-conflict. This mechanical gaming keyboards allows multiple keys to work simultaneously with high speed. Let you...
  • ✅ [ Clicky Blue Switches ] The excellent tactile feedback, when pressed, you can clearly get the feedback of the click, and with a clear clicky...
  • ✅ [ 61 Keys Compact with Powder Blue Light ] Small size with 61 keys, save more space for your desk. And this mini gaming keyboard have 19 powder...
  • ✅ [ Detachable Type-C Cable ] Plugging the keyboard in works straight away without any software installed, you can use it as easy as plug and play....
  • ✅ [ Ergonomic & Durable ] Smooth lines,comfortable feeling and reduce your hand fatigue. Two-Color injection keycaps make this keyboard more durable...
SaleBestseller No. 7
Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Low Profile Switch...
  • Wireless Gaming Gear Brand - Based on independent aggregated sales data (FEB ‘19 - FEB’20) of Wireless Gaming Keyboard, Mice, & PC Headset in...
  • LIGHTSPEED wireless delivers pro-grade performance with flexibility and freedom from cords Creates a clean aesthetic for battlestations Delivers 40...
  • LIGHTSYNC technology provides RGB lighting that synchronizes lighting with any content Personalize each key or create custom animations from about 16...
  • Low Profile mechanical switches offers the speed accuracy and performance of a mechanical switch at half the height The GL Clicky switch features a...
  • Tenkeyless design provides more room for mouse movement Store the USB receiver in the back of the keyboard for additional portability