Tom’s Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Sarah Jacobsson Purewal is a senior editor computers keyboard at Tom’s Hardware covering peripherals, software, and custom builds. You can find more of her work in PCWorld, Macworld, TechHive, CNET, Gizmodo, Tom’s Guide, PC Gamer, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, SHAPE, Cosmopolitan, and just about everywhere else. Tom’s Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher.
The Epomaker x Feker Galaxy80’s aluminum case and thick keycaps feel even nicer to type on than those of the Keychron V3 Max, and our runner-up comes in a wider range of pretty colors. But the Galaxy80 is available only with linear switches; it supports hot-swap, so you can easily change the switches out if you don’t like them, but we prefer a wider variety of switch options. Like the V3 Max, the Galaxy80 has RGB backlighting, wireless connectivity, and full programmability, but it lacks a knob, and it isn’t as easy to customize as our VIA-compatible top pick. If you want a wireless keyboard with a built-in number pad, we recommend the Logitech K585 Slim Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard, which is more compact than many other models with number pads. Like our top pick, the K585 is inexpensive, offers a comfortable typing experience, and has a battery that will last for years. The K585 also provides a convenient stand for a phone or tablet, a feature that none of our other picks have. But this keyboard lacks a backlight, and it can connect to and swap between only two devices.
Unusual Report Reveals The Fake Techniques of Keyboards
If you’re considering a premium keyboard, we think it makes sense to pick the Keychron Q1 Max over the Q1 Pro ($199) or wired Keychron Q1 ($189 with knob). The Max has all the features of the earlier two boards, with the extra flexibility of connecting via a 1000Hz 2.4GHz USB dongle in addition to Bluetooth and USB-C. We’re taking you through all the differences between mechanical and membrane keyboards right here, as well as showing you which one would suit your play and work routine best. Therefore, when you press the key, the spring will be pushed down to connect the circuit and register a keystroke. The mechanical keyboard may look the same as a rubber dome keyboard because of the same key caps.
We also test the keyboard with any included software (or, if compatible, QMK / VIA) to see how easy it is to program and customize keymapping, settings, and RGB/backlighting (if applicable). 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. The best mechanical keyboards will elevate your typing experience. With the right keyboard switches, you can type faster, more accurately and more comfortably than a standard membrane keyboard.
The Dirty Truth on Keyboards
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Mechanical users can glide their fingers across the keyboard with ease, allowing them to type faster and longer with better accuracy. They mention it’s sturdy, has an excellent design, and is strong enough to handle fast-paced typing. Magnetic switches and excellent software customizability gives the K70 Pro TKL a distinct edge, and this is a great choice if you need a new gaming keyboard today. Keychron’s Q1 HE is my go-to recommendation for its feature set and value. While it is costlier at $219, you get Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, an all-metal chassis, and excellent Gateron magnetic switches. It isn’t aimed at gamers, so you don’t get some of the niceties that Corsair bundles as standard, but if you need a great keyboard, the Q1 HE ticks a lot of the right boxes.
A Secret Weapon For Keyboards
I’m not kidding when I say typing on the Keychron Q3 Max ruins other mechanical keyboards for you. The Cooler Master MK770 is an all-around excellent keyboard for typists and gamers alike. The gasket-mounted design and KailhKailh Box V2 switches pair wonderfully to create a truly comfortable and pleasant peripheral, especially if you opt for clicky white switches. The Macaron color option also gives this otherwise standard board a stylish flair. And if you want to change the switches or mod the board, the hot-swappable design facilitates that. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini offers a high-quality build and a versatile range of per-key customization options. Though designed for competitive gamers, it’s also an excellent 60% keyboard for typists who want a compact board.
- The Bercy Arena also hosted the 2017 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship, together with Cologne, Germany.
- We like that both models can work in wired mode when the battery runs low or dies.
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- The end result is a stable, responsive and springy feel to each key that doesn’t go amiss once you’re typing at speed on it.
- This takes some getting used to, but it’s well-organised and becomes snappy to use with time.
The MX Keys S is also heavier and less portable than our other picks. My K380 is still going strong after two years, and other Wirecutter staffers have seen similarly long battery life from their K380 keyboards. We also like that the batteries are easy to replace when they wear out. Buckling-spring keyboards don’t meet Wirecutter’s criteria for switch variety, and they’re not compatible with MX-style keycaps. But people who love buckling-spring keyboards really love buckling-spring keyboards. The Unicomp Mini M is the loudest keyboard I have ever encountered—my partner could hear me typing on it rooms away, across the entire 2,000-square-foot apartment, with his headphones on. If you have a buckling-spring keyboard and love it, I’m happy for you.
My criticisms of the keyboard’s missing features are subjective, of course, but I’ll concede that the last major addition, Touch ID, is still as handy as ever for Apple users. As with the previous keyboard generation, setting up Touch ID is still a cinch. You pick your favorite finger, and lift your fingertip onto the Touch ID scanner multiple times, allowing your fingerprint to be completely scanned. The whole process takes barely a minute, and in testing, I found it close to foolproof in terms of accurately recognizing my stored print. If your Mac is already set up with Touch ID from a previous keyboard, all you have to do is connect the new keyboard, and you should be good to go. In September, 8BitDo released a set of 165 keycaps featuring the same designs as the NES version of its Retro Mechanical Keyboard, allowing those who prefer larger layouts to customize their keyboard’s appearance to match.
If you want a standalone number pad or Touch ID for your Mac, or if you have another specific need, we have more advice in the Other good Bluetooth keyboards section below. The Ducky One 3 Full-size has the same macro-recording issues as its tenkeyless counterpart. Kimber Streams is a writer who has been covering laptops and other tech at Wirecutter for more than a decade. PCMag is obsessed with culture and tech, offering smart, spirited coverage of the products and innovations that shape our connected lives and the digital trends that keep us talking. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.