Looking for a gaming keyboard on a low budget? The best membrane keyboards for gaming can help you in this regard. These keyboards offer high performance at a low cost! So, you won’t have to empty your pockets to get a few gaming perks! Also, studies revealed that mechanical keyboards strain your muscles more than membrane keyboards!
Although these keyboards won’t be as good for gaming as their mechanical brothers, the price difference is so huge between them, so you can’t really compare them. Anyhow, there are great membrane-style keyboards that offer many features that even a mechanical keyboard might not have.
The membrane keyboard’s quiet typing experience is one of their greatest benefits. Because there aren’t any separate mechanical switches, the keys don’t make the distinctive mechanical keyboard clicking noise. The manufacturing cost of this type of keyboard is lower than mechanical keyboards. So they are more affordable than mechanical keyboards.
However, with such low manufacturing costs comes too many low-quality membrane keyboards on the market. So, finding the best membrane keyboard can be a daunting task. That’s why we created a list of the top 9 membrane and hybrid keyboards for gaming in 2023. Stay tuned to find out more!
In this section, you will see various types of membrane keyboards. However, not all of them may be suitable for you according to your preference and budget. So, please read each review thoroughly and make an informed decision yourself.
The K55 also has six dedicated macro keys that provide an in-game advantage. These keys allow you to record onboard, program more complex macros through iCUE, or assign streaming commands through Elgato Stream Deck software. Furthermore, it has a Windows Key Lock Mode, ensuring your gameplay never accidentally gets interrupted.
One of the most notable features of the Corsair K55 is its six different customizable lighting effects. It comes with options to assign different colors to different lighting zones or program custom backlight effects to five RGB lighting zone by using CORSAIR iCUE. Additionally, the keyboard has IP42 protection, safeguarding against dust buildup and spill accidents, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay.
Other features of the K55 keyboard include muted and responsive rubber dome switches, making it comfortable to experience with a tactile feel and responsiveness in-game performance. And it is equipped with a detachable wrist rest that ensures comfortable, long-term play. Overall, the Corsair K55 Membrane Keyboard is an impressive addition to your gaming arsenal, offering a wide range of features to enhance your gaming experience.
A significant feature of the Microsoft Ergonomic Membrane Keyboard is its built-in shortcuts that allow users to be more effective. The function keys for Microsoft 365, search, emojis, effortless access to media commands, and more, make it easy to navigate the keyboard.
Additionally, the keyboard has an improved protector cushion and ergonomically tested wrist rest covered in premium cloth material, providing all-day convenience and promoting a neutral hand posture.
This keyboard also has a dedicated, integrated numbers pad that allows you to work quickly and efficiently when crunching numbers. The hotkey features include Favorite keys (1/2/3), media keys (Mute/Vol+/Vol-/Previous Track/Music, Pause/Play/Next Track), Snipping, Calculator, SysLock, TaskView, and Search.
Furthermore, the keyboard has customizable features such as favorite keys reassignment, media keys reassignment, LED indicator control (NumLock, Caps Lock, ScrollLock), and enabling/disabling the Application key. The Emoji key can also be reassigned, but only to the Application key.
While this keyboard may not have specific gaming features, its comfortable and customizable design make it a great option if you spend long hours typing. This also includes you if you are a gamer and you spend extended periods of time at your computer.
The membrane keyboard features a split keyboard layout that relaxes wrists and forearms, a cushioned palm rest to provide wrist support, and a domed keyboard shape to reduce and correct wrist pronation that can cause you pain and limited mobility.
The Sculpt Ergonomic membrane keyboards are built for long-term use. It is designed to provide a comfortable typing experience without the stress, strain, and discomfort of other keyboards and mice. The natural arc keyboard layout follows the curve of your fingertips for a more natural way of typing.
Also, the reverse tilt design positions the keyboard at the correct angle to give you a straight, neutral wrist position. This keyboard has an ergonomic mouse combo as well. The mouse shape is designed for maximum wrist comfort, with a thumb scoop to maintain the correct ergonomic hand and wrist position.
The keyboard also includes a separate number pad for better workspace flexibility. The advanced encryption standard (AES) 128-bit encryption technology helps to protect your information by encrypting your keystrokes. Each keyboard is permanently paired with its receiver at the factory, so no key information is ever shared over the air. Making this ergonomic keyboard an excellent addition to your workspace or gaming setup.
The keyboard has soft and responsive keys that provide a comfortable and tactile feel. The anti-ghosting feature ensures you press numerous keys simultaneously without trouble, making it ideal for a fast-paced gaming session.
The HyperX Alloy Core is also spill-resistant and has a sturdy structure that has been tested to withstand up to 120ml of liquid, making it a solid choice if you are a gamer looking for a keyboard that can survive the rigors of daily use.
The keyboard also has a keyboard lock option that allows you to lock your keyboard without locking your system. This is a valuable option for gamers who wish to take a break without logging out. Furthermore, the HyperX Alloy Core is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, giving you a versatile option if you utilize various operating systems.
The HyperX Alloy Core is an excellent alternative to mechanical gaming keyboards if you are looking for a stylish and dependable keyboard designed for fast-paced gaming. This keyboard perfectly complements any gaming setup thanks to its quiet, responsive keys, spill-resistant design, and configurable RGB illumination.
This keyboard features individually backlit keys for enhanced RGB personalization. It also has completely programmable keys that can be assigned to various instructions, giving you more personalized gameplay.
One of the standout features of the Razer Cynosa V2 is its dedicated media keys, which can be configured to control a variety of functions such as play, pause, and adjust brightness and volume. This feature enhances the overall convenience and entertainment experience. The keyboard is also designed with grooves allowing cable routing options, keeping the desktop clear of clutter and mess.
In addition, the Razer Cynosa V2 is durable and spill-resistant, making it an excellent choice for messy gaming sessions. Its sturdy build can withstand the effects of minor spills and everyday wear and tear, making it a reliable and long-lasting investment.
So, if you’re a gamer who prefers the looks of a mechanical gaming keyboard but would love the comfort of membrane keyboards, the Cynosa V2 would be perfect for you. The membrane keys offer a soft touch, while the programmable macro keys and other integrated features make the keyboard more appealing.
Its main selling point, the lighting system, comprises five zones powered by ten discrete LEDs, and it’s as vivid as it is immersive. The detachable wrist rest clicks on and off easily, which is excellent if you prefer wrist support while typing but prefer a direct feel while gaming.
The AIMO lighting engine syncs compatible products and presents state-of-the-art lighting scenarios that flow from device to device. It works out of the box without extensive configuration, with a vivid 16.8 million color lighting.
Also, the advanced membrane keys provide a solid and responsive typing feel, with advanced anti-ghosting technology allowing for multiple key presses simultaneously. Just like any other membrane keyboard, keystrokes are also silent.
ROCCAT’s proprietary button duplicator technology, Easy-Shift[+], expands command power with a single keystroke. By holding down the designated Easy-Shift[+] button (Caps Lock by default), you can unlock a secondary function for the WASD keys.
For example, you can use the WASD keys for movement in games, and while holding Easy-Shift[+], the same keys can be used for crouch, jumping, or other functions!
With advanced anti-ghosting technology, the keyboard offers a solid and responsive typing experience, and the 1.8m USB cable provides a convenient and reliable connection to your device. Overall, the ROCCAT Magma membrane keyboard offers a great combination of comfort, functionality, and design, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for a reliable and customizable gaming keyboard
SteelSeries Apex 5 is a gaming keyboard designed for those who want the best of both worlds in smoothness and durability. It combines the tactile feel of a blue mechanical switch with the reliability and performance of a membrane switch, offering an unparalleled gaming experience.
This keyboard boasts an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame built to last a lifetime of intense gaming sessions and a premium magnetic wrist rest that provides full palm support and a comfortable feel.
The Apex 5 features an OLED smart display that can display profiles, game information, Discord messages, and more, making it an essential tool to stay on top of your game. The keyboard also has dedicated multimedia controls, including a clickable metal roller and media keys that allow you to adjust volume and settings on the fly.
With its dynamic per-key RGB illumination, the Apex 5 offers millions of color options and reactive typing effects, giving you complete control over your ultimate gaming setup. Another standout feature of the Apex 5 is its hybrid blue mechanical gaming switches that are guaranteed 20 million key presses. This ensures that the keyboard will last you for years, no matter how intense your gaming gets.
With unmatched customization through SteelSeries Engine, dedicated OLED display, and fantastic performance, the SteelSeries Apex 5 is a massive steal if you love to take your experience to the next level!
One of the standout features of the G213 is its LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting system. You can match your style or system with five individual lighting zones, each customizable from a palette of approximately 16.8 million colors and brightness levels. LIGHTSYNC technology also synchronizes lighting and game profiles with content, delivering next-gen RGB lighting.
Built for real-life gaming situations, the G213 is spill-resistant, with a tested liquid rating of 60ml. The membrane and keyframe construction design is durable, providing a keyboard that can withstand the realities of everyday gaming.
The G213 also has an integrated wrist rest and adjustable feet, allowing for two-level angle adjustment. The palm rest relieves discomfort or fatigue, while the feet can be adjusted to achieve the perfect playing angle.
The keyboard also features dedicated media controls for instant access to media functions. You can play, pause, and mute music and videos, as well as volume control and skip to the next song.
With its durable design, superior tactile response, and customizable RGB lighting, the G213 is perfect for a high-quality gaming experience at the minimum cost!
Additionally, mid-height keycaps have been custom designed to reduce the time it takes for your actions to register, allowing your fingers to move freely between each key without missing a single stroke.
The Razer Ornata Chroma is also customizable with Razer Chroma, which offers full 16.8 million customizable color options. This keyboard reacts to your game with interactive in-game effects, giving you a more immersive gameplay experience.
In terms of comfort, the Razer Ornata Chroma features an ergonomic wrist rest specially designed to ensure you’re always comfortable, no matter how intense your gaming marathons are. Additionally, this keyboard has fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording, 10-key rollover, dedicated gaming mode, and anti-ghosting capability for up to 10 simultaneous key presses.
So, if you’re looking for mechanical performance with membrane comfort, then the Razer Ornata Chroma can be a perfect solution that won’t break the bank. Also, you can pull all-nighter gaming sessions without disturbing anyone because of the soft membrane keys.
However, if money isn’t a constraint for you, you can check out the wireless keyboards with mechanical keycaps. They perform really well and look great. Here is our comprehensive guide on the best wireless keyboards.
Having the perfect keyboard is necessary if you want to have a good gaming experience. Who wants to lose in online matches just because of a bad keyboard? Nobody!
However, buying the perfect gaming keyboard can get a bit costly. So, if you have decided to get a membrane or a hybrid keyboard instead, that is totally understandable. Anyhow, this doesn’t mean that you’ll have to miss out on gaming features.
There are some fantastic membrane and mecha-membrane keyboards on the market that can compete against many mechanical keyboards while being very cheap. The best membrane keyboards offer the looks, performance, and feel of gaming!
But you’ll need to keep looking for some features you want in your membrane gaming keyboard. Below we listed the things to consider when buying your membrane keyboard for gaming.
Gaming keyboards should survive severe use, so search for long-lasting keyboards. Seek for keyboards with long-lasting key switches and solid construction so you can rely on them for years.
Anti-ghosting is a feature that ensures all your key presses are registered, even if you press multiple keys simultaneously. This is crucial in fast-paced gaming scenarios, where every millisecond counts. Look for a keyboard that has anti-ghosting technology to ensure accurate and responsive gameplay.
Membrane keyboards are generally more affordable than mechanical keyboards, with prices ranging from around $20 to $100. The lower-priced options will typically be basic models with no extra features. While the best membrane keyboards come at a higher price and may include RGB lighting, programmable keys, and other customization options.
So, you should budget around $50 to $100. You can get a decent membrane gaming keyboard from larger brands like Razer or Corsair at around $60 to $100.
Ergonomics should also be a top consideration when choosing a keyboard for gaming, especially if you plan to spend extended periods using it. Look for a keyboard with a wrist rest or one that is contoured to fit the shape of your hands, which can help reduce the risk of developing hand and wrist pain or injury.
Learn more about ergonomic keyboards from our comprehensive list of the best ergonomic keyboards.
If you keep these things in mind, you’ll surely find one of the best membrane keyboards that suit your preferences.
Backlighting can be a useful feature for gaming in low-light conditions. Look for keyboards that offer customizable backlighting options to adjust the brightness and color to your liking. Some keyboards even offer backlight syncing with in-game events, adding to the immersive experience.
Programmable keys allow you to customize your keyboard to your preferred gaming style. Look for keyboards with programmable keys to assign macros and shortcuts to specific keys for quick and easy access.
Gaming keyboards should survive severe use, so search for long-lasting keyboards. Seek for keyboards with long-lasting key switches and solid construction so you can rely on them for years.
While mechanical keyboards are still the gold standard for gaming, membrane keyboards have a place in the market for gamers on a budget or those who prefer a softer typing experience.
It’s important to note that while membrane keyboards may not offer the same level of durability or responsiveness as their mechanical counterparts, they still provide a range of features that can enhance your gaming experience. Ultimately, the best membrane keyboard for gaming will depend on your preferences and needs.
And remember, whether you’re a casual or competitive gamer, at the end of the day, it’s not about the gear you use but the fun you have playing the games. But hey! If you find a keyboard that helps you get that high score, why not treat yourself? After all, we gamers always need an excuse to upgrade our setups!
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