Keyboards are beneficial input devices to operate the computer system, and when you are looking to buy one, you will consider value for money. So, the first thing that comes to your mind would be how long do keyboards last?
The durability of a keyboard depends on various factors, including its type, quality, and brand. An average quality mechanical keyboard can last for more than 10 years, and on the other hand, a regular membrane keyboard can last between 1 to 5 years.
As mentioned above, the keyboard’s durability depends on various factors. The most important factor that determines the overall lifespan is its type. So, let’s discuss which type of keyboard lasts longer in detail.
How Long do Keyboards Last?
Keyboards are no longer the same as they used to be a decade ago. They are advanced and can last for years if you use them properly. There are many types of keyboards available in the market, and all of them have different lifespans.
So, the following are the average lifespan of different types of keyboards that are being used in this era:
Mechanical Keyboards
Mechanical keyboards are keyboards that have a dedicated switch under each key. When the users press a key, the switch underneath the key gets activated and sends a signal to the computer that a certain key has been pressed. So, this mechanism enhances the durability of keys and their lifespan.
The average lifespan of a mechanical keyboard is nearly 10 to 20 years, depending on your usage. They provide more than 50 million keystrokes and work great even after exceeding the keystrokes limit.
If you are a heavy user of typing documents at regular intervals, your mechanical keyboard may last nearly five years. If you are a normal user who uses the keyboard to perform regular tasks on your computer, your keyboard may easily last more than ten years.
Membrane Keyboards
A membrane keyboard is a type of keyboard that sits on top of a single layer of flexible material. They do not have switches under each key. Instead, they have a single layer of a respondent sheet that electronically presses the switch and sends a signal to the computer to respond accordingly. That is why membrane keyboards are not as durable as mechanical ones.
The average lifespan of a membrane keyboard can vary between 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of usage. If you are a heavy user who uses keyboard keys all day long, your keyboard may no longer than two years.
Similarly, if you are a gamer and using a membrane keyboard, your keyboard may not last longer than a year. And on the other hand, if you use your keyboard for common purposes where you do not use lots of keystrokes, your keyboard may last longer than five years.
Laptop Keyboards
Most laptop keyboards last around five years. This can vary depending on how often you use them, what you use them for, and the quality of the keyboard itself. If you are using a high-quality gaming laptop, your keyboard might last for more than two years.
Similarly, if you use an average-quality laptop and perform only routine tasks on the laptop, your keyboard might last for five years.
After five years, you are likely to notice that your laptop keyboard is not working as reliably as it was new.
Conclusion
Keyboards can last for ages depending on their type, build quality, and usage. Above, I have discussed the average lifespan of different types of keyboards. But remember, their lifespan majorly depends on your usage. If you are a rough user, you may lose your keyboard or some keys after a few years of usage, and if you are a simpler user, your keyboard may last longer than 5 to 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s hard to say how often you should change your keyboard, as every person and their unique typing style leads to the different problem of keys. So, it’s good to change your keyboard if some of the keys are not working or responding late.
Many signs can help you determine that your keyboard is worn out. Some of them are:
1) Missing Keys.
2) Keys that get stuck when you press them.
3) Keys don’t work at all or are hard to press.
4) Responding late.
If you face any of these problems with your keyboard, it’s a sign that your keyboard is worn out and you need to change it.
