A Complete Buying Guide for Mechanical Keyboard 2024

Ready to start a new hobby or seek the ultimate typing experience of your life?

 

Mechanical keyboards feel like products designed for years in these days of disposable tech. Their lineage goes back to the 1980s and early 1990s when they were used as common a computer setup as floppy disk drives— because the people who designed and used them understood what typing could and should be.

 

Sadly, with the explosion of the home PC market in the 200s, the demand for sturdy mechanical keyboards fell as manufacturers started looking for mass-market ways of getting millions of people on their machines online. As a result, typing became something you and your fingers had to endure, not enjoy, on subpar gear.  

 

Fortunately, the trend has returned to higher-quality keyboards over the past decade. The best Mechanical keyboards are now again blooming in the PC market. They are available in many flavours to cater to every kind of computer user, be a gamer, a productivity-minded professional, or an ergonomically minded folk.  

 

A top-rated mechanical keyboard is an investment, so here's what you need to know before buying.  

 

What is a Mechanical Keyboard? Is It Worth?

 

 

First and foremost, a key switch defines a mechanical keyboard. Unlike traditional keyboards, which use a rubber dome to suspend their keypads and carbon pads to register a key, mechanical keyboards rely on a metal spring and replace those carbon pads with metal leaves to give a more precise feel and durability. The results? 

 

You can customise each switch's parameters, such as spring weight, actuation point, tactile feedback, etc. They are more durable than their alternatives and are easier to repair. If you spend most of your time typing, coding, gaming, or content creation, it should be delighted to customise your daily driver as per your preferences.  

 

A mechanical keyboard enthusiast could passionately discuss the virtues of their keyboard, their choice of switches, and their preferred layout and materials. Just look at the various colours, sizes, and features available.  

A mechanical keyboard continues to be valued for:  

 

• Satisfying typing experience 

• Pleasing sound profile 

• A wider variety of customisation options 

• Ergonomic features that prevent hand strain 

• Longevity that standalone keyboards can only dream of 

 

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard?

 

Whether you are looking for a pre-built, entry-level mechanical keyboard or want to design your custom model, you will find everything you need to know about switches, cases, circuits, boards, mounting plates, and more below.  

So, let's get started! 

 

1. Size and Layout

 

The most important decision when choosing the best mechanical keyboard is which size and layout you want.  

 

Full Size: You can get a full-size keyboard with all the standard keys, including letters, numbers, symbols, modifiers, function keys, and arrow keys. However, they are larger and may impact your work performance. We recommend this size keyboard only to people who want a built-in number pad. The wide keyboard could stress your shoulder, neck, and back, forcing you to place your mouse away from your body.  

 

1800 Layout (96%): This layout includes all the keys of a full-size keyboard but in a smashed state. It's the best choice if you need a built-in number pad and want to save some desk space. However, due to a few non-standard-size keys, it can be challenging to find replacement keycaps. 

 

Tenkeyless: This layout has all the keys except the number pad. It is a few inches more compact than a full-size keyboard, making it quite appealing. The gaming community cherished this category of keyboards.  

 

75% Layout: This layout is quite similar to laptop keyboards. However, it features nearly all the same keys as tenkeyless models, but all smashed together to save space.

 

65% and 68% Layout: To save space, keyboards of this size eliminate the function keys along the top but retain the arrow keys and a few keys from the navigation cluster. They occupy less vertical desk space but are similar to 75% layout keyboards.  

 

60% Layout: Keyboards have core block letters, numbers, and modifiers. However, function, navigation, and arrow keys are absent, and a number pad is also missing. They're portable and compact keyboards, but you must remember key combinations whenever you need functions or arrows.  

 

40% or Smaller: Technology is all about improving efficiency and compactness. While these keyboards are useful, we cannot recommend them because most users can't work well without a number row.  

 

2. Switches

 

This is the most complex and variable aspect of a mechanical keyboard. It's also the single component that impacts a board's feel and performance. That's why finding the right switch is important for the best typing experience. There are dozens of switch types available, so it can be confusing to find the perfect one.  

 

Let's discuss switched types in detail: 

 

Linear Switches: Linear switches provide an incredibly smooth typing experience with no tactile bump on each keystroke. They also offer quiet operation. Common linear switches are red and black. 

 

Tactile Switches: These switches have a distinct bump midway through the keypress, indicating the key has been activated. 

 

Clicky Switches: These switches produce a loud noise on each keystroke and could be bumpy when you press them. They are available in blue and green.  

 

Within these three main switch types, numerous variations are defined by their actuation force and actuation point. If you are unsure which switch type will suit you, we recommend Brown switches from Gateron, Kailh, or Cherry. These popular tactile switches are useful for most tasks and quiet enough for most office environments. 

 

On the other hand, if you are a gamer, you should go with light linear switches, such as Reds or Cherry MX Speed Silver. They are incredibly smooth and great in the heat of the moment. Click switches such as Blues and Kalih Box Whites offer an excellent typewriter-esque experience. However, they are not preferable if you game or work in shared settings because they are very noisy.  

 

When you come across a keyboard brand using an unfamiliar switch type, determine its actuation force (the effort needed to press each key) and its actuation point (the depth at which the keypress is registered). Compare these values with Cherry switches' values to understand what to expect. 

 

Switch makers also produce low-profile switches, which are shorter and provide less travel. Under the hood, you might see switches such as Topre, buckling spring, and Alps clones. While these switch types are incompatible with the wide range of keycaps designed for MX stems, they each have positive points. 

 

3. Keycaps

 

Keycaps offer an excellent way to customise the look and feel of your keyboard. When shopping for a mechanical keyboard, here are the following things you need tomust consider for keycaps.

  

Material: Keycaps are commonly designed with two types of plastic: PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). PBT keycaps are often thicker, more durable, and have less shine than ABS keycaps, which are made of lighter plastic that can be broken easily. (Keycaps are constructed of various materials, including ceramic, brass, and rubber, although the most prevalent are PBT and ABS.) 

 

Legends: These characters mentioned on each key tell you what it functions. However, some keysets have no Legends, with most including a standard selection of numbers, letters, and modifiers. Font choice can vary, but the major thing that impacts the keycap quality is how Legends are added to it.  

 

The most common approach is printing, in which an opaque key is printed with a silicon pad or spray application alongside a pigment in a specific Legend colour. This is the cheap approach to making a Legend, but it risks eventually wearing off with long-term use.

  

Furthermore, some keycaps, especially those to support backlighting, are built oppositely. In the making process, a pigment is applied to a translucent cap's entire surface except for the surface where Legend is placed. This design blocks overall light bleed while allowing the character on the keycap to glow.  

 

Lastly, there are double-shot keycaps. These keycaps are crafted with two different plastic colours and two separate moulds, layering the keycap colour over the legend colour. This process produces high-quality, durable keycaps made of ABS or PBT plastic. Some double-shot keycaps feature shine-through legends, allowing the backlight to illuminate the transparent legends. Keep in mind that this is the most expensive method of designing keycaps.  

 

Profiles: Profiles are key elements that determine the shape and height of the keycaps in each line. Many pre-built keyboards come with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) profiles. If you want to build your keyboard, you can choose DSA, SA, GMK (Cherry), XDA, and more. 

 

So, the question is: which keycaps are best for me? 

 

If mechanical keyboards are a rabbit hole you can spend years exploring, then keycaps are an entire cave system. 

 

As there are many subjective preferences regarding material, Legends, and profiles, we recommend you try as many keycaps as possible and find what truly aligns with your needs.  

 

Luckily, high-quality keycaps do not have to be pricey. With comprehensive research, you can still find an attractive option. Keycap quality determines the feel of your keyboard, but don't be deceived by manufacturer claims. Printed ABS keycaps with thick walls can feel as pleasant and last almost as long as double-shot PBT keycaps that are 10 times pricier.  

 

In the end, it all comes down to you. Shop whatever you can afford and what suits your key preferences.  

   

4. Windows or Mac Support

 

Typically, any keyboard can be used with any system. Still, some mechanical keyboards come equipped with Mac or Windows-specific layouts or even additional Mac and Windows operating system keycaps. You should choose a keyboard that gives you a handy switch or key combination to easily swap between Mac/Windows operating systems and adjust the key functions in macOS.  

 

5. Wired / Wireless

 

Wireless mechanical gaming keyboards have become more popular in recent years. When shopping for one, ensure it offers a stable wireless connection that won't cut out, lag, or cause double key entries. 

 

It would be great to buy a keyboard that can operate in a wired mode if the wireless connection fails, or the battery runs out. Several users have said they initially wanted a wireless keyboard but preferred a wired connection to avoid hassles.  

 

For Gamers: What Features to Look for in a Mechanical Keyboard?

If you are into gaming, here are a few features to consider when buying the best mechanical keyboard. 

 

Wired Connection: Choose a wired connection if you want smooth gameplay; otherwise, you can lose 20-30 ms just waiting for the key to register.  

 

N-Key Roll Over: It is responsible for pressing more than one key at a time. This is very important; otherwise, many keystrokes won't register. 

 

Powerful Software: This feature allows you to customise key placements, set up macros, and adjust RGB lighting, making it handy for personalising your setup. 

 

RGB Lighting: It can be a fun addition to bring some more personalisation to your gaming rig. 

 

For Office Workers: What Features to Look for in a Mechanical Keyboard?

 

For students, workers, or content creators, the keyboard should be as comfortable to use as possible. This means the focus should be on the typing experience, not the speed at which a key is registered. Following are the key factors to make sure: 

 

Tactile Switches: Many users prefer tactile switches, as they provide the best starting point. The tactile bump helps prevent errors and minimises the need to bottom out keys. 

 

Lubed Stabilisers prevent larger keys from shaking and rattling. Shop for a keyboard with Lubed Stabilisers for a smoother and quieter typing experience. 

 

Adjustable Typing Angles: A keyboard with multiple typing angles is ideal for typing at a more aggressive angle. More customisability always enhances the user experience. 

 

For Programmers: What Features to Look for in a Mechanical Keyboard?

 

As a programmer, you need a keyboard with powerful software support to customise the key placements and set macros to eliminate repetitive tasks.  

 

Ergonomics: A keyboard which promotes a natural hand position can help reduce strain and pain during long coding sessions. 

 

N-Key Rollover (NKRO) and Anti-Ghosting: These features ensure that all keystrokes are reliably registered, which is particularly important when hitting several keys for shortcuts. 

 

Customisability: Programmers appreciate keyboards with programmable keys or macros to optimise workflows. Some keyboards also allow you to customise the backlighting for a more personalised touch; otherwise, you'll be stuck with the standard layout. 

 

Conclusion

 

Finding the best mechanical keyboard involves choosing the perfect layout with ideal features that align with your needs.  

 

How much you should invest depends on how particular you are about the feel of your typing, programming, or gaming experience and what best fits your budget.  

 

It can be challenging to eliminate all the confusion a newbie or expert might face, so we hope this comprehensive best keyboard buying guide helped you get your dream keyboard.  

 

Important: Don't let any jaded mechanical key gatekeepers intimidate you from exploring the many affordable and fun ways into mechanical keyboards. 

 

Best of Luck!