Overview
Is your keyboard putting pressure on you? Is it possible that it's just time for a change? Whatever the case may be, the best mechanical keyboard for gaming is a must-have. That's because both hobbies necessitate quick response times and high-quality switches that allow you to easily glide around the keyboard. The greatest mechanical keyboards, fortunately, come with tactile keycaps, ergonomic designs, and the most up-to-date switch technology.
Gamers’ Choices
Best Overall: Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical
Best Budget: EVGA Z15 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Best Compact: ANNE PRO 2, 60% Mechanical Keyboard
Best Low-Profile: Keychron K3 Ultra-Slim Mechanical Keyboard
Best Ergonomic: KINESIS GAMING Mechanical Keyboard
Reviews
1. Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical
Reasons to buy
Optical switches that are responsive
It's all RGB all the time.
High-end construction
Reasons to avoid
There is a lot of software.
Optical switches aren't the same as analog switches.
You get a comfy wrist rest that clamps on magnetically, exactly like previously, and USB passthrough is easy to access. It's worth noting right away that the OPX switches are still digital, as opposed to the variable analogue type used in keyboards like the Wooting, which can detect how far down a key is pressed and respond by turning harder.
2. EVGA Z15 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Reasons to buy
Click latency is really low.
Switches that can be swapped out quickly.
RGB backlighting that can be customized.
All keys can be programmed with macros.
Reasons to avoid
ABS keycaps are prone to gleaming.
The EVGA Z15 is a fantastic gaming computer. This exceptionally well-built keyboard has one of the lowest click latency we've ever tested. All of the keys can be macro-programmed, and the RGB backlighting can be adjusted per key. Our unit's clicky Kailh Speed Bronze switches are light and sensitive, with a shorter pre-travel distance than some other clicky switches. You may also swap out the switches for a different feel because the board is hot-swappable.
3. ANNE PRO 2, 60% Mechanical Keyboard
Reasons to buy
The construction quality is excellent.
There are several different switch kinds to choose from.
The backlighting is fully RGB.
Reasons to avoid
There are very few supplementary features.
The Obinslab Anne Pro 2 is a fantastic gaming keyboard. It feels well constructed, and the Gateron Brown buttons on our unit provide excellent tactile feedback and require little force to use. It also boasts full RGB illumination and individually-lit keys, as well as the ability to program macros to any key using the included software. Unfortunately, its ergonomics are subpar, as it lacks a wrist rest and incline levels that may be adjusted.
4. Keychron K3 Ultra-Slim Mechanical Keyboard
Reasons to buy
Low-profile clothing is more comfortable to wear for lengthy periods of time.
It has a solid feel about it.
Pre-travel distance is very short.
Reasons to avoid
For competitive gaming, the latency is a little too high.
There is no associated software for assigning macros to keys.
The Keychron K3 Version 2 is an excellent gaming keyboard. Because of its modest profile, it seems well-made and comfortable to use. Its keys are all individually lighted, making them simple to read in low-light situations. The Keychron Low Profile Optical Brown switches feature a short pre-travel distance, and you can choose between various Optical switches or Gateron mechanical switches if you like a different feel. Though its latency is acceptable, it is not as low as other gaming options and is therefore unsuitable for fast-paced or competitive gaming. You can't program macros or remap keys because there's no associated software.
5. KINESIS GAMING Mechanical Keyboard
Reasons to buy
All keys, including dedicated macro keys, can be programmed with macros.
You are free to position each portion wherever you choose.
Individually lighted keys with full RGB illumination.
Reasons to avoid
There are no incline options; incline settings must be purchased individually.
The Kinesis gaming keyboard is great. It comes standard with Cherry MX Brown switches and RGB illumination, but it's also available with Cherry MX Red or Blue switches. The keyboard is substantial and feels durable, and every key, such as the dedicated macro buttons, can be reprogrammed. It has a low enough latency for responsive gameplay, however, it is higher than other gaming keyboards.
FAQs
1. Which sort of keyboard switch should I use?
When it comes to keyboard switches, it's totally a matter of personal preference. Choose the clicky keyboard if you enjoy a loud keyboard. If you like a softer feel, linear switches are the way to go. Alternatively, if you like tactile feedback with your keystrokes, a tactile switch is the way to go.
It's possible to get keyboard switch trial packs from various vendors, so if you want to check them out before you spend the money, that's a nice option.
2. Is it true that mechanical keyboards are superior for gaming?
Mechanical keyboards are considerably more expensive than standard keyboards, but they are well worth the investment. Mechanical keyboards are superior for gaming because they have faster response times, are more durable, have N-key rollover, have a lot of customization options, and are immensely enjoyable to use.
3. Is membrane better than mechanical?
Overall, mechanical switches feel a lot faster, letting gaming and typing feel much more responsive. Furthermore, mechanical keyboards often outlast their membrane counterparts due to the complicated design of their switches.
Whether you're seeking for the best compact or full-size mechanical keyboard, the suggestions above are what we believe are the greatest ones currently available. Tourist reviews, price, and availability are all factors we consider.
If you want to do your own research, here is a collection of all of our mechanical keyboard evaluations. Take caution not to become too engrossed in the details. While no keyboard is perfect for every use, most keyboards are good enough to satisfy almost everyone, and the differences are typically undetectable unless you look hard enough. Before making a decision, be sure you understand your key switch preferences.
