A run-of-the-mill membrane keyboard uses domes under its keys. While they work, for the most part, they seldom offer the best of experiences. Like a cheap Android smartphone, you'll be content with its performance, oblivious to the fact that there are far better, albeit more expensive options out there. Enter mechanical keyboards. 

Mechanical keyboards are like iOS devices. Overpriced, pretty and hella fun to use. Suffice it to say, you won't go back once you get the taste of a proper mechanical keyboard under your fingers.

So, why should you get a mechanical keyboard?

THE FEEL: 
Normal everyday rubber dome keyboards require you to press a key all the way to the bottom to register it. This is frustrating, and is by no means ergonomic. However a mechanical keyboard only requires you to press the keys so that it can register the order before it hits the bottom. Hence, no effort or energy is wasted and the response time is more than halved.

THE DIVERSITY: 
Mechanical keyboards come with a variety of switches to choose from. Each switch bears its own characteristics and has its own merits and demerits. Cherry MX options, Topre or Buckling Spring (among others) have unique characteristics that set them apart. Even Cherry MX has a variety of options (Brown, Blue etc) to better suit your tastes. Since this article is a launchpad to sum up what mechanical keyboards do, use Google to figure out which keys fit your need.

THE DURABILITY: 
Mechanical keyboards are built to last. They can withstand up to triple the keystrokes than that of normal rubber dome keyboards. They are also easy to dismantle and clean, allowing the user to make them last longer. 

That last point is the key here. Once you buy a mechanical keyboard, you'll be using it for years to come. It won't get outdated like a smartphone, it'll keep performing like it did when you first bought it and if it gathers enough filth to rival that of Rick Grimes from the Walking Dead, you'll be able to clean it in a jiffy. So, whether you're a paper pusher or a gamer, get yourself a mechanical keyboard. It'll be nothing but a sound investment for you.