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10 Best Mechanical Keyboards
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Buying Guide for the Best Mechanical Keyboards
Choosing the right mechanical keyboard can make your typing or gaming experience much more enjoyable and comfortable. Mechanical keyboards are known for their individual switches under each key, which give a distinct feel, sound, and durability compared to regular keyboards. To find the best fit, it’s helpful to understand the main characteristics that set different mechanical keyboards apart. Think about what you’ll mostly use the keyboard for, like typing, gaming, or both, and which qualities matter most to your experience.Switch TypeSwitch type refers to the mechanism under each key that determines how the key feels and sounds when pressed. This is important because it affects your comfort, speed, and satisfaction, especially over long periods. Switches usually fall into three main categories: tactile (providing a noticeable bump), clicky (bump and an audible click) and linear (smooth without a bump or click). Tactile switches are great if you like feeling when a key registers without much noise, clicky is for those who enjoy audible feedback and don’t mind the noise, and linear is smooth and quiet, often preferred by gamers for faster keypresses. You should try finding out what kind of feedback you prefer before making your choice—if you can, test a few types in person.
Keyboard Size/LayoutKeyboard size and layout refer to how many keys the keyboard has and how they are arranged. This matters for comfort, the space on your desk, and whether you need specific keys like a number pad. Full-size keyboards include every key including the number pad, function keys, and arrows. Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards drop the number pad for a more compact size, while compact layouts like 75%, 65%, or 60% eliminate further keys for portability. If you use the number pad often for work or data entry, a full-size is best. For more desk space or travel, a smaller layout may be more comfortable.
Keycap MaterialKeycap material affects how the keys feel and how long they last. The two common materials are ABS and PBT. ABS keycaps are smooth and less expensive but may develop a shine over time with heavy use. PBT keycaps are more textured, durable, and resist shine better, making them preferred by many users. If you care about longevity and a premium feel, look for PBT keycaps, but if you don’t mind replacing them later or want a smooth touch, ABS can also be suitable.
BacklightingBacklighting refers to the lights under the keys, which can be simple single-color or full RGB with customizable patterns and colors. This is important for visibility in low-light environments and can add to the keyboard’s look and feel. If you work or play at night, backlighting helps see the keys better. RGB lighting is more about aesthetics and customization. Choose based on whether you need lighting to see the keys or want to enhance the decor of your setup.
Build QualityBuild quality involves the materials and construction of both the keyboard’s frame and internal parts. This determines how sturdy and long-lasting the keyboard will be. Keyboards with metal or reinforced plastic frames feel solid and last longer, while cheaper models may flex or creak. If you plan to use your keyboard heavily or move it around, pick one known for solid construction.
ConnectivityConnectivity describes how the keyboard connects to your computer or device—either wired (USB) or wireless (Bluetooth or a USB dongle). Wired keyboards don’t need charging and usually offer the fastest and most reliable connection. Wireless keyboards provide a cleaner look and more flexibility but need recharging or batteries. If you want convenience and portability, wireless is good, but for gaming or uninterrupted work, wired is reliable.
Hot-Swappable SwitchesHot-swappable switches allow you to change the switches on your keyboard without soldering, making it easy to customize the feel or replace a faulty switch. This is important if you want to experiment with different switch types or think you’ll want to change your keyboard's feel in the future. If you like the idea of customizing and upgrading, get a hot-swappable keyboard; if you prefer to keep things simple, this feature may not be needed.