Mechanical keyboards have gained immense popularity among typists, gamers, and productivity enthusiasts. These keyboards are renowned for their tactile feedback, durability, and customizability compared to traditional membrane keyboards. Each key on a mechanical keyboard uses a dedicated switch, offering a more precise and satisfying typing experience.
When choosing the best mechanical keyboard for your needs, several factors need consideration. The type of switches is crucial, as they come in different varieties such as linear, tactile, and clicky, each providing a unique typing feel. Other important aspects include key rollover, build quality, and additional features like customizable RGB lighting, programmable keys, and ergonomic design.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various mechanical keyboards to identify the ones that excel in performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
Best Mechanical Keyboards
Here is our carefully curated list of the best mechanical keyboards available. Each product featured has been chosen based on its performance, build quality, and user reviews.
Cooler Master MK770
- 98 Key Layout: The MK770 caters to user preference by keeping the Numpad while streamlining the function area. Its reduced length conserves desk space while preserving most regular keyboard functions.
- Hot-Swappable Kailh Box V2 Switches: Enhanced by their durability and reinforced stems, these keyboards deliver a consistent typing experience and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
- Hybrid Wireless Technology: Experience versatile connectivity options with wired Type-C or wireless functionality. Choose from 2.4GHz for lag-free input or Bluetooth 5.1 for convenient and flexible connectivity.
This keyboard stands out for its customizable options, versatile connectivity, and comfortable typing experience.
Pros
- Customizable with hot-swappable switches
- Hybrid wireless technology offers flexibility
- Gasket structure minimizes noise and vibration
Cons
- Uneven backlighting on some keys
- Limited custom lighting options in software
- Connectivity issues reported with Bluetooth
The Cooler Master MK770 elevates the typing experience with its factory-lubricated Kailh Box V2 switches. The gasket structure ensures a nearly silent workspace, while the hot-swappable design lets us personalize the setup without hassle. Its compact 95% layout is perfect for those needing desk space yet all the essentials.
We found the hybrid wireless technology quite convenient, switching between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.1. This versatility makes it an excellent pick for both stationary and mobile use. The keyboard’s minimalist design with unique colorways adds a playful touch to any workspace, and the PBT double-shot keycaps ensure longevity.
Despite its merits, it does come with a few shortcomings. The backlighting can be inconsistent, affecting the aesthetic for those picky about even lighting. Cooler Master’s software could benefit from more custom lighting options. Lastly, some users reported Bluetooth connectivity issues, which isn’t ideal for a premium product. Overall, the MK770 blends form and function, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their typing setup.
LEMOKEY X1 Wired Mechanical Keyboard
- Wired TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Experience the Lemokey X1, a highly accessible wired mechanical keyboard with a classic tenkeyless layout. This keyboard is fully programmable on every key, allowing you to customize it for gaming or work. It features vibrant red backlighting with 14+ red lighting effects, adding a stylish touch to your setup.
- Program with QMK & VIA: You can easily program and remap each key on the keyboard. The open-source firmware means endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, and more. Once it's done, the keymap will work on wired mode and even be saved with onboard memory.
- Shine-Through Keycaps & Red Backlit: Made through the ABS double-shot process, the keycaps are durable and wear-resistant. With all black keycap option. Meanwhile, the shine-through letters lit up by the north-facing LED present a glamorous look at your fingertips. Shine-through keycaps combined with a side-light design are ideal for late-night work or gaming sessions.
The LEMOKEY X1 offers exceptional customization and performance for both gamers and professionals.
Pros
- Highly customizable with QMK firmware
- Smooth and responsive key switches
- Durable and stylish design
Cons
- Slightly loud key presses
- Fixed key switches
- Basic red backlighting only
We found the LEMOKEY X1 to be an excellent mechanical keyboard for various needs. The customization potential with the QMK firmware is a standout feature, allowing us to personalize the keyboard extensively. The keys are incredibly smooth and responsive, making both typing and gaming a pleasure.
Another impressive aspect is its build quality. The keyboard feels robust, and the floating keycap design coupled with the red backlighting adds a sleek aesthetic. It’s well-suited for late-night work or gaming sessions, adding to its versatility.
However, the keyboard is somewhat loud, which could be a disadvantage in quiet environments. Also, while the keycaps are swappable, the switches are not, limiting future upgrades. The red backlighting is attractive but lacks the variety offered by RGB options. Despite these minor issues, the LEMOKEY X1 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and customizable mechanical keyboard.
Keychron V6 Mechanical Keyboard
- 108 Keys Mechanical Keyboard: The V6 is a full-sized custom mechanical keyboard with QMK/VIA support, which can offer you endless possibilities of customization and meet your needs in different situations. With double-shot PBT keycaps, an acoustic silicone pad, screw-in stabs, and pre-lubed switches, etc. It will meet your diverse needs and bring you excellent typing comfort!
- Fully Customizable From the Inside Out: To build a fully customizable keyboard, we designed every component easily assembled, including keycaps, switches, gasket, plate, and case foam if you want. With QMK and VIA support, you can easily program and remap each key on the keyboard. The open-source firmware means endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, and more.
- Hot-swappable Support: With the pre-lubed mechanical linear red switch provides unrivaled tactile responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke lifespan. You can also hot-swap the V6 with almost all of the 3pin and 5pin MX mechanical switches on the market (including Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Panda, etc.) without soldering required. The PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizer for “big keys” such as space bar, shift, enter, and delete are designed for less wobbliness and smooth performance.
The Keychron V6 offers a versatile and customizable typing experience suitable for both gaming and professional use.
Pros
- Highly customizable with QMK/VIA support
- Durable double-shot PBT keycaps
- Hot-swappable switches for easy maintenance
Cons
- Lack of included accessories like additional cables
- Slightly heavier than other keyboards
- South-facing backlighting limited by key opacity
Using the Keychron V6 has been a smooth experience. The ability to customize almost every aspect from keycaps to switches is a game-changer. We found the QMK/VIA support invaluable for programming macro keys and customizing layouts.
Build quality is solid with its double-shot PBT keycaps providing a satisfying typing feel. The hot-swappable switches are a standout feature, letting us easily switch to different switch types without any soldering. This flexibility is a rare find and adds immense value.
Compatibility with both macOS and Windows makes it highly adaptable. A system toggle feature allows for quick switching between different operating systems, which is incredibly convenient. The keyboard’s overall design and capability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to upgrade their typing setup.
Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
- HOT-SWAPPABLE DESIGN — Compatible with 3 or 5-pin switches, the keyboard’s socketed PCB allows an easy swap out of its pre-loaded switches for custom ones to achieve desired key feel
- COMPACT 75% LAYOUT WITH ALUMNIUM CASE — Ideal for setups where desk space is a premium, the keyboard features a durable build and covers esential commands
- OPTIMIZED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Enjoy light, balanced keystrokes that sound full and satisfying with a gasket-mounted FR4 plate, tape-enhanced PCB, lubricated stabilizers, and two layers of sound-dampening foam
A great balance between customization and size with solid gaming performance.
Pros
- Hot-swappable switches
- Compact and durable design
- Stunning RGB lighting
Cons
- Tactile switches may not suit everyone
- Prone to double-typing issues
- Average customer rating
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% offers an engaging experience for those passionate about customizing their gaming setup. The compact 75% layout makes it perfect for tight spaces, and its aluminum case adds durability.
With hot-swappable switches, the flexibility to change out key types without much hassle is a welcome feature. The RGB lighting is spectacular, adding a nice atmosphere to our gaming sessions.
Despite its strengths, some users might find the tactile switches not to their liking and there have been reports of double-typing keys which can be frustrating. The overall user rating reflects a mix of high praise and noticeable flaws.
Corsair K70 MAX RGB Gaming Keyboard
- Adjustable Magnetic-Mechanical Switches: The entire keyboard is equipped with fully adjustable CORSAIR MGX switches, enabling you to set every key’s actuation point from a light 0.4mm to a strong 3.6mm in 0.1mm steps, putting you in control for fast keypresses or ultra-accurate typing.
- Two Actions for One Keypress: Dual-point actuation lets you assign two discrete actions to one keypress, giving you the ability to execute instant one-two combos.
- CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology: AXON enables premier K70 performance, processing and transmitting inputs up to 8x faster than conventional gaming keyboards with 8,000Hz hyper-polling. 8,000Hz hyper-polling is dependent on CPU; older CPUs may experience reduced performance.
This keyboard offers an exceptional combination of customization and performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike.
Pros
- Adjustable actuation for each key
- Rapid keystroke processing
- Comfortable palm rest
Cons
- Expensive
- iCUE software issues
- Slightly heavy
The Corsair K70 MAX RGB captivates with its adjustable actuation points, allowing us to fine-tune each key’s responsiveness. This level of customization ensures that both gaming and typing are more precise and enjoyable. The keyboard features top-notch build quality, with a robust frame that withstands heavy use. The cushioned palm rest is a noticeable comfort boost, especially during extended sessions.
Corsair’s AXON Hyper-Processing Technology significantly reduces input lag, which is crucial for competitive gaming. The dual-point actuation feature is a game-changer, enabling us to execute complex maneuvers with a single keypress. This capability maximizes efficiency during intense gameplay and adds a unique element to our setup.
However, the K70 MAX RGB comes with a hefty price tag, making it a considerable investment. We also encountered some issues with the iCUE software, impacting our ability to fully customize our experience. Lastly, the keyboard’s weight may be a bit cumbersome for those who need a more portable setup.
Despite these drawbacks, the Corsair K70 MAX RGB remains a stellar choice for its durability and innovative features. For anyone serious about their keyboard experience, this model is tough to beat.
NuPhy Air75 V2
- Translucent bottom shell design: The overall layout of the Air75 V2 wireless keyboard is similar to that of the Air75, featuring a high-quality aluminum frame. However, we have adopted a new translucent design on the bottom case of the keyboard, which makes the internal structure of the Air75v2 clearly visible and fully utilizes the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. At the same time, we've added two height stands to the bottom of the keyboard to make it even more comfortable to use.
- Supports multi-device connectivity: Air75 V2 wireless mechanical keyboard is compatible with Mac/Windows/Linux/Android/iOS,and supports Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, 2.4g connectivity and wired connectivity modes, which allows you to connect up to 4 computer devices at the same time and switch between these computers to use them, which can satisfy a wide range of entertainment office needs
- Cool RGB Backlit Effect: The backlight of Air75 V2 has more than 21 different color effects, which can be easily changed using key combination. Through console, you can even limitlessly customize lighting effects(the keycaps are not backlit).We also added two RGB light bars on each side of the Air75 V2's aluminum frame. The left bar shows caps lock and connection mode, while the right bar shows battery level and system mode, so you can see the status of your keyboard more visually.
If you need a versatile and stylish mechanical keyboard, the NuPhy Air75 V2 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Sleek translucent design
- Multi-device connectivity
- Extensive battery life
Cons
- Keycaps not backlit
- Requires separate wrist rest
- Slightly higher noise level
The NuPhy Air75 V2 impressed us right off the bat with its modern, translucent design and high-quality aluminum frame. The new bottom shell design allows you to appreciate the keyboard’s internal structure, making it not just a tool but a conversation piece. Its overall aesthetics are visually appealing and would look great in any setup.
Switching between multiple devices is seamless, thanks to its support for Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4g, and wired connectivity. We easily connected it to our Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, switching effortlessly between them. This ability to connect up to four devices simultaneously proves incredibly convenient for a range of work and entertainment needs.
The keyboard’s RGB backlighting offers over 21 different color effects, which are easily changeable using key combinations. Customizing the lighting through the console was straightforward, although it’s worth noting that the keycaps themselves aren’t backlit. Despite this, we still found the RGB light bars on the sides both useful and visually appealing.
In terms of battery life, the 4000mAh capacity ensured we could use it continuously for up to 57 hours with the backlight on. With the lights off, it lasted up to 220 hours. This means we didn’t have to worry about charging frequently, making it excellent for long work sessions.
For those who enjoy customization, the QMK/VIA support allows for endless key remapping and lighting adjustments. The fun truly starts with the open-source code, adding a layer of personalization that we found both engaging and practical.
However, potential buyers should note that the keycaps are not backlit, and the wrist rest is sold separately, which may be a minor inconvenience. Also, the noise level can be higher than expected for some, although this didn’t detract significantly from our overall experience.
Buying Guide
When deciding on the best mechanical keyboard, we should consider several key factors. Understanding these features helps us make an informed choice.
Switch Types
Mechanical keyboards come with different switch types. Popular options include:
- Clicky: Tactile feedback and an audible click.
- Tactile: Provides tactile feedback without the click sound.
- Linear: Smooth key press from start to finish.
Build Quality
Build quality impacts durability. Look for:
- Frame Material: Metal frames for sturdiness.
- Keycap Material: PBT plastic for long-lasting keycaps.
- Build: Durable construction is essential for long-term use.
Key Layout and Size
Consider the layout and size that best suits our needs:
- Full-size: Includes a number pad.
- Tenkeyless (TKL): Omits the number pad.
- Compact (60%, 65%, etc.): Minimalist design, omitting function rows and navigation keys.
Backlighting and RGB
Backlighting can be a useful feature. Options include:
- Single-color: Functional and straightforward.
- RGB: Customizable colors for each key, useful for aesthetics and functionality.
Connectivity
- Wired: Stable and low-latency connection.
- Wireless: Greater flexibility and mobility. May introduce slight latency.
Additional Features
Some additional features can enhance the experience:
- Programmable Keys: Custom macros for specific tasks.
- Hot-swappable Switches: Allows us to change switches without soldering.
- Media Controls: Dedicated keys or functions for media control.
| Feature | Options |
|---|---|
| Switch Types | Clicky, Tactile, Linear |
| Build Quality | Metal frame, PBT keycaps |
| Layout | Full-size, TKL, Compact |
| Backlighting | Single-color, RGB |
| Connectivity | Wired, Wireless |
| Extra Features | Programmable keys, Hot-swappable, Media controls |
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we address common inquiries regarding the best mechanical keyboards, focusing on aspects like gaming performance, typing experience, pro gamer preferences, programming features, wireless vs. wired performance, and top recommended brands.
What are the top mechanical keyboards for gaming in 2024?
For gamers, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT stand out. These models offer customizable key switches, high polling rates, and vibrant RGB lighting. Logitech G Pro X also remains a favorite due to its swappable switches.
Which mechanical keyboards offer the best typing experience?
Models like the Das Keyboard 4 Professional and the Varmilo VA87M excel in typing comfort and durability. Leopold FC660M provides a compact design with superior key feel, making it an excellent choice for extensive typing sessions.
How do pro gamers choose their mechanical keyboards?
Pro gamers prioritize low latency, customizable key switches, and robust build quality. They frequently opt for options like the SteelSeries Apex Pro and the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro, which offer fast response times and solid performance.
What features distinguish the best mechanical keyboards for programming?
The best programming keyboards like the Keychron K3 and Ducky One 2 SF include features such as programmable keys, compact layouts, and ergonomic designs. Kinesis Advantage2 is also highly regarded for its ability to reduce strain during long coding sessions.
Are wireless mechanical keyboards comparable in performance to wired ones?
Recent advancements have made wireless mechanical keyboards like the Logitech G915 and the Keychron K2 almost indistinguishable from their wired counterparts. They’ve closed the performance gap, offering low latency and stable connections suitable for both gaming and productivity.
What are the leading mechanical keyboard brands recommended by experts?
Brands such as Corsair, Ducky, Razer, and Logitech receive top recommendations. These brands consistently deliver high-quality products with features that cater to different needs, whether for gaming, typing, or specialized professional tasks.
