Best Mechanical Keyboards 2024: Ultimate Typing Experience
From gaming to productivity, we've tested the best mechanical keyboards to help you find the perfect typing experience for your needs and budget.

Mechanical keyboards have evolved from niche enthusiast products to mainstream essentials, offering superior typing experiences for both gaming and productivity. Our comprehensive guide covers the best mechanical keyboards across different categories, switch types, and price points.
Best Overall: Keychron K8 Pro - $199
The K8 Pro offers exceptional build quality with hot-swappable switches, wireless connectivity, and Mac/Windows compatibility. The gasket mount design provides premium typing feel, while the 4000mAh battery ensures weeks of wireless use.
Best Gaming: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL - $179
Featuring adjustable OmniPoint switches, this gaming keyboard allows customization of actuation points from 0.4mm to 3.6mm. The OLED display provides useful information, while the aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures durability for intense gaming sessions.
Best Budget: Royal Kludge RK61 - $59
This compact 60% keyboard offers wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and RGB lighting at an unbeatable price. The build quality exceeds expectations for the price point, making it perfect for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Best Premium: Leopold FC900R - $149
Leopold's reputation for quality shines through in this full-size keyboard with Cherry MX switches and PBT keycaps. The minimalist design focuses on typing quality over flashy features, appealing to professionals who prioritize function over form.
Best Compact: Anne Pro 2 - $89
The 60% layout saves desk space while maintaining essential keys through function layers. Wireless connectivity, customizable RGB lighting, and multiple switch options make it versatile for both gaming and productivity use.
Switch Types Explained
Linear switches (Red) offer smooth keystrokes ideal for gaming, tactile switches (Brown) provide feedback without noise for typing, and clicky switches (Blue) offer audible and tactile feedback preferred by typists. Consider your environment and use case when choosing.
Layout Considerations
Full-size keyboards include number pads essential for data entry, TKL (tenkeyless) saves space while retaining function keys, and 60% layouts maximize desk space but require function layers for some keys. Choose based on your space and usage needs.
Build Quality Factors
Aluminum construction provides durability and premium feel, while plastic cases can still offer good typing experiences at lower prices. Hot-swappable switches allow customization without soldering, while gasket mounts improve typing feel and sound.
Keycap Materials
PBT keycaps resist shine and wear better than ABS plastic, while double-shot legends won't fade over time. Keycap profiles affect typing comfort - Cherry and OEM profiles are most common, while SA and XDA offer different aesthetics and feel.
Connectivity Options
Wired connections offer zero latency for competitive gaming, while wireless provides desk flexibility. Look for 2.4GHz wireless for gaming and Bluetooth for device switching. USB-C connections are becoming standard for better durability and reversibility.