Best mechanical keyboards 2024: Top picks for every need

Mechanical keyboards have been around almost as long as personal computers, and the basic switch technology we’re still using first popped up in the 1980s. But it’s not an exaggeration to say that mechanical boards have never been as popular, or as stunningly variable, as they are right now. If you’re just getting into the craze, you might feel paralyzed by the number of options available.

Allow us to remove some of the questioning and doubt. Below are the best mechanical keyboards we’ve reviewed, in a variety of categories—best overall, on a budget, for gaming, wireless, et cetera. Not everything makes the list — for example, though G.Skill’s KM250 is a shockingly good deal, we can’t say the same for the larger and very different KM360 design. Though they excel in different areas, each mechanical keyboard pick is absolutely the best in its class, and well worth both your attention and your hard-earned dough.

Be sure to check out some of our most recent reviews, like the Happy Hacking HHKB Studio and the Razer Huntsman V3.

Why you should trust us: PCWorld has been the go-to name for personal computer news and reviews for over 40 years. And as the writer of this roundup, and the reviewer of most of the keyboards on this list, I can assure you they’ve been thoroughly tested by people who are absolutely obsessed with keyboards. 

Every single keyboard on this list has been used by an expert, put through its paces for features and reliability, and carefully considered against the alternatives. We’ve tested every facet of the boards, even programming and complete disassembly for those that support it. 

For a more in-depth look at how we test keyboards of every kind, check out our dedicated article covering our keyboard review process. 






Keychron Q Max Series – Best mechanical keyboard overall





















Pros


Tons of features

Excellent typing

Improved 2.4GHz wireless

Endless customization



Cons


No adjustable feet

No wrist rest


















Why I like the Keychron Q Max series

For the last couple of years Keychron has been absolutely killing it with its high-end Q series. These mechanical boards make features previously available only via building your own or spending a fortune on a boutique design available to everyone, like full aluminum bodies, gasket-mounted PCBs, and easy, open-source programming with VIA. They’re about as good as you can get for a standard design.

The Q Max series takes these designs and shores up their one weakness: reliance on Bluetooth. While Q Max keyboards have multi-device Bluetooth available, they’re also packing standard 2.4GHz wireless with a USB dongle, making them ideal for use with a hefty desktop PC (and they even do alright as gaming boards).

With a wide variety of layouts like the TKL-sized Q3 Max above, there’s a keyboard in this series for just about anyone, including split “ergonomic” designs. They’re fantastic as stand-alone purchases, or bases for your custom dream build with replacement switches and keycaps.

Who should buy the Keychron Q Max Series

If you’re ready to step up to a premium mechanical keyboard design, one of these Q Max models should be at the top of your list. At the time of writing they’re available in full-size with number pad, TKL, 75%, 65%, and compact “1800” sizes, plus oddball Alice and left-handed models. There’s even a Happy Hacking Keyboard clone version, all of which come with hot-swap switch sockets and RGB lighting.

They’re great on their own with no extra mods, with the only real downside being so-so stabilizers. But you can swap those out too if you’re okay with opening the case, and the rest of the board is just as customizable. They can be custom-programmed, too, so both newbies and veterans are welcome.

Keychron’s high-end boards are on the pricey side, even if they aren’t as expensive as the boutique builds they’re inspired by, so bargain hunters should hunt somewhere else. And while they offer 2.4GHz wireless and wired options for gamers, the lack of game-specific software features means that there are better choices if you want to slay first and type later.

Read our full

Keychron Q3 Max keyboard review






Keydous NJ80-AP – Best typing experience





















Pros


Amazing typing experience

High-quality parts

Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless

Long battery life



Cons


Clunky software

Plastic case

A bit heavy

















Best Prices Today:



$135 at Amazon





Why I like the Keydous NJ80-AP

Keychron gets the recommendation for an all-around mechanical keyboard. But if what you really want is a fantastic “thocky” typing feel right out of the box, then this unassuming little keyboard is the best I’ve ever tested. It does this with a lot of high-quality components, like PBT keycaps, a brass plate, premium stabilizers, and lots of internal sound dampening. But the big magic is in the switches.

Keydous went with exotic, high-end switches from Kailh to make the NJ80-AP and its stablemates stand out. These “Blueberry Ice Cream” BOX switches have a ridiculous name, but with soft POM plastic housing, reinforced stems, and a factory-lubed sliding mechanism, they feel amazing. They’re the best I’ve ever seen come standard on a keyboard, and that includes boards that cost twice as much as this one.

The NJ80-AP also offers both Bluetooth and dongle-based wireless, RGB lighting, an aluminum volume wheel — all the standards from a high-end mechanical design. Its plastic case and fiddly, proprietary programming software are a disappointment, but for satisfying typing out of the box, it’s simply the best around.

Who should buy the Keydous NJ80-AP

If you’re looking for a standard design with absolutely amazing typing, look no further. The NJ80-AP delivers, and if you want something bigger or (slightly) smaller, the same features are available in 65% and compact “1800” layouts (full number pad, slightly squished). Just make sure to order the one with those fancy switches.

But on the other hand, the software leaves a lot to be desired, and you can get keyboards with better all-metal bodies or faster wireless by spending a little more. And if you really want to go all out, you can get most of the way towards the high-quality typing of this board by ordering the same switches online and putting them in another board with hot-swap capability.

It’ll cost a lot — Keydous designs are on the cheap side of the high end — but if you’re dropping more than three digits on a keyboard anyway, it’s a legitimate option.

Read our full

Keydous NJ80-AP wireless mechanical keyboard review






Corsair K65 Plus Wireless – Best mechanical keyboard for gaming





















Pros


Solid hardware

Great value for wireless

Tons of customization options



Cons


No wrist rest

slightly awkward default layout


















Why I like the K65 Plus Wireless

Corsair has been improving its designs for the last couple of years, incorporating more premium features and customization options. And it all comes together in the vastly redesigned K65 Plus, and does so at a shockingly low price. 

This keyboard combines the popular 75% form factor, high-speed, multi-device wireless, high-quality switches, and hot-swappable key sockets, with Corsair’s typically good gaming pedigree. The result is a keyboard that does a lot, for a lot of users, for a relatively low price. 

While the K65 skips a couple of exotic features like adjustable actuation or an OLED screen, and it doesn’t include a wrist rest in the box, it nails just about every other facet of design. It’s simply the best gaming keyboard you can get at the moment.

Who should buy the K65 Plus Wireless

Anyone who wants a high-quality keyboard with tons of options for customization, both hardware and software, will be pleased with this design. It also has some excellent bonuses, like PBT keycaps and a dedicated button for turning RGB on (or off, if you want maximum battery life). 

The 75% form factor isn’t for everyone — you’ll have to look elsewhere, or wait for Corsair to offer more models, if you want a different format. It’s also considerably less “flashy” than other gaming keyboards, and doesn’t offer the heft and quality of a metal body.

Read our full

Corsair K65 Plus Wireless keyboard review






Keychron K3 Pro – Best low-profile mechanical keyboard





















Pros


Great size and layout

High-end features

Unbeatable price



Cons


VIA programming is a little tricky

















Best Prices Today:



$94 at Keychron





Why I like the Keychron K Pro series

Low-profile keyboards don’t offer anywhere near the flexibility or customization of full-sized mechanical keyboards based on the Cherry MX switch standard. But they do fit into luggage without tipping an airport scale, so it’s easy to see the appeal. And just like it’s done with the Q Max series above, Keychron has set about pushing this form factor to its maximum potential.

The K Pro series uses lightweight aluminum bodies, thin-but-high-quality PBT keycaps, and teeny-weenie low-profile Gateron switches to replicate much of the feel of a larger keyboard in a stylish, thinner design. They’re available in a variety of form factors like the 75% K3 Pro above, all with wired and wireless capabilities. And best of all, they’re also available with hot-swap switch sockets (though the options are far more limited) and VIA programming.

While compromises are inevitable when you go low-profile, these keyboards offer the best flexibility and customization options if you need something smaller or more portable.

Who should buy the Keychron K Pro

Anyone who wants a more sleek and stylish keyboard while staying mechanical will do well with a K Pro. They’re available in over a dozen layouts, from tiny 60% to full size, including “Alice” split layouts for a little extra ergonomic flair. They’re also pretty affordable for keyboards with so many options in terms of switches and programming.

But if you want even more customization, you’ll have to venture out of the low-profile arena, where your switch choices are in the single digits. Gamers will also find these keyboards limiting thanks to Bluetooth-only wireless — a Razer Deathstalker would suit them better, even if they’re not available in so many sizes.

Read our full

Keychron K3 Pro review






Keychron C3 Pro – Best mechanical keyboard under $50





















Pros


Fantastic price for a mech board

Decent switches, internal foam, gasket mounting

VIA and QMK programming



Cons


Only red lighting

USB-C cable is a little stiff to plug in

















Best Prices Today:



$34.99 at Keychron





Why I like the Keychron C3 Pro

You can spend hundreds of dollars on a mechanical keyboard if you want, but you sure don’t have to. This entry is just $37 in its retail price — often on sale for under $30! — and it has a lot of the features much more expensive boards do. These include gasket mounting and internal foam for better typing, decent if not amazing switches, and programming with open-source VIA software.

You won’t get hot-swap switches or PBT keycaps at this price, and the red backlighting doesn’t offer the dazzling rainbow of RGB. But if you’re looking for a solid keyboard while spending as little as possible, the C3 Pro fits the bill. A few extra touches, like double-stage feet for an adjustable angle and a detachable USB-C cord, really push the value home.

Who should buy the Keychron C3 Pro

Anyone who wants a full mechanical keyboard experience on a budget will be well-served with this pick, especially if you manage to pick it up on sale. While it lacks some of the more premium touches, it’s punching way above its weight in terms of price — the equivalent keyboard from a vendor like Logitech would cost twice as much, and wouldn’t offer as many options.

The C3 Pro is serviceable, but not great, for gaming. If that’s what you’re after, the G.Skill KM250 — which offers faster switches and the option to swap them out — is a better choice. Both are under $50, with the only real sacrifice being the lack of per-game programming.

Read our full

Keychron C3 Pro keyboard review






Dygma Raise – Best ergonomic mechanical keyboard





















Pros


Sturdy build

Hot-swappable switches

Easy keyboard programming in VIA

Priced very competitively



Cons


Slightly awkward keyboard layout

No tenting kit available (not even as an optional accessory)

















Best Prices Today:



$419 at Dygma





Why I like the Dygma Raise

Gamers who need a split ergonomic layout don’t have a lot of choices available to them. The Dygma Raise is the best of this very limited selection, offering a mix of customization and ergonomic options that will delight those who can afford it. 

With fully split halves and a tenting kit that can give you extreme angles no standard keyboard can reach, the Raise (get it?) appeals to gamers and mech fans who need extremely specific angles for comfort or health reasons. And its custom software is no slouch, either.

Who should buy the Dygma Raise

If you demand the absolute best in both gaming performance and ergonomic flexibility, there’s no substitute for the Raise. Adding on extras when ordering ups the price, and the capability. 

But unless you absolutely need the latter, there are far cheaper options in the gaming category. Keychron offers a split mechanical keyboard with fewer options for quite a bit less.

Read our full

Dygma Raise review






Model F Ultra Compact – Best old-school mechanical keyboard





















Pros


Excellent typing feel

Classic layout is instantly familiar

Durable die-cast metal chassis

Easy to repair and customize



Cons


Heavy key feel isn’t great for fast-paced games

Lacks modern hardware and software features

Expensive

















Best Prices Today:



$420 at Model F





Why I like the Model F Ultra Compact

Arguably the most famous keyboard among mechanical enthusiasts is the IBM Model M, thanks to its unique and incredibly tactile (and noisy!) buckling spring switch mechanism. Some of these keyboards have been in continual use for more than 40 years, but if you’re looking for something a little more accessible, Model F Labs is making reproductions with exactly the same tank-like build and modern USB connections.

The typing experience on this keyboard is like nothing else on the market, harkening back to a time before cheaper rubber dome manufacturing in the ’90s transitioned to smaller and less noisy designs. Just don’t be surprised if it’s a little harder than you’re used to — on both your fingers and your wallet.

Who should buy a Model F Ultra Compact

Those who want a keyboard that they can pass on to their descendants (or that can be used as a door stop or a melee weapon) might be very interested in the Model F. For actual typing, you’ll love it if you’re the kind of person who slams down on the keys like you’ve got a grudge against them. Be aware that it’s also extremely loud, even by mechanical keyboard standards…which might be a good or a bad thing depending on whether you work from home.

The downside is the cost, with prices starting at around $300 and going up. For that much dough you might consider rescuing an actual Model M from the dustbin of history — there are still plenty available on eBay — and using an adapter instead. The long travel and heavy click also make these keyboards poorly suited to modern gaming.

Read our full

Model F Ultra Compact review











Razer Huntsman V3 Pro – Best analog mechanical keyboard





















Pros


Excellent software customization

Great controls for analog input

Easy layout swapping



Cons


Expensive

Typing is loud and wobbly

Hard wrist rest


















Why I like the Huntsman V3 Pro

“Analog” keyboards, those which can adjust the actuation point of their keys by software, are a rare and expensive breed. Razer has the best of the lot by a whisker, thanks to its excellent software and some thoughtful design. Pro gamers — or gamers with “pro” esports aspirations — need look no further than the Huntsman series. 

This flagship of Razer’s keyboard stable stands a bit above the rest thanks to its complex Gen 2 optically triggered switches and the Synapse software package. But even without software, the onboard LED indicators can let you quickly switch between light and heavy actuation, or program a quick macro. 

With otherwise excellent design, not to mention an included wrist rest, the Hunstman V3 Pro is the best in a small field of competition. It’s available in full-size, TKL, and “mini” 60% variants.

Who should buy the Huntsman V3 Pro

The Huntsman V3 Pro is for those who want the ultimate in gaming keyboard capability. With extra functions like Rapid Trigger and analog-style movements, the Huntsman can do tricks that lesser designs simply can’t manage. And it has the price tag to prove it. 

Those who don’t need these very niche capabilities, who prefer hardware customization over software with hot-swap switch sockets, or who simply want to make do with a more sober budget should look elsewhere.

Read our full

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL keyboard review






FAQ
1.
What’s a mechanical keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard uses a more elaborate construction than a standard keyboard. Instead of a wide membrane covering the entire board and activating an electronic sensor to detect keypresses, each individual key has a dedicated switch mechanism with an internal spring. When you press down on the key, the stem depresses the spring and closes an electrical circuit, registering your key press. This makes for a longer, more satisfying typing experience, more like an old-fashioned typewriter than a laptop.

2.
What should I consider when shopping for a mechanical keyboard?

If you’re just getting into mechanical keyboards, then you’re probably most interested in how it “feels” to use one. In short, mechanical switches offer a deeper and more satisfying press on each key, which is preferred over standard inexpensive keyboards by heavy-duty typists and gamers. (Not all of them, of course, but most people seem to favor at least a certain level of clickiness.) But there are a lot of different variables that can affect how those keys feel, and other options like wireless or customization.

3.
What kind of key switches should I choose for a keyboard?

Modern mechanical keyboards come in a staggering array of switch varieties, from smooth and linear to loud and clicky, with tons of options for mechanisms and spring strength. Many keyboard makers buy switches from other companies, and some (especially gaming brands) build their own custom designs. The only real way to know which one you prefer is to try ’em out (retail store displays are great for this). That being said, more expensive keyboards tend to come with nicer, high-quality switches from name brands like Cherry and Gateron. For the ultimate in customization, track down a keyboard with hot-swap switch sockets, which let you swap out the switches for new and different ones whenever you want.

4.
What are keycaps?

Keycaps are the little pieces of plastic that sit on top of the switches — what your fingers press down on. Switching out the keycaps for a set of nicer ones, maybe made of better PBT plastic or themed after your favorite TV show, is a popular and easy keyboard mod. Some keyboard makers even sell their own upgrade sets. Keycaps with a Cherry MX-compatible stem will work with almost all modern mechanical switches, just make sure you find a set that matches the layout of your keyboard.

5.
What keyboard layout should I choose?

The layout of the keys on your keyboard varies more than you might think. Full-sized (100%) keyboards include a 10-key number area to the right of the arrow cluster, but gaming models often omit this in order to make more room for mouse movements, calling this the “10-key-less” or “TKL” layout. S