Mechanical keyboards are back! This essential PC peripheral for gamers is back in fashion after having been dethroned for several years by the membrane keyboard... Now, they are more robust, more precise and more comfortable than old models.
If you want to know the best mechanical keyboards to buy this year, you will be served! We have prepared a comparison and ranking of 10 models not to be missed . Finally, if you are undecided about choosing your ideal gaming keyboard, we have created an FAQ and a buying guide to help you buy the mechanical keyboard that suits your needs.
Our top 10 best mechanical keyboards
We know how complicated it can be to choose a cheap gaming keyboard . For this reason, we want to offer you mechanical keyboard models that stand out for their excellent value for money!
The 3 best mechanical keyboards in our ranking!
What to know before buying your mechanical keyboard
- Superior in every way, the mechanical keyboard is formidable for gaming , however, more and more people are using them again for office automation.
- These keyboards offer significant advantages. For example, increased speed, sensitivity and precision . Also the ability to press multiple keys simultaneously .
- When choosing a mechanical keyboard, you need to think about what you are going to do with it and your needs. Is it for playing video games or writing? Do you prefer a wired or wireless keyboard ? Additionally, you need to consider the key layout.
1. CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2: The best for gaming
Features and Reviews
Corsair is one of the pioneers in the field of RAM, but not only that! The brand presents one of its best mechanical keyboard models. The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is among gamers' favorites, due to its undeniable quality and design. This MECHANICAL KEYBOARD stands out from the others thanks to its excellent brushed aluminum finish, which has the advantage of leaving no visible fingerprint after touching it.
As for its RGB backlighting , good news, it is adjustable to different levels, if you want a keyboard with powerful RGB backlighting, it fulfills its functions wonderfully! It can be easily adjusted using a simple button on the keyboard which offers the possibility to cycle through 3 different intensities or to turn off the backlight. If the buttons seem unnecessary to you, you can also adjust this setting via the Corsair software: you can thus control the brightness, but also the colors and the different themes linked to the color cycle.
In terms of keys, this CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 mechanical keyboard offers a wide choice of panels, among these options you will find: MX Blue, Red, Brown, Speed or Silence depending on your playing style and your preferences. Very good point, This MECHANICAL KEYBOARD has a removable wrist rest , an essential accessory for experienced gamers who geek all day, especially since the finish is carefully done and very comfortable once installed.
In terms of accessories, finally, this keyboard includes a USB pass-through port to provide you with quick access to plug in your headphones or gaming mouse. This model offered by Corsair is offered at a premium price, around 150-170 euros, clearly not affordable for everyone, but you will have in your hands one of the best mechanical keyboards available on the market!
2. CORSAIR GAMING K95 RGB PLATINUM: a versatile high-end model
Features and Reviews
Another mechanical keyboard from the CORSAIR brand among the top 3! The K95 RGB Platinum is a wise choice for any gamer, it takes up many of the characteristics of its little brother, the K70 . The finish, first of all, is EXCELLENT, also in brushed aluminum and promises reinforced resistance against shocks. The keys are obviously mechanical and anti-ghosting , with a choice between MX Brown (more tactile and quieter trend) and MX Speed (fast, precise, but significantly louder). It is a BACKLIT keyboard , with dozens of possibilities: in Red Green Blue and with adjustable intensity on the keyboard or thanks to its software which is very easy to use.
It should be noted that this keyboard is a model that includes an excellent removable wrist rest. The K95 RGB Platinum stands out for its accessories. This keyboard also offers 6 programmable macros mounted on non-slip keys for absolute control. Essential for gamers who want fast but stable finger movement on the keyboard. ZSQD wrenches are also offered with an anti-slip alternative.
3. CORSAIR K68: A must for intense gaming
Features and Reviews
As you see, Corsair is still part of our TOP 10! Here is the K68 model which is one of the best mid-range mechanical keyboards . It is equipped with Cherry MX Red linear switches, which provide precise keystroke and very fast rebound. Whether you are a hardcore gamer or a hard worker behind your desk, this PC peripheral will perfectly meet all your needs. The great advantage of linear switches is that they always offer you a silent mechanical keyboard . Gamers who love this Corsair model are especially attracted by the aluminum base of this KEYBOARD which increases the robustness of the keys, while protecting it against water and dust. Small drawback to finish, its plastic wrist rest, so be careful not to be too barbaric with your new keyboard! But for this price, who could complain?
4. LOGITECH G613 – The Best WIRELESS Mechanical Keyboard
Features and Reviews
Logitech G613 wireless mechanical keyboard model has a dark gray plastic finish, with a minimalist range logo on its left side. It doesn't get dirty too quickly and seems pretty resistant to dust and fingerprints. The different multimedia buttons make your gaming sessions easier given the strategic positioning of the keys! Logitech uses silent Romer-G technology , a must-have if you hate hearing keyboard key noises while still enjoying the benefits of a mechanical keyboard for gamers! This device guarantees a durability of 70 million shots ! Ideal for trigger-happy people. G series " Lightspeed to that of a conventional cable!
5. CORSAIR K55 RGB: The best-selling mechanical keyboard!
Features and Reviews
Here's a mechanical kid's keyboard that everyone will like! This K55 Corsair model is an excellent option if you want a keyboard that is close to high-end models for a bargain price . Offered with a solid plastic material and a finish pleasing to the naked eye, comfort is guaranteed! We reassure you, despite its low price, your gaming sessions will be epic with the Corsair K55, the keys are fluid and bounce back quickly.
Gamers who have already purchased this Corsair mechanical keyboard appreciate the design of the 6 programmable macro keys without having to use software. With this mechanical keyboard, you can obviously modify the key combinations to increase your gaming performance. These macro keys are very effective even if they have some minor bugs. The multimedia keys are also arranged to allow each player to adjust the audio and video settings without stopping the game. To end the Corsair K55 review in style, this gaming keyboard has three-zone dynamic RGB backlighting , adjustable in 10 modes and still without software!
6. Redragon K551-RGB-BA: The best keyboard-mouse bundle
Features and Reviews
This REDRAGON K551-RGB-BA model is one of the mid-range mechanical keyboards most popular with gamers. The K551-RGB-BA is designed in a compact and ergonomic form, featuring a GRIFFIN M607 MOUSE with a honeycomb texture, an ergonomic design perfect for hours of crazy gaming! If you tend to take little care of your keyboard, rest assured, the Redragon K551-RGB-BA model has Outemi Blue Box buttons that are DUST AND WATER RESISTANT . In addition to this, it has TOUCH FEEDBACK with configuration keys via the independent software which offers you up to 18 different modes to customize them! As with the majority of its competitors, this keyboard has a durability of 50 million keystrokes.
It is appreciated mainly for the high precision it offers, with this keyboard, you are sure not to hit the wrong key. This Olympic precision is achieved thanks to one of the switches, you even feel the trigger point of the key! However, this generates quite significant noise... We warn you in advance, although this keyboard is a little marvel, we do not recommend it for gamers who hate hearing key noises . But who says bad news, says good news! If you need to write texts on Word or create product tests like us, this keyboard has it all, the grip is perfect for typing for hours!
7. HAVIT – MECHANICAL GAMING KEYBOARD: The best quality/price ratio
Features and Reviews
This Havit MECHANICAL KEYBOARD model has anticipated the needs of gamers in terms of ergonomics with a minimalist mechanical keyboard , but equipped with multi-colored color and a GAMING mouse included offered at a price and quality that dethrones the best brands! With a sturdy aluminum finish and tactile feedback that meets today's standards, it features visible, precise and responsive keys directly on the mechanism, without a frame, as is the case with most keyboards on the market.
Additionally, it is 100% anti-ghosting . Its ultra-thin keys feel rock solid! You can have a total of 12 media key combinations. In terms of design, the preset LED lighting will allow you to enjoy its brightness among 21 modes. Good news, a mouse is offered , it has 6 DPI 800-1600-2400-3200-4000-4800DPI and with 7 programmable levels. Finally, this keyboard is COMPATIBLE with Windows , Linux, Chrome and MacOS.
8. RAZER BLACKWIDOW CHROMA V2: Recommended by gamers
Features and Reviews
The Razer brand is a pioneer in PC gaming peripherals. Therefore, its Black Windows is undoubtedly in the top 10 best mechanical keyboards . This keyboard replaces its predecessor with an even more recent model, but also VERY POWERFUL. The RAZER BLACKWIDOW CHROMA V2 mechanical keyboard is of very high quality, with a very resistant matte plastic design.
It offers a removable rubber and foam wrist rest, making it one of the most COMFORTABLE wrist rests ever made . This wrist rest is magnetized to be connected to the keyboard and does not move in case of sudden movements. Razer offers you an alternative to the Corsair Cherry MX with a choice between Razer Green (tactile, loud), Razer Orange (tactile, quiet) and Razer Yellow (linear and quiet). If you have a PC reserved for gaming only, we advise you to opt for the Razer Green, otherwise opt for the Razer Orange and quickly forget the Yellow, which does not add much value.
Obviously, it offers adjustable RGB, using Synapse software which allows you to manage each key individually. It also allows you to design personalized and pleasant tactile keys. You also have 5 macros on the left side , configurable via Synapse, although none of the buttons come in a non-slip version. It has a USB port and, above all, a mini-jack for your headphones and a thick, solid and handy braided cable, which guarantees optimal resistance to daily handling!
9. Docooler Ajazz AK33: An anti-ghosting mechanical keyboard that we love
Features and Reviews
Docooler offers really affordable mechanical keyboards like the Ajazz AK3, for all gamers who can't afford a Corsair ! With this Doccoler model you have an excellent mechanical keyboard, somewhat technical, but ready to take on most of today's competitive games. The finish of this mechanical keyboard is worthy of the greats! With a frame made entirely of matte aluminum and deemed WATERPROOF and very resistant to shocks.
Obviously, like any good self-respecting mechanical keyboard, these keys are also interchangeable and can be removed to clean or replace them. With this keyboard, you will be able to do 50 million keystrokes , which is quite the norm. This keyboard is anti-ghosting offering a maximum pressure requirement of 60 +/- 15 grams, a key path of 4 +/ - 0.2mm.
This is an RGB BACKLIT MECHANICAL KEYBOARD – Red, Green and Blue. This Docooler keyboard can produce 6 light themes and 9 individual color cycles, the brightness of which is adjustable. With this keyboard you don't need any software to start it, it is COMPATIBLE with all current operating systems .
10. VICTSING: The best cheap mechanical keyboard for playing Fortnite
Features and Reviews
Would you like to have a gaming keyboard to play Fortnite ? Good news, no need to spend a fortune to get a competitive mechanical keyboard to beat all your opponents! The VicTsing keyboard is one of the cheapest on the market , at a price of less than €50 but which has the merit of offering its customers a quality gaming keyboard. Although we recommend it for Fortnite, it is a model that will do the job if you like programming, because it allows you to use several keys at the same time.
This keyboard is truly formidable, it presents the performance of a mechanical keyboard while exploiting the principle of membrane models! So expect a delicate, comfortable, precise and silent keystroke and finally responsive, although it must be admitted, it will never dethrone a high-end mechanical keyboard in terms of responsiveness!
The keyboard also features SWITCHES BLUE technology to enhance your typing experience. You can use it for up to 50 million clicks without any problems. For interested gamers, it also has quick access to the calculator, volume, as well as operating system lock and 12 multimedia hotkeys, but also many other essential features for geeks ! Regarding its design, you can count on 6 returning colors, 9 lighting modes adapted to your tastes. It is important to warn you that it does not work with Mac OS or Vista.
FAQ – Find out all the details about the mechanical keyboard!
Gamer or not, it becomes difficult to choose from a wide range of models, our comparison above should have helped you see things more clearly. But here it is... Will the mechanical keyboard be able to meet your requirements and your needs? To answer this question, it becomes essential to know if this type of keyboard will meet your expectations. With us you will be everything. So let’s go ahead and discover together all the features that a mechanical keyboard can offer you !
What is the difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards?
When you decide to buy your computer keyboard, you will discover two keyboard models. Their differences mainly depend on how the keys are operated. There are mechanical and membrane keyboards. In the first case, the action is mechanical, each key works independently of each other. Therefore, mechanical keyboards are more sensitive and precise .
Membrane keyboards , on the other hand, have a membrane or layer of silicone. It extends inside the keyboard and is in contact with the electrical circuits. In this way, a membrane keyboard transmits the different pulsations. In general, they provide smoother and quieter keystrokes . Note that this type of model is much cheaper than a mechanical gaming keyboard , but their durability will weaken more quickly.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical keyboards?
Among the many advantages and disadvantages that you may encounter with a mechanical keyboard, the following points stand out:
Advantages
- They are more sensitive , so they offer greater precision .
- They are more durable .
- If a key is damaged, you can replace the keyboard key .
- They allow you to use multiple keys at the same time .
- They are customizable .
- They have anti - ghosting systems
- They are much faster, improving typing speed for gamers
- They are easier to clean .
The inconvenients
- They are generally larger , so they take up more space.
- They are generally more expensive .
- There is a certain adaptation time.
Who is it recommended to buy a mechanical keyboard for?
If you are a real gamer, you cannot do without a mechanical keyboard, essential for gaming since this type of keyboard is much more responsive and precise than a membrane keyboard! However, PC gamers won't be the only ones to find advantages in a membrane-less keyboard. Many people can no longer do without it given the speed of input when tapping the keys on the keyboard. If you are in office automation , it will definitely make your life easier!
To summarize, a mechanical keyboard is a great option if you spend hours typing on a keyboard . Whether you are a casual gamer or a programmer . With a quality mechanical keyboard, you don't have to strain to get a key to actuate. This keyboard will make your moments much easier as it will reduce the pain in your fingers caused by repeated keystrokes.
The proof is that all gamers who switch to a mechanical keyboard never return to the membrane keyboard, something to think about!
Why are mechanical keyboards so popular with gamers ?
Among PC video game players, there is no doubt that the best option is obviously the mechanical keyboard. Here are the advantages that gamers often come up with:
- Greater precision in movement.
- Higher reaction speed.
- They usually have RGB lighting.
- They allow you to press multiple keys at the same time.
The best cheap mechanical keyboards for gaming!
What is the anti-ghosting ?
You have probably already heard about the ghosting effect without understanding its meaning... Don't worry, we will try to explain it to you.
The ghosting effect occurs when you try to press multiple keys at the same time on your keyboard. This results in keys that do not activate . To simplify, a keyboard without anti-ghosting may not detect keys pressed simultaneously. This type of problem is recurrent with membrane keyboards which will not recognize the simultaneous pressing of a small combination of keys.
If you play games that require dexterity, we recommend purchasing an anti-ghosting mechanical keyboard .
Understanding how the keys work on a mechanical keyboard
Can we talk about mechanical keyboards without mentioning switches? (also called: keyboard switch, key or key). Here's what you need to know about the keys on a mechanical keyboard:
- Action point. This is the moment from which you hit the key
- The depth distance. This is the distance from when the key is pressed to the bottom of the switch.
- Actuation force. This is the minimum force that must be applied to operate a key.
- Type of Sensation. This is the feeling that occurs when you press a key. It can be of several types: linear, tactile or clicky . In the linear, the route is completely fluid. A slight depression is felt when the key is pressed. During the click, you notice some depth when pressing the key.
The best-selling mechanical keyboards of the year!
Purchasing criteria for choosing the best mechanical keyboard!
If you want to have a mechanical keyboard that perfectly matches your desires, you need to know certain essential features to find the ideal model! Here are the important criteria to consider before purchasing your new keyboard:
The essential features for a mechanical keyboard
As said before, if you are looking for a mechanical gaming keyboard , it is essential that it absolutely has an anti-ghosting system ! Be careful, because some low-end models that include anti-ghosting do not apply to all key combinations. Look carefully in the comments on the product sheet of the keyboard you plan to buy what gamers say about it. If you want a real mechanical keyboard for gaming, don't forget to choose a model equipped with RGB lighting to look classy!
Otherwise, if you are not a PC gamer at all , but you are still behind your screen all day, a model with an ergonomic and lightweight design would be preferable . Who says minimalism and ergonomics says better comfort and productivity!
Wired or wireless mechanical keyboard?
If you decide to compare the different models of keyboard for PC, You will see that it is not very common to find mechanical keyboards with wireless connectivity via Bluetooth . Or 2.4 GHz radio frequency. Here is our buying and comparison guide on the Bluetooth keyboard .
The vast majority of mechanical keyboards are wired via a USB port or a PS2 port. USB ports only support 10 key presses simultaneously. While PS2 connection supports unlimited .
If you are looking for a high-end gaming keyboard, we therefore recommend that you buy a wired mechanical keyboard with a PS2 port, and with an anti-ghosting .
A backlit mechanical keyboard or not?
Whether for its design or its usefulness, the backlighting of a mechanical keyboard only has advantages! For a futuristic atmosphere and for immersion, a keyboard with brightness brings a little extra during your gaming sessions! And no more having to play with the lamp on, the backlighting will allow you to easily find the keyboard keys.
What type of keys to choose?
The type of keyboard switch It is important to consider in aspects such as sensation and force of action. You notice in the comparison table that the main manufacturer of keyboard keys that you will find on the market is Cherry. But some specialized gaming
Let's take a look at the most important features to know about mechanical keyboard keys:
| Cherry Mx Blue (blue) | Cherry Mx Red (red) | Cherry Mx Brown (brown) | Cherry Mx Black (black) | Cherry Mx Speed Silver | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensation | Tactile and audible | Linear | Touch | Linear | Linear |
| Actuation force | 60cN | 45cN | 55cN | 60cN | 45cN |
| Semi-circular and total route | 2.2mm4mm | 2mm4mm | 2mm4mm | 2mm4mm | 1.2 millimeter2.4 mm (they are faster) |
| Sound | Audible | No sound | No sound | No sound | No sound |
| Use | Perfect for coding or writing if you don't mind noise. | One of the best options to play. | A good alternative for programming or writing if you want a quieter model. | A very good option for gaming . | Ideal for writing. |
Which design should you choose for your mechanical keyboard?
There is a wide choice of mechanical keyboards with unique formats and designs! Although the four most common on sale are:
- Classic . It is the most common or, at least, the best known. It has the twelve function keys and the numeric keypad on the right. It usually has 103 or 104 keys.
- TKL . With this smaller model, there is no longer the numeric keypad to the right of the keyboard. We recommend this if you never use the number keypad.
- Compact. Even smaller than the TKL, a compact keyboard also eliminates function keys. And also the special keys on the right (Insert, Home and ImpPt, among others). Ideal for mobility if you travel often.
- Extended keyboard. It's similar to a regular keyboard, although it adds a few extra keys. The G keys on the left side of the keyboard are very common. Or multimedia in addition. This type of keyboard is designed for gaming.
Azerty or qwerty for a mechanical keyboard?
The answer may seem logical but depending on the use you have with your computer, choosing between an Azerty and Qwerty keyboard is important!
- To program : Are you a programmer? Nothing better than a mechanical Qwerty keyboard! Since the English programming language, qwerty may be of interest to you.
- For office automation: If you spend your time on Word or Exel, it is preferable to choose an Azerty keyboard. The positioning of the letters will make typing on your mechanical keyboard easier!
- For gaming: Here, it all depends on your preferences. And the type of game you play regularly. If the idea comes to you, why not choose a mechanical keyboard with customizable macro keys?
Conclusion !
According to our experience and the feedback of many people who have purchased a mechanical keyboard, after testing it you will never want to use a membrane keyboard again. Especially for PC gamers!
There are many advantages: More responsive, faster, more precise and much more robust. Although the price varies depending on their features, gamers or ordinary people will find undeniable benefits in choosing a mechanical keyboard .
