Best Mechanical Keyboards of 2017 – Top 20
Once you go mechanical, you never go back. The satisfying click you get from a mechanical keyboard cannot be replaced by a typical membrane keyboard. To start, mechanical keyboards last longer than typical membrane keyboards.
Mechanical gaming keyboards are not only extremely durable, they’re also much easier to clean and maintain. Since the switches are mechanical, the keys pop off and go back on easily. Lost keys and bent scissor switches are replaced in seconds so you don’t have to throw your keyboard in the trash can when a key malfunctions.
This makes mechanical keyboards a reliable investment. There’s a reason why mechanical keyboards are now rated the best among gaming keyboards.
Most standard keyboards use what’s known as a “membrane” system, where a thin film of dome-shaped rubber or silicone separates the key from the top of the keyboard’s electrical circuits. In mechanical keyboards, however, there is no membrane. Instead, each strike is handled by an actual mechanical switch that slides up and down. Each individual key is its own self-contained system, complete with the key, a metal actuator, and a spring that depresses on a stroke and returns the key back to its un-pressed state after a successful strike. The keyboard registers a keypress when the key is halfway down–not when it bottoms out completely.
You might be wondering just how exactly mechanical keyboard switches work. There are a ton of switches available on the market today, and each will give you a different typing experience.
Check out the video below to learn more:
The best mechanical keyboard? With so many different models to choose from that you might find it difficult to narrow it down to the one that best fits your gaming needs.
Whether you like World Of Warcraft, Battlefield 1, Fallout 4, or any other PC game, one of the following gaming keyboards is bound to fit your style and bring you to victory
BEST MECHANICAL KEYBOARD
Top 5 Keyboard Picks | Switch Type | Cost | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cherry MX | $$$ | |||
Razer Green | $$$ | |||
Cherry MX | $$$ | |||
Cherry MX | $$$ | |||
Romer-G | $$$ | |||
Cherry MX | $$$ | |||
Kailh | $$$ | |||
Cherry MX | $$$ | |||
Cherry MX | $$$ | |||
10. Razer Ornata | Razer Mecha Membrane | $$$ |
# 1
Corsair Gaming K95 RGB PLATINUM Mechanical Keyboard
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Corsair Vengeance K95 RGB gaming keyboard replaces the outdated Vengeance K95 keyboard.
While this gaming keyboard contains a set of 6 programmable macros, as an extra bonus every key has the capability of being programmed as well – which only adds to your overall gaming experience.
In addition, four profiles can be stored directly in the gaming keyboard’s onboard memory, which is another cool features that PC gamers can enjoy.
However, the advantages of this gaming keyboard don’t stop there.
The Corsair Vengeance K95 RGB also comes with a complete set of media control buttons, as well as a detachable wrist rest to make using the keyboard more comfortable for those times when you might be playing your favorite game for several hours at a time. This makes it one of the best mechanical keyboards for gaming!
There is even an anodized aluminum front plate that exposes the switches of this keyboard, allowing the keyboard’s lights to show up in a brilliant display. You can also set it to create a multi-layered light show in 16.8 million colors!
This gaming keyboard has been labeled as one of the best mechanical keyboards currently offered on the market.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B01N5IISXY” title=”Corsair Vengeance K95 RGB”]
# 2
Razer BlackWidow Chroma Gaming Keyboard Review
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Razer BlackWidow Chroma is a gaming keyboard that is packed with a full set of features.
To start, this gaming keyboard contains a dedicated macro column, RGB backlighting, and a face plate made from metal.
The built-in Razer Mechanical switches provide unparalleled speed and responsiveness during gameplay. And, the switches are durable enough to withstand 60 million keystrokes – so this keyboard is bound to last you for a long time to come.
Another feature of this keyboard is the custom designed Razer Green switches that make it easy to double-tap the keyboard’s keys, giving you a more comfortable experience playing your favorite PC games without tiring out your wrists and hands.
Also, each key on the Razer Blackwidow Chroma keyboard is individually programmable, which helps you to customize your gaming even more.
This keyboard is known as one of the best mechanical gaming keyboards a person can buy.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B00MTWV0II” title=”Razer BlackWidow Chroma”]
# 3
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Gaming Keyboard Review
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Das Keyboard 4 Professional gaming keyboard is known for its high quality construction and its ease of typing. Perhaps this is why it is known as the best gaming keyboard for those PC gamers who like to type.
But, there are even more features this gaming keyboard contains that make it stand out from the crowd.
First, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional comes with gold-plated Cherry MX mechanical switches that can withstand up to 50 million keystrokes.
Second, it has an oversized volume control knob and dedicated media controls such as play, mute, and pause. In addition, there is an instant-sleep button you can press to help save energy for those times when you are not in the middle of playing a game.
Third, this best mechanical keyboard includes a two-port USB 3.0 hub so you can transfer your music, photos, and large-file videos at 5 gigabytes per second.
If you are a PC gamer who enjoys typing as well as gaming, this might be the best mechanical keyboard for you.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B00JG01QTY” title=”Das Keyboard 4 Professional”]
# 4
SteelSeries Apex M500 Keyboard Review- Budget Pick
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The SteelSeries Apex M500 Keyboard’s motto is “play like a pro.”
And, the features of this gaming keyboard help you to do just that.
For starters, this mechanical keyboard is built with red Cherry MX mechanical switches which can handle 50 million plus keystrokes. It also comes with anti-ghosting and N-key rollover – which means that every key will register while you are playing your PC game.
Each key is backlit with blue LED lights, making the keyboard easy to see in even the darkest of conditions. Also, the fact that the keys are fully programmable adds to the fun of playing PC games with this standard layout keyboard.
For all its packed-in features, the SteelSeries Apex M500 is among the best gaming keyboards price wise.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B01E17LW2W” title=”SteelSeries Apex M500″]
# 5
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum Keyboard Review
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum gaming keyboard is known to be a top choice for hard-core PC gamers.
Not only does this gaming keyboard come with a full-size keyboard, it has a 10 key number pad as well. Other features this best mechanical keyboard offers are customizable RGB lighting for each individual key, nine macro keys, media controls, and an Arx smartphone dock – which allows you to use your smartphone or tablet as a second control screen.
The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum is also built with Romer-G mechanical switches and 113-key rollover.
And to keep your wrists and hands from tiring out, there is a removable wrist rest to help you to be comfortable while participating in a game battle that will continue for several hours.
This best mechanical keyboard may be an ideal choice if PC gaming is one of your favorite activities.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B01GAONOAC” title=”Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum”]
# 6
Roccat Ryos MK Pro Keyboard Review
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Roccat Ryos MK Pro gaming keyboard is a highly customizable option for PC gamers. It is also known as the best keyboard that Roccat has released so far.
Although this mechanical keyboard comes with a ton of features, it is advanced enough for a pro to enjoy while easy enough to use for an amateur player who is just getting started.
There are blue LED lights behind each key, as well as numerous programmable macro keys to help you customize your game-playing experience to the fullest. A wide wrist rest is also a feature of this particular mechanical keyboard. And what some gamers may find to be a bonus is the gaming keyboard’s smudge resistant finish, which greatly helps to reduce the appearance of fingerprints.
As for other features, N-key rollover is built into the Roccat Ryos MK Pro gaming keyboard along with two ARM Cortex processors and two megabytes of onboard memory. In addition, eight macro keys are included that can be tailored to your liking. You can also set up macros on any letter of the mechanical keyboard to give yourself even more options for customized play.
In terms of a best mechanical keyboard; it’s worth the price for all of its versatility and packed in features.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B00FB4BXGA” title=”Roccat Ryos MK Pro”]
# 7
Tt eSPORTS Poseidon Z RGB Keyboard Review
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Poseidon Z keyboard is the best PC gaming keyboard for those who are on a budget.
One feature that many less expensive gaming keyboards leave out is the 10 key number pad. However, this keyboard has included it – which is a huge plus. Another feature that is often overlooked on lower priced models is the backlighting of the different keys. But once again this keyboard is the exception, even including adjustable brightness for the backlights. You can additionally control your volume and media player with the keyboard.
The Poseidon Z is built with Kailh Brown switches, with a 50 million keystroke life cycle. It also has anti-ghosting keys, seven multimedia keys, and a disable Windows key function.
If you are someone who is just getting into the world of PC gaming and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is the best mechanical keyboard on a budget!
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B013AU5MYU” title=”Tt eSPORTS Poseidon Z RGB”]
# 8
Cherry MX Board 6.0 Keyboard Review
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
If you are a typing enthusiast, you are bound to enjoy the Cherry MX Board 6.0 keyboard for playing your favorite PC games.
This gaming keyboard features full N-key rollover, anti-ghosting so there are no input errors, Windows key deactivation, and two double function keys. A sanded finish and fingerprint-resistant coating help this keyboard to look new even after it has been used for awhile.
The Cherry MX Board 6.0 keyboard is known to be one of the fastest keyboards you can purchase. It boasts RealKey technology with a latency of 1 millisecond where other gaming keyboards have a latency period of 20 or more milliseconds. It’s also built with Cherry Red mechanical switches, and includes LED backlights for each key.
Into new technology? This Cherry MX Board is the best mechanical keyboard for cutting edge technology!
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B00WWIGLWY” title=”Cherry MX Board 6.0″]
# 9
Ducky Shine 6 RGB Keyboard Review
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Ducky Shine 6 has a great reputation among most mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and for good reason. The build quality of this mechanical keyboard is hard to beat.
The Ducky Shine 6 is an ANSI standard keyboard with individually back-lit keys that don’t require the use of any custom software. This gaming keyboard comes in a variety of Cherry MX switches, including Black, Brown, Blue and Red switches.
The individually back-lit keys can be custom mapped to match the control scheme of your favorite games. The Shine 6 provides up to 16 color profiles at a time (7 single color LED modes, 7 RGB LED blending modes, and 2 LED Zone customization modes).
This mechanical keyboard also features removable feet, this takes into account for different users with different preferences. Unlike traditional keyboard feet, detachable feet are more stable, flexible and durable.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B071W2D987″ title=”Ducky Shine 6 RGB”]
# 10
Razer Ornata Keyboard Review
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Razer Ornata keyboard offers Mecha-Membrane technology, which appeals to both typists and PC gamers alike.
Individually backlit keys with the ability to customize the lighting and a detachable ergonomic wrist rest are two features that this mechanical keyboard offers.
Additionally, it features a custom designed key cap that helps to reduce the time it takes for your game-playing actions to register. It has anti-ghosting for up to ten key presses, and fully programmable keys with macro recording.
This gaming keyboard will do well for people who enjoy typing and PC gaming, and are looking to not break their budget. This is arguably the best mechanical keyboard in Razer’s arsenal providing the most features for the price.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B01LVTI3TO” title=”Razer Ornata”]
CONCLUSION:
When it comes to the best mechanical keyboard, we have chosen three out of the list. For gaming, the Corsair K95 is an excellent choice. If you are looking for a good gaming keyboard as well as a good keyboard for typing, the Das Keyboard 4 is hard to beat. Looking for good build quality? The Ducky Shine 5 is your best choice.
You won’t be disappointed with either of these gaming keyboards.
BEST CHEAP MECHANICAL KEYBOARDS UNDER $100 IN 2017
We thought it was a good idea to create a list of the best cheap mechanical keyboards for under $100, that way regardless of your budget you will still be able to get a great mechanical keyboard and not break the bank. We also got you covered if you are looking to compliment your new mechanical keyboard with a cheap gaming mouse or a wireless gaming mouse.
A majority of these keyboards uses Cherry MX Switches, currently the market leader in manufacturing mechanical keyboard switches. They come in six different colors, each having varying features. If you find it hard to choose which particular Cherry switch would be most suited for you, it would be a good idea to purchase the 6-Key Cherry MX Switch Tester
Note: If you’re thinking of spending a little more money to get one of the best mechanical keyboards out there, be sure to check out our best mechanical keyboard article too.
BEST CHEAP MECHANICAL KEYBOARDS; IS THERE SUCH A THING?
YES! We aren’t talking about “cheap” as in cheaply made and only lasts you a week! We have brought together the best cheap mechanical keyboards (price wise) that offer that same quality and reliability as the ones that cost a fortune.
Individual mechanical switches beneath each key offer a number of benefits, namely an improved tactile response that can speed up typing—and of course also offers that satisfying click.
Mechanical keyboards are also a lot more durable than membrane keyboards, and if taken care of can last a long time. Perfect for someone on a budget that’s looking to get the most out of a keyboard.
HOW DO BUDGET KEYBOARDS DIFFER FROM THE TOP TIER KEYBOARDS?
The great thing is that even if you choose a budget keyboard you can still get the same quality switches as one of the top tier keyboards.
The only difference with a budget mechanical keyboard is that you might not get some of the other features like fancy backlighting, dedicated media keys, or extra programmable keys.
You’ll get the same typing experience as the more expensive keyboards, so don’t worry about your functionality being hampered.
Look no further than Keyboard Das for truly quality keyboards. The Das Keyboard 4 Professional delivers a premium typing experience with versatile functionality and many options for customization. If you're willing to spend a little more than $100, then this is an excellent choice and highly recommended.
CHEAP MECHANICAL KEYBOARDS Under $100
Sit back in your gaming chair and relax because we got you covered. Here’s a list of all the best cheap mechanical keyboards currently on the market under $100:
[amazon box=”B00ZUPOMDQ ,B0068INSUM,B00HZE2PJS,B00UBQZPXK,B01AXM7PMU,B01E17LW2W,B01CDYB8F6,B01LVTI3TO,B00S5E4LX0,B010M53SLU” template = “table”]
More detailed reviews of the products can be found below or you can click the links above to check prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
# 1
Corsair Strafe - Our Top Choice
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
This keyboard is feature packed and comes in under $100. With the Corsair STRAFE you get a USB pass-through port and dynamic red LED backlighting that can be completely customized with the Corsair CUE software.
This keyboard comes in a variety of switch options, including Brown, Red, or Blue. Each of these cherry MX switches gives a different response each time you click them. I recommend you read this guide to get a better understanding on the switch types so you can make the best choice.
Gamers will definitely love the textured keycaps that are included with the keyboard. Keycaps are very easy to replace and won't take you more than 5 minutes. The textured keycaps help you easily keep your fingers on the right keys during those frantic battles.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B00ZUPOMDQ” title=”Corsair Strafe”]
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The CM Storm Quickfire Rapid is one of the best cheap mechanical keyboards, and for good reason. Although this keyboard is pretty basic (as it features no backlighting), the QuickFire is still very well-built, and has laser-etched keys to ensure that the years of typing ahead don't ruin the keycaps. The QuickFire comes in a variety of Cherry MX switches, which will offer some gaming advantage where double-tapping or half-pressing keys might be handy.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B0068INSUM” title=”CM Storm QuickFire Rapid” ]
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
Tt eSPORTS did an awesome job when designing the Poseidon, and I honestly have nothing but praise for the keyboard. The only downside of this keyboard is that it uses Kailh mechanical switches (Kailh switches basically clones of Cherry MX switches) rather than Cherry MX. Some people say that Kailh switches are rather cheap, and I tend to agree (after all, this blog IS about the best cheap mechanical keyboards). Luckily this keyboard comes with a 5 year warranty if anything goes wrong. This keyboard features blue LED backlighting which is big plus for those who love backlit keys.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B00HZE2PJS” title=”Tt eSPORTS Poseidon Z” ]
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Rosewill RK-9000v2 is a great minimalistic and professional looking keyboard and is available in 4 different kinds of Cherry MX Switches - Red, Black, Blue, and Brown. For gaming purposes, this isn't one of the best cheap mechanical keyboards, but is a great choice for daily use or an office environment.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B00UBQZPXK” title=”Rosewill RK-9000v2 Mechanical Keyboard” ]
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
This mechanical keyboard isn't very mainstream, but it's probably one of the best cheap mechanical keyboards available in this price range.
First of all, the keyboard comes with a thick aluminum back-plate and the bottom of the case is plastic. This gives the mechanical keyboard a really solid feel, there is no cracking or twisting.
On the right side of the keyboard you will find an embossed MagicForce logo which looks really good.
Another benefit of the aluminium finish is that it won't collect much dust and won't be very difficult to clean.
The design is really compact and there are no unnecessary keys that might get in the way when gaming or typing.
In terms of the LED lighting, they are surprisingly bright and can be controlled via the function and arrow keys.
The Qisan MagicForce is available in various switch types but we recommend sticking with the Cherry MX version.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B01AXM7PMU” description_items=”1″]
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
SteelSeries is a manufacturer that has always come up with fine gaming products, and the Apex M500 is no exception. This traditional-looking, 104 keys black keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX Red Gaming Switches. Weighing about 2.7 pounds and measuring 17.3 x 5.4 inches, The Apex M500 is a lightweight keyboard compared to its competitors.
Most of the SteelSeries keyboards are remarkably strong by build, and so is the Apex M500. It is manufactured using high-quality, durable plastic and has been reinforced with a steel back plate. They keys are well-spaced and illuminated with blue back lighting. At the back end of these keys lay the Cherry MX Red Switches, ensuring soft and quite keystrokes with high level responsiveness. These switches can be arguably regarded as the best ones Cherry has to offer.
The keyboard has an excellent cable management system. There are 3 gives on the bottom of the keyboard so whether you want to align the cable to the left, right, or center, it won’t get tangled. It comes with the SteelSeries Engine 3 software, which you can use to reprogram the keys and customize the brightness and pattern of the backlighting.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B01E17LW2W” title=”SteelSeries Apex M500″ ]
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
Logitech’s gaming gadgets have always been adored by gamers, and the G610 Orion promises to maintain the quality and performance that is associated with Logitech’s gadgets. This efficient keyboard comes in two variations (Brown and Red), and for the purposes of this review we chose the brown one.
The core material of the mouse is thick, industrial-grade plastic. The overall look and feel of the keyboard is sober and gentle, without many distractions. The matte black finishing on the chassis, and the white backlit keys contribute to the streamlined appearance of the G610 Orion.
The keys of G610 Brown are slightly more resistant than the Red ones; however, both provide soft keystrokes and have an excellent actuation of 2mm. The G610 features dedicated media controls, enabling you to control the background and foreground sound adjustments without leaving the game. The gaming utility software of the keyboard lets you reprogram keys, define macros, and customize the backlighting of the keys. You cannot change the color (white) of the backlighting; however, the brightness and pattern of backlighting can be customized.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B01CDYB8F6″ title=”Logitech G610 Orion Brown” ]
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
Razer is an accepted market leader in manufacturing both expensive, high-end gaming gadgets, as well as budget-friendly gadgets capable of delivering fine gaming performance. The Razer Ornata is one of their most versatile products in that along with being affordable, it is an unusual hybrid of mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards. It offers a unique experience by combining the responsiveness of mechanical keyboards with the quietness of the membrane ones.
It is a standard size gaming keyboard featuring half-height keys that ensure easy and faster actuations. The keys are individually backlit and can be customized by choosing one of the several available dynamic effects. It features a remarkably soft and comfortable ergonomic wrist rest, made of faux leather.
It is powered by the Razer Synapse software, enabling you to fully reprogram the keys and record on the fly macros for your games. It possesses most of the features you can find in high-end mechanical keyboards and is undoubtedly a pretty good deal.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B01LVTI3TO” title=”Razer Ornata Mecha-Membrane” ]
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
Rosewill has been manufacturing good quality, affordable mechanical keyboards for years now, and the RK-9000V2 is their latest and perhaps finest product. Available in several variations of the Cherry MX switches (Blue, Black, Brown, and Red); the RK-9000V2 offers pretty much everything that an average gamer would desire.
This full sized keyboard has a compact shape with no wasted space and unneeded frills, and thus only occupies a reasonable amount of space on your table. Its build is strong and heavy, and the rubber feet at the bottom help it in resisting slips during intense gameplay. It is extremely durable and can survive years of rough use.
As regards performance, the keys have a great level of responsiveness and offer a comfortable gaming experience. There is an option to lock the windows key, thus avoiding accidental keystroke during gameplay.
The keyboard does lag behind in some features; particularly, the absence of backlighting and macros. Nonetheless, it is a good choice for average gamers who want to ascend into a higher gaming realm.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B00S5E4LX0″ title=”Rosewill RK-9000V2″ ]
# 10
What We Like
What We Don't
Product Summary --
The Azio MGK1 is a compact mechanical gaming keyboard that avoids frills and the jargon of extra keys. The keyboard is available in two variations (Kailh Black and Kailh Blue). The Kailh mechanical switches, although not as premium as Cherry MX, are an excellent substitute and are almost identical to them in terms of performance and durability.
The surface is made of brushed aluminum, with the base available in both black and red colors. A remarkable feature of the keyboard is its ‘driverless’ capability, i.e. you do not need to install drivers and as soon as you plug in the USB cord, your keyboard is ready to use.
Equipped with a comfortable and ergonomic wrist-rest, the MGK1 works well for both gaming experience and typing duties. It is a strong contender in an already condensed market, and has gained well-earned reputations in the past two years.
Product Listing --
[amazon box=”B010M53SLU” title=”Azio MGK1″ ]
Conclusion:
It may seem impossible to find a great keyboard on a budget but hopefully you now have a few better choices. Our top choice would definitely be the Corsair STRAFE
Mechanical keyboards do not have to be expensive.
These are considered in the mid range of mechanical keyboards in terms of price. Hopefully we have helped you find a suitable mechanical keyboard and good luck on your adventures!
