The best mechanical keyboard for typing can vary based on personal preference, but generally, it should offer a comfortable typing experience with quality switches that match your typing style. Keyboards with tactile switches, such as Cherry MX Browns, are often recommended for typing because they provide tactile feedback without being too loud. Some popular keyboards among typists include those from brands like Keychron, Das Keyboard, and Leopold due to their build quality, reliability, and ergonomic design. It's also important to consider factors like key layout, build materials, connectivity options (wired or wireless), and additional features such as customizable keycaps or backlighting to enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on personal preferences regarding switch feel, keyboard aesthetics, and specific functional needs.
Best Mechanical Keyboards of February 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Corsair K70 RGB PRO Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (Cherry MX RGB Red Switches: Linear and Fast, 8,000Hz Hyper-Polling, PBT Double-Shot PRO Keycaps, Soft-Touch Palm Rest) QWERTY, NA - Black
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The Legend Continues: The K70 RGB PRO retains the iconic elements of the award-winning K70 RGB with a durable aluminum frame, CHERRY MX mechanical keyswitches, and per-key RGB backlighting.
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Powered by CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology: Enables a new level of K70 performance, processing and transmitting your inputs up to 8x faster than conventional gaming keyboards.
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100% CHERRY MX RGB Red Mechanical Keyswitches: Have a linear travel with a silky smooth keypress that's ideal for performance gamers, and are guaranteed for 100 million keystrokes.
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Polycarbonate Keycaps with Standard Bottom Row: Durable polycarbonate plastic keycaps with a standard bottom row layout that supports custom keycap sets.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard w/Smart Display & Knob, Top Mount 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard BT/2.4G/USB-C, Hot Swappable, Software Support, Creamy Sounding, 98 Keys
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Big Features on a Small Screen - Is there anything it can't display? Custom gif image, date. connection mode, WIN/MAC layout, battery status, etc.
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Knob Design- Adjust volume, connection mode, backlit brightness/speed, RGB mode/color, all it takes is just a twist or a click.
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BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C - Wireless keyboard with stable BT 5.0, hassle-free 2.4Ghz dongle plus USB-C wired mode set no limits about your keyboard connection.
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Gaming Friendly Top-Mount Design - Offers a superior tactile consistency, firm feeling, and better noice reducing creamy keyboard.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
AULA F75 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard,75% Gasket Hot Swappable Custom Keyboard,RGB Backlit,Pre-lubed Reaper Switches,Side Printed PBT Keycaps,2.4GHz/USB-C/BT5.0 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
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Tri-mode Connection Keyboard: AULA F75 Pro wireless mechanical keyboards work with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB wired connection, can connect up to five devices at the same time, and easily switch by shortcut keys or side button. F75 Pro computer keyboard is suitable for PC, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, PS, XBOX etc, to meet all the needs of users. In addition, the rechargeable keyboard is equipped with a 4000mAh large-capacity battery, which has long-lasting battery life
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Hot-swap Custom Keyboard: This custom mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable base supports 3-pin or 5-pin switches replacement. Even keyboard beginners can easily DIY there own keyboards without soldering issue. F75 Pro gaming keyboards equipped with pre-lubricated stabilizers and LEOBOG reaper switches, bring smooth typing feeling and pleasant creamy mechanical sound, provide fast response for exciting game
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Gasket Structure and PCB Single Key Slotting: This thocky heavy mechanical keyboard features a gasket structure, extended integrated silicone pad, and PCB single key slotting, better optimizes resilience and stability, making the hand feel softer and more elastic. Five layers of filling silencer fills the gap between the PCB, the positioning plate and the shaft,effectively counteracting the cavity noise sound of the shaft hitting the positioning plate, and providing a solid feel
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16.8 Million RGB Backlit: F75 Pro light up led keyboard features 16.8 million RGB lighting color. With 16 pre-set lighting effects to add a great atmosphere to the game. And supports 10 cool music rhythm lighting effects with driver. Lighting brightness and speed can be adjusted by the knob or the FN + key combination. You can select the single color effect as wish. And you can turn off the backlight if you do not need it
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
AULA F99 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard,Tri-Mode BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Hot Swappable Custom Keyboard,Pre-lubed Linear Switches,Gasket Structure,RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard for PC/Tablet/PS/Xbox
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Multi-Device Connection: AULA F99 wireless mechanical keyboard provides three connection methods, including BT5.0, 2.4GHz wireless mode, and USB wired mode. It can be connected to up to five devices at the same time, and switch between them easily by FN and key combination keys. No limits about your keyboard connection to meet the needs of work, gaming, and study
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Hot-swappable Custom Keyboard: The switches and keycaps can be freely replaced(keycap/switch puller are included in the package).This customizable keyboard with hot-swap PCB allows users to replace 3 pins/5 pins switches easily without soldering issue. F99 mechanical keyboards equipped with pre-lubed linear switches, bring smooth typing feeling and pleasant typing sound, provide fast response for exciting game
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Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: F99 is a premium mechanical keyboard for both work and game. With 16 RGB lighting effect to adds a great atmosphere to the game room. All keys support macro customization, which allows macro recording and editing, customize key function and 16.8 million light colors, and supports cool music rhythm lighting effects with driver. N-key rollover, keyboard can respond to multiple key presses at the same time, which is helpful in very exciting real-time games
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Logitech K845 Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard, Strong Adjustable Tilt Legs, Full Size, Aluminum Top Case, 104 Keys, USB Corded, Windows (TTC Brown Switches)
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An adjustable 4-8 degree tilt and slim front lets you type at a comfortable angle.
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Choose between Red, Blue, or Brown switches for the right level of sound and tactile key feedback.
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White backlighting in 5 patterns lets you be productive your way — even in the dark.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Logitech G413 SE Full-Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Backlit Keyboard with Tactile Mechanical Switches, Anti-Ghosting, Compatible with Windows, macOS - Black Aluminum
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Take your gaming skills to the next level: The Logitech G413 SE is a full-size keyboard with gaming-first features and the durability and performance necessary to compete
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PBT keycaps: Heat- and wear-resistant, this computer gaming keyboard features the most durable material used in keycap design
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Tactile mechanical switches: Uncompromising performance is always within reach with this wired gaming keyboard
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6-Key rollover anti-ghosting performance: Experience reliable key input with this anti-ghosting keyboard versus non-gaming mechanical keyboards
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FN key media controls: Twelve (12) function (FN) keys let you control volume, play and pause, skip track, mute, toggle lighting, Windows lock, etc
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Low Profile GL Clicky Key Switch, LIGHTSYNC RGB, Advanced LIGHTSPEED Wireless and Bluetooth Support - Clicky,Black
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LIGHTSPEED wireless delivers pro-grade performance with flexibility and freedom from cords. Creates a clean aesthetics for battlestations. Delivers 30 hours on a single full charge.
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LIGHTSYNC technology provides next-gen RGB lighting that synchronizes lighting with any content. Personalize each key or create custom animations from ~16.8M colors with Logitech G HUB software.
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Low Profile mechanical switches offers the speed, accuracy and performance of a mechanical switch at half the height. The GL Clicky switch features a distinctive sound and tactile feedback. Comes in 3 options: GL Tactile, GL Linear or GL Clicky.
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Beautifully crafted, the G915 uses aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to deliver incredibly thin but rigid and durable design.
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Enjoy 30 hours of game time on a single charge. Low battery warnings at 15 percent on the keyboard battery LED and via pop-up notification in the Logitech G HUB software. Quickly recharges in 3 hours.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Per-Key RGB Illumination – Aircraft Grade Aluminum Alloy Frame – OLED Smart Display (Hybrid Blue Switch)
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Hybrid mechanical gaming switches – The tactile click of a blue mechanical switch plus a smooth membrane
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OLED smart display – Customize with gifs, game info, discord messages, and more. OS-Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox, and PlayStation. USB port required
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Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame – Manufactured for unbreakable durability and sturdiness
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Dynamic per-key RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects for every key
What is the difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards?
Mechanical and membrane keyboards are two common types of keyboards that differ in their construction and the typing experience they provide. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Switch Mechanism:
Mechanical Keyboards: Each key has its own mechanical switch mechanism, which consists of several parts like the keycap, stem, and spring. When pressed, these switches register the keypress directly through physical contact.
Membrane Keyboards: Use a thin membrane with conductive traces that register keypresses when the top membrane layer is pushed into contact with the circuit layer below. They typically lack individual switch mechanisms for keys.
- Typing Feel and Feedback:
Mechanical Keyboards: Offer tactile feedback and, in some cases, an audible click, depending on the type of switch used (e.g., Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red). They allow for a more precise typing experience.
Membrane Keyboards: Usually provide a softer and quieter typing experience, with less tactile feedback. They have a “mushy” feel compared to mechanical keyboards.
- Durability:
Mechanical Keyboards: Generally more durable with a lifespan of 20 to 100 million keystrokes per switch, depending on the manufacturer and switch type.
Membrane Keyboards: Typically less durable, with a lifespan of around 5 to 10 million keystrokes.
- Customization:
Mechanical Keyboards: Often customizable with the ability to change keycaps, use different switch types, and add custom lighting.
Membrane Keyboards: Offer limited customization options.
- Cost:
Mechanical Keyboards: Tend to be more expensive due to the complexity and quality of the switch mechanisms.
Membrane Keyboards: Generally cheaper and more widely available, making them a cost-effective option.
- Noise Level:
Mechanical Keyboards: Can be noisier, especially with clicky switches, though there are quieter options (e.g., Cherry MX Silent).
Membrane Keyboards: Usually quieter overall.
The choice between mechanical and membrane keyboards often comes down to personal preference, usage scenario, and budget. Enthusiasts and gamers often prefer mechanical keyboards for their responsiveness and customization, while membrane keyboards may appeal to casual users due to their affordability and quieter operation.
What is a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard?
A hot-swappable mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that allows you to easily change out its mechanical switches without the need for soldering. In traditional mechanical keyboards, switches are soldered onto the circuit board, which makes replacing them more complicated and time-consuming. Hot-swappable keyboards have sockets on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that enable you to pull out switches and replace them by simply pressing a new set into place with no special tools required beyond a switch puller.
This feature is particularly advantageous for users who like to customize their keyboards with different types of switches to experiment with different tactile, auditory, and actuation characteristics. It also helps in quickly replacing faulty switches without having to send the keyboard in for repair or conducting a soldering operation. Hot-swappable keyboards have become popular in the custom keyboard community for these flexibility advantages.
What is the best budget mechanical keyboard for typing?
When seeking a budget mechanical keyboard for typing, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as switch type, build quality, and key layout. Here are a few recommendations that are often praised for their value and performance:
- Keychron K2: This is a wireless mechanical keyboard that is often recommended for both typing and general use. It offers a good build quality, hot-swappable switches, and a compact tenkeyless layout, making it versatile and portable.
- Redragon K552 Kumara: Known for its affordability and solid build, the K552 provides a satisfying typing experience with Outemu Blue switches, which are clicky and tactile. It also offers RGB lighting and a compact, tenkeyless design.
- Royal Kludge RK61: This 60% keyboard is compact, ideal if desk space is a priority. It offers wireless and wired connectivity, RGB lighting, and comes with different switch options, making it customizable for typing preferences.
- Anne Pro 2: While slightly more expensive than some other budget options, the Anne Pro 2 is often praised for its build quality, customizable RGB lighting, and excellent wireless connectivity. It also features a compact 60% layout and a range of switch options.
- Tecware Phantom: This keyboard offers a solid construction with customizable RGB lighting, a tenkeyless layout, and Outemu switches that provide a good balance between tactile feedback and noise.
When selecting a keyboard, consider which switch type feels best for your typing style. Many budget options offer a variety of switches, from clicky to linear or tactile, so you can find one that suits your preference. Additionally, features like backlighting, wireless connectivity, and compact design might influence your choice depending on your specific needs.
What is the advantage of customizable backlighting in mechanical keyboards?
Customizable backlighting in mechanical keyboards offers several advantages:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Users can personalize their keyboard's appearance to match their taste, mood, or setup, creating a visually pleasing environment.
- Improved Visibility: Backlighting can enhance key visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier to type or play games without straining your eyes or needing external light sources.
- Enhanced Functionality: Customizable lighting allows for highlighting specific keys, which is particularly useful in gaming environments where certain keys are used frequently. This helps users quickly locate and press the necessary keys without distraction.
- Profile Management: Many keyboards with customizable backlighting allow users to create and switch between lighting profiles. This can be beneficial for using different setups for gaming, work, or other activities.
- Feedback and Notification: Some keyboards integrate backlighting with software to provide visual feedback or notifications, such as indicating when the computer is muted or caps lock is on.
- Ergonomics: By reducing eye strain in dimly-lit conditions, customizable backlighting can contribute to a more comfortable typing or gaming experience.
Overall, customizable backlighting enhances both the functional and aesthetic aspects of using a mechanical keyboard.
