10 best mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have become incredibly popular among buyers in recent years. They are chosen by gamers and users who regularly work with large amounts of text. The advantages of such devices abound: the reliability of the mechanism used, the increased service life of the switches, the ability to independently replace the keycaps, and sometimes even the switches themselves, distinct tactile feedback and sound (the volume depends on the switch model), high response speed, which is important in games. Moreover, the price of such devices is gradually decreasing. Yes, they are still more expensive than the usual membrane keyboards, but they are already available to the average buyer. We decided to compile the TOP 10 best mechanical keyboards to help our readers invest their money wisely in the purchase of computer peripherals.

Rating of the best mechanical keyboards

Before purchasing a keyboard for a PC, you first need to decide on its form factor. Classic models are equipped with 104 keys. In some cases, additional buttons are added to them for recording macros (needed in games). If you are looking for a smaller solution, then the TKL or Tenkeyless models are worth choosing. Such keyboards are shorter due to the absence of a digital block on the right.

The second selection criterion is the type of switches. Expensive devices receive premium Cherry, or they are equipped with advanced switches of their own design (Logitech, for example, chose the second option). Cheaper models are usually obtained by Outemu and Kailh. These are lower quality Chinese analogues of Cherry MX. Like the German brand, Outemu and Kailh are categorized by “color” (meaning tactile feedback and sound).

1. A4Tech Bloody B810R Black USB

Russian users are well acquainted with A4Tech products. This brand offers quality and functional peripherals at a reasonable price. Inexpensive A4Tech keyboards are good alternatives to products from companies like Razer and Logitech. In the huge variety of products of the Taiwanese company, we would like to highlight the B810R model, which belongs to the Bloody gaming line.

If, in addition to games, you use a keyboard for typing, then you should probably look at other options. Despite its convenience, the B810R is noisy when typing quickly, which can disturb others.

The device is based on the proprietary optical-mechanical switches Light Strike. Their advantage is their incredibly fast response time of 0.2ms. Also, a high-quality keyboard A4Tech boasts customizable RGB backlighting, without which it is now difficult to imagine a gaming model. In addition to the device itself, spare caps are available in the kit: WASD and QERF with a replacement tool.

Advantages:

• fast switches;
• attractive design;
• customizable backlight;
• moisture protection;
• gorgeous software;
• proprietary utility;
• low cost.

Disadvantages:

• a bit noisy for typing;
• no wrist rest.

2. Redragon USAS Black USB

Most of our readers, looking at their keyboard, will see the number pad there. It is even on laptops with a diagonal of 15.6 inches and larger. But gamers don't need these buttons from the word "absolutely". And it would be cool to get rid of them, especially when there is not too much free space on the table.It is for these customers that the companies produce the popular TKL keyboards. This includes our next member, Redragon USAS.

The body in this model practically does not protrude beyond the boundaries of the buttons. The ANSI layout standard is used. Useful functions are tied to the function buttons of the device, such as volume control, track switching, and so on. The cursor keys are used to switch profiles, modes and brightness of the backlight. The latter, in the budget version of the mechanical keyboard, can be flexibly adjusted to the user's tasks.

Advantages:

• aluminum base;
• RGB lighting modes;
• strict design;
• there is a possibility of replacing switches;
• additional functions;
• compact size;
• quality keys.

Disadvantages:

• cable without braiding;
• bad application.

3. SteelSeries Apex M750 Black USB

The Apex M750 gaming keyboard looks austere enough that at first glance you might get the impression that this is a classic model. However, in fact, this is a rather expensive SteelSeries device, which should be primarily advised by gamers. It is based on proprietary switches QX2, created in conjunction with the popular company Gateron in its market.

This same mechanical keyboard model is available in the TKL version. True, it is quite difficult to find it on sale on the Russian market.

The Apex M750 cable is 2m long and has a ferrite bead to reduce noise. He did not receive a braid, but the impressive thickness of the wire allows you not to worry about its durability. The bottom of the keyboard is made of plastic and has 4 rubber feet. Both rear ones can be replaced with complete ones - they are necessary to adjust the angle of inclination.

Advantages:

• austere but cool design;
• bright Prism Lightning illumination;
• branded durable switches;
• low switch noise;
• excellent utility from SteelSeries.

Disadvantages:

• impressive cost.

4. Logitech G G413 Carbon USB

The excellent model of the Logitech brand continues the rating of the best mechanical type keyboards. The device comes in a nice box, where in addition to it you can find 12 replacement caps (1-5, WASD and QER) and a key to replace them. The construction of the G G413 keyboard is standard. Its upper part is covered with a metal plate, which provides the device with a good margin of safety. At the bottom, no less high-quality plastic and 5 tenacious rubber feet are used, excluding the possibility of sliding. A good Logitech keyboard connects to your computer using a braided dual-plug cable. The second is required for the operation of the USB port located near the right edge.

Advantages:

• stunning design;
• well-developed software;
• reference assembly;
• switches Romer-G;
• additional USB;
• premium materials;
• 3 years warranty.

5. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (Cherry MX Red) Black USB

Compact mechanical keyboard from the HyperX brand. The device offers a detachable braided cable for convenient transport of the Alloy FPS Pro. Please note, however, that the set does not include a transport cover that is provided in the full-size version. Also, the user will not find replaceable keys in the box, but this is generally forgivable.
The device is equipped with Cherry MX Red switches, so we have a quiet mechanical keyboard. A clear tactile response is also not provided here, therefore the monitored modification of Alloy FPS Pro is not suitable for typing as well as for games. However, a lot also depends on user preferences and habituation.

Advantages:

• excellent quality;
• convenience of "red" switches;
• compact size;
• bright one-color backlight;
• all-steel frame.

Disadvantages:

• modest delivery set.

6. OKLICK 940G VORTEX Black USB

The next step is a fairly simple mechanical keyboard produced by OKLICK. This is a full-size model made entirely of plastic. The assembly and materials are of high quality, but no revelations. There is a backlight for the buttons, but it does not illuminate the Cyrillic alphabet very brightly. It consists of 6 colors, strictly assigned to the keys line by line.From the keyboard, the user can switch between 20 styles and 4 glow modes. The 940G VORTEX also provides support for additional functions activated via Fn. The device has received mechanical switches from Outemu. Tactilely and sounding, they resemble the "blue" Cherry MX switches. The declared resource is 10 million clicks.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• clear response;
• high resource and reliability;
• pleasant lighting;
• switches can be replaced;
• stability on the table.

Disadvantages:

• lack of software support;
• too noisy when printing.

7. ASUS ROG Strix Scope Black USB

One of the best customer reviews keyboards comes in a black cardboard box, on top of which is a colorful cover with a picture of the device and key specifications. Inside, in addition to the device itself, there are 4 replaceable keys (WASD) and a key to replace them. The keyboard is made of polycarbonate with an aluminum plate added on top for reinforcement. The caps are also plastic (ABS), and they are painted only on the outside (therefore, with active use, the paint can peel off over time). All long keys are equipped with stabilizers. ASUS ROG Strix Scope has 6 profiles memory, 5 of which can be customized.

Advantages:

• almost silent switches;
• high-quality assembly;
• attractive lighting;
• relatively compact;
• doubled Control;
• additional caps.

Disadvantages:

• poor illumination of the Cyrillic alphabet;
• painted plastic keycaps.

8. Razer Ornata Chroma Black USB

Ornata Chroma is an expensive keyboard model. However, within the Razer lineup, the device belongs to the middle class. A key feature of this model is the use of unique mechanical membrane switches. Technically, they are closer to the membrane ones, but their response resembles those for Cherry MX Blue switches. It is worth admitting that the manufacturer's engineers did just fine.

The set with one of the most interesting keyboards for the combination of price and quality is provided with a soft wrist rest. To fix it, you just need to attach it to the device, after which powerful magnets will do everything.

The contact is closed using a membrane. She is also responsible for returning the cap. The metal latch in the design creates a mechanical feel. Therefore, the backlit keyboard is suitable for those who are just transplanted from the membrane (getting used to it may take some time). The glow, by the way, is configured in the software. All rainbow colors and a variety of effects are available here. You can also record macros.

Advantages:

• excellent ergonomics;
• excellent quality;
• excellent RGB lighting;
• well thought-out utility;
• magnetic stand;
• pleasant button response;
• "Outweighed" wire.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• legs without elastic bands;
• high pressing force.

9. A4Tech Bloody B800 Black USB

Not all users are ready to buy a premium keyboard in 2020. For them, A4Tech offers another affordable solution called the B800. The design of the device is very laconic, and with the one-color backlight turned off, the device practically does not differ from the classic solutions (except for the original pattern on the surface under the keycaps). This mechanical keyboard has been praised in reviews for its responsiveness and lack of ghosting (Full Anti-Ghost). The B800 package includes additional caps (the letters QERF and WASD most commonly used in games) and a key to replace them.

Advantages:

• reasoned cost;
• no sticky keys;
• low noise when pressed;
• protection against false clicks;
• beautiful design;
• high response speed.

Disadvantages:

• not the most convenient software;
• medium quality plastic.

10. Redragon Varuna Black USB

The review is completed by another inexpensive keyboard from Redragon. Varuna has a traditional design, ANSI layout and good build. The device is made of plastic, but the strength of the latter is very high. Latin and Cyrillic are perfectly readable, but the font of the first is clearly made for an amateur.The manufacturer used Outemu switches to reduce the cost of its mechanical keyboard. They received multifunctional RGB lighting, which can be controlled in the application. Profiles are also edited there.

Advantages:

• nice lighting;
• affordable cost;
• quality materials;
• intuitive software;
• macros are configured.

Which mechanical keyboard to choose

If choosing a mechanical keyboard is difficult, go with a budget. We recommend owners of a small amount to look closely at A4Tech and Redragon. The latter has an interesting TKL solution. A keyboard of a similar format is offered by the HyperX brand. Logitech can surprise fans with its excellent proprietary switches. If you are closer to the membrane type, then take a closer look at Razer with its original Ornata Chroma.