Best mechanical keyboards of 2023

What is a mechanical keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that uses individual switches for each key. This allows the user to have more control over their typing experience, as well as having an increased lifespan compared to other types of keyboards. Mechanical keyboards are also known for being louder than most other types of keyboards due to the sound produced by pressing down on these keys and hearing them click into place when they’re pressed all the way down.

How does a mechanical keyboard work?

Mechanical keyboards use a switch to register keystrokes. The most common switches are Cherry MX, which come in different colours and actuation forces (how much pressure is required before the keystroke registers). For example, you can get blue or brown switches that require 45 grams of force for activation. Other options include reds (55 g), blacks (60 g), and greens/yellows (~80g). There are also Topre-style capacitive key switches with no moving parts at all!

Advantages and Applications

Mechanical keyboards are more durable than membrane keyboards. They also have a much longer lifespan, and they’re easier to clean because you can remove the keys from their base. The switches themselves last for years if properly maintained, so it’s not uncommon to see people using mechanical boards that are over 10 years old!

What are the 5 benefits of a mechanical keyboard?

Tactile feedback (the clicky sound)
Durability
Customisation
Ergonomics
Aesthetics

Who should use a mechanical keyboard?

Anyone who types a lot. If you’re looking for an upgrade from your stock keyboard, or if you want to try something new and different, mechanical keyboards are the way to go. They offer more tactile feedback than membrane-based boards do, which can help improve typing speed and accuracy over time. And they just feel better under your fingers — especially when gaming!

What types of mechanical keyboards are there?

Cherry MX
Topre
Buckling Spring

What do I need to look out for when comparing a mechanical keyboard?

There are a few things to look out for when comparing mechanical keyboards.

Switch Type

The first is the switch type, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

USB Ports or Audio jacks

Next, you should check if it has any extra features like USB ports or audio jacks and how many of each port there are (if any).

some mechanical keyboards use optics

Necessary cables

You also want to make sure that your keyboard comes with all the necessary cables so you can use it right away without having to buy anything else separately.

Macro keys

Finally, some gaming keyboards have macro keys on them as well as media controls; these aren’t essential but they do come in handy sometimes!

Advantages and disadvantages based on customer reviews

Advantages

Mechanical keyboards are more durable than membrane keyboards.
They also have a much longer lifespan.
They are easier to clean because you can remove the keys from their base.
The switches themselves last for years if properly maintained, so it’s not uncommon to see people using mechanical boards that are over 10 years old!

Disadvantages

Mechanical keyboards are not for everyone, They can be loud.
They require more force to press the keys than a membrane keyboard does.
If you type lightly or have weak fingers, then this is probably not the best option for you.
Also if your work requires that you keep quiet (like in an office), then it might be better to go with something quieter like a membrane keyboard instead of a mechanical one.

Alternatives to mechanical keyboard exist?

There are a few alternatives to mechanical keyboards. The most common alternative is the membrane keyboard, which uses rubber domes under each key instead of individual switches. Membrane keyboards feel mushy and don’t have much tactile feedback compared to mechanical ones; they’re also more prone to failure over time due to dust getting stuck in between keys or other problems with their design (such as the infamous “space bar” problem). Another option is a scissor-switch keyboard, which has two plastic pieces that actuate when you press down on them as scissors do. These types of keyboards can be found on laptops and some desktop computers but aren’t very popular for gaming because they lack any sort of tactility or satisfying clickiness that makes typing enjoyable.

Further Links and Sources

FAQ

How loud are mechanical keyboards?

mechanical keyboards are indeed louder than most (but not all) membrane keyboards, though the precise sound level depends on the keyboard model, the switch type, and the typist’s technique.

How often do you need to clean your mechanical keyboard?

Cleaning your mechanical keyboard should be done regularly, and cleaning dust and clearing debris is ideally done every day.

What makes a good mechanical keyboard?

There are a few things that make for a good mechanical keyboard. First, the switches themselves need to be of high quality and durable. The keycaps should also be thick enough so they don’t feel cheap or flimsy when typing on them. Finally, it needs to have some sort of backlighting system in order to allow you to type at night without having an external light source nearby (or even worse – using your phone as one).

The best mechanical keyboards of 2023

Mechanical keyboard Leaderboard 2023