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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of mechanical keyboards on the market and the enthusiast jargon accompanying them. We’ve got you covered with a list of the best mechanical keyboards for functions other than just video games.
Also: The best iPad keyboard cases you can buy
Membrane keyboards can be boring and unsatisfying. After a while, they just break or get that weird shiny overcast on all the keycaps. Thankfully, mechanical keyboards can spice up your office or gaming space. Keyboards like the Keychron Q1 Max, the Cherry Xtrfy 3.0, and the Logitech G715 sport vibrant RGB lights, aesthetic layouts, and tons of customizable options. What’s more, Bluetooth can conveniently connect most of these listed keyboards to almost any smartphone, tablet, computer, or operating system like macOS or Windows.
What is the best mechanical keyboard right now?
The best mechanical keyboard we tested is the Keychron Q1 Max due to its sturdy build, customization options, and overall user experience. This keyboard wowed us in every way and deserves this top spot. We tested a bunch of other great options as well. Read on to find your best fit.
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The best mechanical keyboards of 2025
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The minute I unboxed the Keychron Q1 Max, I knew it would be a quality keyboard. In my mechanical keyboard testing, this keyboard performed far above the others and has become my daily driver, along with the Q1 HE. It adds personality to your workspace, flair to your productivity, and even works great for playing games.
The first and most indicative factor of its quality is the materials the keyboard is built from. The base is made from aluminum, which gives it a sturdy presence on your desk. If you’re like me and good at knocking everything over, this keyboard has survived many unfortunate elbow bumps over time. Although the aluminum base may change the acoustics of the mechanical sound you may be searching for, it makes for a durable and sleek tool.
The keyboard comes in three base colors: Carbon Black, Shell White, and Purple. It also has three switch options of Gatreon’s Jupiter Red, Jupiter Brown, or Jupiter Banana. My review unit came equipped with the Jupiter Yellow switches that yield a sound I can best describe as metallic bubble wrap, which I found ultra-satisfying.
The best thing about Keychron keyboards is their companion launcher app, where you can customize aspects of your keyboard like assigning different key commands, remapping keys, adjusting key actuation points, and customizing RGB lights. With Keychron keyboards, there is a particular aspect of customization that makes the keyboard feel like yours. Not to mention, each keyboard comes with extra tools, keycaps, and adapters.
Keychron Q1 Max tech specs: Type: 75% | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
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Finding a great product at a reasonable price can be difficult, but this is where the Cherry Xtrfy MX 3.1 shines. This keyboard offers an incredibly satisfying typing experience for both work and gaming, thanks to Cherry’s MX2A crosspoint switch technology and a one-millisecond response time.
The keyboard’s compact design makes it surprisingly hefty with an ergonomic slope. The elegant RGB lights balance the perfect amount of light and keyboard visibility, so it doesn’t look too gaudy.
Review: This mechanical keyboard I tested works just as well for work as it does for play
ZDNET expert Kyle Kucharski tried this mechanical keyboard first-hand and valued it for its high quality and low price. “Enthusiasts might miss a few of the keyboard’s niche features, but for most consumers looking for a customizable, sleek mechanical keyboard, the Cherry Xtrify MX 3.1 delivers the experience,” he said.
However, it does miss a few features that some keyboard enthusiasts might prefer. The keyboard is not hot-swappable, and the keycaps are made from a cheaper material than usual, but this makes sense for its $120 price tag. If you want an excellent keyboard that provides a smooth, reactive experience without the hassle of customizing or building, the Cherry Xtrify MX 3.1 is a winner.
Cherry Xtrfy MX 3.1 tech specs: Type: 100% | Hot-Swappable: No | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB plug-and-play | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
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I found that aesthetics come into play the most for this mechanical keyboard. The Logitech G715 is cloudy-white and has Clicky, Tactile, or Linear switches. The Clicky switches that came with my review unit remind me of old mechanical keyboards — specifically, the one my grandparents keep in their computer room to this day.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the keyboard is that the RGB lights light up under each keycap individually, and the WASD keys light up differently to assist in gameplay. I also noted that the extra 4- and 8-degree kickstands on the keyboard’s base worked well for productivity.
My only qualm is that it is not a hot-swappable keyboard. This is convenient for people who want to use it as is, but it also means that I can’t change the switches to play with different sounds. Overall, it’s an ideal product for those who don’t care about the bells and whistles of customization but still want a fun and quality mechanical keyboard.
Logitech G715 tech specs: Type: 75% | Hot-Swappable: No | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB/USB-C, Bluetooth, and wired | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
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The Cherry KC 200 MX is the perfect keyboard for your office setup. It is a 100% keyboard with plenty of standard features like a number pad and customizable action keys. Its slim form makes it a sleek addition to your workspace. It reminds me of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, but more satisfying.
The mild mechanical clicking sound is the most essential feature that makes it office appropriate. Its sound is smoother than that of a traditional membrane office keyboard, which may help deter mid-day headaches. Switching up sounds helps mine.
The design of this keyboard was made for professionals who wanted a smoother typing experience but with no frills — hence no RGB lights, knobs, or flashy colors. The keyboard uses Cherry’s MX2A switches, so it could also work well for gamers.
Cherry KC 200 MX: Type: 100% | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB-A | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
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This lean mean Glacier Blue machine is the perfect nostalgia blast from the “clear technology” era of the early 2000s. For those not in the know, items like translucent Gameboys, video console controllers, and even TVs had a clear, colored structure, allowing you to see all the hardware underneath. This is the vibe Corsair and Apple created when they released the K65 Plus in Glacier Blue. However, I will mention that the White colorway of this product does not have the same “clear technology” aesthetic.
It is a 75% keyboard, so you have all you need. Typing on this keyboard is a way better experience than the typical Apple Magic Keyboard. With the added color and nostalgic elements, it feels like a fun keyboard — it even has a volume knob. The colorways are limited but specialty with clear Blue and creamy White. Corsair’s MLX Red linear switches are pre-lubricated, making for a smooth typing experience that is not loud or distracting.
This keyboard is only available through the Apple Store, so you can pick one up with your Mac purchase. Another selling point for me is the Mac adjacent keys on the top row with the same actions as a MacBook like volume, skipping songs, do not disturb, and the search function. It’s also the same price as a 100% Magic Keyboard, so there is no need to justify the cost over the other keyboard.
Corsair K65 Plus tech specs: Type: 75% | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB-C | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
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The Mchose GX87 strikes the perfect balance of a productivity keyboard and a great gaming accessory with fast tactile feedback. I mostly used it to play Fortnite and Minecraft, and the keyboard offered seamless feedback to my commands. Besides the Keychron models, this was one of the first times a keyboard felt like it flowed underneath my hands.
The switch sound emits a satisfying bubble-wrap-like sound, which you don’t usually see at this reasonable of a price point. The keyboard’s ergonomics also provide a comfortable experience, as the keys are not too curved and the small slope of the board does not allow much bend in your wrists. Mchose also included an extra keycap that looks like a dragon and reminds me of my cat, so kudos for fun details. I put mine on my escape key.
The aluminum base solidifies the quality of this keyboard. My only qualm is that the cables included were a USB to USB-C end, which is inconvenient to certain operating system users. However, the cord situation is slightly bettered by the included tools to help change keycaps and switches. Overall, this mechanical keyboard will help change your gaming and productivity game.
Mchose GX87 tech specs: Type: 95% | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB-C | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
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It should come as no surprise that Keychron makes another appearance on this list, as its products have always exceeded my expectations. The Keychron K3 Max packs a lot of punch for a small, 60% compact keyboard.
I travel frequently between my hometown and my current city, and this keyboard has helped me maintain a great setup. The switches are satisfying, and the keys are big enough that my clumsy fingers rarely mess up.
The keyboard has a hot-swappable and non-swappable option, though I prefer ones that are hot-swappable for customization reasons. The preloaded switches are a bit more clacky than I like, but that is the nature of a smaller keyboard with less room for bells and whistles. Overall, it has a quality build, an aluminum base, and an easy way to connect to your devices. Plus, it can connect to mobile devices like your phone or tablet, which I found to be a huge plus.
Keychron K3 Max tech specs: Type: 60% | Hot-Swappable: Options for both | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB-C | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
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The Keychron Q1 Max is our top pick for everything from productivity to gaming. Plus, it comes in at a decent price of $184. See below to compare how the other picks stack up.
| Best mechanical keyboard | Cost | Type |
| Keychron Q1 Max | $230 | 75% |
| Cherry Xtrfy MX 3.1 | $120 | 100% |
| Logitech G715 | $170 | 75% |
| Cherry KC 200 MX | $89 | 100% |
| Corsair K65 Plus | $160 | 75% |
| Mchose GX87 | $89 | 80% |
| Keychron K3 Max | $120 | 60% |
| Choose this mechanical keyboard… | If you want… |
| Keychron Q1 Max | An overall great quality mechanical keyboard down to minor aspects like the switch sound and the material of the base. This keyboard is a great choice for any situation. |
| Cherry Xtrfy MX 3.1 | A pleasing keyboard for gamers, professionals, or students. With efficient speeds and a satisfying type, it’s a crowd-pleaser. |
| Logitech G715 | A Logitech keyboard that checks all the boxes of a satisfying accessory, but also adds a nice aesthetic. |
| Cherry KC 200 MX | A mechanical keyboard perfect for productivity, or a more silent typing experience at the office. Great for those who need a number pad, too. |
| Corsair K65 Plus | A mechanical keyboard that works specifically for your Mac, but also has a nostalgic feel. |
| Mchose GX87 | A sturdy 75% keyboard with a sleek design for those who play video games regularly and want to try out a mechancial keyboard. |
| Keychron K3 Max | A mechanical keyboard capable of travel or keeping your work setup consistent on the go. |
If you’re interested in purchasing a mechanical keyboard, you will need to consider the following factors:
Build and durability: Just like any other product, you will need to consider the materials the keyboard is made from, how durable it will be, and, of course, whether it fits the look and aesthetic you want for your setup. Truly, the wrong keyboard can bring the opposite of feng shui to your workflow.
Switches: The switch is the personality of the mechanical keyboard; it creates a satisfying click noise when a keycap is pressed. There is a wide range of switches and their sounds and purposes, so keyboards are very customizable. (PSA: Make sure your keyboard is hot-swappable before you change a switch.) You may also want to consider the noise level. If you work in an open office, a louder mechanical keyboard may be a bit bothersome instead of a smoother and quieter switch.
Ergonomics: One of the most critical factors in purchasing a new mechanical keyboard is how it fits in your daily life. If its angle or base makes typing too uncomfortable, it may be wise to consider other options. Nowadays, there are split keyboards, curved keyboards, and other innovations to serve those with specific needs.
When testing out mechanical keyboards, we considered several factors.
Size: Keyboard can range from sizes 100% to 40%. This means a 100% keyboard will have about 104 keys, while a 40% will have the bare minimum of 41 keys. However, this only matters for what you need on a keyboard. Someone who works with numbers more often may want a 100% keyboard for its number pad, while someone who travels for work may want a 40% for its portability- or they may have small fingers. The size you go with depends on your own needs. I prefer a 75% keyboard because it is a good size on my desk, but it doesn’t include a number pad since I don’t need one.
Switch type: A switch is the activation point for each key. When you press a key, the switch registers that number, letter, or symbol. Switches are also responsible for the “click” sound when you press a key, making them customizable. The quality and feel of each switch are crucial to your experience with the keyboard. Some may be better for gaming, some you may buy just for its satisfying sound, while others are purely functional.
Backlighting: Lighting adds another layer of preference to mechanical keyboards. Many of them come pre-loaded with RGB lights, and some may not. With some brands, you can even customize the color and light pattern.
Design: This comes down to the materials the keyboard is made from, how the switches sound, how the keycaps are laid out, and more. We also considered how hefty, durable, and ergonomic the keyboards are.
Many different companies manufacture mechanical keyboards, but not all of them may offer the best quality or features to do the job. In our search, we found that the best mechanical keyboards come from companies like Razer, NuPhy, and SteelSeries, but you are likely to find many others in your search.
A mechanical keyboard spruces up your desktop space — whether it’s for school, work, or gaming. Personally, I believe that a mechanical keyboard that fits my aesthetic and preference has helped my productivity and even some of my gameplay.
Many mechanical keyboard users agree that once you get one, you’ll never look back.
Bluetooth will serve well for gaming, but if you want instant readings on your keys, it’s better to use the cord with your keyboard. Bluetooth can delay action up to .2 seconds. Yes, wired accessories can create so much clutter on your desktop, but if you want to be on your best game, connect your keyboard through USB or USB-C.
Every single part of a mechanical keyboard can be customized. In fact, the most dedicated mechanical keyboard enthusiasts build their own custom keyboards. If you want new keycaps, you can order them from Etsy or Amazon. Don’t like the sound of your keyboard? Get dampeners for the sound, or just buy new switches. Seriously, the world is your oyster with mechanical keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards work because of the switch that is under the keycap. When you press your desired key, you feel a physical feedback bump. This feedback ensures you hit the desired letter and allows you to continue typing more effortlessly. Traditional membrane keyboards use rubber domes to register clicks, which leaves virtually no feedback.
Other mechanical keyboards we’ve tested
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