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Although laptop keyboards are one of the most essential features of any laptop, most people tend to overlook them. You shouldn’t if you use your computer for six hours a day. They determine how comfortable and productive you are when typing, gaming, or browsing the web.
But not all laptop keyboards are the same. There are three main types of laptop keyboards: traditional style, chiclet-style, and mechanical.
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and needs.
Let’s take a look at each type and see what they offer.
Table of Contents
Three Types of Laptop Keyboard and their Benefits
While there are 7 different types of external computer keyboards, there are only 3 for laptops. They evolved over the years, mainly due to the manufacturers trying to design thinner laptops
Traditional style
Traditional style laptop keyboard: keys that are placed close to one another, each key edge sloping off.
A traditional style keyboard has keys that are placed close to one another, with each key edge sloping off. It generally offers more surface area and key travel, which means you can press the keys deeper and feel more feedback.
Some people find this type of keyboard more comfortable and accurate, especially if they are used to desktop keyboards.
However, some drawbacks of traditional style keyboards are that they can be noisy, prone to dust and dirt accumulation, and harder to clean. They are also becoming less common on modern laptops, as they take up more space and add more weight.
Here are some examples of laptops that have traditional style keyboards:
These laptops are usually designed for business or professional use, where typing performance and durability are important.
Chiclet-style or Island-style
Chiclet-style laptop keyboard has keys that are flat, square-shaped, and separated by gaps.
Almost all laptops have chiclet-style keyboards nowadays, as they fit better with the thin and light design trend. It has keys that are flat, square-shaped, and separated by gaps. Think of each key as an island… hence the name island-style.
It offers less surface area and key travel than traditional style keyboards, but it also has some benefits. For example, chiclet style keyboards are quieter, sleeker, easier to clean, and more resistant to spills. They also allow for more space between the keys, which can reduce typing errors and fatigue.
Some popular laptops that have chiclet-style keyboards are:
These laptops are usually designed for general use, where aesthetics and portability are important.
Mechanical
Razer Blade has mechanical laptop keyboard | Photos by Bence Fagyal
A mechanical keyboard uses real mechanical switches under the keycaps. The switches produce an audible click with each push, making for increased feedback and satisfaction.
Mechanical keyboards offer the most surface area and key travel of all types, which means you can type faster and more accurately. They also have a longer lifespan and more customization options than other types of keyboards.
However, they also have some drawbacks. They are very loud, heavy, expensive, and power-hungry. They are also rare on laptops, as they require more space and thickness.
Some examples of laptops that have mechanical keyboards are:
These laptops are usually designed for gaming or enthusiast use, where performance and responsiveness are important.
Laptop Keyboard Types by Tech/Mechanism
Another way to classify laptop keyboards is by their tech/mechanism, which refers to how the keys are activated and registered by the keyboard.
Depending on the type of switch and technology used, there are different keyboard types that offer different levels of feedback, travel, and durability. Here are some of the most common ones:
Membrane Keyboard
The membrane laptop keyboard uses a thin layer of rubber or plastic under the keycaps.
The membrane keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses a thin layer of rubber or plastic (called a membrane) under the keycaps to actuate the keys. When a key is pressed, it pushes down on the membrane, which closes a circuit and sends a signal to the computer.
A membrane keyboard usually has low-profile keys with short travel and feedback. This mechanism is often used in the traditional style and chiclet-style keyboards.
- Pros
- Quiet – suitable for office or public environments
- Cheap – widely available on most laptops
- Easy to clean – resistant to spills
- Cons
- Low feedback and accuracy – can cause typing errors and fatigue
- Low durability – wear out quickly with heavy use
- Low customization – cannot be modified or replaced easily
Some examples of laptops that use membrane keyboards are:
These laptops are usually budget-friendly and designed for basic or casual use.
Scissor-Switch Keyboard
Scissor-like mechanism under the keycaps.
The scissor-switch keyboard uses a scissor-like mechanism under the keycaps to actuate the keys. When a key is pressed, it pushes down on two interlocking plastic pieces (called scissor-switches), which collapse and make contact with a metal dome underneath.
This mechanism is often used in the traditional style and chiclet-style keyboards.
- Pros
- Quiet – suitable for office or public environments
- Sleek – fit well with thin and light laptops
- Easy to clean – resistant to dust and dirt
- Cons
- Low feedback and accuracy – can cause typing errors and fatigue
- Low durability – can break easily with heavy use or force
- Low customization – cannot be modified or replaced easily
Some examples of laptops in 2023 that use scissor-switch keyboards are:
These laptops are usually premium and designed for general or creative use.
Butterfly Keyboard
Butterfly-like mechanism under the keycaps.
The butterfly keyboard uses a butterfly-like mechanism under the keycaps to actuate the keys. When a key is pressed, it pushes down on a thin metal clip (called a butterfly switch), which bends and makes contact with a metal dome underneath.
The butterfly mechanism is exclusively used in chiclet-style keyboards and developed by Apple. It was discontinued in 2020.
- Pros
- Very quiet – suitable for office or public environments
- Very thin and light – fit well with ultra-thin laptops
- Have more stability and consistency than scissor-switch keyboards
- Cons
- Very low feedback and accuracy – can cause typing errors and fatigue
- Very low durability – can malfunction easily with dust or debris
- Low customization – cannot be modified or replaced easily
List of laptops that use butterfly keyboards are:
- MacBook (12-inch, 2015)
- MacBook (12-inch, 2016)
- MacBook (12-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
These laptops are usually high-end and designed for performance or portability.
Mechanical Keyboard
Razer mechanical keyboard with optical switches| Source: press.razer.com
We have already introduced the mechanical keyboard as it’s a distinct type not only for its shape, but also how it operates. It uses real mechanical switches under the keycaps to actuate the keys. When a key is pressed, it pushes down on a spring-loaded switch (called a mechanical switch), which clicks or bumps and sends a signal to the computer.
- Cons
- High feedback and accuracy – can improve typing speed and satisfaction
- High customization – can be modified or replaced easily with different switches, keycaps, or lighting
- High durability – can last longer than other types of keyboards
- Pros
- Loud – not ideal for office or public environments
- Heavy and bulky – do not fit well with thin and light laptops
- Expensive and rare on laptops
These laptops are usually gaming or enthusiast-oriented and designed for performance and responsiveness.
Laptop Keyboard Types by Size, Layout and Function
Another way to classify laptop keyboards is by their size, layout, and function. Depending on the size of the laptop and the user’s preferences, there are different keyboard types that offer different features and benefits. Here are some of the most common ones:
Standard keypad
A standard keypad usually has 101 or 104 keys.
The standard keyboard has all the keys that you would find on a desktop keyboard – but without the num pad, including the F-keys, the number row, the alphanumeric keys, the punctuation keys, the modifier keys, and the cursor navigation keys.
A standard keypad usually has 101 or 104 keys, depending on whether it has a Windows key or not. The standard keypad is ideal if you want a full-size keyboard experience on your laptop without compromising on key functionality or comfort.
Some examples of laptops that have standard keypads are:
Numeric keypad
The numeric keyboard is located on the right side of the keyboard, next to the cursor navigation keys.
The numeric keyboard has a dedicated section of keys for entering numbers and mathematical symbols. It is located on the right side of the keyboard, next to the cursor navigation keys.
The numeric keypad is beneficial for you if you work with numbers a lot, such as accountants, data analysts, or programmers. It allows you to enter numbers faster and more accurately than using the number row.
Some examples of laptops that have numeric keypads are:
These laptops are usually larger and heavier than other laptops, but they offer more screen size and performance.
Backlit keyboard
Lights under the keycaps that illuminate them in dark or low-light environments.
The backlit keyboard has LED lights under the keycaps that illuminate them in dark or low-light environments. It allows you to see the keys clearly and type more easily without straining their eyes.
A backlit keyboard usually has adjustable brightness levels and sometimes different colors or effects (we will discuss them under RGB keyboards). The backlit keyboard is an excellent choice if you are a night owl, gamer, or traveler who works or plays in dimly lit places.
Some examples of laptops that have backlit keyboards are:
RGB keyboard
LED lights under the keycaps that can display different colors and effects.
The RGB keyboard has LED lights under the keycaps that can display different colors and effects. RGB stands for red, green, and blue, which are the primary colors of light.
An RGB keyboard usually has per-key lighting, which means you can customize the color and effect of each individual key. Some RGB keyboards also have lighting zones on the frame or the sides of the keyboard for extra flair.
The RGB keyboard is a popular choice among gamers who want to add some style and personality to their gaming setup.
You can match the keyboard lighting with your other RGB devices or hardware, such as your mouse, headset, monitor, or PC case. You can also create different lighting profiles for different games or applications, or sync the lighting with your in-game actions or events.
An RGB keyboard can also help you see the keys better in dark environments, as long as the brightness and contrast are adequate.
Some examples of laptops that have RGB keyboards are:
These laptops are usually designed for gaming or creative use, where performance and aesthetics are important.
Non-backlit keyboard
The non-backlit keyboard does not have any lights under the keycaps
Ok, this is pretty obvious, but still a type of keyboard that we need to cover. The non-backlit keyboard does not have any lights under the keycaps. It has no special features or functions, but it also consumes less power and costs less than a backlit keyboard.
This could be a good choice if you do not need or want any extra lighting on your keyboard. They work well for daytime workers, minimalists, or budget-conscious buyers.
Some examples of laptops that have non-backlit keyboards are:
These laptops are usually small and cheap, but they offer basic functionality and portability for everyday tasks.
FAQs about Laptop Keyboard Types
Here are some common questions that readers may have about laptop keyboard types and their answers:
What is the difference between chiclet and island keyboards?
Chiclet and island keyboards are two names for the same type of keyboard. They have flat, square-shaped keys that are separated by gaps. They are quieter, sleeker, easier to clean, and more resistant to spills than traditional style keyboards.
What is the difference between chiclet and butterfly keyboards?
Butterfly keyboards are a type of chiclet keyboards that have ultra-low-profile keys that are shaped like butterfly wings. Chiclet refers to the shape and layout of the keyboard, while butterfly refers to the mechanism under the keys. For this reason, they cannot be compared to each other.
Butterfly keyboards were introduced on the Apple MacBook (2016–2019) series, and it was a failure. From 2020, Apple moved back to the Scissor-Switch mechanism.
What is the difference between QWERTY and DVORAK keyboards?
QWERTY and DVORAK are two types of keyboard layouts that arrange the letters differently on the keys. QWERTY is the standard layout that most keyboards use today.
It was originally designed for typewriters in the 19th century. DVORAK is an alternative layout that was invented in the 1930s by August Dvorak. It claims to be more efficient and ergonomic than QWERTY by placing the most common letters in the home row and minimizing finger movement.
Conclusion
Laptop keyboards are essential for typing, gaming, browsing, and working on your laptop. They come in different types, sizes, layouts, and functions that offer different features and benefits. Choosing the right laptop keyboard type for you can improve your typing comfort, speed, accuracy, and productivity.
We hope you have learned something new and useful from this article. If you have any feedback, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
We would love to hear from you. Happy typing!
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