The integrated numpad includes additional Windows shortcut keys, a calculator lock button, and a screen lock button. The 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard’s compatibility is still limited to Windows and Android. But to take advantage of the stand, you might have to remove your mobile device’s case, if you use one. My phone case is about a half-inch thick, and I found the slot to be a tight fit. None of our other picks have a built-in stand; if you want to use any of those keyboards with a phone or tablet, you need a separate stand.

Keyboards Guide

Corsair is also pivoting its keyboard strategy — motivated by its acquisition of Drop — and the K70 Pro TKL includes a host of upgrades. Although the model is technically still in the K70 series, it is markedly different to the rest of the products. They mention it has five brightness options, and the LED lights on this keyboard are really cool. They also say the backlighting looks great and is quite vibrant. Membrane keyboardA keyboard on which all the keycaps are mounted on a membrane sheath; when a key is pressed, a rubber dome depresses and pushes against the sheath and PCB beneath, actuating the key.

I love mechanical keyboards—I even open up boards and tinker with them. Over the past few years, I have tested dozens, ranging from the fastest gaming keyboards to those offering elevated typing experiences. These are the best mechanical keyboards of the hundreds you can find online. What the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini lacks in number of keys, it makes up for with its brilliantly responsive Hall Effect switches. This 60% gaming keyboard offers a plethora of great features thanks to its OmniPoint switches, such as useful dual actuation points and adjustable distance, on top of a fantastic build quality and sleek appearance.

The mechanical keyboards use a switch technology to trigger it when a key is pressed and bounce back to its position while regular keyboards use a rubber dome and membrane. Choosing between the two, it is important to first understand what they have to offer. This basic structure gives mechanical keyboards a thick clicking sound, while regular membrane keyboards have a more dull and monotonous clicking sound.. The mechanical typing noise is so distinct that algorithms can now figure out what you’re typing based solely on the sounds of each key. The K70 Pro TKL comes with Corsair’s magnetic switch, and it is terrific for daily use.

Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I’ve written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i’m focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector. If you want to filter your search by brand, we’re also rounding up all the best Razer keyboards on the market. Or, take a look at the best gaming mouse options and the best gaming headsets for more setup inspiration. Tactile switches will provide you with tactile feedback and an obvious bump in the middle of travel.

• You do not need to understand all of these words if you want a fun, good, mechanical keyboard that just works—almost all of my recommendations below are fully assembled keyboards.
• The K70 Pro TKL is packed with features, and the keyboard goes up to 8,000Hz polling.
• Mechanical users can glide their fingers across the keyboard with ease, allowing them to type faster and longer with better accuracy.
• Cherry Xtrfy K5V2There are better feeling and cheaper, compact keyboards on the market, but the Cherry does have some much-improved switches, at least.

What Everyone Should Know About Keyboards

It’s a great place to start unless you really want an attached number pad or know you prefer a different layout. Nearly all of our recommendations also come in other layouts, which we’ve linked where possible. If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our mechanical keyboard reviews. While no product is perfect for every use, most keyboards are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them. However, all those moving parts won’t be for everyone, and particularly not those around you. Mechanical keyboards are generally a lot noisier than membrane ones, producing a click and clack with every keypress no matter how ‘silent’ your switches are.

At its core, the mechanical vs membrane keyboard debate comes down to which switch https/computerskeyboard.com/ type you would like to use and how much you want to spend. The mechanical keyboard is a keyboard produced with high quality with typically spring activated key switches. The switches under the keys is the main difference between the mechanical keyboard and ordinary keyboard. In the world of gaming, these keyboards along with the monitor and mouse play a deciding role for a fulfilling experience. Most popular feature of mechanical keyboards is their unique key switches. When a user presses a key, the spring pushes down and connects two metal contacts that trigger the keyboard’s circuit.

These keyboards also have a convenient switch on the back left, to swap between the Windows and Mac layouts. In addition, Keychron includes a removable braided USB-C–to–C cable and a USB-C–to–A adapter, as well as useful tools for changing switches and keycaps. We recommend prebuilt keyboards that you can plug in and use immediately, but there’s a whole world of custom mechanical keyboards. Building your own opens up a ton of size, layout, switch, and programmability options, but such keyboards are less readily available, and they require more tinkering. If you’re seeking one with a different vibe, take a look at the other good mechanical keyboards we found during testing. If you want a mechanical keyboard with a more-compact layout, check out our guide to compact mechanical keyboards. The Epomaker TH80 Pro provides the best typing experience and the most extra features—RGB, hot-swap, wireless, a knob, Windows and Mac keycaps, and programmability—for a surprisingly reasonable price.

Apple’s flagship typer finally adopts USB-C, marking the retirement of the Lightning connector (at least when it comes to Apple’s latest lineup of iMacs, MacBooks, and iPhones). The build is identical; it still has no key backlighting; and it remains expensive—$179 for the white version and $199 if you want black keys. If you’ve used this keyboard before and liked it, then you probably still will. But if you’re waiting for Apple to update the board in a significant way, you’re better off picking from one of the many Mac keyboard alternatives. A satisfying typing experience and full programmability in VIA for less than $50.

I’m an Analyst and ISF-certified TV calibrator focused on reviewing computer accessories, laptops, gaming monitors, and video games. I’ve been writing, playing, and complaining about games for as long as I remember, but it wasn’t until recently that I’ve been able to shout my opinions directly at a larger audience. My work has appeared on iMore, Windows Central, Android Central, and TWICE, and I have a diverse portfolio of editing work under my belt from my time spent at Scholastic and Oxford University Press. I also have a few book-author credits under my belt—I’ve contributed to the sci-fi anthology Under New Suns, and I’ve even written a Peppa Pig book. / Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we’ve tested sent to your inbox weekly. The Logitech MK850 Performance and the Logitech K375s Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard both felt cheap and unsatisfying to type on. Both the Satechi Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard and the Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard lack a Windows layout and a USB dongle.

That might not sound preferable, but it gives the Q1 Max a much more satisfying typing sound compared to what are known as tray-mounted keyboards like the Keychron V series. Replacement switch plates are also available in different materials if you want to further customize how the Q1 Max feels and sounds. With one exception, we prioritized keyboards that offer hot-swappable switches so you can easily replace them if they break or you just fancy a change in typing feel. Being able to customize a keyboard’s layout and RGB lighting is also important. Many different kinds of switches are available, each offering its own typing feel and sound profile. If you’re looking for some help getting started, check out our guide for how to choose mechanical switches. Alternatively, check out our recommendations for the best mechanical switches.