Mechanical keyboards are growing in popularity among gamers and general computer users as people discover the benefits they offer. Mechanical keyboards use individual switches for each key, providing a more tactile feel and allowing faster typing speeds. Also, they offer a wide range of customization options that are not available with other keyboard types.
However, some still don’t like the idea of a mechanical keyboard, either because of the high price tag or because they prefer a quieter typing experience. For those people, a rubber dome keyboard is the next best thing.
Rubber dome keyboards work similarly to mechanical ones, with each key having its own switch. However, instead of using metal springs, they use rubber domes to provide resistance when you press a key. This results in a quieter typing experience without adding extra cost, which some people prefer.
If you are one of them, then this article is for you. Here, we have listed the 7 best rubber dome keyboards currently available. We have included a wide range of options to suit different budgets and needs, so you will surely find the perfect keyboard.
Rubber dome keyboards are computer keyboard that uses rubber domes to cover the key switch mechanism. The domes are made of silicone or elastomer, and underneath the dome is a conductive metal pad. The dome collapses when you press a key, and the metal pad completes a circuit, sending a signal to the computer.
While most people use “Rubber Dome” and “membrane keyboard” interchangeably, there is actually a difference between the two. A membrane keyboard has a single layer of membrane, while a rubber dome keyboard has multiple layers, including the rubber dome itself and a metal or plastic sheet beneath it.
Rubber dome keyboards are inexpensive to manufacture and provide a quiet, uniform typing experience. However, they are not as durable as other types of keyboard mechanisms, and they can be difficult to repair if a key stops working.
Top 7 rubber dome keyboards:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Logitech G213 | Check Price |
| SteelSeries Apex 3 | Check Price |
| Rii RK100+ | Check Price |
| Corsair K55 | Check Price |
| Realforce R2 PFU | Check Price |
| Kensington Slim Keyboard | Check Price |
| Razer Ornata Chroma | Check Price |
1. Logitech G213
Logitech is well-known for its gaming peripherals, and the G213 is one of its more affordable options when it comes to keyboards. It’s a simple rubber dome keyboard with a basic feature set, but it’s still a great option for those on a budget. However, look-wise it’s a bit too gaming-centric for some users.
Logitech has used its Mech-Dome keys in the G213, which deliver a soft, rubber dome feel with a bit of tactile feedback similar to a mechanical keyboard. Plus, the combination of 4mm travel distance and 50g actuation force results in a snappy and quiet typing experience.
Moreover, you will like the attractive RGB backlighting of this keyboard, which consists of five different zones. You can customize the lighting effects using the Logitech G HUB from a palette of 16.8 million colors to match your style and gaming setup.
The G213 also has a spill-resistant design, so you don’t have to worry about accidental spills. Plus, the built-in palm rest makes it comfortable to use for long periods.
More importantly, the G213 features dedicated media controls, which is a rarity in this price range. You can use the media controls to play, pause, and skip tracks, as well as adjust the volume. And thanks to the anti-ghosting technology, you can press multiple keys simultaneously without any issues.
Altogether, the Logitech G213 is a great rubber dome keyboard that offers a premium typing experience without breaking the bank. If you don’t like the gaming-centric design, you can check out the similar but more subtle Logitech K840.
PROS
- Attractive gaming-centric design
- Durable build quality
- Wide, customizable options
- Stunning RGB backlight
CONS
- No passthrough ports
2. SteelSeries Apex 3
SteelSeries’s Apex 3 is right now one of the best rubber dome keyboards out there that gives you the feel of a mechanical keyboard while still providing the affordability and whisper quiet yet snappy typing feedback of a rubber dome. It’s also one of the more stylish options, with 10-zone RGB illumination built in that you can customize to taste.
In terms of durability, SteelSeries has used a plastic casing with a brushed aluminum plate for the Apex 3 that should last long enough. The switches used are also rated for up to 20 million keystrokes, so you don’t have to worry about them wearing down any time soon.
The typing experience on this keyboard is fantastic, with a nice weighted feel to the keys that make them easy to press down without feeling too mushy. The key travel distance is standard for a rubber dome keyboard at 4mm, but the actuation point is a little lower at 1.9mm, making for a snappier feel overall. And thanks to the detachable magnetic wrist rest, you can expect to be typing comfortably for long periods.
Apart from that, the keyboard comes with dedicated media keys and a clickable roller to adjust the volume on the fly. You can also reconfigure the keys to perform other actions using the SteelSeries Engine 3 software.
Overall, it’s a great keyboard that’s sure to please anyone looking for a quality rubber dome option. With an IP32 rating for dust and water resistance, it’s also a good choice for those who want something a little more durable than the average keyboard.
PROS
- Reasonable price
- Water-resistant
- Reprogrammable keys
- Attractive design
- Sturdy build quality
CONS
- The lighting is not so bright
3. Rii RK100+
The Rii RK100+ is another great rubber dome keyboard that offers a superb typing experience. With a great design and sturdy build, this keyboard will surely last you a long time. Plus, the price is very reasonable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
The rainbow backlighting is also a nice touch to this keyboard, which offers a few different modes to choose from. The lights go to sleep after a few minutes of inactivity, but you can easily wake it up by pressing any key. Also, you can customize the brightness of the backlighting to your liking.
Coming up with a full-size layout and a numeric keypad, the Rii RK100+ is a great keyboard for those who need all the keys at their disposal. The keys are well-spaced and have a nice travel to them, giving a great typing experience. Unfortunately, this keyboard has no wrist rest, which is a bit of a downside.
The overall build quality is pretty good. The keys are rated for up to 10 million keystrokes, which is pretty impressive. And with a compact design, this keyboard is also great for those with limited desk space.
In simpler words, the Rii RK100+ is a great rubber dome keyboard with all the necessary features and a great typing experience at an affordable price. So, if you are short on budget, this keyboard should definitely be on your radar.
PROS
- Customizable rainbow backlighting
- Affordable price
- Compact shape
- Widely compatible
CONS
- Not ideal for heavy gaming
- Doesn’t include a wrist rest
4. Corsair K55
Corsair’s gaming peripherals are some of the best in the business, and the K55 is one of its most affordable options for budget-minded gamers who don’t mind sacrificing some of the bells and whistles found on more expensive models.
The K55 is a rubber dome keyboard, which means it doesn’t have the same level of response and tactile feedback as a mechanical keyboard, but it still offers a satisfying typing experience. It’s also relatively quiet, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your roommates or family members while you’re gaming or working.
Moreover, the K55 has 6 programmable macro keys that can be assigned to execute complex commands. It also has a dedicated volume control knob and media playback buttons, allowing you to adjust the audio without having to alt-tab out of your game or interrupt your workflow.
Coming to the backlighting, this keyboard has three zones of RGB lighting that can be customized using Corsair’s iCUE software or the pre-defined onboard lighting effects. The lighting is bright and vibrant, and it really makes the keyboard pop, especially in a dark room.
Thanks to IP42 dust and water resistance, the keyboard is also relatively resistant to spills and other accidents. It’s not waterproof, but it can withstand a few water splashes.
So, if you’re looking for a well-rounded, affordable rubber dome keyboard that doesn’t skimp on features or performance, the Corsair K55 is a great option. However, one downside is that it doesn’t have a USB passthrough, so you’ll have to use an external USB hub if you want to connect a mouse or other peripheral.
PROS
- Comfortable typing experience with a soft-touch palm rest
- Cool RGB backlighting
- Silent keystrokes
- Dedicated media controls
CONS
- No USB passthrough
5. Realforce R2 PFU
Here we have the Realforce R2 PFU, a hybrid between a membrane and mechanical keyboard, providing you with the best of both worlds. This keyboard has a fantastic build quality, with a thick aluminum plate that gives it a solid feel. However, the price tag is a bit high, coming in at around $200.
The main highlight of this keyboard is the Topre capacitive switches, which offer a unique typing experience that is unlike any other. These switches have been designed to combine the best mechanical and rubber dome switches, providing a smooth, linear typing experience. The keys are also well-spaced, making them great for touch typing.
Moreover, the typing experience on this keyboard is further enhanced by the step sculpture design implemented on the keycaps. This ensures that your fingers land in the correct position on the keys, providing a more comfortable typing experience. And thanks to the NKRO (N-Key Rollover) feature, you can be sure that all your keystrokes will be registered, no matter how fast you type.
The keycaps used in this keyboard are double-shot PBT keycaps, which are of the highest quality and will not wear down over time. The keys are rated for 50 million keystrokes, far more than the average keyboard. The backlighting is also top-notch. You can customize the backlighting effects using the onboard controls.
Considering all these features, the Realforce R2 PFU is one of the best rubber dome keyboards you can buy.
PROS
- Comfortable ergonomic design
- N-key rollover
- Adjustable actuation point
- Silent keystrokes
CONS
- Expensive
6. Kensington Slim Keyboard
Here comes another quality rubber dome keyboard, the Kensington Slim Keyboard. As the name suggests, this keyboard is extremely slim, measuring just 16.7mm in height. It’s perfect for those with limited desk space who don’t want a bulky keyboard taking up too much room.
The low-profile keys provide a nice, soft typing experience without being too loud or clicky and deliver good feedback. And the flat design means there isn’t much of a learning curve if you’re used to typing on a traditional keyboard. Using the integrated tilt stands, you can adjust the keyboard’s angle up to 30 degrees.
Moreover, this keyboard features quick access keys, including media controls, email, and default browser. It’s compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7 and MacOS 10.6 or above, and you can connect it to your computer using the wired USB connection.
Users who don’t like fancy gaming keyboards will appreciate the Kensington Slim Keyboard for its simple design. Typing on it feels natural and comfortable, and the flat keys are easy to get used to. However, some users may find the keyboard too slim and wish it was wider.
PROS
- Slim and compact
- Reasonable price
- Precise control and good feedback
- Comfortable typing experience
CONS
- Not ideal for heavy gaming
7. Razer Ornata Chroma
Last but not least on our best rubber dome keyboard list is the Razer Ornata Chroma. This keyboard features Razer’s “mecha-membrane” key technology, which combines the best aspects of both membrane and mechanical keyboards. The cushioned rubber dome keys provide a comfortable typing experience, while the mechanical key switches give you the precise, tactile feedback that gamers need.
Key travel is also shorter than on most mechanical keyboards, so you don’t have to bottom out the keys to register a keystroke. This can reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions. Also, the keyboard has anti-ghosting technology for up to 10 keys, so you can press multiple keys at once without losing any input.
In order to make your typing more comfortable, the Ornata Chroma has a detachable ergonomic wrist rest. This is a great feature since many gamers tend to type with their wrists resting on the edge of the desk, which can lead to discomfort. And when you don’t need the wrist rest, you can just detach it and store it away.
The Ornata Chroma also has RGB backlighting with 16.8 million color options. You can customize the lighting effects with Razer’s Synapse software. Unlike other backlit keyboards on the list, it features per-key lighting, so you can individually light up each key.
Overall, the Razer Ornata Chroma is a great rubber dome keyboard for gamers who want the best of both worlds: a comfortable typing experience with the precise tactile feedback that mechanical keyboards offer.
Read: Are Keycaps Universal?
PROS
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Satisfying typing experience
- Mecha-membrane functionality
- Mid-height keycaps
CONS
- Limited features
Conclusion
While mechanical keyboards are the gold standard for PC gaming and office work, they’re not always the best option for every situation. If you’re looking for a quieter and less expensive keyboard, a rubber dome keyboard is a great alternative.
In this roundup, we’ve found the best rubber dome keyboards on the market, perfect for work and play. They vary in price and features, so be sure to read the reviews to find the perfect one for you.
The Logitech G213 is our top pick for its low price, simple design, and dedicated media keys. If you’re looking for a more gaming-focused keyboard, the Razer Ornata Chroma is our top pick, with its RGB backlighting and programmable macros.
The Rii RK100+ is a great option for a more budget-friendly pick with its simple design and wide range of color options. But you’ll have to give up features like customizability and media keys.
Ultimately, the best rubber dome keyboard for you is the one that fits your needs and budget the best. Read the reviews carefully to find the perfect one for you. Hopefully, you’ll find the perfect keyboard in this roundup.
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