There’s something special about the way mechanical keyboards feel under your fingers. Perhaps it’s the tactile bump that triggers when you push down with just the right amount of force. Or, it could be the melody of clickety clacks that harken back to the days when typewriters ruled the world. Either way, today’s mass-produced membrane models can’t compete with the best mechanical keyboards.
The good news is that a select few peripheral manufacturers say no to this cheap new gear, continuing the honorable trend of producing high-quality mechanical keyboards. For this article, I’ve assembled a list of the top options, all in hopes of helping you find a more responsive, sensory-filled typing experience. If you’re ready to upgrade keyboards and join the ranks of elite typists and gamers, let’s press into action.
How We Evaluated These Mechanical Keyboards
For this article, I physically tested several of today’s most popular mechanical keyboards, cross-examining them with online user reviews for an unbiased understanding of performance. Here are the criteria I used to separate today’s best options from those better left on store shelves:
1. Quality – Craftsmanship and attention to detail are key to overall performance, which is why I began by scrutinizing frame and keycap material, mechanical switch brand, and any unique features.
2. Componentry – Keycaps and mechanical switches are among the most critical components in a mechanical keyboard; if a keyboard doesn’t feel good under your fingers and provide consistent actuation, you won’t find it on this list.
3. Ergonomics – It doesn’t matter whether you’re using a mechanical keyboard for work or play; it should always provide a supportive frame that’s comfortable and supportive enough for hours of continuous use.
4. Design – Whether keyboards feature full-size, tenkeyless, or 60% layouts, they should match the office and gaming aesthetic, with minimal colors and adjustable RGB LEDs (if applicable).
5. Budget – At SitWorkPlay, we want to show you the best deals on every budget. Whether you’re choosing a starter option or upgrading your current kit, there’s a suitable solution on this list.
After analyzing dozens of keyboards, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better-quality, more performative models than the selection below.
Our 10 Best Mechanical Keyboards of 2022
- Best Mechanical Keyboard Overall: Varmilo VA87M
- Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard: Drop CTRL
- Best Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard: KINESIS Freestyle Edge RGB
- Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: Keychron K6
- Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming: Corsair K100
- Best Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard: Leopold FC900R
- Best Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional
- Best Adjustable Mechanical Keyboard: SteelSeries Apex Pro
- Best Cherry MX Keyboard: Durgod Taurus K320
- Best 60% Mechanical Keyboard: Ducky One 2 Mini
Best Mechanical Keyboard Overall: Varmilo VA87M
- Price: $140
- Layout: Tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Black, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Red
- Best for: Overall craftsmanship, office setups
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Integrated Cherry MX switches come in various colors for a personalized typing experience
- Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps offer clear lettering and shine-resistant surfaces
- Several unique designs and color combinations available on manufacturer’s website
Check out the VA87M from Varmilo on Mechanical Keyboards to see more features.
Varmilo is the keyboard world’s best-kept secret, probably because the brand is only available from a handful of select retailers. Whatever the reason, it’s well past time someone shed light on the company’s VA87M model and got it into the hands of typists everywhere.
The VA87M offers a delightful office-oriented typing experience with quality craftsmanship you can feel. Once you navigate all the different switch and design variants (there are dozens of stunning configurations) and lay one out for a test drive, you’ll begin to understand what I mean. The Varmilo’s Cherry MX switches and dye-sublimated PBT keycaps feel like putty in your hands, quickly registering your keystrokes with just a touch of resistance. All the while, Cherry stabilizers keep everything locked in position, awaiting your fingertips like a soldier awaits commands. Although I dislike the lack of programmability and hot-swappable switch sockets, Varmilo makes an excellent choice for most office setups.
Pros
- Works well with Windows and Mac machines
- Cherry MX stabilizers keep keys in place, ensuring proper actuation
- Compact design fits on most office and gaming desks, providing easy ergonomic access to all keys
Cons
- Lacks programmability
- Detachable Mini USB cable doesn’t support new USB-C standards
Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard: Drop CTRL
- Price: $149
- Layout: Tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Halo Clear, Halo True, Kaihua Box White, Kaihua Speed Silver
- Best for: Compact spaces, aesthetics, programmability
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Tenkeyless design and anodized aluminum frame provide a minimal, sturdy foundation
- Shine-through PBT keycaps expose RGB backlighting and offer a tactile surface
- Hot-swappable sockets let you slot in any standard switch without soldering
Full-size keyboards with bulky number pads are so 2010. Whether you’re a professional office worker or gaming extraordinaire, the Drop CTRL and its slimmed-down aluminum chassis are where it’s at nowadays, offering beginner-friendly features like plug-and-play functionality as well as expert-level QMK programming — all in a sleek, minimal package.
If sleek and minimal isn’t your style, but you want to take advantage of the CTRL’s versatility, simply activate the built-in LEDs and watch as light begins to trickle from the shine-through PBT keycaps. In seconds, your desktop will shine in a sea of color, bright pops of RGB flashing like the northern lights.
The Drop CTRL comes in various mechanical switch configurations, including Cherry MX, Kaihua, and Halo. While all of these switches offer reliable performance most of the time, there’s something about the CTRL’s design that doesn’t always play well with the Halo variant. I haven’t experienced any issues myself, but many users complain about chatter and even instances of double pressing. To stay on the safe side, you may want to choose Cherry MX or Kaihua switches instead. If neither of those sound very appetizing, don’t worry. The CTRL is completely hot-swappable! Use Drop’s tinkerer’s kit (included with purchase) to remove and insert switches at will, creating a customized board that’s as ergonomic as you need.
Pros
- Supports QMK programmability for custom keybinds and macros
- Built-in USB port provides a convenient place to charge your phone or transfer data
- Comes with a tinkerer’s kit, including a keycap puller, switch puller, magnetic feet, and a long 56″ USB-C cable
Cons
- QMK can be challenging to learn and implement
- Several users report that the Halo switches occasionally chatter while typing
Best Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard: KINESIS Freestyle Edge RGB
- Price: $219
- Layout: Tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Silver
- Best for: Ergonomics
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 60 Days
- Shipping: Varies
- Split keyboard design features two independently positionable sides for an ergonomic typing angle
- Keep your most-used actions close at hand with nine programmable game keys
- SmartSet Programming Engine offers software-free programming for custom keybinds and macros
Check out the Freestyle Edge RGB from Kinesis on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
Keyboards have had the same basic layout for over 150 years. If you ask me, it’s well past time we upgraded to something more ergonomic, especially considering how much time we spend in the office nowadays vs. the mid-1800s. I’ve searched long and hard to find the next keyboard evolution, and the Kinesis Freestyle Edge is as close to perfection as we’ve come.
Although the Freestyle Edge doesn’t look particularly formidable, it’s actually a killing machine (painkilling, that is). The Kinesis consists of two independently-adjustable pieces: a left side and a right side. Play around with the two sides, adjusting angles and positions until your hands rest atop the cushiony palm rests with near-perfect support. When combined with your favorite Cherry MX mechanical switch, the Freestyle Edge offers a resistance-free typing experience unlike any other. Just note that it takes time to accustom yourself to the novel design, so give yourself a couple of weeks to adjust.
Pros
- Soft palm rests provide a cushioned base for your hands
- Stunning RGB LEDs light up your keyboard in brilliant color
- Industry-standard 1ms response time with NKRO and anti-ghosting ensure a competitive edge
Cons
- Must accustom yourself with the strange design
- Thick center cable looks atrocious and can get in the way while positioning gear
Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: Keychron K6
- Price: $79
- Layout: 65%
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Switches: Gateron Blue, Gateron Brown, Gateron Red, LK Optical
- Best for: Wireless functionality
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 7 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Broadcom Bluetooth chipset can wirelessly connect to three devices at a time
- Hotswap switches in and out of the Keychron for a customizable experience
- Small 65% form factor and 9° keyboard angle offer reliable ergonomics, with all keys within reach
65% keyboards are one of my favorite form factors. They combine the minimalist philosophy of a 60% yet retain the arrow keys found on larger tenkeyless models. Although there are many options out there, the wireless Keychron K6 is undoubtedly the best.
The Keychron K6 combines the iconic 65% form factor with a powerful Broadcom Bluetooth wireless chipset that syncs and responds in seconds. While that alone makes it a worthy keyboard, the main selling point is how it connects to all your favorite platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, even mobile devices! Take the K6 everywhere you go and enjoy powerful Gateron switches (Cherry MX equivalents) that press fluidly and last up to 50 million clicks. If you’re not a fan of Gateron, you can also swap out your mechanical switch of choice, no soldering necessary!
With so much functionality at an $80 price point, there are a few tradeoffs. Namely, build quality. The base unit’s plastic base may be light and transportable, but it lacks the overall durability of a metal chassis. The keyboard also comes with thin ABS keycaps that absorb oil and quickly lose their luster, a bummer considering the otherwise delightful mechanical experience.
Pros
- 4000 mAh battery lasts for 240 hours at a time
- Detachable USB-C connector provides swift data transfers
- Syncs with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android; can swap between them with a keypress
Cons
- Entry-level plastic base is light and lacks the structural integrity of aluminum
- Lower-quality ABS keycaps are prone to absorbing oils, losing luster over time
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming: Corsair K100
- Price: $229
- Layout: Full-size
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Speed, Corsair Optical
- Best for: Gaming, response time
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Cherry MX Speed and Corsair Optical switches offer a 1.2mm and 1.0mm actuation distance, respectively
- AXON Hyper-Processing Technology features a 4,000Hz polling rate with a 0.25ms response time
- iCue control wheel, media controls, and volume scroll offer easy access to common commands
Check out the K100 from Corsair on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
Let’s first address the elephant in the room: yes, the Corsair K100 is a giant, full-size keyboard that takes up a ton of space. But Corsair made good use of that space, integrating cutting-edge technology that’s changing the game for good. I’m primarily addressing the K100’s AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, which drops keyboard response time down to 0.25ms — roughly 1,000x faster than the blink of an eye. While most displays can’t respond quickly enough to process such speed, you will definitely notice a slight boost in performance. What’s more, it’s only going to get better as each year passes and technology catches up, meaning the Corsair K100 is poised to pay dividends over time.
When purchasing a K100, you get to choose between the Cherry MX Speed and Corsair Optical mechanical switches. I highly recommend the latter, which uses infrared light to actuate at just 1.0mm, meaning it registers your keypresses virtually instantaneously. The only tradeoff is that there isn’t much of a tactile bump, meaning typists and programmers will probably want to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Aluminum frame and 1.5mm thick keycaps ensure durability
- RGB backlighting shines vividly, illuminating desktops in over 16 million colors
- Ventilated, leatherette-clad memory foam wrist rest provides the ideal base for long gaming sessions
Cons
- Full-size design measures 19″ long; quite big for modern setups
- Dual USB connectors required to access the keyboard’s full functionality
Best Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard: Leopold FC900R
- Price: $124
- Layout: Full-size
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Black, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Clear, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Silent Red, Cherry MX Silver
- Best for: Professional setups, tenkeying
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Full-size frame comes with a number pad for additional functionality
- Two-tone design supports minimal and professional office environments
- Experience a performative, personalized typing experience with your choice of eight Cherry MX switches
Check out the FC900R from Leopold on Mechanical Keyboards to see more features.
The Leopold FC900R is a professional-oriented keyboard with a larger form factor and functionality geared towards modern workflows. For example, it comes with customizable Cherry MX switches and a right-side keypad that provides full access to various Windows and macOS shortcuts. The Leopold is also ideal for running calculations, as it’s much faster to type numbers using the keypad than the top-row.
Even though the FC900R is a working professional keyboard, I wish it looked a little less like an old 90s model. There’s no backlighting option, and the colors are as plain as can be. What’s more, the top F1 to F12 keys lack any denotation of their secondary media functions, meaning you’ll have to memorize them ahead of time.
Still, the internal metal plate mount and thick plastic frame provide a rugged base for folks who type at lightning speed. The Leopold also gets high marks for its rattle-free key stabilizers, which ensure zero shakes as you’re crunching those numbers.
Pros
- Cherry-inspired stabilizers ensure minimal rattle
- Thick plastic frame and interior metal plate weigh over 2.5 pounds, providing a sturdy foundation
- Comes with a 5′ cable that works well with spacious office spaces and standing desks
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any backlighting option
- Difficult to access media functions, as the F1 to F12 keys aren’t labeled
Best Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional
- Price: $149
- Layout: Full-size
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Red
- Best for: Ergonomics, professional environments
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Gold-plated Cherry MX switches react to your keypresses around ~1ms and last up to 50 million strokes
- Thin, low-profile design measures 0.8″ tall at its peak
- Large media control hub comes with essential keys and a giant volume wheel
Check out the 4 Professional from Das Keyboard on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
The DAS Keyboard 4 Professional may dress in black, but it wears the color like a form-fitting tux, with just enough visual appeal to entice closer inspection. The keyboard’s low-profile design and angular right-side keypad also pique interest, while the silver volume wheel offers a singular, albeit even-tone, pop of color. Unfortunately, the keyboard’s suave surface doesn’t transfer to the stabilizing foot bar underneath the keyboard. The foot bar is a jarring red rubber ruler (seriously, it’s a ruler with numbers and everything) that barely holds the keyboard’s weight. The keyboard’s printed keys also begin to fade after a year or so of use, a reminder that looks never last.
At the end of the day, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and the DAS’ gold-plated Cherry MX switches offer a hyper-conductive keystroke that responds to your presses in a jiffy. They even support NKRO (N-key rollover) to register every keypress no matter how fast you type.
Pros
- NKRO supports speed typing, registering every keypress without fail
- Integrated USB hub provides two additional USB ports for charging devices and transferring data
- Black aluminum top panel blends with classic keycaps for a sharp, professional appearance
Cons
- Stabilizing foot bar is a thin, rubber ruler that doesn’t hold up well
- Poor quality keycaps begin to fade within one year of use
Best Adjustable Mechanical Keyboard: SteelSeries Apex Pro
- Price: $159.99
- Layout: Full-size
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Omnipoint
- Best for: Adjustable actuation
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- OmniPoint Switches incorporate a 0.7ms response time and independently actuate anywhere from 0.4mm to 3.6mm
- Built-in 1.5″ OLED Smart Display shows a customizable screen with important game and system information
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame provides unbeatable stability
Check out the Apex Pro from SteelSeries on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
Although new to the scene, SteelSeries’s Apex Pro is already poised to take over the mechanical keyboard industry. Its revolutionary OmniPoint Switches let you customize keypresses to your precise specifications, offering all the benefits of different switches in a single mechanism. Since the switches adjust independently, you can even create a hybrid keyboard. Transform the WASD keys into speed demons that actuate at just 0.4mm, and place the other keys at a more reasonable 2.0mm to get the best of both worlds.
The Apex Pro’s other standout feature is the little OLED Smart Display located right above the number pad. You can make it display information about your keyboard or machine, or even data from particular games like CS: GO. Although the display sounds neat in practice, it doesn’t hold up in the field. The 1.5″ screen is so tiny, and practiced touch typers rarely need to look down at their keyboards, making it more of a headache than a boon.
Pros
- Soft magnetic wrist rest cushions your wrists and palms
- Stunning, per-key LEDs light up your system; customizable via SteelSeries’ Engine software
- Upper-right multimedia controls and metal volume wheel offer easy access to pertinent settings
Cons
- Frame and wrist rest are dust magnets
- OLED Smart Display adds to the keyboard’s price and offers little in return
Best Cherry MX Keyboard: Durgod Taurus K320
- Price: $124
- Layout: Tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Black, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Silver
- Best for: Consistency
- Return Period: 60 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Enjoy a clicky, tactile, or linear typing experience with your choice of Cherry MX mechanical switch
- Doubleshot PBT keycaps add heft to your keypresses
- NKRO, anti-ghosting, and dedicated Game Mode ensures all your keys press when you want them to (and never when you don’t)
Check out the Taurus K320 from Durgod on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
Cherry MX has been the gold standard of mechanical switches ever since they went mainstream back in the 1980s. The company manufactures a variety of switches, denoted by color type, and each one provides a unique blend of sensory tactility and clickiness. Durgod offers six of these switch variations, supporting a personalized keyboard that responds just the way you like.
No matter your switch choice, Durgod offers thick PBT keycaps that provide a delightful keypress worthy of covering Cherry’s luxury mechanisms. The keyboard also includes numerous typing-oriented upgrades like NKRO and anti-ghosting to ensure all your keypresses actuate as expected. While I wish I could commend the additional keybind and macro functionality, you’ll find these features locked behind Durgod’s Zeus software, which comes with a poorly-designed user interface that’s a nightmare to navigate.
Pros
- Supports custom keybinds and macros
- Works well on Windows 10 and macOS machines
- Metal switch plate adds durability and keeps Cherry MX switches locked and ready for action
Cons
- Lacks an official warranty outside of the 60-day guarantee
- Buggy Durgod Zeus software features a poorly designed UI and can be challenging to navigate
Best 60% Mechanical Keyboard: Ducky One 2 Mini
- Price: $108
- Layout: 60%
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, TTC
- Best for: Gaming, portability
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- 60% form factor is ideal for minimal setups and portability
- Future-proof USB-C cable works with today’s most popular Windows and Macs
- Comes with your choice of four mechanical switch brands, ensuring a suitable option for every user
Check out the One 2 Mini from Ducky on Amazon to see more features.
The Ducky One Two Mini is the weapon of choice for gamers and minimalists worldwide (Ducky is a Taiwanese-based brand). Although its diminutive 60% layout is as cute as can be — taking up just over 1′ of space atop your desk — it packs a mighty punch with your choice of Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh switches. No matter which switches you choose, the keyboard offers a God-tier 1,000Hz polling rate that responds to every hair-trigger keypress in about a millisecond.
While the One Two Mini seems like the ideal wireless model, there is no cable-free variant. Considering the performance of similar 60% wireless keyboards like the Keychron K6 and Anne Pro 2, that’s a big disappointment. That said, Ducky still outperforms the competition with an unbeatable commitment to its user base, providing stellar customer service and rolling out firmware fixes at a breakneck pace. When you factor in the excellent craftsmanship and 1-year warranty, I have no problem recommending Ducky to compact keyboard enthusiasts looking for their next toy.
Pros
- Ducky continually releases firmware updates to address user-reported issues
- 1000Hz polling rate ensures pro-grade responsivity for gaming and business tasks
- Comes with lovely RGB LED backlighting
Cons
- No wireless capabilities, a shame considering the small design
- Lack of arrow keys makes it difficult to perform certain takes the way you’re used to
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