When it comes to typing and gaming, having a reliable and high-quality keyboard is essential. Mechanical keyboards have gained popularity for their durability, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best mechanical keyboard for your needs. In this article, we will explore some of the top mechanical keyboards on the market.
What I’m looking for
- Great typing and sound
- Readily available, fully assembled
- Customizability
- Mac and Windows compatibility
1. Keychron V1
The best wired keyboard for most people
The Keychron V1 is the best entry-level wired mechanical keyboard. It has hot-swappable switches, full remappability with VIA, great build quality, RGB backlighting, and double-shot PBT keycaps for under $100.
The Keychron V1 stands out as the top-tier choice for an entry-level wired mechanical keyboard. Priced at under $100, it combines hot-swappable switches, full remappability via VIA software, excellent build quality, vibrant RGB backlighting, and double-shot PBT keycaps.
Available for purchase on Amazon, this keyboard offers versatile connectivity through USB. Its keycaps are made of durable double-shot PBT material, and it features hot-swappable switches. The available sizes include 60 percent, 65 percent, 75 percent, TKL, 1800, full size, 65 percent Alice, and 75 percent Alice. It supports both ANSI and ISO layouts and offers switch options like K Pro Red, K Pro Blue, and K Pro Brown. The Keychron V1 showcases south-facing switches and has no specific battery size as it operates through a wired connection.
In the realm of entry-level wired keyboards, the Keychron V1 reigns supreme. With a starting price of $84 (often discounted even further), it competes with keyboards twice its price in terms of typing experience. The build quality is robust, providing a satisfying typing sound.
Despite its 75-percent layout, which removes the number pad and other keys for a compact, laptop-style feel, Keychron offers various V-series keyboards catering to different preferences. These include the tenkeyless V3, full-size V6, compact V2 (65 percent layout omitting the function row), and the ultra-compact V4 (60 percent design omitting arrow keys). Some V-Series models are also available in international layouts.
Surprisingly feature-packed for its affordable price, the V1 boasts hot-swappable switches with south-facing RGB backlighting. The switches and stabilizers deliver a smooth typing experience. Additionally, the keyboard is fully programmable using the VIA software, based on QMK, which is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. This software empowers users to customize everything from key assignments to advanced programming functionalities.
The Keychron V1 comes equipped with robust double-shot PBT keycaps, offering durability and a choice between Mac or Windows keycaps included in the package. A convenient switch on the back of the keyboard allows for instant layout switching. For an additional $10, you can opt for a version featuring a volume knob (as pictured), or you can choose a bare-bones version without keycaps or switches, saving $20. Our tested model featured Keychron’s tactile K Pro Brown switches, but alternatives like clicky and linear switches are also available.
For those prioritizing wireless functionality, Keychron recently introduced the Keychron V1 Max. This variant supports connectivity through either Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz USB dongle. The V1 Max boasts a premium-feeling gasket-mounted construction, enhancing the overall typing experience. Although the V1 Max was considered, the V1 was ultimately recommended for three key reasons. Firstly, the V1 has a lower starting price of $84, while the V1 Max starts at $94 due in part to the included volume knob and frequent discounts on the V1. Secondly, the wired V series, including the V1, offers a broader range of sizes and international layouts, increasing the likelihood of finding a model that suits individual preferences. Lastly, the availability of the V1 Max may improve in the future as supply increases and Keychron expands the V Max series to include more sizes. However, as of now, the V1 remains our top recommendation for most users.
2. Keychron Q1 Pro
The best premium Bluetooth keyboard
The Keychron Q1 Pro is a great premium keyboard, with a full aluminum chassis, gasket-mounted plate, and the flexibility of Bluetooth in addition to the hot-swappable switches and VIA compatibility of the more affordable V series.
The Keychron Q1 Pro offers versatile connectivity options, supporting both USB and Bluetooth. Its keycaps are made of double-shot PBT material, and the keyboard features hot-swappable switches. With a range of sizes, including 60 percent, 65 percent, 75 percent, TKL, 1800, full size, 65 percent Alice, 75 percent Alice, 1800 Alice, and 1800 Alice Southpaw, it caters to various preferences. The available layouts include ANSI and ISO, and users can choose from switch options like K Pro Red, K Pro Brown, and K Pro Banana. The battery size is 4,000mAh, and the switches are south-facing.
The Keychron Q1 Pro stands out as an excellent choice for those willing to invest more for wireless connectivity and a premium typing experience. Sharing similarities with the non-Pro Keychron Q1, it features a robust aluminum construction, a built-in volume dial, and an exceptional typing feel, all of which are fully customizable. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless connection to laptops, phones, or tablets, making it a notable upgrade from the V-series keyboards.
Compared to the wired Keychron Q1, the Q1 Pro is recommended, as it not only encompasses all the features of the wired version but also adds the flexibility of Bluetooth for a relatively modest $20 premium. For users who prioritize wireless functionality and desire an enhanced typing experience, the Q1 Pro is a compelling choice.
While the Q1 Pro can operate wirelessly for over a month with RGB lighting disabled, enabling the backlighting reduces the battery life to around a week. The Bluetooth connection is reliable, with no dropouts experienced during a month of testing. For those who don’t require wireless capabilities and are content with a slightly lesser typing feel, many of the Q1 Pro’s standout features are also available on the V1, V1 Max, and other Keychron V-series boards.
The Keychron Q1 Pro boasts several advantages over the V1 (though not the V1 Max), making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium typing experience. Its sturdy aluminum case and wireless connectivity are key features, but the standout advantage lies in its gasket-mounted construction, providing a more luxurious typing feel. This construction method, suspending the polycarbonate switch plate and PCB between gaskets, results in a keyboard with significant flex, offering a more satisfying typing sound compared to tray-mounted keyboards like the Keychron V series. Additionally, users can further customize the typing experience by opting for replacement switch plates made of different materials.
While the Q1 Pro excels in many aspects, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The battery life is optimal when the RGB lighting is turned off, and the keyboard is relatively heavy compared to some other wireless options, making it less ideal for on-the-go use. Moreover, the absence of a 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle option may be a drawback for those who prefer not to use Bluetooth. The recently released Q1 Max aims to address this issue, although it requires further evaluation.
Similar to the V series and the wired Q series, the Q Pro series is available in a diverse range of layouts. From the compact Q4 Pro to the full-size Q6 Pro, users can choose the size that best suits their preferences. With a variety of options available, unless you’re specifically looking for a niche layout like the 40 or 70 percent, you should find the perfect size within the Q Pro series.
3. Epomaker TH80
An affordable wireless 75 percent mechanical keyboard
The Epomaker TH80 is a well-equipped wireless mechanical keyboard. It’s customizable and feels good to type on while also being relatively affordable.
The Epomaker TH80 stands out as an affordable wireless mechanical keyboard with versatile connectivity options. It supports USB, Bluetooth, and includes a 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle for added flexibility. The keycaps are made of dye-sub PBT material, and the keyboard features hot-swappable switches. Available in 65 percent, 75 percent, and 96 percent sizes, it caters to various preferences. The supported layouts include ANSI and ISO, and users can choose from switch options like Gateron Pro Red, Gateron Pro Brown, Gateron Pro Black, Epomaker Budgerigar, Gateron Blue, and Gateron Pro Yellow. The battery size is 3,800mAh, and the switches are south-facing.
Priced at $99.99, the Epomaker TH80 offers an excellent typing experience, supporting Bluetooth connections for up to three different devices. It comes with a 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, providing an alternative to Bluetooth pairing. The package includes separate Mac-specific keycaps, and the keyboard is relatively light and portable compared to the Q1 Pro.
Epomaker has also released a Pro version called the TH80 Pro, maintaining the $99.99 price but featuring a slightly larger 4,000mAh battery and functionality improvements, such as automatic recognition of connection to a Mac or Windows computer.
The Epomaker TH80 lacks secondary functions printed on its keycaps, necessitating the use of the manual to reference these functions. Additionally, the keyboard features per-key RGB lighting with south-facing LEDs. However, keeping the backlighting on in wireless mode significantly impacts its battery life. In testing, two and a half days of Bluetooth use with maximum RGB lighting were achieved, compared to eight workdays with the backlight turned off before requiring a recharge. It’s worth noting that the more expensive Q1 Pro offers substantially better battery life.
While the TH80 comes in the favored 75 percent layout, Epomaker offers a larger version with a numpad as well as a smaller 65 percent model. For those on a tighter budget, the Royal Kludge RK84 provides a slightly cheaper alternative without compromising significantly on typing feel, although its software is Windows-only, and its layout is a bit more compact.
Another noteworthy option is the Iqunix L80 Cosmic Traveller, priced at $189. Although it comes at a higher cost and has a less easily remappable layout, it offers a phenomenal typing experience. Equipped with plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers devoid of any rattle, the L80 Cosmic Traveller provides up to 200 days of battery life over Bluetooth with the backlight turned off. It’s essential to consider that its loud color scheme may not appeal to everyone’s taste.
4. LTC Nimbleback
A more affordable wired 65 percent keyboard
Although it can’t match the typing feel of some of the more expensive keyboards on this list, the LTC Nimbleback is a feature-packed, affordable pick.
The LTC Nimbleback, priced at $55, offers remarkable value with its features compared to keyboards at higher price points. Available in 65 percent, 75 percent, and full-size layouts, it provides a cost-effective option. The keycaps material is not disclosed, but it features hot-swappable switches, supporting switch customization. Connectivity is through USB, and it supports ANSI layouts.
Despite its lower price, the LTC Nimbleback is equipped with shine-through RGB lighting and hot-swappable switches. Additionally, it includes a built-in USB hub with two USB Type-A ports for connecting additional accessories to your computer.
However, considering the price difference, the construction of the LTC Nimbleback is not as solid as the Keychron V1. Its typing experience may not match the premium feel of higher-priced options, as the switches feel slightly less smooth and more scratchy. There might be a slight rattle in the stabilizers on larger keys like the space bar, and the overall sound may be somewhat hollow. The keyboard is made of plastic, and its reprogrammability is limited to Windows with companion software.
Despite these limitations, the LTC Nimbleback holds its own in terms of typing feel against similarly priced competitors, such as the $60 Keychron K6. It stands out as a budget-friendly option that delivers good value for users seeking essential features at a lower cost.
The LTC Nimbleback is available with clicky, linear, or tactile switches (we had the latter). If the model listed here looks a little too small for your liking, there are also 75 percent and full-size versions available.
5. NuPhy Air75
A good low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard
With hot-swappable switches, the NuPhy Air75 is our pick for the best low-profile keyboard.
The NuPhy Air75 provides a unique option for those who desire the tactility of a mechanical keyboard with a flat design reminiscent of a traditional laptop keyboard. Priced at $110, it offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance. The keyboard is available in 65 percent, 75 percent, and 96 percent sizes and supports ANSI layouts. Keycaps are made of PBT dye-sub material, and the switches are hot-swappable.
Connectivity options include USB, Bluetooth, and a 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, offering flexibility in how you connect the keyboard to your device. The available switch options for the NuPhy Air75 are Gateron low-profile Red, Gateron low-profile Brown, and Gateron low-profile Blue. The battery size is 2,500mAh, and the switches are north-facing.
The NuPhy Air75 distinguishes itself by providing a flat design akin to a traditional laptop keyboard, making it an attractive choice for users who appreciate this style. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems and is available with various switch options, allowing users to choose the one that suits their typing preferences. Overall, the NuPhy Air75 offers a compelling combination of price and performance for those seeking a unique and tactile low-profile mechanical keyboard experience.
6. Kinesis Freestyle Pro
A split ergonomic option
The Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a great split keyboard option, which allows you to keep your arms in a more neutral position while typing. It’s not hot-swappable, but it has an easier to learn layout and more affordable price than other ergonomic options.
The Kinesis Freestyle Pro stands out as a niche option for those who prefer split keyboards, designed to allow users to type with their hands further apart, promoting a more neutral shoulder position. Priced at $179, it offers a relatively affordable alternative to other split keyboards that can often be exorbitantly priced.
The keyboard is available in a split design, promoting ergonomic typing. However, it does not feature hot-swappable switches, meaning users are limited to the Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX Silent Red switches that come with it, unless they are willing to engage in soldering. The lack of hot-swappability might limit the customization options compared to some other keyboards.
While the Kinesis Freestyle Pro may not have the flexibility of hot-swappable switches, its layout is closer to a traditional keyboard, which can be beneficial for users transitioning from a standard keyboard layout. This can help reduce the learning curve associated with adapting to ergonomic designs.
Considering the niche market for split keyboards and their varying price points, the Kinesis Freestyle Pro offers a more budget-friendly option while still providing ergonomic benefits for users seeking a split keyboard experience.
