If you are a passionate gamer seeking for the best way to use your expensive gaming rig, then you definitely need to invest in high-quality peripherals. One of the most vital accessories that you cannot afford to ignore is your keyboard if you are serious about your gaming success.
After all, if you’ve just spent a good amount of money on the best gaming PC, you’ll need the best mechanical gaming keyboard to back you up. You may be tempted to cut corners on your budget and go for a cheap $10 keyboard but you may later regret this decision.
The best mechanical keyboard or best wireless gaming keyboard will considerably help to ensure that you have the most immersive and enjoyable gaming experience without the small hitches that ruin your gaming.
It will make you a better PC gamer. However, with a huge number of mechanical keyboards for gamers on the market today, how do you know which one is the real deal and which ones are just overpriced typewriter keyboards?
In this article, we look at some of the key things to look for in the best mechanical gaming keyboard and even provide you with reviews of the top products in this category. The goal is to help you make an informed decision when looking for the best budget gaming keyboard with all the necessary features and functions.
START UP - $ 29
Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Compact 87 Key Mechanical, KUMARA USB Wired Cherry MX Blue Equivalent Switches for Windows PC Gamers
BUSINESS - $ 49
CORSAIR K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Backlit RGB LED, Dust and Spill Resistant, Linear & Quiet, unlimited lighting customization, Anti-Ghosting
ADVANCED - $ 99
MageGee GK806 USB Gaming Mouse Keyboard Combo, LED Rainbow Backlit, multimedia Keys, Wrist Rest, Compatible with Windows/Mac OS, Simultaneous Operation
ADVANCED - $ 99
AUKEY Mechanical Gaming Keyboard KM-G9-US, Blue Switches, 87-Key, 100% Anti-Ghosting with Metal Panel and Water Resistant, Design for PC and Laptop
ADVANCED - $ 99
Havit Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Combo - HV-KB389L US, RGB Gaming 104 Keys, Blue Switches, Wired, Detachable Wrist Rest, Programmable for PC Gamer
What Are Mechanical Keyboards and Why Use Them?
Mechanical keyboards have been around longer than the modern computer. They were quite popular in the 1970s. The basic design of a mechanical keyboard is similar to the early typewriters in which users could easily tell that they had pressed the right key from the satisfying “click” and “clack” sound emitted from the keyboard.
However, the early mechanical keyboards had one major flaw. To cut down production costs, manufacturers of these keyboards refrained from using sensors for each key and instead relied on a mono-block electrical system which made the mechanical keyboards less responsive. They compromised performance for a lower price.
Today’s mechanical keyboards are way more advanced than before, thanks to technological advances and innovations. Mechanical keyboards have made a comeback and are even available at an affordable price.
The keyboards have become quite popular among gamers and programmers because of their precision, durability, and other useful features. They can handle excessive keypresses without wearing out, no matter how rough you are on them.
Today’s best mechanical keyboards come with individual sensors on each key. The keys and sensors are also easily replaceable. Thanks to the innovative design of the keys, you are less likely to make typos when using mechanical keyboards than with membrane keyboards.
If you an avid gamer, you’ll have a more satisfying experience using a mechanical keyboard. Some people even enjoy the sounds made by the mechanical keyboard when immersed in their game.
Things to Look for When Shopping for the Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
So, what are some of the key factors to look for in the best mechanical gaming keyboard? Well, before you go shopping for a good mechanical gaming keyboard that suits your needs and budget, here are a few things to consider:
Your Gaming Style and Needs
No keyboard will do you any good if it doesn’t suit your personal gaming style and needs. For instance, how much time do you spend every day on PC gaming? Do you prefer eSports or single-player games?
Do you need extra buttons for your MMO raid parties or do you need extra space for a Numpad for comfort? The kind of games you play and how frequently you play them will determine the type of keyboard to go for.
What about your PC? Is it restricted to just a few games or a monster capable of handling the intensive game? It doesn’t make sense to invest in high-end peripherals with costly switches if your PC is only limited to a few games.
If you consistently play first-person shooter, MMOs, and strategy games, you’ll need a mechanical gaming keyboard designed with durability and performance in mind.
Mechanical Switches
It is important to consider the type of switches a mechanical keyboard uses before you make your purchase. There are several options to choose from when it comes to keyboard switches.
The most commonly used are Cherry MX switches as well as proprietary switches made by popular brands such as Razer, Logitech, and Kailh switches manufactured by Kaihua Electronics. Kailh switches are a more affordable alternative to Cherry MX.
Switches are normally differentiated by factors such as:
Loud or quiet switches. Some switches are quieter and produce less noise on actuation while the loud ones tend to produce an audible click when actuation is reached.
Linear or tactile feedback. A tactile switch gives you a bump feeling when a keystroke has registered while a linear switch doesn’t deliver any feedback.
Amount of force required for the keystroke to register.
The key’s travel distance
The switch’s durability
So, which is the best switch to choose? Well, it all depends on your personal preferences since some people like loud clicky switches when typing or playing their favorite games while others prefer quiet operations.
However, when it comes to durability, the standard Cherry MX switch with an average lifespan of 50 million keystrokes should be sufficient for most gamers.
That’s the equivalent of pressing a single key 10,000 times per day. Most importantly, choose a switch that feels comfortable and lasts longer.
Backlight Illumination
Most gaming keyboards today feature built-in backlight for both esthetic and functional purposes. Backlight illumination makes it easier to see and hit the right keys in low light while giving your keyboard a more sophisticated gaming flair.
In terms of backlight technologies, the two most commonly used are the traditional LEDs which come with only one color spread across the keyboard and RGB which provides the entire color spectrum. RGB backlight is more expensive than LED but comes with more customization, flexibility, and is more aesthetically pleasing.
Both illumination options will serve you well but ultimately your choice will depend on your budget and personal preferences.
Hysteresis
Hysteresis is another important factor to consider in your choice of the best mechanical gaming keyboard. Hysteresis basically refers to a mismatch in the point where your computer recognizes that you have pressed a key and the key resets or returns back to normal position.
For a gamer, hysteresis can be a nightmare. The longer the gap between actuation point and the key’s reset, the worse your gaming experience will be. A large gap between actuation point and reset means that you’ll have to wait for a few seconds before you can press the key one more time.
A mechanical keyboard with hysteresis means that you cannot press the same key rapidly. It’s almost impossible to make double taps and you may not be able to complete fast action missions in games like Tomb Raider successfully. If you want the best cheap mechanical keyboard for typing or gaming, make sure it has absolutely zero hysteresis.
Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
Now that you know some of the key factors to consider when choosing the best mechanical gaming keyboard, let’s look at our top 10 mechanical keyboard products. These keyboards come with all the features and functions discussed above and a few extra handy benefits for the avid gamer.
1 – Redragon K552 Kumara Keyboard
The Redragon K552 Kumara is an affordable mechanical keyboard with all the features that basic and professional gamers need. It is a good option for those who want a reliable mechanical keyboard without having to spend money on the features of a high-end keyboard.
In terms of design, the keyboard has an impressive solid build. It is designed to take severe abuse without slowing you down or wearing out. It is made using heavy-duty metal and ABS construction. Its keycaps have a double-shot mold design. Best of all, the entire keyboard is splash resistant. It is safe from accidental soda spills that have been known to ruin many gamers’ keyboards.
You’ll also appreciate the K552 gold plated USB connectors. When it comes to specs, the K552 has 87 double-shot injection molded keypads. It is a tenkeyless keyboard without the NUMPAD but you’ll like the keyboard’s easily portable compact size.
With 100% anti-ghosting and custom mechanical keys similar to Cherry MX Blue switch keys, 12 multi-media controls, and RGB backlighting option, this mechanical keyboard delivers real value for those on a limited budget.
Pros:
Pocket-friendly price
Solid build quality
Blue switches
Comes with an aluminum backplate
RGB backlight option
Splashproof
12 function keys
Comes with an 18-month warranty
Cons:
Does not come with a detachable USB cable
2 – CORSAIR K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
One of the best things about the Corsair K68 RGB mechanical keyboard is the fact that it is ready to withstand your spilled drink without damage. Yes, it is both water and dust resistant.
It is also a high performing RGB mechanical keyboard with either Red or Blue Cherry MX switches and all the other features to match the needs of a serious gamer. It comes at a good price which is way below what you’d pay for similar models such as the Logitech G513 and SteelSeries Apex M750 that do not even feature water resistance.
The Corsair K68 mechanical keyboard has a boxy shaped body that gives it a solid durable feel with sharp corners at the top and smooth curves at the base. It has a reinforced USB connection, a thick cable, and legs at the base for angle adjustment.
You even get a soft textured plastic snap-on wrist rest as an added accessory. The keys of the K68 RGB have a nice feel and a slight concave curve to center your fingers on top. However, they don’t do a great job when it comes to hiding grease or moist from sweaty hands.
Other key features of the Corsair K68 RGB include RGB lights carefully placed under a translucent wrapper to create a comfortable glow, well-lit keys, switches that come with rubber housings, and much more. If you are looking for a high-end RGB water-resistant mechanical keyboard at a good price, the Corsair K68 RGB is one of the best options available today.
Pros:
Water-resistant design
RGB backlighting
Runs quietly for a mechanical keyboard
Solid durable build
Cons:
Would be better with a system to channel fluids off the keys
3 – MageGee GK806 USB Gaming Mouse Keyboard Combo
The GK806 is a mechanical keyboard and mouse made for gaming and office uses. While the keyboard is made of metal, it is designed using the best quality plastic. It is also lightweight for easy portability.
The sleek-looking black combo unit features a 104 key LED Rainbow backlit keyboard, a G7 gaming mouse, and a wrist rest. One thing you’ll like about the keyboard is its rainbow of LED illumination with several backlit modes including medium light, high light, and breath modes.
The turn off mode is achieved simply by pressing Fn and Esc keys at once. Other key features of the GK806 mechanical gaming keyboard include conflict-free keys, 5 multimedia keys, the ability to disable WIN keys while gaming, and interchangeable WASD keys.
The combo unit is compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac OS. In terms of design, the mechanical keyboard has a solid ABS construction with double-shot injection molded keycaps and great LED backlight.
It also features a high-speed USB cable that can withstand fast intense gaming and an ergonomically designed non-detachable wrist rest to relieve finger fatigue and keep you comfortable all day. The keyboard comes with two foldable stands for easy adjustment and to give you a comfortable typing position.
Pros:
Great mechanical keyboard for gaming
The keys come in a good size
Cute colorful, responsive, and adjustable dpi mouse
Reasonable price
Rainbow LED backlit keyboard
Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS
Cons:
Mouse pointer speed resets when you reboot PC
The body is made of a fair amount of cheap plastic
4 – Aukey Mechanical TKL Gaming Keyboard
Aukey is a brand known for manufacturing high-quality computer accessories. The simple yet functional mechanical keyboard is a perfect example of the company’s workmanship. It’s the best quiet mechanical keyboard and it’s an inexpensive entry-point keyboard to fancy switches.
If you love hearing your action clicks and clacks, this loud and stylish mechanical keyboard will serve you well. It is also perfect for regular typing jobs too.
The Aukey keyboard with mechanical switches is a steal. It has an attractive price given the number of features and functions it delivers. Some of its key features include a simple minimalist style, Outemu Blue Switches, and a solid durable, water-resistant build.
It is a compact tenkeyless or no-number-pad keyboard that gives you the best gaming and typing experience. In terms of design, the Aukey best budget mechanical keyboard is made of a matte black casing. It has a neat compact space-saving design.
Its Outemu Blue Switches give you accurate and responsive commands whether you are playing a game or typing fast. Each key comes with an incredible test-proven lifespan of 50 million keystrokes.
Another notable feature of this mechanical keyboard is its full 87-key rollover and anti-ghosting, which basically means that the keyboard will never confuse commands or miss a key-press when gaming or typing.
It has durable double-shot molded ABS keycaps set on a brushed metal panel. This is an affordable mechanical abrasion-resistant keyboard with protection against accidental liquid spills.
Pros:
Most affordable price for a gaming keyboard
Comes with mechanical Outemu Blue Switches
Rollover and anti-ghosting
Extremely durable
Simple minimalist design
Cons:
Loud
Looks a little cheap but works perfectly
5 – Havit Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Combo – HV-KB389L US
The Havit combo of a Rainbow mouse and mechanical provides you with all the features you need for easier gaming at a very affordable price. The mouse and keyboard combination is designed to give you full control over your gaming and it’s the best mechanical keyboard under 100.
Some of the key features of this unit include a sleek modern design, customizable LED backlights, versatile keys, and compatibility with both Windows and Mac OS. Both the mouse and keyboard feature RGB lighting effect including 14 backlit modes in the mechanical gaming keyboard and 7 color effects on the mouse.
It gives you a colorful atmosphere to enhance your gaming. The mechanical keyboard comes with an all-metal panel with floating keys. All the keyboard’s 104 keys have individual switches as well as anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover.
The keyboard has an ergonomic design and even comes with a detachable wrist rest. It runs quietly too. The gaming mouse features 6 DPI levels and a skin-friendly surface. You can easily download the mouse drivers from Havit’s official website.
Pros:
Quiet running keys
Easy to install keyboard and mouse combo
Reasonably priced
Reliable performance
Solid durable construction
Cons:
Lacks a mute button
Sticky keys
6 – HyperX Alloy FPS Pro-Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Kingston is a well-known computer peripheral company that has entered the mechanical gaming keyboard scene with the HyperX Alloy FPS series. The original HyperX Alloy FPS is a solid full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard designed for performance and stability. It’s the best silent mechanical keyboard.
The FPS Pro is an improved version of the original FPS. In the Pro version, Kingston scrapped off the keyboard’s number pad to create a tenkeyless compact keyboard for the serious gamer who needs a suitably sized keyboard with a small footprint.
The FPS Pro mechanical gaming keyboard not only has a slim sleek design but is affordably priced too. It still retains a similar design to other HyperX keyboards which feature a flat metal deck, which is comparatively thinner in the FPS Pro model, and a steel-framed plastic base.
Other notable features of the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro include linear and quiet Cherry MX Red, brown, or blue switches, and red LED backlit illumination. It has a rigid solid build albeit on the weighty side at almost two pounds.
On the backside of the mechanical keyboard is a mini-USB plug for use with a removable USB cable. Like all Kingston keyboards, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro has N-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting features.
If you are in the market for a solidly built functional mechanical keyboard with the best Cherry MX switches and less software to slow things down, the FPS Pro is a perfect choice.
Pros:
Compact streamlined space-saving design
It uses genuine high-quality Cherry MX switches
N-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting
No software to bog you down
Runs quietly
Comes with a detachable braided USB cord
Cons:
Fewer customization options
7 – NPET K10 Mechanical Feeling Gaming Keyboard
The NPET 10 USB wired floating keyboard is a perfect peripheral for professional PC gaming. It has a solid durable construction, ergonomically-designed buttons to give you smooth hassle-free gaming without finger fatigue, different lighting modes, and a host of features to take your PC gaming to a whole new level.
Some of the key features of the NPET 10 include 104 keys, Rainbow LED backlight, compatibility with all Windows versions and Mac OS, and much more. It has a floating design made of high-quality ABS plastic that’s extremely durable and reliable. Best of all, the keyboard is water-resistant and can withstand liquid spills without damage.
The professional gaming keyboard comes with UV coated keycaps and perfectly injection laser curved ABS keycaps to ensure that the letters never fade with time. It has an anti-sweat feature on the keycaps to prevent damage and increase durability.
Its base plate is made from firm and thick stainless-steel material which will hold for a long time without deforming. The combination of metal and ABS plastic in the keyboard’s design makes it more reliable than most plastic gaming keyboards.
Another thing you’ll like about the NPET 10 is its colorful illumination from 4 LED-backlit modes including 7-color alternates and 3 adjustable permanent backlit modes. In terms of performance, its 104 keys including 13 multi-media keys and 26 non-conflict keys will not disappoint.
It also features a strengthened space key to facilitate smoother operations and improved efficiency in your gaming. This is a high quality floating mechanical keyboard designed for gaming.
Pros:
Solid water-resistant construction
Extremely durable
Comes with anti-fatigue keys
Ergonomically designed keys
Has a mechanical feeling
Professionally designed to improve efficiency
Cons:
Some users that don’t like keycaps claim the keys feel a bit cheap
8 – Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
If you are looking for the most innovatively-designed mechanical keyboard for gaming with all the high-end features such as Blue Switches, professional gaming keypad with onboard macro keys, a detachable wrist rest, all the bells and whistles and much more, the Redragon K585 is for you.
It has a top-notch build quality just like other Redragon products. This is a one-handed RGB mechanical keyboard for the serious gamer that wants value for money.
The K585 comes with a host of innovative features. In terms of design, the keyboard has a slim compact build. Redragon eliminated all the unnecessary keys from this keyboard and only left the most useful keys to create a compact and portable package.
All the keys are well organized in a single more convenient location to ensure that you can game on without having to worry about misclicked keys. It also uses Outemu Blue switches for better performance and crisp tactile clicks to enhance your gaming experience.
The keyboard comes with 7 programmable macro keys, 5 RGB backlit modes that you can use to select from 16.8 million colors for the best lighting effects, a USB pass-through port for connecting other peripherals without interrupting your gameplay, and an ergonomically-designed detachable wrist rest that is connected to the keyboard using magnets.
Pros:
Outemu Blue switches with box stabilizers for less key wobbling
Ergonomically designed magnetic wrist rest
Innovative compact build
Bright and vibrant RGB backlit
Comes with the right texture on the keys that can stand up against sweaty hands during extended game sessions
Programmable macro keys
Affordable price
Cons:
Keys are a bit further spaced than in other keyboards but you get used to the arrangement after a while
9 – Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Logitech is known for manufacturing high-quality eSports focused gaming keyboards. The Logitech G Pro is a perfect example of the brand’s innovative keyboards for gamers. It comes with all the ergonomics, RGB lighting, and Romer-G switches, known for short travel and high precision.
It is an ultra-portable keyboard boasting of 16.8 million colors and RGB backlit keys. The Logitech G Pro comes at a premium price but delivers value for money. It is a tenkeyless compact keyboard made with ergonomics in mind and the ability to keep your hands close together while gaming.
It has the right size for gamers but not for those who frequently use the Numpad in games. The keyboard has a solid reliable build. It is made of strong matte black plastic and a steel-back plate for added strength and durability.
One of the best features of the Logitech G Pro is its tactile version of Romer-G switches. This type of switch is made for gaming and never disappoints. They are light, fast, and have a shorter actuation point at just 1.5mm, travel distance of 3.2mm, and bottom-out force of just 45grams.
The keycaps are made of standard ABS plastic, have a standard thickness, and are smooth to touch. They are designed for Romer-G switch. Another notable feature of the Logitech G Pro is its software which allows you to customize your keyboard to your liking.
You can do several things with the software program including saving your settings, customizing the RGB lighting, disabling keys such as Windows in game mode, record your keypresses, save game profiles, and use programmable function keys among other things.
Pros:
eSports focused mechanical gaming keyboard
Solid durable build quality
Great RGB lighting across the keyboard
Compact tenkeyless design and size
Keystrokes run extremely quiet
The software is quite useful
Comes with on-board memory
Easily portable thanks to its detachable micro USB
Cons:
Macro keys only work with the F keys
Expensive
10 – DBPower 3 Colors Gaming Keyboard
The DBPower mechanical keyboard is the best mechanical keyboard for typing. It comes in a small size but actually delivers the desired results. It is a 3-color mechanical keyboard made of super durable high strength materials. The keyboard might have a low price point but it does pack a wide range of useful features and an impressive design.
Some of its key features include 104 keys, 19 non-conflict keys, a strengthened space key, and removable keycaps. The keys are enhanced for tactile feedback and durability. The keyboard also features 3-color LED backlighting with interchangeable breathing and permanent modes.
You can easily adjust its backlit and breathing mode while typing or playing your game. The DBPower mechanical keyboard is also extremely easy to operate. It comes with a plug-and-play USB braided cord which eliminates the need for drivers.
It has an ergonomic non-slip design and splash-proof too. You won’t need to be alarmed when you accidentally spill your orange soft drink on the keyboard. The keyboard is compatible with all versions of Windows from XP upwards as well as Mac OS. It is a comfortable, highly efficient mechanical keyboard for both gamers and fast typists.
Pros:
Great for both gaming and typing
Compact design
Pocket-friendly price
It is a plug-and-play keyboard that doesn’t need driver installation
Comes with quick control buttons
Cons:
Ideal for light and medium gamers only
Conclusion
START UP - $ 29
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro-Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - HX-KB4RD1-US/R1, 87-Key, Ultra-Compact Form Factor, Linear & Quiet, Red LED Backlit
BUSINESS - $ 49
NPET K10 Mechanical Feeling Gaming Keyboard - FBA_HY-ECCAK, USB Wired, Quiet, Ergonomic, Water-Resistant, Ultra-Slim Rainbow LED Backlit
ADVANCED - $ 99
Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Blue Switches, Keypad with 7 Onboard Macro Keys, Detachable Wrist Rest, 42 Keys
ADVANCED - $ 99
Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, 16.8 Million Colors RGB Backlit Keys, Ultra Portable Design, Detachable Micro USB Cable
ADVANCED - $ 99
DBPOWER Three Colors Backlit LED Keyboard for Gaming, Removable Keycaps, 104-keys, 19 Non-Conflict Keys, Adjustable Backlit
Mechanical gaming keyboards are an essential must-have item for any serious gamer. A premium ergonomically designed mechanical keyboard not only improves your gaming accuracy and performance but also ensures that you remain comfortable in extended gaming sessions. If you have invested in a high-end gaming PC, you also need to get the right keyboard to take your gaming to a whole new level.
All the mechanical keyboard products reviewed above meet most of the requirements of the best mechanical gaming keyboard options but overall, we recommend the Redragon K552 Kumara. It is an affordable budget keyboard with most of the features you’ll find in high-end pricey keyboards.
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