5 Best Rubber Dome Gaming Keyboards [List & Guide]

The best rubber dome keyboards do not require rock fiction to find them. All you need is a little research and you are good. The rate at which rubber dome keyboards are sought after increases every day. This is because of how tactile and comfortable the rubber dome has proven to be.

Although rubber dome keyboards are almost like a good budget mechanical keyboard, they have shown gamers and typists that there could be more comfortable while working. If you are wondering which the best rubber dome keyboards are, you have come to the right place. In this article, we present the best and most popular rubber dome keyboards on the market.

The keyboards which we have covered in this guide are fully tested physically. We have shortlisted 5 rubber dome keyboards from 418 keyboards. These keyboards have 38000 customer reviews which are trust factors for you and they are also tested by our experts.

5 Best Rubber Dome Keyboards

Image	Product	Unique Features	Price
	REALFORCE R2 PFU	Noise-less keys Keys can easily be customized Quite attractive	Check Price on Amazon
	SteelSeries Apex 3	Lightweight Water-resistant Interesting keyboard design for gamers and typists	Check Price on Amazon
	Razer Cynosa V2	Comfortable to use Lightweight RGB lighting	Check Price on Amazon
	Corsair K55 RGB	Connectivity Technology Usb 2.0 Type-A	Check Price on Amazon
	Redragon K618	Compact and portable 3 modes of use Wireless connections	Check Price on Amazon

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1. REALFORCE R2 PFU Limited Edition Keyboard

The first on our list of the best rubber dome keyboards is a product from RealForce. It is the RealForce R2 PFU keyboard. Although the price might be a bit high, this rubber dome keyboard is worth it. It is an investment that is worth that penny. It has been built to withstand the punches of up to 50 million keystrokes. So that even after years of being used, the keyboard still looks good.

We wanted to give a shout out to our other keyboard range – the REALFORCE R2 PFU Limited Edition keyboards manufactured by Topre. Have you tried this model? Share your set up! ⌨️👍#Topre #RealForce #Keyboards pic.twitter.com/8sALtmBDxL

— Happy Hacking Keyboard – EMEA (@HHKB_EMEA) June 24, 2020

The keys can be customized to either produce fast responses during a game or medium responses to ensure accuracy when typing. This keyboard is built sturdy, durable, and wear-resistant. Its sturdy build makes it compatible with large business or industrial use.

Performance:

The RealForce R2 keyboard is made up of 45g Topre keys. These keys provide comfort for users when typing. The keys are soft yet solid. You don’t have to push the keys so hard; a simple soft-touch press is enough to send your message to the monitor. If I was to compare, I would say that this keyboard might be as close to providing the same comfort as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1. This keyboard provides the accuracy required for typists and gamers.

The keys are noiseless and are designed to allow customization. The keys can be customized to be fast or slow depending on the user’s needs.

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2. SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard

If you are looking for an affordable, attractive, small yet functional keyboard for your games or typing, then you’ve found it. The SteelSeries Apex Keyword is perfect proof that you can have the best rubber dome gaming keyboard without having to break the bank. Apart from its affordability, SteelSeries is known to have produced some reliable devices which makes it a trustworthy brand to follow.

Designed with IP32 water-resistant feature, you can take your morning coffee comfortably while working. This, however, should be done comfortably but carefully. Although this keyboard is water-resistant, repetitive accidental spills could cause a large accumulation of water which will then go on to damage the keyboard.

my lil bro bought this steelseries apex 3 rgb gaming keyboard for me as a gift and i want to show it off 😎 he has grown up pic.twitter.com/Dwl7WE4vz3

— |°• ตต •°| 🍵⁷ (@TaAssawa) March 4, 2021

When it comes to designs, SteelSeries has got a way of catching the eyes of its audience. Its sleek and thin design comes with sturdy legs underneath to keep it sturdy on the desk. It also has customizable 10-zone RGB lighting installed in it. But one feature that disturbs the awesomeness of this keyboard is the cables that come with it. The cables are weak and as such get tangled very easily.

Performance:

These rubber dome keyboard switches are actually. They are also noiseless and a simple press of the keys provides rapid feedback. However, the keys begin to get crumbly and feel soft. At this point, keystrokes become unsatisfying and unenjoyable. Its noiseless nature remains the same anyways.

The IP32 water-resistant feature lives up to its name just as long as you pay attention to how you take your tea or drink while working on the keyboard. This is because although the water-resistant feature protects the keyboard well, it cannot be said how long it can last. So, continuous accidental spills on the keyboard can cause real damage to the keyboard.

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3. Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard

The affordability of the Razer Cynosa gaming keyboard does not have any effect on its functionality, so don’t be deceived by the price. This keyboard can be used by anyone but is the best for beginners. It provides a familiar but better experience and is a little more advanced than the normal traditional keyboard. It is a little more advanced than the traditional keyboard because it contains a full Numpad design and has its membrane design still intact.

This keyboard could easily be referred to as an example of the difference between mechanical and rubber dome keyboards. So if you just navigated from a traditional keyboard to a rubber dome gaming keyboard, this keyboard should be your first start.

Although the keyboard design is not very different from most basic designs, it is still very attractive. The keyboard even has buttons to increase and reduce the volume, skip, pause, and mute.

Razer Cynosa V2 – Membrane gaming keyboard with Razer Chroma RGB 🐍⌨️
The essential RGB gaming keyboard. With customizable lighting in every key, watch it come alive as you game on Chroma-integrated titles#Razer #Cynosa #V2 #membrane #Keyboard #chroma #gaming pic.twitter.com/iZEbQSntEz

— AU TECHNOLOGIES (@AUTECHNOLOGIES) January 14, 2022

Performance:

The performance of the Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard is quite impressive. Although the keys can be a little squeaky and require a little force to actuate, the keys can accommodate up to 80 million keystrokes. That is a lot. Its water and tear-resistant features keep it from wearing out despite receiving up to 80 million strokes.

The need to apply little force when using the keys makes this keyboard most suitable for certain action games. Apart from games, it can also be used for typing.

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4. Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard

Corsair has done justice to the gaming world by providing this gorgeous-looking gaming keyboard. Fitted in this small embedment is a membrane keyboard with keys that can be customized to the liking of the user. It comes with 6 programmable keys that can be used for games, and editing of videos, and images.

Performance:

The keys of this keyboard are soft and noiseless to use even though the keyboard does not have legs to make it slant. It is still a good keyboard for typing as much as it is for gaming. Its dust and water-resistant features protect it from damaging elements such as water and dust. This does not stop the user from cleaning and being careful though. As an owner of a keyboard or any device at all, you should make sure to take good care of it. Taking care of your devices elongates their lifespan and helps you to save money. It also helps in the functionality and performance of the device.

Gave myself a Christmas present and got me a pretty new keyboard that feels and looks amazing to type on! ^^

Keyboard: Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard pic.twitter.com/K2X8XdFN8I

— Supernova’s Ass’tronomical Proportions 💙 (@StudioNFox) December 20, 2018

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5. Redragon K618 Horus Wireless RGB Keyboard

Redragon K618 Horus Wireless keyboard as the name implies comes packaged with a lot of features I am yet to see in the others. It is a mechanical keyboard with a wireless connection. It has a built-in 2.4 GHz wireless connection and a 3.0/5.0 Bluetooth connection.

The Redragon K618 is engineered with 3 modes that are it can be used as a corded device (USB-C) or as a Bluetooth device or as a wireless device.

Performance:

This Logitech rubber dome keyboard look-alike is built with features that create an absolute gaming and typing experience for users. Instead of connecting the keyboard to your monitor using a cord, you can simply connect it using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This allows you to move around your game room freely without the restrictions of a cord. The keys on the keyboard are quite soft and allow for an easy fly and maneuver of fingers while typing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best rubber dome keyboard?

Here are the top 3 picks for the best rubber dome keyboard. They are SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard, REALFORCE R2 PFU Limited Edition Keyboard, and Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard. Amongst all of the keyboards mentioned, the SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming keyboard is the overall best.

Are rubber dome keys good?

The short answer to this question is yes, they are. They provide a better typing and gaming feel than membrane keyboards. They also ensure accurate key actuation.

Are rubber dome keyboards good for gaming?

Yes, they are good for gaming. Although most gamers would prefer a mechanical keyboard to a rubber dome keyboard for gaming, a rubber dome keyboard is good too. A rubber dome keyboard provides softer and less noisy keys. It’s all a matter of preference if you prefer a rubber dome keyboard or a mechanical keyboard.

There are a few downsides to rubber dome keyboards, however, such as:

• Spongy feel: The keys have a more spongy feel and less tactile feedback than mechanical keyboards, which can make it harder to judge when a key press has been registered.
• Less precise key actuation: Rubber dome keyboards are not as precise as mechanical keyboards, which can lead to mistyping, missed key presses, and other errors.
• Less durable: Rubber dome switches tend to wear out more quickly than mechanical switches, which means that rubber dome keyboards will not last as long as mechanical keyboards.
• Less customizable: Rubber dome keyboards typically don’t allow for customization or replacement of individual switches, limiting your options.

That being said, there are different levels of rubber dome keyboards, some may perform better than others, but generally, mechanical keyboards are preferred by gamers because they provide more precision, and durability and they are more customizable.

What is a rubber dome keyboard?

A rubber dome keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that uses a rubber dome under each key to provide a tactile response and actuation force when a key is pressed. The rubber dome is a flexible, rubberized membrane that sits underneath the keycap, and when a key is pressed, the dome collapses and pushes down on a circuit board beneath, registering the key press.

Rubber dome keyboards are typically less expensive to manufacture than mechanical keyboards, and therefore are more commonly used in budget and lower-end keyboards. They also tend to be quieter than mechanical keyboards because the rubber dome does not produce the same audible click when a key is pressed.

However, rubber dome keyboards typically have a spongy feel and the keys may not be as responsive as a mechanical keyboard. They also tend to wear out more quickly and the key actuation force is not as consistent as mechanical keyboards. So, they are considered less durable and less precise than mechanical keyboards.

When is a rubber dome keyboard best?

Rubber dome keyboards may be a good option in certain situations where a mechanical keyboard is not necessary or not practical. Some examples include:

• Cost: Rubber dome keyboards are typically less expensive than mechanical keyboards, so they can be a good choice for people on a budget who still want a functional keyboard.
• Noise level: Rubber dome keyboards are typically quieter than mechanical keyboards, which can be beneficial in situations where noise level is a concern, such as in an office setting or shared living space.
• Typing speed: If you’re not a professional typist and don’t need precise key presses, a rubber dome keyboard can work well and also can be more comfortable for some people, who may find mechanical keyboards too loud or stiff.
• Portability: Rubber dome keyboards are generally smaller and lighter than mechanical keyboards, which makes them more portable and easier to travel with.
• Gaming: For some casual gamers rubber dome keyboard might be good enough and sufficient for their needs.

In summary, Rubber dome keyboards can be a good choice in situations where cost, noise level, typing speed, portability, or casual gaming is a priority, but for professional typing and gaming, a mechanical keyboard may be a better choice.

Rubber dome keyboard VS mechanical keyboard

Feature	Rubber Dome Keyboard	Mechanical Keyboard
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive
Noise level	Quieter	Louder
Tactile feedback	Less	More
Key actuation	Less precise	More precise
Durability	Less durable	More durable
Customizability	Less	More
Spongy Feel	Yes	No
Suitable for typing	Average	Good
Suitable for gaming	Average	Good
Key Travel Distance	Shorter	Longer
Key lifespan	Shorter	Longer
Variety of Switch types	Less	More
Adjustable actuation force	No	Yes
RGB lighting	Some models	Many models

The table above compares some of the key features of rubber dome and mechanical keyboards.

• Cost: Rubber dome keyboards tend to be less expensive than mechanical keyboards because they are less complex to manufacture and use less expensive materials.
• Noise level: Rubber dome keyboards are typically quieter than mechanical keyboards because they don’t produce an audible click when a key is pressed. Mechanical keyboards, particularly those with Cherry MX Blue or Green switches, tend to be relatively loud.
• Tactile feedback: Rubber dome keyboards typically have less tactile feedback than mechanical keyboards. This means that it can be harder to feel when a key press has been registered, and the keys may feel less responsive. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, usually have more tactile feedback, which makes typing and gaming more precise and responsive.
• Key actuation: Rubber dome keyboards tend to be less precise than mechanical keyboards, which can lead to mistyping and missed key presses. Mechanical keyboards typically provide more consistent key actuation and more accurate key presses.
• Durability: Rubber dome keyboards are less durable than mechanical keyboards. The rubber dome switch tend to wear out more quickly than mechanical switches, so rubber dome keyboards will not last as long as mechanical keyboards.
• Customizability: Mechanical keyboards offer more customization options than rubber dome keyboards, whether it’s switches, keycaps or overall layout and design, which makes it a more attractive choice for some. Rubber dome keyboards are generally less customizable and less options.
• Spongy Feel : Rubber dome keyboards have a spongy feel to them, that can make them feel less precise and less tactile than mechanical keyboards. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, have a more tactile and precise feel to them.
• Suitable for typing: Rubber dome keyboards are generally suitable for average typing speed, but they are not as precise as mechanical keyboards, which makes them less suitable for professional typists. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, are more suitable for typing due to the tactile feedback and more precise key presses.
• Suitable for gaming: Rubber dome keyboards are generally suitable for casual gaming but are less precise than mechanical keyboards, which makes them less suitable for professional gaming. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, are more suitable for gaming due to their tactile feedback, precise key presses, and durability.

Are rubber dome switches quiet?

Yes, rubber dome switches are generally quite quiet. This is because the rubber dome is generally made of a soft material, such as silicone, which is not as loud as harder materials, like metal. The rubber dome itself is also relatively thin, which helps to reduce the sound that is produced when a key is pressed.

The other key component of rubber dome switches is the spring underneath the dome. This spring serves to return the key to its original position when it is released. Because the spring is also made of a soft material, it does not produce a loud noise when the key is pressed. The third component of rubber domes is the contact mechanism.

This usually consists of two metal plates that make contact when a key is pressed. The contact between the plates is relatively soft, which helps to reduce the sound that is produced.

In summary, rubber dome switches are generally quite quiet. This is because the rubber dome is generally made of a soft material, the spring underneath is also made of a soft material, and the contact between the two plates is also soft. All of these factors help to reduce the noise that is produced when the key is pressed.

How long do rubber dome keyboards last?

Rubber dome keyboards typically last anywhere from 1-5 years depending on usage and the environment they are in. Rubber dome keyboards are made up of plastic keycaps and rubber domes underneath the keycaps. Every time a key is pressed, the rubber dome compresses and sends an electrical signal to the computer.

Over time, the rubber domes can wear out and fail to provide the necessary electrical signal, which can lead to a decrease in the keyboard’s functionality. The environment the keyboard is in can also play a role in how long it lasts, as dust, dirt, and other debris can build up and interfere with the domes’ ability to properly compress and send the electrical signal.

If stored in a clean, dust-free environment, the keyboard may last longer. In order to help extend the life of a rubber dome keyboard, it is important to keep it clean and free of dust and debris. Additionally, the keycaps can be removed and the rubber domes can be cleaned with compressed air or a damp cloth.

This can help remove any dirt and dust that has built up over time, which can help the rubber domes last longer. Overall, rubber dome keyboards are relatively inexpensive, and while they may not last as long as mechanical keyboards, they are still a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly keyboard. With proper care and maintenance, they can last anywhere from 1-5 years.

Are rubber dome keyboards tactile?

Rubber dome keyboards are not considered tactile. They are a type of keyboard switch technology that uses a rubber dome to actuate each key press. The rubber dome is placed over a spring or other mechanism. When the key is pressed, it pushes the dome down and causes the switch to actuate.

These keyboards do not provide the tactile feedback that some users prefer. This is because the rubber dome does not require much force to actuate and does not provide the same level of resistance that other switch technologies do. The actuation point is also not as precise as other switch types, which can lead to typos and mistakes.

In addition, rubber dome keyboards are much less durable than other switch types. The rubber domes will wear out over time and will eventually need to be replaced. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.

For these reasons, rubber dome keyboards are not typically considered to be tactile. They are, however, a cost-effective option for basic computing tasks, such as word processing or web browsing. They are also popular in the budget gaming market, where their low cost and quiet operation make them an attractive option.

Is rubber dome the same as membrane?

No, rubber dome and membrane are not the same. Rubber dome keyboards are keyboard designs that use individual rubber domes beneath each keycap to provide tactile feedback and to actuate the switch beneath. The rubber dome is a squishy rubber material that collapses when pressure is applied to it. When the dome collapses, it pushes a plunger that actuates the switch, allowing the keyboard to register the key press.

Membrane keyboards, on the other hand, are keyboards that use a soft plastic membrane sheet that is overlaid with a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB is printed with conductive ink that acts as the electrical contact when the key is pressed. Unlike rubber dome keyboards, membrane keyboards do not use individual rubber domes beneath each keycap. Instead, each keypress is registered when the printed circuit board contacts the membrane sheet beneath it and closes the electrical circuit.

Membrane keyboards are much quieter than rubber dome keyboards and are generally more affordable. However, they lack the tactile feedback and responsiveness of a rubber dome keyboard.

Furthermore, membrane keyboards are more prone to wear and tear and are more difficult to repair. In summary, rubber dome and membrane keyboards are two different types of keyboards that use different technologies to actuate the key switch. While membrane keyboards are quieter, they lack the tactile feedback and responsiveness of rubber dome keyboards and are more prone to wear and tear.

Conclusion

Whether you are a gamer or a typist, a newcomer or an expert, now you can add to your list of rubber dome keyboards to try. Also, do not forget how important care and maintenance are to your devices. Should in case you want to know more, do not hesitate to reach out to me.

I hope this article was helpful.

Source:

• https://deskthority.net/wiki/Rubber_dome
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_technology