The Best Mechanical Keyboards

Every clack of a well-built mechanical keyboard can transform a routine task into a satisfying experience. Whether you’re typing thousands of words, grinding through code, or gaming deep into the night, the tactile feedback and durability of a mechanical keyboard make it a worthy upgrade over the flat, uninspiring model that likely came with your computer. Beyond feel, many of today’s mechanical boards offer a level of customization, from switch types to keycap designs, that lets you tailor your setup exactly to your preferences.

After months of research and hands-on testing with the most popular and promising models, we’ve narrowed it down to our top pick: the Keychron Max. This keyboard delivers an outstanding typing experience, impressive build quality, and thoughtful features like wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and programmable keys, all at surprisingly reasonable prices. If you’re new to mechanical keyboards or looking to upgrade your current setup, these are the best options to consider.

Keychron V6 Max

The Best Overall Option

The V6 Max is a full-size mechanical keyboard with a hot-swappable layout, excellent build quality, and wired/wireless connectivity. It provides a satisfying typing experience at an affordable price.

Buy on Amazon

The Keychron V6 Max is a standout option for anyone seeking a full-size mechanical keyboard with modern features and broad compatibility. Of all the keyboards we considered, the V6 Max offers one of the most satisfying typing experiences at a very reasonable price. It has a durable plastic case that doesn’t flex under pressure, pre-lubed stabilizers that feel smooth and sound dampened, and an overall design that emphasizes both performance and reliability. The V6 Max also features a flat profile with a gentle slope, plus sturdy rear feet with two incline options for a more ergonomic typing angle.

One of the V6 Max’s most appealing aspects is its customizability. It ships with Gateron Jupiter Brown switches, which offer a smooth and moderately tactile feel suitable for both typing and gaming. But thanks to its hot-swappable sockets, compatible with both three and five-pin switches, you can easily replace the stock switches with alternatives without any soldering required. This makes it an excellent keyboard for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

Keychron equips the V6 Max with durable, double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA profile. These keycaps have a comfortable, slightly sculpted shape and resisted surface wear during extended use. Since the V6 Max uses a standard full-size layout, replacing keycaps is straightforward. If you ever want to change the appearance or feel of your board, compatible aftermarket keycap sets are widely available.

The V6 Max is fully programmable through Keychron’s web-based Keychron Launcher app. Using this tool, you can remap keys, customize RGB lighting, set up macros, change rotary knob functions, and update the firmware. The keyboard is also compatible with VIA, another popular configuration utility. While you need to use a wired connection to apply changes, Bluetooth and wireless dongle programming are not supported, this is a common limitation among mechanical keyboards.

The V6 Max supports three connection methods: wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless via dongle, and Bluetooth. It includes both USB-A and USB-C wireless dongles, as well as a removable braided USB-C cable for wired use. For convenience, the back of the keyboard has storage slots for both dongles, helping keep your setup tidy when you switch between devices.

This keyboard is designed for both Windows and macOS users. It comes with keycaps for both operating systems and includes a physical switch to toggle between the two layouts. Also included in the box are a USB-C–to–A adapter and tools for changing switches and keycaps, making the unboxing and setup experience particularly user-friendly.

While the V6 Max excels in functionality and performance, it isn’t the most visually customizable option. It’s only available in a black case with a gray, black, and red keycap color scheme. The legends on the keycaps show some inconsistency in font size and spacing, which might bother detail-oriented users. Those looking for a more stylish or colorful board may want to explore other models.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that Keychron’s one-year warranty is quite limited. If something goes wrong, the company typically replaces only the defective parts, not the entire keyboard. Although there haven’t been widespread reports of issues with the V6 Max, potential buyers should be aware of this policy, particularly when comparing it to other brands with more comprehensive coverage.

LOFREE Flow84

Best Upgrade Option

This high-end keyboard combines a slim aluminum build with Kailh Full POM low-profile switches, a gasket mount design, and vibrant RGB sidelighting, delivering a premium typing experience in a compact form.

Buy on Amazon

The LOFREE Flow84 is considered by many to be the smoothest mechanical keyboard out there. Designed for users who want the tactile benefits of mechanical switches without the bulk, this keyboard combines a remarkably slim profile with premium materials and innovative engineering. Its full aluminum-alloy body offers both a sleek aesthetic and long-term durability, giving it a solid, weighty feel uncommon in compact keyboards. Despite its minimalist appearance, the Flow84 is packed with thoughtful features that elevate the typing experience.

At the heart of the LOFREE Flow84 is the Kailh Full POM low-profile switch, the first of its kind made entirely from self-lubricating POM material. These switches are engineered to become smoother with time, providing an effortlessly gliding feel with each keystroke. Whether you prefer a lighter touch or something more tactile, the Flow84 is hot-swappable, letting you tailor the typing experience to your exact preferences without soldering or special tools.

One of the most unique aspects of the Flow84 is its gasket-mount design, a rare feature in low-profile keyboards. The gasket mount provides a cushioned, softer typing experience by distributing pressure more evenly and reducing harsh bottom-outs. This adds a level of refinement and comfort typically found in higher-end mechanical keyboards with much taller profiles.

The Flow84 also pays close attention to aesthetics and user comfort. It features white backlighting for the keys and RGB sidelighting that creates a subtle glow around the keyboard, adding atmosphere without being distracting. The low-profile PBT keycaps are made using a high-quality dye-sublimation process that delivers vibrant, long-lasting legends. Their textured surface resists shine and wear, maintaining a clean look even with daily use.

This high-end keyboard excels in areas where many compact keyboards fall short. Its build quality, switch performance, and typing acoustics are impressive, and the programmable features allow for a degree of personalization that matches more expensive models. The overall typing sound is soft and deep, producing a pleasing “thock” that is both distinctive and satisfying.

But don’t just take our word for it, tech founders like David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founder of Basecamp and creator of Ruby on Rails, have publicly praised the LOFREE Flow84, which is what put the keyboard on our radar in the first place. After moving away from Apple’s ultra-low-profile keyboards, he described the Flow84 as “the most glorious sounding keyboard” he’s ever used. What initially seemed like a plain-looking device revealed itself to be a revelation in comfort and sound, thanks to its talky, tactile feel and satisfying acoustics. For someone who once defended the Apple Magic Keyboard, the transition to mechanical keys was eye-opening. He noted that once you experience the longer travel and feedback of a well-made board, “there’s no going back.”

For those looking for a low-profile mechanical keyboard that doesn’t compromise on performance or feel, the LOFREE Flow84 is a compelling choice. Its combination of comfort, sound, aesthetics, and customization makes it suitable for programmers, writers, and designers alike. While it may not have the flashy branding of larger competitors, its refined execution and thoughtful details make it one of the most impressive low-profile keyboards on the market today.

Keychron V5 Max

Best Compact Option

The V5 Max combines a 96% layout with a rotary knob, hot-swappable switches, and multi-device wireless support, making it a great choice for those who want functionality in a space-saving design.

Buy on Amazon

The Keychron V5 Max is a versatile mechanical keyboard that delivers impressive performance in a compact yet highly functional layout. It features a sturdy plastic case, smooth pre-lubed stabilizers, and high-quality PBT keycaps in a comfortable OSA profile. Like its siblings in the V Max lineup, the V5 Max supports hot-swappable switches, vibrant RGB backlighting, a tactile rotary knob, and full programmability through both the Keychron Launcher and VIA configuration apps. With support for Windows and macOS layouts and a physical switch to toggle between them, it’s built for users who move between different operating systems.

This model stands out for offering a 96% layout, which means it includes a number pad while maintaining a more compact footprint than traditional full-size keyboards. The layout saves desk space while still delivering most of the functionality of larger boards. However, it comes with some trade-offs: the right Shift key, bottom-row modifiers, and number-pad keys are nonstandard, which can make finding compatible replacement keycaps more difficult.

The typing experience on the V5 Max is among the best available in its price range. Its plastic chassis is solid and resistant to flex, and the included Gateron Jupiter Brown switches strike a good balance between tactile feedback and smooth actuation. The stabilizers are quiet and refined, and the overall profile is gently sloped for comfort, with adjustable feet in the back to suit different typing preferences.

Like its siblings, the V5 Max also supports wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless with a dongle, and Bluetooth, giving users plenty of flexibility across devices. It includes both USB-A and USB-C dongles, along with a removable braided USB-C cable. A built-in slot on the back of the keyboard allows for easy storage of both dongles when they’re not in use.

As with the other V Max models, aesthetics are somewhat limited. The V5 Max is only available in a black chassis with gray, black, and red keycaps. Some users may also notice minor inconsistencies in the keycap legends. While this won’t affect functionality, those looking for a more polished or colorful look may prefer other models. Still, for those prioritizing functionality, customizability, and a compact full-layout design, the V5 Max is a compelling choice.

Keychron C3 Pro

Best Budget Option

The C3 Pro is an affordable mechanical keyboard that delivers excellent value with a solid build, smooth stabilizers, and VIA support, making it ideal for budget-conscious typists and gamers.

Buy on Amazon

The Keychron C3 Pro is the best budget mechanical keyboard for those who want a solid typing experience without spending a lot. It offers excellent performance for its price, with smooth stabilizers, a sturdy case that doesn’t flex under normal use, and full programmability through Keychron Launcher and VIA. Although it lacks some of the premium features found on higher-end models, such as wireless connectivity or premium keycaps, the C3 Pro still manages to outperform most other keyboards in its price category.

This model is available in two main configurations: a base version with red-only backlighting and no hot-swap support, and a slightly more expensive version that adds RGB lighting and hot-swappable switches. Both versions use Keychron’s Brown or Red switches, which feel significantly better than the gritty, inconsistent switches commonly found on other budget boards. If you want the flexibility to change switches later or enjoy vibrant backlighting effects, the RGB hot-swap version is well worth the additional $10.

Despite its affordability, the C3 Pro offers a refined typing experience. Its stabilizers are pre-lubed and perform well out of the box, resulting in minimal rattle and a clean sound profile. While the overall build is taller and has a steeper typing angle than our top picks, it remains comfortable for long sessions, especially if you add a wrist rest. Unlike many low-cost keyboards, the C3 Pro feels responsive and solid rather than hollow and mushy.

One of the standout features of the C3 Pro is its full support for VIA and Keychron Launcher. This allows users to remap any key, record macros, configure lighting patterns, and even update firmware directly from a browser. Having this level of control in a sub-$50 keyboard is rare and helps close the gap between budget and premium models in terms of functionality.

The C3 Pro supports both Windows and macOS operating systems. While it doesn’t come with dedicated keycaps for each OS like our top picks, the included legends support both layouts, and switching between them is easy using a simple key combination. The box includes a USB-C–to–A cable, a few red accent keycaps, and a keycap puller for customization.

There are a few compromises, as expected in this price range. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which feels lighter and slicker than the PBT keycaps found on more expensive models. They are also more prone to wear and shine over time. However, the C3 Pro uses a standard layout, making it easy to replace the keycaps with aftermarket options if you want to upgrade later.

Although the design is more utilitarian than stylish, the C3 Pro delivers where it matters most: performance and functionality. For users on a budget who still want a high-quality mechanical keyboard that is customizable, reliable, and satisfying to type on, the Keychron C3 Pro is the best option available.

Corsair K70 RGB PRO

Best for Gaming

This gaming keyboard features magnetic linear switches with adjustable actuation, dual-function keys, a durable aluminum frame, sound-dampening tech, and a plush memory foam wrist rest.

Buy on Amazon

The Corsair K70 RGB PRO is a high-end mechanical keyboard built with gamers and power users in mind. Its standout feature is Corsair’s MGX magnetic linear switches, which allow users to fine-tune each key’s actuation point with extreme precision. This means you can adjust how far you need to press a key before it registers, allowing for faster input or more deliberate key presses depending on your needs. Each key also supports dual actuation, enabling two separate functions to be assigned to a single press based on how far the key is pressed.

The build quality of the K70 RGB PRO is equally impressive. It features a durable aluminum top plate that provides structural integrity and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Corsair includes a detachable memory foam wrist rest that offers lasting comfort during extended use, whether you’re gaming or typing for hours. Full RGB illumination is present and highly customizable, giving users control over lighting patterns, effects, and brightness zones through Corsair’s iCUE software.

Sound-dampening foam beneath the switches helps reduce keystroke noise, creating a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feel. The keyboard also includes dedicated media controls, a volume roller, and customizable macro support, making it a powerful option for streamers, content creators, and anyone who demands a high degree of control from their keyboard.

Epomaker Galaxy100

Another Great Option

The Galaxy100 is a compact 96% mechanical keyboard with vibrant RGB lighting, hot-swappable switches, and solid wireless performance. It’s a great alternative if you want more color options and a sleeker design.

Buy on Amazon

The Epomaker Galaxy100 is our second best pick for a full-size mechanical keyboard, offering excellent build quality, a vibrant design, and many of the same features as our top choices. It has a sturdy aluminum case that feels solid and premium, with no flex or rattling. The keyboard includes hot-swappable sockets, full RGB backlighting, wireless connectivity, and a programmable rotary knob. It works seamlessly with VIA, making key remapping and lighting customization simple and accessible.

This keyboard stands out with its aesthetic options. The Galaxy100 is available in either white or black, offering a cleaner, more playful look than the more subdued Keychron V Max lineup. Its thick doubleshot PBT keycaps are set in a comfortable MDA profile and provide a rich, satisfying typing sound. While the legends are bold and easy to read, the slightly thicker keycaps also help dampen keystrokes for a more muted and pleasant tone during use.

Typing on the Galaxy100 feels smooth and well-balanced. The included linear Marble White switches are factory-lubed and glide with minimal resistance. Although it ships only with linear switches, the Galaxy100 supports hot-swap functionality for both three- and five-pin switches, allowing you to easily install tactile or clicky switches without soldering. The stabilizers are well-lubed and quiet, and several layers of internal foam provide effective sound dampening for a thocky acoustic profile.

Wireless support is a strong point. The Galaxy100 connects via wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless (USB-A dongle), and Bluetooth. While the included cable is a simple rubber USB-C–to–A version, not as refined as the braided cables from Keychron, it gets the job done. A built-in switch lets you toggle between connection modes, and the keyboard also includes a keycap puller and switch puller for easy customization.

There are a few trade-offs to consider. The Galaxy100 does not include macOS-specific keycaps or extras for multiple layouts. It also lacks adjustable feet, offering only a fixed angle with a gentle slope. Still, for those who want a well-built mechanical keyboard with a clean design, solid materials, and full programmability, the Epomaker Galaxy100 is an excellent alternative to our top picks.

Mechanical keyboards offer more than just a better typing experience, they bring durability, customization, and satisfaction to everyday tasks. If you spend long hours writing, coding, or gaming, the tactile response and build quality of a mechanical board can make a noticeable difference in comfort and performance. Features like hot-swappable switches, RGB lighting, and full programmability give users control over both form and function, allowing for a setup tailored to individual preferences.

As the mechanical keyboard market continues to grow, high-quality options are becoming more accessible across all price ranges. From budget-friendly models to feature-packed boards with wireless connectivity and advanced customization, there’s never been a better time to upgrade. Investing in a well-designed keyboard not only improves how you interact with your computer but also adds an element of joy to the daily grind.