Highly accurate, satisfying and customisable - the best mechanical keyboards are the ultimate way to game on PC, thanks to their ultra-high quality, comfortable designs and alluring aesthetics. Potentially the very best keyboard designs of all time, mechanical keyboards are equipped with spring-loaded key switches, giving typing considerable pop and accuracy.
While budget keyboards can be excellent for work, home or the office, a mechanical keyboard is unrivalled in its quality, giving number crunchers and hardcore gamers pin-point precision and tactile comfortability that isn't available in standard keyboards.
The best mechanical keyboards at a glance:
• Best mechanical keyboard: Logitech G915 - View at Amazon
• Best budget mechanical keyboard: RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 - View at Amazon
• Best TKL mechanical keyboard: EPOMAKER Shadow-X Gasket - View at Amazon
• Best innovative mechanical keyboard: SteelSeries Apex Pro - View at Amazon
Picking from an ocean of renowned brands, however, is far from an easy task, every gamer and office worker alike swears their affiliation to a brand, whether it's Corsair, Logitech, or SteelSeries - but what might be good for some, isn't as ideal for others.
We've selected a series of excellent keyboards from the greatest brands to grace the internet, compiling our very favourites for your perusal - so take a gander, there's something for practically everyone, budget or otherwise.
Best mechanical keyboard
Deservedly taking the top spot of our list, the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED wireless mechanical gaming keyboard is as close to perfection as you're going to get for less than £150.
A gaming keyboard, through and through, the Logitech G915 mechanical keyboard has a wonderfully ultra-thin, metallic design that simply looks striking on a desk.
With its standard form factor design (complete a few bells and whistles on the side), users of the Logitech G915 are treated to an array of programmable buttons, excellent shortcuts and video controls, so there's always a quick and comfortable route available to you should you need it.
For gamers eager to program and customise their keyboard, the Logitech G915 comes well-equipped with a total of 16.8 million available colours to choose from, all you have to do is wrap your head around the software, which can be a dull task.
That being said, the Logitech G915's clean aesthetics, quiet, yet punchy GL-tactile GL switches and array of programmable buttons make it the keyboard to beat this year.
Pros
- Excellent understated aesthetics
- Great low-profile key switches
- Wonderful array of programmable keys
Cons
- Tricky Logitech software for customisation
Best budget mechanical keyboard
RK's Royal Kludge RK61 mechanical keyboard is far and beyond one of the best value keyboards of the year, and is bursting with excellent tech features to boost productivity whilst keeping you comfortable.
For less than £50, the RK61 keyboard delivers huge value and a moreish typing pop that exceeds its pricepoint immeasurably. Equipped with red switches that are simply perfect for gaming thanks to their instantaneous actuation and pleasing clack sound, the RK61 is a delightful 60 per cent keyboard, there's no denying it.
What's more, if you're not a fan of how the red switches feel, nor how the lighting looks, you can simply swap and customisable at your leisure, which is unheard of when it comes to cheap keyboards.
If you're planning on using the RK61 mechanical keyboard for a decent length of time, we'd recommend investing in a sturdy keyboard wrist rest, you'll thank us later.
Pros
- Excellent value mechanical keyboard
- Good typing feel
- Terrific customisation options
Cons
- Small design might not be for everyone
- Doesn't include a wrist rest
Best TKL mechanical keyboard
A fantastic mechanical keyboard for less than £100, the EPOMAKER Shadow-X Gasket is the perfect compact gaming companion for those in dire need of desk space.
Though appearing slightly dull aesthetically, sometimes subtlety goes a long way, the Shadow-X Gasket has a chunky, almost retro aesthetic that's only disturbed slightly by the built-in LCD screen and full RGB support.
Sporting Flamingo key switches, which adhere to the EPOMAKER Shadow-X's mostly quiet aesthetic thanks to their silent, silky key actuation, the overall feel of the EPOMAKER is excellent for the price. Whilst lacking the versatility of a standard keyboard, TKL keyboards offer gamers significantly more desk space, which in turn gives their mouse more manoeuvrability.
Having the optionality for wireless is also an extraordinary benefit for PC users, reducing the need for cable management and allowing you to lean a little further back in your gaming chair without hindrance. The EPOMAKER Shadow-X is a fantastic TKL keyboard that is absolutely ideal for anyone short on space, or sick of wires, and its price can't be beaten.
Pros
- Great silent key switches
- Solid build quality and type-feel
- Fun and practical LCD screen
Cons
- A little dull aesthetically
Best innovative mechanical keyboard
A truly top-tier keyboard in its own right, the SteelSeries Apex Pro mechanical gaming keyboard has taken the gaming world by storm this year with its plethora of exciting new mechanics, satisfying typing and remarkable build quality.
The Apex Pro's admittedly steep price point might have budget shoppers running for the hills but for gamers serious about boosting their performance there are few options that can top this truly wonderful keyboard.
Skipping straight to the main draw of the SteelSeries Apex Pro - this phenomenal keyboard comes equipped with a truly sensational set of OmniPoint 2.0 HyperMagnetic adjustable switches, that's right - these switches are adjustable.
When it comes to keyboard shopping, picking the perfect mechanical keyboard can be a nightmare, you might decide upon Cherry Red MX switches, only to discover that they're too loud for your taste or not tactile enough.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro comes equipped with adjustable magnetic switches, giving you absolute control of sensitivity. This sensational innovation gives gamers and desk-workers alike a new lease on life that cannot be appreciated enough.
As for its other features, SteelSeries capably remains a high-quality brand, giving gamers and casual users a gorgeous OLED screen for adjusting key actuation, as well as plenty of programmable keys to use. An expensive option to be sure, but the SteelSeries Apex Pro is a worthwhile option for anyone in need of a tough, ultra-precise keyboard.
Pros
- Gorgeous build quality
- Nicely designed with OLED screen
- Adjustable key actuation is excellent
Cons
- RGB gaming aesthetic might not be for everyone
Best tactile mechanical keyboard
No true roundup list of the best mechanical keyboards would be complete without at least mentioning one Corsair keyboard, and the K95 mechanical keyboard is certainly worth mentioning.
The K95 mechanical keyboard, equipped with Cherry Brown MX switches is a delight for those craving perfect precision and speed, whilst not making too much noise.
Corsair's mechanical gaming keyboards rarely disappoint, nor come without full-fledged RGB lighting, and the K95 is no different. An array of comfortable, customisable keys sit atop a sturdy, excellent-quality aluminium frame embedded with total RGB lighting, as well as a 19-zone LED Lightedge for some additional flare.
Colourful the RGB lighting system may be on the K95, the actual keyboard itself has a somewhat dark and formal aesthetic, which isn't for everyone, but looks premium nonetheless. Complete with programmable keys, volume scrolling, and Corsair's sheen of high quality, you can't deny the K95 is worth its price.
Pros
- Exceptional precision and accuracy
- Fantastic build quality and design
- Great switches and type feel
Cons
- The aesthetic of the K95 is quite formal and isn't for everyone
Best high-end mechanical keyboard
Perhaps one of the most precise and instantaneous mechanical keyboards ever designed, the Corsair K100 RGB optical mechanical gaming keyboard is the cream of the crop when it comes to true high-end performance, but it comes at a price.
Without question one of the more expensive choices on the market, the Corsair K100 gaming keyboard simply oozes quality. Running up to four times the speed of standard mechanical gaming keyboards, the Corsair K100 is designed to be played by serious E-sports competitors, giving them the edge when reacting in a pinch.
Corsair's OPX mechanical switches use infrared light to register a key press, giving you practically no delay at all whilst in the heat of combat.
Perfect for streamers and gamers alike, the K100 has total Elgato Stream Deck integration, so there's no ultimate gaming moment that can't be caught on stream in an instant.
Complete with a leatherette palm rest, a multi-function scroll tool and total programmability - the Corsair K100 is a mechanical keyboard that must be considered by gamers in their search for the best keyboard, it's just that good.
Pros
- Ultra-precise typing
- Excellent build quality
- Perfect for streamers
Cons
- Lacking wireless optionality
What are the main mechanical keyboard key switch types?
Linear: Linear mechanical keyboard key switches are smooth and consistent, without any keystroke bumping, keypresses register before hitting the bottom of the mechanical keyboard, so they're incredibly quick and ideal for gamers.
Tactile: Tactile key switches, opposite to linear switches, do have a bump during the keystroke, which often makes a clicky sound and feel - tactile keys are great for letting users know that a key was indeed actuated, unlike linear key switches which offer very little sound. The click produced by tactile keys is fairly minimal and sounds quiet.
Clicky: Clicky keys focus on making a loud sound and bumpy feel, essentially giving users more of what tactile keys offer - this clicking sound informs users that keys have been pressed and also sounds particularly pleasing.
Are mechanical keyboard switches universal?
Mechanical keyboard switches are not universal, nor are keycaps - keyboards are often designed specifically for certain keys, so they can't be switched to different keyboards for differing sounds, but certain mechanical keyboards can be customised for different sounds and actuation speeds.
Can mechanical keyboards be used for work?
Mechanical keyboards are absolutely perfect for those parked at a desk for multiple hours per week, they reduce errors thanks to poor registering, are incredibly comfortable and are quicker to type with than standard keyboards, so you'll notice your productivity skyrocket.
Our only advice is to get something quiet if you find yourself in an office, avoid clicky or tactile keyboards and instead choose silent switches, your office neighbours will thank you.
Ryan Houghton is a tech writer and reviewer for What's The Best, specialising in PCs and gaming. He is a keen PC gamer and an avid reader.
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