The Best Mechanical Keyboard Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
By definition, a “mechanical keyboard” is a keyboard that uses an individual spring and mechanical switch under each key. While older users may have fond memories of the classic buckling-spring switches on their IBM Model M warhorses, today’s mechanical keyboards come in dozens of different flavors, with a variety of key switches that suit just about every occasion and preference, whether you’re playing a hectic FPS, writing the next great American novel, or manipulating numbers in a spreadsheet.The springiness, the satisfying “click clack” with every key press…a mechanical keyboard should have it all, and we at PCMag want to help you find the one that’s right for you. We have a 40-plus-year track record of authoritatively testing PC gear and a strict dedication to independent and ethical journalism, so you can trust that our expertise, testing, and ethical code are the only things that inform the selection of each product recommendation below. Our favorite mechanical keyboard overall for most users is the Razer Pro Type Ultra, but we’ve included additional choices tailored to gaming, office use, budget buyers, ergonomics, and more. Below our picks, you’ll find a deep-dive guide to choosing the right board for you.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Razer Pro Type Ultra
Best Mechanical Keyboard Overall
Why We Picked ItYou might recognize the Razer Pro Type Ultra if you’ve checked out our best keyboard roundup, but there’s no denying the Razer Pro Type Ultra is an excellent pick for mechanical keyboard users and enthusiasts. The keyboard’s white paint job looks gorgeous on just about any 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.Who It’s ForFor just about anyone! If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that fits just about every use case, then you won’t go wrong with the Razer Pro Type Ultra. It’s a great crossover keyboard for folks who need to project a clean-looking professional desktop by day, and get down and dirty with gaming at night.
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
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
104
Interface
RF Wireless, Bluetooth
Key Switch Type
Razer Yellow (Low Volume Linear)
Key Backlighting
Single-Color
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
Detachable (Separate)
Learn More
Razer Pro Type Ultra Review
Montech MKey (Darkness)
Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard
Why We Picked ItWho says you have to spend top dollar for a mechanical keyboard? Montech might not be well-known in keyboard circles, but the company managed to deliver one of our favorite mechanical keyboards for less than $100. A sleek, full-size keyboard with hot-swappable keys and per-key RGB lighting makes the Montech MKey the perfect entry-level mechanical keyboard for those looking to dip their fingertips into the key-switch pool and see what the hype is all about. It’s also a cheap entry point for keyboard tinkerers who like to take keyboard customization into their own hands.Who It’s ForIf you’re looking for an entry-level mechanical keyboard or just a customizable keyboard on the affordable end of the spectrum, you won’t go wrong with the MKey.
PROS
Hot-swappable key switches (Gateron Browns installed)
Extra keycaps for customization
Striking color scheme
Per-key RGB lighting
Three typing angles
CONS
Can’t reprogram rotary knob
Subpar software utility
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
105
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Gateron G Pro 2.0 Brown
Key Backlighting
Multi-Color LED
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Montech MKey (Darkness) Review
Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
Why We Picked ItFrom the RGB to the macros and the hot-swappable key switches, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a compact board with tons of features, including some of our favorite mechanical key switches on a gaming keyboard. A quality build from top to bottom, the BlackWidow V4 comes pre-wrapped in a “tape mod,” which gives each button press a quiet and satisfying feel. Plus, the hot-swappable key switches are a perfect entry point for gamers interested in tweaking their keyboards beyond just custom macros.Who It’s ForFor hardcore gamers, streamers, or those who have the money to spend on a premium product, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% maximizes its compact footprint. If you’re in one or more of those camps, expect this Razer to deliver one of the best experiences you can get on a keyboard whether you’re typing or gaming.
PROS
Excellent typing feel
Hot-swappable key switches
Per-key RGB lighting
Compact footprint
Pre-wrapped in a “tempest” tape mod
CONS
Expensive
No USB passthrough
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
81
Interface
USB-C
Key Switch Type
Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Key Switch Gen-3
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Dedicated
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
Detachable (Magnetic)
Learn More
Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Review
Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
Why We Picked ItAlienware’s latest keyboard is one of its best. Though plain in name, the compact 75% Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is far from ordinary. Gorgeous RGB lighting and hot-swappable switches top off an excellent choice for serious gamers. With both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options, the keyboard can tap into accelerated polling rates to give you an edge on the virtual battlefield. The asking price of $200 may sting at first, but the ability to change out key switches whenever you feel like it makes the keyboard a worthy investment.Who It’s ForIf you’re on a budget, you can find mechanical keyboards for much cheaper than the Alienware Pro Keyboard’s asking price. But if you’ve got money to spend, few boards look as good or pack this kind of performance.
PROS
Sublime typing feel
Hot-swappable key switches
Best-in-class RGB lighting
Lightweight and compact
Excellent battery life
CONS
No wrist rest
Peak polling rate can’t top that of Razer competitor
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
83
Interface
USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
Key Switch Type
Alienware Linear Mechanical Switches
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard Review
Corsair K70 RGB Pro
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Esports
Why We Picked ItThe Corsair K70 shares a lot with the feature-rich K95 XT above, including its quality build and feature set. But what makes this keyboard a true “Pro” is its Cherry key switches (which come in MX Red, MX Blue, and MX Silver choices) and its tournament switch. The latter disables custom actions and macros to prevent accidental activation, changes the backlighting to a static single color to reduce distraction, and disables profiles or profile switching. All are features that are sure to put a smile on the faces of competitive players.Who It’s ForFor professional gamers or pros-to-be looking for a finely tuned keyboard that’ll serve them well on any battleground, the Corsair K70 delivers. It’s great for casuals, too!
PROS
Solidly built
Dedicated media keys
Volume roller
Detachable, braided USB cable
Per-key RGB backlighting
Up to 8,000Hz refresh rate
CONS
Expensive
“Hyper-polling” differences hard to detect
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
104
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Cherry MX Blue
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Dedicated
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
Detachable (Magnetic)
Learn More
Corsair K70 RGB Pro Review
Cherry KC 200 MX
Best Mechanical Keyboard for the Office
Why We Picked ItSure, your office computing setup probably has a basic keyboard already, but if you want to step up your productivity and comfort, the Cherry KC 200 MX is right for you. This full-size board comes with the newest line of Cherry key switches, the MX2A. The keyboard provides ample comfort when typing, but also offers a soft, satisfying click with every button press. Even better is its affordable sub-$100 price.Who It’s ForIf you’re looking for a new mechanical keyboard for the office and you want to dodge a premium asking price, the Cherry KC 200 MX might be right up your alley. You’ll be the envy of your co-workers with this effective, high-quality keyboard.
PROS
Relatively inexpensive for a full-size mechanical board
Eye-catching aesthetic
Excellent typing feel, thanks to new MX2A switches
Slim, lightweight build
CONS
Limited per-key customizability in Cherry Keys utility
Software is Windows-only
No key backlighting or special productivity features
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
108
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Cherry MX2A Silent Red
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
None
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Cherry KC 200 MX Review
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Macs
Why We Picked ItMac 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 currently available. 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 that is 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.Who It’s ForMac-friendly mechanical keyboards are rarer than those made for Windows PCs, but they do exist, and this one is the current cream of the crop. Mac users seeking a mechanical keyboard don’t have to look much further than the Satechi SM1 Slim.
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
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
84
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless
Key Switch Type
Low Profile Brown Switches
Key Backlighting
Single-Color
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard Review
Cloud Nine ErgoTKL
Best Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard
Why We Picked ItErgonomics are important for any board, whether you’re gaming or working on a spreadsheet, and the Cloud Nine ErgoTKL has quickly become one of our favorite split-design mechanical keyboards. Like many ergonomically minded models, the Cloud Nine splits the keyboard down the middle for added comfort and ideal wrist positioning. You can position the two halves apart at any relative angle to suit your desk and hand situation, and tilt the keyboard up to 7 degrees to limit stress on your hands and wrists. It takes some time to get used to, for sure, but your affected appendages will thank you once they get a load of the plush wrist rest, and the comfier layout positioning.Who It’s ForGreat for gaming or general productivity, the ErgoTKL split-keyboard design makes for an impressive ergonomic mechanical keyboard. The flexibility in positioning the halves is a key difference from split-layout models that have a single-body design.
PROS
Comfortable
Bright, varied RGB lighting
Additional USB passthrough included
Three mechanical key switches to choose from
CONS
Wrist rest requires installation
Split design takes some getting used to
Software is Windows-only
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
91
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Kailh Red Box
Key Backlighting
Multi-Color LED
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
USB
Palm Rest
Detachable (Separate)
Learn More
Cloud Nine ErgoTKL Review
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Why We Picked ItIt’s easy to see why the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless takes a spot among today’s top-tier enthusiast gaming keyboards. The Strix Scope offers excellent build quality, many customization options, and a stellar typing feel. ROG SuperNova wireless technology optimizes wireless data transfer to deliver less than a millisecond of latency. Couple that with incredible power efficiency: Asus claims you can enjoy up to 1,500 hours of play over a 2.4GHz connection (with RGB turned off). Finally, this board comes with satisfying ROG NX mechanical switches, and they’re hot-swappable, which means power users can mix and match to their hearts’ content.Who It’s ForIf you’re eager to cut the cord, the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is an easy recommendation. Expect a quality typing feel, rock-solid design, and plenty of battery life to ensure hours of cordless freedom.
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
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
99
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless
Key Switch Type
ROG NX Mechanical Switch
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
Detachable (Magnetic)
Learn More
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Review
Asus ROG Azoth
Best DIY/Customizable Mechanical Keyboard
Why We Picked ItWith a compact design and hot-swappable key switches, the ROG Azoth courts the hardest of hardcore keyboard junkies among us. But it’s Asus’ included starter tool kit for keyboard-switch tweakers that impresses us the most: You can pull key switches, swap them, and crack them open and lubricate them with the help of the bundled tools. The keyboard itself is luxury defined; you may not want to change a thing about it. Ultra-stable key switches with box stabilizers, plus per-key RGB lighting and an OLED panel, sweeten the deal. The Azoth comes at a hefty price, but considering the quality and ease of customization, it’s a no-brainer for those looking both for top-shelf components and an on-ramp to the growing keyboard-DIY world.Who It’s ForThe Asus ROG Azoth is an expensive keyboard, but enthusiasts looking for the best of the best for all their typing needs will love it. Hot-swappable switches are just the start of this excellent customizable model. You’ll get your money’s worth only if you’re an inveterate keyboard tweaker, but it’s a great platform if you’re in that scene, or hoping to break into it.
PROS
Highly compact footprint for the key count
Ultra-stable key switches with box stabilizers
Includes comprehensive starter tool kit for keyboard tweakers
OLED panel for adjusting media/volume or simple animations
Per-key RGB key backlighting
Hot-swappable
CONS
Pricey for a sawed-off keyboard
Delete-key placement less than optimal
Armoury Crate software is a heavy install
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
81
Interface
USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
Key Switch Type
Asus ROG NX Red
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Via integrated screen
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Asus ROG Azoth Review
One Plus Keyboard 81 Pro
Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
Why We Picked ItThe 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. Who It’s ForThe 81 Pro will thrill those who like to accessorize, and those who want to compartmentalize. It should appeal to shoppers looking for a compact board with just about everything they’d want from a full-size keyboard, but cut down.
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
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
81
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Winter Bonfire
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
One Plus Keyboard 81 Pro Review
Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard
Best 65% Mechanical Keyboard
Why We Picked ItSome folks don’t have the space for a full-size keyboard or would prefer to consolidate their shortcuts in as few keystrokes as possible. Whatever the reason, so-called “65%” keyboards trim the fat off the keyboard to just the basics—and nothing beats our favorite 65% keyboard, the Fnatic Streak65. It features comfortable, low-profile switches; dedicated macro buttons; and concave keycaps that help reduce the learning curve that comes from typing on a smaller board. If a smaller keyboard is what you want, the Streak65 is an optimal choice.Who It’s ForWith just enough room for additional macros, the Fnatic Streak65 is a great choice for gamers looking for a compact mechanical keyboard they can take just about anywhere (or fit on any crowded desk).
PROS
Compact, 60-percent design
Comfortable, low-profile switches
Four dedicated macro keys
Marked keycaps indicate essential function shortcuts
CONS
Limited customization options
Tightly packed keys
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
68
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Fnatic Speed
Key Backlighting
RGB Zonal
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard Review
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless
Best 60% Mechanical Keyboard
Why We Picked ItIf 65% mechanical keyboards are still too large for your typing pleasure, a 60% keyboard might be just what the doctor ordered, and we can’t help but prescribe the Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless. With a whopping 50 profiles via the iCue App, hot-swappable key switches, multiple wireless connections, and gorgeous RGB implementation, the lightweight K70 Pro Mini Wireless is an immediate winner. Who It’s ForThe Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is a perfect fit for gamers with extremely limited space desk space, or who are constantly on the go and want to keep an elite keyboard close by. Yes, the price is somewhat high, but with the tiniest form factor you can find in a keyboard, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless still packs a lot of function in a small package.
PROS
Excellent RGB implementation
Hot-swappable key switches
Included key cap and key switch puller
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options
Compact and lightweight
Can create up to 50 user profiles via Corsair iCue app
CONS
Expensive
8,000Hz polling maximum may be overkill
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
61
Interface
USB-C, Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Key Switch Type
Cherry MX Speed Silver
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless Review
Roccat Vulcan II Max
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Max RGB Lighting
Why We Picked ItThe gamer aesthetic of bright RGB lighting has become an almost mandatory addition to gaming gear, and for our money, the best-looking board if that’s your jam is the Roccat Vulcan II Max. A gorgeous display of rainbow lights from key to wrist rest, the Vulcan II Max pairs beauty with brains, featuring all the functions of a full-size board with additional customization options thanks to Roccat’s Easy-Shift+ technology. Its keycaps might not be for everyone, but its key switches are compatible with many third-party keycaps, so additional comfort is just one swap away.Who It’s ForFor streamers looking to illuminate their setup or gamers who appreciate a keyboard light show and extreme customizability, the Roccat Vulcan II Max merges function with flash, delivering productivity and aesthetics in one package.
PROS
Attractive design with gorgeous RGB lighting
Easy-Shift+ adds tons of functionality
Switches compatible with many third-party keycaps
CONS
Expensive
Keycaps could be more comfortable
No wireless connection options
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
104
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Titan II Optical
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Dedicated
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
Detachable (Separate)
Learn More
Roccat Vulcan II Max Review
Buying Guide: The Best Mechanical Keyboards for 2024
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…uh, 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.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
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, the thing that 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 connect 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.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Mechanical switches, by contrast, get rid of 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.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
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 frequently encountered mechanical key switches come from a company called Cherry Industrial. These “Cherry MX” switches come in a range of styles that offer different operation and feedback to better match with 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 different types of Cherry MX keys are named for colors. This rundown of the most common Cherry switches will help you better match what you need with 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 help keep confusion down. (So, for example, Cherry MX Blue switches, and Blue-“style” switches from other makers, both tend to be clicky.) 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 BlueA 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 a rather higher actuation force (50 centi-Newtons, or cN) 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 BlackWith 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.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Cherry MX RedSimilar to MX Black, 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 tend to be favored by gamers who play games that require fast-twitch actions. 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 or to trigger typos on a slightly stray stroke. Certain highly precise typists, though, will appreciate their light touch.Cherry MX BrownIf 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 what you get from the Red switch and, like it, the switch isn’t clicky, but it gives you the same typing-boosting tactile bump you get from 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 SilverMuch 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 as opposed to the 4mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Reds. Having to press down less of a distance contributes to these switches’ namesake trait: speed. As a result, the delay between pressing down a key and performing an action is kept to a minimum, making Speed Silvers a refreshed favorite for gamers.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Other Cherry MX SwitchesThe 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)?A number of companies make switches that either mimic or try to improve on the Cherry MX switch functionality. Some gaming-keyboard switches, for example, have shorter actuation points to register your keypress action more quickly. Razer, for one, recently developed a hybrid “Mecha-Membrane” variety that uses mechanical means to activate a silicone dome switch. We’ve seen this used in the likes of the Ornata Chroma, as well as in the Cynosa Chroma and its underglow-laden twin, the Cynosa Chroma Pro. But we’d consider these spinoffs as opposed to true mechanicals. (Cooler Master and SteelSeries have offered similar “hybrid” switches.)
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Razer also offers true mechanical switches, known as Razer Green (tactile and clicky), Razer Orange (tactile and silent), and Razer Yellow (linear and silent). Here’s where one vendor goes off the color rails: 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. You’ll want to try these before you buy as they are a world of their own.Logitech’s mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, have become increasingly popular for their homebrew Romer-G switches. These come in both Tactile and Linear flavors and are rated for a whopping 70 million keystrokes. Romer-G switches are outfitted with an actuation distance between that of the Cherry MX Reds and Silvers, and they require the same 45cN force to actuate. Furthermore, Logitech now posits GX Blue switches as an alternative to Cherry MX Blues.
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(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
None of these has become quite as popular or as widespread as the Cherry MX switches, though, so for the most part they’re not worth discussing in depth. If you come across a keyboard brand using an unfamiliar switch type, try to determine both its actuation force (explained above) and its actuation point (at which depth of the keypress what you type is registered). Compare these values with those of the Cherry switches, and you should get an idea of what you’re in for. Trying them in person is also recommended; we’ve tried imitation Blue, Brown, and other switches, and noted some subtle and not-so-subtle differences in feel from 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, and indeed, if you yank a keycap off a late-model mechanical keyboard and don’t see the word “Cherry” on the switch, “Kailh” is the next most likely branding you might see.One of the most unusual switches you can find is, in fact, a quintessential mechanical example. The buckling-spring switch was used in the now-legendary IBM Model M keyboards that made such an impact in the 1980s—some of which are still in use today. It can still be found in keyboards from Unicomp, the company that acquired the manufacturing rights to it. (The Unicomp Ultra Classic definitely lives up to its name.) Buckling-spring keyboards use a genuine spring to activate the switch; when it bends in the middle as you press it, it causes tactile and aural feedback (the latter from the spring hitting the sidewall of the switch enclosure). Keyboards using this style of switch are rare these days, but they’re prized for their unparalleled typing capability and psychological satisfaction.What Are the Major Features of Mechanical Keyboards to Look For?Their switches aside, 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 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 pushing separate buttons or using a Function key to access a secondary ability 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.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Look for convenience features such as a volume dial or roller. (Corsair is well 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” 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 60% keyboard guide for everything you need to know about the category.Mechanical keyboards can be particularly well suited to use with Macs. Many come with Mac-compatible configuration software, and you can even pop the keys off some models and replace them with Mac-specific keys such as Command and Option. Our roundup of the best keyboards for Macs gets into those details.So, Which Mechanical Keyboard Should I Buy?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, hardcore 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.
