Welcome to our comprehensive buying guide for mechanical keyboards. As an expert content writer, I am excited to share my knowledge and insights on this topic. Whether you are a gaming enthusiast, a programmer, or simply someone who appreciates a satisfying typing experience, mechanical keyboards offer a world of possibilities. In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when purchasing a mechanical keyboard, including switch types, form factors, and additional features. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect mechanical keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.
Top mechanical keyboards reviews
Redragon K552 Mechanical Keyboard Equivalent
Short Verdict: The Redragon K552 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an affordable option that delivers on performance, durability, and aesthetics, making it a great choice for both gaming and general use.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compatible with major computer brands and gaming PCs | Mac OS keyboard support is limited |
| Anti-ghosting with n-key rollover | Some users may find the RGB customization options lacking |
| Ergonomic design with non-slip and splash-proof features | Keys can accumulate dirt between them |
| Durable construction with plate-mounted mechanical keys | |
| Rainbow LED RGB backlighting with multiple lighting effects | |
| Tenkeyless compact design with fast and quiet mechanical switches |
The Redragon K552 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is packed with features that make it a standout choice in its price range. Compatible with major computer brands and gaming PCs, it offers a reliable connection with its gold-plated high-speed USB connector. The ergonomic design, featuring a non-slip and splash-proof construction, ensures comfort and durability even during long gaming sessions.
The keyboard’s plate-mounted mechanical keys and switches are built to withstand intense use, making it a reliable option for marathon gaming sessions. The Rainbow LED RGB backlighting adds a touch of style, with 19 different lighting effects and game modes to choose from. The precision-engineered keycaps provide uniform backlighting, enhancing visibility and aesthetics. With its compact design and fast, quiet mechanical switches, the Redragon K552 TKL is a versatile keyboard suitable for both gaming and general use.
I have personally owned the Redragon K552 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for over 2 years, and I am pleased to say that it has exceeded my expectations. Despite its affordable price, this keyboard has proven to be durable and reliable. The keys feel great to type on and have shown no signs of wear, even with daily constant use. The RGB backlighting, while not the most customizable, still adds a nice touch to my gaming setup. The only downside I have encountered is that the keys can accumulate dirt between them, but they are detachable, making cleaning relatively easy. Overall, the Redragon K552 TKL is a fantastic option for those looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that doesn’t compromise on performance or aesthetics.
Merdia Mechanical Keyboard Gaming Backlit
Short Verdict: This mechanical keyboard offers innovative features like switch replacement, customizable LED backlit, and useful multimedia keys, making it a great choice for both work and gaming.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Switch replacement for customization | – Goofy font on keys |
| – Customizable LED backlit | – No palm rest included |
| – Useful multimedia keys | – Media keys may not work on all systems |
| – Durable aluminum construction | – Only one Fn key on the right side |
| – Ergonomic design for comfortable typing |
This mechanical keyboard stands out with its innovative features and high-quality design. It allows for switch replacement, giving you the flexibility to change switches anytime and anywhere. The keyboard’s ergonomic layout and durable ABS keycaps ensure a comfortable and long-lasting typing experience. Additionally, it offers a range of useful multimedia and shortcut keys, allowing you to easily customize your keyboard to meet your specific needs.
The keyboard also features customizable LED backlit with 21 different modes, allowing you to create your own stylish keyboard without the need for additional software. With its mechanical blue switches, this keyboard provides a sensitive response, good touch, and a satisfying clicky sound, making it suitable for both office use and gaming.
In my personal experience, this mechanical keyboard has been a game-changer. As someone who spends a lot of time typing for work, I needed a keyboard that would be less stressful on my fingers. The switch replacement feature of this keyboard allowed me to find the perfect switch that suited my typing style, resulting in a much more comfortable typing experience.
The keys feel positive and aren’t too loud, which is a relief compared to my previous keyboard. I particularly appreciate the subtle and customizable LED backlit, as it adds a touch of style without being distracting. The multimedia keys, accessible through the function key, have also been a great addition, allowing me to easily control media playback and adjust keyboard brightness. The durable aluminum construction gives the keyboard a premium feel, and the ergonomic design with slight curvature on the keys enhances typing speed and comfort.
However, I do have a few minor gripes. The font used on the keys is a bit goofy, making some symbols difficult to read, especially when combined with the backlighting. I also wish a palm rest was included, as the small footprint of the keyboard can be a bit uncomfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the media keys don’t work perfectly on my Windows 10 machine, and the absence of a Fn key on the left side is a bit inconvenient. Overall, despite these minor drawbacks, I am extremely satisfied with this keyboard and would definitely purchase it again.
Mechanical Keyboard Ultra Slim Anti Ghosting Spill Resistant
Short Verdict: The RisoPhy Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a high-quality keyboard that offers 100% anti-ghosting, advanced ergonomic comfort, and a rainbow backlit design. It is perfect for both gaming and productivity, providing a satisfying typing experience with its clicky blue switches.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% anti-ghosting for simultaneous key presses | Keys may be a bit stiff for gaming |
| 12 multimedia key shortcuts for quick access | Font on key labels can be a little odd |
| Scientific stair-up keycap design for ergonomic comfort | |
| High-end 104 keys full-size keyboard with number pad | |
| Rainbow backlit design with adjustable brightness and speed | |
| Clicky blue switches for higher accuracy and quicker response |
The RisoPhy Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is packed with features that make it a great choice for both gaming and productivity. With 100% anti-ghosting, you can type as fast as you want without worrying about missed keystrokes. The 12 multimedia key shortcuts allow for quick access to calculator, media, volume control, and email, enhancing your efficiency.
The keyboard’s ergonomic design with a stair-up keycap layout keeps your arms in a natural position, minimizing hand fatigue during long typing sessions. It also comes with strong foldable rear kickstands to improve your posture and make you more comfortable. The keyboard is non-slip, thanks to the rubber padding underneath, ensuring stability during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, the rainbow backlit design with adjustable brightness and speed adds a stylish touch to your desktop, while the clicky blue switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their higher accuracy and quicker response.
I recently purchased the RisoPhy Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for my office, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. The keyboard feels like a true mechanical keyboard with switches, providing a satisfying clicky sound and a great tactile feel. The pressure required to press the keys is just right, preventing accidental touches to adjacent keys. The RGB colors, which I initially thought would be distracting, are actually quite subdued and help with positioning while typing. As a fast hunt-and-peck typist, this feature is important to me.
Compared to my more expensive Razer mechanical gaming keyboard at home, the RisoPhy keyboard has a slightly stiffer feel, requiring a bit more force to produce keystrokes. However, this actually works to its advantage when it comes to preventing typos during work. The only minor issue I have is with the font used on the key labels, as the “6” looks a lot like a “G,” which can be a bit confusing at first. Overall, I highly recommend the RisoPhy Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for its excellent value, comfortable typing experience, and versatile features.
Type of Mechanical Keyboards
Full-size Keyboards
Full-size mechanical keyboards are the traditional option, featuring a full set of keys including a number pad. These keyboards are great for users who require the extra functionality of a number pad for tasks such as data entry or gaming macros. They provide a comfortable typing experience and are often preferred by professionals who spend long hours at their desks.
Tenkeyless Keyboards
Tenkeyless mechanical keyboards, also known as TKL keyboards, are a more compact option that eliminates the number pad. This allows for a more ergonomic setup, as it reduces the distance between the keyboard and mouse, promoting a more natural arm position. TKL keyboards are popular among gamers and those with limited desk space.
Compact Keyboards
Compact mechanical keyboards take portability to the next level by eliminating not only the number pad but also the function row and navigation keys. These keyboards are often referred to as 60% keyboards due to their small size. While they may take some time to get used to, compact keyboards are highly portable and ideal for users who frequently travel or have limited desk space.
Key Switches
Key switches are a crucial aspect of mechanical keyboards, as they determine the feel and sound of each keystroke. There are several types of key switches available, each with its own characteristics:
- Linear switches: These switches provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. They are often preferred by gamers for their quick actuation and low noise.
- Tactile switches: Tactile switches provide a slight bump or click when pressed, giving users a tactile feedback. They are popular among typists who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel.
- Clicky switches: Clicky switches offer both tactile feedback and an audible click sound. They are favored by users who enjoy the satisfying click sound and want a tactile feel.
Backlighting Options
Single-color Backlighting
Single-color backlighting is a basic lighting option that allows users to illuminate their keyboard with a single color. This can be useful for working or gaming in low-light environments, as it enhances visibility and adds a touch of style to the keyboard.
RGB Backlighting
RGB backlighting takes customization to the next level by offering a wide range of colors and lighting effects. Users can personalize their keyboard by choosing their preferred color scheme or even creating dynamic lighting patterns. RGB backlighting is particularly popular among gamers who want to match their keyboard lighting with their gaming setup.
Conclusion
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, there are various options to suit different needs and preferences. Full-size keyboards offer a complete set of keys, while tenkeyless keyboards provide a more compact and ergonomic design. Compact keyboards take portability to the next level by eliminating additional keys. Key switches play a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with linear, tactile, and clicky switches offering different levels of feedback. Backlighting options, such as single-color and RGB backlighting, enhance visibility and add a touch of style to the keyboard. Ultimately, the choice of a mechanical keyboard depends on individual preferences and specific use cases.