To choose the best mechanical keyboard for typing you’ll want to find the features that are the right fit for you and your typing preferences. If you prefer clicky switches with noticeable effort and great tactile feedback, a mechanical keyboard is definitely the way to go. We recommend looking for a mechanical keyboard with high-quality switches and a durable, well-built frame. Other than these basic qualities, the key features will depend on individual users’ needs. The best mechanical keyboard for programming will likely also be one that allows for custom shortcuts and key remapping. If you’re looking for the best mechanical keyboard for gaming, you might find that input speed is paramount. You might also want a comfortable layout and aesthetically pleasing design, to make for the best overall typing experience. If you spend long hours typing on mechanical keyboards for work, consider an ergonomic keyboard. And, you can read our handy guide on the best keyboards for a variety of different keyboards that will fit any preference.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a large array of products with different prices and feature sets, we’ve found that the Varmilo VA87M is our top choice.
Top 10 Best Mechanical Keyboards for Typing
#1 Varmilo VA87M Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
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Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This well-built mechanical keyboard comes standard with Cherry MX Red switches for a great tactile feel, plus it features beautiful RGBY keycaps with dye-sub printing so that the legends will never wear out.
- Durability rated for 50 million keystrokes
- Adjustable LED backlighting
- Sturdy frame with ergonomic concave shape
- May require some key remapping for Mac OS applications
- Lacks wireless option
An excellent choice for fast typists who want to maintain comfort when working long hours, this Varmilo tenkeyless mechanical keyboard benefits from the great tactile feel of Cherry MX switches. It has a compact layout but still includes arrow keys and 12 F keys. Cherry MX red switches give a satisfying, tactile click while providing a rated 50 million key press lifespan.
A great mechanical keyboard for gaming as well as for writing and editing, this model comes with a micro USB to USB cable and it features unique multicolored ABS keycaps. It also has adjustable white LED backlighting, a great feature for work and gaming alike. Even better is the true individual key RGB backlighting featured on the best gaming keyboard.
#2 Happy Hacking Professional2 Keyboard for Programming
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Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This highly programmable compact keyboard features ultra-precise Topre switches for an outstanding and refined typing experience. It has perfectly angled keys for ergonomic comfort and an ideal actuation distance for fast, accurate typing.
- Light yet tactile electro capacitive switches
- Manually programmable key functions
- Sturdy frame with ergonomic concave shape
- Lacks number pad
- No RGB backlighting
- Not splash-proof
This enthusiast keyboard is great for programmers and coders as well as writers, editors, and anybody else who takes their typing seriously. It has soft touch yet extremely precise and responsive Topre switches and high-quality PBT keycaps. It’s also one of the most aesthetically pleasing keyboards on the market, with its nearly symmetrical layout and subtle concave design mixing form with function. But if you don’t like the tactile sounds, then try using the best membrane keyboards
The electro capacitive Topre switches are a hybrid of mechanical switches, rubber dome switches, and capacitive sensors. In this version, they provide satisfying tactile feedback while requiring just 45 grams of actuation force. This wired keyboard can be used in QWERTY or Dvorak layout. Compare that to the best quiet keyboard that features advanced features like full key remapping, as well as Qwerty and Dvorak support.
#3 Keychron K2 Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Award: BEST PORTABLE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This keyboard has a convenient, compact form and vintage computer keyboard looks along with a 50 million click lifespan for its Gateron Brown switches. Plus, it’s easy to set up on the go thanks to excellent battery life and Bluetooth connectivity.
- 10-hour battery life
- N-key rollover in wired mode
- Gateron Brown switches and dished keycaps for great tactility
- Lacks number pad
- Doesn’t allow hot swapping
If you’re looking for the best wireless mechanical keyboard for Mac OS devices, this compact TKL keyboard is definitely worth considering. Unlike many Bluetooth keyboards, it offers full functionality with Mac OS. It also has an excellent build quality and a large mAh battery. Plus, it offers a responsive typing feel and its compact, 75-percent size saves desk space without taking away any important features.
It connects via Bluetooth 5.1 or as a wired keyboard using the included USB-C cable. It offers the feel of genuine mechanical switches plus a 50 million keypress durability rating. It also has an N-key rollover when used in wired mode, a key gaming keyboard feature. That feature is also found in the best keyboard for programming that is also designed to function as a gaming keyboard.
#4 Logitech G Pro Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Award: BEST RESPONSIVENESS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Using responsive Romer G switches, this model is one of the better-performing Tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboards out there. It has ultra-fast signal processing and programmable RGB backlighting.
- 70 million keypress durability
- Romer G mechanical switches with up to 25 percent faster actuation
- Attractive RGB backlight
- Not available in different colors
- Some features require Logitech G suite software
This wired mechanical gaming keyboard has a great tactile feel and fast performance, thanks to its use of advanced Romer G switches and upgraded signal processing. It uses a compact 87-key layout that preserves 12 F keys along with arrow keys and media buttons. You’ll have to look elsewhere, however, if you’re looking for a wireless keyboard or a number pad. But, if you’re interested in even more products like this one, then check out our guide to the best mechanical keyboards.
Adjustable feet allow for some freedom in selecting the best angle for finger comfort, and their rubber “shoes” ensure the keyboard stays put during fast typing or intense gaming. A great choice for typists and programmers as well as for those who play games competitively, this keyboard is also relatively portable thanks to its detachable USB cable. Another portable option is the best wireless keyboard that has a minimalistic look and offers USB-C wired or Bluetooth wireless keyboard functionality.
#5 SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Award: BEST CUSTOMIZABLE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This high-end Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard comes with a detachable magnetic wrist rest for comfort plus includes smart customization software enabling up to five separate settings profiles and letting you adjust the lighting, set macros, and more.
- Magnetic wrist rest improves ergonomics
- Linear and precise Cherry MX switches
- Customizable RGB lighting effects
- No wireless option
- F keys and media keys may not work with all systems
If you enjoy customizing your keyboards and don’t mind having to open up a program to do so, this highly capable mechanical keyboard is definitely worth a look. While it doesn’t have the Omni point adjustable switches of the Steelseries Apex Pro, this keyboard still has a useful built-in display screen, along with programmable macros, anti-ghosting technology, and a magnetic detachable wrist rest.
Comparable to some of the best mechanical gaming keyboards, this model uses Cherry MX Red linear switches for quiet yet responsive typing, which makes you wonder which Cherry switches are the quietest? It offers RGB lighting with up to 16.8 million colors. A USB passthrough is included. And just in case you may also require a keyboard that allows you to easily switch the mainboard, we recommend the best hot-swappable keyboard.
#6 Drop Alt Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Award: BEST UPGRADEABLE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This hot-swappable keyboard has a compact 67-key layout that helps save desk space, while halo true switches offer a smooth, engaging typing experience and help boost typing speed with a light preload.
- Space-saving compact layout
- Hot-swappable switches, no soldering required
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Some people may prefer a full-sized keyboard with a number pad
- Not as easy to assign key functions as with some other mechanical keyboards
This mechanical gaming keyboard uses a convenient 67-key layout to save space while still having arrow keys and numerals. It also comes with RGB backlighting and programmable macros. The shine-through double shot PBT keycaps have nice-looking, classic legends and users can adjust the lighting for each key.
This keyboard also offers the feature of hot swapping, letting you change out the switches without the need to solder anything. A lightweight but strong aluminum frame and magnetic detachable feet help add comfort and stability for a consistent, precise, and ergonomic typing experience. Compare this to the best ergonomic keyboard that allows for less fatiguing and full key remapping, among other features.
#7 Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Award: BEST DURABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This wired Razer keyboard offers durable dust and splash-resistant surface, a metal frame, and long-lasting Razer Green switches. It also has programmable RGB lighting with dynamic lighting effects.
- Smudge-free top cover finish
- RGB backlighting with up to 16.8 million colors and dynamic effects
- Tactile clicky switches
- Takes up more space than compact keyboards
- Gaming keyboard aesthetic may not be everyone’s preference
Designed primarily as a high-performance gaming keyboard, this Razer Blackwidow makes a great work keyboard as well. It uses tactile and clicky mechanical switches that offer plenty of feedback to help boost typing speed. Like many eSports and gaming keyboards, it also has programmable RGB backlighting with dynamic effects.
Thanks to the Razer Synapse program, users can easily change settings and assign macros, remap function keys and adjust the backlighting. While some might prefer a more compact Tenkeyless design, others find that having a full-size keyboard with 12 function keys and a full number pad boosts productivity. And just in case you may also require a keyboard that allows you to easily switch the mainboard, we recommend the best hot-swappable keyboard.
#8 Das Keyboard 4 Pro Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Award: BEST MEDIA CONTROLS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This mechanical keyboard features an aluminum top plate, Cherry MX brown mechanical switches, and dedicated media buttons with a large, easy-to-use volume knob. Dual USB 3.0 ports and a full number pad, plus function keys and media buttons with Windows presets.
- Gold-plated connectors for reliability
- Full N-key rollover
- Anodized aluminum top plate
- Takes up more space than compact keyboards
- Some features not compatible with Mac OS
This keyboard stands out for its build quality with an anodized aluminum top plate and Cherry MX brown switches benefiting from gold-plated connectors. The keys offer a solid, mechanical feel of its keys. A magnetically detachable footbar helps with ergonomics and doubles as a handy ruler. Of interest to designers, editors, and multimedia users, this keyboard has user-mappable shortcuts, programmable dedicated media keys, and a volume knob, plus a full-sized number pad and arrow keys.
This keyboard comes with a 3 port USB hub and includes an extra-long 6.5-foot USB cable, giving you some extra freedom when setting up your desk. While some might prefer a more compact Tenkeyless design, some find that having a full-size keyboard like this one boosts productivity. Solid battery life is also important in boosting productivity, especially while using the best keyboard for designers that can seamlessly cross over among multiple devices.
#9 Kinesis Freestyle Edge Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Award: BEST ERGONOMICS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This unique split design ergonomic keyboard features tactile Cherry MX brown switches and fully programmable keys that allow for ultra-fast macro commands and N-key rollover.
- Fully programmable key remapping
- Unique split design allows for more natural hand positioning
- Light, yet tactile Cherry MX Brown provides a great typing feel
- Setup is more complicated than on many keyboards
- No wireless option
This ergonomic mechanical keyboard is designed to help with speed and accuracy during eSports tournaments but also makes for an excellent typing platform for the home or office. With up to a 17-inch split, it allows for a more natural shoulder-width hand placement and reduces finger strain during long work or gaming sessions. It supports N-key rollover and full key remapping, and it has RGB lighting with 10 programmable modes.
A plug-and-play keyboard for most operating systems, this is also a great choice if you’re looking for the best mechanical keyboard for Mac applications. It uses Cherry MX Brown switches which offer low actuation force but just the right amount of rebound to optimize typing speed. Compare this to the best mechanical keyboard that makes the most of the great tactile feel from its Cherry MX switches.
#10 Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard for Typing
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This keyboard uses genuine Cherry MX brown switches with gold-plated connectors and has a full-size 104-key layout for convenient typing, number crunching, and gaming, while coming in at a lower price point than most comparable mechanical keyboards.
- N-key rollover feature
- Comes with full number pad and function keys
- Tactile, low noise Brown switches
- Doesn’t come with lighting effects
- Not as robust as some gaming keyboards
With a clean and simple design along with ergonomically shaped ABS keycaps, this mechanical keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience for productivity and entertainment alike. It even has some advanced features like an N-key rollover and Windows key lock. The switches are tactile yet quiet Cherry MX Browns, giving it a durability rating of 50 million keystrokes.
While it doesn’t have the fancy lighting options found on some gaming keyboards, it remains a practical choice and a good value for those seeking the feel of a true mechanical keyboard. It has function keys and a full number pad as well. That’s similar to the best chiclet keyboard that also boasts 12 programmable function keys as well as dedicated media buttons.
How We Decided
To pick the best mechanical keyboard for typing, we looked for keyboards with great performance and the kind of tactile feedback that helps make a more enjoyable experience when typing or playing games. We also looked for keyboards with good durability. We only considered keyboards with a sturdy frame and true mechanical switches, as opposed to membrane switches. Spill and dust resistance was considered a useful bonus. A rated lifetime of at least 10 million keystrokes was also a must.
We considered aesthetics a priority as well, looking for keyboards with good design and high-quality keycaps and top plates. RGB backlighting, while not required, earned extra points. We included both full-size keyboards and compact keyboards with 60% and 75% Tenkeyless layouts.
In seeking the best all-around mechanical keyboards for typing, we looked for a mix of wired and wireless keyboards. For wireless keyboards, we only considered those with Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz connectivity and minimal input lag, as well as a battery life of at least 10 hours per charge. We took into account compatibility and ease of setup as well, preferring keyboards that functioned with Windows, Mac, Chrome, and Linux OS.
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Typing Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Switch Type
Not all mechanical switches are the same, of course. If you’re looking for strong feedback and a noticeable bounce, you’ll likely want a spring-based switch such as the “clicky” Cherry MX blue switches. If on the other hand, you prefer keyboards with a lighter keypress effort and quieter actuation, you might want to go with the “silent” Red switches. Some switch types offer the best of both worlds, with the Topre switch providing rapid, positive responsiveness with a light touch and muted sound. - Backlighting
If you work in a darkened lab or do a lot of media editing or gaming, you may find a backlit keyboard especially useful; many mechanical gaming keyboards have programmable RGB lighting effects and some can synch with game consoles and other peripherals as well for a dynamic light show. - Layout
A full-size keyboard typically consists of about 104 keys, including 12 function keys and a numeric keypad. This can be helpful and extra convenient for typing, especially if you work on spreadsheets or do a lot of number crunching. A smaller compact keyboard with the right thoughtful design, however, can save desk space and be nearly as easy to use.
