{"id":29808,"date":"2023-08-04T15:19:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-04T15:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/04\/the-best-mechanical-keyboards-to-buy-right-now\/"},"modified":"2023-08-04T15:19:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T15:19:00","slug":"the-best-mechanical-keyboards-to-buy-right-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/04\/the-best-mechanical-keyboards-to-buy-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"The best mechanical keyboards to buy right now"},"content":{"rendered":"


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It\u2019s hard to beat the tactility, durability, or good looks of a mechanical keyboard, but there are a lot of options out there, and not all of them are created equal. Here are our top picks, including both wired and wireless models ranging from compact keyboards with laptop-style layouts to full-size keyboards complete with numpads \u2014 from budget to\u2026 not so budget.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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While there\u2019s nothing wrong with more typical membrane keyboards like Apple\u2019s popular Magic-branded devices<\/a>, many prefer mechanical keyboards for their more tactile typing feel and superior durability. There\u2019s also a sizable enthusiast community of people who like to modify and customize them to get their look and feel just right, which means they can be a fun hobby as well as a simple PC accessory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Most of the keyboards below use a 75 percent layout, which is a compact form factor that maintains a function row and arrow key cluster, like most laptop keyboards. It\u2019s a great place to start unless you really want an attached number pad or know you prefer a different layout. Nearly all of our recommendations also come in other layouts, which we\u2019ve linked where possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What I\u2019m looking for<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n

Great typing and sound<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
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Given a primary reason for buying a mechanical keyboard is how it feels and sounds to type on, this was obviously a primary concern when putting together this list. This also encompasses the quality of the keyboard\u2019s stabilizers, the mechanism that stops longer keys like the space bar from rattling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Readily available, fully assembled<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
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For this list, we limited our recommendations to readily available, fully assembled keyboards. That rules out any that you need to assemble yourself or that are only available in group buys or limited-edition runs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Customizability<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
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With one exception, we prioritized keyboards that offer hot-swappable switches<\/a> so you can easily replace them if they break or you just fancy a change in typing feel. Being able to customize a keyboard\u2019s layout and RGB lighting is also important.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mac and Windows compatibility <\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
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Good cross-compatibility between Windows and Mac is beneficial, such as by offering keycap legends for either OS or being able to easily swap layouts with a switch or shortcut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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While any keyboard can be used for gaming, this guide focuses on the best keyboards for typing and general office work, so input latency and responsiveness weren\u2019t major deciding factors. If you\u2019re after a keyboard specifically for gaming, check out our guide to the best gaming keyboards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A brief introduction to key keyboard terms<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
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Switches<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 the component that registers each keypress. Available in many different varieties, which roughly break down into three categories:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Clicky switches \u2014\u00a0<\/em>these make a big audible \u201cclick\u201d sound when you press them. The most famous example is the Cherry MX Blue switch, so these are sometimes referred to as Blue switches. They are often recommended as the best switch for typists but have the disadvantage of being the loudest switch type.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tactile switches \u2014\u00a0<\/em>also known as Brown switches after Cherry MX Brown, these switches have a small bump you can feel as you press them. A nice halfway option.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Linear switches \u2014\u00a0<\/em>aka Red switches, linear switches have no bump or click. They just feel completely smooth. They\u2019re generally recommended as a gaming switch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Hot-swappable switches<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 switches that can be removed with a simple pulling tool without desoldering. They\u2019re ideal if you want to change a keyboard\u2019s feel without replacing the whole thing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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QMK<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 an open-source keyboard firmware that\u2019s powerful and customizable but a little unintuitive for beginners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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VIA<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 a slickly designed app to configure keyboards running QMK firmware.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Keycap profile<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 describes the shape of a set of keycaps. Cherry is a popular option that looks very traditional. Other options include MT3, DCX, and MDA. Here\u2019s a\u00a0handy site<\/a>\u00a0that compares the popular designs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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North-facing switches<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 when a keyboard\u2019s switches are oriented with the LED cutout toward the back, which better illuminates shine-through legends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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South-facing switches<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 when a keyboard\u2019s switches have the LED cutout at the front to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The best wired keyboard for most people<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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