Top Mechanical Gaming Keyboards for Ultimate Precision
Upgrade your gaming setup with the ultimate mechanical keyboard With an array of options available, choose the perfect device for your needs Mechanical switches ensure precision and durability, making them an essential component for any gamer
After the introduction of the Razer BlackWidow in 2010 as one of the pioneering mechanical gaming keyboards, these peripherals have gradually become the centerpiece of gaming setups. The technology has come a long way since then, with mechanical switches now more durable and offering increased typing accuracy. With the proliferation of these keyboards in the market, choosing the right device for a particular gamer can be as challenging as mastering any game.
Major considerations for prospective buyers of mechanical gaming keyboards include price, size, and whether wired or wireless connectivity is preferred. Clicky mechanical keyboards are generally more expensive than membrane alternatives, which have mushier feeling keypresses. However, there is a wide range of prices for mechanical keyboards that do not necessarily correspond to build quality or feature sets. Some versions of this essential gaming gear are surprisingly compact and portable, while other full-sized options are better suited as permanent desktop accessories. Among the contenders listed below, casual gamers and Esports competitors can find the best mechanical keyboard to enhance their gaming experience.
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog - Best Overall Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - $160 ($90 off) The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is a wired keyboard with analog switches that is at the highest tier of Razer's premium mechanical gaming keyboards. It features USB 3 Passthrough, adjustable switches, and dedicated media keys as part of its USB-C powered feature set.
Brand: RazerWireless: NoBacklight: Yes, RGBMedia Controls: YesBattery: N/ANum Pad: YesSwitch Type: Razer Analog Optical SwitchesReplaceable Keys: YesNumber of Keys: 108Wired operation: YesDimensions: 3.55 x 17.53 x 1.2 inchesKeycaps: Razer Doubleshot PBT KeycapsWrist rest: Magnetic plush leatherette wrist restUSB Passthrough: USB 3.0 PassthroughPolling rate: 1000Hz Pros: Premium build quality. The Huntsman Analog V2 looks and feels spectacular thanks to its aluminum matte top plate coupled with Underglow lighting. Adjustable analog switches with software support distinguish this keyboard from the playing field. Dedicated media keys are well-placed along with USB 3.0 passthrough which provide well-thought-out solutions to issues gamers normally tend to have. Cons: Pricey. The Analog V2, while an excellent keyboard should be priced a little more reasonably for a wired mechanical keyboard in 2023. $160 at Amazon, $160 at Best Buy, $250 at Razer.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog keyboard is a prime example of the saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." This analog switch-based keyboard has already achieved excellence in terms of premium build quality and design, making it the epitome of what a high-end mechanical gaming keyboard should be for gamers. Additionally, its USB 3.0 passthrough feature makes it much easier to access files on a flash drive or connect devices to wireless dongles.
While the switches on the Huntsman V2 Analog are not technically mechanical in the traditional sense, they are still fairly clicky analog switches that allow for greater precision. This enables Esports pros to customize actuation points and even simulate a controller. Furthermore, since the keyboard uses light to measure the travel distance of keys, the switches are expected to be exceptionally durable.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog also comes with a magnetic leather-based wrist rest that supports RGB, making it an excellent contender for the best mechanical keyboard you can buy in 2023. However, it is worth noting that it comes at a significant price and is limited to being wired-only.
For a more in-depth analysis of what makes this keyboard the overall best mechanical keyboard, check out our full review of the Razer Hunstman V2 Analog.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a top-of-the-line tenkeyless gaming keyboard from SteelSeries. This compact keyboard is perfect for gamers who want a keyboard that doesn't take up too much space on their desk. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL features adjustable OmniPoint switches, which allow for customization of the actuation point between 0.4 and 3.6 millimeters, providing a more personalized feel. The smart OLED display provides information in games, delivers Discord messages, or displays Spotify songs. The durable and stable build is thanks to a frame built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. At a price of $167, it is one of the best-wired mechanical gaming keyboards on the market, and you can save $13 on the original price of $180.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL gaming keyboard is similar to the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog with its linear switches and adjustable travel distances. However, it is a more compact wired keyboard without a number pad and offers a few unique features.
The 2-in-1 Action Keys allow gamers to set different actions with buttons, with the ability to push lightly or with more force to walk or run in a game. Actuation points for the keys can be set between .2 and 3.8 mm, and the OmniPoint Switches provide a faster response time than most mechanical keyboards and can handle 100 million keypresses.
One standout feature of the Apex Pro TKL is the OLED display, which provides important information about the active keyboard profile and allows users to change various settings. This display allows for functionality that would normally require the SteelSeries Engine software, which can be buggy and difficult to use.
The Apex Pro TKL has a standard gaming keyboard appearance, but its durability is evident with its Series 5000 metal top plate construction, similar to that found in aircraft. Per-key RGB effects are customizable in the Engine app, adding some flair to this heavy-duty gaming gear.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL retails for $167 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, and while it has some quirks in its software and lacks alternative switch options, its dual adjustable actuation points and solid build-quality make it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.
The ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is a top-of-the-line offering in the wireless mechanical gaming keyboard market. While it is a bit pricey compared to competitors, it comes with a complete kit for customization and upgrades, making it a great choice for serious gamers. The keyboard's tri-mode connectivity and Bluetooth capabilities allow for seamless switching between up to three connected devices and minimal latency, making it a reliable choice for gamers seeking a wireless option. Plus, with a battery life of up to 2,000 hours on a single charge, the ASUS ROG Azoth is a power-efficient choice that won't leave you stranded mid-game.
Ironically, ASUS's usual strength in software solutions becomes its greatest weakness with the Armory Crate, which offers limited and bloated control for an accessory like the Azoth. It would be wise for Asus to consider developing a more lightweight software component for its accessories. However, it's worth noting that the OLED screen on the Azoth is stunning, displaying system information with ease.
For a more detailed review of the Asus ROG Azoth, check out our hands-on experience with this cord-free mechanical gaming keyboard.
The Epomaker Skyloong SK61 is a budget-friendly mechanical gaming keyboard that boasts a sleek 60% design, making it an excellent option for gamers who prioritize keyboard play. With six different switch options, ranging from mechanical to optical, and an IPX6 dust and water-resistant rating, this keyboard challenges even the most expensive mechanical keyboards on the market. At its price point, it's an absolute steal.
The Epomaker SkyLoong SK61 offers superb build quality for its price, with pre-lubed switches and stabilizers. While it doesn't have a kickstand, which some gamers may take for granted, it is priced extremely competitively and compares well to keyboards that cost two to three times more. The only downside is that the backlight is somewhat dimmer than competing models.
Overall, the Epomaker SkyLoong SK61 is an excellent budget gaming keyboard that offers fantastic value for money. It's built to last, with a plastic construction that helps keep the cost down without sacrificing performance. With six different switch options and a sleek, minimalistic design, it's an excellent choice for gamers on a budget.
The Logitech G915 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is designed to withstand any potential damage with its IPX6 certification for the mainboard, ensuring it is waterproof and dustproof. While it does make a few compromises, such as eliminating the kickstand and having a slightly dimmer backlight, these can be considered acceptable tradeoffs for the price and battery life compared to other wireless mechanical gaming keyboards.
As a premium gaming keyboard, the Logitech G915 TKL offers exceptional battery life and multiple switch presets in a compact yet stylish form factor. It sacrifices the num lock to offer a more portable design, making it a great option for gamers on the go.
With a full suite of connectivity options including Bluetooth and USB connectivity, the Logitech G915 TKL keyboard is packed with everything a gamer needs. It offers 3 different switch types to choose from (linear, clicky, and tactile) and is a low-profile ergonomic-friendly keyboard that is comfortable to type on for hours at a time. While it does not include a wrist rest, the streamlined design and several incline settings ensure the comfort of gamers.
The Logitech G915 TKL is an excellent keyboard with superfast low latency wireless connectivity, but it lacks a Type C connector for charging and wired use, making it less convenient than keyboards that feature this port. Nonetheless, Logitech's G Hub software suite is better than most of its competitors, and it's specifically designed around their accessory offerings. For a budget-friendly and attractive RGB keyboard that provides a mechanical keyboard experience, check out our review of the Logitech G213 Prodigy.
The HyperX Alloy Origins is a full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard that boasts custom-designed mechanical key switches that offer up to 80 million key presses. Its Clicky HyperX Blue switches provide distinct feedback, and the keyboard includes an RGB lighting system that can be controlled by an app. With its relatively compact form factor and durable construction featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum body, the Alloy Origins is a great option for gamers on the go. Its detachable USB-C cable makes it even more portable.
The HyperX Alloy Origins is an attractive and compact wired mechanical gaming keyboard that focuses on the essentials, making it affordable without sacrificing build-quality or performance. While it lacks extras like a wrist rest and media keys, it's as portable as any full-sized keyboard, with a detachable braided USB-C cable. Its RGB lighting is also more visible than other keyboards, making it a great option for gamers who want to customize their setup. However, its software could use some refinement.
With the Alloy Origins, HyperX has created custom mechanical switches that strike a balance between accuracy and a low actuation force, allowing for rapid inputs. The keyboard can be ordered with three switch types: Blue Clicky, Linear Red, and Aqua. Linear Red switches are sensitive but quiet, while Aqua switches provide a firmer feel. For gamers who prefer a louder keyboard, the Blue Clicky option has an actuation point of just 1.8 mm and a travel distance of 3.8 mm.
Despite its attractive price point, the HyperX Alloy Origins is a durable, heavy mechanical keyboard, weighing in at 2.36 lbs. The generous amount of aluminum used in its construction makes it feel like a quality piece of gaming gear, although this does detract somewhat from its portability.
The HyperX RGB ecosystem may not be as well-known as Corsair iCue or Razer Chroma, but it is showcased in all its glory with the Alloy Origins. The switches feature exposed LED lights, making the lighting effects more visible both when looking down at the keyboard and from the sides. Unfortunately, customizing these patterns in the HyperX NGenuity software can be a bit of a hassle, requiring a long series of clicks to make even simple changes.
The lack of a volume slider or media controls is also somewhat disappointing, but there is a small lit display on the top right of the keyboard that indicates when gaming mode is active. Users can also switch between three onboard button mapping profiles if accessing the NGenuity app is not an option.
Despite its minor shortcomings, the HyperX Alloy Origins is the ideal mechanical gaming keyboard for gamers seeking a well-built, portable device.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is the ultimate compact mechanical gaming keyboard, featuring Razer Linear Optical switch technology that allows for key presses at the speed of light. This technology results in a 15-30% shorter actuation distance of 1.0 mm compared to other linear switches. For an enhanced gaming experience, the keyboard offers ultimate personalization with Razer Chroma, supporting 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys. The Huntsman Mini features a matte, aluminum top frame that increases structural integrity and durability. Despite its compact size, the keyboard's keys are flexible enough to move in a 360-degree fashion, allowing users to better emulate movements possible with game controllers and joysticks. The Huntsman Mini is also built with Doubleshot PBT Keycaps, ensuring that letters and numbers won't wear off over time. The keyboard is well-equipped to withstand abuse, providing gamers with a durable and portable option.
Without function buttons, users of a 60% keyboard such as the Razer Hunstman Mini will have to learn some additional shortcuts. However, Razer has imprinted secondary commands on the sides of its keycaps to help ease the transition. The Razer Synapse software also proves to be critical with this keyboard, but its powerful customization options enable gamers to make shortcuts as intuitive as possible. The detachable USB cord makes this ultra-compact keyboard perfect for esports competitors on the move. Overall, the Razer Hunstman Mini accomplishes its goal of shrinking down a feature-packed keyboard without compromising on switch and keycap technology.
The Corsair K70 RGB Pro not only boasts impressive RGB lighting, but also exceptional performance. Its Axon Hyper-Processing technology registers key inputs at up to 8,000 Hz with key scanning at 4,000 Hz, resulting in lightning-fast processing and coordinated lighting. While the advanced polling rate may not be noticeable to the average gamer, it's still an impressive feat. The keyboard's Cherry MX switches, available in Red, Speed, Brown, Blue, or Silent, combined with durable polycarbonate double-shot keycaps, make it a perfect choice for gamers. The aluminum frame adds to the keyboard's durability, and the tournament switch allows for quick disabling of macros and lighting effects. The Corsair K70 RGB Pro is a top choice for both casual and professional gamers looking to add some flair to their PC rig.
When it comes to mechanical gaming keyboards, the options are endless. This guide has revealed that there are several top-tier keyboards to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models.
Apart from price, size is also an important consideration. While standard full-sized keyboards include a number pad and function keys, these are often unnecessary for gaming purposes. As a result, you can opt for tenkeyless keyboards or even 60% keyboards which lack both function and number keys. The type of keyboard you choose will have a significant impact on the amount of desk space it occupies and its portability.
Another crucial decision when buying a mechanical keyboard is whether you prefer a wired or wireless connection. Historically, mechanical keyboards have been wired to eliminate any chance of latency. However, cord-free mechanical keyboards are now more common and often come with wireless protocols that match or exceed the performance of wired devices. For instance, the Asus ROG Azoth is a wireless keyboard that offers exceptional battery life and performance that rivals that of its corded counterparts.
The age of all-plastic gaming keyboards with short life expectancies is largely behind us, which is great news for gamers. Although mechanical keyboards are still an investment, they are among the most essential and durable pieces of gear a gamer can acquire.
If you're considering a wireless mechanical keyboard, it's worth noting that most use 2.4GHz as a wireless band with a dongle. This is relatively low latency compared to other mainstream options such as Bluetooth. Some keyboards even support both. For example, the ROG Azoth and the Logitech G915 offer 1ms and 1000Hz wireless polling, providing competitive gamers with a similar low-latency experience that wired gamers are accustomed to.
As for whether a budget mechanical gaming keyboard is worth it, it ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, budget mechanical keyboards can still provide a solid, reliable gaming experience.
A: Yes, definitely. Mechanical keyboards have undergone significant advancements in recent years, and even the most basic models provide a superior typing or gaming experience when compared to their membrane counterparts.
FAQ
Q: Is a wireless mechanical keyboard superior to a wired one?
Most wireless mechanical keyboards use a 2.4GHz wireless band with a dongle, which offers relatively low latency compared to more widely used options such as Bluetooth. Some keyboards even support both. The ROG Azoth and Logitech G915 keyboards have made significant progress in this regard, providing 1ms and 1000Hz wireless polling to offer competitive gamers a low-latency experience that is comparable to that of wired gamers.
If cable clutter and range are significant concerns, wireless keyboards have an advantage over wired options. Otherwise, the choice between the two is a matter of personal preference and neither option is inherently better than the other.
