Mechanical keyboards are fun to type on, sound satisfying, and are top picks for serious gamers of all stripes and skill levels. Plus, mechanical keyboards come in a few different types (and many different price points).
Mechanical keyboards are built with mechanical switches, which provide a much better typing experience. With each keypress, the mechanical switches offer some sort of tactile feedback. If you’re researching mechanical keyboards, consider these attributes:
- Switch type, which can affect the actuation point (when the key press is registered by the computer). You may prefer a different switch type compared to your friend. You can choose from linear switches, clicky switches, or tactile switches.
- The loudness of the switches. For example, popular Cherry MX switches come in Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Brown, and Cherry MX Blue varieties, which offer no click, a soft bump, and a satisfying click, respectively.
- Power source. Consider the keyboard’s battery life and whether or not it has wireless connectivity.
- Build quality and durability. Many high-end keyboards and the best gaming keyboards will be quite durable to resist hundreds of thousands or millions of key strokes.
- Form factor. You may want a keyboard with a number pad (or numpad). Some smaller keyboards, known as TKL or tenkeyless, do not have the number keys, so you’ll need a separate device.
- Whether the keyboard is designed with a wrist rest. Full-size keyboards often are, while compact keyboards may not be, although they are generally a better fit if you have limited desk space.
Above all else, you’ll want to make sure your high-quality keyboard is made with the right materials, like aluminum alloy or silicone, and has a bright RGB backlight. Along with a gaming mouse, a good gaming keyboard can really upgrade your gameplay. If you’re not a gamer, a mechanical keyboard will give you a new typing experience.
Not sure which keyboard is right for you? Read on to check out our breakdown of the 10 best mechanical keyboards.
Best for Wireless Gaming: Logitech MX Mechanical Wireless Illuminated Performance Keyboard
Logitech’s MX Mechanical Wireless Illuminated Performance Keyboard is arguably the best mechanical keyboard money can buy that doesn’t require a wired connection. That’s because this totally wireless keyboard can work perfectly well even without a USB-C cord.
Of course, the keyboard is also designed well from start to finish. It features comfortable, low-profile keys that maximize ergonomic comfort. A battery indicator at the top of the keyboard lets you know when you need to plug it in or replace its batteries. The MX keyboard switches are fluid and quiet while still facilitating the accuracy and consistency you love with mechanical typing.
Customizable keys, multi-device control, and smart illumination round out its features. The backlit keys will light up as soon as you touch the cordless keyboard, plus adjust to suit different lighting conditions. All in all, it’s a phenomenal piece of technology for gamers and office workers alike.
Best for Multiple Connection Options: RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK100 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
The RK Royal Kludge RK100 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is a solid choice if you appreciate a keyboard that can work wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity as well as USB-C connections. No matter how you like to use your mechanical keyboard, this particular device is sure to suit your preferences.
At 96% full-size with 100 compact keys, it’s a good fit for compact spaces. This keyboard is also quite durable and stable — a big benefit if you are a serious gamer. The switches are hot-swappable, so you can replace them with any MX-similar switches you prefer (such as Razer switches).
On top of that, the keyboard comes with three distinct USB ports, making it ideal for pairing with other devices in your kit. All of the keys are programmable, and the keyboard comes with brand new software you can use to customize lighting modes and usage scenarios. It’s a unique mechanical keyboard that allows you to use it just how you like.
Best for Fast Typists: RisoPhy Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
RisoPhy’s Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is far and away the best choice for very fast typists. That’s because the keyboard is designed with anti-ghosting functionality, so all the keys will continue to work no matter how fast you type. It also has 12 built-in multimedia key shortcuts, letting you access different programs or tools with the touch of a button.
As for durability, this mechanical keyboard is capable of working for up to 50 million keystrokes. It’s ergonomic and comfortable, featuring a stair-up keycap design that prevents your arms from moving in unnatural ways. The keyboard comes with 104 keys in total, plus nine different backlight settings.
On top of all that, this mechanical keyboard has clicky keys that ensure fast responses and high accuracy when typing, along with a nice click sound. In the end, if you like to type as quickly as possible for gaming or for work, this is the mechanical keyboard for you.
Best for Programming Flexibility: Redragon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Red Switches
The Redragon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is one of the best mechanical keyboards overall, thanks to its programming flexibility. In a nutshell, this fully programmable keyboard allows you to configure your keys to adjust their functions, macros, and light effects quickly and easily.
Of course, it’s also a great keyboard for other reasons. The keys are designed to be anti-ghosting so they can all work simultaneously, and it’s made with durable aluminum alloy. This will ensure it lasts for years, even though it weighs less than three pounds.
The keyboard is built with red switches that don’t require as much force to press down and are silent compared to clicky switches. It’s perfect for gamers who like to participate in MMOs and RPGs. Pick this keyboard if you play complex games that require programmable commands or special macros to maximize your gaming performance.
Best for Keyboard Compatibility: Havit Mechanical Keyboard
Havit’s Mechanical Keyboard is one of the best wireless options in terms of compatibility with different operating systems. The 89-key mechanical keyboard is even compatible with older Windows programs like Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 10. You can also use it with Mac OS and Chrome OS operating systems, depending on your preferences.
This keyboard is well-designed for ergonomics and performance. It comes with twin keyboard kickstands, ensuring that your wrists stay at the perfect angle for typing and gaming. Because it’s a wired keyboard, the signals you send from the keyboard to your computer will also be consistent and accurate.
As an 85% keyboard, it’s not as large as competing mechanical keyboards — but it retains the number keys, so you don’t need a separate number pad to rest by your mouse. In the end, it’s a top choice if you need a keyboard that will work well with any computer station you work at.
Best for Serious Gamers: Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a little pricey, but it’s the best choice overall for serious gamers and tournament participants. The Cherry MX Brown keyswitches are some of the best in the industry, capable of lasting for 100 million keystrokes before showing any signs of wear and tear. Thanks to these switches, the keys have a tactile bump in the middle of a press to allow gamers to type more quickly.
Even better, this keyboard can receive your commands up to eight times faster compared to competing mechanical keyboards. It has 20 layers of hardware RGB lighting processing, yet maintains top-tier speed and performance.
It also features a special tournament switch that locks the keyboard into a distraction-free static backlight. It also disables any accidental macro activations. In the end, this is a solid choice for gamers who want their gear to help them win, not hinder them.
Best for Gaming on the Go: Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Logitech’s G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a 90-key device ideal for gaming on the go, whether at a friend’s house or even in a moving van or RV. That’s partially because this ultraportable, compact keyboard is smaller than average, freeing up more table space for mouse movement.
The expertly designed keys use durable GX Blue switches, which deliver both a tactile bump and an audible click when you press down on them. This keyboard is easy to pack, as it includes a detachable micro USB cable, ensuring safe transport while on the go and a secure connection when you plug it in.
There’s even a three-step angle adjustment that you can set up for maximum comfort and ergonomic consistency. Naturally, you can program various keys on this keyboard for overall customization. It’s a great choice if you need a mechanical keyboard that will work no matter where you are.
Best for Ease of Use: RK ROYAL KLUDGE M75 Mechanical Keyboard
The RK Royal Kludge M75 Mechanical Keyboard is one of the best mechanical keyboards when it comes to simple ease of use. For starters, it’s a 75% RGB mechanical keyboard with 81 keys, so it saves about 25% space compared to other PC gaming keyboards.
However, that’s not the only reason it’s so easy to use. It’s a hot-swappable keyboard that can connect to your PC in three different modes, including wired and wireless modes. It also features a clickable rotary control knob that allows you to switch between different modes and adjust the volume. Plus, an OLED screen shows battery and volume levels.
Add RGB backlighting, and it’s clear that this gaming and working keyboard is great for those who don’t want to fiddle with a bunch of settings. This keyboard can simply connect to your favorite PC and allow you to start typing or gaming in a matter of minutes.
Best for Compact Gaming Spaces: MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
MageGee’s Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the overall best choice if you want a compact, small keyboard that still gets the job done. As its name suggests, it takes up 60% of the space of a standard wireless keyboard.
This anti-ghosting 68-key mechanical keyboard has separate arrow keys and all the function keys you need, plus it uses red switches, which are linear, for smooth, quiet typing. It also has blue LED backlights, so it still looks high-tech and classy, like many higher-priced mechanical keyboards.
The keyboard’s appeal is further bolstered by ergonomic suspension double color injection keycaps and kickstand feet, enabling you to adjust the keyboard based on your ideal typing angle. It uses a USB 2.0 connector, so it works with many older computers and operating systems without the need to download drivers or software.
Best for Vibrant Color: SABLUTE Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Don’t forget the SABLUTE Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, which is a top choice for RGB color backlight performance and radiance. This keyboard comes with 20 distinct RGB backlighting modes, and it’s a 60% keyboard for added compact comfort.
Once you hook up the keyboard, you can set up four different levels of backlight brightness and four different levels of dynamic backlight speeds. This gives you lots of options to personalize the look of your mechanical keyboard, so you can have exactly the ambiance you want when playing games or tackling late-night office work.
The keyboard is also a good choice, thanks to its construction. It uses red switches, which are known for smooth keystrokes, so they don’t require as much force to press. But if you want a different tactile and audible experience, this keyboard comes with hot-swappable switches, so you can replace keycaps and switches without too much effort.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, you can choose from many stellar mechanical keyboards. Some are better than others for specific needs. For instance, the Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the overall best choice if you want to maximize your gaming performance. Meanwhile, the MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a good choice for taking your gaming set to a friend’s house.
Overall, consider your needs and preferences, then find one of these keyboards at Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers!
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