From hot-swappable to RGB to ergonomic masterpieces, there’s a mechanical keyboard for everyone.
The mechanical keyboard has a devoted fanbase, but for newcomers, the choices can be overwhelming. With so many types to choose from, how does one even get started? The first step is to decide your keyboard’s primary use: Are you looking for a reliable workhorse, a beautifully backlit gaming companion, or whatever offers the most all-day comfort? Do you want to experiment and modify, or do you want something that’s ready to use out of the box? There’s something for everyone — you just have to know where to look.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the best mechanical keyboards on the market today (in our opinion). The 13 models on this list are ideal for both mechanical keyboard experts and budding enthusiasts, so whatever you’re looking for, there’s a keyboard for you.
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Best mechanical keyboards for typing
HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S
Best mechanical keyboards for gaming
Best split ergonomic mechanical keyboards
Finding the right mechanical keyboard for you
Best mechanical keyboards for typing
HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S
Called “the ultimate minimalist mechanical keyboard,” the HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S was designed with professionals in mind. Best-in-class Type-S Topre silent switches ensure that you won’t bother your colleagues with excessive typing noise, making it an ideal mechanical keyboard for work. The unique electro-capacitive switch design creates a uniquely satisfying typing experience, and the HHKB’s smartly redesigned 60% layout make it feel good to use for hours at a time. Finally, its compact size complete with white or charcoal color options and stamped or blank keycaps mean it will fit in just about anywhere.
Mode 80
Like the HHKB Professional, Mode’s The Eighty keyboard also puts an emphasis on minimalism. The tenkeyless aluminum design hides a number of features mechanical keyboard fans love, such as interchangeable top and bottom cases, a comfortable angle, and customizable sound signatures. It’s one of the pricier mechanical keyboards on the market today, but with that hefty price tag comes a premium experience that’s expertly crafted and easily modifiable.
Das Keyboard 4 Professional
An alternative to the smaller and more minimalist work keyboards, Das Keyboard 4 Professional is a full-size, 104-key model with dedicated media controls. The Cherry MX key switches make this one of the best mechanical keyboards for typing thanks to the satisfying tactile and audio feedback. On top of that, support for full n-key rollover (NKRO) makes for speedier typing, programming, gaming, or whatever else your work requires.
Best hot-swappable keyboards
KBDFans Tofu65
For mechanical keyboard die-hards, hot swapping is a key feature. Being able to swap out keys on a whim lets you customize your keyboard’s look to your heart’s content without soldering or taking the entire build apart. The KBDFans Tofu65 is one of the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market thanks to its DIY design: Customers pick the case, the plate, the switches, and other accessories and put it all together. This way, you can create a style that’s all your own without needing any advanced engineering knowledge.
LTC Nimbleback
This hot-swappable mechanical keyboard comes in a compact 65% form factor. The RGB backlighting makes it look like a high-end gaming keyboard, and while nothing’s stopping you from using it that way, the key feature here is the ability to swap out 3-pin and 5-pin switches with any MX-compatible styles. Plus, as one of the most affordable keyboards on this list, it’s a great starting point for those venturing into hot swapping for the first time.
Drop ALT
The Drop ALT mechanical keyboard wastes no space with its 67-key design. The layout is fully programmable and designed for modification, giving users total control over every key. Speaking of, there are plenty of ALT-compatible keys to choose from on the Drop website, including some nifty Marvel-themed sets.
Best mechanical keyboards for gaming
REALFORCE R2 RGB
The REALFORCE R2 RGB is a full-sized, 108-key keyboard with zero compromises. As the name suggests, a beautiful array of RGB lighting effects sets off its minimalist black design, but it doesn’t just win in looks. The R2 features the same Topre switches as the HHKB, and you can even customize their actuation point. A quick assist from the free REALFORCE Software takes you from gaming-ready, lightning-fast keypresses to satisfyingly tactile typing in seconds.
ROG Strix Flare II Animate
Asus’ ROG line is known for its dedicated gaming laptops, components, and accessories, so it’s no surprise that the ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a top mechanical keyboard choice for PC gamers. A customizable LED display, swappable mechanical switches, and speedy response time are just a few of the innovations on display here. For marathon gaming sessions, you can’t go wrong with the wrist rest — especially since the entire thing is beautifully backlit.
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro doesn’t have quite as many bells and whistles as the Strix Flare II Animate, but it also comes in at a much lower price point. As its name implies, this mechanical keyboard is ideal for first-person shooter fans who require precision and accuracy. A dedicated Game Mode keeps players in the game, and the TKL 87-key design offers the perfect middle ground between full-size and ultra-compact models.
Womier K87
If you’re into cool lighting effects, the Womier K87 is sure to catch your eye. The entire keyboard — not just the keys, but the case itself — is backlit with partitioned RGB modes, taking the RGB aesthetic to new heights. But let’s not forget the mechanical aspect: Hot-swappable silver speed switches give gamers an advantage with super-fast response times.
Best split ergonomic mechanical keyboards
Ergodox EZ
Billed as “the world’s most powerful ergonomic keyboard,” the Ergodox EZ is notable for its completely split design that lets users place each half at shoulder width. The result? A more relaxed posture and less hunching over the keyboard. Meanwhile, linear columns of keys reduce finger fatigue — while also being fully customizable.
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
Kinesis Gaming’s Freestyle Edge RGB has the style of a conventional gaming keyboard, but the split design and detachable palm supports also place it in ergonomic territory. It can be used in a variety of configurations: conventional, tented, one-handed, or rotated to your heart’s desire. Hey, who said gaming mechanical keyboards couldn’t also be comfortable?
Matias Ergo Pro
Tactile, comfy, and fast, the Matias Ergo Pro mechanical keyboard boasts high-quality linear metal switches that support the weight of your hands while you type. The minimalist split design includes removable palm supports and leg supports for tilting and tenting. What really sets the Ergo Pro apart is the redesigned navigation cluster, which places the home/end/page up/page down keys horizontally on the bottom row of the keyboard, next to the arrow keys. It’s not as customizable as some other mechanical keyboards, but you can switch out the palm supports if you’re looking for a splash of color.
Finding the right mechanical keyboard for you
Ready to start your mechanical keyboard journey? As a leading premium keyboard manufacturer, Fujitsu has a broad selection of high-end keyboards designed for any type of user. Whether you’re looking for the best mechanical keyboard for work or a new piece to complement your high-end gaming setup, we’ve got you covered.
