If it’s true that what’s old becomes new again—and judging by the return of high-waisted jeans, it certainly seems to be—then it’s probably easy to explain the return of the best mechanical keyboard. For many years, the old mechanical keyboards found piled on flea market tables, and yard sale bins were looked at scornfully by a generation of laptop users with sleek, flat, mushy membrane keyboards or dome-switch models. Yet somehow, in only a few years, those mechanical keyboards went from turning brittle and yellowed locked inside storage units around the world, to selling for hundreds of dollars on eBay when someone was lucky enough to unearth a pristine, working model.

First, these mechanical keyboards began to be prized again by coders and typists, and several small companies around the globe recognized this phenomenon and began to produce high-end keyboards with mechanical switches and expensive price tags. However, soon another class of keyboard users began to recognize the appeal of the best mechanical keyboards—gamers.

When pro-gaming began to be recognized around the world as a legitimate competition and legions of gamers began to tune in to follow some professionally sponsored teams, the fact that many professional gamers were turning to mechanical keyboards caused what was once a niche item marketed primarily to a small group to become an item in huge demand by gamers everywhere.

The best mechanical keyboards offer gamers a competitive advantage with the same features that make them preferred by typists for whom speed and accuracy are essential. Unlike the silent and mushy feel of sleek, flat, mushy membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards feature larger, protruding keycaps with mechanical switches beneath. These switches feature a tactile response, sometimes felt like a “Tactile bump” when the key makes contact with the switch below. It also provides satisfying auditory feedback with a notable click. The loudness of the click depends on the type of switches used.

For gamers, this old technology became new again when it was found that even at high speeds, the tactile and auditory responses found in the best gaming keyboards improved their accuracy as the brain registers each response and then senses when to move on to the next motion.

Once these mechanical keyboards began being produced for masses of gamers, new features were added to update them. Soon they began to be considered an essential part of any gaming setup for speed, accuracy, and sheer gaming ambiance.

One of the best mechanical keyboard choices for serious gamers is the SteelSeries Apex M750 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard has reactive lighting effects that sync with action in the game to alert you to such events as low ammo, kills, low health, and more. Discord Chat Integration technology lights up the keyboard with game-response effects, chat notifications, and new messages. With PrismSync Lighting, you can display dynamic lighting effects between multiple pieces of SteelSeries gear for the ultimate immersive gaming environment.

The SteelSeries Engine software offers helpful Apps to make all of your customizable options easy. Even if you are new to RGB lighting, you can quickly personalize your lighting to be as simple as you wish, or program the most stunning and dynamic light shows with per-key customization technology. You can even upload animated GIFs and enjoy watching them be converted into a customized backlighting special effect.

The SteelSeries Apex M750 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is highly customizable for a gaming advantage with programmable macros, keys, and keypress sequences. The pure performance QX2 linear mechanical switches enhance your speed with faster gameplay, low force, and linear actuation.

This is a mechanical keyboard with the key tension you love in a mechanical but without the loud “clicky” sound associated with many mechanical switches. It’s ideal for those who prefer quiet keypresses.

The SteelSeries Apex M750 has a durable frame constructed of aerospace quality aluminum metal alloy with a matte black finish. The keys are guaranteed to be durable and long-lasting, able to withstand 50 million key presses. This is the best mechanical keyboard for any serious gamer!

Key Features
  • Black keyboard with QX2 Linear mechanical switches for gaming
  • Lighting reactions in real time for gaming actions
  • Easy RGB lighting customization per individual key
  • Sturdy aerospace aluminum frame with matte black finish
  • Programmable keys and macro customization
Pros
  • SteelSeries software with engine apps for easy customization
  • Faster gameplay from QX2 mechanical switches for gaming advantage
  • In-game notification allows lighting to respond to action in your game
Cons
  • No USB cord trenches or pass-through ports
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SteelSeries Apex M750 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The best mechanical keyboard with endless possibilities for customization in backlighting is the Corsair K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This eye-catching gaming keyboard offers brilliant backlighting with many pre-installed effects already on board, or unlimited options for eye-catching customization with per-key RGB LED lighting so you can create your perfect, individualized gaming or workspace ambiance. You can also remap keys and create macros for a competitive gaming advantage. It includes a Windows Key lock mode and dedicated volume and multimedia controls.

The Corsair K68 features quieter function without the loud clicking thanks to true Cherry MX Red switches with gold contacts for premium performance and a better gaming advantage. If you want the advantages of a mechanical keyboard without the “clicky” sound, this is the best mechanical keyboard for you. It’s ideal for late-night sessions when you’d prefer not to play or type noisily. The keys deliver true anti-ghosting technology with a full key rollover for simultaneous keystroke recognition even during complex commands. The 45g actuation force feels comfortably responsive and never mushy, with the feel we love in a mechanical keyboard without the loud clicks.

Because we all know that we snack while we play, the Corsair K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is dust and spill-resistant with IP32 water resistance, so you can snack and enjoy your drink while you work or play. A detachable palm rest minimizes hand fatigue even during long working or gaming sessions.

The Corsair K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard may not be the best mechanical keyboard choice if you are looking for the loud clicking sounds associated with typical mechanicals, but if you prefer quieter keystrokes, this is the one for you!

Key Features
  • Mechanical keyboard with quiet Cherry MX Red switches with 100 percent gold contacts
  • Dust and spill-resistant
  • Macro programming with Corsairs Utility Engine software control
  • Anti-ghosting technology with full key rollover for simultaneous keystrokes
Pros
  • IP32 water-resistance and dust-resistant
  • Brilliant lighting effects with nearly unlimited customization options or pre-set special effects
  • Smoothly linear response with Cherry MX red switches
  • Textured grip on space bar
Cons
  • Keycaps are slick
  • Cherry Red MX switches are quiet, so this is not the best choice for those who want the clickiness of a mechanical keyboard
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Corsair K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

One of the best mechanical keyboard choices in a compact size, tenkeyless design, and 87 key format is the Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard offers the compact design of a membrane keyboard with the satisfying click and tactile feedback that we love in a mechanical keyboard. The LED RGB backlighting offers 19 color effect choices, two user profiles, and six brightness levels so you can personalize your gaming or work ambiance.

The Redragon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has ergonomically designed, precision engineered keycaps to reduce finger slipping. The Cherry MX Blue equivalent switches offer a quiet click sound and fast action with minimal resistance and no tactile bump feel, for the ideal gaming experience in a smaller keyboard. All 87 keys offer conflict-free functioning and anti-ghosting technology, so you can hit several keys simultaneously without any skipping or missing. It features free NKey rollover and 12 multimedia keys.

This keyboard is constructed of durable metal alloy and ABS mechanical keycaps. It is splash-resistant and includes a corrosion-free, gold-plated USB connector to ensure a reliable connection.

The Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is compatible with Windows, 10, 8,7, Vista, and XP. Limited Mac support is available. It’s a perfect fit for any gaming PC.

This is one of the best choices for freeing up room in your workspace or room in your gaming area without having to sacrifice the performance you’ve come to expect from the best mechanical keyboard.

Key Features
  • Compact-sized mechanical gaming keyboard
  • Ergonomically-designed
  • Plate-mounted mechanical keys with Cherry MX Blue equivalent switches
  • Rainbow LED RGB backlighting with 19 lighting effects, game modes, 2 user profiles
  • Plate-mounted mechanical keys
Pros
  • Dust-resistant switches with quiet clicking and minimal resistance
  • 2 user profiles available
  • Durable metal alloy keyboard base
Cons
  • Some keys double click after extended use
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Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The Eagletec KG010 Mechanical Keyboard is one of the best mechanical keyboard choices for simplicity and longevity. Designed for extensive use at home, in the office, your business, or for gaming, this keyboard has dust-resistant mechanical switches in the equivalent of the Cherry MX Blue design, with responsive, durable keycaps and just the right amount of clicky tactile feedback. It functions with comfortable, medium-level resistance, nicely audible clicking response, and precise actuation. All 104 keys in the full keyboard with a numeric pad offer conflict-free, anti-ghosting with n-key rollover. Multiple keys can be used simultaneously, and all will instantly register. The lettering is designed to last forever, with no worries about letters and symbols fading or scratching off.

This Eagletec KG010 Mechanical Keyboard has a black body with simple blue backlighting, nine effect modes, and six brightness levels. Breathing speed is adjustable. The same keyboard is also available in multi-color backlighting, no backlights, and a white keyboard option with blue or multi-colored lighting. This is one of the best mechanical keyboards with an option to suit anyone’s preference or gaming ambiance.

The Eagletec KG010 Mechanical Keyboard has a durable build with aircraft-grade aluminum and strong ABS construction. It can withstand years of extensive use in the home, office, and even intense gaming sessions.

This keyboard offers everything you look for in a mechanical keyboard with plate-mounted mechanical keys and simpler backlighting effects. It’s compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. It has limited Mac OS support.

Key Features
  • 104 key mechanical keyboard with injection molded keycaps
  • Designed for durability with extensive typing for business, office, or home
  • Simple blue LED backlighting
  • Includes full numeric keypad
Pros
  • 104 anti-ghosting, n-key rollover, conflict-free keys
  • Adjustable light speed and brightness level
  • Includes multimedia keys, locking Windows key, and WASD arrow key exchange function
  • Dust-resistant key switches
Cons
  • Breathing light effect causes slight buzzing noise
  • Slight differences in tension feel from key to key
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Eagletec KG010 Mechanical Keyboard

The best mechanical keyboard featuring a retro design and color is the Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. While at a glance, this appears to be a classic mechanical keyboard in the traditional gray-white color combination, it’s been updated to an ideal gaming keyboard with RGB backlighting. You can choose from preset color choices, or customize the lighting color of each individual keycap.

The Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features SA spherical PBT keycaps. Polybutylene terephthalate, or PBT, is the one of the toughest and most durable keycap materials available. The wide-spaced keys with a comfortably chunky design and spherical, finger-friendly tops are ergonomically shaped to enhance comfort and reduce slippage. This is an especially good feature for those with larger hands and fingers.

The 140 key, full keyboard also features N-key rollover, to allow the pressing of up to six keys simultaneously without missing or ghosting. The injection-molded keycaps won’t allow the letters to be worn away even with years of use. The DIY keyboard with macro editing availability is supported by the professional software.

The Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features modified Brown switches that deliver a satisfyingly clicky tactile response without being overly loud, making this one of the best mechanical keyboard choices for use in an office setting or at home. It is compatible with Windows 10,8,7, XP, Vista, Mac, Linux, and more. Only a USB cable is required for a secure connection.

If you love the retro appeal of an old-school style mechanical keyboard, but enjoy the ambiance of customized backlighting, the Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard may be the best mechanical keyboard for your gaming setup or workspace.

Key Features
  • Mechanical keyboard in retro grey-white color
  • Most durable PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps
  • SA spherical keys (ergonomic spherical touch area) with comfortable chunky shape
  • Includes modified Brown switches
Pros
  • 60 million touch life keys are wider-spaced and great for large hands or fingers
  • Each key RGB light can be separately customized with over 16.8 million million color choices
  • N-key rollover allows simultaneous pushing of many keys with no missing or ghosting
  • Softer sounding mechanical switches are ideal for office use or for quieter gaming
Cons
  • Keyboard is heavy
  • Replacement keys may be difficult to find
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Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The best mechanical keyboard in a full 104 key format with numeric pad and wireless technology is the G-Chord Wireless Gaming Mechanical Keyboard. This keyboard features a durable aluminum frame with no flexing or bending, making it ideal for extended use. The ergonomically designed keycaps are chunky in size, comfortable to use, and the Cherry Mx Brown switches are ideal for offering just the right amount of satisfying clicky feedback and tactile response without being overly loud. The anti-ghosting function and 104 key rollover allow for an astonishing ten simultaneous keypresses without ghosting, missing, or skipping commands.

The G-Chord Wireless Gaming Mechanical Keyboard delivers wireless technology without the lags commonly associated with Bluetooth technology. Instead, this keyboard features a nano USB receiver that is easily inserted into your device so you can enjoy true wireless function, even from a surprising range. The USB receiver is able to transmit low latency connections directly and with greater stability than typical Bluetooth or WiFi connections.

The battery longevity is also impressive, with up to 312 hours of constant use, or 600 hours of typical use. This is ideal for both gaming and typing with the satisfying feel of mechanical switches with good tactile response and clicking feedback, and the convenience and freedom of a wireless keyboard.

The G-Chord Wireless Gaming Mechanical Keyboard has everything you need in a gaming keyboard, or one for typing or office work, with the freedom that comes with a wireless connection. The RGB backlighting can be adjusted to 6 different modes, all of which look impressive with the matte black finish of the G-Chord Wireless Gaming Mechanical Keyboard. While it doesn’t provide customizing, the light effects and wireless technology still make this one of the best mechanical keyboard choices for work or play available today, especially in this price range!

Key Features
  • Aluminum-framed wireless gaming mechanical keyboard
  • Full-sized, 104 key layout
  • Cherry Mx Brown switches for comfortable tactile feedback
  • Anti-ghosting technology allows up to 10 keypresses simultaneously with no ghosting or skipping
  • 6 RGB backlighting modes
Pros
  • No lags or delays even in wireless use
  • Long battery life with up to 312 hours of continuous use, or 600 hours of typical use
  • USB interface receiver for more secure connection and less lag than Bluetooth
Cons
  • 6 lighting modes, but lighting is not customizable
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G-Cord Wireless Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

The Havit Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Combo is one of the best mechanical keyboard choices that comes with a gaming mouse and detachable wrist rest. Both keyboard and mouse are backlit and come with customizable color effects for a complete gaming atmosphere. The keyboard includes 14 preset backlighting modes. Seven color effects are available on the gaming mouse. Together this helps to create an immersive gaming environment. The keyboard lighting brightness can be adjusted from bright to dim, to lights off, and the breathing speed of your lighting is also adjustable.

The Havit Mechanical Keyboard has a complete format with 104 keys with individual switches and full all-key rollover to prevent missing, skipping, or ghosting. Twelve multimedia keys are included. All keys have ultra-sensitive triggers in the floating key design format. The MX Cherry Blue key switches provide a good tactile experience with a tight feel and a nice responsive sound that’s not overly loud, but just loud enough to be satisfyingly clicky. A detachable wrist rest is included and has been ergonomically designed to enhance comfort during long gaming or typing periods.

The included Havit mouse has 6 DOI levels available and offers a larger mouse design, which is ideal for gaming, especially for those with large hands. It offers seven buttons and seven programmable RGB light modes.

The Havit Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Combo comes in black with impressive lighting effects to enhance your gaming experience. It has a braided cable to ensure durability. This is definitely one of the best mechanical keyboard choices available today and comes complete with a gaming mouse.

Key Features
  • Mechanical keyboard with metal panel and floating key format
  • Highly sensitive key triggering
  • 104 keys with individual switches and n-key rollover
  • Includes 14 backlighting modes
  • Includes gaming mouse with 7 color effects and 6 DPI levels
Pros
  • Keyboard and gaming mouse combo
  • Keyboard includes removable wrist rest
  • Braided cord for durability
  • Larger than typical mouse is great for those with large hands
Cons
  • MX Cherry Blue switches may be too clicky for those who prefer quieter keys
  • Mouse may be large for small hands
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Havit Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Combo

One of the best mechanical keyboards in white with beautiful rainbow RGB lighting and compact 81 key design, is the HUO JI Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard features the tenkeyless 81 key format with anti-ghosting technology and full N-key rollover. You can use complex key presses simultaneously and at high speed without any commands being lost or dropped.

The HUO JI Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features Blue switches with good tactile feedback and a nice, satisfying clicky sound. The custom mechanical switches have been designed for durability, responsiveness, and longevity of use. They are sensitive and highly responsive, giving any gamer an advantage. They also make typing fast and easy, making this also an excellent keyboard choice for the office or for working at home. Keycaps feature laser-etched lettering that won’t wear off, even with extensive use. The keycaps are ergonomically designed for typing comfort and have a non-slip texture and shape.

This keyboard has beautiful rainbow LGB lighting with ten backlight modes.

The HUO JI Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has high-quality keys with bicolor molded ABS material. The body is tough and durable, with no flexing, adding durability. It is also built to be splash-resistant, so you can have your soda, water, or coffee without fear.

HUO includes a handy keycap pulling tool to aid in cleaning and maintenance. Also included are some extra switches to use if needed.

While the lighting effect options are limited to ten modes rather than being customizable, it’s the best mechanical keyboard for those who are happy with beautiful, pre-programmed lighting modes and don’t feel the need to spend time customizing spectacular light shows.

Key Features
  • Compact white gaming keyboard with 81 keys and tenkeyless design
  • Clicky Blue mechanical switches
  • Anti-ghosting technology and N-Key rollover for simultaneous keypresses
  • RGB backlighting with 10 modes
Pros
  • Multimedia keys and Windows key lock for gaming
  • Keycap puller is included for easy maintenance and cleaning
  • Blue switches for clicky feedback
  • Etched lettering will never wear off
Cons
  • Height of the keyboard may cause hand fatigue without the addition of a wrist rest
  • Some occasional slight lag has been noted with complex simultaneous keypresses
  • Pre-programmed light effect modes only
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HUO JI Z88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

One of the best mechanical keyboards for wireless technology is the Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth Gaming Mechanical Keyboard. This keyboard is compact in size, with a tenkeyless design that still retains important shortcut and arrow keys. It features a 75 percent layout with 84 ergonomically designed mechanical keys with Brown switches. Brown switches provide comfortable tactile feedback with a pleasantly firm feel and quiet clicking that’s just enough to satisfy without the loud clicks associated with Blue or Green switches.

The Keychron K2 can be connected to up to three Bluetooth enabled devices and can be switched easily between your devices, including your iPhone, laptop, iPad, and more. It can also be used in wired mode with the included USB cable and Type-C port. The rechargeable, 4000 mAh battery offers the longest battery life available in a wireless keyboard today, with up to 72 hours of use, or for seven days of eight hours of normal use per day.

The Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth Gaming Mechanical Keyboard has a unique Mac layout, with important Mac function keys, making this the best mechanical keyboard with wireless technology for Mac users while still being perfectly compatible with Windows systems. A simple switch lets you easily and quickly change between operating systems.

The Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth Gaming Mechanical Keyboard has a sturdy aluminum frame and adjustable feet for an angle up to 6 degrees, making this one of the best mechanical keyboards for comfortable typing.

This wireless keyboard has beautiful RGB backlighting with 15 colorful light effects, or switch to steady white backlighting if preferred. Light effects are easily changed with only a single keypress.

Key Features
  • 75 percent keyboard layout, tenkeyless form with 84 keys and backlighting
  • Wireless Bluetooth technology to connect with up to 3 devices
  • Includes USB cable for wired use
  • Durable aluminum frame
  • Up to 72 hour battery life during normal use
Pros
  • No numeric pad, but retains the arrow and shortcut keys
  • Unique, Mac-friendly layout with Mac function keys, while still compatible with Windows OS
  • Brown Switches for good tactile feel and quieter sound
  • Many options for RGB lighting color customization, or choose steady white light
Cons
  • USB port is located on the side of the keyboard rather than the back
  • Keyboard sleeps after ten minutes of disuse as default setting to save battery life
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Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

One of the best mechanical keyboard choices for customization is the Razer BlackWidow X Chroma Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Not only does it offer customizable backlighting effects with 16.8 million RGB colors and shades, but it also has preset profiles. It includes the ability to individually customize lighting on each key and fully programmable Macro support functions. Each key or combination of keypresses can be remapped with Razer’s Hypershift feature. You can easily execute even the most complex commands with the comfortable, ergonomically designed keycaps.

The Razer BlackWidow X Chroma comes in an updated mercury white color with a military-grade build and rugged construction. It has a metal top plate to ensure a sturdy build and less flexing during use. The tough build supports up to 80 million keystrokes and a two-year warranty. The Razer BlackWidow X Chroma was built to last.

This may be the best mechanical keyboard for gaming, or for office and business use. The Razer Green key switches offer a satisfying clicking response and good tactile feel with just the right tension that never gives the mushy feel found in membrane keyboards. The 50 G of actuation force allows for the most comfortable typing and gaming with a highly satisfying feel.

The Razer BlackWidow X Chroma may be the best mechanical keyboard for any gaming setup or workspace, with a durable braided cable and dedicated cable grooves below the keyboard to ensure that your cable stays neatly in place for less tangling and wear and tear during use.

This is one of the best mechanical keyboards in an updated design from one of the most trusted names in keyboard technology—Razer.

Key Features
  • Mercury white keyboard with Green switches for clicky response and 50 G actuation force
  • Military grade metal build, and durable metal top plate
  • Syncing ability with Razor Chroma enabled peripherals and all Philips Hue technologies
Pros
  • Macro support for complete programming and key remapping for complex commands in gaming
  • Built for longevity with metal top plate for sturdiness and less flexing during use
  • 16.8 million available color options for customized lighting
  • Includes cable-managing grooves behind keyboard
Cons
  • Keyboard emits static
  • Must be online to customize backlighting effects
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Razer BlackWidow X Chroma Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Whether you are new to mechanical keyboards or are looking to upgrade to the best mechanical keyboard in order to amp up your game or increase your work productivity, it can be difficult to know which model to choose. While they may all appear very similar at a glance, with a mechanical keyboard, there is much more going on below the surface, and that can make all the difference in the sound, feel, and effectiveness of your typing or gaming experience.

Understanding Switches To Find The Best Mechanical Keyboard

The most important parts of a mechanical keyboard are the switches that hide below each keycap. According to EuroGamer, understanding the different types of switches will help you to choose the right mechanical keyboard. Switches are typically described by their color. For instance, the best mechanical keyboard with quiet functioning will feature red switches. Many high-end mechanical keyboards will feature Cherry MX Switches—arguably the best brand—and others will feature switches that are promoted as equivalent to Cherry switches.

The switches in mechanical keyboards function when the keycap is pressed and hits the switch below. Depending on the type of switch in a mechanical keyboard, this can happen quietly, or it can make a clicking sound. Red switches are typically almost silent. Brown switches produce a soft, but satisfying click when pressed. Blue, Green, and White switches are louder and make what many describe as a highly satisfying click, with Blue being the “clickiest.”

Along with the audible clicking response, the switch color will also determine the feel of the key as you press it. A red switch is not only quiet, but it also presses softly and smoothly. Brown switches have a slightly stiffer response and a louder click. Green and White switches offer a tactile response often called the “tactile bump” that’s felt when the keycap connects with the switch and emits a louder click. The Blue switches are not only typically considered to be the clickiest and make a noisy click-clacking sound as you type, but they also provide a good tactile bump.

Deciding on whether you want to work or play quietly, or whether you love the feedback of the clickiest keyboards will help you to choose the best mechanical keyboard for your system.

Other Features Found In The Best Mechanical Keyboards

Besides offering switches with varying degrees of tactile and auditory feedback, the best mechanical keyboards of today may come in wired or wireless modes. While wireless keyboards offer freedom from cords, they may present a slight lag or delay that can be a disadvantage for gaming.

Another important consideration in the best mechanical keyboards are RGB lighting effects. You can choose a keyboard with simple backlighting, or one with several lighting effect modes, or one that is completely customizable and allows you to choose the lighting for each individual key and produce stunning effects and light shows. Some models even react to action in the game, such as indicating kills, declining health, and low ammo.

When choosing the best mechanical keyboard for your setup, you should also decide if you prefer a large, full-sized keyboard with 104 keys, or a compact model without the numeric pad, typically described as “Tenkeyless.”

For gamers, other important features include technology to allow the pressing of multiple keys simultaneously without “ghosting” or key presses that didn’t register or were skipped. This is typically listed as anti-ghosting features, or n-key rollover. (NKRO) This works when the keyboard itself registers each keypress rather than waiting until the computer does it.

Once you’ve decided how much tactile and auditory feedback you prefer, and decided how important the backlighting effects may be to your setup, it’s easy to choose the best mechanical keyboard for your system. Besides looking and feeling great, mechanical keyboards will outperform and outlast membrane keyboards, making them the best choice to withstand lengthy typing sessions and the most intense gaming.