Quick Overview<\/p>\n
Keychron Q Max<\/h3>\nBest mechanical keyboard overall<\/h4>\n
$189+ at Keychron<\/u><\/a> $74+ at Keychron<\/u><\/a> $37 at Amazon<\/u><\/a> $140 at Amazon<\/u><\/a> $175 at Wooting<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n The first thing to decide with any keyboard is what size and layout you want. Full-size layouts have all the keys you\u2019d ever need \u2014 a number pad, a full function row, arrow keys, etc. \u2014 but they also have the largest physical footprint. A 96-percent or \u201c1800\u201d keyboard is similar, but crunches the navigation cluster (Page Up, Home, etc.), numpad and arrow keys closer together to save space. Tenkeyless (TKL) or 80-percent keyboards omit the number pad entirely; they’re often considered the best blend of size and functionality. 75-percent keyboards keep almost all of the buttons of a TKL model but further reduce any \u201cdead\u201d space between them \u2014 think of them like the TKL versions of a 96 percent layout.<\/p>\n It gets more and more minimal from there. The smallest popular layout is the 60 percent keyboard, which removes the arrow keys, function row, numpad and navigation cluster. This kind of design can be particularly useful for gaming, as it opens up a ton of desk space to swing your mouse around. It typically relies on shortcuts to make up for its missing keys, but it comes with a learning curve as a result.<\/p>\n Even more compact options exist beyond that. These can be adorable, but they usually involve removing the number row, which is a step too far for most people. There are all sorts of ergonomic keyboards that utilize different shapes to improve your wrist and arm comfort as well, but we have a separate guide for those<\/a>.<\/p>\n No component has more of an impact on how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds than the switches beneath its keycaps. The market for these tiny mechanisms is vast and complex but, to keep it simple, you can separate them into three types: linear, tactile and clicky. Which you prefer ultimately comes down to personal preference, so we encourage you to go to a store, try out a friend\u2019s keyboard and test switches out to determine what you like best.<\/p>\n Linear switches feel smooth and consistent all the way down. Many PC gamers prefer them because they\u2019re often light and fast to actuate, so they can register inputs quickly. They tend to be quieter than other switch types as well, but some may find them too sensitive.<\/p>\n Tactile switches create a noticeable \u201cbump\u201d partway through a press. They generally aren\u2019t as fast as their linear counterparts, but many (including yours truly) enjoy the tangible sense of feedback they provide with each keystroke. This bit of resistance can make it a little easier to avoid typos, too. Many tactile switches are neither outright quiet nor disruptively loud.<\/p>\n Clicky switches are, well, clicky. They work similarly to tactile switches but use an extra mechanism that makes a sharp click sound when pressed. The exact design of that mechanism can differ depending on the switch. Some people love the audible feedback of clicky switches. The people who work or live with them? Probably not so much.<\/p>\n Remember: These are general buckets. Within them lies an enormous variety of switches with differing actuation points, weights, springs, bump sensations and more. One linear, tactile, or clicky switch can feel and sound noticeably different than another.<\/p>\n There are more dramatic variations as well. Low-profile switches, for one, can be linear, tactile or clicky but aren\u2019t as tall and have a shorter travel distance. They allow for flatter and more compact designs, with keys that are fast to press but also easy to bottom out.<\/p>\n Optical and Hall effect<\/a> switches rely on different mechanisms entirely. Instead of a physical contact point, the former uses a beam of infrared light to register keystrokes, while the latter uses tiny magnets. Both commonly have a linear feel. They can also enable a few gaming-friendly features: You could set custom actuation points and make any key more or less sensitive, map multiple actions to one keystroke or even use an \u201canalog mode\u201d that emulates gamepad controls. These are niche tricks, but they can make a difference for competitive-minded players. Boards that use these \u201canalog\u201d switches are frequently more expensive and less customizable than traditional mechanical options, though.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t stop at switch types: Manufacturers (and you!) can make several other tweaks to shape how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds. Some have layers of different foam inside their case to tamp down noise, for instance. Some have switches that are lubricated<\/a> out of the box to provide a smoother feel and more muted sound. A few others put plastic, rubber or foam \u201cfilms<\/a>\u201d between the upper and bottom housing of a switch to keep it from wobbling and further tune its acoustics. Or they stick a layer of tape on their printed circuit board (PCB) to absorb higher-pitched sounds. We think most people will find that some well-applied foam and lubing makes things feel nicer, though this is another matter that comes down to taste.<\/p>\n Keycaps play a huge role in defining a keyboard\u2019s character. First off, they should look nice! There\u2019s a huge market for third-party keycaps in all different styles, from the playful to the professional to the proudly impractical<\/a>. The majority of mechanical keyboards make it easy to swap in new keycaps, so it\u2019s usually not a huge deal if you ever get bored with your device’s stock set.<\/p>\n Most keycaps are made from one of two types of plastic: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Keycaps using the latter tend to be higher-quality. They’re often thicker, more durable, deeper-sounding and less prone to developing a shiny or greasy finish over time. Still, premium ABS keycaps do exist, so this is another case where what\u2019s \u201cbest\u201d partly comes down to personal taste. You may prefer an ABS keycap that feels smooth over a PBT model with a rougher texture.<\/p>\n Keycap sets are available in several different shapes and sizes. Some are totally uniform; many others are distinctly sculpted to meet your fingers in (ostensibly) more natural positions. Which is most comfortable is something you\u2019ll have to figure out for yourself. You can check out keycaps.info<\/a> to see what the most popular keycap profiles look like.<\/p>\n Keyboard makers have several different methods of printing the letters and symbols (aka \u201clegends\u201d) that go on a set of keycaps. The two most common are known as double-shot<\/a> and dye-sublimation<\/a>. Double-shot caps are typically more durable but cost more to produce \u2014 they\u2019re made by molding one color of plastic for the keycap around a second color of plastic for the legend. \u201cDye-sub\u201d caps, in contrast, use heat to stain in the legends but are decently durable in their own right.<\/p>\n For keyboards with RGB backlighting, it’s best if the legends to be \u201cshine-through,\u201d so those color effects are visible through the keycaps. We don\u2019t think it\u2019s the end of the world if they aren\u2019t \u2014 as you\u2019ll see below \u2014 but the RGB won\u2019t be as fun otherwise.<\/p>\n Stabilizers (or \u201cstabs\u201d) are little components that go under large keys like the space bar or backspace to keep them from rattling or wobbling when pressed. These come in different types<\/a> as well. Many a decent keyboard has been hindered by subpar stabilizers, so it\u2019s worth checking your bigger keys first to ensure they aren\u2019t distractingly shaky or uneven.<\/p>\n A keyboard\u2019s mounting style determines how its PCB and plate<\/a> \u2014 i.e., a common (but not universal) layer that holds the keycaps in place above the PCB \u2014 are secured within its case. This, too, comes in varying styles and can have a significant effect on how the board feels and sounds. It\u2019s also something that\u2019s best explained visually, so we\u2019ll point you to this excellent infographic<\/a> from Thomas Baart instead of running through every possible configuration here. It\u2019s hard to say one mounting style is always better than the others, but many enthusiast boards these days use some sort of gasket mount, which puts a gasket material on either side to separate the plate from the main case. Done well, this can make typing feel softer and bouncier than it would on a more traditional, tray-mounted design.<\/p>\n Regardless of what\u2019s going on under the hood, a good keyboard shouldn\u2019t feel cheap on the outside, either. Its case shouldn\u2019t flex under pressure or feel hollow as you\u2019re clacking away. Higher-end models often have cases made from metal or sturdier plastic \u2014 the former may feel more premium but it\u2019s typically heavier and pricier.<\/p>\n We focused on pre-built models here, but that doesn\u2019t mean customization isn\u2019t important. Experimenting with different switches and keycaps is half the fun of this hobby, after all. For this guide, we prioritized keyboards that are \u201chot-swappable,\u201d which means they let you easily remove and replace switches without having to desolder anything. Permanently attached switches may be more stable, but fixing a broken hot-swappable switch should be relatively painless \u2014 and more affordable to boot.<\/p>\n We also valued keyboards that are easy to program and customize through software, whether it\u2019s a manufacturer-specific app or popular open-source programs like VIA<\/a>. Not everyone will go through the trouble to set macros, customize backlighting or remap keys, but it\u2019s better to have the option if your mindset changes down the road.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a plus if a keyboard works across multiple operating systems, particularly Windows and macOS, just in case you ever switch allegiances. If the device comes with OS-specific keycaps you can pop on to make the experience less clunky, that\u2019s even better.<\/p>\n Wireless connectivity isn\u2019t essential with a device that mostly sits on your desk, but it\u2019s always nice to cut down on cables. Though wireless keyboards still cost more than wired ones, today you can get something great for less than $100. If you do go wireless, look for a model that can connect over Bluetooth and a USB wireless dongle. The former is convenient for travel, while the latter can provide a more stable connection. For wired keyboards, you want a detachable USB cable so you don\u2019t have to replace your entire device if the cord ever frays or breaks.<\/p>\n Good backlighting will make any keyboard easier to use in the dark. We gave bonus points to keyboards with fully programmable RGB lights, as they can be particularly fun to mess with, but they’re not essential. As noted above, the strength of your backlight will be neutered if your keycaps\u2019 legends aren\u2019t transparent.<\/p>\n Some mechanical keyboards come configured with a rotary knob, which typically controls volume by default but can be customized to control other inputs as well. This is more of a fun bonus than anything else, but we found it hard to give up on devices without one.<\/p>\n To be clear, there isn\u2019t one \u201cbest\u201d mechanical keyboard for everyone. Yes, some are likely to be better for most people than others; that\u2019s what we set out to find with this guide. But ultimately, this is one of those categories that\u2019ll largely depend on your personal tastes.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth reiterating that we only considered pre-built models for this guide. We still valued keyboards that are configurable with different switches, keycaps and other design tweaks upfront and easy to customize after purchase. However, we recognize that many people just want to pay for a nice thing and enjoy it, without having to do homework on how they can make it better. If you want to get hardcore later on and start building your own custom keyboards, we have a whole separate guide<\/a> for that.<\/p>\n With that said, we started our research by reading a ton of reviews from both professionals and everyday users, trawling enthusiast forums along the way. This helped us whittle down the devices that had a shot of being a top pick and were readily available from reputable brands. From there, we used each keyboard as our daily driver for a few days, typing up thousands of words, playing PC games and paying attention to the key aspects noted above. We fully charged each wireless model and monitored its battery drain to ensure it lined up with their advertised rating. We also ensured any companion software worked as intended.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth keeping in mind that new mechanical keyboards are coming out all the time. It’s very difficult to get to everything, but we’ll continue to monitor the market and update this guide as noteworthy boards arrive.<\/p>\n Connectivity<\/strong>: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C | Size(s)<\/strong>: 65 percent (standard or Alice layout), 75 percent (standard or Alice), 80 percent (tested), 96 percent (standard or southpaw), 100 percent | Switches<\/strong>: Gateron Jupiter Brown (tested), Red, Banana | Hot-Swappable<\/strong>: Yes | Material<\/strong>: Aluminum | Keycap material<\/strong>: Double-shot PBT | Backlight<\/strong>: RGB (south-facing) | Software<\/strong>: VIA<\/p>\n The Keychron Q Max<\/a> is the kind of keyboard that makes you think \u201cdamn, this is a nice keyboard<\/em>.\u201d Its quality is immediately apparent: Its full aluminum case is cool to the touch and incredibly sturdy, without a hint of flex. Its PBT-coated keycaps are crisp and curved in a way that gently hugs your fingertips. There\u2019s a tactile volume knob built in. The Gateron Jupiter Brown switches in our test unit are neither too fast nor too stiff, with a delightfully bouncy feel aided by a double gasket structure<\/a> inside the board. Combined with several layers of internal foam, they make a poppy, marbly sound that\u2019s just lovely. It\u2019s the kind of thing people would go out of their way to look up on YouTube.<\/p>\n The Q Max has nearly all the features we\u2019d want out of a high-end mechanical keyboard. It connects reliably over a USB-C cable, a wireless dongle or Bluetooth; with the latter, it can pair with three devices at once. It\u2019s compatible with both Windows and macOS, with special keys for both platforms in the box. Its switch sockets are hot-swappable, so you\u2019re free to sub in new keys down the line. Besides the Jupiter Browns, prebuilt models with linear Jupiter Red and more heavily tactile Jupiter Banana switches are also available, and all of them come pre-lubed.<\/p>\n The device is fully programmable with the open-source QMK and VIA software, which is available through a browser<\/a> and makes it simple enough to remap keys, assign macros and create distinct profiles. (You have to upload a keymap file from Keychron\u2019s site<\/a> to get VIA to recognize the device, annoyingly, but that\u2019s a quick fix.) It also just looks nice: The fonts are clean, while the mixed keycap colors are stylish but not ostentatious.<\/p>\n We tested the tenkeyless model, the Q3 Max, but the lineup includes several other layouts and sizes. None of them come particularly cheap, however. Our review unit costs $214 for the \u201cfully assembled\u201d model with a rotary knob, and the rest are about the same.<\/p>\n There are other potential hangups. The default keycaps are very tall, which may be off-putting to some and isn\u2019t ideal for fast-paced gaming. They aren\u2019t shine-through, either, so while there is RGB backlighting, the effect is muted. The full-metal case means these things are heavy \u2014 the Q3 Max tips the scales at four and a half pounds. They\u2019re all on the thicker side, too, and there\u2019s no flip-out feet on the back for height adjustments. The heft goes a long way toward making the Q Max feel premium, but it also means they aren\u2019t exactly travel-friendly. We also noticed a slight rattle when hitting the ends of the space bar; it\u2019s far from severe, but any nitpicks are worth noting at this price.<\/p>\n Still, those shouldn\u2019t be deal breakers. This is far from the only guide to recommend Keychron’s keyboards, but they\u2019re popular for a reason: At their best, they\u2019re reliable, well-built and strong value for money. The Q Max is their best, delivering premium features, extensive customizability and a fantastic typing feel right out of the box. The one universal downside with all Keychron keyboards is their short warranty<\/a>, which only lasts 12 months.<\/p>\n ProsSuperb typing feel and soundPremium aluminum caseCrisp PBT keycapsHot-swappableReliable wireless performanceTons of layout optionsKnob!ConsA bit priceyKeycaps aren’t shine-through and may be too tall for someHeavySlight rattling with some stabilizers$189+ at Keychron<\/a> Connectivity<\/strong>: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C | Size(s)<\/strong>: 65 percent, 75 percent (standard or Alice layout), 80 percent (tested), 96 percent, 100 percent | Switches<\/strong>: Gateron Jupiter Brown (tested), Red, Banana | Hot-Swappable<\/strong>: Yes | Material<\/strong>: Plastic | Keycap material<\/strong>: Double-shot PBT | Backlight<\/strong>: RGB (south-facing) | Software<\/strong>: VIA<\/p>\n If our top pick sounds appealing but just too expensive, take a look at the Keychron V Max<\/a>. It\u2019s another line of wireless keyboards with similar features as the Q Max series: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, QMK and VIA support, Windows and macOS functionality, smooth and relatively high-profile PBT keycaps, a firm volume knob and the same set of pre-lubed, hot-swappable Gateron Jupiter switches. It, too, uses a gasket mount and multiple layers of sound-deadening foam, though it\u2019s not quite as extensive as its higher-end sibling in either regard. Still, the Jupiter Brown switches in our review unit are springy, soft and pleasing to the ear, with a gentle pop to each press. Like the Q Max lineup, the V Max series is available in a range of size options, from the 65 percent V2 Max<\/a> to the full-size V6 Max<\/a>. Each is built to be torn apart and customized as needed.<\/p>\n There are perks that aren\u2019t available on the Q Max, too. The V Max comes with two wireless dongles, one USB-A and one USB-C, and there are storage compartments for each built in. A pair of flip-out feet, meanwhile, let you set the device at different incline angles.<\/p>\n All of this is available for a little under $100. The catch is that the case is entirely plastic. It\u2019s much lighter than the Q Max\u2019s aluminum and it doesn\u2019t really flex, but it doesn\u2019t feel nearly as premium. The stabilizers, while not bad, are clearly worse out of the box as well: Smacking the backspace or enter keys produces a faint but audible rattle, while the space bar is louder and more hollow-sounding than everything else. If you\u2019re really detail-obsessed, you\u2019ll also notice some of the legends on the larger keys are slightly uneven. And the keycaps still aren\u2019t shine-through, so the RGB backlighting doesn\u2019t come through clearly.<\/p>\n If you want to save a little more cash, the standard Keychron V Series<\/a> is also worth considering. Those are wired-only and use a more traditional tray-mounted design, but they\u2019re still comfortable and often available for $10 to $20 less. For most people who want to stay below triple digits, though, the V Max is a better buy.<\/p>\n ProsStrong valueTyping feels and sounds greatHot-swappable switchesUSB-C and USB-A wireless receiversKnob (again)!ConsPlasticSome rattle with larger keysKeycaps neuter RGB backlight$74+ at Keychron<\/a> Connectivity<\/strong>: USB-C | Size(s)<\/strong>: 80 percent | Switches<\/strong>: Keychron Brown (tested), Red | Hot-Swappable<\/strong>: No | Material<\/strong>: Plastic | Keycap material<\/strong>: Double-shot ABS | Backlight<\/strong>: Red (north-facing) | Software<\/strong>: VIA<\/p>\n If you want to spend as little money as possible for a decent mechanical keyboard, get the Keychron C3 Pro<\/a>. It provides a superb typing experience for less than $40, with features we don\u2019t often see at that price, including pre-lubed switches, a gasket-mounted deck and multiple layers of internal foam. The tactile Keychron Brown switches in our test unit feel full and satisfying, while the gaskets keep bottoming out from being uncomfortably stiff. There\u2019s a pleasant clack to each keystroke: not quiet, but not overly loud, with next to none of the pinging or aggressive rattling that plagues so many cheap keyboards. If you prefer a lighter and faster feel, you can order the C3 Pro with linear Keychron Red switches as well. It also supports QMK and VIA; you have to do a little setup to get the latter to work, but most sub-$40 keyboards don\u2019t offer this kind of flexibility all.<\/p>\n Like all budget keyboards, the C3 Pro makes compromises. It\u2019s not wireless, for one, and its detachable USB-C cable feels a little cheap. Its double-shot ABS keycaps feel slicker than the PBT material used by our top picks and will likely degrade faster as years pass. Its switches aren\u2019t hot-swappable, either. While it doesn\u2019t come off as flimsy, it\u2019s still made of plastic, so you\u2019ll want to avoid accidental knicks and bangs. Its keycaps are shine-through, but the backlight is only available in red, which looks funky<\/a> in the dark. It\u2019s also only available in a tenkeyless shape, though that should be agreeable enough for most people who can live without a number pad. And while the design is a bit plain, a set of red enter, space and escape keys lend it a smidge of flair.<\/p>\n ProsInexpensiveTremendous typing experience for the moneyProgrammable with softwareShine-through keycapsConsABS keycaps are a bit slickRed backlight onlyWired onlyNot hot-swappable$37 at Amazon<\/a> Connectivity<\/strong>: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C | Size(s)<\/strong>: 60 percent, 75 percent (tested), 96 percent | Switches<\/strong>: NuPhy Aloe, Cowberry, Wisteria, Moss; Gateron Low-Profile Red 2.0, Brown 2.0, Blue 2.0 | Hot-Swappable<\/strong>: Yes | Material<\/strong>: Aluminum and plastic | Keycap material<\/strong>: Double-shot PBT | Backlight<\/strong>: RGB (south-facing) | Software<\/strong>: VIA<\/p>\n A low-profile mechanical keyboard mixes the flatter, more compact shape of a laptop keyboard with the deeper, more tactile feel of mechanical switches. If that\u2019s what you\u2019re after, check out the NuPhy Air V2<\/a> series. We tested the Air75 V2<\/a>, a 75 percent model that starts at $120 (or $140 on Amazon<\/a>), but smaller and larger options are also available. Each is impressively slim, light and travel-friendly for its size. Their PBT keycaps are smooth and spacious, and because the keys are so low to the surface, you don\u2019t need to bend your wrists as much to reach them. This kind of design can feel cramped at first, but it doesn\u2019t take too long to get the hang of, and the space it saves helps make up for any typos it causes early on.<\/p>\n You can buy the Air V2 with a wide range of tactile, clicky and linear switch options, all of which are factory-lubed and hot-swappable. Our test unit has the linear NuPhy Daisy<\/a> switches, which are sufficiently light, fast and not scratchy. Their lower height means they\u2019re quicker to bottom out than our other picks, which can cause some fatigue over time. But they still have a far more luxurious sense of travel and give than any membrane keyboard.<\/p>\n Despite the thin frame, there are a couple layers of foam inside the keyboard as well. We still wouldn\u2019t call the Air75 V2 quiet, but its clean, clacky tone isn\u2019t distractingly noisy. Silicone pads under the space bar keep that key from sounding too hollow. In general, the stock stabilizers are excellent, so large keys don\u2019t suffer from any annoying rattling.<\/p>\n Like our top picks, the Air V2 can connect over a wireless dongle, Bluetooth or a detachable USB-C cable. We experienced a few connection hiccups while using some wireless mice back when the keyboard was first released, but post-launch firmware updates appear to have straightened those out. It\u2019s another device that\u2019s customizable with QMK and VIA, and it works across Windows and macOS. Unfortunately, it also wastes its RGB backlighting by using keycaps that aren\u2019t translucent by default. NuPhy does let you configure the device with a shine-through keycap set, but that costs another $19.<\/p>\n One potential issue is battery life: NuPhy rates it at up to 220 hours with backlighting off but says it can drop anywhere between 35 and 57 hours with everything on. But since it\u2019s easy to hook up a cable and the default keycaps neuter the RGB anyway, this shouldn\u2019t be a big deal for most people who aren\u2019t frequent travelers.<\/p>\n Maybe the best thing about the Air V2 is just how cute it is. Its rounded keycaps, trim side lights and accented enter key and space bar give it a playful air. Those side lights are a slick way to display caps lock and battery status, while the case as a whole is made from a chilly aluminum that only flexes if you push down hard. The back is plastic, but it has a stylish transparent finish and two adjustable feet. It may look a little out of place in a typical office, but hey, more tech could stand to have a bit of fun.<\/p>\n ProsSlim, sturdy and attractive designPleasant typing experienceSpacious, high-quality keycapsConfigurable with several switch optionsConsLow-profile design can lead to typos and fatigue, especially for first-timersStock keycaps aren’t shine-through$140 at Amazon<\/a> Connectivity<\/strong>: USB-C | Size(s)<\/strong>: 60 percent | Switches<\/strong>: Gateron Lekker Linear60 | Hot-Swappable<\/strong>: Yes | Material<\/strong>: Plastic | Keycap material<\/strong>: Double-shot PBT | Backlight<\/strong>: RGB (north or south-facing) | Software<\/strong>: Wootility<\/p>\n Let\u2019s be clear: Any keyboard can be a gaming keyboard. Buying a thing that claims to be \u201cfor gamers\u201d won\u2019t magically stop you from getting destroyed in Call of Duty<\/em>. But if you\u2019re looking to buy a mechanical keyboard specifically for competitive video games, consider the Wooting 60HE+<\/a>. It pairs a sturdy build with a handful of features that can genuinely help you play better, albeit in subtle ways. We’ve previously recommended an older version of this device, the 60HE, in our gaming keyboard guide<\/a>; the 60HE+ is a very minor revision that adds support<\/a> for screw-in stabilizers but is otherwise identical.<\/p>\n The big thing that separates the 60HE+ from traditional gaming keyboards is its analog Gateron Lekker<\/a> switches, which use magnetic Hall effect sensors<\/a> and can respond to varying levels of pressure. With these, you can adjust each key\u2019s actuation point \u2014 i.e., the travel distance at which it registers \u2014 anywhere between 0.1mm and 4mm. With a fast-paced shooter like Counter-Strike 2 <\/em>or Valorant<\/em>, you could set the actuation of your WASD keys low and make them more sensitive to quick-twitch movements. Then when you\u2019re done, you could switch to a higher actuation and give each keystroke a deeper and more deliberate feel.<\/p>\n Another feature called \u201crapid trigger<\/a>\u201d removes the need for the switches to pass back through a fixed reset point, so you can repeat keypresses faster. This helps in moments where even the tiniest delay can draw the line between success and failure \u2014 say, hitting a rapid succession of notes in a rhythm game, or strafing back and forth during a shootout in an online FPS. Beyond that, you can tie multiple actions to one key based on how far it\u2019s pressed. For instance, you could lightly press Ctrl to crouch, hold it to go prone, then release to quickly stand up. There\u2019s also an \u201canalog mode\u201d that effectively turns the 60HE+ into a joystick-less Xbox controller. Because the keys are pressure-sensitive, this can work surprisingly well for racing games or flight sims when you don\u2019t have a gamepad handy.<\/p>\n Do you need these tricks to enjoy a game? Absolutely not. But if you take your play somewhat seriously, they truly can make a difference. If you know what you\u2019re doing, you can move just that little bit more fluidly and simplify complex strings of commands. It helps that Wooting\u2019s web-based software<\/a> makes setting up these customizations a breeze.<\/p>\n The 60HE+ isn\u2019t the only analog model with these advanced gaming features, but it stands out for being a good keyboard<\/em> in its own right. Its pre-lubed, linear-style switches are smooth to press, while its PBT keycaps are pleasingly textured. A couple layers of internal foam prevent keypresses from pinging or sounding distractingly loud. The compact case is robust, and larger keys like the space bar feel stable. The per-key RGB backlighting is vivid, tidy and easily customizable as well.<\/p>\n You shouldn\u2019t buy the 60HE+ over our top picks if gaming isn’t your primary concern, though. It\u2019s wired-only and it lacks adjustable feet to raise its height. While it\u2019s not outright loud, it sounds more chattery and uneven than something like the Keychron Q Max. It’s also a $175 keyboard that’s mostly made of plastic. Though it\u2019s technically hot-swappable, it can only accept certain Hall effect switch types. Some people will always find this model\u2019s 60 percent to be too small, what with its lack of dedicated arrow and function keys. And we\u2019d be remiss not to mention the extremely gamer<\/em> carrying strap included the box, which is emblazoned with the phrase \u201cTAKE CONTROL.\u201d It\u2019s a bit much!<\/p>\n That said, we prefer smaller keyboards for gaming, as they leave more room for you to flail your mouse hand around your desk. If you do need a bigger board, the Wooting Two HE<\/a> is a full-size model with similar functionality, while the upcoming Wooting 80HE<\/a> will have a unique 80 percent layout when it becomes available in mid-2024. Perhaps the biggest issue with each Wooting keyboard is availability: Each model is only purchasable through the company\u2019s website and often comes with shipping delays.<\/p>\n ProsAnalog switches are fast and deeply versatile for gamingEasy-to-use softwareSturdily builtComfortable for typingClean RGB lightingConsWired-only60 percent design isn’t for everyoneOnly available to buy in batchesDoesn’t sound quite as nice as top picks$175 at Wooting<\/a><\/p>\n The wireless Lofree Block<\/a> feels great and has a fun retro aesthetic that looks like it belongs next to an old Mac. Its keys are wonderfully smooth to the touch and create a nice thocky tone. At $169, it\u2019s a good middle ground between the Keychron Q Max and V Max series if you dig the look. However, it doesn\u2019t have any software for programming macros, it only has a white backlight and it only comes in a full-size layout. Are those huge<\/em> issues? No. But there are fine margins separating these things once you get to a certain point.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a similar story with the Lofree Flow<\/a>, a low-profile model. Its full-POM switches<\/a> are softer and noticeably quieter than the NuPhy Air V2, and its thin aluminum case looks and feels high-quality. It can only work wirelessly using Bluetooth, though, and we noticed a couple of connection hiccups in testing. There\u2019s still no software, either, plus its backlight is fairly weak. It also costs $40 or so more than the Air75 V2. Still, it\u2019s a great alternative.<\/p>\n The low-profile Keychron K Max<\/a> series has all the requisite features and costs less than the NuPhy Air75 V2 and Lofree Flow. If you don\u2019t like the Air V2\u2019s style and want a cheaper low-profile model, it\u2019s worth a look. That said, the keycaps on NuPhy\u2019s board feel a bit higher-quality, and the tactile Gateron switches in our K Max unit sound thinner.<\/p>\n The full-size NZXT Function 2<\/a> and tenkeyless NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL<\/a> are perfectly solid gaming keyboards with fast optical switches, durable PBT keycaps, tasteful RGB lighting, sound-dampening foam and aluminum top plates. They support a fair amount of customization through NZXT\u2019s CAM app<\/a>, including the ability to swap between two different universal actuation settings. The stabilizers on larger keys exhibit some rattle, though, and the Wooting 60HE+\u2019s magnetic switches are far more versatile for not too much extra cash.<\/p>\n With its fun speckled color scheme, gasket-mounted design and multiple foam layers, the MelGeek Modern97<\/a> is a solid value at $139. The linear, pre-lubed Kailh Box Plastic switches in our unit are smooth and enjoyably clacky, while the larger keys are neither hollow nor overly loud. All of the switches are hot-swappable, and the whole thing works over USB-C, Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle. Alas, its ABS keycaps start to feel slicker and greasier with extended use. This model also has a 90 percent layout, which saves a little extra desk space compared to a 96 percent board but can lead to more accidental presses around the arrow keys.<\/p>\n The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL<\/a> is a quality gaming keyboard with light optical switches, crisp shine-through keycaps, a sturdy frame and an impressively muffled sound thanks to some internal foam. (If you buy the model with Razer\u2019s linear optical switches, that is; another variant with clicky switches isn\u2019t nearly as quiet.) It\u2019s often available in the $100 range, and at that price it\u2019s a solid pick. It\u2019s neither wireless nor hot-swappable, though, and its keys wobble more than those on the Keychron V Max.<\/p>\n The analog Razer Huntsman V3 Pro<\/a> is a decent alternative to the Wooting 60HE+ if the latter\u2019s shipping delays become too great. It\u2019s available in a 60 percent, TKL or full-size layout, and it offers a similar set of gaming features, including an adjustable actuation range and a rapid trigger setting for repeating keystrokes faster. But its optical switches are noisier and more hollow-feeling than Wooting\u2019s Hall effect setup, so it\u2019s not as pleasant for typing.<\/p>\n We recommend the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless<\/a> in our guide to the best gaming keyboards<\/a>, and it remains a good choice if you want the granular customizability of the Wooting 60HE+ in a wireless design. It also comes with a wrist rest, unlike Wooting\u2019s models. Its magnetic switches are somewhat harsher-sounding, however, and its space bar is louder. SteelSeries\u2019 companion software is clunkier to navigate as well. We haven\u2019t tested the 60 percent Apex Pro Mini Wireless<\/a>, but it should perform similarly.<\/p>\n The $50 G.Skill KM250<\/a> is the top budget pick in our gaming keyboard guide, and it\u2019s still a better buy than the Keychron C3 Pro is gaming is your chief concern. Compared to Keychron\u2019s board, it adds hot-swappable switches, full RGB backlighting, PBT keycaps and a rotary knob in a smaller 65 percent layout. That said, the C3 Pro\u2019s fuller sound and springier keystrokes make it superior for typing, and its tenkeyless design should be more comfortable for a wider swath of people. It\u2019s typically available for $10 to $15 less, too.<\/p>\n The Logitech G Pro X TKL<\/a> and 60 percent Logitech G Pro X 60<\/a> are well-built<\/a> but far too expensive for gaming keyboards that lack hot-swappable switches and the analog functionality of competitors like the Wooting 60HE+.<\/p>\n The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless<\/a> is a wireless 96 percent keyboard that\u2019s marketed toward gamers but should feel great to anyone. The pre-lubed, linear ROG NX Snow switches in our test unit are smooth and quiet, while the PBT keycaps feel stable and high-quality. The keycaps let the RGB backlight shine through cleanly, plus there\u2019s a clever multi-function key that puts various lighting and media controls in one place. ASUS\u2019 Armoury Crate software is sloppy, though, and the board\u2019s overall look may be too gamer-y<\/em> for some. At $180, it\u2019s not cheap either. The Keychron Q5 Max<\/a> costs $40 more but gets you a more premium (if heavier) all-aluminum chassis; here, the housing is plastic.<\/p>\n The ASUS ROG Azoth<\/a> is like a 75 percent version of the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless with a few more enthusiast touches. Its gasket-mounted design gives keystrokes a slightly softer landing, it has a programmable OLED display and it even includes a switch lubing kit in the box. Like the Strix, its hardware is very clearly high-grade. But its software is much more aggravating and, with a list price of $250, it’s a worse value than the Keychron Q Max.<\/p>\n The Corsair K70 RGB TKL<\/a> isn\u2019t bad in a vacuum, but it lacks wireless functionality and fully hot-swappable switches. It\u2019s on the noisy side, too, and Corsair\u2019s iCue software is rough.<\/p>\n The full-size Corsair K70 Max<\/a> is another high-end gaming keyboard with magnetic Hall effect sensors and Wooting-style features, but trying to program those settings through Corsair\u2019s iCue app gave us headaches. The 60HE+ also feels better for typing, with less rattling on large keys like the space bar. Wooting\u2019s HE keyboards support a slightly wider actuation range on top of that, plus they cost $30 to $55 less depending on size.<\/p>\n The Razer Huntsman Mini<\/a> is a fine value if you want a no-frills 60 percent keyboard for less than $100, but it\u2019s another wired-only model that isn\u2019t truly hot-swappable.<\/p>\n The Logitech G915 TKL<\/a> is a wireless low-profile model with a metal frame and handy media controls. The GL Tactile<\/a> switches in our test unit are comfortable and not particularly noisy. But the thin ABS keycaps feel way too cheap for something that costs $230, the keys themselves are a little too wobbly and the switches aren’t hot-swappable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A keyboard is one of the few pieces of technology you may use for hours every day. Why not make it something that brings you joy? Sure, the people who gush over these things can be intense, but the upgraded comfort, durability and customizability that comes with a good mechanical keyboard is a real thing. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4813,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55,52,49,56,77,48,57,51,53,91,47],"tags":[66,63,60,67,79,59,68,62,64,92,58],"yoast_head":"\n<\/p>\n
Keychron V Max<\/h3>\n
Best mechanical keyboard under $100<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
Keychron C3 Pro<\/h3>\n
Best budget mechanical keyboard<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
Nuphy Air V2<\/h3>\n
Best low-profile mechanical keyboard<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
Wooting 60HE+<\/h3>\n
Best mechanical keyboard for gaming<\/h4>\n
What to look for in a mechanical keyboard<\/h2>\n
Layout<\/h3>\n
Switch type<\/h3>\n
Switch modifications<\/h3>\n
Keycaps<\/h3>\n
Stabilizers<\/h3>\n
Mounting styles and case quality<\/h3>\n
Customizations and software<\/h3>\n
Connectivity<\/h3>\n
Backlight<\/h3>\n
Rotary knob<\/h3>\n
How we tested<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Keychron Q Max<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best mechanical keyboard overall<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Keychron V Max<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best mechanical keyboard under $100<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Keychron C3 Pro<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best budget mechanical keyboard<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Nuphy Air V2<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best low-profile mechanical keyboard<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Wooting 60HE+<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best mechanical keyboard for gaming<\/a><\/h4>\n
Other mechanical keyboards we tested<\/h2>\n
Lofree Block<\/h3>\n
Lofree Flow<\/h3>\n
Keychron K Max<\/h3>\n
NZXT Function 2 & Function 2 MiniTKL<\/h3>\n
MelGeek Modern97<\/h3>\n
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL<\/h3>\n
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro<\/h3>\n
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless<\/h3>\n
G.Skill KM250<\/h3>\n
Logitech G Pro X TKL & G Pro X 60<\/h3>\n
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless<\/h3>\n
ASUS ROG Azoth<\/h3>\n
Corsair K70 RGB TKL<\/h3>\n
Corsair K70 Max<\/h3>\n
Razer Huntsman Mini<\/h3>\n
Logitech G915 TKL<\/h3>\n