Mechanical keyboards have long been favoured by gamers, writers, and technology enthusiasts thanks to their durability, reliableness, and satisfying typewriter sound when used. Although membrane keyboards are quieter and have soared in popularity in the office over the past decade, many people have been wondering if mechanical keyboards are better for gaming and typing - the answer is yes.
We prepared a buying guide that covers all the tech info you should know before choosing a mechanical keyboard, and we've also reviewed the best products to buy at Amazon and Argos from brands like Corsair and Logitech. Whether you're looking for a cheap mini model that's Mac-compatible, a wireless, ergonomic purchase for using with a tablet or iPad, or an RGB desktop gaming monster, we've got options for everyone. Moreover, we have partnered with video game blogger Benjamin Titmus for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Mechanical Keyboards
Logitech
Super-Fast Technology That’s Perfect for Any Environment Featuring Romer-G Brown Key Switches
HUO-JI
An Extremely Responsive Portable Device With Blue Key Switches for an Excellent Price
Velocifire
Inexpensive, Tactile, and Versatile Keyboard, Perfect for Both Gamers and Typists
Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy. Learn more about him and his blogs from here.
With around a hundred keys, you don't have to worry about function layers, which is when one key performs multiple functions. The full number pad is also crucial for those who input numerical data on a regular basis - we're looking at you, finance department folks!
However, the large size of these keyboards does of course have some cons too. The extra space taken up by the number pad makes the keyboard much larger on your desk, and also means your mouse is positioned further away. This type of keyboard is also difficult to transport, as it sadly doesn't fit easily into a backpack or handbag.
The TKL ("tenkeyless") or 80% style keyboard still has a number row at the top, so you won't lose the ability to fill in spreadsheets or type numbers. This layout probably isn't ideal for accountants, but for everyone else, it shouldn't be too much of an issue.
The keyboard is still large enough that you won't have to worry about function layers, and the lack of a number pad really saves a lot of desk real estate. If you're a gamer, the extra mouse space can really make all the difference. The layout should feel familiar and shouldn't cause you any major problems - it's just a scaled-down version of what you're already used to!
Pair your new mechanical keyboard with a gaming mouse for the best experience!
The 60% keyboard is the smallest and most portable option on our list. It lacks a number pad, the top row of F keys, or the navigational keys that are usually found on the right side of the keyboard, leaving you with a simple, sleek alphanumeric set-up. Not only is the 60% keyboard a lightweight solution, it's easy to travel with and takes up next to no room in a backpack.
Due to the missing keys, you may have to learn some new functions in order to access features that are usually controlled by the arrow keys or the F keys. It can take some time to get used to because the keys themselves are usually noticeably smaller, but if you're working with a tablet or iPad on the road, these make the perfect partner.
PC games usually don’t require any F keys or a numerical pad. WASD is used for directions, along with other letters. These smaller keyboards can save gamers a bit of money because they probably don’t needs the larger kind.
The next choice to make is how you want the keys to feel and sound when you’re typing - this is affected by the colour category of the switch. These come in pairings of Blue and Green, Red and Black, or Brown, which each have their own benefits and characteristics.
Wired keyboards are readily available, and it's no surprise considering that they're the cheapest option. They also don't require charging or batteries, so they're always ready to use. Keyboard and mouse wires can turn a clean workspace into something of a tangle if you're not careful though.
Wireless keyboards keep your desk neat and tidy, and can also be used from a sofa if you like hooking up your computer or laptop to a TV. These are often more expensive than their wired counterparts and you'll need to keep them charged, meaning that they may spend a lot of the time hooked up to your PC anyway! Most bluetooth keyboards require batteries, so there’s that cost to take into account.
Why not take a look at some more wireless keyboards if you're looking for a clean workspace.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Logitech G613|G 920-008392 | ![]() | Super-Fast Technology That’s Perfect for Any Environment Featuring Romer-G Brown Key Switches | |
2 | HUO-JI E-Yooso Z-77 | ![]() | An Extremely Responsive Portable Device With Blue Key Switches for an Excellent Price | |
3 | Velocifire Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard Mini | ![]() | Inexpensive, Tactile, and Versatile Keyboard, Perfect for Both Gamers and Typists | |
4 | HyperX Alloy Elite 2 | ![]() | Comfy, Speedy and Sturdy, With a Dazzling Display for a Reasonable Price | |
5 | Das Keyboard 4 Professional | ![]() | Aesthetically Pleasing and Easy to Use, Made From High-Grade Aluminium and Features Brown Switch Keys | |
6 | Cooler Master SK622 | ![]() | A of 60% Compact, Ergonomic Gaming Device, Made With Solid Aluminium and Red Switch Keys | |
7 | Corsair K63 | ![]() | A Wireless, Straightforward Design With a Stable Bluetooth Connection and Excellent Backlighting | |
8 | Razer BlackWidow Elite | ![]() | A Stylish Keyboard From a Premium Brand That Features Slightly Elevated Keys to Show the Colourful Backlighting | |
9 | Logitech G513 | ![]() | A Keyboard That Appeals to Gamers With It’s Cosy Palm Rest and Romer-G Tactile Switches | |
10 | HHKB HYBRID Type-S | ![]() | A Minimalist’s Dream With This Tactile Yet Chic Keyboard at a 60% Size Making It Perfect to Travel With |
The selling point of this product is its "Lightspeed" wireless technology which will ensure you have no lag or latency issues whatsoever, whether you're gaming or working on an important project. The Romer-G brown-style key switches also make typing or carrying out gameplay functions effortless. We also love the additional media and macro keys, which are invaluable for gaming.
The lack of backlighting means you can use the same device at work and home without turning your workplace into an impromptu disco while also extending your battery life! A real winner at both the office and at home.
This is another great budget option that you can buy for under £40! The TKL size makes it more portable than your average keyboard, but it's not so small that you'll have to adapt your usual typing style.
The blue key switches are extremely responsive and are perfect for those who like to hear clicking as they're typing. Compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Mac, this product is a no-brainer at this price point that will certainly stand the test of time.
Velocifire has created this delightful looking keyboard that'll look just as good in the office as at any gaming event! The tactile brown key switches are perfect for gamers and typists alike. While the limited colour lighting won't appeal to everyone, we think the combination of teal and navy blue looks great with the black keyboard.
We also love that this keyboard is compatible with almost all operating systems, which can't be said for a lot of our other recommendations. Best of all though, is the fact that you can pick it up for under £35!
We love the sturdy steel design of this HyperX Alloy Elite 2, especially because you get such good build quality for a very reasonable price. Whether you want to use it for video editing, watching movies or gaming, you'll find it speedy, responsive and durable for all your activities.
In addition to a volume wheel, dedicated media controls and red key switches, you get dynamic RGB lighting effects, which is an improvement to the previous HyperX Alloy Elite model. If you're a gamer, streamer or multi-tasker, this is the keyboard for you as it allows for more control at your fingertips!
Looking like something right out of the Death Star, this high-grade aluminium keyboard is incredibly stylish and feels robust. Instead of a glossy plastic finish like most of our other recommendations, it has an almost sand-blasted grainy texture - great for warding off unwanted fingerprints or sweat stains!
As well as looking great, it has top-notch technical aspects too. The brown switch keys are smooth and tactile, making typing a breeze. It has multiple media buttons and an oversized volume dial that is easily accessible whilst gaming. Another nifty feature is the extra-long cable that allows you to move it around your workspace easily.
The Cooler Master SK622 is our favourite 60% keyboard on the market, without a doubt! You can choose between black or silver designs, but black is particularly dazzling. It's made with aluminium so it's surprisingly solid considering its petite stature.
The small size makes this a naturally more ergonomic keyboard, as your hands aren't required to stretch very far - about 12 or 13 cm, in comparison to 30 cm on a full-sized keyboard. Again, using this product is going to be a steep learning curve for some, but we reckon it's worth the effort!
A firm favourite of the wireless gaming community, this product's straightforward design and technical prowess are often highly praised. In particular, it has a stable Bluetooth connection that has minimal latency (screen delay) and lagging issues, as well as brilliant blue backlighting.
However, this product isn't made from the best quality materials - which is a shame considering that it's pretty expensive! The cheap plastic palm rest isn't held together very well, and it sadly lets the rest of the keyboard down.
If you're looking for a mechanical keyboard with all the bells and whistles, then the Razer BlackWidow Elite has you covered! With slightly elevated keys that show its colourful backlighting, easily accessible media controls, and a stylish dial that controls the volume and lighting levels, this is a very aesthetically pleasing product.
This is a rather large keyboard that requires a lot of room so it's not suitable for those who are short on space. The green switches do require a little more force than the average so this is one for serious gamers rather than a work option.
Equipped with a cosy palm rest and an aluminium finish that's cool to the touch, this keyboard has lots of attractive qualities that'll particularly appeal to gamers. The Romer-G tactile switches, which are designed to be similar to brown switches, require a decent amount of pressure to work.
Unfortunately, this product is missing the customisable macro keys that many gamers find essential. Also, the software that is used to tailor the keyboard can be a bit tricky to get your head around. Overall though, this is a quiet and stealthy-looking gaming keyboard.
The HYBRID Type-S has a bit of a cult-like following online thanks to its simple yet chic design and a multitude of customisation options. As a 60% sized product, it's tiny and incredibly easy to travel with. On top of this, it has tactile key switches which make a satisfying thudding sound as you type.
The obvious downside is that learning to type on this product is going to be a steep learning curve if you're used to a standard-sized keyboard and there are also a fair amount of new functions to learn. As it's rather expensive, you'll want to make sure this is a challenge you're willing to take on!
You've possibly heard the term "mechanical keyboard" thrown about in offices or by gamers, but perhaps you've never really understood what it means. Well, unlike membrane keyboards which have a rubber dome underneath, mechanical styles have an independent key beneath each key cap. These switches determine when a key has been pressed and are highly sensitive.
This probably doesn't sound too dissimilar to how your current membrane keyboard works, as no doubt you press a key and an action takes place on your computer. However, what mechanical keyboards offer is an audible or tactile way of knowing that this action has happened. This feels more satisfying and can help you type much faster, and with more accuracy.
This kind of keyboard is also easier to clean and maintain than a membrane one, as you can effortlessly take off the keys and put them back on after a quick wipe down. Membrane keyboards are known for degrading quite dramatically over time, whereas mechanical options are durable and long-lasting.
Mechanical keyboards are a much better option for gaming than membrane keyboards as each press of the key is guaranteed to register. They're also much more durable and long-lasting as there's no squishy membrane that will degrade over time, causing missed inputs and double-presses.
There is a satisfying click associated with mechanical keyboards that some people liken to a typewriter. This depends on the type of switch, but the more substantial, heavier options have a much more pronounced typewriter sound.
No, like most other pieces of computing technology it's not a good idea to get your mechanical keyboard wet. If water seeps through the switches into the electronics inside, it'll likely cause permanent damage to your keyboard.
No. 1: Logitech|G613|G 920-008392
No. 2: HUO-JI|E-Yooso Z-77
No. 3: Velocifire|Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard Mini
No. 4: HyperX|Alloy Elite 2
No. 5: Das Keyboard|4 Professional
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games