- 9.20/10 1. Premium pick: Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2
- 9.60/10 2. Editors choice: Corsair K100
- 9.20/10 3. Best value: Anne Pro 2
- 9.40/10 4. Razer BlackWidow Elite
- 9.40/10 5. Corsair K70 Champion Series
- 8.40/10 6. Razer Pro Type
- 8.40/10 7. Das Keyboard 4C TKL
- 9.40/10 8. ASUS ROG Falchion
- 9.60/10 9. SteelSeries Apex Pro
- 9.40/10 10. Drop CTRL
Whether you're looking for an accurate and functional keyboard for productivity use or a fully programmable keyboard with low latency for gaming, mechanical keyboards offer the next step in keyboard technology.
Here are the best mechanical keyboards for typists and gamers.
The Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 has been designed for a specific audience. For programmers and typists who require a smaller keyboard with minimal travel, this keyboard offers faster typing and more comfort.
The near-invisible key labeling could put some people off. However, there's no denying the quality and understated feel the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 boasts. Removing non-essential keys provides a smaller footprint. As a result, it reduces back pain during gaming and typing.
For typists, getting used to a new keyboard layout could prove difficult. However, once this hurdle is overcome, the unassuming design coupled with capacitive switches will make it difficult to use another keyboard again.
- 60 keys
- Dip switches
- Ergonomic design
- Brand: Fujitsu
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: No
- Switch Type: Topre
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: Fujitsu
- Strong build quality
- Capacitive switches
- No-frills
- Very expensive
The Corsair K100 is an RGB fan's delight, boasting 44 lighting zones across the keyboard, back, and sides. In the left-hand corner, you'll find a glowing iCue control wheel. This allows gamers and typists to use media controls, adjust light levels, and lots more.
The new Corsair OPX optical-mechanical switches are a dream. Whether you're a competitive gamer or a keen typist, the 1mm actuation point is incredibly sensitive, allowing precision like no other keyboard.
There are six dedicated macro keys on the Corsair K100. However, to make the most out of the keyboard, you'll need to use Corsair's iCue software and Elgato Stream Deck. Although it's a little frustrating, this downright awesome keyboard with tons of features outweighs this minor negative point.
- Programmable iCue control wheel
- 1.0mm actuation distance
- 44-zone 3-sided LightEdge
- Brand: Corsair
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Corsair OPX
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: Corsair
- Very responsive switches
- RGB heavy
- Premium build quality
- Needs iCue and Elgato to work
The Anne Pro 2 is a compact 60 percent gaming keyboard that features a well-built design and minimalistic, sleek feel. The ultra-low wired latency is a bonus for gamers, with the ability to enable full RGB backlighting and individually-lit keys.
All of the Anne Pro 2's keys are fully programmable, making this compact keyboard the perfect companion for space-saving gamers or typists. The Gateron Brown switches provide a good amount of feedback while remaining relatively quiet.
The optional key switches are also a bonus. However, for those who are more familiar with a full-size keyboard, the Anne Pro 2 may take some getting used to. The lack of arrow keys could pose some issues depending on its use. That said, for compact gaming, this is excellent value for money.
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wirelessly connect to up to four devices
- 16 macro keys
- Brand: Anne Pro
- Wireless: Yes
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: 4 weeks
- Num Pad: No
- Switch Type: Gateron Brown Switch
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: Anne Pro
- Removable switches
- NKRO
- USB or Bluetooth options available
- 60 percent form factor has a steeper learning curve
The Razer BlackWidow Elite is likely one of the best mechanical keyboards Razer has produced. This keyboard is priced competitively with all of its bells and whistles and leverages a comprehensive feature set.
For gamers, the Razer BlackWidow Elite covers a wide range of genres, from MMORPGs to action-packed combat. Players can reprogram the Function keys for more accessibility, whereas casual gamers or typists can enjoy the responsive and comfortable keys.
Razer BlackWidow Elite's new switches are much more responsive and durable in comparison to previous models. This keyboard boasts USB pass-through and audio pass-through. While programming Chroma effects offers plenty of customization, the complex setup can become too distracting with limited presets.
- Fully programmable keys
- Magnetic wrist rest
- Chroma RGB
- Brand: Razer
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Orange
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: Razer
- Lovely design
- Solid in-game performance
- Comfortable
- Software can be temperamental
The Corsair K70 Champion Series is a mid-size keyboard that's portable and compact. Despite its smaller size, this keyboard boasts many of the features you'd expect from a full-size keyboard.
The Corsair K70 Champion Series comes with media controls, profile switchers, and a game mode toggle. You can easily switch to tournament mode, which will satisfy esports players. This mechanical keyboard offers Cherry MX Red keys, providing quick actuation points for reactive play.
Corsair keyboards are well known for their robust nature and high specifications, and the Corsair K70 Champion Series is no different. Using the iCUE configuration software, you can customize your mechanical keyboard with up to 20 custom profiles.
- Tournament switch
- Double-shot keycaps
- Fully programmable keys
- Brand: Corsair
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Chery MX
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: Corsair
- Compact
- Detachable USB-C cable
- Mode can be switched
- 8,000Hz is overkill for a keyboard
The Razer Pro Type is a perfect combination of a gaming keyboard that's suitable for office use. The mechanical keys will be loved by gamers and offer help for typists who need a precision keyboard.
The multi-device support on the Razer Pro Type is a welcome addition, offering wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. While office users may see Razer's price tag as costly, the features on offer make this high-end keyboard excellent value.
The Razer Pro Type supports Synapse, Razer's configuration software. This allows users to reassign keys and create custom profiles for specific apps. Blurring the line between a gaming and office keyboard, the Razer Pro Type is clean and easy to use.
- Fully programmable keys
- White LED backlight
- Wirelessly connect to up to four devices
- Brand: Razer
- Wireless: Yes
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: 84 hours
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Orange
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: Razer
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
- Sync up to four devices
- Dongle storage
- Average battery life
The Das Keyboard 4C TKL is a streamlined mechanical keyboard that boasts plug-and-play capability, requiring no setup or software. Featuring a high-quality build, this keyboard trims down on space by ditching the Numpad.
With its USB passthrough hub and two USB 2.0 ports, gamers and typists can connect to other peripherals or charge their devices. The Cherry MX Brown switches have an actuation force of 45g to 55g, offering tactile feedback and mid-level noise.
While the Das Keyboard 4C TKL doesn't feature any key backlighting, which would have been a welcome addition given its cost, professionals can probably overlook this minor flaw. The NKRO option is nice to have, especially for typists and gamers who want to avoid input logjams.
- Supports full NKRO over USB
- Magnetic detachable footbar ruler
- 6.5-foot USB cable
- Brand: Das Keyboard
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: Das Keyboard
- High-quality build
- Tenkeyless design
- Responsive Cherry MX Brown switches
- No backlighting
The ASUS ROG Falchion is a wireless mechanical keyboard featuring a removable cover and Cherry MX Red keys. The minimalist design doesn't lack style, with a luxurious feel and compact nature.
While this mechanical keyboard boasts a 65 percent design, it has still managed to squeeze helpful arrow keys in the bottom corner. You'll find a touch-based slider to raise and lower volume to the left side, which is very responsive.
With the RGB lighting off, the ASUS ROG Falchion can last up to 450 hours. While gamers will love this keyboard and its customizable features, it's also a dream to type on. Although more expensive than most 60 to 65 percent keyboards, the ASUS ROG Falchion crams many features into a tiny package.
- Dual-mode connectivity
- ROG RBT double-shot keycaps
- Touch panel
- Brand: ASUS
- Wireless: Yes
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: 450 hours
- Num Pad: No
- Switch Type: Cherry MX Red
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: ASUS
- Dongle storage
- Great battery life
- Compact 65 percent design
- Battery indicator located on the side
The SteelSeries Apex Pro features user-adjustable keys, allowing you to custom-tune the actuation of the majority of keys on the keyboard. For gamers and typists, this is a revolutionary piece of kit that enables a fully personalized experience.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro's aluminum build is well-sized, wasting no space in this minimalistic design. The magnetically attached wrist rest is easily removed if you want to save even more space. Above the Numpad, there is an OLED display that allows the user to customize images and GIFs.
Switching between key types has never been easier. Whether you're typing in the day and gaming at night, the SteelSeries Apex Pro's tunable magnetic switches are a breath of fresh air. Despite its higher price tag, this mechanical keyboard is definitely worth the investment.
- OLED smart display
- Adjustable switches
- Wrist rest
- Brand: SteelSeries
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: OmniPoint
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: SteelSeries
- Quiet operation
- Solid aluminum build
- Custom actuation settings
- Expensive
The Drop CTRL features a solid anodized aluminum frame, remaining sturdy with heavy gaming and office use. The removable magnetic feet are ideal for adjusting the keyboard to each users' preferred height and inclination.
Typing on the Drop CTRL is smooth and quiet. However, if you want to change the switches, it's straightforward to do with the included keycap puller and switch puller. Removing the need for screwdrivers, you can change the switches at any time.
Marketed as a productivity keyboard, the Drop CTRL is missing out on essential productivity shortcuts like dedicated media controls and a Numpad. However, its feature set certainly makes up for its shortfalls and expense, allowing users to program the entire keyboard fully.
- Tenkeyless keyboard
- Per-key lighting
- Fully programmable
- Brand: Drop
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: No
- Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Brand: Drop
- Magnetic feet
- Hot-swappable switches
- Ideal for gaming and office use
- Missing productivity buttons
FAQ
Q: Are Cherry MX the Best Switches?
Cherry MX Brown switches provide tactile keys, medium actuation, and silent travel. For gamers or typists who prefer more of a middle-ground, Cherry MX switches are considered the best option.
Q: Are Mechanical Keyboards Better?
Mechanical keyboards tend to be the keyboard of choice for many gamers as they offer low latency and are more tactile. They also often come with fully programmable keys and macros, allowing them to be customized for the game you're playing.
Q: Are Mechanical Keyboards Repairable?
Mechanical keyboards tend to last for around 10 to 15 years with medium usage. Similarly, Cherry MX switches can handle up to 50 million keypresses. However, if your mechanical keyboard stops working or encounters an issue with its keys, you can look to replace the keys or switches yourself for an affordable fix.
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