The best mechanical keyboards in 2024

Mechanical keyboards are designed to elevate your typing experience significantly. With the right keyboard switches, you can type faster, more accurately, and more comfortably than with a standard membrane keyboard. While they may come with a higher price tag, the investment pays off every time you sit down at your desk, especially if you spend a lot of time typing.

Beyond their practical benefits, choosing a mechanical keyboard opens the door to a passionate community of keyboard enthusiasts. Stepping into this world means diving into hours of research on switches, keycaps, and layouts, all in pursuit of crafting your ideal typing companion. This customization and the superior durability of mechanical keyboards set them apart from their membrane counterparts.

Whether you're in the market for a vibrant, tactile gaming keyboard or a refined mechanical keyboard perfect for long, quiet typing sessions, our list includes top picks to suit every preference.

Top Picks for Mechanical Keyboards Available Today

1. Cooler Master MK770

The best mechanical keyboard overall

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: Kailh Box V2 (White, Red or Brown)

Illumination: Full RGB

Size: 14.9 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches

REASONS TO BUY

+Elegant design

+Superb performance

+Comfortable typing

+Fun Macaron color option

REASONS TO AVOID:

-Spotty software

-No wrist rest included

The Cooler Master MK770 is an all-around excellent keyboard for typists and gamers alike. The gasket-mounted design and KailhKailh Box V2 switches pair wonderfully to create a truly comfortable and pleasant peripheral, especially if you opt for clicky white switches. The Macaron color option also gives this otherwise standard board a stylish flair. And if you want to change the switches or mod the board, the hot-swappable design facilitates that.

Despite issues with the MasterPlus software, the Cooler Master MK770 is a fantastic keyboard, especially at the relatively affordable $119 asking price. That’s more than a typical membrane keyboard, but over $100 less than something like the equally excellent Meletrix Boog75. For what it offers, the Cooler Master MK770 comes with my highest recommendation.

2. Lemokey X1

The best budget keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: Keychron Mechanical Red (linear) or Brown (tactile)

Illumination: Red

Size: 14.04 x 5.06 x 1.47 inches

REASONS TO BUY

+Great gaming performance

+Awesome typing experience

+Premium construction

+Customizable backlighting

+User-friendly software

REASONS TO AVOID

-Cheap keycaps

-Not hot-swappable

The Lemokey X1 is a no-brainer if you’re on a budget but crave quality. Priced at just $36, it delivers an awesome performance for both typing and gaming, boasting features typically found in more expensive models. Its body feels premium and robust, and the tactile brown switches we tested offer a delightful typing experience. The keyboard's 1,000Hz polling rate ensures excellent gaming responsiveness, outperforming other budget options like the MageGee Sky87.

The X1 also has red-only backlighting which can be customized via Lemokey Launcher, its intuitive companion software, which can also be used to remap keys, program macros, and more. The keyboard isn’t without its flaws though, as the ABS keycaps feel less than premium and may suffer wear and tear over time. Additionally, it lacks hot-swappable switches which could deter modders. Despite these minor drawbacks, the X1 remains an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard with premium features.

 

3. Keychron V6 wired

The best wired mechanical keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: Keychron K Pro: Red (Linear); Blue (Clicky); Brown (Tactile)

Illumination: Full RGB

Size: 17.6 x 5.5 x 1.45

 REASONS TO BUY

+Great looks and build quality

+Lovely, well-insulated sound

+Brilliant to type on

+Variety of configurations

+Hot-swappable

REASONS TO AVOID

-VIA remap software a little janky

If you’re after a wired, full-size mechanical keyboard, the Keychron V6 should be your first port of call. It’s built like a tank, using layers of internal insulation that keep the board rigid, as well as dampening the sound for a deep, linear thump.

As standard, it comes with lovely doubleshot PBT keycaps that feel wonderful to type on and will stand the test of time (especially versus ABS keycaps). It has customizable RGB lighting, can be purchased with either red, blue or brown switches, and is fully hot-swappable and easy to disassemble, making it a great platform for modding. You can also buy the V6 in a “bare bones” format, without keycaps or switches — the ideal base for a custom build.

This is a wired board, so if you want a battery-powered keyboard with wireless connectivity, it won’t be for you. As a full-size, well-insulated keyboard, it’s also quite heavy, but the V6 is designed to sit at a desk instead of being taken to work. If you find the standard keycaps a little mundane, Keychron offers a range of different keycap sets in spicier colors to customize the board as you like — with all the money you save over rivals, buying extras won’t be a problem.

 

4. Vissles V84

The best wireless mechanical keyboard for newbies

SPECIFICATIONS

Key type: Mechanical

Switch type : Linear (but hot-swappable)

Illumination: RGB

Size: 2.4 x 5 x 1.5 inches

Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth

REASONS TO BUY

+Solid construction, fairly priced

+VS II linear switch is very quiet

+Excellent battery life

+Compact 75% layout with Mac and Windows mappings

+Hot swappable with 5-pin switch support

REASONS TO AVOID

-White PBT caps are pretty plain

-PBT caps limited to more expensive V84 Pro model

The Vissles V84 mechanical keyboard stands out with solid construction and great battery life. It's also hot-swappable, which means you can swap out switches if you want to try something different. It supports wireless connectivity to Windows or Mac PCs via Bluetooth 5.1, and the weight of its battery gives it some good heft that ensures it won't move around under your fingers.

For the price, this is an excellent wireless keyboard and a great gateway drug into the world of mechanical keyboards. Since it’s Bluetooth, I’m not sure I would necessarily recommend it for high-stakes competitive gaming, but your mileage may vary — you can always use it in wired mode, too. 

 

5. Keychron V1

The best mechanical 75% keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: Keychron K Pro or V1 Max switches

Illumination: Full RGB

Size: 12.9 x 5.8 x 1.01 inches

REASONS TO BUY

+Great degree of customization

+Solid construction

+Hot-swappable

+Superb typing experience and sound

+Easy-to-use software

REASONS TO AVOID

-Virtually none

The Keychron V1 is an excellent mechanical keyboard for those who don’t want to spend more than $100. With solid construction and a great level of customization, the V1 offers an unbeatable typing experience. This 75% mechanical keyboard is hot-swappable so you can customize it to your liking, or custom builders can get the barebones version. Thanks to the VIA web app, you don’t need to download specific software to remap the keyboard. Use VIA to change the RGB lighting, remap the keys, add macros and even change what the V1’s metallic knob does!

It is important to note, though, that the Keychron V1 is wired-only. This is more of a pre-purchase consideration than a con. You can, however, get the wireless Keychron V1 Max instead, which offers the same features but gives you more flexibility when it comes to connectivity.

The Keychron V1 does a lot of things right and for a sub-$100 board, it’ll fit right into your office setup.

 

6. HyperX Alloy Origins 60

The best mechanical 60% mini keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: HyperX Red

Illumination: Full RGB

Size: 17.4 x 5.2 x 1.4 inches

REASONS TO BUY

+Tiny profile

+Comfortable key switches

+Pretty RGB lighting

REASONS TO AVOID

-Not ideal for productivity

-Keys are a little loud

The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 demonstrates that mini mechanical keyboards can be perfectly good for gaming. This 60% keyboard doesn't have a numpad, a function row or arrow keys, but if you can live with learning some button shortcuts, it's a fantastic way to streamline your gaming experience while saving some desk space. Furthermore, the Alloy Origins 60 employs comfortable HyperX Red key switches, and offers a full array of RGB lighting.

Granted, the Alloy Origins 60 might be a tough sell if you're not already committed to a mini keyboard design. Touch typists will find a lot of their favorite buttons missing, and the keys switches are a little louder than you'd expect. Still, as mini gaming keyboards go, this is one of the better ones.

7. Roccat Vulcan Aimo 121

The most stylish mechanical keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: Titan Switch Linear Red or Tactile Brown

Illumination: Full RGB

Size: 18.2 x 9.3 x 1.3 inches

REASONS TO BUY

+Gorgeous design

+Choice of key switches

+Great performance

REASONS TO AVOID

-So-so software

-Incomplete media bar

The Vulcan Aimo 121 features a sleek black chassis with a subtle grain design, on top of which you'll find brightly colored, translucent key switches and ultra-thin black keycaps. If you set the keyboard up with rainbow lighting effects (which the Roccat Swarm software lets you do), you may find it difficult to tear your eyes away.

Of course, aesthetics alone aren't what make the Vulcan Aimo 121 so good. The typing experience is quick and comfortable, and the in-game performance is impeccable. You can set up profiles for individual games, and control your music at a tap thanks to discrete media buttons. Also, it's worth mentioning the Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro as a suitable alternative.

 

8. Logitech G915 TKL

The best wireless tenkeyless mechanical keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: GL Linear, Tactile or Clicky

Illumination: Full RGB

Size: 15.2 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches

REASONS TO BUY

+Compact size

+Excellent switches

+Discrete media keys

REASONS TO AVOID

-Costs more than $200

-No wrist rest

The Logitech G915 TKL is exactly what it sounds like — a tenkeyless version of the similarly excellent Logitech G915. Like the full-size model, the G915 TKL is a stylish and expensive peripheral. It's also one of the only good wireless mechanical gaming keyboards on the market. If you want to ditch your wired setup but don't have a lot of desk space available, this is probably the model for you.

As with other Logitech models, the G915 TKL benefits from excellent key switches, intuitive software and a durable design. You still get discrete media keys, as well as thin, elevated keycaps and per-key RGB illumination. While the G915 TKL costs almost twice as much as similar wired models, it's arguably worth the premium, especially if you find yourself moving the keyboard around to take advantage of its USB dongle and Bluetooth connection profiles.

(Image credit: Razer)

9. Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed

The best mechanical 65% mini keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: Razer Green or Yellow

Illumination: Full RGB

Size: 12.5 x 5.1 x 1.0 inches

REASONS TO BUY

+Just enough keys

+Comfortable switches

+Streamlined design

REASONS TO AVOID

-Expensive for its size

-Short battery life on default settings

The Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed is one of the best mini gaming keyboards you can buy. Unlike smaller models, the V3 Mini Hyperspeed features a 65% profile. That means you won't have to sacrifice discrete arrow keys or a dedicated delete button. That's great news for touch typists. For gamers, the V3 Mini Hyperspeed features comfortable Razer Green or Yellow switches, as well as full RGB lighting, which you can sync with your other Razer gear.

Granted, the BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed is extremely expensive, considering its size. (The good news is that you can probably find discounted prices at many retailers.) As a wireless keyboard with powerful lighting capabilities, you can also run through the battery pretty quickly, at least on default settings. Still, if your desk space is limited, the BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed is good for typing, good for gaming and good for saving room.

(Image credit: Razer)

10. Razer BlackWidow Lite

Another great tenkeyless mechanical keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Key Type: Mechanical

Switch Type: Razer Orange

Illumination: White

Size: 14.0 x 5.0 x 0.5 inches

 

REASONS TO BUY

+Unobtrusive design

+Decent mechanical switches

+Not too expensive

REASONS TO AVOID

-Squeaky, cramped keys

-Few useful extras

Razer originally pitched the BlackWidow Lite as a keyboard that splits the difference between gaming and productivity applications, and it's not hard to see why. There's something wonderfully minimalist about its tenkeyless design, simple white lighting and quiet Razer Orange switches. This tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is small, straightforward and relatively inexpensive. It's also perhaps the most understated accessory Razer has ever produced; the company is usually a little louder than this.

One potential drawback is that the BlackWidow Lite's keys are fairly squeaky before you install a series of rubber O-rings in them. The rings are included, but installation is a slow, painstaking process. You'll also have to live without a media bar, which is often a boon for productivity users. Otherwise, the BlackWidow Lite can help you excel in a tournament, or in Excel. It's nearly as good as the Corsair K70 RGB TKL and can usually be bought for $30-$40 less, so it's a great TKL mechanical keyboard if you're looking to keep costs low.

How to choose the best mechanical keyboard for you

Design: What size keyboard do you want? Most of us are used to a full-sized keyboard, which has a separate number pad on the right-hand side. But if you don't care about that number pad and/or want something a bit smaller, consider getting a tenkeyless keyboard, which doesn't have the separate number pad. There are a variety of sizes to choose from based on your needs, usually denoted as percentages of a full keyboard (so a 60% mini keyboard is 60% the size of a full keyboard and typically only includes the main typing keys and the number row, for example).

Switches: What kind of switches do you want on your keyboard? There are lots of options to choose from, but they generally vary in two big ways: how noisy they are, and when they register a keypress. Switches that register a keypress (or actuate) when you press them all the way in are called linear switches, whereas those that actuate when you press them roughly halfway down are called tactile switches. Once you know whether you want quiet vs noisy and linear vs tactile, you'll have narrowed your options down from dozens to a handful. 

Our guide to mechanical switches will give you more details on some of the top switches on the market, but if you're not sure, it's a safe bet to get Cherry MX switches on your keyboard as they're some of the best in the business.  

Price: A good mechanical keyboard will likely cost you between $100 to $200, depending on which one you want and when you buy it. (Hint: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great days to find good deals on keyboards.) While that might seem high for a keyboard, remember that you're paying for quality: A $20 to $30 membrane keyboard from Microsoft or Dell will work well enough, but it won't be nearly as comfortable (or last as long) as a high-quality mechanical keyboard. Still, if you're looking for something a little cheaper, you can get a quality mechanical keyboard like the Razer BlackWidow Lite for roughly $70.

(Source: tomsguide)