How to Buy a Keyboard. Developed in 1964 by Robert Moog, the modular synthesizer was the first of a generation of electronic musical keyboards, followed in 1970 by the first performance model. Thanks to advances in electronics since then. Get to Know Your Switches. If you're interested in mechanical keyboards, you'll need to learn the lingo before you run out and buy a keyboard that may not give you the typing experience you're.
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Are you looking for a keyboard with great performance and longevity? Do you miss the satisfying “click” of each key as your fingers fly over the keyboard when typing, gaming or researching? If so, a mechanical keyboard might be a great computer accessory for you. A mechanical keyboard uses actual, physical switches underneath the keys to let the computer know what key the user selected, which can provide additional tactile and audible feedback to the user and enhance the computing experience – maybe even increasing your typing speed and reaction time. Check out our list of the top mechanical keyboards on if you’re interested in learning more.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Logitech K840 Mechanical Keyboard
Our choice for 'best overall' checks a lot of boxes: it's affordable, well-designed, durable, and super versatile. If you're looking for a moderately-priced mechanical keyboard that feels great and isn't too noisy, the Logitech K840 is a professional-looking full-sized keyboard with specially engineered switches that give you the quiet, comfortable touch you want.
The K840 is a corded USB keyboard with the perfect balance of comfort and toughness. The solid aluminum top case can withstand heavy use, and each key is tested to over 70 million strokes. The keys are built with Logitech's Romer-G mechanical switches that offer a high level of responsiveness without excessive noise. Instead, they give you just the right amount of tactile feedback and travel with 26-key rollover to ensure accuracy. The keyboard size and built-in tilt legs reduce fatigue even during long typing sessions.
Download the Logitech Options software and you can customize the F1-F14 key shortcuts. There are also media keys (pause, play, volume, etc.) built right in for extra convenience. To take advantage of all the features, you need a computer running Windows 7, 8, 10, or later.
While the Logitech K840 isn't a designated gaming keyboard, it makes a great 'starter' gaming keyboard for someone who wants something a little more multipurpose for their PC.
Best Budget: Redragon K561 Mechanical Keyboard
This affordable mechanical keyboard from Redragon comes with 87 extra-responsive keys, each controlled by an independent switch, which allows multiple keys to be used simultaneously. This helps you improve your speed and accuracy when gaming or typing. Concave key tops conform to the natural curves of your fingertips for a comfortable computing experience. This sturdy keyboard is made from ABS and metal with a modern matte-finish texture and is waterproof so you don’t have to stress about small spills. With eighteen different backlit modes and six themed backlights, you can customize your keyboard’s look and adjust its brightness to suit your style.
Best for Mac Users: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard
Das Keyboard is well-known among gamers, programmers and other serious computer users for its quality and longevity. Now, in good news for Mac users, the DasKeyboard 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard is specially designed for Mac OS X to help you maximize performance and speed. Featuring Cherry MX mechanical key switches and gold contacts, this keyboard also comes with NKRO over USB technology for faster response times. The two-port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed hub provides up to 5Gb/s, 10x the speed of USB 2.0, so you can leave your competition in the dust. An instant sleep button helps conserve energy and laser-etched key inscriptions ensure durability.
Best for Gamers: ETRobot Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Are you ready to raid? Don’t let your keyboard let you down; try a mechanical keyboard specifically made for gamers such as this ETRobot Mecanical Gaming Keyboard. The 104 anti-ghosting keys allow multiple keys to work at the same time even when you’re typing at full speed, ensuring that you get the best response for your mission-critical double and triple taps. This keyboard was tested by professional gamers to make sure every detail was in place such as the ergonomic keycaps, durable full-metal keyboard and 21 different red LED light effects. This keyboard also comes with a three-year warranty, so you can feel comfortable making this purchase.
Best Splurge: Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 (Dark Gray)
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If you want only the best mechanical keyboard, the Happy Hacking Professional 2 is a great choice. This nondescript keyboard with its matte dark gray finish uses Topre switches, known throughout the industry for their sound, feel and high-quality performance. Though these switches lack a loud audible “click,” they still have an improved tactile feel and heavier push than dome or membrane keyboards, making them a great choice if you prefer to remain silent, but want the performance benefits of a mechanical keyboard. The keycaps are made from a high-quality plastic that resists wear and tear, so you can count on this keyboard for top performance for years to come.
Most Stylish: Aukey RGB Mechanical Keyboard
This beautiful backlit mechanical keyboard has serious style. The edgeless case and brushed aluminum panel have a minimalist sensibility, but with nine pre-set LED lighting effects, five editable game lighting combinations, and seven color options for each key, this keyboard knows how to get flashy, too. Featuring Outemu Blue switches, all 104 durable keys have individual mechanisms that “click” when you push them, provide full n-key rollover, and are optimized for anti-ghosting for improved performance and accuracy. The only downside? If you make a typo, you can no longer blame it on your keyboard.
Easiest to Use: Havit RGB Mechanical Keyboard
Ready to make the switch to a mechanical keyboard? Simply plug and play with the Havit RGB Mechanical Keyboard – no drivers needed. The gold-plated USB interface guarantees efficient and stable data transmission between your keyboard and PC, so you won’t miss a keystroke. This keyboard comes with easy-to-reach multimedia keys and a metal base with a wrist rest to help promote healthy typing postures and provide more comfort to you as you work or play. Want to add a little fun to your gaming experience? This keyboard also comes with nine backlight pre-set modes: always-on mode, single-color breathing mode, pro-gamer mode, seven-color breathing mode, on-click lighting mode, single-color or mixed flowing mode, running back and forth mode, as well as ripple-spreading mode.
Best Value: DBPower Backlit LED Keyboard
The DBPower keyboard is marketed toward gamers, which speaks highly of the product’s durability and careful design. The keys are slightly concave and have a sturdy foundation which provides satisfying tactile feedback, especially when it comes to the reinforced spacebar. The keyboard holds 104 keys, including a full numeric keyboard and 19 non-conflict keys which are well-suited for both gaming and office work. Additionally, DBPower is made with a durable, splash-proof plastic that promises to last for several years.
Every aspect of the keyboard is made with the user’s convenience in mind, as it provides a high level of comfort that most people would take for granted. Underneath the keys, DBPower has worked in LED backlighting in three color settings — red, blue and purple — making it easier to type in low-light conditions, and also adding a futuristic look to your workspace. Set up is also incredibly easy: the keyboard connects through a simple plug-and-play USB cable (no driver needed) and is compatible with Mac OS and Windows 7/8/10, Vista, and XP.