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So, you're looking to get serious about typing. You've made the right choice in finding the best mechanical keyboard for your PC setup, and we here at Tom's Guide have just the expertise and hours of testing to help.
Mechanical keyboards are not only hugely satisfying to type on, but they've also been proven to help you type faster, write more accurately and, most importantly, far more comfortably. If you do a lot of typing, whether it be for working on documents, studying for exams or playing highly competitive games, the investment will pay off every time you sit at your desk.
Thocky, clicky, clacky, silent — you name it, we've tested just the board. Right now, the Keychron V1 Ultra 8K takes the top spot as the best mechanical keyboard for most, but after reviewing hundreds of boards over the year, my team and I can tell you there's a keyboard for all types of users (yes, even the ones that purely love that "thock"). Now, here are the mechanical keyboards we highly recommend that are worth your money.
With so many mechanical keyboards to choose from, keep these factors in mind when making your final choice. Otherwise, carry on to our top picks.
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How to choose the best mechanical keyboard?
Design: What size keyboard do you want? Most of us are used to a full-sized keyboard, which has a separate number pad on the right-hand side. But if you don't care about that number pad and/or want something a bit smaller, consider getting a tenkeyless keyboard, which doesn't have the separate number pad. There are a variety of sizes to choose from based on your needs, usually denoted as percentages of a full keyboard (so a 60% mini keyboard is 60% the size of a full keyboard and typically only includes the main typing keys and the number row, for example).
Switches: What kind of switches do you want on your keyboard? There are lots of options to choose from, but they generally vary in two big ways: how noisy they are, and when they register a keypress. Switches that register a keypress (or actuate) when you press them all the way in are called linear switches, whereas those that actuate when you press them roughly halfway down are called tactile switches. Once you know whether you want quiet vs noisy and linear vs tactile, you'll have narrowed your options down from dozens to a handful. Our guide to mechanical switches will give you more details on some of the top switches on the market, but if you're not sure, it's a safe bet to get Cherry MX switches on your keyboard as they're some of the best in the business.
Price: A good mechanical keyboard will likely cost you between $100 to $200, depending on which one you want and when you buy it. (Hint: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great days to find good deals on keyboards.) While that might seem high for a keyboard, remember that you're paying for quality: A $20 to $30 membrane keyboard from Microsoft or Dell will work well enough, but it won't be nearly as comfortable (or last as long) as a high-quality mechanical keyboard. Still, if you're looking for something a little cheaper, you can get a quality mechanical keyboard like the Lemokey X1 for roughly $70.
Darragh here, and as soon as I pressed a mechanical key, I couldn't get enough of these keyboards. From the satisfying clacks and thocks to the plentiful features they offer (as a gamer, it's welcome), mechanical keyboards are the bread and butter of any PC setup. But there are a lot of them, and that's why I'm here to help you make the right choice.
The best mechanical keyboards you can buy right now
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The best mechanical keyboard overall
"As mechanical keyboards go, the Keychron V1 Ultra 8K is one of the best out there. It’s competitively priced so rest assured that you’re getting bang for your buck. And for less than $120, you get 8,000Hz wireless polling which negates any input lag, as well as N-key rollover which gives you a competitive advantage. I love the dual RGB systems Keychron has added to the keyboard as it gives you lots of control over the lighting."
The Keychron V1 Ultra 8K is a rare triple threat of performance, build quality and value. By integrating an 8,000Hz wireless polling rate, this deck is made for fast-paced competitive gameplay (and beyond), even if many will only need 1K. Regardless, for competitive gamers, this means keystrokes are registered almost instantaneously (and wirelessly!).
Beyond its blistering speed, the V1 Ultra 8K offers up a lovely tactile feel with the Banana switches we tested, even if they're on the heavy side. But there are other options to choose from, as it's hot swappable, too. It features a gasket-mount design and high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps that provide a cushioned, premium typing experience, where our reviewer achieved a fast 94 words per minute with 92% accuracy!
Better yet, no metallic pings here, thanks to the inclusion of an acoustic foam to dampen harsh pings, resulting in a "poppy," satisfying sound profile that makes it as much of a joy to use for office productivity as it is for those gaming sessions.
Ultimately, this is the best mechanical keyboard because it finds the sweet spot between enthusiast-grade customization and professional-grade performance. With full customization for remapping keys and a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch upgrades, it offers a future-proof platform for any user. Oh, and the dual RGB lighting systems? It's glorious.
Read our full Keychron V1 Ultra 8K review.
The best budget mechanical keyboard
"The Lemokey X1 is a great budget keyboard for gaming and typing alike. For $36, you get more than you paid for, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a high-quality mechanical keyboard. I loved playing games with this keyboard as the 1,000Hz polling rate makes latency issues unnoticeable, and key presses are registered well. The Lemokey Launcher companion software makes remapping keys and customizing the red-only backlighting easy as well. At the end of the day, its drawbacks are minor, too."
The Lemokey X1 is a no-brainer if you’re on a budget but crave quality. Priced at just $36, it delivers an awesome performance for both typing and gaming, boasting features typically found in more expensive models. Its body feels premium and robust, and the tactile brown switches we tested offer a delightful typing experience. The keyboard's 1,000Hz polling rate ensures excellent gaming responsiveness, outperforming other budget options like the MageGee Sky87.
The X1 also has red-only backlighting, which can be customized via Lemokey Launcher, its intuitive companion software, which can also be used to remap keys, program macros, and more. The keyboard isn’t without its flaws, though, as the ABS keycaps feel less than premium and may suffer wear and tear over time. Additionally, it lacks hot-swappable switches, which could deter modders. Despite these minor drawbacks, the X1 remains an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard with premium features.
Read our full Lemokey X1 review.
The best full size mechanical keyboard
"On a budget but tempted to dismantle a mechanical keyboard and truly make it your own? The Keychron K10 V2 is an awesome choice for modding enthusiasts. Not only does it come with all the tools you need to personalize the keyboard, but it also offers a brilliant typing experience with its stock switches. The K10 V2 is a winner on most fronts. It’s cheap and very cheerful, and it’s got a lot of potential to be one of the finest mechanical keyboards around."
Many of us require a full-size keyboard to make full use of that number pad and function row, and the Keychron K10 V2 offers just the ticket. Offering a rock-solid, 104-key layout that serves as the gold standard for anyone needing a dedicated number pad and a full function row. Starting at just $84, it provides a sturdy, aluminum-framed build that feels significantly more expensive than its price tag suggests, making it an unbeatable value for professional typists.
Despite the price, what you're getting here is high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps, offering up a much more satisfying, tactile feel under the fingertips. We loved the Brown (tactile) switches, but its competely hot swappable, so you can pick and choose the switches that suit your style. Speaking of, this 100% keyboard is an absolute dream for modding, offering the tools to alter the damping, plate and PCB of the deck. Not bad for that sub-$100 price!
Otherwise, with comfortable, accurate typing (despite some keys being too deep), a sturdy, minimalist design (that can seem a tad lackluster) and QMK-enabled for plenty of software customizations via its web app, the Keychron K10 V2 makes a strong case to be the moden 100% keyboard for most desks.
Read our full Keychron K10 V2 review.
The best low profile mechanical keyboard
"Did I just award a mechanical keyboard five stars? Yep. See, there’s nothing really wrong with the NuPhy Node75. It’s adorable, accomplished and affordable. What more could you ask for? It’s a wonderful little keyboard to type on, with satisfying switches, a comfy gasket mount and NuPhy’s excellent keycaps. It sounds pretty good, is very customizable and features a well-implemented touch bar. Neat!"
Yes, that is a five-star review rating you see. And for very good reason. The NuPhy Node75 sticks all the right boxes in everything you'd want in a mechanical keyboard, especially if you're after a low-profile one. Needless to say, it types like a dream.
With its Gateron x NuPhy Nano switches and 3.5mm travel distance, you'll get a satisfyingly fast typing experience, making your fingers feel like they're floating over the deck more than anything. There are other options, with its standard profile being an option at no extra cost, but for low-profile users, this keyboard can do no wrong.
But there's plenty more going on under the hood. 1,000Hz polling rate for virtually zero input lag, an attractive, premium build quality that looks great on any desk and, believe it or not, there's an actually useful touchbar that's fully customizable via the companion web app, nuphy.io.
Sure, in its gray colorway, it can look a tad boring. But if that's your style, then there's no reason to miss out on the NuPhy Node75.
*Note: I know. This has a five-star rating, so why isn't it at the top? Well, it's because it excels as a low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard. That's great for many who are looking for this type of deck, but for an all-around, fantastic keyboard for most, the Keychron V1 Ultra 8K takes the top spot.
Read our full NuPhy Node75 review.
The best gaming mechanical keybaord
"My job would be easier if this keyboard cost around $200 — then it’d be a no-brainer recommendation. Sadly, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is far too expensive at $299. However, if you are willing to part with the cash, it's safe to say that the BlackWidow looks, feels and performs exceptionally well. I enjoyed customizing the board to get the most out of it, and features like the OLED screen and wheel are both enjoyable and, useful."
If you’re after a highly customizable keyboard that sticks to a classic tactile style, aren’t interested in the magnetic switches offered by our favorite Hall Effect gaming keyboards, or want a well-built gaming keyboard that supports switch hot-swapping, look no further than the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%.
With a hybrid metal and plastic case, including a fancy little OLED screen, the BlackWidow looks very sleek, but with enough personalization so that you can make it your own. I loved customizing the color scheme of the pretty RGB lighting, including a strip on the side of the case, as well as uploading my own custom GIFs to the display using the Synapse companion app.
The customization doesn’t stop with the visuals, though. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is fully hot-swappable, so you can customize the switches to your liking. This is a great keyboard for those who want the advantages of a custom keyboard, without all the fuss.
The standout aspect of the keyboard is its in-game performance, which is great. The keyboard comes with tactile switches, which feel responsive enough to make the most of Razer’s ‘Snap Tap’ feature. Thanks to the keyboard prioritizing the last key held, it’s easier to strafe and movement feels more reactive overall. The tactile switches are fantastic and are a must for those who prefer them over linear switches.
If this all sounds too good to be true, there is just one problem. At $299, this is one of the most expensive keyboards on the market, and there are cheaper keyboards that have slightly more to offer. With all that said, if this keyboard is within your budget, you will certainly not be disappointed by the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%.
Read our full Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% review.
The best sounding mechanical keyboard
"As mechanical keyboards go, the Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro is the undisputed king of the best-sounding decks out there. It sounds downright beautiful, especially if you like a 'thocky' profile. The Rainy 75 Pro offers a wonderful typing experience, thanks to its smooth Kailh Cocoa Switches, double-shot PBT keycaps and gasket mount design. I also really appreciate the keyboard’s gigantic 7,000mAh battery life."
There’s no better-sounding wireless keyboard than the Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro, period. The brand says this keyboard is designed for audiophiles, and if you’re a serious typist who values both aesthetics and acoustics, this might be your dream keyboard. Its raindrop-like sound profile sets it apart from its competition.
Fitted with smooth Kailh Cocoa linear switches, double-shot PBT keycaps, and a gasket mount design, the Rainy 75 Pro offers an incredibly satisfying “thocky” typing experience. Five layers of sound-dampening foam and a full CNC-machined aluminum body make it durable and sonically rich. We love how fantastic the deck looks as well, with several vibrant color options and per-key RGB lighting.
Beyond the aesthetics, the Rainy 75 Pro is a beast for productivity, featuring macOS and Windows compatibility, hot-swappable switches and it’s accompanied by web-based software for extensive customization. Typing on it is an absolute joy. And the cherry on top? Its massive 7,000mAh battery offers impressive longevity.
With best-in-class acoustics, a premium build, and exceptional typing performance, the Rainy 75 Pro is more than just a pretty face. It’s a heavy-hitting productivity keyboard that sounds as good as it looks.
Read our full Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro review.
The best ergonomic mechanical keyboard
"I’ve absolutely loved using the Epomaker Split65. It has made me realize that I need to look after my back and arms as I approach my 30s, and one of the best ways to do that is by using an ergonomic keyboard. Despite the learning curve I eventually conquered, the Split65 has joined my work arsenal."
If you spend all day writing at your desk, you might need an ergonomic keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience. The Epomaker Split65 can do just that.
As its name implies, this mechanical keyboard is split down the middle. You can place the two modules as far as 13 inches apart, which lets you straighten your posture. Though we found its stock switches to be very responsive for typing and even gaming, the hot-swappable design lets you put in your own switches.
Like other split keyboards, the Epomaker Split65 takes some getting used to if you're used to traditional boards. That said, accepting the admittedly steep learning curve is more than worth it for the ergonomic benefits. Sadly, there are no accompanying ergonomic accessories like a tenting kit. That could be frustrating, considering how rival keyboards provide such peripherals.
While hard to use at first, we highly recommend the Epomaker Split65 for anyone who wants to fix their posture. The fact that this board costs just $119, which is a steal for a split keyboard, is simply icing on the cake.
Read our full Epomaker Split65 review.
FAQ
What's the best sounding mechanical keyboard?
There are many different sound profiles. Clicky, clacky, thocky, creamy, silent and so on. Mechanical keyboards, by the nature of their switches, can sound just the way you want. That means there isn't one true best-sounding mechanical keyboard, as it all depends on the sound profile you think sounds best. While we adore the raindrop-like sound profile of the Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro, there are plenty of other satisfying sounds these decks can make. Here's a quick rundown of the sound profiles:
Clicky: These switches have a physical mechanism (like a click bar or jacket) that makes a high-pitched "snap" or "click" every time a key is pressed.
Thocky: This one's the "Holy Grail" for many enthusiasts. A "thock" is a deep, resonant, and low-pitched sound. It’s often achieved using plastic cases (like ABS), thick PBT keycaps, and specific switches.
Clacky: Think of this as the higher-pitched cousin of the thock. It sounds like marbles hitting each other or crisp wood tapping. It’s a very clean, "poppy" sound that emphasizes the top-end frequencies.
Silent: These keyboards use switches with internal rubber dampeners to kill the noise of the plastic hitting plastic. While not truly "silent," they sound like a soft "thud" or a whisper.
Should I get a mechancial keyboard or magnetic keyboard?
No, mechanical keyboards aren't dead. But for gaming, we had good reason to believe they were with the wide-scale debut of magnetic keyboards.
These types of boards use Hall Effect switches instead of the traditional mechanical ones, using a small magnet to trigger without needing to touch anything. This gives you the ability to adjust the actuation point (the trigger) of each key to suit your preference, which is incredibly handy to customize depending on the type of game you play.
Mechanical keyboards, however, have a predetermined actuation point, one that doesn't change. In light of this, it is generally ideal to opt for a magnetic keyboard for gaming. But there are still plenty of amazing mechanical keyboards that possess switches that are incredible for gaming. It all depends on your needs, but mechanical keyboards offer far more variety, which makes them fantastic for choice productivity. In fact, we'd still pick a mechanical deck for plenty of reasons in 2026.
Also tested
How we test mechanical keyboards
To determine the best mechanical keyboard, we run each keyboard we review through a variety of tests. The first, and most important, test is to play through a number of different games, and see how the keyboard holds up. I usually like to try at least one FPS, RTS, RPG and MMO apiece, since these are the genres that benefit most from a good keyboard. (You can generally get away with a controller for most action/adventure titles.)
After that, we take a deep dive into a keyboard's software suite, evaluating how easy (or difficult) it is to reprogram keys, set up macros, adjust lighting and create profiles for games. Particularly intuitive software gets high marks; convoluted software can lose some points, even if it's very robust otherwise.
Finally, we make sure to use a keyboard for productivity and personal gaming for at least two or three days. Most of us don't swap keyboards in and out; what you use for gaming, you'll need to use for work and general computing as well. The better a keyboard is at everyday tasks, the better its recommendation.
For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.
