Yes, they appear a little like your regular keyboards, except for the feel of sturdiness and unique design. The truth is that mechanical keyboards offer more than that. These computer accessories add some diversity to your gaming or typing experience, giving you a sense of personality. They have a nice, distinct feel — you can literally feel the tactile feedback with every stroke. Instead of using membrane technology as is the case with standard keyboards, these versions use key switches that allow you to customize them to something you really adore.
If you spend most of your type typing or are a serious gamer, you deserve better when it comes to keyboards. Mechanical keyboards will offer you the much-needed speed and accuracy, without worrying about breaking it down when typing your schoolwork or playing games. But remember, these accessories don’t come cheap. You have to invest time to find the right one that will be worth every buck.
Read on and find out some of the best mechanical keyboards out there and some helpful tips you help you purchase the right one for your needs.
Top 10 Mechanical Keyboards of 2020 Reviewed
1. Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- The blue switches provide solid tactile feedback
- Priced in the lowest range
- A durable, water-resistant keyboard
- The sound from the keys is on the higher side
- Lacks a number pad
- Reported ugly keycap front
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
If you are looking for a compact, sleek mechanical keyboard on a budget, the Redragon K552 is your best bet. Its price is in the lower brackets, making it the best deal for gaming enthusiasts. The keyboard makes use of proprietary mechanical switches instead of Blue Cherry ones. While that may seem like a disadvantage, it actually makes the keyboard better suited for gaming. The mechanical switches are designed to last long and to be responsive. The resistance is medium the feedback tactile, and the click sound audible.
The keyboards 87 keys utilize red LED lighting, which you can adjust to varying levels of intensity. The makers of this keyboard claim that the molded keycaps have a double-shot injection of light to make the backlighting crystal-clear. This feature makes gaming enjoyable even in dark environments. You will still be able to see what you are doing, thanks to the LED lighting.
Of course, you will find the usual keys for typing numbers and letters. On the upper row of this keyboard, you will see several controls for volume, tracking, and play/pause. With these features, listening to music or watching movies will be more enjoyable.
2. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- The blue switches provide solid tactile feedback
- Priced in the lowest range
- A durable, water-resistant keyboard
- Not clicky enough
- Occupies large desk space
- Lacks a wrist rest
Best Water-Resistant Mechanical Keyboard
Every dedicated gamer needs a keyboard with the ability to withstand all the pounding and last for a long time. The Corsair K95 features a strong built with an anodized aluminum frame. It is created lightweight yet durable. This is one keyboard that promises to stay through the many hours you will put into gaming.
When it comes to the operating systems on which you can use this keyboard, you have the widest variety. It is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. That means you don’t need to replace your pc to use this keyboard. The backlit keys make it possible for you to see the keyboard even in conditions on extremely low light. Using the Light Edge functionality, you can adjust the color of the backlight as well as the illumination level.
It utilizes 100 percent cherry switches for the highest speed levels. Whether you are using it for typing or gaming, this feature will give you an out-of-the-world experience. With this keyboard, there are 6 programmable keys to which you can assign single keystrokes or multiple key combos. That way, you will be able to play your game the way you want it.
3. VicTsing Gaming Keyboard
- 20 backlight modes
- Suitable for all kinds of operating systems
- Features 104 keys
- Relies on hardwired USB connectivity
- Can be very loud
- Wrist rest may not work very well
Best Quiet Computer Mechanical Keyboard
If you have no problem with having an entirely black-and-white keyboard with red LED backlighting to try the Victsing Gaming Keyboard. It may not have the fancy look of the other keyboards, but it is definitely a hard worker when it comes to providing you with memorable gaming experience. One thing about this keyboard is that it has built-in 20 lighting modes, which you can play around with.
It comes with a detachable wrist rest which is ergonomically designed to prevent unnecessary fatigue resulting from long hours of gaming. Essentially, your wrists, joints, and elbows are protected from possible pressure, pain, and fatigue. While avoiding pain, you get to enjoy the benefits of having a 104-key keyboard. You can remove the keycap and clean the keyboard when there’s a need.
The keyboard comes with a dozen multimedia shortcuts for adjusting audio while gaming. While using it in the office, these keys provide quick access to certain functions and programs. Additionally, the keyboard is suitable for all the windows versions as well as Mac OS. Don’t throw away your old computer when you have a keyboard you can use it with. To cap it all, the keyboard is waterproof.
4. Eagletec KG011 Mechanical Keyboard
- Made for safe use in the office
- Priced in the lowest range
- Durable, strong construction
- Hardwired USB connectivity
- N-key may die off after a while
- Not quite a gaming keyboard
Best Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard
When it comes to a typing keyboard, the more comfortable it is the better it becomes. This particular product is a 104-key, white keyboard, which is billed as one of the most comfortable for office use. It is designed to provide little or no resistance, crisp and quiet clicks, and accurate tactile feedback. Whether you are a company executive or an assistant, what you get from this keyboard is the ultimate typing speed with little or no errors.
Instead of cherry switches, this particular keyboard features custom switches. The manufacturer claims that the shift from the industry-standard makes this keyboard long-lasting. With 104 keys, you get the full numeric keypad. The blue backlight gives the keyboard greater visibility, especially if you are working in a poorly lit environment. It is possible to switch between multiple lighting modes as well as change the brightness level.
It may not be a gaming keyboard as such, but it is still as durable as they come. The keyboard is made from ABS and aircraft-grade aluminum, which is as tough as they come. The mechanical switches and key as plate-mounted to withstand the rough and tumble of industrial and office applications. It is compatible with multiple PC brands and operating systems.
5. Rosewill Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Can withstand up to 50 million keystrokes
- Rubber pads prevent it from sliding
- Several multimedia controls
- A little more expensive
- Hardwired USB connectivity
- Key lettering fades with time
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Office Use
Gaming can be draining to a normal keyboard. That’s why you need one that is designed and built to withstand constant pounding over a long period of time. The Rosewill Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is built to accommodate a maximum of 50 million keystrokes, thanks to the Gold-Cross principle of the cherry switches. If you are looking for a heavy-duty keyboard for office or gaming use, this is it.
On the top row, there are several multimedia keys for volume up/down, forward, back, stop, and play/pause. With these, you don’t need to go to the multimedia software to control music and video functions. Additionally, it has several keys to control the screen light, and so on.
As stated earlier, this keyboard relies on cherry MX switches for the fast, precise, targeted response. Like the other keyboards with this standard, this particular one has a good tactile response. Besides, the keyboard features rubber pads that hold onto the surface and prevent it from sliding away. Who likes a keyboard that appears to run away while gaming or typing? The hardwired USB connector is gold-plated to prevent corrosion.
6. Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2
- Built to last through long hours of gaming
- Responsive gaming keyboard
- Numerous programmable backlight colors
- Priced in the highest range
- Backlight tends to go off without warning
- Reports of misplaced arrow keys
Best Responsive Gaming Keyboard
The Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 is designed for use by gamers as well as office workers. It features proprietary mechanical switches, which provide for an exceptional gaming experience. The result is speedy and accurate execution of gaming moves, which makes the difference between winners and losers. Buy this keyboard if you are looking to improve your gaming speed with the aim of competing at the highest level. This feature is also useful for office workers since it is necessary for enhanced typing speed and accuracy.
Another important thing about this keyboard is that it is built to last long. First off, the switches are engineered to last through as many as 80 million keystrokes. Also, the keyboard itself is made from military-grade metal, which guarantees durability and longevity. With that kind of construction, you can expect the keyboard to hold strong after years of continuous gaming.
It also has Chroma backlighting for greater visibility when it is dark. The good thing about this backlight feature is that it provides for up to 16.8 million color options which you set using Razer Synapse. As such, you can choose different lighting effects depending on the game you are playing. With the option of choosing from a color palette, you can greatly enhance the gaming experience.
7. KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Keyboard
- Ergonomic design for a better typing and gaming experience
- Highly-responsive switches for professional use
- Customizable backlighting
- Costlier than most keyboards
- Takes time to get used to the split design
- Non-standard space bars
Best RGB Split Mechanical Keyboard
The KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge RDB Split Mechanical Keyboard features a unique split design. This makes it possible to place the different pieces in a position that allows for ergonomic typing. When gaming, you can move the right piece aside to properly position the mouse. But that isn’t the only feature that makes this keyboard a wise investment. It has a cushioned palm pad which greatly enhances your comfort when typing.
Under the keys are genuine cherry red MX mechanical switches for a more linear feel and low-force strokes. In addition to being durable, the keys have high responsiveness to enhance your gaming as well as typing. For this keyboard, you can expect it to last through a maximum of 50 million keystrokes.
For an even better experience, the keyboard features unique RGB lighting with over 16.8 million shades of color. The customizable effects are 10 and include rain, pulse, rebound, spectrum, and wave. Using the SmartSet app, the keyboard is fully programmable. Whether you want to use the customization tools or on-the-fly programming, you can customize the keyboard to what you want it to be.
8. Logitech G513 RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- USB pass-through connectivity
- Strong, durable construction
- Palm rest for your comfort
- Priced in the highest range
- Lacks media control keys
- A distracting metallic sound when typing
Best Mechanical Keyboard with Palm Rest
The Logitech G513 RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is constructed using Romer G switches rather than the industry standard cherry switches. They are highly responsive to every keystroke, whether gaming or typing. With the actuation feedback, it is possible to have a feel of each and every keypress you make. This tactile feature provides for a better gaming experience.
It features RGB backlight which is customizable across a whole spectrum of color lighting. This can be done for every key to giving it a unique look from the rest. That’s way, you can better target the keys you mostly use for gaming. But it is not just the backlight that makes this keyboard a must-have for every PC owner. Rather, the palm rest is made of strong, soft memory foam to provide you with the comfort you need when using the keyboard for long hours.
With the Logitech G513, you have a strong, durable keyboard that features aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. This not only gives it a high-end look but also ensures it can last for as long as possible. it relies on USB pass-through connectivity for use with your phone, flash drive or mouse.
9. BlueFinger LED Gaming Keyboard Mouse Headset Combo
- Set includes keyboard, headset, and mouse
- Works with a wide range of devices
- 10 multimedia keys
- Numbers and letters wear off fast
- Mouse reported stalling after a short while
- Reports of a failed mic
Best Keyboard Mouse Headset Combo
Right from the way it looks, this is definitely a gaming keyboard. It comes with a mouse as well as a headset for a complete gaming experience. Now let us talk about the keyboard itself. It has a blue backlight color, which gives it unique visual effects and great gaming experience. The 114-key, the keyboard is ergonomically designed for greater comfort while typing or gaming. It has a total of 10 multimedia keys to control the sound when gaming.
The set comes with a mouse with six buttons made from ABS plastic. That makes it a highly-durable mouse that will last throughout the life of the keyboard. The backlit mouse has four different automatically changing lights which makes it the perfect inclusion in this combo set. The DPI is adjustable to four levels, namely 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000. It comes with an 11.8 by 9.8 inches mouse pad for extra movement space.
There is a gaming headset that provides quality sound. The earmuffs are soft and breathable, the high-definition microphone adjustable, and the sound of the highest quality. The good thing is that you can use this combo set with a PC computer, laptop, PS4, Xbox One, mobile phone or tablet.
10. Dell Alienware Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
- 3 adjustable leg angles
- Multimedia keys and volume roller
- Onboard memory, with 15 programmable functions
- Reported unexpected dysfunction
- Wrist rest bought separately
- Costlier than other keyboards
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Pro Gamers
Looking for other-worldly keyboard design? The Dell Alienware Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard is designed using the AlienFX RGB backlight that gives the keys an unusual but relatable glow. If a keyboard could immerse you deeply into the gaming world, it can only be this one. Besides, it is possible to customize the backlight to get exactly what you are looking for.
Unlike the flat keyboards you might have used before, this particular one comes with legs, which you can adjust to three unique angles. So as to make your experience with this keyboard even more comfortable, you can get for yourself a piece with a palm rest. Whether typing or gaming for long hours, this keyboard will definitely enhance your comfort levels.
Since the gaming and typing action can really hammer at the keys, it is always important that you buy one that’s designed to be durable. In that regard, this particular keyboard can go through a maximum of 50 million keystrokes before it balks under pressure. It is connected through a braided nylon cable and has multimedia keys as well as a volume roller. What more could you ask for?
How to Choose the Best Mechanical Keyboard – The Ultimate Buying Guide
If you are continually spending an insurmountable amount of time on your computer either gaming or working, then you know how important the keyboard is. The type of keyboard you use determines how fast or slow your typing speed is and the experience you get playing games. If you hardly look into keyboards, then you may as well be missing the most important upgrades that could elevate your computing and gaming experience.
If you are looking into improving your gaming and working experience on your PC, then you should consider getting a mechanical keyboard. Let us look at some of the factors that you should keep in mind when looking for the best mechanical keyboard.
The layout of the Keyboard
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Full-sized (104 keys)
The first step [to consider when choosing the right mechanical keyboard, whether for gaming or work is the layout of the keys. Mechanical keyboards come in various types and picking the right design means everything to a gamer or even a writer. This layout informs today’s large, full-sized keyboards with Numpad, arrow cluster and the function row. Most people are comfortable with this kind of design, but they don’t come cheap. Most of these full-fledged mechanical keyboards cost on the lower, about $100. On the brighter side, you get more keys and switches.
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Tenkeyless (TKL)
These types of mechanical keyboards mimic the full-sized layout keyboard. The only difference between the two is that the TKL keyboard does away with the Number pad making the keyboard a lot smaller. What advantage do you get with this keyboard? Usually, with the full layout keyboard, the alpha keys tend to hang a little towards the right side. With this much smaller layout, you the benefit of the alpha keys sitting right in front of you.
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Mini Keyboard (60%)
The mini keyboard is a much less common design whose popularity is slowly ascending amongst avid computer users like gamers and writers. With this kind of layout, the keyboard only adopts the alpha keys and the modifiers and also the numbers row dropping out the rest of the keys. The advantage these keyboards have over the full layout, and the TKL is that not only are they much cheaper, they are also easier to use, especially when typing. This is because your fingers don’t have to keep hovering a long distance to access various functionalities. These types of keyboards are also very portable.
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Ortholinear (40%)
This form factor again is not very common though it is increasingly gaining a dome level of popularity. These types of keyboards are no doubt smaller than the 60% and feature only four rows. The rows come with twelve keys, all aligned in a grid. The layout only features the alpha keys and the modifiers only. These types of keyboards can be programmed to work to your liking. These keyboards are so small that your fingers are always a key away from a function key. If you are looking to be a very fast typer, Ortholinear keyboards are the best choice for you.
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Ergodox Keyboards
These are custom keyboards that come as split boards containing half of the keys on either side. Once acclimated, these keyboards come with functions that make you very fast and efficient when playing games and typing as well.
What Type of Switch do You Want?
Keyboards come with color-coded switches that distinguish their unique characteristics. When buying mechanical keyboards, you have the option of choosing what kind of features of the switch you want. This is the one factor that makes the mechanical keyboard unique. These switches come in different varieties with the most popular ones being Cherry MX and also cherry Clones from Kailh and Gateron.
Let’s take a look at some common switches:
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Cherry MX
The switches come in three basic types, tactile, clicky and also linear. When pressed, the clicking switches like the MX Green and blue usually make a pretty audible click sound. It is worth noting that the MX green is much heavier than the MS Blue. Tactile switches, on the other hand, feature a slight bump that can be felt as you click them.
Should you be looking for excellent typing experience, the tactile feedback couple with the clicking sound of the green and blue switches are probably the best switches for you. Both cherry and the clone switches feature a plus-shaped colored stem beneath the keycap. This helps in identifying the type as well as differentiating them from the other switches.
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Topre
Topre is also a prevalent switch type in the market. These switches, however, are not found in many boards. They are also somewhat spendy. They are electro-capacitive hybrid switches which feature a rubber dome, capacitive contact, and even spring. For a more enhanced identification, they feature a larger rounded stem beneath the keycap. These switches come with a distinctive “thock” sound as well as very smooth and tactile. They two offer an excellent typing experience and feature a variety of weights.
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Alps Clone Switches
These types of switches feature a rectangular Stem beneath the keycap. They also have a variety of clicky, linear and even tactile features. Though the original Alps stopped being manufactured, clones are still being used in various boards including those from Matias and Filco. If you feel this are your types of switches, then knock yourself out, otherwise, with all the varieties of MX Cherries, we see no reason to scour for them in the market.
Keycaps – Quality Vs. Cheap Keycaps
So, after going through the different layouts and switches, you probably have a rough idea of what will best for you. What next? Well, Keycaps play a significant role in helping you decide on a specific mechanical keyboard that will meet all your needs.
Most of the consoles come with cheaply manufactured ABS keycaps. These keycaps feature lasered or printed legends which after some time start wearing off because of constant use. The keycaps also come in a matte finish, but after some time, they become very shiny hence reflecting light. What does this mean for you? When operating the mechanical keyboard below an overhead light, it becomes challenging seeing the legends due to the reflection of light on the keycaps.
Should you go for the backlit mechanical keyboards, then be sure that the keycaps are made from ABS and the legends are lasered onto the plastic. The transparent material, however, may not be durable even though it looks pretty awesome.
Customization Capabilities
Finally, you have picked out the perfect mechanical keyboard. But does it end there? There’s more to consoles than we can exhaust. Let’s say; you want to customize your keyboard to have that personal feel. Whether it’s the switches or the keycaps, should you feel the need to make any enhancements, then you need to be sure that you get a keyboard that comes with standard-sized keys. Yes, some mechanical keyboards feature unusually large-sized keys which make surfing for them in the market even harder.
You will rarely find any keyboard without OEM sculpture keys raised above the box. It is normal not to find something to your liking. Should this be the case for you, then perhaps, you may need to open your cherry switches and replace the springs with something more ergonomic. An excellent instance is when people switch the MX Clears switch springs with lighter ones to come up with “Ergo Clears.”
If you want to take customization a notch higher, then perhaps the artisan keycaps collections will favor you. These keycaps come in a variety of shapes including skulls, cat paws, gems, monster heads, robots, and the list goes on and on. The demand for this keycap is very high, and the fact that they are handmade makes their prices skyrocket.
Additional Features Makes the Keyboard Cool
Some other additional features include backlight, which comes in different colors. Most backlit keyboards come with programming software that helps you program how you want the backlight to appear. Should you go for different colors per key or even different frequencies, this is an option to consider if you are going to be using the mechanical keyboard for gaming.
Other features to look out for in your new mechanical keyboard include a volume dial or even a roller as well as dedicated macro buttons that take the gaming experience a notch higher. These macro buttons make gaming easier by combining some key combinations into one function or even menu manipulations.
THINGS TO AVOID OR BE ATTENTIVE TO
- Be attentive to the switch clones that come with your mechanical keyboards. Some clones will not be especially if you are looking for a mechanical typing keyboard
- Avoid buying keyboards without testing their efficiency. You might end up buying a keyboard that will fail you.
- Should you land an ABS and PBT keyboard, we feel that going for PBT will land you a much better and quality keyboard. However, wei9gh your options and go for what will work best for you.
ALTERNATIVES FOR THE PRODUCT TYPE
They are a few alternatives for the mechanical keyboards including the following.
- G15 Gen-1s
- Membrane keyboards
- Buckling spring
- Ergonomic keyboards
- Multimedia keyboards
Conclusion
Finding the best and coolest mechanical keyboards is perhaps a daunting task, especially with some of them being so rare. Whether you are looking for a gaming mechanical keyboard or a typing keyboard, you now have a wealth of information, and we are confident we have prepped you well to be in a position to make a variety of cool choices. Get picky, try out as many as you can. After all, this mechanical keyboard will be your companion for years to come.