Table of Contents
By definition, a mechanical keyboard has individual springs and mechanical switches under each key. Older users may fondly recall the classic buckling-spring switches on their IBM Model M warhorses, but today’s mechanical keyboards come in dozens of different flavors. You can get key switches to suit almost any taste, whether for a frenetic FPS, writing a novel, or simple spreadsheet jockeying. The common denominator is the springiness, the satisfying "click clack" with every key press. We've tested more than 100 keyboards since 2020, the majority of them mechanical, evaluating them on the basis of ergonomics, feature set, software, and, of course, value. Our current best mechanical keyboard overall for most users is the Razer Pro Type Ultra, but we've included more choices tailored to gaming, office use, tight budgets, ergonomics, and more. Below our picks, you'll find our deep-dive buying guide (including comparisons of all the key switch types).
Our Top Tested Picks
Razer Pro Type Ultra
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
In the Pro Type Ultra, Razer improves its premier productivity keyboard with max-speed switches and more wireless battery life to create what's among the best non-ergonomic keyboards available.
Pros
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
- Controls up to four devices
- Extremely comfortable for fast typing
- As quiet as a mechanical keyboard gets
- Bright backlight
- Cushioned wrist rest
Cons
- Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board
- Synapse 3 software requires registration, contains ads
- Windows only, not macOS
Be Quiet Light Mount
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
For gamers and typists alike, Be Quiet's Light Mount blends hushed keystrokes, finger comfort, and smart design into a standout wired mechanical keyboard.
Pros
- Impressively quiet and responsive key switches
- Easy-to-manipulate software
- Programmable macro keys
- Accessible and intuitive volume control
Cons
- Hardwired connection only
Keychron C3 Pro
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Keychron C3 Pro’s feature-to-price ratio makes it an attractive option for budget buyers considering their first mechanical keyboard.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Shine-through PBT keycaps
- Compatible with Windows PCs and Macs
- Built-in cable management
- Additional keycaps for color customization
Cons
- Plastic frame feels a bit flimsy
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless takes a spot among today's top-tier enthusiast gaming keyboards. It offers an excellent build, plenty of customization options, and a stellar typing feel.
Pros
- Compact frame for a full-size keyboard
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Excellent battery life
- Asus key switches feel great
Cons
- RGB lighting could be brighter
- Software can be complicated to navigate
Sony Inzone KBD-H75
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
True competitive gamers will appreciate nearly everything about Sony's Inzone KBD-H75 esports keyboard, even if only a fraction of them will be able to afford it.
Pros
- Compact 75% form factor
- Precise, comfortable magnetic key switches
- Adjustable actuation points
- Immaculate build quality
- 8,000Hz maximum polling rate
Cons
- Expensive
- Glitchy software on Windows 10
Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Satechi SM3 Slim is almost everything a wireless mechanical productivity keyboard should be. It continues Satechi's streak of providing an excellent typing experience for both Macs and PCs.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Excellent typing feel
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options
- Much cheaper than Apple Magic Keyboard
Cons
- Low-profile design is not for everyone
- No customization software
One Plus Keyboard 81 Pro
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is pricey, but one-of-a-kind switches, comfortable keycaps, and intuitive design choices make it both an art piece fit for discerning enthusiasts and an excellent input device.
Pros
- Excellent typing experience
- High-quality materials and exceptional heft
- Hot-swappable keys
- Unique key switches
- Configurable Mac layout
Cons
- Expensive
- No shine-through labels on keycaps
- No 2.4GHz wireless option
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Satechi's wireless SM1 is a beautifully built mechanical keyboard that will delight Mac users looking for an alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard.
Pros
- Sturdy, attractive build
- Excellent typing feel
- Multiple wireless connection options
- Long battery life (with backlighting off)
- Much cheaper than Apple's Magic Keyboard
Cons
- No customization software
- Low-profile design is not for everyone
- 2.4GHz dongle uses USB-A, not USB-C
Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Pro
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Razer's standout BlackWidow V4 gets an impressive Pro upgrade that adds even more functionality to an excellent foundation. Whether you're a PC gaming enthusiast or a keyboard customizer, the V4 Pro 75% will dazzle.
Pros
- Immaculate typing feel
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Easy to pop open and tinker
- Plush wrist rest
- Gorgeous RGB lighting
Cons
- Expensive
- OLED display is monochrome, not color
- Polling rate caps at 4,000Hz
Asus ROG Falcata
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Asus ROG Falcata is a supremely comfortable, extensively adjustable ergonomic split keyboard. It will please gamers in particular, as well as anyone seeking typing comfort and willing to invest in it.
Pros
- Ergonomic split design, with halves that can be used separately or combined
- Generous complement of included accessories
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Hot-swappable key switches
Cons
- Expensive
- Halves must be connected with a USB cable, not wirelessly
- Large desktop footprint when wrist rests are attached
Best Early Prime Day Mechanical Keyboard Deals This Week*
- Redragon K556 Pro Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard... — $64 ($79) Save $15.00
- Aula F75 Pro Wireless 75% Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard — $68 ($79) Save $11.00
- Logitech G Pro X TKL Lightspeed Wireless Mechanical Keyboard — $145 ($219) Save $74.00
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 HyperMagnetic Switch Keyboard — $186 ($239) Save $53.00
- Razer BlackWidow V4 X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (... — $99 ($129) Save $30.00
- Get the Best Prices On Keyboards — Download Our Free Price Comparison Tool $0
- RELATED:
- Best Keyboards
- Best Keyboards for Macs
- Best Wireless Keyboards
- Best Ergonomic Keyboards
- Best Gaming Keyboards
EDITORS' NOTE
August 18, 2026: With this update, our list of recommended keyboards remains unchanged. The existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we tested and evaluated three new keyboards for potential inclusion in this story and our other keyboard guides. We are currently testing keyboards from Contour Design, Razer, and others for future consideration.
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
- Controls up to four devices
- Extremely comfortable for fast typing
- As quiet as a mechanical keyboard gets
- Bright backlight
- Cushioned wrist rest
- Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board
- Synapse 3 software requires registration, contains ads
- Windows only, not macOS
The Razer Pro Type Ultra is an excellent pick for mechanical keyboard users and enthusiasts. The keyboard’s stunning white paint job will look gorgeous on any desk or tabletop, and once you put it to use, you’ll quickly understand why it’s our top pick. Razer Yellow switches, the company's fastest and quietest, deliver a satisfying linear typing feel. Meanwhile, its sculpted soft-touch keys, hinged feet, and wrist rest provide ample comfort. It is on the pricey side, though it's not the most expensive pick on our list.
Anyone seeking comfort: Thanks to its wrist rest and quiet keys, the Razer Pro Type Ultra is a stellar, cushiony choice for long typing sessions.
Users who want one keyboard for work and play: This Razer keyboard is a great crossover option if you want a professional setup by day, and a responsive, capable gaming board by night.
Windows users: Sorry Mac lovers, but this aesthetically pleasing keyboard only syncs with Windows OS PCs.
- Impressively quiet and responsive key switches
- Easy-to-manipulate software
- Programmable macro keys
- Accessible and intuitive volume control
- Hardwired connection only
Be Quiet's Light Mount is a keyboard that'll please gamers and typists alike, thanks to its hushed keystrokes, ergonomic design, and smart features. Featuring silent key switches with additional sound-damping material in the chassis, as well as dedicated shortcut keys and a volume knob, the Light Mount is one of the quietest keyboards we've seen (and not heard). The device has only a wired connection, which may turn some off. But a wired keyboard is reliable, and you won't have to worry about recharging it.
Gamers looking for a nearly silent keyboard: The Light Mount backs up its switches with three layers of foam and silicone to absorb vibrations and fill any echo-y empty space inside the keyboard's chassis. That ensures the keys are satisfying to type on without the mushy feeling that cheaper keyboards have. If you find yourself typing in shared spaces and are worried about noise, this is for you.
Gamers who want a full-size board: Sometimes you need a big keyboard. The Light Mount is a full-size keyboard, and it utilizes its size to its advantage. Today's gaming keyboard market increasingly focuses on smaller boards without number pads, so a full-size keyboard is a welcome option.
- Inexpensive
- Shine-through PBT keycaps
- Compatible with Windows PCs and Macs
- Built-in cable management
- Additional keycaps for color customization
- Plastic frame feels a bit flimsy
Who says you have to spend top dollar for a mechanical keyboard? Keychron is well-known in custom keyboard circles, but the company can also deliver an expertly crafted keyboard on the cheap. A compact keyboard with an excellent typing feel and an eye-catching red and black color scheme, the Keychron C3 Pro is the perfect entry-level mechanical keyboard for those looking to see what the click-clack hype is all about. On the downside, the plastic frame can read a bit cheap.
Budget shoppers: If you want a basic mechanical keyboard without splurging, the Keychron C3 Pro is a great option that won't disappoint.
First-time buyers: If you're new to mechanical keyboards, the Keychron C3 Pro is a top-notch option with a solid feature set for its price.
- Compact frame for a full-size keyboard
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Excellent battery life
- Asus key switches feel great
- RGB lighting could be brighter
- Software can be complicated to navigate
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 keeps all keys of a full-size keyboard while maintaining the bare minimum footprint of a full-size keyboard. All the premium features are here: You get hot-swappable key switches (though the stock switches are pre-lubed and very high quality), a volume roller, and a keyboard that looks and feels great. You may lose some desk space by opting for this over a smaller model, but it's hard to pass up a board that lets you switch seamlessly between work and play.
Purists: The Strix Scope II is a keyboard purist's keyboard. It doesn't sacrifice anything. This is how keyboards looked at the dawn of the computer age, and many purists prefer them this way.
Multitaskers: The Strix is first and foremost for gaming, but it can easily double as your work keyboard. The Strix Scope II has everything you need for both roles: a number pad for data entry and precise mechanical switches for accuracy, whether you're gaming, coding, or doing anything in between.
- Compact 75% form factor
- Precise, comfortable magnetic key switches
- Adjustable actuation points
- Immaculate build quality
- 8,000Hz maximum polling rate
- Expensive
- Glitchy software on Windows 10
The Sony Inzone KBD-H75 is Sony's first gaming keyboard, and it makes a great first impression. A premium design, an 8,000Hz polling rate, and a compact 75% form factor make the Inzone an ideal weapon for esports warriors who want the basics whittled down to razor precision. The comfortable magnetic key switches feel great, and its "rapid trigger function" offers independent actuation and release point adjustments, so inputs register faster. It's an investment at $300, but the Sony Inzone is worth it for hours of serious gameplay.
Competitive gamers: If you're a professional gamer looking for a finely tuned keyboard that’ll serve you well on any battleground, the Sony Inzone KBD-H75 delivers. The adjustable actuation points and high polling rate will no doubt give you an edge up in your next mission.
Users who want customization: You get ultimate flexibility with this Inzone board, which lets you adjust actuation points, RGB lighting, and macros.
Those looking for a compact option: The Inzone KBD-H75 packs tons of functionality into its tiny frame, and despite weighing less than 2 pounds, remains sturdier than most others.
Best Mechanical Keyboard for the Office
Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
- Stylish design
- Excellent typing feel
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options
- Much cheaper than Apple Magic Keyboard
- Low-profile design is not for everyone
- No customization software
The Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard features an immaculate typing feel and pairs perfectly with both Macs and Windows computers. It's trim around the edges, meaning you can get a full-size number pad in the least possible desk space. Also, it offers multiple wireless connectivity options and delivers long battery life. Add it all up, and you've got an essential productivity tool that fits many use cases on multiple operating systems. One con to note: It doesn't offer customization like some other picks on this list.
Office workers: If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that's quiet and can handle office tasks with aplomb, you can't go wrong with the Satechi SM3 Slim.
Windows and Mac users: Ready to ditch your Apple Magic Keyboard? This Satechi board is compatible across different operating systems, making it a good fit if you need to switch between Mac and Windows devices.
Multi-device users: The Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Keyboard supports Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz wireless receiver (USB-A), and a USB-C port, so you can use it with your laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Excellent typing experience
- High-quality materials and exceptional heft
- Hot-swappable keys
- Unique key switches
- Configurable Mac layout
- Expensive
- No shine-through labels on keycaps
- No 2.4GHz wireless option
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is an absolute juggernaut of a board in a compact package. Packing much of the features of a full-size board into such a small form factor is impressive enough, but the 81 Pro's unique key switches, hot-swappable keys, nifty roller knob, configurable Mac layout, and eye-catching color scheme add to the appeal. It looks great, and it performs even better. And if you gauge sheer heft as a mark of quality, get lifting: This is one of the heaviest, densest-feeling keyboards we can recall of any size. (Note: Unlike other boards on this list, the OnePlus doesn't offer shine-through labels, nor does it come with a 2.4GHz wireless option; the wireless connectivity is Bluetooth only.)
Users who want a premium board: With a cool-to-the-touch aluminum body and satisfying clacking sound, this higher-end keyboard delivers an impressive typing experience.
Customizable-keyboard enthusiasts: The sheer number of customization, accessorization, and compartmentalization options the 81 Pro offers is bound to thrill you.
Users looking for a compact keyboard: The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is ideal if you want a slim, low-profile mechanical keyboard that doesn't skimp on features.
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Macs
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
- Sturdy, attractive build
- Excellent typing feel
- Multiple wireless connection options
- Long battery life (with backlighting off)
- Much cheaper than Apple's Magic Keyboard
- No customization software
- Low-profile design is not for everyone
- 2.4GHz dongle uses USB-A, not USB-C
Mac users tend to look to Apple for their accessories, but with a little hunting, they’ll find plenty of premium alternatives, like the Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard. With its Apple-like design, it'll match just about every Mac on the market. More important, it blows the Apple Magic Keyboard out of the water in terms of feel and functionality. Satisfying clicky keys, attractive backlighting, and plenty of connectivity options join customization software compatible with macOS, something that is still not as common as you’d imagine. And at an asking price of $99, it's a relative bargain, too.
Mac users: Mac-friendly mechanical keyboards are rare, but Satechi has you covered. The SM1 Slim Mechanical board is one of the best matches for Mac users, especially if you're interested in an elegant design coupled with that satisfying keypress punch.
Budget shoppers: Although this keyboard is a top pick for Mac users, it can also be used with Windows devices. Coming in at under $100, it makes for an excellent budget mechanical keyboard with plenty of features and customization options to boot.
- Immaculate typing feel
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Easy to pop open and tinker
- Plush wrist rest
- Gorgeous RGB lighting
- Expensive
- OLED display is monochrome, not color
- Polling rate caps at 4,000Hz
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% was one of our favorite gaming keyboards in 2023, and the "Pro" revision makes it even better. The immaculate typing feel, plush wrist rest, and compact design of the previous model return, but the inclusion of wireless capabilities, an OLED screen, and improved build quality help the Pro stand above both its predecessor and its competitors. But the real draw of the BlackWidow V4 75% is its hot-swappable design, and that remains true here. Even if you have no interest in tinkering, the default tactile switches are great for gaming or general productivity. The only downside is the Razer's whopper of a price, but it could be worth it if you aspire to be a key-swapping hobbyist.
Users who want ultimate customization: If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that's begging you to tinker with it and open your eyes to the world of keyboard modding, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Pro is a solid starter.
Gamers: Armed with both gaming and Snap Tap modes, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a fun, functional board that'll keep your movements on point during competitive play.
- Ergonomic split design, with halves that can be used separately or combined
- Generous complement of included accessories
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Expensive
- Halves must be connected with a USB cable, not wirelessly
- Large desktop footprint when wrist rests are attached
Hot-swappable keyboards were once limited to enthusiasts and tinkerers, but recent keyboard releases have brought this functionality to the mainstream. Enter the Asus ROG Falcata. Combining a split-bodied ergonomic design with the ability to customize key switches individually, the Falcata features attractive RGB and a premium build that Asus' gaming keyboards are known for. It's a premium board that looks and feels the part, and if you fancy keyboard tinkering, you might be willing to stomach its premium cost.
Gamers seeking comfort: With a flexible split-layout design, the Asus ROG Falcata lets you create the perfect ergonomic setup for your comfort during long quests or general typing sessions. The left and right halves can be set up in any orientation or angle you like.
Customization enthusiasts: For modders who want to customize all aspects of their split keyboards—down to the key-switch mechanisms—this Falcata board will prove a perfect playground for your tinkering needs.
Power users: The Falcata might be a gaming keyboard first and foremost, but the split keyboard design offers valuable options for productivity, too.
The Best Mechanical Keyboards for 2026 Compare Specs
If you're a computer user of, shall we say, "a certain age," you remember a time when a room-filling cacophony of clicking was synonymous with typing as words appeared...well, on a sheet of paper. Typewriters were, in a sense, the original mechanical keyboard, and generations of 20th-century office workers and aspiring novelists honed their typing chops on them. But as the hardy, ribbon-based machines gave way to computers, a different kind of mechanical keyboard came to the fore: the battlewagon keyboards of the early days of computing. And they were beasts. They used keys that clicked and rattled, and many of them felt like they would last forever. (Indeed, some of them are still in service.)
That's the appeal of today's mechanical computer keyboards: They feel like products built for the ages, in these days of disposable tech. Even throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, mechanical keyboards were as common a part of computer setups as floppy disk drives—because the people who were creating and using them knew what typing could, and should, be. Sadly, with the explosion of the home PC market in the 1990s and into the early 2000s, sturdy mechanical boards fell out of favor, as manufacturers looked for cheap, mass-market ways of getting tens of millions of people on their machines and online. Typing, that most basic of computing activities, became something you and your fingers had to endure, not enjoy, on subpar gear.
Luckily, the keyboard-quality pendulum has swung back in the other direction over the last decade. Mechanical keyboards are once again popular alternatives to the bundled cheapies. They cost more, but they are far more rugged than a run-of-the-mill model. And keyboard makers now make them in lots of flavors to serve most major subclasses of buyers: productivity-minded users (with plain models), gamers (with keyboards replete with LED bling and macro features), ergonomically minded folks, and more.
A mechanical keyboard is a bit of an investment, though, so here's what you need to know in order to make the right choice.
Is a Mechanical Keyboard Really Worth It?
First and foremost, what defines a mechanical keyboard is the key switch it uses. Most budget keyboards today use dome-switch technology, which registers a keypress when you type and push down a silicone dome and connects two circuit-board traces. (This technology is also sometimes referred to as "membrane switch" or "rubber dome," with minor variations in the essential design.) Though this style is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, pressing the keys requires a relatively large amount of force, which can result in a heavy, mushy feel to the fingers and a lack of either tactile or auditory feedback when you type. Plus, after a fairly "short" time (five million keystrokes, give or take), the domes can lose their springiness or stop working altogether. So, you'll probably have to replace the keyboard at least once or twice over the life of the computer that you use it with.
Mechanical switches, by contrast, eliminate the silicone altogether. Pressing down on the key activates a real, physical switch, usually involving a spring as the pushback mechanism, that registers what you type. Because the parts used are much more substantial than those in dome-switch keyboards, mechanical keyboards typically have a much longer life span. (Many boast ratings of 50 million keystrokes or more per switch, and may well outlast the first—or fifth!—computer you use them with.) The typing feedback also creates a more direct relationship between your fingers and what appears on the screen. Because of the hardware involved, mechanical keyboards tend to be thicker, heavier, and more expensive than their dome-switch counterparts. They are more of an investment, but one that will pay off in sheer satisfaction if the quality of typing really matters to you.
When shopping for a mechanical keyboard, you will want to pay attention, above all else, to the kind of switch it uses, and whether it offers auditory feedback (in other words, a click you can hear) or tactile feedback (a "bump" you can feel), or both. Also important is the amount of pressure that the switches require to activate (the "actuation force"). That will greatly affect its functionality and the possibility of finger fatigue.
Cherry MX Switches: What Color Is Best for a Mechanical Keyboard?
The best-known and most commonly encountered mechanical key switches come from Cherry Industrial. These "Cherry MX" and "Cherry MX2A" switches come in a range of styles that offer different operation and feedback to better match your own personal preference, and the work or play you plan to do most on them. (Note that most have an actuation point of 2mm.) The latest Cherry mechanical key switch is the MX2A, which features a redesigned spring and improved spring guidance in the switch’s stem. The MX2A supersedes the MX generation, though both share the same color types (discussed below), and plenty of keyboards are still available with the older MX variants.
The different types of Cherry MX keys are named for colors. This rundown of the most common Cherry switches will help you better match your needs to the mechanical keyboards you can buy. Keep in mind that some keyboard makers use switches of a similar style, made by companies other than Cherry. But most manufacturers maintain the same basic "color" scheme and related traits to reduce confusion. (For example, Cherry MX Blue switches and "Blue style" switches from other makers all tend to be clicky-sounding.) Razer is a big exception, and largely does its own thing, with its own color-scheme names for its proprietary Razer key switches. (For lots more detail on mechanical switches, see our deep-dive guide.)
Cherry MX Blue
A close approximation of the old-school buckling-spring switch (see below), but with a new-style mechanism, Cherry MX Blue switches are both tactile and clicky. With Blue switches, you feel as well as hear the completion of a keystroke (via a bump when it activates, and a distinct click). These switches are ideal for serious typists (many of whom insist that the switches deliver a turbocharging bounce you can't get anywhere else), but they are not best for gaming applications, as they have an actuation force (50 centi-Newtons, or cN) that's higher than you might prefer for a fast-twitch gun battle.
Another potential downside of the Blues: Some people find the keys' audible click quite loud (and possibly, annoying), which may cause problems in close quarters, whether at the office or at home. An office full of Cherry MX Blue keyboards will sound suspiciously like a big-city newsroom, circa 1935.
Cherry MX Black
With the highest actuation force of the standard Cherry varieties (60cN), the Cherry MX Black switch can come across as stiff. This type is thus less suitable for the kind of nimble key work most speed and touch typists depend on, and fast-fingered gamers tend to shun it. But this makes Black an excellent switch for cases where precision is paramount: entering mission-critical data (say, for an accountant or at a point-of-sale terminal) or for certain kinds of more deliberate gaming, as you will seldom have to worry about accidentally striking a key twice. Cherry MX Black switches are also neither tactile nor clicky.
Cherry MX Red
Like MX Black switches, Cherry MX Red switches lack both tactile and auditory feedback. But they have a lower actuation force (45cN), so they can be hit more quickly and more often, giving you the edge in any game demanding ultra-quick input. MX Red keyboards are favored by gamers who play twitchy, fast-paced games. These same qualities, however, keep them from being a good choice if typing is your primary activity, as they make it easier to register more keystrokes than you intend, triggering typos on a slightly stray stroke. Some highly precise typists, though, appreciate their light touch.
Cherry MX Brown
If you spend about as much time scribing emails and Word documents as you do mowing down charging zombies in first-person shooters, the Cherry MX Brown switch may be for you. Its 45cN actuation force is identical to that of the Red switch. Like MX Red, the switch isn't clicky, but it gives you the same typing-boosting tactile bump as MX Blue. It's often cited as a good balance for gaming and typing between the clicky MX Blues and the "fast" MX Reds.
Cherry MX Speed Silver
Much like MX Reds, Cherry MX Speed Silvers demand the same 45cN actuation force, albeit with a shorter actuation point of just 1.2mm. (Reds have a 2mm actuation point.) The total travel distance is shorter, too, at 3.4mm versus the 4mm of the Cherry MX Reds. Having to press down a shorter distance contributes to these switches' namesake trait: speed. As a result, the delay between pressing a key and performing an action is kept to a minimum, making Speed Silvers a refreshed favorite for gamers.
Other Cherry MX Switches
The above switches are the kinds you're most likely to find in a keyboard you purchase today, but Cherry's rainbow does extend a bit further to a few much less common types. Cherry Clear switches are tactile like Brown but possess a higher actuation force; Green switches can be considered stiff Blues, both tactile and clicky; and White switches are quieter Greens. Several other types have specialized uses (such as just for space bars), but they will seldom be identified as such on any package or marketing material.
Non-Cherry Mechanicals: Who Else Makes Key Switches (and Are They Any Good)?
Besides Cherry, there are plenty of mechanical switch options from various other companies. Kailh, Gateron, Razer, Corsair, and Logitech make some of the most common alternative switches, each with its own traits to help them stand out from Cherry's shadow. Some gaming keyboard switches, for example, have shorter actuation points to register your keypress action more quickly, while others might require less force. Magnetic switches (which use a magnet to detect key presses rather than metal contacts) and optical switches (which use infrared light and photoelectric sensors to detect key presses) add even more wrinkles to your decision.
Razer, for example, offers Razer Green (tactile and clicky), Razer Orange (tactile and silent), and Razer Yellow (linear and silent) variants. The Razer Greens are most similar to Cherry MX Blue switches, Razer Oranges are closest to Cherry MX Browns, while Razer Yellows are congruent to Cherry MX Reds. Razer key switches exhibit unique travel distances and actuation points, too: Greens and Oranges are 4mm deep and actuate at 1.9mm, and Yellows are 3.5mm deep and actuate at 1.2mm.
If you're planning on building your own custom mechanical keyboard or if you're investing in a keyboard with hot-swappable switches, the choices can feel endless, so be sure to refer to our mechanical key switch explainer to help you figure out what's right for you. Trying them in person is also recommended; we've tried imitation Blue, Brown, and other switches and noted subtle and not-so-subtle differences in feel compared with the Cherry standard. One major, common maker of Cherry-like key switches is Kaihua Electronics, better known by its subsidiary brand, Kailh. Kailh switches are often used in lower-cost mechanical models.
Major Features to Look for in a Mechanical Keyboard
Aside from their switches, mechanical keyboards have the same feature considerations as other kinds of keyboards. You may want key backlighting, whether of one color or an entire spectrum, that you can program at your whim. ("Per-key" RGB backlighting, in which you can program each key across the whole RGB spectrum, is the ne plus ultra of key backlighting, but it adds to the cost. See our favorite RGB keyboards.) Multimedia controls, whether they're activated by pressing separate buttons or by using a Function (often, Fn) key to access a secondary command on one of the standard keys, can make it easy to adjust volume or move backward and forward in your track list while playing music.
Look for convenience features such as a volume dial or roller. (Corsair is known for nifty volume rollers on some of its high-end mechanical boards, but other makers have adopted them, too.) And dedicated macro buttons can be a real boon for gamers, saving you the trouble of executing tricky key combinations or menu manipulations every time you want to perform a common action.
Most mainstream and gaming models offer a 10-key numeric pad, which laptops frequently lack, and is a necessity for anyone who needs to tally numbers or enter data into a spreadsheet. So-called "tenkeyless" or ("TKL") models slice off the numeric pad in the interest of space savings and keeping your typing and mousing hands closer together. Bear that in mind if you're looking at gaming keyboards, as tenkeyless models are a recent trend, especially in that subclass. If you want to go even smaller, so-called "60%" keyboards eliminate even more keys. Check out our guide for everything you need to know about the category.
Mechanical keyboards can be particularly well-suited for use with Macs. Many come with Mac-compatible configuration software, and you can even remove the keytops from some models and replace them with Mac-specific keytops, such as Command and Option. Our roundup of the best keyboards for Macs gets into those details.
Click, Clack: Ready to Upgrade Your Typing Experience?
In any case, whatever you want from a keyboard, you can find a mechanical keyboard capable of making it a reality, with more heft, longevity, and style than you may have thought possible. Mechanical keyboards are back and here to stay, with more variety than ever for laser-focused typists, hard-core gamers, and everyone in between.
If you're not wedded to mechanical key switches, check out our overall roundup of the best general-purpose keyboards we've tested, as well as the best gaming keyboards. And if you're in the market for a pointing device to go with your keyboard, see our lists of the best computer mice and the best gaming mice.
