What is a plunger keyboard

Many users who are interested in the differences in types of keyboards know very well how a mechanical one differs from a membrane one. However, the existence of the so-called plunger puzzles them. In this article we will explore this issue in a little more detail.

What is a plunger keyboard

Many perceive it as something between mechanical and membrane. Actually, yes and no. Yes, because it really combines the consumer properties of both keyboards. No, because technically it still belongs to the membrane type and their technological qualities coincide in almost everything. The only difference is that it skillfully simulates the same response from pressing as when working with “mechanics”.

REFERENCE! This effect is achieved thanks to the design feature of each button, which includes a cap and a wide bridge through which interaction with the membrane occurs, which achieves the illusion of mechanical pressing.

It is equally actively used by those users who work with typing texts - copywriters, writers, journalists, programmers, etc., and amateur gamers. Some models are even in demand by eSports players, although they still often prefer “mechanics”.

Features of a plunger keyboard, pros and cons

Its main advantages include:

• light weight and compactness, which is especially useful for those who often move or travel;
• ease of printing, precisely achieved by plunger technology;
• low noise level, which is especially important for those who do not live alone and prefer to type or play at night;
• there is no possibility of a signal being triggered by accidentally touching a button;
• good tactility.

REFERENCE! Tactility is feedback from the keyboard, a kind of signal conveying to the user that the press has worked. This can be a sound (the so-called click) or resistance, which increases as the key is lowered down and disappears as it is triggered, after which the button suddenly “falls”. It is most difficult to determine the actuation of a press on membrane keyboards; on plunger and mechanical keyboards, this is provided for in the design itself.

Unlike many membrane keyboards, such keyboards can be disassembled for cleaning, and many of the modern models are resistant to any liquids. Therefore, it is not scary not only to spill tea or coffee on them, but even to drop them entirely into water or wash them under a tap with soap.

Also, despite the fact that the price of a plunger keyboard is higher than a regular membrane one, when purchasing it you will save more than if you want to buy a mechanical option. As a rule, the tactile sensations when working with it are almost identical to the line of Cherry MX keyboards.

As for negative qualities, these include:

• shorter service life than mechanical ones, since the composition contains short-lived silicone, which over time tends to harden and tear;
• if the plunger product is not resistant to moisture, then if it gets in, the entire keyboard may fail at once, and not just some buttons;
• higher cost than membrane ones.

These are the features, pros and cons of plunger keyboards.