A keyboard is without doubt one of the few items of expertise you could use for hours each day. Why not make it one thing that brings you pleasure? Positive, the people who gush over this stuff will be intense, however the upgraded consolation, sturdiness and customizability that comes with a great mechanical keyboard is an actual factor. When you’re seeking to make the change (ahem), we examined a pair dozen mechanical keyboards over the previous few months and rounded up our favorites under. We’ve additionally damaged down what to search for when looking for one.
What to search for in a mechanical keyboard
Structure
The very first thing to determine with any keyboard is what dimension and format you need. Full-size layouts have all of the keys you’d ever want — a quantity pad, a full operate row, arrow keys, and so forth. — however in addition they have the most important bodily footprint. A 96-percent or “1800” keyboard is analogous, however crunches the navigation cluster (Web page Up, House, and so forth.), numpad and arrow keys nearer collectively to avoid wasting area. Tenkeyless (TKL) or 80-percent keyboards omit the quantity pad totally; they’re typically thought of one of the best mix of dimension and performance. 75-percent keyboards maintain virtually all the buttons of a TKL mannequin however additional scale back any “useless” area between them — consider them just like the TKL variations of a 96 p.c format.
It will get increasingly more minimal from there. The smallest fashionable format is the 60 p.c keyboard, which removes the arrow keys, operate row, numpad and navigation cluster. This type of design will be notably helpful for gaming, because it opens up a ton of desk area to swing your mouse round. It sometimes depends on shortcuts to make up for its lacking keys, however it comes with a studying curve because of this.
Much more compact choices exist past that. These will be lovable, however they often contain eradicating the quantity row, which is a step too far for most individuals. There are all types of ergonomic keyboards that make the most of totally different shapes to enhance your wrist and arm consolation as properly, however we’ve a separate guide for those.
Swap sort
No element has extra of an influence on how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds than the switches beneath its keycaps. The marketplace for these tiny mechanisms is huge and complicated however, to maintain it easy, you may separate them into three sorts: linear, tactile and clicky. Which you favor in the end comes down to non-public choice, so we encourage you to go to a retailer, check out a good friend’s keyboard and check switches out to find out what you want greatest.
Linear switches really feel easy and constant all the best way down. Many PC avid gamers favor them as a result of they’re typically mild and quick to actuate, to allow them to register inputs shortly. They are usually quieter than different change sorts as properly, however some might discover them too delicate.
Tactile switches create a noticeable “bump” partway by means of a press. They typically aren’t as quick as their linear counterparts, however many (together with yours actually) benefit from the tangible sense of suggestions they supply with every keystroke. This little bit of resistance could make it a bit of simpler to keep away from typos, too. Many tactile switches are neither outright quiet nor disruptively loud.
Clicky switches are, properly, clicky. They work equally to tactile switches however use an additional mechanism that makes a pointy click on sound when pressed. The precise design of that mechanism can differ relying on the change. Some folks love the audible suggestions of clicky switches. The individuals who work or dwell with them? In all probability not a lot.
Bear in mind: These are normal buckets. Inside them lies an infinite number of switches with differing actuation factors, weights, springs, bump sensations and extra. One linear, tactile, or clicky change can really feel and sound noticeably totally different than one other.
There are extra dramatic variations as properly. Low-profile switches, for one, will be linear, tactile or clicky however aren’t as tall and have a shorter journey distance. They permit for flatter and extra compact designs, with keys which are quick to press but in addition simple to backside out.
Optical and Hall effect switches depend on totally different mechanisms totally. As an alternative of a bodily contact level, the previous makes use of a beam of infrared mild to register keystrokes, whereas the latter makes use of tiny magnets. Each generally have a linear really feel. They will additionally allow a number of gaming-friendly options: You possibly can set customized actuation factors and make any key roughly delicate, map a number of actions to 1 keystroke and even use an “analog mode” that emulates gamepad controls. These are area of interest tips, however they will make a distinction for competitive-minded gamers. Boards that use these “analog” switches are regularly costlier and fewer customizable than conventional mechanical choices, although.
Swap modifications
It doesn’t cease at change sorts: Producers (and also you!) could make a number of different tweaks to form how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds. Some have layers of various foam inside their case to tamp down noise, for example. Some have switches which are lubricated out of the field to offer a smoother really feel and extra muted sound. Just a few others put plastic, rubber or foam “films” between the higher and backside housing of a change to maintain it from wobbling and additional tune its acoustics. Or they stick a layer of tape on their printed circuit board (PCB) to soak up higher-pitched sounds. We expect most individuals will discover that some well-applied foam and lubing makes issues really feel nicer, although that is one other matter that comes right down to style.
Keycaps
Keycaps play an enormous position in defining a keyboard’s character. First off, they need to look good! There’s an enormous marketplace for third-party keycaps in all totally different types, from the playful to the skilled to the proudly impractical. Nearly all of mechanical keyboards make it simple to swap in new keycaps, so it’s often not an enormous deal in the event you ever get bored together with your system’s inventory set.
Most keycaps are made out of considered one of two sorts of plastic: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Keycaps utilizing the latter are usually higher-quality. They’re typically thicker, extra sturdy, deeper-sounding and fewer liable to creating a shiny or greasy end over time. Nonetheless, premium ABS keycaps do exist, so that is one other case the place what’s “greatest” partly comes down to non-public style. It’s possible you’ll favor an ABS keycap that feels easy over a PBT mannequin with a rougher texture.
Keycap units can be found in a number of totally different sizes and shapes. Some are completely uniform; many others are distinctly sculpted to satisfy your fingers in (ostensibly) extra pure positions. Which is most snug is one thing you’ll have to determine for your self. You possibly can take a look at keycaps.info to see what the most well-liked keycap profiles seem like.
Keyboard makers have a number of totally different strategies of printing the letters and symbols (aka “legends”) that go on a set of keycaps. The 2 most typical are often called double-shot and dye-sublimation. Double-shot caps are sometimes extra sturdy however value extra to supply — they’re made by molding one shade of plastic for the keycap round a second shade of plastic for the legend. “Dye-sub” caps, in distinction, use warmth to stain within the legends however are decently sturdy in their very own proper.
For keyboards with RGB backlighting, it is best if the legends to be “shine-through,” so these shade results are seen by means of the keycaps. We don’t assume it’s the tip of the world in the event that they aren’t — as you’ll see under — however the RGB received’t be as enjoyable in any other case.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers (or “stabs”) are little parts that go below massive keys just like the area bar or backspace to maintain them from rattling or wobbling when pressed. These are available in different types as properly. Many a good keyboard has been hindered by subpar stabilizers, so it’s value checking your greater keys first to make sure they aren’t distractingly shaky or uneven.
Mounting types and case high quality
A keyboard’s mounting type determines how its PCB and plate — i.e., a typical (however not common) layer that holds the keycaps in place above the PCB — are secured inside its case. This, too, is available in various types and might have a big impact on how the board feels and sounds. It’s additionally one thing that’s greatest defined visually, so we’ll level you to this excellent infographic from Thomas Baart as a substitute of working by means of each potential configuration right here. It’s laborious to say one mounting type is at all times higher than the others, however many fanatic boards today use some kind of gasket mount, which places a gasket materials on both aspect to separate the plate from the primary case. Performed properly, this will make typing really feel softer and bouncier than it will on a extra conventional, tray-mounted design.
No matter what’s happening below the hood, a great keyboard shouldn’t really feel low cost on the surface, both. Its case shouldn’t flex below strain or really feel hole as you’re clacking away. Larger-end fashions typically have instances made out of metallic or sturdier plastic — the previous might really feel extra premium however it’s sometimes heavier and pricier.
Customizations and software program
We centered on pre-built fashions right here, however that doesn’t imply customization isn’t essential. Experimenting with totally different switches and keycaps is half the enjoyable of this passion, in any case. For this information, we prioritized keyboards which are “hot-swappable,” which implies they allow you to simply take away and change switches with out having to desolder something. Completely connected switches could also be extra secure, however fixing a damaged hot-swappable change must be comparatively painless — and extra reasonably priced as well.
We additionally valued keyboards which are simple to program and customise by means of software program, whether or not it’s a manufacturer-specific app or fashionable open-source packages like VIA. Not everybody will undergo the difficulty to set macros, customise backlighting or remap keys, however it’s higher to have the choice in case your mindset adjustments down the highway.
It’s a plus if a keyboard works throughout a number of working methods, notably Home windows and macOS, simply in case you ever change allegiances. If the system comes with OS-specific keycaps you may pop on to make the expertise much less clunky, that’s even higher.
Connectivity
Wi-fi connectivity isn’t important with a tool that principally sits in your desk, however it’s at all times good to chop down on cables. Although wi-fi keyboards nonetheless value greater than wired ones, at the moment you will get one thing nice for lower than $100. When you do go wi-fi, search for a mannequin that may join over Bluetooth and a USB wi-fi dongle. The previous is handy for journey, whereas the latter can present a extra secure connection. For wired keyboards, you need a removable USB cable so that you don’t have to interchange your total system if the wire ever frays or breaks.
Backlight
Good backlighting will make any keyboard simpler to make use of at midnight. We gave bonus factors to keyboards with absolutely programmable RGB lights, as they are often notably enjoyable to mess with, however they don’t seem to be important. As famous above, the power of your backlight will probably be neutered in case your keycaps’ legends aren’t clear.
Rotary knob
Some mechanical keyboards come configured with a rotary knob, which usually controls quantity by default however will be custom-made to manage different inputs as properly. That is extra of a enjoyable bonus than anything, however we discovered it laborious to surrender on units with out one.
How we examined
To be clear, there isn’t one “greatest” mechanical keyboard for everybody. Sure, some are prone to be higher for most individuals than others; that’s what we got down to discover with this information. However in the end, that is a type of classes that’ll largely rely in your preferences.
It’s additionally value reiterating that we solely thought of pre-built fashions for this information. We nonetheless valued keyboards which are configurable with totally different switches, keycaps and different design tweaks upfront and simple to customise after buy. Nonetheless, we acknowledge that many individuals simply need to pay for a pleasant factor and luxuriate in it, with out having to do homework on how they will make it higher. If you wish to get hardcore afterward and begin constructing your personal customized keyboards, we’ve a whole separate guide for that.
With that stated, we began our analysis by studying a ton of evaluations from each professionals and on a regular basis customers, trawling fanatic boards alongside the best way. This helped us whittle down the units that had a shot of being a prime decide and have been available from respected manufacturers. From there, we used every keyboard as our every day driver for a number of days, typing up hundreds of phrases, enjoying PC video games and being attentive to the important thing elements famous above. We absolutely charged every wi-fi mannequin and monitored its battery drain to make sure it lined up with their marketed ranking. We additionally ensured any companion software program labored as meant.
It’s value holding in thoughts that new mechanical keyboards are popping out on a regular basis. It’s totally tough to get to all the things, however we’ll proceed to observe the market and replace this information as noteworthy boards arrive.
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 65 p.c (customary or Alice format), 75 p.c (customary or Alice), 80 p.c (examined), 96 p.c (customary or southpaw), one hundred pc | Switches: Gateron Jupiter Brown (examined), Pink, Banana | Scorching-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Aluminum | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software program: VIA
The Keychron Q Max is the sort of keyboard that makes you assume “rattling, it is a good keyboard.” Its high quality is instantly obvious: Its full aluminum case is cool to the contact and extremely sturdy, with out a trace of flex. Its PBT-coated keycaps are crisp and curved in a means that lightly hugs your fingertips. There’s a tactile quantity knob in-built. The Gateron Jupiter Brown switches in our check unit are neither too quick nor too stiff, with a delightfully bouncy really feel aided by a double gasket structure contained in the board. Mixed with a number of layers of inside foam, they make a poppy, marbly sound that’s simply pretty. It’s the sort of factor folks would exit of their technique to search for on YouTube.
The Q Max has practically all of the options we’d need out of a high-end mechanical keyboard. It connects reliably over a USB-C cable, a wi-fi dongle or Bluetooth; with the latter, it could possibly pair with three units directly. It’s suitable with each Home windows and macOS, with particular keys for each platforms within the field. Its change sockets are hot-swappable, so that you’re free to sub in new keys down the road. Apart from the Jupiter Browns, prebuilt fashions with linear Jupiter Pink and extra closely tactile Jupiter Banana switches are additionally accessible, and all of them come pre-lubed.
The system is absolutely programmable with the open-source QMK and VIA software program, which is out there through a browser and makes it easy sufficient to remap keys, assign macros and create distinct profiles. (You must add a keymap file from Keychron’s site to get VIA to acknowledge the system, annoyingly, however that’s a fast repair.) It additionally simply seems to be good: The fonts are clear, whereas the blended keycap colours are fashionable however not ostentatious.
We examined the tenkeyless mannequin, the Q3 Max, however the lineup consists of a number of different layouts and sizes. None of them come notably low cost, nonetheless. Our overview unit prices $214 for the “absolutely assembled” mannequin with a rotary knob, and the remaining are about the identical.
There are different potential hangups. The default keycaps are very tall, which can be off-putting to some and isn’t perfect for fast-paced gaming. They aren’t shine-through, both, so whereas there’s RGB backlighting, the impact is muted. The complete-metal case means this stuff are heavy — the Q3 Max suggestions the scales at 4 and a half kilos. They’re all on the thicker aspect, too, and there’s no flip-out toes on the again for peak changes. The heft goes a good distance towards making the Q Max really feel premium, however it additionally means they aren’t precisely travel-friendly. We additionally observed a slight rattle when hitting the ends of the area bar; it’s removed from extreme, however any nitpicks are value noting at this value.
Nonetheless, these shouldn’t be deal breakers. That is removed from the one information to advocate Keychron’s keyboards, however they’re fashionable for a motive: At their greatest, they’re dependable, well-built and powerful worth for cash. The Q Max is their greatest, delivering premium options, intensive customizability and a improbable typing really feel proper out of the field. The one common draw back with all Keychron keyboards is their short warranty, which solely lasts 12 months.
- Very good typing really feel and sound
- Premium aluminum case
- Crisp PBT keycaps
- Scorching-swappable
- Dependable wi-fi efficiency
- Tons of format choices
- Knob!
- A bit dear
- Keycaps aren’t shine-through and could also be too tall for some
- Heavy
- Slight rattling with some stabilizers
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 65 p.c, 75 p.c (customary or Alice format), 80 p.c (examined), 96 p.c, one hundred pc | Switches: Gateron Jupiter Brown (examined), Pink, Banana | Scorching-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software program: VIA
If our prime decide sounds interesting however simply too costly, check out the Keychron V Max. It’s one other line of wi-fi keyboards with related options because the Q Max sequence: Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz wi-fi connectivity, QMK and VIA assist, Home windows and macOS performance, easy and comparatively high-profile PBT keycaps, a agency quantity knob and the identical set of pre-lubed, hot-swappable Gateron Jupiter switches. It, too, makes use of a gasket mount and a number of layers of sound-deadening foam, although it’s not fairly as intensive as its higher-end sibling in both regard. Nonetheless, the Jupiter Brown switches in our overview unit are springy, tender and pleasing to the ear, with a mild pop to every press. Just like the Q Max lineup, the V Max sequence is out there in a spread of dimension choices, from the 65 p.c V2 Max to the full-size V6 Max. Every is constructed to be torn aside and customised as wanted.
There are perks that aren’t accessible on the Q Max, too. The V Max comes with two wi-fi dongles, one USB-A and one USB-C, and there are storage compartments for every in-built. A pair of flip-out toes, in the meantime, allow you to set the system at totally different incline angles.
All of that is accessible for a bit of below $100. The catch is that the case is totally plastic. It’s a lot lighter than the Q Max’s aluminum and it doesn’t actually flex, however it doesn’t really feel practically as premium. The stabilizers, whereas not unhealthy, are clearly worse out of the field as properly: Smacking the backspace or enter keys produces a faint however audible rattle, whereas the area bar is louder and extra hollow-sounding than all the things else. When you’re actually detail-obsessed, you’ll additionally discover a few of the legends on the bigger keys are barely uneven. And the keycaps nonetheless aren’t shine-through, so the RGB backlighting doesn’t come by means of clearly.
If you wish to save a bit of additional cash, the usual Keychron V Series can also be value contemplating. These are wired-only and use a extra conventional tray-mounted design, however they’re nonetheless snug and infrequently accessible for $10 to $20 much less. For most individuals who need to keep under triple digits, although, the V Max is a greater purchase.
- Sturdy worth
- Typing feels and sounds nice
- Scorching-swappable switches
- USB-C and USB-A wi-fi receivers
- Knob (once more)!
- Plastic
- Some rattle with bigger keys
- Keycaps neuter RGB backlight
Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 80 p.c | Switches: Keychron Brown (examined), Pink | Scorching-Swappable: No | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot ABS | Backlight: Pink (north-facing) | Software program: VIA
If you wish to spend as little cash as potential for a good mechanical keyboard, get the Keychron C3 Pro. It supplies an outstanding typing expertise for lower than $40, with options we don’t typically see at that value, together with pre-lubed switches, a gasket-mounted deck and a number of layers of inside foam. The tactile Keychron Brown switches in our check unit really feel full and satisfying, whereas the gaskets maintain bottoming out from being uncomfortably stiff. There’s a pleasing clack to every keystroke: not quiet, however not overly loud, with subsequent to not one of the pinging or aggressive rattling that plagues so many low cost keyboards. When you favor a lighter and quicker really feel, you may order the C3 Professional with linear Keychron Pink switches as properly. It additionally helps QMK and VIA; it’s a must to perform a little setup to get the latter to work, however most sub-$40 keyboards don’t provide this type of flexibility all.
Like all finances keyboards, the C3 Professional makes compromises. It’s not wi-fi, for one, and its removable USB-C cable feels a bit of low cost. Its double-shot ABS keycaps really feel slicker than the PBT materials utilized by our prime picks and can possible degrade quicker as years move. Its switches aren’t hot-swappable, both. Whereas it doesn’t come off as flimsy, it’s nonetheless manufactured from plastic, so that you’ll need to keep away from unintended knicks and bangs. Its keycaps are shine-through, however the backlight is barely accessible in pink, which looks funky at midnight. It’s additionally solely accessible in a tenkeyless form, although that must be agreeable sufficient for most individuals who can dwell with out a quantity pad. And whereas the design is a bit plain, a set of pink enter, area and escape keys lend it a smidge of aptitude.
- Cheap
- Super typing expertise for the cash
- Programmable with software program
- Shine-through keycaps
- ABS keycaps are a bit slick
- Pink backlight solely
- Wired solely
- Not hot-swappable
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Measurement(s): 60 p.c, 75 p.c (examined), 96 p.c | Switches: NuPhy Aloe, Cowberry, Wisteria, Moss; Gateron Low-Profile Pink 2.0, Brown 2.0, Blue 2.0 | Scorching-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Aluminum and plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software program: VIA
A low-profile mechanical keyboard mixes the flatter, extra compact form of a laptop computer keyboard with the deeper, extra tactile really feel of mechanical switches. If that’s what you’re after, take a look at the NuPhy Air V2 sequence. We examined the Air75 V2, a 75 p.c mannequin that begins at $120 (or $140 on Amazon), however smaller and bigger choices are additionally accessible. Every is impressively slim, mild and travel-friendly for its dimension. Their PBT keycaps are easy and spacious, and since the keys are so low to the floor, you don’t have to bend your wrists as a lot to achieve them. This type of design can really feel cramped at first, however it doesn’t take too lengthy to get the hold of, and the area it saves helps make up for any typos it causes early on.
You should purchase the Air V2 with a variety of tactile, clicky and linear change choices, all of that are factory-lubed and hot-swappable. Our check unit has the linear NuPhy Daisy switches, that are sufficiently mild, quick and never scratchy. Their decrease peak means they’re faster to backside out than our different picks, which might trigger some fatigue over time. However they nonetheless have a much more luxurious sense of journey and provides than any membrane keyboard.
Regardless of the skinny body, there are a pair layers of froth contained in the keyboard as properly. We nonetheless wouldn’t name the Air75 V2 quiet, however its clear, clacky tone isn’t distractingly noisy. Silicone pads below the area bar maintain that key from sounding too hole. Typically, the inventory stabilizers are glorious, so massive keys don’t undergo from any annoying rattling.
Like our prime picks, the Air V2 can join over a wi-fi dongle, Bluetooth or a removable USB-C cable. We skilled a number of connection hiccups whereas utilizing some wi-fi mice again when the keyboard was first launched, however post-launch firmware updates seem to have straightened these out. It’s one other system that’s customizable with QMK and VIA, and it really works throughout Home windows and macOS. Sadly, it additionally wastes its RGB backlighting by utilizing keycaps that aren’t translucent by default. NuPhy does allow you to configure the system with a shine-through keycap set, however that prices one other $19.
One potential concern is battery life: NuPhy charges it at as much as 220 hours with backlighting off however says it could possibly drop wherever between 35 and 57 hours with all the things on. However because it’s simple to hook up a cable and the default keycaps neuter the RGB anyway, this shouldn’t be an enormous deal for most individuals who aren’t frequent vacationers.
Perhaps one of the best factor in regards to the Air V2 is simply how cute it’s. Its rounded keycaps, trim aspect lights and accented enter key and area bar give it a playful air. These aspect lights are a slick technique to show caps lock and battery standing, whereas the case as a complete is made out of a cold aluminum that solely flexes in the event you push down laborious. The again is plastic, however it has a trendy clear end and two adjustable toes. It could look a bit of misplaced in a typical workplace, however hey, extra tech may stand to have a little bit of enjoyable.
- Slim, sturdy and engaging design
- Nice typing expertise
- Spacious, high-quality keycaps
- Configurable with a number of change choices
- Low-profile design can result in typos and fatigue, particularly for first-timers
- Inventory keycaps aren’t shine-through
Connectivity: USB-C | Measurement(s): 60 p.c | Switches: Gateron Lekker Linear60 | Scorching-Swappable: Sure | Materials: Plastic | Keycap materials: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (north or south-facing) | Software program: Wootility
Let’s be clear: Any keyboard is usually a gaming keyboard. Shopping for a factor that claims to be “for avid gamers” received’t magically cease you from getting destroyed in Name of Responsibility. However in the event you’re seeking to purchase a mechanical keyboard particularly for aggressive video video games, think about the Wooting 60HE+. It pairs a sturdy construct with a handful of options that may genuinely assist you to play higher, albeit in refined methods. We have beforehand advisable an older model of this system, the 60HE, in our gaming keyboard guide; the 60HE+ is a really minor revision that adds support for screw-in stabilizers however is in any other case an identical.
The massive factor that separates the 60HE+ from conventional gaming keyboards is its analog Gateron Lekker switches, which use magnetic Hall effect sensors and might reply to various ranges of strain. With these, you may regulate every key’s actuation level — i.e., the journey distance at which it registers — wherever between 0.1mm and 4mm. With a fast-paced shooter like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant, you might set the actuation of your WASD keys low and make them extra delicate to quick-twitch actions. Then whenever you’re performed, you might change to a better actuation and provides every keystroke a deeper and extra deliberate really feel.
One other characteristic known as “rapid trigger” removes the necessity for the switches to move again by means of a set reset level, so you may repeat keypresses quicker. This helps in moments the place even the tiniest delay can draw the road between success and failure — say, hitting a fast succession of notes in a rhythm sport, or strafing backwards and forwards throughout a shootout in a web-based FPS. Past that, you may tie a number of actions to 1 key based mostly on how far it’s pressed. As an example, you might flippantly press Ctrl to crouch, maintain it to go susceptible, then launch to shortly get up. There’s additionally an “analog mode” that successfully turns the 60HE+ right into a joystick-less Xbox controller. As a result of the keys are pressure-sensitive, this will work surprisingly properly for racing video games or flight sims whenever you don’t have a gamepad useful.
Do you want these tips to get pleasure from a sport? Completely not. However in the event you take your play considerably significantly, they really could make a distinction. If you realize what you’re doing, you may transfer simply that little bit extra fluidly and simplify advanced strings of instructions. It helps that Wooting’s web-based software makes establishing these customizations a breeze.
The 60HE+ isn’t the one analog mannequin with these superior gaming options, however it stands out for being a great keyboard in its personal proper. Its pre-lubed, linear-style switches are easy to press, whereas its PBT keycaps are pleasingly textured. A pair layers of inside foam stop keypresses from pinging or sounding distractingly loud. The compact case is strong, and bigger keys just like the area bar really feel secure. The per-key RGB backlighting is vivid, tidy and simply customizable as properly.
You shouldn’t purchase the 60HE+ over our prime picks if gaming is not your main concern, although. It’s wired-only and it lacks adjustable toes to boost its peak. Whereas it’s not outright loud, it sounds extra chattery and uneven than one thing just like the Keychron Q Max. It is also a $175 keyboard that is principally manufactured from plastic. Although it’s technically hot-swappable, it could possibly solely settle for sure Corridor impact change sorts. Some folks will at all times discover this mannequin’s 60 p.c to be too small, what with its lack of devoted arrow and performance keys. And we’d be remiss to not point out the extraordinarily gamer carrying strap included the field, which is emblazoned with the phrase “TAKE CONTROL.” It’s a bit a lot!
That stated, we favor smaller keyboards for gaming, as they depart extra room so that you can flail your mouse hand round your desk. When you do want an even bigger board, the Wooting Two HE is a full-size mannequin with related performance, whereas the upcoming Wooting 80HE can have a novel 80 p.c format when it turns into accessible in mid-2024. Maybe the most important concern with every Wooting keyboard is availability: Every mannequin is barely purchasable by means of the corporate’s web site and infrequently comes with delivery delays.
- Analog switches are quick and deeply versatile for gaming
- Simple-to-use software program
- Sturdily constructed
- Comfy for typing
- Clear RGB lighting
- Wired-only
- 60 p.c design is not for everybody
- Solely that can be purchased in batches
- Would not sound fairly as good as prime picks
Different mechanical keyboards we examined
Lofree Block
The wi-fi Lofree Block feels nice and has a enjoyable retro aesthetic that appears prefer it belongs subsequent to an outdated Mac. Its keys are splendidly easy to the contact and create a pleasant thocky tone. At $169, it’s a great center floor between the Keychron Q Max and V Max sequence in the event you dig the look. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have any software program for programming macros, it solely has a white backlight and it solely is available in a full-size format. Are these enormous points? No. However there are effective margins separating this stuff when you get to a sure level.
Lofree Circulation
It’s the same story with the Lofree Flow, a low-profile mannequin. Its full-POM switches are softer and noticeably quieter than the NuPhy Air V2, and its skinny aluminum case seems to be and feels high-quality. It might probably solely work wirelessly utilizing Bluetooth, although, and we observed a few connection hiccups in testing. There’s nonetheless no software program, both, plus its backlight is pretty weak. It additionally prices $40 or so greater than the Air75 V2. Nonetheless, it’s a terrific various.
Keychron Okay Max
The low-profile sequence has all of the requisite options and prices lower than the NuPhy Air75 V2 and Lofree Circulation. When you don’t just like the Air V2’s type and need a cheaper low-profile mannequin, it’s value a glance. That stated, the keycaps on NuPhy’s board really feel a bit higher-quality, and the tactile Gateron switches in our Okay Max unit sound thinner.
NZXT Perform 2 & Perform 2 MiniTKL
The complete-size NZXT Function 2 and tenkeyless NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL are completely strong gaming keyboards with quick optical switches, sturdy PBT keycaps, tasteful RGB lighting, sound-dampening foam and aluminum prime plates. They assist a good quantity of customization by means of NZXT’s CAM app, together with the flexibility to swap between two totally different common actuation settings. The stabilizers on bigger keys exhibit some rattle, although, and the Wooting 60HE+’s magnetic switches are much more versatile for not an excessive amount of further money.
MelGeek Modern97
With its enjoyable speckled shade scheme, gasket-mounted design and a number of foam layers, the is a strong worth at $139. The linear, pre-lubed Kailh Field Plastic switches in our unit are easy and enjoyably clacky, whereas the bigger keys are neither hole nor overly loud. The entire switches are hot-swappable, and the entire thing works over USB-C, Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle. Alas, its ABS keycaps begin to really feel slicker and greasier with prolonged use. This mannequin additionally has a 90 p.c format, which saves a bit of further desk area in comparison with a 96 p.c board however can result in extra unintended presses across the arrow keys.
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
The is a top quality gaming keyboard with mild optical switches, crisp shine-through keycaps, a sturdy body and an impressively muffled sound because of some inside foam. (When you purchase the mannequin with Razer’s linear optical switches, that’s; one other variant with clicky switches isn’t practically as quiet.) It’s typically accessible within the $100 vary, and at that value it’s a strong decide. It’s neither wi-fi nor hot-swappable, although, and its keys wobble greater than these on the Keychron V Max.
Razer Huntsman V3 Professional
The analog is a good various to the Wooting 60HE+ if the latter’s delivery delays develop into too nice. It’s accessible in a 60 p.c, TKL or full-size format, and it provides the same set of gaming options, together with an adjustable actuation vary and a fast set off setting for repeating keystrokes quicker. However its optical switches are noisier and extra hollow-feeling than Wooting’s Corridor impact setup, so it’s not as nice for typing.
SteelSeries Apex Professional TKL Wi-fi
We advocate the in our information to the , and it stays a good selection if you’d like the granular customizability of the Wooting 60HE+ in a wi-fi design. It additionally comes with a wrist relaxation, not like Wooting’s fashions. Its magnetic switches are considerably harsher-sounding, nonetheless, and its area bar is louder. SteelSeries’ companion software program is clunkier to navigate as properly. We haven’t examined the 60 p.c , however it ought to carry out equally.
G.Talent KM250
The $50 is the highest finances decide in our gaming keyboard information, and it’s nonetheless a greater purchase than the Keychron C3 Professional is gaming is your chief concern. In comparison with Keychron’s board, it provides hot-swappable switches, full RGB backlighting, PBT keycaps and a rotary knob in a smaller 65 p.c format. That stated, the C3 Professional’s fuller sound and springier keystrokes make it superior for typing, and its tenkeyless design must be extra snug for a wider swath of individuals. It’s sometimes accessible for $10 to $15 much less, too.
Logitech G Professional X TKL & G Professional X 60
The and 60 p.c are however far too costly for gaming keyboards that lack hot-swappable switches and the analog performance of opponents just like the Wooting 60HE+.
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi
The is a wi-fi 96 p.c keyboard that’s marketed towards avid gamers however ought to really feel nice to anybody. The pre-lubed, linear ROG NX Snow switches in our check unit are easy and quiet, whereas the PBT keycaps really feel secure and high-quality. The keycaps let the RGB backlight shine by means of cleanly, plus there’s a intelligent multi-function key that places varied lighting and media controls in a single place. ASUS’ Armoury Crate software program is sloppy, although, and the board’s total look could also be too gamer-y for some. At $180, it’s not low cost both. The prices $40 extra however will get you a extra premium (if heavier) all-aluminum chassis; right here, the housing is plastic.
ASUS ROG Azoth
The is sort of a 75 p.c model of the Strix Scope II 96 Wi-fi with a number of extra fanatic touches. Its gasket-mounted design offers keystrokes a barely softer touchdown, it has a programmable OLED show and it even features a change lubing package within the field. Just like the Strix, its {hardware} could be very clearly high-grade. However its software program is far more aggravating and, with a listing value of $250, it is a worse worth than the Keychron Q Max.
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
The isn’t unhealthy in a vacuum, however it lacks wi-fi performance and absolutely hot-swappable switches. It’s on the noisy aspect, too, and Corsair’s iCue software program is tough.
Corsair K70 Max
The complete-size is one other high-end gaming keyboard with magnetic Corridor impact sensors and Wooting-style options, however attempting to program these settings by means of Corsair’s iCue app gave us complications. The 60HE+ additionally feels higher for typing, with much less rattling on massive keys just like the area bar. Wooting’s HE keyboards assist a barely wider actuation vary on prime of that, plus they value $30 to $55 much less relying on dimension.
Razer Huntsman Mini
The is a effective worth if you’d like a no-frills 60 p.c keyboard for lower than $100, however it’s one other wired-only mannequin that isn’t actually hot-swappable.
Logitech G915 TKL
The is a wi-fi low-profile mannequin with a metallic body and useful media controls. The switches in our check unit are snug and never notably noisy. However the skinny ABS keycaps really feel means too low cost for one thing that prices $230, the keys themselves are a bit of too wobbly and the switches aren’t hot-swappable.