Mechanical keyboards fully depend on the type of switches they use. For clicky keycaps, it usually feels like the spring beneath it is throwing a temper tantrum. That said, keycaps on a keyboard can feel linear, clicky, or tactile. No keyboard allows players to alternate between these linear, clicky, or tactile sensations without swapping out the switches first. At Player.com, we’ve tried many keyboards using different switches, and overall, we preferred tactile switches over the other two.
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Types of Keyboard Switches
There are three types of switches you can find in a mechanical keyboard: Linear, clicky, and tactile. However, clicky and tactile switches aren’t as popular as keyboards with linear keycaps. So, below is a breakdown of all the types of keyboards for the average Joe to grasp quickly. Choose carefully because they will determine your typing and, thus, your gaming experience.
- Linear Switches: Linear switches are the fastest of the bunch because of their smooth and even typing sensation.
- Clicky Switches: Tactile switches offer a brief resistance in the middle of travel. This resistance is usually around the actuation point.
- Tactile Switches: Tactile switches offer resistance while typing, plus a sharp “Click” sound to confirm a key press.
The 10 Best Mechanical Keyboards to Try Out
There are hundreds of mechanical keyboards out there, so picking one is akin to a chore. You don’t want to do it, but you know nobody else will. The incentive is that games have big campaigns. For one, Disco Elysium is a lengthy game, so you need a capable keyboard with a plush wrist rest to enjoy it. To help you choose the best gaming mechanical keyboard, below is a list of 10 mechanical keyboards for you to explore.
#1: SteelSeries Apex Pro
There’s no better mechanical keyboard for gaming than the SteelSeries Apex Pro because of its OmniPoint switches. OmniPoint switches let you play around with the actuation point, which is the spot where you experience that tactile feedback. These switches rely on magnets to recognise keypresses, rather than a fixed physical mechanism. Keycaps recognise a keypress at the actuation point, and with the SteelSeries Apex Pro, you can get the actuation point to 1 mm. So, your keycaps become super sensitive for swift movements. Like the other keyboards on this list, this keyboard is perfect for strategy games and FPS titles. In third-person games, it’s a different scenario entirely. For one, you definitely won’t reach the ending of God of War Ragnarok before you opt for a controller. Other features of this keyboard are:
- It features an OLED screen.
- The price won’t break the bank.
- The low latency is a useful feature.
- It offers a nice wrist rest for long gameplay.
- You can plug in a headset or a mouse dongle.
#2: NuPhy Air75
The NuPhy Air75 is an excellent keyboard for its mid-range price because of its superb gaming features. For one, the keyboard can take a beating despite its slim looks. Also, even without a wrist rest, it’s a super comfortable keyboard to use. The travel distance is also short because of the keycaps’ low profile. Yet, they’re very stable to type on, and you won’t experience any buckling. Other nifty features of the NuPhy Air75 are:
- Its slim nature makes it one of the most portable mechanical keyboards out there.
- The keyboard can be wirelessly connected to three different devices.
- You need to charge it at least once a week.
#3: Razer Pro Type Ultra
The Razer Pro Type Ultra aims to impress with a minimalistic design that doesn’t ring any whistle or bell. In fact, if you’re judging by looks alone, it belongs in an office rather than in a gamer’s setup. Still, the Razer Pro Type Ultra is ranked high on the list for many reasons, such as:
- The latency is low.
- This keyboard can be wirelessly connected to your PC via Bluetooth.
- You can vary the incline angle, and you also get a comfortable wrist rest.
- The switches used are linear, so don’t expect clicky or tactile keycaps.
#4: GLORIOUS GMMK PRO
The GLORIOUS GMMK PRO is one of the best gaming keyboards because of its customisation options. If you visit the official website, you’ll be able to choose between different stock switches, plate materials, top plates, and PBT keycaps. Even after purchase, the keyboard is designed to be taken apart and upgraded whenever you feel the need for it. You can dampen the sound by using the necessary materials or even oiling the switches to improve the tactile response. Lastly, it should be noted that the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO is a wired keyboard, which helps with latency issues that some wireless keyboards are notorious for.
#5: Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a mechanical keyboard that impresses fans where it matters the most. That is, it boasts one of the best switches in the industry which offers impressive tactile feedback. Additionally, you can swap out switches, the gasket mount, and even the interior foams that dampen the noise. Other features that make this keyboard incredible are:
- Typing feels phenomenal, especially with the plush wrist rest.
- It’s not as expensive as the SteelSeries Apex Pro.
- The 75% form factor is super comfortable.
#6: Keychron Q6
Some of the Keychron Q6’s key features are its tough build and fantastic typing experience. The keyboard has a gasket-mounted design, so it’ll survive tons of drops. However, because the Keychron Q6 is wired, you don’t have to expect a lot of drops. Besides that, this is a great keyboard for gaming for reasons such as:
- Its sound-dampening foams make it a quiet keyboard.
- You can deconstruct the keyboard and swap out the switches, stabilisers, sound-dampening materials, and even the keycaps.
- The rubber pieces on the keyboard help with absorbing shock from falls.
- This is a full-size keyboard, so you have plenty of room to wiggle around.
#7: Skill KM250 RGB
The Skill KM250 RGB is the best option for players on a budget because it costs less than £40. For the list of high-end features that it has, that’s a killer price, aimed at undercutting the competition. We love this keyboard for a couple of other reasons, which are:
- It boasts gorgeous PBT pudding keycaps.
- There are hot-swap switches for deep customisation.
- There’s foam underneath the keyboard to absorb vibrations in the case of falls.
- The lighting is static, and it uses a wired connection.
#8: Roccat Vulcan II Mini Air
If you’re always on the move, then the Roccat Vulcan II Mini Air is a must-have. It’s a wireless keyboard that boasts incredible battery life, beautiful RGB lighting, and is lightweight. It’s also expensive, so it’s ranked so low on the list. The keyboard also automatically detects your presence, so you can start playing games without any major pause. Nevertheless, the highlight of this keyboard is its battery life, which lasts for months if you switch off the RGB lights.
#9: Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is a must-have if you like full-body keyboards with great lighting for gaming at late hours. One of the keyboard’s major allures is its slim profile, which doesn’t undermine the quality and response of the keycaps. Nevertheless, this piece is expensive, and it doesn’t have any wrist rest. So, gaming for long periods can get a little sore.
#10: Asus ROG Azoth
The build of the Asus ROG Azoth is one of a kind because it doesn’t buckle under load. Additionally, the keycaps sound and feel fantastic because of the high-quality switches they use. There’s also an OLED screen with many accessibility features, plus it comes with a box of accessories. Because of its wireless nature, the Asus ROG Azoth has excellent battery life, which can last for 2,000 hours. However, you’ll have to switch off the OLED screen and lighting if you want it to last that long. We also love the stable and low-latency wireless connection it offers. Finally, the only drawbacks to using this keyboard are its slippery keycaps and Armoury Crate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Fastest Mechanical Keyboard?
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard is the fastest mechanical keyboard in the world. Additionally, this keyboard is perfect for gaming because of its great tactile feedback. Other features of this keyboard are its RGB keycap lighting, support for USB-C, and variable actuation.
What Keys Do Video Games Use for Controls?
The preferred keys for control in video games are W, S, A, and D. W is for moving forward or accelerating with a vehicle in a car race. S is for moving backwards or reversing with a vehicle, A is for moving to the left, and finally, D is for moving to the right. The keys F, E, Q, X, Shift, and Spacebar are also used in video games. For one, the Spacebar button is usually the jump button.
What Is the Quietest Gaming Keyboard?
The quietest gaming keyboard has to be the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. Not only is it super convenient to play with, but it’s also affordable and ergonomic. Let’s not forget that the keyboard is softly backlit, so it’s perfect for gaming at late hours. Alternatively, one of the loudest gaming keyboards is Drop ALT, which is also super clicky.