The very best mechanical keyboards of 2024

It’s arduous to beat the tactility, sturdiness, or beauty of a mechanical keyboard, however there are loads of choices on the market, and never all of them are created equal. Listed here are our prime picks, together with each wired and wi-fi fashions starting from compact keyboards with laptop-style layouts to full-size keyboards full with numpads — from funds to… not so funds.

A lot of the keyboards beneath use a 75 % structure, which is a compact type issue that maintains a perform row and arrow key cluster, like most laptop computer keyboards. It’s a terrific place to begin until you actually need an hooked up quantity pad or know you favor a distinct structure. Practically all of our suggestions additionally are available different layouts, which we’ve linked the place doable. 

Whereas any keyboard can be utilized for gaming, this information focuses on the very best keyboards for typing and normal workplace work, so enter latency and polling fee weren’t main deciding components. For those who’re after a keyboard particularly for gaming, try our information to the greatest gaming keyboards.

Connectivity: USB / Keycaps: Double-shot PBT / Sizzling-swappable: Sure / Out there sizes: 60 %, 65 %, 70 %, 75 %, TKL, 1800, Full measurement, 65 % Alice, 75 % Alice / Out there layouts: ANSI, ISO / Change choices: Okay Professional Crimson, Okay Professional Blue, Okay Professional Brown / Battery measurement: N/A / North- or south-facing switches: South-facing

The Keychron V1 is the very best entry-level wired keyboard. Beginning at simply $84 for a totally assembled mannequin (although incessantly on sale for much less), it’s among the many extra reasonably priced choices on this listing, however it feels nearly as good to sort on as keyboards that value twice as a lot. Its construct high quality is gorgeous and durable, and it sounds nice to sort on.

Whereas the V1 has a 75 % structure, a well-liked compact design that omits the numpad and different keys to offer you a laptop-style expertise, Keychron has different V-series keyboards in quite a lot of sizes. These vary from extra conventional keyboard layouts just like the tenkeyless V3 and full-size V6, to extra compact fashions just like the V2 (which has a 65 % structure that omits the devoted perform row) and the much more compact V4 (with a 60 % design that omits the arrow keys solely). Some V-series keyboards are additionally accessible in worldwide layouts.

For such a low value, the V1 is filled with options often discovered on fanatic keyboards. It provides hot-swappable switches with south-facing RGB backlighting, and its switches and stabilizers really feel good and clean. It’s totally programmable: you may remap each key utilizing the intuitive and highly effective VIA software program on prime of QMK — which works on Home windows, Mac, and Linux and allows you to do the whole lot from shifting keys round to programming macros straight into the keyboard itself.

The V1 comes with sturdy double-shot PBT keycaps. You get a alternative of Mac and Home windows keycaps within the field, and a change on the again of the keyboard permits you to toggle between layouts immediately. You will get it with a quantity knob for an additional $10 (pictured) or save $20 and purchase a bare-bones model with out keycaps or switches. Our pattern got here with Keychron’s personal tactile Okay Professional Brown switches, however there are additionally clicky and linear choices.

If wi-fi connectivity is essential to you, then Keychron has lately launched the Keychron V1 Max, which might connect with your pc utilizing both Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz USB dongle. It additionally makes use of a extra premium-feeling gasket-mounted building, which makes for a nicer typing really feel. We critically thought-about recommending the V1 Max over the V1, however determined towards it for now. The V1 Max has a better beginning value, partly as a result of it comes with a quantity knob as normal and partly as a result of the V1 is incessantly discounted. And secondly, the wired V sequence that the V1 is part of is — as outlined above — accessible in a wider alternative of sizes and worldwide layouts, that means it’s extra doubtless that you simply’ll discover a mannequin that fits your wants.

Count on this to vary within the coming months; the V Max sequence is already accessible in six layouts (in comparison with 9 for the V sequence), however for now the V1 stays our prime decide for most individuals.

Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle (1000Hz) / Keycaps: Double-shot PBT / Sizzling-swappable: Sure / Out there sizes: 11 choices, starting from 60 % to full-sized and past / Out there layouts: ANSI, ISO / Change choices: Gateron Jupiter Crimson, Gateron Jupiter Brown, Gateron Jupiter Banana / Battery measurement: 4,000mAh / North- or south-facing switches: South-facing

For those who’re after one thing fancier than the V1 and the remainder of Keychron’s V-series, the Keychron Q1 Max is a superb step up. It has a sturdy aluminum chassis with a built-in quantity knob, provides a a lot nicer typing expertise, it’s totally customizable, and it’s wi-fi, with an choice to attach over both Bluetooth or an included 2.4GHz USB dongle.

For those who’re contemplating a premium keyboard, we expect it is smart to select the Keychron Q1 Max over the Q1 Professional ($199) or wired Keychron Q1 ($189 with knob). The Max has all of the options of the sooner two boards, with the additional flexibility of connecting through a 1000Hz 2.4GHz USB dongle along with Bluetooth and USB-C. The identical goes for the remainder of the Q Max sequence,

For those who’re proud of a “good” slightly than “nice” typing really feel, then most of the Q1 Max’s most compelling options — like VIA programming, hot-swappable switches, and per-key south-facing RGB backlighting — are additionally accessible on the wired V1 and wi-fi V1 Max above in addition to Keychron’s different V-series boards. 

Use the keyboard wirelessly, with its RGB lighting disabled, and the Q1 Max can fortunately go for weeks with no need to be recharged. However activate its backlighting, and its rated battery life drops by round half. The reliability of the two.4GHz connection was flawless in my testing — I didn’t expertise any dropouts throughout a month of use.

Along with its sturdy aluminum case and wi-fi connectivity, the opposite benefit the Q1 Max has over the V1 (although not over the V1 Max) is its gasket-mounted building, which supplies it a extra premium typing really feel. By successfully suspending its polycarbonate change plate and PCB between gaskets, the keyboard has a considerable quantity of flex to it. Which may not sound preferable, however it provides the Q1 Max a way more satisfying typing sound in comparison with what are generally known as tray-mounted keyboards just like the Keychron V sequence. Substitute change plates are additionally accessible in numerous supplies if you wish to additional customise how the Q1 Max feels and sounds.

A possible draw back of the Q1 Max is that its battery life is just nice in the event you flip off its RGB lighting. It’s additionally very heavy in comparison with a number of the different wi-fi keyboards on this listing, which implies it’s not a terrific decide in the event you plan to make use of the keyboard whereas out and about.

Like most of Keychron’s different boards, the Q Max sequence is on the market in a variety of various layouts. Sizes vary from the compact Q60 Max via to the full-size Q6 Max. So until you’re after a distinct segment structure just like the 40 or 70 %, it is best to be capable to discover the fitting measurement for you.

Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth / Keycaps: PBT Dye-sub / Sizzling-swappable: Sure / Out there sizes: 75 % / Out there layouts: ANSI / Change choices: Kailh low-profile Phantom tactile, Kailh low-profile Ghost linear  / Battery measurement: 2,000mAh / North- or south-facing switches: North-facing

Low-profile mechanical keyboards provide a lot of the tactility and sturdiness of typical mechs however with a squatter design that may really feel extra acquainted in the event you’ve spent a lifetime typing on laptop-style keyboards. Of those, we suggest the 75 % Lofree Stream, which has nice battery life and a premium aluminum building.

The Stream’s specs are just like these of the NuPhy Air75, which was our earlier low-profile keyboard decide. However Lofree’s keyboard feels much better to sort on, and it sounds higher, too. The Stream is a wi-fi Bluetooth keyboard with a alternative of both linear or tactile switches, and these switches are additionally hot-swappable, so you may change your thoughts later in the event you so select. Know, nevertheless, that the change pin structure means you’re restricted to Lofree’s Kailh switches. The switches do use normal MX-style stems, and you’ll find suitable low-profile keycaps from NuPhy amongst others.

In my testing, battery life was good, with the keyboard nonetheless reporting 70 % of its cost remaining after a month of each day use with the backlight off. Lofree advertises that the Stream’s battery life is 40 hours, which I can solely assume is with the backlight on, supplying you with nearer to per week of cost. You possibly can join it to a Mac or Home windows machine wirelessly through Bluetooth or with an included USB cable.

There are a few different choices to contemplate on this class relying in your wants. The NuPhy Air75 stays a terrific decide in the event you’re on a tighter funds (its MSRP is $109.95), or in the event you’d desire the decrease enter latency of a 2.4GHz dongle over Bluetooth for a wi-fi connection. There’s additionally Logitech’s MX Mechanical Mini, which lacks hot-swappable switches however advantages from a battery life that extends to as a lot as 10 months with its backlighting turned off.

Learn our evaluation of the Lofree Stream.

Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle / Keycaps: Dye-sub PBT / Sizzling-swappable: Sure / Out there sizes: 65 %, 75 %, 96 % / Out there layouts: ANSI, ISO / Change choices: Gateron Professional Crimson, Gateron Professional Brown, Gateron Professional Black, Epomaker Budgerigar, Gateron Blue, Gateron Professional Yellow / Battery measurement: 4,000mAh / North- or south-facing switches: South-facing

For an reasonably priced wi-fi mechanical keyboard that isn’t made by Keychron, we just like the Epomaker TH80 Professional. The TH80 Professional feels incredible to sort on, helps Bluetooth connections to as much as three totally different units, and likewise features a 2.4GHz wi-fi USB dongle in the event you don’t wish to fiddle with Bluetooth pairing. We additionally like that it has separate Mac-specific keycaps within the field and that it’s comparatively mild and moveable in comparison with the Q1 Max.

Just like the Keychron V1 and Q1 Max, the Epomaker TH80 is a 75 % keyboard with hot-swappable switches and a quantity knob. It has a plastic case and metal change plate, and whereas it doesn’t really feel fairly as high-end as Keychron’s Q-series keyboards, it’s bought good, crisp PBT keycaps in MDA profile, clean stabilizers, and a typing really feel that’s on par with the marginally cheaper wired-only Keychron V1. Our evaluation pattern got here with linear Gateron Professional Yellow switches, however different linear and clicky choices can be found.

The Epomaker TH80’s structure may be remapped with software program that works on each Mac and Home windows computer systems. It’s not as slick or highly effective because the VIA app utilized by Keychron’s boards however nonetheless permits you to remap each key (other than the Operate key) with different keys or macros. (Against this, VIA permits you to transfer the perform key, too, or add further perform keys for various layers.)

The TH80 doesn’t have secondary features printed on its keycaps, so that you’ll have to preserve its guide readily available to remind your self what they do. And whereas it options per-key RGB lighting (with south-facing LEDs), maintaining the backlighting on in wi-fi mode completely tanks its battery life. I bought simply two and a half days of use over Bluetooth with the keyboard’s RGB lighting set to most in comparison with eight workdays with the backlight off earlier than I needed to plug it in to recharge. Both approach, you get a lot better battery life out of the costlier Q1 Max.

Though the TH80 is available in our favourite 75 % structure, Epomaker has a bigger model with a numpad in addition to a smaller 65 % mannequin. For those who’re on a tighter funds, the Royal Kludge RK84 is a little bit cheaper with out compromising an excessive amount of on typing really feel, although its software program is Home windows-only and its structure is a bit more smushed.

Connectivity: USB / Keycaps: Not disclosed / Sizzling-swappable: Sure / Out there sizes: 65 %, 75 %, Full measurement / Out there layouts: ANSI / Change choices: Blue, Brown, Crimson (unbranded) / Battery measurement: N/A / North- or south-facing switches: North-facing

At lower than half the value of a number of the different keyboards on this listing, the $55 65 % LTC Nimbleback punches nicely above its weight. It’s very full-featured for its value, with shine-through RGB lighting and hot-swappable switches, and it even has a built-in USB hub with a pair of USB Sort-A ports to plug additional equipment into your pc.

As you may count on given the value distinction, the LTC Nimbleback’s building isn’t as strong because the Keychron V1’s, and it doesn’t really feel as good to sort on as most of the picks above. Its switches really feel barely much less clean and extra scratchy with every press, there’s a slight rattle to the stabilizers on bigger keys just like the house bar, and it sounds a bit hole total. It’s additionally made from plastic, and whereas it is reprogrammable, its companion software program is just accessible on Home windows. However the LTC Nimbleback’s typing really feel holds its personal towards extra equally priced opponents, together with the $60 Keychron K6.

The LTC Nimbleback is on the market with clicky, linear, or tactile switches (we had the latter). If the mannequin listed right here seems a little bit too small in your liking, there are additionally 75 % and full-size variations accessible. 

Connectivity: USB / Keycaps: Not disclosed / Sizzling-swappable: No / Out there sizes: Break up / Out there layouts: ANSI / Change choices: Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Silent Crimson / Battery measurement: N/A / North- or south-facing switches: North-facing

They’re very a lot a distinct segment choice, however loads of individuals swear by cut up keyboards, that are designed to allow you to sort along with your palms additional aside and your shoulders in a extra impartial place. Of those, we suggest the Kinesis Freestyle Professional. 

It doesn’t have hot-swappable switches, which implies you’re caught with the Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX Silent Crimson switches that it comes with until you’re keen to do some soldering. However at $179, it’s comparatively reasonably priced by the customarily exorbitant costs of cut up keyboards (the ErgoDox EZ Unique begins at $325, for instance, whereas the ZSA Moonlander is $365), and it has a structure that’s a lot nearer to a standard keyboard than loads of different ergonomic choices. It means there’s much less of a studying curve in the event you’re coming from a typical keyboard structure. 

That’s to not say there aren’t hot-swappable ergonomic choices on the market. We actually loved the ZSA Moonlander, for instance. ZSA’s Oryx configurator software program provides a ton of choices to create extremely custom-made layouts, and non-compulsory equipment like an angled stand and tripod mounting package imply you may tailor the keyboard to your precise wants. It additionally provides hot-swappable switches, which we usually take into account a necessary a part of a contemporary keyboard, however we don’t suppose that justifies the value premium for most individuals. However at $365, the Moonlander is, by some margin, the most costly keyboard on this listing, and its columnar structure and thumb clusters take loads of getting used to. (Although ZSA does help you return the keyboard inside 30 days of if you get it.) 

For those who completely should have essentially the most customizable ergonomic choice accessible, then the ZSA Moonlander is a superb decide. However most individuals who simply desire a extra ergonomic keyboard with a well-recognized structure can be glad with the Kinesis Freestyle Professional.

Further reporting by Jay Peters.

Replace April fifth, 1:20PM ET: Up to date to swap the Lofree Stream in for the NuPhy Air 75 and restore the back-in-stock Epomaker TH80 to the listing.