Chiclet vs Mechanical Keyboards: How to Choose the Right One for You

Chiclet keyboards feature flat, square keys that are tightly spaced together, whereas mechanical keyboards have raised, circular keys that are separated by gaps and employ discrete switches beneath each key. So, which one is a better fit for you? Buckle up, because we're going to compare Chiclet keyboard vs Mechanical, dissecting their design, feel, and the various moods each brings to the table to help you decide.

1. Chiclet Keyboards vs Mechanical Keyboards: Quick Comparison

What are Chiclet Keyboards?

If you want to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of Chiclet keyboards, check out here. 

• Chiclet keyboards, commonly known as chewing gum keyboards, have a characteristic design. On the keyboard, their keys are flat, narrow, and slightly spaced apart. They have straight edges and rounded corners and resemble little squares or rectangles. A perforated bezel is frequently used to hide the spaces between the keys.
• These keyboards are common on laptops and wireless keyboards. Compared to mechanical keyboards, chiclet keyboards have some advantages and disadvantages. They are quieter, cheaper, and more portable, but they are also less durable, harder to repair, and less comfortable for some users.

What are Mechanical keyboards?

• Mechanical keyboards are keyboards that use individual switches having different types of mechanisms to register keystrokes under each key to register keystrokes. These keyboards are responsive, customizable, and durable, but they are also expensive, loud, and heavy. 
• Mechanical keyboards have different kinds of switches that offer different typing sensations and sounds, such as springs, buckles, or magnets. Some people prefer mechanical keyboards for gaming, typing, or programming because they offer more feedback, accuracy, and comfort. 

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• Are Keycaps Universal? How to Find Keycaps That Fit Your Keyboard
• Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switches: Linear vs Tactile vs Clicky Switches
• Mechanical vs membrane keyboards: What’s the difference?

	Pros	Cons
Chiclet Keyboards	Quieter, cheaper, and more portable than mechanical keyboards  Smoother and faster than membrane keyboards Suitable for laptops and wireless keyboards	Less durable, harder to repair, and less comfortable than mechanical keyboards  Less responsive, accurate, and consistent than mechanical keyboards Less suitable for gaming and heavy typing
Mechanical Keyboards	More durable, easier to maintain, and more comfortable than chiclet keyboards  More responsive, accurate, and consistent than chiclet keyboards  More suitable for gaming and heavy typing Customizable switches, keycaps, and layout	Louder, more expensive, and heavier than chiclet keyboards  Not suitable for laptops and wireless keyboards May require a learning curve to adjust to the different switches

Watch the video below to learn more about these two types of keyboards:

2. Chiclet vs Mechanical Keyboards: Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison

Criteria	Chiclet Keyboard	Mechanical Keyboard
Appearance	Flat and thin keys with little to no spacing between them Sleek and modern look	Raised and thick keys with more spacing between them Bulky and retro look
Portability	Lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and fit in bags Less wires and cables	Heavy and large, harder to transport and store Suitable for desktops and gaming rigs
Durability	Less durable and harder to repair Keys can snap off or wear out over time Membrane layer can get damaged easily	More durable and easier to repair Keys can last for years and be replaced if needed Switches can withstand heavy use
Customization	Limited Fixed layouts and keycaps  Fewer choices of colors and designs	High flexibility Different layouts, keycaps, switches, colors, and designs Backlighting and macros
Typing Experience	Smooth and fast typing, but less tactile feedback Quieter operation, but less satisfying sound.  Causing finger fatigue if pressed too hard	Comfortable and precise typing, but more tactile feedback Louder operation, but more satisfying sound.  Preventing finger fatigue with less force required
Gaming Experience	Adequate for casual gaming, but less responsive and accurate Less compatible with some games More portable and easy for on-the-go gaming Might feature ghosting or input lag issues.	Excellent for competitive gaming More speed and precision than chiclet keyboards Less ghosting, rollover, or durability issues for gaming
Key Rollover	Low key rollover, usually 2 or 3 keys at a time Missing some keystrokes or register unwanted ones	High key rollover, usually 6 or more keys at a time Registering all keystrokes without errors
Price	Cheaper and more affordable for most users Can range from $10 to $50 depending on the quality and brand	More expensive and less affordable Can range from $50 to $300 depending on the quality and brand
Maintenance	Harder to clean and maintain Easy to get dust and debris between the keys Membrane layer can get dirty or wet	Easier to clean and maintain Easier to remove and clean individual keys Switches can be lubricated or replaced
Weight	Lighter and thinner, usually less than 1 kg Easier to lift and move around May feel less stable or solid on the desk	Heavier  More stable or solid than chiclet keyboards
Comfortability	Less comfortable for long-term use, especially for touch typists Can cause wrist strain or finger pain	More comfortable for long-term use, especially for touch typists More options for ergonomics that may fit different users’ needs.

Appearance

When comparing Chiclet Keyboard vs Normal Keyboard, in this case mechanical keyboards, Chiclet keyboards have flat, square keys with little or no space between them. They look sleek and modern. Mechanical keyboards have raised, round keys with more space between them. They look bulky and retro.

Portability

Chiclet keyboards are more portable because they are thinner, lighter and don’t have any extra cords or switches. Therefore,  they take up less space on your desk or laptop surface. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, are ill-suited to frequent movers.

Durability

Mechanical keyboards are more durable because they have high-quality switches that can last for years and can be replaced if broken. It is also simpler to keep them clean and maintained.

Chiclet keyboards are less durable because they have rubber domes that can wear out over time and can’t be repaired if damaged. They are also harder to clean because of the small gaps between the keys.

Related Articles

• How Long Does a Mechanical Keyboard Last?
• How long does a Wireless Keyboard last?

Customization

Mechanical keyboards are more customizable because they have different types of switches that offer different levels of tactile feedback, sound and resistance. They also have various keycap profiles, sizes, shapes and materials that can be changed to suit personal preferences. 

Chiclet keyboards are less customizable because they have only one type of switch that offers minimal feedback and sound. They also have fixed keycaps that can’t be changed easily.

Typing Experience

Mechanical keyboards offer a better typing experience because they have more responsive, accurate and satisfying keys that require less force to press. They also have anti-ghosting and n-key rollover features that prevent missed or repeated keystrokes. 

Chiclet keyboards offer a worse typing experience because they have less responsive, mushy and noisy keys that require more force to press. They also have limited anti-ghosting and n-key rollover features that may cause missed or repeated keystrokes.

Gaming Experience

Mechanical keyboards are usually favored by gamers because they offer more durability, consistency, and feedback than chiclet keyboards. They have different types of switches that can affect the actuation force, travel distance, sound, and feel of the keystrokes. Mechanical keyboards also have more features that can enhance gaming performance, such as N-key rollover (NKRO), anti-ghosting, macro keys, media controls, and RGB lighting.

Meanwhile, chiclet keyboards offer less durability, consistency, and feedback than mechanical keyboards, so they are usually not preferred by gamers. These keyboards have membrane switches that can wear out faster, register keystrokes slower, and produce less satisfying sounds and feels.

Key Rollover

Mechanical keyboards have higher key rollover than chiclet keyboards. Key rollover is the number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously without causing any errors or conflicts. Mechanical keyboards usually have full n-key rollover, which means any number of keys can be pressed at the same time without any issues.

Chiclet keyboards usually have partial key rollover, which means only a limited number of keys can be pressed at the same time without any issues.

Price

Mechanical keyboards are more expensive than chiclet keyboards, due to their higher build quality and additional hardware components.

Mechanical keyboards are suitable for people who value performance, feedback, and customization over cost, noise, and weight. So, they are ideal for gamers, typists, and programmers who need fast, accurate, and comfortable keystrokes.

Chiclet keyboards are suitable for people who value portability, simplicity, and quietness over responsiveness, durability, and comfort. They are ideal for casual users who need a keyboard for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and chatting.

Maintenance

Mechanical keyboards are easier to maintain and clean, as they are removable and the keys can be removed. Meanwhile, chiclet keyboards are more difficult to maintain and clean because they are sealed and the keys cannot be removed.

Weight

In general, mechanical keyboards are heavier than chiclet keyboards, due to their larger size and metal components. Mechanical keyboards tend to require more space on your desk or laptop surface when in use, and they are not very portable or travel-friendly. 

Chiclet keyboards are usually lighter and thinner than mechanical keyboards, especially if they are built-in with laptops or wireless devices. A typical mechanical keyboard can weigh around 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg), while a typical chiclet keyboard only weighs around 0.5 pounds (0.2 kg).

Comfortability

Mechanical keyboards are more comfortable than chiclet keyboards, as they offer more ergonomic design and cushioning for the fingers. Chiclet keyboards are less comfortable than mechanical keyboards, as they offer less ergonomic design and cushioning for the fingers.

Each type of keyboard has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and preferences.

Chiclet keyboards

Mechanical keyboards

Suitable for people who value portability, affordability, and quietness.  Good for travelers, students, office workers who use a laptop or notebook frequently.  Flat, rectangular keys that are spaced apart on a thin board.  Found on laptops, notebooks, and some wireless keyboards.  Ideal for people who travel a lot, work in quiet environments, or have limited desk space.  Low key travel, lack of tactile feedback, and susceptibility to dust and dirt.

Suitable for people who value durability, customization, and performance.  Good for gamers, programmers, writers, or anyone who uses a desktop or gaming rig frequently.  Individual switches under each key that provide a distinct click or bump when pressed.  Found on desktops, gaming rigs, and some high-end laptops.  Great for people who play games, code, write, or use their keyboard extensively.  High cost, weight, and noise level.

Conclusion

Chiclet Keyboard vs Mechanical offer different advantages and disadvantages, depending on personal preferences and budget. Chiclet keyboards are suitable for sleek, modern, quiet, and portable use, while mechanical keyboards provide durability, customization, and responsiveness. Hope this article has helped you to have an overview and make the right choice for your interests and needs.

FAQs

What is the main difference between a chiclet keyboard and a mechanical keyboard?

The main difference between a chiclet keyboard and a mechanical keyboard is the type of switch they use. A chiclet keyboard uses a membrane switch, which consists of a rubber dome that presses down on a circuit board when the key is pressed. 

A mechanical keyboard uses a mechanical switch, which consists of a spring and a metal contact that activate the key when pressed.

Chiclet vs mechanical keyboard: Which is more suitable for typing?

This depends on your personal preference and typing style. Some people prefer the smooth and fast typing experience of a chiclet keyboard, while others prefer the tactile and audible feedback of a mechanical keyboard.

Generally, mechanical keyboards are more comfortable and responsive for typing, as they offer more cushioning and accuracy. However, chiclet keyboards are quieter and more portable, which can be important for some users.

Chiclet vs mechanical keyboard: Which is more suitable for gaming?

Mechanical keyboards are more suitable for gaming, as they offer more precision, responsiveness and performance. They also have more key rollover, which means they can register more simultaneous key presses without missing any. 

Chiclet keyboards are less suitable for gaming, as they offer less accuracy, responsiveness and performance. They also have less key rollover, which means they can miss some key presses if too many keys are pressed at once.

Chiclet vs mechanical keyboard: Which is more durable?

Mechanical keyboards are generally more durable than chiclet keyboards, as they can withstand more keystrokes and abuse before breaking down, and they are also easier to clean and repair. 

Chiclet keyboards, on the other hand, are more prone to damage and wear and tear, as they have a membrane layer that can get torn or punctured. They are also harder to fix if a key snaps off or stops working.

Chiclet vs mechanical keyboard: Which is more comfortable for long typing sessions?

This depends on your typing habits and posture. Generally, mechanical keyboards are more comfortable than chiclet keyboards for long typing sessions, as they offer more ergonomic design and cushioning for the fingers. They also provide more tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound when typing, which can reduce fatigue and increase satisfaction.

Mechanical vs Chiclet keyboard: Which is faster to type on?

This depends on your typing speed and skill. Some people can type faster on a chiclet keyboard, as they are smoother and require less force to press the keys. Others can type faster on a mechanical keyboard, as they are more responsive and provide more feedback to the fingers.

Chiclet vs mechanical keyboard: Which is more suitable for travelers?

If you frequently travel and need to carry your keyboard with you, chiclet keyboards are the better choice for you as they are lighter, thinner and have less bulk and wires. They are also quieter and less intrusive than mechanical keyboards, which may be important in public places or shared spaces. However, chiclet keyboards may not be as durable or reliable as mechanical keyboards, especially if they get exposed to dust, moisture, or impact.

Are chiclet keyboards quieter than mechanical keyboards?

Yes, chiclet keyboards are quieter than mechanical keyboards, as they have less space for noise to escape and less tactile feedback when the keys are pressed. Mechanical keyboards produce a clicking sound when the switches are activated, which can be loud and annoying for some people. Some people may like the sound of mechanical keyboards, as it can be satisfying and motivating for typing or gaming.

Do chiclet keyboards require less force to press the keys compared to mechanical keyboards?

Yes, chiclet keyboards require less force to press the keys compared to mechanical keyboards, as they have lower actuation force and travel distance. Actuation force is the amount of force needed to activate the key, while travel distance is the distance the key moves when pressed. However, some people may prefer the feel of mechanical keyboards, as it can provide more feedback and control for typing or gaming.