Mechanical keyboards are now widely used for gaming, typing, and programming. They are undoubtedly the most satisfying input device for gamers and professional typists.
While they may be more expensive than traditional membrane keyboards, they offer improved durability, a better typing experience, and a host of other benefits that make them well worth the investment.
Some people buy mechanical keyboards for the sheer nostalgia of it all, whether to replicate a beloved keyboard from their youth or because they thrive on the old-school sound of clacking keys. Others gravitate toward them because they can fine-tune the typing experience.
Looking for the best mechanical keyboard for your computer setup? The market is full of Mechanical keyboards, which one is the best?
Since mechanical keyboards vary in switch, size, layout, build, and features, So choosing the right one is quite challenging and confusing.
To make everything easier for you, we’ve made a list of our 10 recommended products from well-known brands, ranging from budget to high-end options, so there’s something for everyone.
We also included a buying guide, to help you pick the right keyboard for your preference and needs.
The world of mechanical keyboards is vast and more than a little confusing if you’re just getting started. But if you narrow down what you want from a mechanical keyboard, finding the perfect one is possible.
Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboards: What’s the difference?
The two most ubiquitous keyboards are designed by far are mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards.
If you are unaware if your keyboard is mechanical or membrane, you are most likely using a membrane keyboard. The cheapest keyboards you can buy are membranes.
Mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards are the same in most of the features like anti-ghosting and backlit. But the only difference in between is the keystroke registering.
Membrane keyboards have all the keys connected by pressure pads that provide minimal tactile feedback. A thin membrane pushes on a circuit layer to register a keypress. This allows a membrane keyboard lighter, quieter and cheaper to manufacture.
In contrast, mechanical keyboards have individual spring-loaded switches underneath each key which provide a tactile bump and audible click when pressed, this click means that the key is registered.
If you want to customize your keyboard, you will be out of luck with membrane keyboards. However, with mechanical keyboards, you can pop in any supported keycaps to make your keyboard your own.
Membrane keyboards are difficult to clean up but on the other hand, cleaning a mechanical keyboard is much easier simply remove the keycap and clean them as well as the keyboard plate.
mechanical keyboards are built to last, with high-quality switches that can withstand millions of keystrokes. This makes them much less likely to break or wear out compared to traditional membrane keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards tend to be more expensive than their membrane counterparts, which may be a deterrent for some users.
As with many decisions, it depends on your personal preference. Without having used both keyboards it’s very difficult to decide which is better for you.
Mechanical Keyboard Buying Guide
Mechanical keyboards are not built equally. Each type works best for specific tasks and users.
To help you out, here are some of the factors that you need to consider when buying a mechanical keyboard:
Pick the Right Layout
There are different types of layouts to choose from in mechanical keyboards.
The most common layout you can find is the Full layout (104-key), but other forms are available that cater to every need.
TKL or Tenkeyless is another keyboard layout that removes the number pad or the ten keys on the right, as the name implies, to make room for more space.
Another type is a 75% layout, which is essentially a TKL but removes all the spaces between the keys, making it more compact.
There’s also a 65% (FS) layout that doesn’t have the Function section, most navigation keys, and gaps between the keys, which is much more compact.
Lastly, the 60% (mini) layout removes even more keys and looks like the 65% layout, minus all the arrow keys.
Choose a Switch that Fits Your Needs
Mechanical switches are the reason why mechanical keyboards are special.
They are placed under the keys, which can determine how your keyboard will feel when you type on it. Switches come in different depths, resistance, noise levels, and smoothness.
There are a large variety of switches, but in general, Cherry MXs are what you think of when you think of mechanical switches. They are solid, have a good feel, and have a variety of options. the most popular options are Blue, Red and Brown.
Mechanical keyboard switches are widely classified into three types. Depending on their qualities, they are either linear, tactile, or clicky.
Linear switches: Linear switch keys are typically smooth and provide consistent critical press support without tactile feedback.
They’re considered the fastest switch, so they’re popular among gamers who want quick and responsive key presses.
Linear switches are usually represented by red, yellow, and black. This is perfect if you want something quiet and softer.
Tactile switches: Tactile switches are identical to linear switches in architecture, except they contain a smooth bump halfway down the key’s downward journey.
They produce some noise, but not as loud as clicky switches. They are are usually represented by brown and clear.
It’s a good option for typists who want to feel the actuation point but still want a relatively quiet keyboard.
Clicky switches: Clicky switches work on the same principle as tactile switches, But the clicky mechanism has a “snap-back” point, which is what creates the click sound.
Clicky switches make an audible click when pushed down, giving you clear feedback that a key is pressed. They are usually represented by blue, green, and white.
They can be great for typing but not when you’re around a lot of people because it can be too noisy.
Optical Switches
Optical switches can still fall under one of the three aforementioned categories, but they’re much thinner than standard mechanical switches. This means they require less force while typing, are less tactile, and can respond to inputs slightly quicker (which is great for gaming).
The only downside to optical switches is they usually have very different designs compared to normal switches. This means you can’t use standard keycap sets with them or install them on most hot-swap keyboards.
Build Quality
A mechanical keyboard should be a solid piece of hardware, capable of withstanding every keypress without bending or flexing under pressure.
Aluminum and plastic are the two most common materials of the keyboard body, with the former being the more premium and durable option. But plastic keyboards, when done right, can still be surprisingly nice, given that the plastic has the right finish to it and is thick enough.
Keycap Profiles and Materials
In addition to layout and switches, another crucial factor that could make or break your typing experience is the keycaps. Keycaps are the covering places on top of the mechanical switches and the ones in contact with your finger when you type.
There are different types of keycap profiles or shapes of the keycaps. For example, flat keycaps have the same height, allowing you to have a consistent experience. Sculptured keycaps come in different sizes, enabling you to distinguish each key easily. There are also other types of keycaps, each with a different profile.
Most of the keycaps in the market are available in two different materials, ABS and PBT. Usually, the PBT ones are slightly pricier than ABS material keycaps.
ABS keycaps are the cheapest and most common plastic used for keycaps. PBT plastic is less common but is usually higher quality than ABS.
ABS keycaps feel smooth and develop a greasy shine over time, while PBT keycaps feel textured and are more durable. Even better, they’re usually cheaper.
Wireless or Wired Connectivity
Wireless keyboards can either connect through Bluetooth or with a 2.4 GHz wireless adapter included with the board. The latter usually provides a more stable connection, but either will work.
The upsides to wireless keyboards are obvious—It reduces cable clutter on the desk. But you will have to worry about the battery life, which can be annoying.
On top of that, wireless keyboards have latency while typing, which means there’s a small delay between you pressing down the key and the input being registered. This is largely unnoticeable for most people, but if you’re interested in competitive gaming, in particular, it can be an issue.
Wired keyboards connect directly to your computer, so there’s no signal interference that may cause input lag.
RGB Lighting
RGB lighting is a very popular feature on keyboards, Because it’s a simple way to make a keyboard look cool, and it also allows for some personalization on the user side of things.
Most RGB keyboards will allow you to choose what colors the lights are and how they animate, and you can get really creative with it if you put the effort in.
The only downside to RGB is when using a wireless keyboard; RGB eats through the battery much quicker, but you can turn down the lighting’s brightness level to lessen this.
Hot-Swapping
Inside every keyboard is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)—it’s the circuit board that registers the keyboard’s inputs. Switches are usually installed onto the PCB through soldering, which can make replacing switches a time-intensive effort.
However, Hot-swapping aims to be an alternative to this. Hot-swapping means there are tiny modules on the PCB that allow switches to be slotted into them, without soldering.
If you’re interested in experimenting with a ton of different switches on your board, you’ll definitely want this feature.
Software
Many keyboard manufacturers develop companion pieces of software for their boards that allow their keyboards to be fully programmable—this is typically where you adjust RGB lighting, for example.
Keyboard software can also reprogram your keyboard’s keys to perform different actions and create macros that trigger multiple inputs with a single keypress.
But not all software is created equal—some include less than this, some include more—so it’s definitely worth researching if a keyboard you’re interested in has software and what features it offers.
The top 10 Best mechanical keyboards you can buy in 2024
Check out the 10 best keyboards on the market that are good for professional work or gaming. Select from the top-notch brands available in the market.
Each of these mechanical keyboards has its unique features and advantages that cater to different preferences and use cases.
1. Corsair k70 RGB Pro
The Corsair K70 RGB Pro is one of the most responsive keyboards out there, thanks to its Axion hyper-polling technology pushing up to 8,000Hz.
It’s a full-size gaming keyboard with a dedicated media roller as well as media keys on the top right. The iCUE software is comprehensive and easy to use.
The chassis is made of high-quality aluminium for durability purposes, while the PBT keycaps are double-shot to prevent premature wear out.
Plus, It has a detachable magnetic palm rest that will provide you with maximum comfort during gameplay.
It’s available in three Cherry MX switch configurations, including Blue, Brown, and Speed, which are very responsive and durable, guaranteed for 100 million keystrokes.
To make it even better, You can switch to Tournament Mode to display a single color and disable all macros so you can focus on gaming.
Also, it features a full-key (NKRO) rollover with 100% anti-ghosting feature, allowing you to press as many keys you like and have them all register.
The lighting looks great. The keyboard supports per-key RGB lighting, so the color combinations and game profiles are practically endless!
The detachable USB-C cable is useful for easy removal and placement, the cable is braided. The K70 RGB Pro keyboard is perfect for gaming and everyday work.
2. Logitech G915
If you must pick up a wireless keyboard then the Logitech G915 is a fine candidate.
G915 comes with Logitech’s 2.4Ghz super-fast LightSpeed Wireless tech that will allow you to game at the same levels as wired keyboards. It also Supports Bluetooth and can pairs with up to two devices at once.
The keyboard comes with a full-size design and has detachable cable. when plugged in via USB, so you can charge and play simultaneously. Plus, It has a handful of macro keys and some smart media controls, including a lovely volume wheel.
You will get a sleek and sturdy board plated in brush aluminium. The keycaps are made of ABS dual materials, which are not easy to wear and have excellent hand feeling.
Beneath that stylish exterior lies fantastically responsive Kailh-made GL key switches. You can pick from linear, tactile, or clicky.
Although the low-profile keys have a shorter press, they give superb feedback for exceptional accuracy. However, they do take a little getting used to.
Further, all keys are individually RGB backlit, and the lighting is exceptionally apparent even in bright sunlight.
Logitech’s G Hub software allows you to customize the keyboard’s features, such as create macros and custom lighting profiles for particular games.
Also, you can save those custom settings on its onboard memory system so that you won’t have to redo your preferred settings whenever you plug it on other devices.
The keyboard also gets decent battery life. Logitech claims you should get 30 hours of use with the lighting set to max brightness.
If you’re short on space for a full-sized gaming keyboard, then you’ll want to opt for a TKL version- Logitech G915 TKL, which is still wireless, but more compact in size. This makes it portable, allowing you to bring and use it wherever you need to.
3. Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is a fantastic wireless mechanical keyboard for gamers and other people who want a good typing experince.
This keyboard comes with great design, excellent build quality, and ergonomic layout.
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro uses a doubleshot ABS keycap design and a rigid aluminum top plate. Plus, The soft, cushioned wrist rest perfectly lines with the keyboard to ease pressure on your wrists.
Along with regular 104 keys, there are also 5 additional dedicated macro keys. Digital multi-wheels provide media control, and USB 2.0 and audio pass-through allow for easy cable management.
It has the company’s most popular Green Mechanical switches, which are tactile and clicky. When pressing, you are greeted with a click along with a touch of resistance.
Besides, the switches are rated for 80 million keystroke life span. The keyboard also has N-key rollover and a 1000Hz ultrapolling rate, great for gaming.
It also comes with individually programmable backlit keys with over 16.8 million color options. You can easily set the lighting using Razer Synapse Software.
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro features 3 modes of connectivity. For normal usage, use Bluetooth connectivity. The 2.4 GHz HyperSpeed Wireless connectivity is for gaming. If you want to use it as a wired keyboard, use USB-C for charging while using.
The battery is rechargeable and has decent battery life, the BlackWidow V3 Pro lasts up to 192 hours with the RGBs off. of course, this is highly dependent on your usage.
If you don’t like the feeling of the green switch, you can also choose another version – Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro that utilizes linear Yellow switches, which feel light and quiet but there is no tactile feedback.
4. Keychron K2 V2
If you’re looking for a good-quality mechanical keyboard for home office use, the Keychron K2 V2 is your best bet.
This 75% TKL layout keyboard with 84 keys takes up minimal desk space, while still allowing for a dedicated DEL key and navigation keys.
The keyboard itself is minimalistic, the aluminum shell gives it a premium feel, the ABS keycaps feature a curved profile, which makes them easy to identify and rest your fingers on.
Keychron K2 V2 offers 3 Gateron switch options- blue, red, and brown, so it definitely caters to a wide range of consumers. Meanwhile, it offers excellent typing quality.
It also features hot-swappable Gateron switches, which means you can easily pull them out and replace them with other Gateron switches without soldering.
Keychron K2 is compatible with almost any device. It works with macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android operating systems. It connects with up to three devices via Bluetooth, or you can use it with the provided USB-C cable.
It include media keys in the Mac layout. Plus, Every K2 keyboard comes with three keycaps, two of which are particular for Mac and one for Windows.
The keychron K2 contains more than 15 forms of RGB light and comes in various styles that perfectly match your mood.
With its aluminum bezels and Gateron switches, this keyboard will last years even if you’re the heaviest user out there.
If you want something more compact, consider the 65% layout Keychron K6 – it’s just as good!
5. HyperX Alloy Origins
HyperX is the gaming brand by Kingston. HyperX Alloy Origins is an excellent midrange mechanical keyboard for a super-competitive price.
With multiple form factors and different key switches, it appeals to both power users with its full format layout but also has smaller layouts like the 60%, 65% or tenkeyless layouts for casual users.
The Alloy Origins has an all-aluminum body, so there’s no sense of stability even with fast keystrokes. The ABS keycaps are full size and shaped well with a soft scalloped curve on top and a sleek finish.
The keyboard has three adjustable angles (3º, 7º and 11º) for a personalised typing experience. It also comes with a removable type C USB cable.
Alloy Origins comes with custom HyperX mechanical switches that offer gamers the ultimate combination of style, performance, and reliability.
You have three switch choices: HyperX Blue (clicky), HyperX Red (linear), and the HyperX Aqua (tactile). It features 100 percent anti-ghosting and N-key rollover.
These switches feature exposed LEDs for beautiful lighting and a delicate balance between actuation force and travel for responsiveness and accuracy.
Moreover, the HyperX NGENUITY software lets users customise the keyboard. Aside from changing the lighting, you can also personalise the game mode, create your macros, and customise button bindings.
This keyboard is great for users just getting into mechanical keyboards and looking for something that feels familiar.
6. SteelSeries Apex Pro
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is the most incredible wired gaming keyboard tested by gamers.
Apex Pro has a strong and stylish build quality, It features a Series 5000 aluminum alloy top plate, doubleshot ABS keycaps, and a magnetic wrist rest, which is comfortable and easy to attach and remove.
Apex Pro uses proprietary Omnipoint switches, which rely on magnetic sensors rather than springs to adjust the actuation point. Its highlight features are sensitive key actuation and fast response, allowing you to improve typing speed and accuracy.
What’s also great about it is that its actuation sensitivity is adjustable, so you can tweak the point of travel at which a keystroke is registered, based on your preference.
There is a metal roller on the upper right that allows you to adjust the volume, or change the LED brightness whenever you want. It also has an OLED smart display, which allows you to see in-game information, media controls, and more.
Three-way cable routing on the keyboard is an attractive feature for any gamer. Your cable won’t be pulled or stretched and will outlast traditional keyboard cables thanks to the channels built into the frame.
Additionally, it has macro-programmable keys, full RGB illumination. The backlight has software-free customization that can save up to five unique profile settings.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is available in full-size and TKL editions. The newer SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL version features higher-quality PBT keycaps and improved switches with a slightly wider range of actuation points.
7. ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro
ROCCAT Vulcan Pro is an excellent mechanical TenKeyLess gaming keyboard, which comes in two stylish colors: Black and the new Arctic White.
Vulcan TKL Pro boasts the brand’s linear Titan switch optical, which is tested to 100 million keystrokes to ensure a long keyboard life.
There are two Titan switch variants, the Linear and the Tactile actuation, They respond very quickly to even a light tap, and they’re equally comfortable for typing or gaming.
The unique and vibrant aesthetic of the industrial design is the immediate standout feature of the Vulcan keyboard family. This looks quite unlike any other gaming keyboard on the market.
Vulcan Pro has a solid plastic body, a sturdy-feeling brushed metal backplate, a dedicated volume knob, and flat profile keycaps with exposed, transparent switch housings that showcase the RGB backlighting.
It also has a wrist rest that is magnetically attached. Since it’s made of plastic, it’s not the nicest wrist rest, but it does a great job of handling the strain on your wrists.
The keyboard comes with intense RGB lighting that is vibrant and programmable, and they are capable of displaying up to 16.8 million colors.
The AIMO lighting is breathtaking, with an automatic mode that reacts to your actions and spreads light across all of your other compatible Roccat peripherals.
The keyboard has a truly compact design due to the lack of number pad, coupled with detachable USB-C cable, making the Vulcan Pro TKL model much easier to move around or travel with.
The ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Pro is decent for office use and gaming.
8. Razer Huntsman Mini
As a 60% keyboard, the Huntsman Mini has a small form factor that caters to gamers who want the most room possible for large swiping movements and extreme portability.
It Still offers the same first-class Razer features: high backlighting customisability, fully programmable keys, aluminium body, durable doubleshot PBT keycaps, et cetera.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is as quick and precise as a huntsman – near-zero input latency, thanks to an optical light sensor that’s built into each mechanical switch. Also, it features a 10-key rollover, which allows you to press 10 keys simultaneously.
You can choose from purple clicky switches, analog switches, and red linear switches, just depending on your preference. The typing experience is quite pleasant and it feels nice to game on.
Razer’s “Chroma” RGB lighting is so customizable, it’s nearly overwhelming. Not only can you choose a specific color for each and every key, but you can also play with a number of lighting effects.
Its Hypershift technology doubles the number of customizable keys so that you can create a secondary set of functions aside from your current function settings.
What’s also great about it is that it has a hybrid on-board and cloud memory where you can save up to 5 setting profiles for easy customization.
Its small chassis and high price won’t be to everyone’s taste. If you want the optical mechanical switches and more keys, take a look at full size keyboard- Razer Huntsman Elite or Razer Huntsman v2.
9. Redragon K552
Redragon is one of the reputed brands for computer and gaming accessories. The Redragon K552 is a budget gaming keyboard with full RGB lighting and can be programmed with macros.
This compact and portable keyboard comes with a 60% layout that features a tenkeyless (TKL) design, which uses only 87 keys but doesn’t lack for functionality and features.
The Outemu switches are imitation MX Cherry Blues and they feel amazing. It offers three switch options: Blue, Red and Brown. the switches are satisfying and responsive, and they have a short pre-travel distance.
Also, it offers conflict-free keys with 100 anti-ghosting and a high polling rate this coupled with the use of custom mechanical keys gives it excellent responsiveness and gaming abilities.
It is made with scratch-resistant full metal top, side, and bottom plates. The keycaps are made of cheap ABS plastic. Plus, it’s available in a splash-proof design with an adjustable typing angle.
You can customise your keyboard’s full RGB backlight effects with the help of the available 19 dynamic presets or create your own light show with the help of the free software you can download for this keyboard.
This wired mechanical keyboard is a popular choice for budget-minded gamers, which offers a great blend of size and performance.
10. Logitech G PRO
Logitech G PRO is an excellent mechanical keyboard for esports athletes.
It features advanced GX blue clicky mechanical switches with audible and tactile feedback bumps that are engineered for performance, responsiveness and durability.
The keyboard features 25K HERO sensor with up to 25,600 dpi and 1000Hz USB report rate, the on-screen response to keystrokes feels quick and sensitive.
The keyboard comes with a tenkeyless compact design and has detachable three-pronged USB cable, keeps it portable. It also has 12 Programmable F-Key Macros for timed actions and commands.
With fully customizable Logitech RGB color lighting and lighting patterns, plus game mode button to disable the Windows key, the G Pro packs lots of cool features.
It’s extremely well-built from its solid plastic frame to its ABS keycaps, so you can expect it to last for many years even with intense usage.
The keyboard has adjustable rubber feet to keep it in place and give you three set angles at zero, four, and eight degrees.
The Logitech G Pro keyboard is an excellent choice for avid gamers.
Maybe you’re sick of the clickety-clack that your Cherry MX Blues make and want to replace them, take a look at Logitech G PRO X Version – it’s a user-swappable keyboard, you can easily pluck out and change the switches to any other Logitech GX Brown or GX Red switches.
Conclusion
Mechanical keyboards make typing and gaming more fun.
If you work on a computer for most of the day, a mechanical keyboard is one of the best PC upgrades you can make.
Whether you’re looking for the compact, full-size, or gaming mechanical keyboard, the recommendations above are what we believe are the best options available right now.
Any of these keyboards will be a worthwhile investment in the long run. Of course, it all depends on your preferences and what you find appealing.
We hope that this article has helped you to buy the best keyboard for your gaming needs. Please share this with your family and friends if you have found it useful.
