Other good keyboards
These keyboards aren’t quite good enough for the above points or simply don’t have standout features. They’re still worth a look.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% off for $300: Razer’s newest and highest quality keyboard does almost everything right, but is just way too expensive (7/10, WIRED review). The Pro retains 75% of the same strong tactile switches and seal mounting system as the original BlackWidow V4, while adding wireless connectivity, a new dial on the side, and a customizable OLED screen right next to it. These upgrades don’t justify the $110 price increase, but they’re still incredibly well executed and combine to make an impressive gaming keyboard if you find it on sale.
Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 for $119: Cherry’s latest entry into gaming is a full-size, RGB-heavy keyboard included in the box new MX2A switches and a “noise-dampening structure” designed to reduce typing noise. This keyboard is a solid option with a crisp sound profile, stylish RGB, and a sturdy metal chassis. Although the edges are a bit rough compared to some other keyboards on this list, it features a sturdy, no-frills construction and Cherry’s switches have repeatedly proven themselves to be durable and reliable.
Wooting 60U+ for $175: Given the outdated assembly method and long wait times for delivery, I just can’t choose the 60HE over Keychron’s Q1 HE. While I still think it’s a fantastic reverb-effect keyboard, it just doesn’t have the same polish and sophistication as Keychron’s offering. The 60HE still uses a tray-mount system, which, while modular, doesn’t sound or feel great when typing. In addition, the plastic housing is disappointing for the price; It used to be an acceptable compromise for customizable Hall effect switches, but Keychron offers a full metal keyboard with gasket for about $50 more, and I think the improvements are worth the money unless you prefer a 60- Percent layout or would like the ability to utilize the 60HE’s wide selection of aftermarket cases.
Cherry KC 200 MX for $90: The KC 200 MX is an incredibly simple and minimalist keyboard that neither adds anything new nor removes anything necessary. It is a full-size mechanical keyboard Cherry MX2A switcha metal plate and little else. It’s not customizable, it’s not programmable, but I can say with certainty that it will be durable, reliable, and at least somewhat fun to type on for years to come.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-S for $360: While the new Studio has replaced this model as my choice for programmers, this older version is still great if you want something simpler or a unique typing experience. The layout is still great, and the Topre switches – a kind of membrane-like, somewhat mechanical switch with a deep typing sound and a distinct, rounded tactile feel – make typing a pleasure. There is also an extensive community for these keyboards with replacement parts and instructions for modifying them. The Pro Hybrid Type-S model in particular has extras such as Bluetooth connectivity and silencer rings. It’s also reprogrammable using HHKB’s proprietary app, although there’s not much reason to change the existing layout unless you want a specific macro or feature level change. It’s incredibly easy to find on the used market for about half the price, making it a much cheaper alternative to the studio.
Melgeek Made68 for $149: With a more minimalist design approach and a stylish white and purple color scheme, the Made68 has a great desk presence that stands out from the crowd. Additionally, Gateron’s Melgeek-supplied Hall Effect switches’ extensive customization means that incredibly detailed adjustments can be made to this keyboard’s typing experience, even down to the actuation distance of individual keys. The external appearance can also be individually designed using removable side panels and an interchangeable light diffuser on the back. The diffusers are currently available in black, green and red each with new silver side panels. However, you will need a screwdriver set to remove these panels as the keyboard does not come with an Allen key. Overall, the Made68 sounds good and feels good to type on. The tray holder isn’t ideal for typing experience, but the typical typing consistency issues aren’t as pronounced here as with other similar keyboards. At this price, a slightly lacking typing experience is a worthwhile trade-off for customizable Hall effect switches and a satisfying typing sound.
Change recommendations
Photo: Henri Robbins
Switches are an important part of a mechanical keyboard. If you already have a board, swap out the switches if you want a new experience. I’m working on a guide to my favorite switches, but below are my recommendations if you want a silent, tactile, or linear switch.
Silent switches
One of the most common things friends and family ask me about are silent switches. For colleagues, roommates, family members or partners, the constant clicking and clacking of a mechanical keyboard can be annoying. There are silent linear switches and silent tactile switches, but I find that silent linear switches are more acceptable in terms of typing feel and actual silence. However, even the best quiet linear switches feel a little off out of compared to a non-silent switch.
The best silent switch currently available is the Haimu heartbeat ($11 for 36 switches). Once oiled, this switch is almost completely silent and, more importantly, produces little of the “mushy” or “squishy” feeling that most silenced switches have. Instead, it has a clean and slightly soft touch, betrayed only by the lack of an accompanying audible response. In second place is the slightly quieter one Gaztsev Bobagum. This switch is nearly silent, and while it does give the usual “squishy” feeling when punching through silicon, it’s not that bad with the rest of the switch being as smooth as it is. If you’re a relatively light typist who doesn’t do bottom-end key presses, or if you don’t mind a slightly muddier press-through, these are great too.
Linear switches
Linear switches are often the standard choice for mechanical switches. My two favorites are from Gateron: Oil King switch ($49 for 70) And Cream soda changes ($53 for 70). Oil Kings are among the best linear switches available today. Out of the box they are smooth, sound great and require no modification. You don’t need to lubricate them, film them, replace the springs or anything else. Just plug it into a keyboard and you’re golden. The Cream Soda switches, on the other hand, are a great mix of different switch technologies. Using a long bar stem for a more pronounced bottom out sound, proprietary ink Plastic for a smooth and deep sound and factory lubrication equivalent to manual lubrication, they feel incredibly smooth and sound great straight out of the box, although they can still benefit from the addition of a foil.
Tactile switches
I find that many people look at the wrong things when purchasing tactile switches. While ultra-tactile switches with noticeable bumps are popular online, I find that these types of switches often only feel good on their own and are difficult for the average person to adjust. Instead, I always advocate for something in the middle: a clear, responsive bump that isn’t so drastic that it distracts from typing or feels uncomfortable after a long period of time.
The classics always last: Durock T1 ($45 for 110) Switches are a great place to start and I’ve always had a soft spot for them Novelkeys’ Cream Tactile ($12 for 10) Switches, even if you have to let them break in for quite a long time compared to other switches. drops Holy pandas ($42 for 35) For the most part, they deserve their reputation – they’re solid, hard to use, and offer a great typing experience, and I’ll always love them Boba U4T for their fantastic sound profile and great tactile feel.
Avoid these keyboards
Not every keyboard will be a winner. Here are a few that I don’t think are worth the price.
Satechi SM1 for $99: I don’t feel forced or inspired by this keyboard in any way, and if you’re going to spend $100 or more on a keyboard, this is it should be inspiring or at least fun. The SM1’s typing experience is disappointing, even by the standards of a flat keyboard. It sounds hollow when typing, the key press is flat and scratchy, and the build quality doesn’t feel solid at all. Despite being mechanical, I would compare the user experience to a laptop’s built-in keyboard in terms of construction and typing satisfaction. Combined with the lack of any customization software (meaning a completely fixed layout) and the use of proprietary tactile switches with no hot-swappability, the Satechi SM1 is an all-around disappointing keyboard, especially when compared to standard height mechanical keyboards in the same price range.
HiGround Opal Base 65 for $120: In my tests (5/10, WIRED review), I found the Opal Base 65 to fall short of the competition in almost every way. Given the tablet-mounted assembly, clunky software, and one-piece plastic case, I see no reason to choose this keyboard over any other.
KSI Wombat Willow for $145: I wanted to like this keyboard since it has everything I have should For example: a unique layout, a metal case, PBT keycaps and Gateron switches. But it just doesn’t work that well. Typing sounds hollow and rattling, typing angles are either completely flat or almost flat, and for some reason every time I turn on Caps Lock it automatically enters “20 02 00” (and after a factory reset it gets “01” entered 06 07”. I couldn’t find a way to fix the problem using KSI’s WB Pouch software. However, it does offer some clever things: the number pad is placed so that the main keyboard’s Enter key can be pressed with the thumb while in use, and the two rows of function keys group many keys together vertically to save space horizontally. I wish the assembly and polish matched the grand vision of this keyboard because the idea itself is fantastic.
