The best membrane gaming keyboards aren't going to compete with the mechanical and magnetic options found further up the price scale, but they do offer gaming-specific features at a much lower price point. Dedicated macro controls, RGB lighting, and high-speed wired connections are the norm here, making them an excellent entry point into the world of mouse and keyboard controls.
So far, the Roccat Magma is the best membrane keyboard I've tested. It's packing a lighter key feel than most while still offering plenty of extra tricks. However, if you're after something a little more compact, the Glorious GMBK 75 is my go-to in the TKL bracket. The SteelSeries Apex 5 is for those after something a little more tactile from their switches, while the Corsair K55 RGB Pro excels in its extra macro features to boot. There's something for everyone in this cheaper selection, you just have to know what to look for and what to sacrifice.
The quick list
You get a full suite of keys here, with a wrist rest included, super smooth switch action, and additional macro support. That RGB is a bonus as well.
The Glorious GMBK 75% is one of the newest membrane gaming keyboards on the market, and fends off competition from SteelSeries with its lighter typing feel and swappable caps.
I tested the blue clicky version and stuck with it for years. The Apex 5 is a more premium device that's still much cheaper than mechanicals.
If you're after additional macro functionality the Corsair K55 RGB pro offers plenty with a great build quality.
My first ever gaming keyboard was a super cheap membrane deck by Logitech - in fact most of my first setup was budget-minded. Since then I've been lucky enough to test the latest and greatest gaming keyboards on the market, spending the last four years reviewing decks at GamesRadar+. I've always kept that eye for value, though, regularly returning to these cheaper options.
The best membrane keyboard overall
The Roccat Magma is my top pick for the best membrane keyboard on the market right now. Between a unique RGB color system, a whole second layer of macro options, and a feel of genuine quality in each keypress, the Magma impressed in my testing. There's still more weight under each press when compared with a mechanical deck, but set against the membrane keyboard backdrop, this is a particularly satisfying model.
Thanks to a distinctive panel with RGB lighting sitting underneath the main board, the Magma cleverly disguises a drop in aesthetic customization options with a replacement effect that some may even prefer.
Roccat Magma review
There's just enough resistance to ensure typing is comfortable yet tactile, and you'll still be able to tap away in a QTE without having to fight against a heavier actuation force. That's what makes the Magma so special - I was able to spend all day typing on these membrane keys, something we would struggle to achieve without fatigue on other options.
On top of that smooth experience, you're getting a full-sized deck with customizable RGB lighting and programmable macros for under $50 / £50. Membrane decks are cheap, but that's still excellent - even in this arena. You'll also find a detachable wrist rest included in that cost as well.
This is an all-rounder, perfect for anyone looking to spend a little more than bargain-bucket prices and still come away with solid value.
Read more: Roccat Magma review
The best TKL membrane keyboard
The Glorious GMBK 75% is one of the more recent membrane gaming keyboards released by major brands this year. These are pretty rare to come by, but Glorious not only keeps its price low with these membrane switches, it also brings a level of customizability to this deck. That's because, unlike most options, the GMBK 75% has swappable keycaps, allowing for a finer control over how each keypress feels.
I found the GMBK 75% to be a lot lighter in typing feel compared to the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL that's coming for its crown. This is still a stiffer experience compared to mechanical options, but there's more room for skating and gliding across the keys. A cheaper ABS material keeps costs low, and it's a good thing they can be swapped out because they're not exactly the best feeling toppers on the market.
However, vibrant 10-zone RGB lighting and a solid build quality makes the Glorious GMBK 75% an excellent option for those after a gaming aesthetic without shelling out for mainstream flagship prices. You're getting dedicated media controls, a bouncy typing feel, and IP57 waterproofing straight out of the box as well.
Where the GMBK 75% does gain the upper hand compared to cheaper mechanical options is its software. Glorious Core software can be used to easily set your own keybindings, adjust RGB settings, and set up your own macros for a full suite of controls.
Read more: Glorious GMBK 75% review
The best mecha-membrane keyboard
I'm cheating a little here because the SteelSeries Apex 5 is a mecha-membrane keyboard. That means the switches retain that clack of a mechanical clicker but still offer the soft landing of a smooth membrane deck. The result is particularly satisfying tap. I tested the blue clicky variant for the maximum effect and was blown away by the speed and satisfaction under every press. If you prefer a lighter touch but still don't want to go full-mechanical, this is the deck for you.
It's easy to find just the right amount of resistance under each press, and with only a little practice you'll be flying across the keys with incredible speed.
SteelSeries Apex 5 review
Of course, you're spending a little more for the Apex 5 than you would other options on this list. However, the mecha-membrane switches under the hood are far more premium than the rubber domes on sub-$60 models, and you're picking up some extra features for even more value as well.
There's an OLED display up towards the top right corner (I did feel that this is a little under-utilized, but it will still display some neat stats in certain games), per-key RGB, a volume roller, and a detachable magnetic wrist rest as well. While keycaps are ABS, I was particularly impressed with the smoothness of the experience here. Every touch feels silky soft, but the curved shapes still ensure your grip is maintained throughout every battle. Combine that with a crisp clicker and this is a tactile dream.
Read more: SteelSeries Apex 5 review
The best membrane keyboard for macro fans
You don't need to sacrifice core gaming features just because you're hunting down a membrane keyboard. In fact, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro excels in offering one of the most important features of all, still in a membrane deck. That's macro programming. Many premium decks offer a whole range of macro options, from individually assignable keys to dedicated extra buttons. Where you prefer to place your macros is down to personal play style, but there's plenty of functionality baked into Corsair's entry.
You're getting six additional buttons down the left side of the keyboard here, all fully dedicated to macro controls. Not only that, but you can assign these keys on the fly, a usually premium feature, or go more in-depth with Corsair's iCue software instead.
Not only that, but the Corsair K55 RGB Pro is still a solid deck elsewhere. Some of the keys can feel a little spongey under-hand, but there's still a nice snap here overall, and a fast debounce. That's to be expected from the brand behind some of the fastest decks on the market, though. You're also getting five-zone RGB lighting, a suite of dedicated media controls, and a detachable palm rest as well.
How we test membrane keyboards
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We test membrane keyboards in the exact same way we would test any mechanical deck. We live with every set of keys for at least two weeks - playing, working, and tinkering with each one until it becomes part of the furniture. That's when we start putting it through its paces thoroughly, with typing tests and more intense gameplay scenarios to track response times, comfort, and key-spacing (and therefore precision). Throughout this time, we're consistently checking corners, keycaps, bezels, and any additional wrist rests or riser feet for signs of wear and tear, or any durability concerns. You can find out more about how we test keyboards in the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
How to choose the right membrane keyboard
Just because you're spending less on a membrane keyboard doesn't mean you can't still expect to prioritize some features over others. These decks still come in all shapes and sizes, so whether you need a wireless option or you need extra controls on board there's still plenty to choose from.
There's less of an emphasis on switch feel in membrane keyboards over mechanical models - and more focus on extra features. I'd recommend making sure you're getting all the extra controls you need, between media playback and volume and additional macro buttons. These features are far more commonplace on membrane keyboards lower down the price scale than you'll find in mechanical decks.
It's also worth noting whether you prefer a textured surface or a smoother grip on your key caps. If the former, I'd recommend a PBT keycap - a more durable build quality that often comes with a slightly grainy feel for better precision. ABS caps are cheaper, but can become oily after longer term use.
Of course, you'll also want to make sure you're getting the right size for you. Most membrane keyboards are in a full-sized design, netting you the full suite of keys and navigation buttons. However, there are smaller TKL options up for grabs as well, offering a more compact design for wider mouse sweeps.
Membrane keyboards vs mechanical keyboards
Mechanical keyboards
- More satisfying and tactile
- N-Key rollover
- More durable
- Customizable
Membrane keyboards
- Quieter
- Cheaper
- Softer typing feel
- Sometimes include more features
Membrane keyboards are excellent if you're building a setup on a budget, but mechanical decks will offer up greater performance overall. That said, because of the additional cost of those individual switches, you may not find as many extra features like dedicated media controls, macro settings, per-key RGB lighting, or a wrist rest, in mechanical decks that cost significantly more. Still, both sides of the debate have their benefits and sacrifices, so it's worth checking out the features of each below.
Best membrane keyboards: FAQ
What is a membrane gaming keyboard?
A membrane gaming keyboard functions the same as a mechanical one, but the switches underneath each key are vastly different. A mechanical keyboard will rely on individual switches under each keycap for control, these are intricately designed and heavily customizable pieces of tech that offer a distinctly tactile feel and auditory response. However, a membrane deck consists of a rubber sheet placed across pads, which all register your input from the pressure of a key press.
Is a membrane keyboard good for gaming?
A membrane keyboard isn't quite as long-lasting or speedy as a mechanical model, but can still be an excellent tool for gaming. If you're playing casually and don't expect too much of a tactile response from your keypresses, these cheaper decks are still very much up to the job. You'll still find programmable keys, RGB lighting, media controls, and macro recording in these decks, as well as all the comfort and ergonomic features you'd expect in a mechanical option as well.
Is a membrane keyboard worth it?
If you're looking for a cheap gaming keyboard under $100 / £100, then the vast majority of options open to you are going to be membrane. Because of the gaming-specific features, waterproofing, and rapidly improving keypress feel, a membrane keyboard is generally going to be worth it if you're spending less than $60 / £60. You won't find a mechanical keyboard this cheap, so this is only way to net these features.
Things muddy a little around the $70/£70 - $100/£100 mark. This is where hybrid keyboards and budget-minded mechanical decks come into play. In the case of the former, you'll still find solid value in a mecha-membrane option, as long as it's cheaper than finding the same additional features on a fully mechanical keyboard.
In the case of the latter, however, it's worth weighing up what matters to you to find out if a membrane keyboard is worth it. If you're looking for a luxury typing experience and long term durability, you will want to sacrifice some of those extra features for the mechanical switches. However, if you're more concerned with fancy RGB settings, macro commands, and a wrist rest, a membrane keyboard will provide far better value.
We're also rounding up the best wireless gaming keyboards if you're after something a little more premium. Or, if all this talk of switches has you keen, we're also diving into the world of the best hot-swappable keyboards as well.
