What is a plunger keyboard

Many users who are interested in differences in the types of keyboards are well aware of how mechanical differs from membrane. However, the existence of the so-called plunger puzzles them. In this article, we will reveal this question in more detail.

Many perceive it as something between a mechanical and a membrane. In fact, yes and no. Yes, because it really combines the consumer properties of both keyboards. No, because technically it still refers to the membrane type and their technological qualities practically coincide in everything. The only difference is that the same response from pressing is skillfully modeled in it, as when working with "mechanics".

REFERENCE! This effect is achieved due to the design features of each button, which includes a cap and a wide jumper through which interaction with the membrane occurs, thereby achieving the illusion of mechanical pressing.

It is equally actively used by those users who work with a set of texts - copywriters, writers, journalists, programmers, etc., and amateur gamers. Some models are in demand even by cybersportsmen, although they still often prefer "mechanics".

Its main advantages include:

• light weight and compactness, which is especially useful for those who often move or travel;
• ease of printing, just achieved plunger technology;
• low noise level, which is especially true for those who live more than one and prefer to print or play at night;
• lack of probability of a signal from accidentally touching a button;
• good tactility.

REFERENCE! Tactility is feedback from the keyboard, a kind of signal that tells the user that the press worked. This can be a sound (the so-called click) or resistance, increasing accordingly to lowering the key down and disappearing as it works, after which the button “falls through” sharply. The most difficult thing is to determine the response of pressing on membrane keyboards, on plunger and mechanical ones it is provided for in the design itself.

Unlike many membrane, such keyboards can be disassembled for cleaning, and many of the modern models are resistant to any liquids. Therefore, they are not afraid to not only spill tea or coffee, but even drop them in the water or wash them under the tap with soap.

Also, despite the fact that the price of a plunger keyboard is higher than an ordinary membrane keyboard, when you purchase it, you will save more than if you want to buy a mechanical version. As a rule, tactile sensations when working with it practically duplicate the Cherry MX keyboard line.

As for the negative qualities, they 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 when it hits, the entire keyboard can fail, and not some buttons;
• higher cost than membrane.

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