The keycap legends also have some subtle inconsistencies in letter size and spacing. If you want a prettier keyboard with more color options, consider our runner-up pick instead. We’ve updated this piece with our new wireless mechanical keyboard picks. The new Apple computers keyboard Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C) comes with a simple change, and that’s all. Apple users who are ready to make the switch from Lightning to USB-C will find the Magic Keyboard they know and love.
The Scope II 96 is nearly a full-size board—it importantly retains a full numpad—though it’s been squished down into a more compact chassis. As a result, the delete key is further away from your pinky than normal. It takes some getting used to, but I’ve been tapping away on it for a while now and I feel I’ve got typing on the Scope II 96 down to a fine art. This keyboard really does sound fantastic, and that’s a combination of the switches and the PBT keycaps. Just to note, this board is available with ABS plastic caps as well, which aren’t as durable and usually aren’t as lovely on the ears.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: The alternatives
It has hot-swappable switches, full remappability with VIA, great build quality, RGB backlighting, and double-shot PBT keycaps for under $100. It’s hard to beat the tactility, durability, or good looks of a mechanical keyboard, but there are a lot of options out there, and not all of them are created equal. Here are our top picks, including both wired and wireless models ranging from compact keyboards with laptop-style layouts to full-size keyboards complete with numpads — from budget to… not so budget. While regular keyboards are the go-to option for many, mechanical keyboards are slowly but surely taking the gaming world by storm with their ever-advancing options, designs, and developments. Though they are expensive, they provide the freedom to choose the most suitable option for your specific needs for a long-term experience. The K70 Pro TKL has magnetic switches, allowing you to easily adjust the actuation point from as low as 0.1mm to 4.0mm.
K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac
The switches do use standard MX-style stems, and you can find compatible low-profile keycaps from NuPhy among others. 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. Because of more precise nature of a mechanical key switch, typing feels snappier with each key press, producing a high degree of feedback. That’s why you’ll find mechanical switches coming in multiple different variants; linear, tactile, and clicky.
Keychron’s K Pro lineup—including the K1 Pro, K3 Pro, K5 Pro, K7 Pro, and K13 Pro—is fully programmable in the VIA software utility and offers more layout options. But these models don’t feel as smooth and satisfying to type on, and you have to pay extra for RGB and hot-swap. It can connect via wire, a wireless USB-A dongle, and Bluetooth, though the included USB-C-to-A cable isn’t as nice as the braided cable that comes with our top pick. We experienced connectivity issues with the USB-A dongle on two out of three review units, but an inexpensive extender solved the problem. And it doesn’t come with extras—we’d prefer OS-neutral keycaps, or spares for both operating systems. Our top picks are fully programmable through the easy-to-use VIA software.
Additionally, customers mention the keyboard feels great and has full audio controls, including play/pause, forward, backward, mute, volume up, and down. G. Skill KM250 RGBThis was our previous pick for the best budget mechanical keyboard, but the Mountain Everest 60’s price drops have made it a better choice. Nevertheless, the MK250 RGB is a cracking little keyboard and is well worth its low cost. You can tweak the layout within the ZSA website or its own Keymapp program. This is especially important for gaming, as ZSA has made some strange design choices to make the keyboard smaller. For instance, there’s no dedicated Left Control key by default, meaning you might need to remap your crouch button in FPS games or change the keyboard’s configuration.
