The Best Mechanical Keyboards For Your Home or Office Upgrade
A great mechanical keyboard will change the way typing feels, and the way you feel about typing.
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Though it’s often taken for granted, the computer you use every day can have a tremendous impact on your productivity and satisfaction. A great keyboard makes you want to come back and keep typing, whether that’s for work or play. It’s your interface to your computer, so it makes sense to invest in a quality tool to enhance your experience if you spend a lot of time on your PC.
Mechanical keyboards, unlike what you find in a laptop or most basic office gear, feature physical switches under each key that trigger the signals you send from your keyboard to your computer. PC fans and experts, from gamers to programmers to creators and even picky office workers tend to prefer them for their improved feedback, comfortable feel and reliability. (Despite the fact that they are almost always louder.) If you’re willing to spend a little extra, the best mechanical keyboards can drastically improve your computing setup, whether you’re working from home, gaming, or just doing casual tasks like browsing the web and using a word processor.
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Best Mechanical Keyboards
- Best Overall: Nuphy Halo96 Mechanical Keyboard
- Best Value: Akko 3098S Mechanical Keyboard
- Best Gaming: Corsair K70 Max Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Best for the Office: Razer Pro Type Ultra Mechanical Keyboard
- Best Full-Size: Das Keyboard 6 Professional Mechanical Keyboard
The Expert: As both a professional writer and a PC gamer, my keyboard is vital to my professional and entertainment life. Since buying my first mechanical keyboard in 2015, I’ve been obsessed with having the best sounding, best feeling, and most responsive keys possible. I’ve reviewed technology for the past 10 years, including more than 100 keyboards, for publications like IGN, Tom’s Hardware, and Reviewed.
In my spare time, I also enjoy building custom mechanical keyboard kits, trying new switches, and testing new mods. My current collection consists of more than 30 pre-built keyboards and two dozen custom kits I’ve built myself, not to mention thousands of switches and dozens of keycap sets. I know keyboards inside and out and keep up with all of the latest trends and developments in their design.
What to Consider When Choosing a Mechanical Keyboard
Size
Mechanical keyboards come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. They primarily vary by size and number of keys, though you may find that certain keys may be adjusted slightly in different layouts. The most common sizes are:
Full-size: The “default” desktop keyboard with a number pad and function row. Traditionally full-size keyboards have 104 keys, though manufacturers will call any keyboard with a number pad and function row “full-size.” (Actually, some gaming keyboards have even more.) Full-size keyboards have the largest desk footprint, and have lots of keys that are primarily useful for work. (When else do you use your number pad?)
Tenkeyless: Tenkeyless or “TKL” keyboards have the same layout as a full-size design, except for the number pad. They usually have around 87 keys, and are considerably more compact. This makes the TKL a great middle ground for all kinds of users, so long as you don’t use the numpad often.
60 Percent: 60 percent keyboards are the smallest of all and are most popular among gamers. With around 60 to 65 keys, they drop the function, editing, and navigation keys, including the arrows, to create the smallest footprint possible. If that sounds unusable, don’t fret: You can still use all of the commands tied to the missing keys with shortcut combinations. As a result, 60 percent keyboards require a little bit of getting used to, but they open the door to a quicker, minimalist experience that many expert typists prefer.
When choosing a keyboard, it’s important to consider exactly how you’ll be using it. If you need a dedicated number pad, you’ll need a full-size keyboard. If you rarely use it, consider a TKL. Compact 60 percent keyboards are great if you have a small desk.
It’s worth noting that some manufacturers make in-between sizes that minimize the tradeoffs of switching to a smaller design. For example, many gaming manufacturers make “65 percent” keyboards, which sneak the arrow keys back into the 60 percent layout. If you like the sound of a smaller keyboard, but are afraid to give up certain keys, it may be taking a closer look at different, less conventional designs to find your sweet spot.
Switches
The key components of a mechanical keyboard are the mechanical switches underneath each key, which use a combination of springs, mechanical contacts, and moving parts to physically trigger the signal that runs from your keyboard to your computer.
There are many types of key switches, which dictate various nuances of how your keys feel, including the amount of force it takes to trigger or “actuate” each key, the distance your finger moves when you fully press down or “bottom out” your keys, and how they sound as you type. (The clack of the mechanical keyboard is one of the things enthusiasts love most, and some will go to incredible lengths to find the perfect sound, despite the fact that it has no bearing on your keyboard’s performance.)
Picking the right switch for you is entirely a matter of personal taste. There are many unique switches, each with a slightly different feel. Broadly speaking, though, they all fall into one of three core categories.
Linear: These switches deliver a smooth key press from top to bottom with almost no resistance. They are popular among gamers for their lack of tactile feedback.
Tactile: Tactile switches have a physical bump built into the switch, allowing you to feel when the actuation point, when a keystroke is sent. They are slightly louder than linear switches and require a little more force to push, but the latter helps you avoid typos, making it a good choice for typing and productivity.
Clicky: Clicky switches pair a tactile bump with an audible click. They are the loudest of the three switch types, and popular for typing, but they’re considerably louder than tactile switches, and thus usually unwelcome at the office.
Speaking of noise, all mechanical keyboards make at least a little bit of noise when you type. That said, some manufacturers make office-friendly “silent” versions of linear and tactile switches, which keep the click-clacking to a minimum.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Keyboards generally connect to PCs and other devices in one of three ways: A USB cable, a 2.4 GHz wireless connection via a USB dongle, or Bluetooth. For typing and browsing the web any of the three will do. Gamers should avoid using Bluetooth, as it introduces more input lag than 2.4GHz wireless or a wired connection.
If you’re looking for a wireless keyboard, you should definitely take an extra minute to check its estimated battery life. Many wireless mechanical keyboards without backlighting, like the Keychron Q1 Pro, offer battery ratings of 300 hours or more. Powerful high-end gaming keyboards like the Asus ROG Azoth can last up to 2,000 hours with the lighting turned off. Per-key backlighting, particularly RGB lighting in gaming keyboards, substantially cuts the on-the-box battery life. (I’d expect an RGB keyboard to last about half as long with the RGB lighting on at max brightness.)
Lastly, if you plan to connect via Bluetooth, check and see if it can connect to multiple devices. Most premium productivity keyboards should be able to simultaneously pair with up to three, allowing you to quickly switch from a desktop to a laptop on the fly. For the best battery life and stability, we also suggest looking for keyboards that support Bluetooth 5.0 or higher.
Mac or Windows?
While it might seem obvious, support for different operating systems isn’t a given. If you use a Mac, you should look for a keyboard with a Mac layout (with an Apple key and everything), and MacOS-compatible software. Some keyboards, like the Nuphy Air75 are Mac-friendly with matching keycaps and functions straight out of the box, but only make their software available for Windows.
Programmability
Many mechanical keyboards allow you to remap keys and create custom shortcuts using configuration software. Major brands usually offer their own custom software, which will often provide additional features, like the ability to customize RGB lighting. Though primarily used by PC gamers, easy programmability allows you to customize your keyboard for how you’ll actually be using it, such as assigning a key to specifically launch an application.
Keycaps
Keycaps are the plastic, lettered buttons that make up the face of the keyboard. Since they’re the parts you actually push, they’re usually the first thing to wear out. That means the quality of your keycaps has a major impact on your keyboard’s long-term durability. (Though, in many cases, they can be replaced without buying a new keyboard.)
When picking your keyboard, look at the materials used to make the keycaps. The most affordable option, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic (ABS), allows RGB lighting to shine bright through it, but tends to be thinner and more easily show oils from your skin.
The more expensive, premium option is a denser plastic, Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), is usually thicker and more textured, lending them a grippier feeling and a deeper sound. They do not show light as well, however, and are usually more expensive. For long-term durability, however, they are unquestionably the better choice.
How We Selected The Best Mechanical Keyboards
I chose the best mechanical keyboards based on deep research and first-hand testing experience. We started with a large list of potential keyboards and then narrowed that down based on brand reputation, feature and components lists, and reviews from experts at publications like PCMag, CNET, RTings, and MacWorld. For the keyboards I tested myself, I used them as my daily driver for two weeks minimum for both productivity and gaming. Where possible, I also disassembled them to see exactly how they tick.
Beyond the specs, we also looked at nuanced features, like whether brands used silent switches or acoustic damping to enhance the sound and feel of each keystroke. Finally, we considered longevity so that each keyboard on this list is reliable, both in connectivity and long-term durability.
Nuphy Halo96 Mechanical Keyboard
Nuphy Halo96 Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Comfortable typing feel and pleasant typing sound
- Reliable wired and wireless connectivity
Cons
- No MacOS software
The Nuphy Halo96 is a surprising, but incredibly well-rounded mechanical keyboard that’s perfect for both work and play. It features a distinctive “compact full-size” layout, which removes the extra space between the primary block of alphanumeric keys and the number pad, crunching the whole keyboard into a more compact frame. This saves space on your desk (and looks great doing it) while maintaining most of the functionality of a full-size mechanical keyboard.
The Halo96 is exceptionally well-built, with doubleshot PBT keycaps, an aluminum case, and layers of silicone sound dampening that fine-tune its sound and feel. It has a special silicone insert in its space bar, making it one of the quietest keyboards on this list. With full support for wired and wireless connectivity (three devices over Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz for low-latency gaming), as well as native support for macOS, you’ll have no trouble staying connected to all of your devices.
The keyboard is exceptionally customizable. It supports removable switches for easy upgrading and repairability and includes alternate keycaps for Windows and Mac, as well as colorful accent keys to give your workspace extra desk-appeal.
The only downsides are its limited color choices (white or black, each with colorful accents) and the lack of software for macOS, but since it already comes with all of the standard Mac keys built-in, you’re not missing much. The Halo96 is exceptional in nearly every way.
Key Specs
| Size | Full-size |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| Switches | Linear, Tactile |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT |
Akko 3098S Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Comfortable typing experience
- Compact full-size layout
- Quality keycaps and sound dampening
Cons
- Linear switches only
- Tall keycap profile may feel odd at first
If you’re looking for a great keyboard on a budget, the Akko 3098S offers great bang for your buck. With excellent connectivity options, a compact-yet-functional layout for work and gaming, durable keycaps, and a stylish look, it goes above and beyond for a “budget” mechanical keyboard.
The sound and feel of its keycaps are comfortable and satisfying to use, thanks to its intricate construction. The keycaps feature a taller-than-average curvature, promoting a lighter touch to ward off typos on its linear switches. That distinctive shape feels foreign at first, but it’s worth spending the time to adjust for the 3098S’ superior sound and feel.
Key Specs
| Size | Full-Size |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| Switches | Linear |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT |
Corsair K70 Max Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Pros
- Responsive action
- Customizable, dual actuation switches
- Exceptionally customizable lighting
Cons
- Wired only
- Dual actuation requires a light touch
If you aim to dominate in every game you play, Corsair’s flagship K70 Max offers powerful features that few keyboards can match. Corsair’s K70 line-up has been at the top of its class for years thanks to its responsiveness, customization, and top-notch build quality.
The K70 Max takes that to the next level with customizable magnetic switches that can detect how far down you press each key, allowing you to assign and trigger two actions as you press a single key. In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, for example, you can ready a grenade by pressing a key half-way, then throw it by fully pressing down. This same technology allows you to set custom actuation points to give your keys a light touch when gaming and heavier keystrokes to prevent typos when typing.
Beyond that distinctive feature, the K70 Max features Corsair’s iconic aluminum case, doubleshot PBT keycaps that will never shine or look grimy, and top-tier lighting. It also supports 8,000 Hz polling, which means it registers new keystrokes every 0.125 milliseconds for the quickest response time possible.
The only thing it doesn’t have is wireless connectivity, but that’s a small price to pay for it’s superior precision and immense range of customization options.
Key Specs
| Size | TKL |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired |
| Switches | Linear |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT |
Razer Pro Type Ultra Mechanical Keyboard
Razer Pro Type Ultra Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Silent switches
- Clean design
- Plentiful connectivity and programmability
Cons
- ABS keycaps
- Windows-only software required for full functionality
Razer is well-known for its thin gaming laptops and gaming accessories, but the Razer Pro Type Ultra is built to put in serious work. With clean white keycaps and a simple white backlight, it gives you all of the productivity-enhancing programming and customization options of a gaming keyboard, without the potentially distracting gaming aesthetic.
That includes an outstanding 214-hour estimated battery life and the ability to create custom macros to automate complicated shortcuts and repetitive tasks. It also has some office-standard features, including the ability to connect and swap among up to four devices, and whisper-quiet silent switches.
The Pro Type Ultra is more expensive than the average office keyboard. (So is its business partner, the Razer Pro Click mouse.) And it isn’t without its flaws–it features less durable ABS keycaps–but the Pro Type Ultra is a best-of-both-worlds option that brings some of the features of a gaming keyboard to a top-of-the-line productivity design.
Key Specs
| Size | Full-Size |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| Switches | Silent linear |
| Keycaps | ABS |
Das Keyboard 6 Professional
Pros
- Minimalist aesthetic, perfect for the office
- Built-in USB Type-C hub and shortcut keys
- Durable construction made for heavy use
Cons
- Not programmable
Das Keyboard has been making premium, office-friendly mechanical keyboards since 2006. The Das Keyboard 6 Professional is the result of generations of refinement, culminating in a product that’s as well-built as it is easy to type on. Its doubleshot keycaps and aluminum case are made to last a lifetime, and though the keyboard lacks colored backlighting, the elegant white backlight, and laser-etched legends will allow you to type into the evening without struggling to see your keys.
Its minimalist design may look simple at first, but the traditional design hides a few tricks up its sleeve that set it apart from the competition. The large volume wheel is easy to manipulate and looks great with its gleaming beveled edge. There are dedicated media and lighting controls nearby, as well as a dedicated button to put your system to sleep, which isn’t at all common on mechanical keyboards. It gives your PC extra connectivity, thanks to its two USB Type-C passthrough ports, which are for plugging in a dongle for your wireless mouse, or topping off your phone while you work.
The only drawback, really, is a lack of configuration software, which is rare for a keyboard of this quality. You have every standard key, though, so it’s hardly a deal breaker. The Das Keyboard 6 Professional is a fantastic, feature-rich keyboard for power-users at work and at home.
Key Specs
| Size | Full-Size |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired |
| Switches | Tactile, Clicky |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot ABS |
Keychron Q3 TKL Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q3 TKL Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- All-aluminum build
- Smooth switches and durable keycaps
- Comfortable, satisfying typing
Cons
- Wired only
Keychron raised the bar when it launched its Q-series, adopting many features previously only found in custom, limited-run mechanical keyboards, like its soft gasket-mount structure and heavy duty chassis. The Keychron Q3 TKL is a perfect entry point to the world of high-end mechanical keyboards.
Featuring a full, CNC-milled aluminum case, this keyboard is heavy, weighing in at 4.4 pounds, and sure to inspire a little awe the first time you pick it up. But the Q3 isn’t just about gimmicks, it’s a genuinely great tenkeyless keyboard that will impress casual typists and keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Like the rest of the Q-series, it’s all about top-tier typing and customization options. The Q3 uses a gasket mount structure that cushions the circuit board on soft foam strips so every keystroke yields under your fingertips. There’s no unwanted ping or hollowness, just pure typing clack. It’s filled with sound-dampening foam and even uses specialized stabilizers for rattle-free modifier keys.
The switches are removable, too, so if you’d care to make a change, you won’t need to break out your soldering iron. The Keychron Q3 is bold and imposing, so be prepared for comments from passersby, but it’s truly a fantastic option that’s well worth the investment.
Key Specs
| Size | TKL |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired |
| Switches | Linear, Tactile, Clicky |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT |
Asus ROG Falchion Ace Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Functional, compact layout
- Highly programmable
- Customizable touch panel
Cons
- Wired only
The Asus ROG Falchion Ace is a great example of how to make a compact keyboard for a mainstream gaming audience. Its 65 percent form factor gives you the biggest benefit of a compact keyboard–lots of extra desk space.
Despite its small stature, though, it has most of the functionality of a tenkeyless keyboard, and the functionality you lose is easy to find thanks to function key shortcuts, which are clearly marked on the sides of each key cap so you can easily find them.
In lieu of conventional volume wheel or roller, the Falchion Ace features a programmable touch-sensitive panel on the left side that controls volume by default, giving it the volume controls that most small keyboards lack. (You can also reprogram the control panel with Asus’ Armour Crate software.
The updated version of the original 2021 Asus ROG Falchion adds pre-lubed NX switches for smooth operation, more durable PBT keycaps, and a layer of foam beneath the switches for a softer typing feel and better acoustics. Those switches come at the expense of wireless support and a black colorway: To me, typing feel always comes first, but you can always go the other way.
Key Specs
| Size | 65 percent |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired |
| Switches | Linear, Tactile |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT |
Nuphy Air75 Mechanical Keyboard
Nuphy Air75 Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Native MacOS support
- Plentiful connectivity
- Can be used directly on top of laptop keyboard
Cons
- Windows-only Software
Low profile keyboards are less common in the mechanical keyboard world but can be even more appealing if you travel. They feature a slim, lightweight profile that's easy to slide into a bag or backpack. The Nuphy Air75 is the best of the bunch, embracing an easy-to-travel-with design, great connectivity, and outstanding build quality that elevates its typing experience.
This keyboard has all of the core features you want in a productivity keyboard: Native MacOS support (including matching keycaps), the ability to connect to as many as three devices across wired, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections, and removable switches.
It’s remarkably thin and light, measuring only 0.6-inches tall and weighing just over a single pound. In enthusiast circles, the Nuphy Air75 made waves for being the first low-profile keyboard to offer thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which improve the typically poor acoustics of low-profile switches.
What really sets it apart, though, is how easily it can replace your laptop’s keyboard. It uses Nuphy’s 2nd generation AirFeet, thin silicone feet made to fit between the keys built into your laptop. This allows you to place it directly on top of your laptop without pressing its built-in keys. Its width is also designed to match most 15-inch laptops. The only reason we give this keyboard an edge for Windows users is that its software isn’t currently available on Mac. Combined with its optional, but highly recommended, carrying case, it’s a keyboard made to travel.
Key Specs
| Size | Compact TKL |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| Switches | Linear, Tactile, Clicky (low profile versions) |
| Keycaps | Dye-sublimated PBT |
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac
Pros
- Native MacOS support
- Programmable
- Long battery life
Cons
- ABS keycaps
Your options for fully functional mechanical keyboards with a Mac layout are fairly limited compared to Windows, but the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac gets the job done. It’s a sleek, portable keyboard designed to easily integrate into the Apple ecosystem and looks the part. In classic Mac fashion, it features a sleek, minimalist aesthetic–it’s about as thin as you can get with mechanical keys–and a wireless-first design, allowing you to connect over 2.4Ghz with a USB dongle or Bluetooth.
Most importantly, its layout and functions are designed to work natively with macOS from the start, so everything is smooth. You’ll have full control, including seamless switching with up to three different Apple devices with a simple button press.
While we wish it had PBT keycaps and AirFeet of the Nuphy Air75, its backlight is distinctly smarter. It features ambient light and proximity sensors to automatically adjust brightness or turn off the backlight to save battery, leading to 15 days of battery life with the backlight turned on and ten months with the backlight turned off.
If you like the sound of a quiet and effective compact wireless mechanical keyboard, but use a Windows PC, don’t fret: Logitech makes a Windows version as well.
Key Specs
| Size | Full-size |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired, Bluetooth |
| Switches | Linear, Tactile, Clicky (low profile versions) |
| Keycaps | Laser-etched ABS |
Asus ROG Scope Strix II 96 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Asus ROG Scope Strix II 96 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Outstanding 1,500-hour estimated battery life
- Fast and reliable wireless connectivity
- Satisfying sound and feel
Cons
- Much lower battery life with backlighting on
- Aesthetics aren't very office friendly
With a wireless mechanical keyboard, battery life is everything. The Asus ROG Scope Strix II 96 offers one of the longest-running batteries you can find in a high-end gaming keyboard, running for a shocking 1,750 hours over Bluetooth and 1,500 hours with its fast SpeedNova (2.4GHz) wireless dongle with the backlighting turned off.
Unfortunately, that tremendous battery life takes an equally striking nosedive when you turn the RGB lighting on, dipping to just 90 hours at full power. I’ve found that you can split the difference and get the hour-count back to the triple digits by dimming the lights a bit.
Beyond battery life, the Scope Strix II 96 is among the most responsive gaming keyboards available today. Asus pulled out all the stops with this one, including customized pre-lubed switches and stabilizers for a great typing feel, doubleshot PBT keycaps for durability, and built-in silicone dampening for soft keystrokes. If you want a wireless mechanical keyboard with all the bells and whistles, you’ve come to the right place.
One last thing, if you want that amazing battery life and gaming functionality in a smaller form factor, Asus’ ROG Azoth TKL delivers an estimated 2,000 hours of battery life with the lighting off, and features a neat little OLED display for you to customize.
Key Specs
| Size | Full-Size |
|---|---|
| Connections | Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| Switches | Linear, Clicky |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT |
Q+A With Our Experts
Why should I choose a mechanical keyboard over a cheaper “normal” keyboard?
Simply put, mechanical keyboards are an all-around better choice. Not only are there more options when shopping, but typing on them offers a more satisfying experience. Individual key presses are more distinct thanks to their individual switches and their sound and feel are cleaner and more defined. Their improved components translate to more precise typing, a quality that can make you want to type more instead of signing off for the day.
Just as importantly, mechanical keyboards offer better durability. The average mechanical key switch is rated for 50 to 100 million key presses. While keys can and do fail from time to time, it’s far more likely that they will last many years into the future, far exceeding the usable lifespan of a traditional membrane keyboard.
It’s also becoming increasingly common for mechanical keyboards to come with removable switches, allowing you to simply unplug and replace switches that do go bad without soldering. This same quality also allows you to change out all of the switches, completely refreshing your keyboard at a fraction of the cost of replacing it.
How Do I Find The Perfect Key Switch For Me?
Choosing the right switch is one of the most important decisions you can make, and it’s also the most confusing. Often, when shopping for a mechanical keyboard, you’ll find multiple switches that all sound similar on paper, forcing you to take a leap of faith and hope that you’ve made the right choice. Over time, you’ll figure out what you prefer, but there are some ways to narrow things down while you’re shopping.
First, figure out whether you want a linear, tactile, or clicky switch. As a rule of thumb, I recommend linear switches for gamers, who spend more time playing than writing. For office workers, creatives, and typists, go with a tactile switch. If you really love the sound of your keyboard, clicky is the way to go, provided you aren’t planning to use it in a public place.
From there, drill down and look at the individual specs of the switches, which you can find on the switch manufacturers’ websites. I’d start with actuation force, which tells you how hard you’ll need to push a key to trigger it. Lighter actuation makes keys easier to press, but can also lead to additional mispresses and other typos.
When choosing between different versions of linear or tactile switches, the distinctions are very small, so don’t sweat it too much: You will inevitably dial in your taste over time. That said, if you want to try many switches to find your favorite, you can always buy a switch tester kit or sample pack, with lots of sample keys to try.
What sets mechanical gaming keyboards apart from other mechanical keyboards?
Mechanical gaming keyboards are designed to maximize input speed. They often feature lightweight switches for improved responsiveness. Some even offer optical switches, which maximize response time even further by cutting out a type of input lag called “debounce delay.” These keyboards usually connect to a computer with only 1ms of input delay, even over wireless, but Razer, Corsair, and Asus have all begun offering models as low as 0.125ms.
Another quality that sets mechanical gaming keyboards apart is their programmability. Most gaming keyboards come with custom software that allows you to customize what your keys do and create custom shortcuts called macros, along with other nuanced adjustments. Apps like Razer Synapse or Corsair iCUE even allow you to create custom profiles for individual games and apps, allowing you to fine-tune your setup even further.
Lastly, full-size gaming keyboards tend to come with lots of quality-of-life features, including media controls, volume dials, and dedicated programmable keys so you have a place to put your custom functions. Wired gaming keyboards may also feature USB passthrough ports, which allow you to plug an extra device into your PC through your keyboard. (Like a wireless dongle for your gaming mouse.)
Gaming keyboards can be quite powerful but aren’t without drawbacks. They’re often more expensive, and offer features the average user may not need. Their configuration software often requires extra system resources, which may be an issue for an out-of-date PC struggling to keep up with a demanding game. For sheer performance, though, they are hard to beat.
Chris Coke has been a tech enthusiast his whole life and began covering it professionally in 2015. He now writes for multiple outlets, writing product reviews, features, and guides to help you live your best technologically-enhanced life. In his spare time, you can find him playing with his four children, building custom mechanical keyboards, and strumming his guitar.
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