A mechanical keyboard uses a separate spring-loaded switch under each key, giving a tactile, durable, customizable feel, while a membrane keyboard registers presses through a single rubber-dome layer, making it quieter, cheaper, and lighter but usually less tactile and less durable.
Mechanical keyboards have an individual physical switch beneath every key, so each press gives a distinct, springy response and a clear actuation point. Membrane keyboards use a rubber or silicone dome layer that completes a circuit when pressed to the bottom, which feels softer and mushier.
Mechanical keyboards tend to be more durable, more tactile, and more customizable through swappable switches and keycaps, but they cost more and are usually louder. Membrane keyboards are cheaper, quieter, and lighter, but generally wear out sooner and feel less responsive.
Choose mechanical if you type or game a lot and value feel, durability, and customization. Choose membrane if you want something inexpensive, quiet, and lightweight and do not mind a softer typing feel.
Usually yes. The physical switches produce a more audible click or clack, while membrane keyboards with rubber domes are quieter, though quieter mechanical switches also exist.
Generally yes. Their individual switches are rated for a very large number of keystrokes, whereas the rubber domes in membrane keyboards tend to degrade sooner.
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