Upgrading from a Membrane Keyboard like Corsair K55 to a Mechanical Keyboard: Worth the Switch?

Have you been considering upgrading your current membrane keyboard, such as the Corsair K55, to a mechanical keyboard?

Why Consider an Upgrade?

While the Corsair K55 is a solid membrane keyboard, many users find that upgrading to a mechanical keyboard brings numerous benefits. Below, I’ll explore why this upgrade is worth the investment and recommend a few popular mechanical keyboard options for both home and office use.

Options for Different Environments

Office Use: Brown Keys
For office work, the EarlGrey and Brown switches are often preferred due to their quiet operation, which is essential for maintaining a professional environment without distractions. Additionally, the EarlGrey switches are known for their tactile feedback and responsive action.

Home Use: Blue Keys
If you’re using your keyboard at home, blue switches are a popular choice due to their satisfying tactile feedback and clicky feel. The sharp click of the blue switches can also provide a sense of accomplishment with every keystroke, making typing more enjoyable.

Wired vs. Wireless

While wireless keyboards offer convenience, they often come with a trade-off in terms of power consumption and performance. If you’re using a color-keyed keyboard, it’s highly recommended to opt for a wired version. Wireless keyboards typically suck up more power and can affect the responsiveness of the keyboard, which is crucial for typing tasks.

Personal Recommendations

After testing various keyboards, I’ve found a few models that stand out as excellent options:

Maltese Black Widow Ten Keyless (TKL)
If you find the numeric keypad unnecessary, the Maltese Black Widow Ten Keyless (TKL) is a great choice. It offers a small form factor without compromising on functionality. The absence of the number pad is perfect for those who rarely need it, especially in an engineering environment. Moreover, one can easily slide a notepad between the keys for quick note-taking, making it a versatile keyboard for various tasks.

Keychron K6 GK61
For a more compact design, the Keychron K6 GK61 is an excellent portable option. Its 60% layout, while still providing full functionality, makes it perfect for those who prefer a clean and streamlined workspace. The red switches in this keyboard provide a balanced experience between speed and responsiveness.

Switch Types and Keycaps

It’s essential to note that the color of mechanical keyboard keys, such as red, blue, green, and brown, indicates the type of switch rather than the actual keycap color. Different switch types offer varying sensations and performance characteristics. For example:

Red Switches: Known for their light touch and quick response, often chosen by fast typists who prefer precise control. Blue Switches: Provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a distinct click sound, making them popular among gamers and those who prefer a tactile experience. Green Switches: Offer a high level of actuation force and a smoother action compared to red switches, making them a middle ground between fast and responsive typing and a more tactile experience. Brown Switches: Provide a moderate actuation force with a tactile bump, offering a happy medium between the light touch of red switches and the distinct click of blue switches.

Game Usage

While I haven’t thoroughly tested the gaming capabilities of these keyboards, many users find that mechanical keyboards generally enhance gaming experiences. The improved actuation and tactile feedback can lead to more precise and responsive inputs, especially in fast-paced games where every keystroke counts.

For those who require exceptional gaming performance, mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX switches are often recommended. However, if you mainly use your keyboard for general office work or light gaming, a well-chosen mechanical keyboard can still bring significant improvements.

Conclusion

While the Corsair K55 is a great keyboard for its time, upgrading to a mechanical keyboard can enhance both the performance and the user experience. Whether you prioritize quiet office work, fast typing, or the tactile feedback of blue switches, mechanical keyboards offer a level of customization and performance that membrane keyboards simply cannot match.

Related Keywords

keywords: mechanical keyboard, Corsair K55, membrane keyboard