Mechanical keyboards have become a popular choice for typists, gamers, and professionals alike. These keyboards are known for their durability, tactile feedback, and customizable features, distinguishing them significantly from their membrane counterparts. Offering an enhanced typing experience, mechanical keyboards cater to various needs, whether it’s for heavy typing or fast-paced gaming.
When choosing the best mechanical keyboard, paying attention to key features is essential. These include the type of switches used, as they significantly affect the typing feel and sound. Other factors include durability, key rollover, and build quality. It’s also crucial to consider personal preferences such as backlighting options and programmability.
We evaluated several mechanical keyboards on the market to help you find the perfect model for your needs.
Best Mechanical Keyboards
We have compiled a list of the top mechanical keyboards available today. Each of these keyboards excels in performance, durability, and design.
Cooler Master MK770 Macaron Keyboard
- 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.
Perfect for those who love a blend of functionality with unique aesthetics.
Pros
- Smooth, factory-lubricated Kailh Box V2 switches
- Compact 95% layout saves desk space
- Hybrid wireless options allow flexibility
Cons
- Inconsistent backlighting on some rows
- Limited custom lighting options in software
- Bluetooth connectivity issues
We found the Cooler Master MK770 Macaron Keyboard to be a refreshing blend of performance and design. The Kailh Box V2 switches provided an exceptionally smooth typing experience, and the hot-swappable design made customization a breeze. It’s a visually striking keyboard that adds a playful touch to any workspace.
The compact layout is both space-saving and practical, retaining essential keys like the Numpad. Hybrid wireless technology gives us the flexibility to switch between wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth modes effortlessly, which is perfect for multitaskers.
On the downside, the backlighting isn’t as consistent, and Cooler Master’s software leaves us wanting more customization options. We also encountered Bluetooth connectivity issues, which affected overall reliability. Despite these drawbacks, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their keyboard setup.
LEMOKEY X1 Keyboard
- Wired TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: The Lemokey X1 is a fully programmable wired gaming mechanical keyboard. QMK allows you to intuitively program every key on its classic tenkeyless layout to win. The vibrant red backlight and acoustic foam mod were set to enhance the gaming vibes visually and on the fingertips.
- Remap with Lemokey web app: Simply connect the X1 to your device with a cable, open the Lemokey Launcher web app, drag and drop your favorite keys or macro commands to remap any key on any system (macOS, Windows, or Linux) for a fluid workflow. Or create your keymap with open-sourced QMK firmware.
- Shine-Through Keycaps & Red Backlit: The double-shot ABS keycaps are backlight shine-through and come with a floating keycap design, it presents a glamorous look and is ideal for late-night work or gaming sessions. Its durable and wear-resistant as well.
The LEMOKEY X1 Keyboard offers customizable features and solid build quality, making it an excellent choice for gamers and professionals.
Pros
- Smooth, responsive key switches
- Customizable key mapping with QMK firmware
- Durable, attractive backlit design
Cons
- Fixed key switches, not swappable
- Potentially noisy during use
- Initial software setup can be confusing
The LEMOKEY X1 impresses with its smooth, pre-lubed linear switches that provide a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. The keyboard’s build quality feels sturdy and well-made, making it a reliable choice for both gaming and professional tasks.
Customization is a key feature, enhanced by the Lemokey web app that allows us to easily remap keys to suit our needs. The vibrant red backlight adds a stylish touch, ideal for late-night sessions.
Despite its strengths, the keyboard has some minor drawbacks, such as its fixed key switches and somewhat noisy operation. Initial setup with the software might be a bit challenging for first-time users. Overall, the LEMOKEY X1 offers great value with its mix of performance and customization options.
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 combination of solid build quality and extensive customization options and is a worthy buy for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Pros
- Robust build with excellent typing comfort
- Extensive customization possibilities with QMK/VIA support
- Hot-swappable switches for easy personalization
Cons
- South-facing backlighting may not be effective with opaque keycaps
- Lack of additional accessories in the box
- Slightly heavier than other models
The Keychron V6 provides an exceptional typing experience thanks to its pre-lubed red switches. These switches require less force to press, making them ideal for long typing sessions. The keyboard’s solid build adds a satisfying heft, which reduces any potential wobbling on the desk.
Customization is a significant highlight with the V6. With QMK and VIA support, users can reprogram and remap keys to fit their preferences. The hot-swappable capability sets it apart, allowing us to swap out switches without any soldering, easily adjusting the keyboard’s tactile feel.
One of the few downsides we noticed is the south-facing backlighting. While it sounds promising, it doesn’t shine as brightly through opaque keycaps, which might diminish its appeal for those who love vibrant RGB effects. Also, while the keyboard’s package includes essential tools, other promised accessories were missing. Despite these minor flaws, the Keychron V6 stands out as a top-tier choice for those who value customization and build quality.
Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- 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
For those craving customization and immersion, this keyboard is a go-to choice.
Pros
- Hot-swappable switches for easy customization
- Compact layout saves desk space
- Stunning RGB and underglow lighting
Cons
- Tactile switches may not be to everyone’s taste
- Some users reported double-typing issues
- Slightly expensive for its feature set
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% offers a compact, hot-swappable design that makes it easy to customize your key feel. The aluminum case is sturdy and fits well into tight desk spaces, making it ideal for those with limited room. We found the per-key RGB lighting and the two-sided underglow particularly striking, adding a great visual touch to any gaming setup.
Typing on this keyboard feels satisfying with light, balanced keystrokes. The added features like the magnetically attached plush leatherette wrist rest provide comfort during long gaming sessions. The multi-function roller and media keys also add convenience, allowing you to control brightness and volume without leaving your game.
Some users have reported issues like double-typing after a few weeks of use, which can be frustrating. The tactile switches might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a smoother keystroke. Additionally, it’s priced on the higher side for what it offers, but the customization and build quality might make it worth the investment for serious gamers.
CORSAIR K70 MAX
- 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.
The CORSAIR K70 MAX is a fantastic choice for gamers seeking a highly customizable and responsive keyboard.
Pros
- Superb build quality
- Customizable actuation points
- Soft, satisfying typing acoustics
Cons
- Premium price point
- May be too complex for casual users
- Compatibility issues with older CPUs
The CORSAIR K70 MAX impressed us right out of the box with its robust aluminum frame and luxurious palm rest. The keyboard feels substantial and well-constructed, giving it a premium look and feel. We particularly appreciated the plush memory foam in the palm rest, which added a significant comfort factor during long gaming sessions.
One of the standout features is the adjustable actuation points. Being able to set each key’s actuation from 0.4mm to 3.6mm lets us fine-tune the keyboard to our specific needs, whether for rapid gaming actions or precise typing tasks. This level of customization is unparalleled and makes the experience uniquely ours.
While the heightened customization is fantastic, it does come with a learning curve. The advanced settings may be daunting for those not familiar with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, we encountered some compatibility issues with older CPUs, impacting the AXON Hyper-Processing Technology’s performance. Despite these minor setbacks, the K70 MAX is an exceptional keyboard for those serious about gaming and customization.
NuPhy Air75 V2 Mechanical Keyboard
- 【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.
The NuPhy Air75 V2 offers a premium typing experience with versatile connectivity options and a stylish design.
Pros
- Sleek translucent bottom for an aesthetically pleasing look
- Multi-device compatibility for seamless switching
- Customizable RGB lighting for a personalized setup
Cons
- Keycaps are not backlit
- Some users may find the noise level a bit high
- Wrist rest must be purchased separately
We found the NuPhy Air75 V2 to be a joy to use, with its sleek design adding a modern touch to our workspace. The translucent bottom shell is not just eye-catching but also allows us to appreciate the mechanical structure underneath. The inclusion of two height stands made our typing sessions more comfortable, reducing wrist strain.
Switching between devices was a breeze with this keyboard. Thanks to its support for multiple connectivity options—Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz, and USB-C—we could easily connect it to our Windows PC, Mac, and even a Linux setup. This versatility makes it ideal for both work and play.
The customizable RGB lighting added a fun element to our use. With over 21 color effects and additional side RGB light bars, it was easy to match the keyboard’s look to our mood or workspace aesthetics. The customization options through QMK/VIA gave us the flexibility to set up the keyboard exactly the way we wanted.
The only minor downside was the lack of backlighting on the keycaps, which could be an issue in low-light environments. Additionally, the keyboard is slightly noisier than some might prefer, and we had to purchase a wrist rest separately. Despite these minor drawbacks, the NuPhy Air75 V2 offers an excellent balance of form and function, making it a standout choice for anyone in the market for a new mechanical keyboard.
Buying Guide
When considering a mechanical keyboard, there are several key factors to examine. These include switch type, build quality, key rollover, and additional features.
Switch Type
Switch type is crucial. Mechanical keyboards use various switches, each with distinct characteristics:
- Linear: Smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback.
- Tactile: Noticeable bump at the actuation point.
- Clicky: Tactile bump and audible click.
Build Quality
Good build quality ensures durability. Look for the following:
- Frame Material: Aluminum frames are robust; plastic frames can be lighter.
- Keycap Material: PBT plastic keycaps are more durable than ABS plastic.
Key Rollover and Anti-Ghosting
Key rollover and anti-ghosting are important for gamers and fast typists:
- N-Key Rollover (NKRO): Allows multiple keys to register simultaneously.
- Anti-Ghosting: Ensures all keys pressed are registered correctly.
Additional Features
Consider additional features to enhance the user experience:
- Backlighting: Single-color or RGB lighting can be useful in low light.
- Programmable Keys: Customizable keys for specific functions or macros.
- Connectivity Options: Wired for consistent performance; wireless for flexibility.
Table of Common Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Linear, Tactile, Clicky |
| Frame Material | Aluminum, Plastic |
| Keycap Material | PBT, ABS |
| Key Rollover | NKRO |
| Anti-Ghosting | Ensures all keys register |
| Backlighting | Single-color, RGB |
| Programmable Keys | Customizable functions |
| Connectivity Options | Wired, Wireless |
By focusing on these factors, we can make an informed decision when selecting the best mechanical keyboard for our needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
We address some of the most common questions about mechanical keyboards, providing insights into options for gaming, professional typing, preferred brands, and budget-friendly choices.
What is considered the best mechanical keyboard for gaming?
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum often ranks highly for its responsive Cherry MX switches. Razer BlackWidow Elite is another top contender known for its customizable RGB lighting and dedicated macros.
Which mechanical keyboards are preferred for professional typing?
The Das Keyboard 4 Professional stands out for its durable construction and tactile Cherry MX Blue switches. Keychron K2 is also a favorite for its compact design and Gateron switches, ideal for typing long hours.
What are the top brands for mechanical keyboards to look out for?
We recommend Corsair, Razer, Logitech, Das Keyboard, and Keychron. These brands consistently offer high-quality, reliable mechanical keyboards suitable for various needs and preferences.
How does mechanical keyboard performance vary between wired and wireless options?
Wired keyboards generally offer lower latency, making them ideal for gaming. Wireless variants like the Logitech G915 TKL provide flexibility and a cleaner setup without significant performance loss for most tasks.
What are the best budget-friendly mechanical keyboards available?
For those on a budget, the Redragon K552 delivers excellent performance and build quality. Tecware Phantom is another affordable option that does not skimp on features, offering hot-swappable switches and RGB lighting.
Which mechanical keyboards are highly recommended for programmers?
Programmers often favor the Varmilo VA87M for its customizable key layouts and solid build quality. The Drop CTRL offers hot-swappable switches and a compact design, making it another excellent choice for coding environments.
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