If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard, it can be difficult to find the right one. Our top picks include both wired and wireless models, ranging from compact keyboards with laptop-style layout to full-size keyboards complete with num pads, from budget to not so budget.
The component that is used to register each keypress is the switches. It's available in many different varieties.
The clicky switches make a big noise when you press them. The "Cherry MX Blue" switch is the most famous example of a "Blue" switch. The best switch for typing is often the loudest one.
Tactile switches, also known as "Brown" switches, have small bumps on them that you can feel as you press them. A nice place to stay.
Linear switches have no clicks or bumps. They don't feel strange. It's recommended as a switch.
A simple pulling tool can be used to remove hot swappable switches. It would be ideal if you wanted to change the feel of the keyboard.
The keyboard is open-sourced and has a lot of power, but it is not intuitive for beginners.
The app is designed to make configuring keyboards easier.
Keycaps are described in the shape of a profile. A lot of people like the option of cherry. There are other options. The popular designs are compared here.
It is better to illuminate shine-through legends when a keyboard's switches are oriented with theLED cutout toward the back.
There is a cutout at the front of the switches to prevent interference with the Cherry-profile keycaps.
A lot of people prefer mechanical keyboards for their better typing feel and longer lifespan. The enthusiast community of people who like to modify and modify them to get their look and feel just right can be a fun hobby as well as a simple PC accessory.
We limited our recommendations to keyboards that are fully assembled. That makes it impossible for you to assemble yourself or only be able to buy limited edition runs. We prioritized keyboards that have hot swappable switches so you can replace them if they break or you just want a new one.
We tested each keyboard's typing feel and sound, the quality of its Chassis, keycaps, and stabilizers, and the ability to use it across Mac and Windows computers. Backlighting and keycap compatibility are impacted by whether switches are north or south facing.
The majority of the keyboards below use a 75 percent layout, which is a compact form factor that keeps the function row and arrow key cluster. Unless you want an attached number pad or prefer a different layout, it is the best place to begin. Most of our recommendations are in other layouts.
While any keyboard can be used for gaming, this guide focuses on the best keyboards for typing and general office work. We have a dedicated guide for keyboards for gaming.
The Keychron V1 is the best entry level keyboard. It is one of the more affordable options on the list, starting at just $84 for a fully assembled model, and it feels almost as nice to type on as a keyboard that costs twice as much. It sounds amazing, with no discernable stabilizer rattle, and it has a nice mix of compactness without sacrificing too many important keys.
The V1 has many features that are usually found on enthusiast keyboards. The switches and stabilizers feel nice and smooth, and it has hot swappable switches. You can remap every key using the intuitive and powerful VIA software, which works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and let you do everything from moving keys around to programming macros directly into the keyboard itself.
The V1 has double-shot PBT keys with both Mac and Windows legends, and a switch on the back of the keyboard that lets you switch between layout instantly. You can get it with a volume knob for an extra $10, or you can save $20 and buy a bare bones version. There are also clicky and linear options in our sample.
If you like the design of the V1, but don't like its layout, Keychron sells the more compact V2 or even the even more compact V4. The tenkeyless V3 is not yet available as of this writing, and there is no full-sized option which would include a number pad, which may not be the case when you read this.
An off-the-shelf Q-series keyboard from Keychron has impressed us with its quality and features. They are competitive with keyboards several times more expensive because of their sturdy aluminum construction, exceptional typing feel, and customizability. Many of the Q-series' most compelling features, like hot- swappability, are not the first option most people should consider.
The gasket-mounted design of the Q-series makes it feel more substantial than the plastic keyboards I have tried. The keyboard has a richer typing sound compared to tray-mounted keyboards by suspending its switch plate and PCB between the gasket. Keychron sells replacement switch plates in a variety of materials that change how it feels and sounds.
There is a lot of available layout in the Q series. The 75 percent Q1 v2 starts at $170.10 for a fully assembled model and is the sweet spot in terms of size. Some of the minor fit and finish issues of the original Q1 are fixed in the v2 model.
There is a 65 percent option beyond the Q1, as well as larger layouts like tenkeyless or full size. The options include 40 percent, 60 percent, and Alice. All of them have options for those who want to supply their own switches and key caps. The ISO versions are only available without a keycap set.
The Epomaker TH80 is a wireless mechanical keyboard. It supports up to three different devices, it has a 2.4 GHz wireless accessory, and it has a keyboard. It has separate Mac-specific keycaps in the box and can be used to switch between Mac and Windows layout with a simple keyboard shortcut.
The Epomaker Th80 is a 75 percent keyboard with hot- swap switches and a volume knob. It has a plastic case and steel switch plate, and while it doesn't feel as premium as Keychron's Q-series keyboards, it's got nice crisp PBT key caps, smooth stabilizers, and a typing feel that's on par with other keyboards. There is a range of linear and clicky options to choose from in our sample.
Software that works on both Macintosh and Windows computers can be used to remap the Epomaker's layout. It isn't as powerful as Keychron's boards, but it does allow you to remap every key with alternative keys or macros. Via allows you to add function keys for different layers.
The manual of the TH80 needs to be handed to you to remind you of what they do. Keeping the back lighting on in wireless mode completely depletes its battery life. I only used the keyboard for two and a half days, compared to eight days with the backlight off before I had to charge it.
Epomaker has a larger version of the TH80 with a numpad as well as a smaller one. If you're on a tighter budget, the Royal Kludge RK84 is a little cheaper without compromising too much on typing feel, though its software is Windows only and its layout is a little different.
We used the Iqunix L80 Cosmic Traveler. It is more expensive at $189 and has a loud color scheme that won't appeal to everyone. It feels great to type on, with the plate-mounted stabilizers that don't have a hint of rattle and up to 200 days of battery life.
If you want a wireless keyboard with a numpad, the Ajazz AK966 is a good choice. It has most of the keys of a full-size keyboard, but in a layout that squeezes them together to reduce its footprint.
The AK966 has stabilizers that are smooth and don't rattle. The construction isn't quite at the level of Keychron's Q-series since Ajazz's keyboard has a plastic case, but it feels nicer to type on than cheaper keyboards. There are legends that are nice and clear in the AK966's keycaps. Since there are no secondary functions printed on its keycaps, be sure to keep its manual with you. There is a volume knob.
Although it includes Mac keycaps in the box, with a key combination to let you hop between Windows and Mac layout, Ajazz's software only works on Windows. If you can't live without dedicated keys for Home, End, or Print Screen, we don't think that's a problem. If you prefer clicky or tactile switches, you will have to buy them separately. Since the board is hot- swappable, that is not a dealbreaker.
The $55 65 percent LTC Nimbleback punches well above its weight and is $30 less than the price of the Keychron V1 and half the price of our top pick. It has a built-in hub with a pair of Type-A ports that you can use to plug in accessories to your computer.
The construction of the LTC Nimbleback isn't as strong as the Keychron V1, and it doesn't feel as nice to type on as any of the picks above. It feels less smooth and more scratchy with each press, there is a rattle to the stabilizers on larger keys, and it sounds a bit hollow. While it is reprogrammable, its companion software is only available on Windows. The $68 Keychron K6 is one of the more expensive competitors.
We had a clicky, linear, or tactile switch for the Nimbleback. You can get a full-size version for $75 if the model listed here is too small for you.
If you prefer a low-profile design that is similar to a traditional laptop keyboard, there are many options to choose from. The $110 Nuphy Air75 is the best. It feels great to type on, it's equally at home on Mac or Windows, and it's compatible with either a 2.4 GHz or a 3.5 GHz wireless device. The Gateron Red low-profile switches were used for the keyboard.
The NuPhy Air 75 has a slight edge because it is hot- swappable. There aren't as many low-profile switch options out there, so hot- swap sockets aren't as important on low-profile keyboards.
The more expensive Logitech MX Mini has a good reason to be considered. The Nuphy Air75 ran dry after around a week of use, while the Logitech had enough juice for two, even with back lighting off. If you need a numpad, the larger full-size layout is great.
They are a niche option, but a lot of people swear by split keyboards, which allow you to type with your hands in different positions. The Kinesis freestyle pro is recommended by us.
Unless you are willing to do some soldering, it doesn't have hot swappable switches. It is inexpensive by the high prices of split keyboards and has a layout that is closer to a traditional keyboard. There is less of a learning curve if you use a standard keyboard layout.
There are hot swappable options out there. The ZSA Moonlander was very enjoyable for us. You can tailor the keyboard to your exact needs with the optional accessories of an angle stand and tripod mounting kit. We don't think that the price premium for most people is justified by the fact that it offers hot swappable switches. The Moonlander is the most expensive keyboard on this list and it takes a lot to get used to. You can return the keyboard within 30 days of receiving it.
The ZSA Moonlander is a great choice if you need the most customization. The Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a keyboard that most people will be happy with.
You can keep your arms in a neutral position with the Kinesis freestyle pro split keyboard. It is not hot- swappable but it is more affordable and easy to learn than other options.
$169.00 at Amazon$179.00 at KinesisJay Peters reports additional information.
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