Is your keyboard pushing your buttons? Perhaps it’s simply time for an upgrade? Whatever the case may be, the best mechanical keyboard is a must-have for PC gaming and office work. That’s because both activities require quick response times and quality switches that let you glide over the keyboard with ease. Fortunately, the best mechanical keyboards are loaded with ergonomic designs, tactile keycaps, and the latest switch technology.
This article takes you through the top mechanical keyboards on the market. We’ll take a look at options in all price ranges, and even help you find the perfect fit. Ready for action? Press on to find out more.
Top 10 Best Mechanical Keyboards
We’ve curated this list of the best mechanical keyboards to help you find your next favorite typing peripheral.
1. Durgod Taurus K320 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Our pick for best Cherry MX Blue keyboard
If you’re seeking a well-rounded and durable mechanical keyboard, look no further than the Durgod Taurus K20. This minimalist two-toned keyboard sports doubleshot PBT keycaps, universal compatibility, and an intuitive tenkeyless form factor. Although it’s new to the market, it’s quickly gained a reputation as one of the best TKL mechanical keyboards out there.
Snapshot:
- Size: 87-Key Tenkeyless Design
- Switches: Cherry MX Switches
- Features: PC & Mac compatibility, Zues Software, and multiple USB connectors
2. Logitech G513 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Our pick for best mechanical gaming keyboard
You can never go wrong with gaming gear by Logitech. The G513 follows suit, offering a high performance gaming peripheral that will have you winning matches left and right. Plus, it boasts a sexy design that includes brushed aircraft-grade aluminum and onboard illumination. Top it all off with Romer-G Switches for an unrivalled gaming masterpiece.
Snapshot:
- Size: 104-Key Full Size Design
- Switches: Romer-G Tactile Switches
- Features: Lightsync RGB Illumination, gaming tech, and built-in palmrest
3. Das 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard
Our pick for best mechanical keyboard for work
Heralded as the best mechanical keyboard for office work, the Das 4 Professional is for pros everywhere. Gear up for massive productivity or take to the competitive servers for kickass performance everywhere you need it. With a rugged aluminum frame, two USB 3.0 ports, multimedia controls, and more– you can expect an unrivalled typing experience.
Snapshot:
- Size: 104-Key Full Size Design
- Switches: Cherry MX Switches
- Features: Durable build, multiple USB ports, and onboard multimedia controls
4. Drevo Calibur Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Our pick for best compact mechanical keyboard
The Drevo Calibur is an ultra compact mechanical keyboard that’s perfect for gaming. Its small footprint offers quick access to your favorite hotkeys while its built-in wireless tech gives you the freedom to game as you please. Moreover, it boasts durable switches that feature full anti-ghosting and N-key rollover for those high pressure situations.
Snapshot:
- Size: 71-Key Compact Design
- Switches: Proprietary Mechanical Switches
- Features: Bluetooth connectivity, RGB illumination, and gaming tech
5. Filco Majestouch 2 Silent Mechanical Keyboard
Our pick for best silent mechanical keyboard
Are you a late night gamer? Maybe you can’t stand the noise of keyboard clicks and clacks? Whatever the case may be, the Filco Majestouch 2 is the best quiet mechanical keyboard for folks who need a softer typing experience. Designed to be whisper quiet, this keyboard features silent Cherry MX switches for convenient use at home or in the office. It’s also loaded with convenience-oriented tech for unbeatable ergonomics.
Snapshot:
- Size: 87-Key Tenkeyless Design
- Switches: Silent Cherry MX Switches
- Features: TKL design, N-key rollover, and wide OS compatibility
6. Corsair K63 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Our pick for best wireless mechanical keyboard
Not only is the Corsair K63 an exceptional wireless keyboard, it’s the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard for gaming– period. That’s because it’s chock full of the latest tech, including built-in macro storage, dynamic RGB illumination, and a USB passthrough port. Plus, it ships with a copy of Corsair ICUE for easy keyboard customization.
Snapshot:
- Size: 87-Key Tenkeyless Design
- Switches: Cherry MX Switches
- Features: Wireless technology, LED illumination, and built-in USB port
7. Topre Realforce Mechanical Keyboard
Our pick for best mechanical keyboard for programming
Made in Japan, the Topre Realforce is a programmer’s dream keyboard. That’s because it boasts a comfortable ergonomic design, PBT keycaps, and a soft tactile feel that responds to the slightest touch. Moreover, it comes with the Realforce Software Suite, which allows you to customize the board as you see fit.
Snapshot:
- Size: 104-Key Full Size Design
- Switches: Topre Variable Switches
- Features: PBT keycaps, key rollover, and ergonomic form factor
8. Razer Ornata Mecha-Membrane Keyboard
Our pick for best mechanical keyboard switches
How does the Razer Ornata Mecha-Membrane Keyboard work, exactly? Well, it features Razer’s proprietary combination of mechanical and membrane switches, which provide typists with the best of both typing experiences. It’s also one of our personal favorite keyboards thanks to its durable form factor, backlit keys, and magnetic wrist rest that snaps onto the base of the board.
Snapshot:
- Size: 104-Key Full Size Design
- Switches: Proprietary Mecha-Membrane Switches
- Features: Razer Synapse Lighting, rollover and anti-ghosting, and leatherette wrist rest
9. Tecware Phantom Mechanical Keyboard
Our pick for best RGB mechanical keyboard
The Tecware Phantom is an exceptional keyboard at an amazing price. It comes outfitted with the latest Outemu switches, which press like butter, as well as a handful of high-end specs that you rarely see in such affordable options. The best part? The keyboard sports a sleek black design and easy-to-program RGB light effects.
Snapshot:
- Size: 104-Key Full Size Design
- Switches: Outemu Switches
- Features: Brilliant RGB backlights, Fiberglass PCB construction, and doubleshot keycaps
10. Razer Huntsman Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Our pick for fastest mechanical keyboard
If you’re looking for the fastest mechanical keyboard on the market, you’ve found it! The Razer Huntsman Elite uses optical beam actuation to register your strokes at the speed of light. Moreover, the Huntsman features an array of extras including Razer Chroma lighting, programmable macros, dedicated media controls, and much more.
Snapshot:
- Size: 104-Key Full Size Design
- Switches: Opto-Mechanical Purple Switches
- Features: Optimal beam actuation, programmable macros, and dedicated media controls
What is a Mechanical Keyboard?
A mechanical keyboard is a typing device that’s outfitted with mechanical actuators, aka switches, to register keystrokes. In other words, mechanical keyboards use physical mechanisms underneath each key to communicate with the computer. This process results in super-fast keyboard-to-computer response times, as well as tactile and audible feedback for the user. For these reasons, they’re incredibly popular among gamers and heavy computer users who are looking for a convenient and ergonomic option.
How do Mechanical Keyboards Work?
Mechanical keyboards work like this:
- The user presses a key, which activates the switch housing
- A metal spring within the housing gets pressed down onto the conductive contacts below
- An electrical signal is sent from the metal contact to the computer’s motherboard
- The motherboard registers the stroke and communicates that to the on-screen program
Voila! Your command has been registered. This process has been used for decades due to its reliability and quick response times. Indeed, there are a number of benefits that come along with using a mechanical keyboard vs membrane keyboard.
Benefits of Mechanical Keyboards
There are several ways that a mechanical keyboard can boost your gaming or office work experience. That’s because they offer:
- Fast response times. Mechanical keyboards boast ultra fast response times that instantly transmit keystrokes to your computer. In addition, top mechanical keyboards feature key rollover and anti-ghosting tech to register even the slightest click.
- Ergonomic designs. From full sized 104-key boards with all the bells and whistles, to convenient tenkeyless wireless options, mechanical keyboards provide exceptional comfort and ergonomics.
- Great durability. The best mechanical keyboards are built with durability in mind. To that end, you’ll find solid metal designs w/ thick casings, industrial-grade finishes, and switches that register up to 100 million keystrokes.
- A competitive edge. Take control of the server as you use lightning fast response times, key rollover, and anti-ghosting to wipe out the enemy team. Conversely, use your enhanced word-per-minute rate to boost productivity.
Also note that each mechanical keyboard is unique, and the top brands offer loads of additional features depending on the model you choose.
Choosing the Best Mechanical Keyboard
There’s a lot that goes into picking the right keyboard model. You’ll need to consider:
- Size + Design
- Switches
- Additional Features
- Price
Are you a gamer seeking a full-size option with anti-ghosting tech and RGB LEDs? Perhaps you’re an entrepreneur set on one of the best wireless mechanical keyboards? Whatever the case may be, be sure to pick the right size and design to match your needs and ideal setup.
As far as the keys go, opt for Cherry MX and Romer G switches if you can. These are both considered best-in-class, and they’re used by top manufacturers in the industry. Remember to be on the lookout for bonus features like LEDs and USB ports, and find that sweet spot between specs and price to make the most of your budget.
Video: Razer Huntsman Elite Keyboard Review
If you’re looking for an innovative keyboard that packs everything you need for gaming, the Razer Huntsman Elite is it.
To give you a more in-depth look at its specs, we’ve pulled the following video by HardwareCanucks over on YouTube. He lists the pros, cons, and everything in between, so you can make an educated decision on your purchase. Check the video out below:
Related Reads
- Best Keyboard Wrist Rests
- Best Wireless Gaming Keyboards
- Best Keyboards for Typing
- Best Keyboard and Mouse Combos
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