Other great keyboards
These keyboards are either not good enough in the above points or do not have any outstanding features. They are still worth a look.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% for $300: Razer’s latest and greatest keyboard does just about everything, but it’s way too expensive (7/10, WIRED review). The Pro retains 75% of the same strong tactile switch and gasket mounting system as the original BlackWidow V4, and adds wireless connectivity, a new dial on the side, and a customizable OLED screen right next to it. While these upgrades don’t justify the $110 price increase, they still work incredibly well and can make for a great gaming keyboard if you can find them on sale.
Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 $119: Cherry’s latest entry into the gaming space is a full-size RGB multifunction keyboard that comes standard with new MX2A switches and a “noise dampening structure” to reduce typing noise. This keyboard is a solid option with its rattling sound profile, stylish RGB, and solid metal chassis. Although it’s a little rough around the edges compared to other keyboards on this list, it has a sturdy, no-frills construction, and Cherry’s switches have proven time and time again to be durable and reliable.
Get 60HE+ for $175: Given the outdated installation method and long wait time for delivery, I cannot recommend the 60HE over Keychron’s Q1 HE. I still think it’s a great Hall-effect keyboard, but it doesn’t have the same refinement and sophistication that the Keychron offers. The 60HE still uses a tray-mount system, and while it’s more modular, it doesn’t sound or type as well. On top of that, the plastic case is disappointing considering the price. Once an acceptable trade-off for customizable Hall-effect switches, Keychron now offers a full-metal gasket-mounted keyboard for about $50 more, and if you prefer a 60% layout or the 60HE A wide range of aftermarket cases will be available.
Cherry KC 200 MX $90: The KC 200 MX is an incredibly simple, bare-bones keyboard that doesn’t add anything new or remove anything you want. It’s a full-sized mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX2A switches, metal plates, and pretty much nothing else. Although you can’t customize or program it, you can be sure that it will be durable, reliable, and at least somewhat fun to type on for years to come.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-S for $360: The new Studio has superseded this model for me as a programmer, but the older version is still great if you want something simpler or a unique typing feel. The layout is still great, and the Topre switches are fun to type on, a kind of membrane-like, mechanical switch with a deep typing sound and a unique rounded tactile feel. Additionally, these keyboards have an extensive community with aftermarket parts and guides on how to modify them. The Pro Hybrid Type-S model comes with additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and a sound deadening ring, among others. You can also reprogram it using HHKB’s own apps, but there’s not much reason to change an existing layout unless you need specific macros or change the function layer. It’s incredibly easy to find on the used market for about half the price, making it a much more reasonable alternative to the Studio.
Melgeek Made68 $149: With a more minimalist approach to design and a stylish white and purple color scheme, Made68 has a great tabletop presence and stands out from the crowd. What’s more, Melgeek’s Gateron offers deep Hall-effect switch customization that allows you to incredibly fine-tune this keyboard’s typing experience, right down to the actuation distance of individual keys. You can also customize the look with removable side panels and a replaceable light diffuser on the back. Diffuser is currently on sale in black, green and red Each includes new silver side panels. However, the keyboard does not come with an allen wrench, so you will need a set of screwdrivers to remove these panels. Overall, the Made68’s sound and input feel are good. The tray mount isn’t ideal for typing feel, but the typical issues with typing consistency aren’t as pronounced as on other similar keyboards. At this price, it’s worth trading a somewhat flawed typing experience for customizable Hall-effect switches and a satisfying typing sound.
Switch recommendations
Photo: Henry Robbins
Switches are an important part of a mechanical keyboard. If you already have a board, try swapping out the switches for a fresh experience. I’m working on a guide to my favorite switches, but if you want a silent switch, tactile switch, or linear switch, here are my recommendations.
silent switch
One of the things I hear most often from friends and family is about silent switches. For co-workers, roommates, family members, and partners, the constant clicking and rattling sounds of a mechanical keyboard can be annoying. There are silent linear and silent tactile switches, but I think the silent linear is more acceptable in terms of keystroke feel and actual quietness. However, even the best silent linear switches can be a bit jarring. off Comparison with non-silent switch.
The best silent switch available today is Yes Heartbeat ($11 for 36 switches). Once lubricated, this switch is almost completely silent and, more importantly, has very little of the “squish” or “squishy” feel that most silence switches have. Instead, it has a clean and somewhat soft bottom out, only betrayed by the accompanying lack of audible response. 2nd place is a slightly quieter model Gazee Boba Gum. This switch is almost completely silent, and while it does have that typical silicone “mushy” bottoming feeling, it’s not too bad if the rest of the switch is as smooth. If you’re a fairly light type of typist who doesn’t bottom out your keys, or if you don’t mind a little lack of feel, these are also perfect for you.
linear switch
Linear switches are often the default choice for mechanical switches. My two favorites are Gateron. oil king switch ($49 for 70 pieces) and cream soda switch ($53 for 70 pieces). Oil King is one of the best linear switches available today. Out of the box, it sounds smooth and great, with no modifications required. No need to lubricate, apply film or replace springs. Just incorporate these into your keyboard and it will be perfect. Cream soda switches, on the other hand, are a nice combination of different switch technologies. Adopts a unique long pole stem to achieve clear bottom-out sound ink Smooth, deep-sounding plastic and factory lube equivalent to hand lube, it feels incredibly smooth and sounds great right out of the box. , but you can get even more benefit by adding film.
tact switch
I find that many people are looking for the wrong thing when purchasing a tact switch. Ultra-tactile switches with unique ridges are popular online, but I think these types of switches often just feel comfortable on their own and can be difficult for the average person to get used to. . Instead, I always favor something in between. It’s a crisp, responsive bump that isn’t so abrupt that it gets in the way of typing or feels uncomfortable after extended use.
The classics will always be: Duroc T1 ($45 for 110 pieces) The Switch is a great starting point and I’ve always been interested in it. Novelkeys Cream Tactile (10 pieces for $12) I use the switch even if it requires a significant amount of break-in time compared to other switches. drops holy panda ($42 for 35 pieces) Most deserve that reputation. It has a solid, heavy feel and is very comfortable to type on. Boba U4T It also features a great sound profile and a nice tactile bump.
Avoid these keyboards
Not every keyboard is a winner. Here are a few that I don’t think are worth the price.
Satechi SM1 $99: I am in no way forced or inspired by this keyboard. If you spend more than $100 on a keyboard; should It should be inspiring or at least fun to use. The typing experience on the SM1 is impressive, even by thin keyboard standards. Typing sounds empty, the keys feel shallow and grainy, and the build quality doesn’t feel solid at all. Although mechanical, it compares the user experience to a laptop’s built-in keyboard in terms of structure and typing satisfaction. This, combined with the lack of customization software (meaning a completely fixed layout) and the use of proprietary tactile switches with no hot-swap functionality, makes the Satechi SM1 a great choice, especially when compared to standard-height mechanical keyboards. Overall, it becomes an overwhelming keyboard. Same price range.
HiGround Opal Base 65, $120: In my testing (5/10, WIRED review), I found Opal Base 65 to be inferior to the competition in almost every way. With its tray-mount assembly, clunky software, and one-piece plastic case, we don’t see any reason to choose this keyboard over others.
KSI Wombat Willow $145: I love this keyboard because it has everything I have. should Unique layout, metal case, PBT keycaps, Gateron switches, and more. But it doesn’t work that well. The typing sound is hollow and rattling, the typing angle is completely flat or almost flat, and for some reason it automatically types “20 02 00” every time I enable Caps Lock (after a factory reset) , “01” is entered). use “06 07” instead). I haven’t found a way to fix this using KSI’s WB Pouch software. However, it also has some clever features. The numeric keypad is positioned so that you can use your thumb to press the Enter key on the main keyboard during use, and the two rows of function keys consolidate many keys vertically to save horizontal space. The idea itself is great, and I wish the assembly and polishing matched this keyboard’s great vision.
