Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

10 Best Mechanical Keyboards With RGB Lighting

Mechanical keyboards for PCs have many properties that are of great interest to typists and frequent gamers. On mechanical keyboards, there is a metal spring under each key. This results in clearly visible strokes and a consistent feel when typing. This reduces the risk of incorrect entries. Another advantage: Compared to cheaper and quieter rubber dome keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards last longer. In addition, individual keys can be easily replaced if necessary.

best mechanical keyboards


The following overview describes the 10 best mechanical keyboards with their respective properties and special features. The following guide describes frequently used terms, provides information about the functionality and various types of mechanical keyboards, and lists the most important purchasing criteria.

Recommended 10 best mechanical keyboards with RGB lighting

1. Havit HV-KB432L Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of Game Keyboard
  • Connectivity Technology Usb, Cable
  • Special features Multiple light modes with adjustable brightness, 2 game modes + office work mode, red switch- Ideal for gaming and typing
  • Compatible devices Laptop, PC
  • Number of keys 105
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 43.3 x 12.4 x 3.5 centimeters
  • RGB Theme
The havit HV-KB432L mechanical keyboard has a black aluminum case and is, according to the manufacturer, rugged and splash-resistant. With this model, buyers can choose between three different modes, two game modes and one office mode. A red switch type is installed, which allows relatively quiet typing. The height and angle of the keyboard can be adjusted with the included rubber feet.

What is a red switch? The most famous key switch, also called a so-called switch, comes from the manufacturer Cherry and is called Cherry MX. Cherry MX switches are available in red, blue, brown and black. The red switch is a linear switch that does not provide tactile or sound feedback. This guide provides more information about the different types of switches following a product comparison.

The havit HV-KB432L mechanical keyboard connects to the computer via cable and USB. Thanks to the integrated numeric keypad, 105 anti-ghosting keys and 12 multimedia keys, this keyboard measures 43.3 x 12.5 x 3.5 centimeters (width x depth x height) and takes up quite a bit of space on the table.

RGB lighting with 21 light modes: With RGB lighting, you can choose from 21 preset light modes. In some of these modes, the brightness can be adjusted individually.

According to customer reviews, the key is relatively high. At the same time, according to the manufacturer, the button design is optimized for fast command input. Drivers do not have to be installed separately. Thanks to Plug & Play , just connect your keyboard to your computer and it's ready to go.

Advantages
  • 21 light modes (LED lighting)
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • Aluminum case
Deficiency
  • No response time information
  • No information about switching points
  • No RGB lighting
  • No information about the number of keystrokes
2. Logitech G213 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of QWERTZ keyboard
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Special features wrist, backlight, splash resistant
  • Compatible PC devices
  • Other components included
  • G213 Miracle Series
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 21.8 x 45.2 x 3.3 centimeters
The Logitech G213 mechanical keyboard is a gaming keyboard with a choice of up to five separate RGB lighting zones. The keyboard has a slim case and, according to the manufacturer, is protected from crumbs, dirt, and splashes of water and is easy to clean . This keyboard has a German version of QWERTZ and is equipped with so-called "mech-dome" keys, which the manufacturer says have comparable performance to regular mechanical keyboards, but also offer better touch behavior.

With multimedia controls: The Logitech G213 mechanical keyboard has special multimedia controls, for example to control background music without interruption of gameplay, as well as to play, pause, and mute songs and videos.

According to the manufacturer, the mechanical keyboard's "anti-ghosting gaming" matrix ensures that control is always maintained, even when pressing multiple keys simultaneously. The keyboard is connected to the computer by a cable and has twelve freely programmable keys, the F key. According to the manufacturer, the integrated palm rest with two corners ensures maximum comfort. The keyboard is optionally available as a set along with a headset, gaming mouse, or microphone.

How to clean a mechanical keyboard? The keyboard can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust and other debris, as crumbs between the keys will damage the mechanism. The compressed air spray effectively cleans the keyboard in the small spaces between the keys. From time to time the lock cap should be removed and cleaned in a water bath. At the same time, the inside of the keyboard must be carefully cleaned of dirt with a compressed air spray. The sticky liquid residue can be removed with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. More information can be found in the following product comparison guide.

Advantages
  • Available in bundle with microphone or mouse
  • Splash Resistant
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • RGB lighting
Deficiency
  • No N rollover button
  • No response time information
  • No information about switching points
3. Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of QWERTZ keyboard
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Special feature keyboard, PC/Mac
  • Compatible PC devices
  • Series 120.67
  • Number of buttons 9
The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum is a mechanical keyboard designed especially for gamers. 113 keys have anti-ghosting protection. Gamers can program the nine G keys individually with macros or with in-app commands if they use the Arx Control app. Game information or system data can also be displayed with it. This keyboard features a customizable smart dock and is compatible with most iOS and Android mobile devices. According to the manufacturer, the volume can be adjusted individually and quickly with the rotary control.

Romer-G-Switch appeals to gamers: According to the manufacturer, the Romer-G-Switch of this mechanical keyboard allows for faster keystrokes and a special form of keyboard lighting.

LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting offers a color palette of approximately 16.8 million colors. The lighting type and brightness can be adjusted individually. In many popular games, lighting automatically reacts to what's happening in the game and highlights button assignments.

Overall, the Orion Spectrum from Logitech is aimed at the specific needs of gamers, according to the manufacturer. Integrated armrests and adjustable feet ensure wrists don't tire after hours of typing. The UV protective coating is designed to protect the lock cover from oil and abrasion. Specialized multimedia controls are designed to make it easy to play, pause, mute, and skip tracks and scenes.

What is a Romer-G switch? Romer-G-Switches is a development from the manufacturer Logitech. They differ from the most commonly used Cherry MX switches in mechanical keyboards in mechanical details. These differences result, among other things, in different types of keyboard illumination. This guide provides more information on Romer-G switches following the product description.

Advantages
  • Smart Dock (phone holder)
  • Available in bundle with microphone, headset or mouse
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • Six macro buttons
  • RGB lighting
  • UV protective coating (protects keys from abrasion and oil)
  • Compatible with Android devices
Deficiency
  • No response time information
4. Sharkoon Skiller Mech SGK3 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of QWERTY keyboard
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Compatible devices Laptop, PC
  • SKILLER MECH SGK3 Series
  • Mechanical Style
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 44.6 x 17 x 4.5 centimeters
  • RGB Theme
  • Metal material
According to the manufacturer, the Skiller Mech SGK3 from Sharkoon offers a number of features that gamers appreciate. The reinforced metal surface must ensure the high durability of the mechanical keyboard. Game button switches to game mode. If desired, the WASD section can be assigned the function of the arrow keys. The function keys are equipped with preset multimedia functions.

Delay-free input: A polling rate of 1,000 Hertz makes the Sharkoon mechanical keyboard so fast that, according to the manufacturer, there is no noticeable delay between input and processing.

The brightness of the 20 available RGB lighting effects can be adjusted between 20 and 100 percent to suit the surrounding environment or turned off completely. Skiller Mech SGK3 features anti-ghosting and N-key rollover. Dedicated keys can be used to switch to 6-button rollover if desired.

What is a voting rate? Whenever a key is pressed on an input device, be it a keyboard or mouse, the input is first cached on the input device. The computer regularly asks if input was made on the input device. If this is the case, the information is fetched from the input device and processed. This process is called voting. The polling rate indicates at what interval or how often this query is performed. The polling rate is specified in Hertz. A polling rate of 1,000 hertz means the computer will poll for information in milliseconds.

The model presented here is equipped with RGB lighting and a blue key switch. This is a Kailh switch. Alternatively, the keyboard is also available with red or brown switches. All of these switch types are also available with white lighting instead of RGB. The keyboard is connected to a PC via a 1.8 meter cable via USB. According to the manufacturer, the gold-plated USB connector ensures good signal transmission. Cables are also textile coated and must be properly protected from cable damage.

Advantages
  • High polling rate (1,000 Hertz, faster data processing)
  • Fast response time (1 millisecond)
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • RGB lighting
Deficiency
  • Not compatible with MacOS
5. Logitech G413 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of QWERTZ keyboard
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Compatible PC devices
  • Included parts Logitech G413 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard silver
  • G413 Series
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 44.5 x 13.2 x 3.4 centimeters
  • Operating system Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 10
The Logitech G413 mechanical keyboard features Romer-G switches designed specifically for gaming. According to the manufacturer, the key switch is very quiet and is designed for at least 70 million keystrokes. Switches must allow proper lighting without interfering with radiation due to their special construction.

With USB pass-through connection: USB pass-through transfers easily accessible computer USB ports to the back of the keyboard. Logitech promises 100 percent throughput and data rates for connections.

This model features a sleek design and a brushed aircraft-grade aluminum body. Buyers can choose between a silver case with white lighting and a black box with red lighting. Twelve additional keycaps are included in the delivery scope. Especially in eSports, the 26-key rollover is a boon for those who type really fast.

What does 26 key rollover mean? 26 key rollover indicates that the keyboard can register 26 key presses simultaneously. More information about NKRO, which stands for N-Key Rollover, can be found in the guide following the product description.

Volume, pause and track skips can be controlled via the function keys. These buttons are also used to turn lights on and off or activate game modes. Those using the included Logitech gaming software can set up function keys with custom functions and macro commands.

Advantages
  • Available in two colors (black and white)
  • Available in bundle with mouse or headset
  • USB port
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • Aluminum case
  • RGB lighting
Deficiency
  • No response time information
  • Not compatible with MacOS
6. REDRAGON K552-DE Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of Game Keyboard
  • Cable connectivity technology
  • Backlight special features
  • Compatible devices Laptop, game console, PC
  • Includes component keycap puller
  • K552-KR-UK Series
  • Keyboard backlight color supports RGB
  • Number of keys 87
REDRAGON K552-DE is a mechanical keyboard with red backlight and 19 lighting modes. Two of these modes are customizable. Users can choose between six adjustable brightness levels. The manufacturer has left the number block. Blue Outemu switch installed. The switches of this brand are from the Chinese manufacturer Gaote and are replicas of the Cherry MX switches.

Space-saving, robust and splash-resistant: The 87 keyboard keys are housed in a space-saving case measuring 35.4 x 12.3 x 3.7 centimeters (width x depth x height). According to the manufacturer, the case itself is made of strong and splash-resistant metal. Keycaps are made of plastic.

Like the Cherry MX Blue, the switches built into the K552-DE from REDRAGON have one major drawback: they're noisy. Background noise caused by typing can be distracting, for example when using services like Teamspeak or Discord for communication while playing games. The 1.8 meter high-speed USB cable features a corrosion-free gold-plated USB connector.

This keyboard is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems. According to provider Amazon, keyboard support for Apple computers with macOS is limited. A key drop of 2 millimeters and an actuation force of 50 grams is specified for Outemu switches.

What is meant by gram force? The gram-force unit describes the force exerted by one gram of mass in a normal gravitational field. More generally, the centinewton unit is used for the effort required with respect to a keypress. 100 centinenewton is one newton. Newton described the force required to accelerate one kilogram of mass at a rate of one meter per square second. The strength of 50 Grams is equivalent to 49,03325 centinewtons.

Advantages
  • Compact
  • Splash Resistant
  • Fast response time (1 millisecond)
  • Available in two colors (black and white)
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • RGB lighting
Deficiency
  • No pad number
7. STOGA Mini Mechanical keyboard
  • Description of Game Keyboard
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Backlight special features
  • Compatible devices Laptop, PC
  • Includes component USB cable
  • Number of keys 61
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 29 x 10.2 x 3.5 centimeters
The Stoga mini keyboard succeeds in our product comparisons due to its extremely compact design. Because the mechanical keyboard has 61 keys. So the device has no number area on the right side. The typical buttons for insert, delete, home, end, and top and bottom pages are also completely gone. The F key is also not available. However, important functions can be used and executed via the Fn key along with other function keys.

The Stoga Mini keyboard uses an undefined Brown switch. It is intended to provide immediate feedback. The manufacturer guarantees 50 million keystrokes per key. All 61 keys are anti-ghosting, so you can press multiple keys at the same time without blocking. The keyboard lights up and recognizes 19 different light effects and 5 brightness levels.

Good compatibility: According to the manufacturer, the mechanical keyboard from STOGA is compatible with almost all common operating systems. The keyboard should work without problems under Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and 10 as well as under older versions of Windows such as Windows 2000 and Windows XP. According to the manufacturer, there is also compatibility with Linux, Android and iOS.

The mechanical keyboard from Stoga weighs 460 grams and has very small dimensions due to its lack of area. This makes them the ideal companion for traveling. Since the device can remember all settings and does not depend on installed software, it retains all settings. This also applies if connected to another computer.

What is a brown switch? Brown switches do not have acoustic feedback, but do have tactile feedback. So they are quiet but still precise.

Advantages
  • Light (450 grams)
  • Compact
  • Available with French or US layout
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • Detachable cable
  • RGB lighting
Deficiency
  • Only 61 keys
  • No pad number
  • No response time information
8. Lioncast LK300 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of QWERTZ keyboard
  • Cable connectivity technology
  • Palm rest special features
  • Compatible devices laptop, game console, PC
  • Includes Mouse component
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 22 x 44.5 x 3.7 centimeters
  • RGB Theme
  • Aluminum material
With the Lioncast LK300 gaming keyboard, the lighting options really stand out. Because users can not only complete individual lines with individual colors, but each key on the keyboard can be set separately using the provided software. From Windows 7, it can be used without any restrictions. Up to 16.8 million colors are available for this. The button is equipped with a red switch, which has fast response time and good precision. The manufacturer emphasizes the longevity of the switch: it must withstand up to 80 million keystrokes.

Special development phase: The manufacturer has a well-known Counter-Strike team tested - during the development phase, Lioncast relies on one of the best Counter-Strike teams in the world, Berlin International Gaming. Thanks to feedback from professionals, manufacturers were able to maximize the feel and ergonomics of the LK300.

With 5 macro buttons the player can program the exact sequence of commands. Spells, combos and more can be used as quickly as possible with just a press of a button. This keyboard also has dedicated keys to control multimedia functions. It can be used to start music and videos, adjust the volume or the user can put the computer into sleep mode or start the search function.

Rubber feet give the keyboard, which has a solid aluminum front panel and removable palm rest, a solid and secure footing. The USB cable for connecting to a computer is 1.8 meters long, as is the keyboard itself with dimensions of 44.5 x 22 x 3 ,7 centimeters. This device weighs 1,117 grams and is equipped with a palm rest.

How to clean a mechanical keyboard? Gamers wipe the keyboard with a damp cloth to remove dust and other debris. The crumbs between the keys spoil the mechanism. The compressed air spray effectively cleans the keyboard in the small spaces between the keys. The keyboard should be cleaned thoroughly from time to time by removing the key covers and washing them in a water bath and cleaning the inside of the keyboard from dirt with a compressed air spray. The residue from the sticky liquid is handled by the user with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. In the following guide to product comparison, readers receive more detailed tips on how to care for and clean the keyboard.

Advantages
  • With linear switch or membrane switch available
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • Aluminum case
  • Five macro buttons
  • RGB lighting
Deficiency
  • No response time information
9. Corsair K100 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of Game keyboard, QWERTZ
  • Cable connectivity technology
  • Compatible devices Laptop, PC
  • Number of keys 111
  • K100 RGB style
  • RGB Theme
  • Material Polybutylene Terephthalate
  • Number of buttons 104
Corsair relies on the Corsair OPX RGB opto-mechanical button for the K100. It should allow very fast input and thus support first-class gaming performance. The actuation distance is just 1 millimeter and the Corsair guarantees 150 million keystrokes. In addition, the buttons are individually equipped with dynamic backlighting, which can be individually adjusted.

With Elgato Stream Deck software integration: The Corsair K100 mechanical gaming keyboard allows integration of Elgato's famous Stream Deck software with six dedicated macro keys. Buttons are fully programmable with complex macros, enabling complex actions at the push of a button. Locks are fully movable, opening up various possibilities.

The keyboard has a durable aluminum frame and there are iCUE keys on the top. Pre-programmed functions, backlight switching, media jogging and much more can be done with it. The Corsair K100 is one of the most expensive yet very powerful gaming keyboards with mechanical keys on the market.

What is FPS? FPS is short for First Person Shooter. This game genre is better known as first-person shooters. The famous FPS are Far Cry, Counter Strike or games from the Call of Duty series.

Advantages
  • AXON hyper-processing technology (optimized polling rate for faster data processing)
  • Hold up to 150 million keystrokes
  • Fast response time (0.25 milliseconds)
  • Available in bundles with mouse pad or mouse
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • Aluminum case
  • Six macro buttons
  • RGB lighting
Deficiency
  • No obvious flaws
10. Razer BlackWidow V3 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Description of Game keyboard, QWERTZ
  • Wired – Fixed connectivity technology
  • Special features 193545031, 325765011, 340843031
  • Compatible devices Laptop, PC
  • BlackWidow V3 Series
  • BlackWidow V3 Style
  • RGB Theme
The Razer BlackWidow V3 mechanical keyboard comes with Razer Green switches to work with. It produces rich feedback with every keystroke, which can be heard and felt. According to the manufacturer, the buttons are equipped with an optimized release and toggle point that allows for better gaming performance. The switch housing is transparent, allowing for detailed lighting adjustments. In fact, the keyboard dynamically responds to over 150 compatible games.

With Elgato Stream Deck software integration: The Corsair K100 mechanical gaming keyboard allows integration of Elgato's famous Stream Deck software with six dedicated macro keys. Buttons are fully programmable with complex macros, enabling complex actions at the push of a button. Locks are fully movable, opening up various possibilities.

According to Razer, the letters on the keys don't fade because the double-printing process prevents this. The cap comes with an extra thick side, constant spamming shouldn't be a problem. This gaming keyboard also features a digital multifunction controller and customizable media keys. Volume and brightness can be adjusted with it, as well as pause and play back music. The ergonomic palm rest relieves the wrist so there are no signs of fatigue and gaming sessions can sometimes be longer.

What is meant by spamming? Some games require you to press individual buttons frequently and quickly. This spam affects the lifespan and longevity of the lock.

Advantages
  • Available as a wireless version
  • Elgato Stream Deck software (allows programming of five macro buttons)
  • Available in bundles with mouse pad or mouse
  • All keys with N-Key rollover
  • All lock with anti-ghosting
  • High polling rate (1,000 Hertz, fast data processing)
  • Available in two colors (Black and Green)
  • Aluminum case
  • RGB lighting
Deficiency
  • No response time information
How do mechanical keyboards work?

mechanical keyboard


On a mechanical keyboard, each key has its own complete mechanism that is independent of the other keys. This mechanism consists of a switch with a small metal spring that is responsible for returning the key to its original position. The elasticity of this spring determines how much force is required to press the button. This technique ensures that the mechanical keyboard is very strong and durable.

Different switches: The difference between mechanical keyboards is mainly determined by the switches used, which are called switches. There are linear, tactile and click switches. In addition, the switches are different colors and each has certain special features.

Difference between mechanical keyboard and rubber dome

While each key on a mechanical keyboard has its own mechanism, a rubber dome keyboard works through tiny silicone nipples that are welded to a silicone or rubber base. The mat is located under the keycaps. If the button is pressed, the nipple below triggers contact and the button press is registered.

The rubber dome technology makes this keyboard extremely quiet - unlike mechanical keyboards. Even the quietest mechanical keyboard will always have a slightly higher noise level than a rubber dome keyboard. Additionally, the thin base with nipples allows for a flat keyboard construction. That's why laptops are usually not equipped with mechanical keyboards, but with rubber dome variants.

Disadvantages of rubber dome technology: Silicone nipples wear out over time, which not only affects the typing feel of the keyboard but also becomes inaccurate over time. The rubber dome keyboard life is significantly shorter. While mechanical keyboards are designed for 50 million keystrokes and more, rubber dome keyboards can only withstand about 5 million keystrokes.

Switch – small switch customer

The switches on a mechanical keyboard are called switches. They are the heart of every mechanical keyboard. The most famous are switches from the German company Cherry, which held the patent for Cherry MX switches for a long time. Although the patent has now expired, the company is still a leader in the keyboard switch market. The following three types of switches are distinguished.
  1. Linear Switches: Here the buttons feel the same from start to full press. The user does not feel or hear any feedback when the switch or click point is reached. They usually push this button completely.
  2. Tactile Switch: This type of switch lets the user know when a key press is successful. Tactile resistance provides tactile feedback to the fingertips.
  3. Clicky switch: This switch displays tactile and sound feedback when the button is pressed successfully. The user will feel a slight resistance and hear a distinct clicking sound after the keystrokes are registered.
Tactile and click switches have a decisive advantage over linear switches: the button does not have to be fully pressed, but can be released as soon as acoustic and/or haptic feedback occurs. In this way, users intuitively move to the next button more quickly. In short: you write faster with this type of switch.

Market leader Cherry MX switches

Cherry MX switches also differ in the color of the handle on the lock unit. Each color represents a specific switch property.

mechanical keyboard

  • Cherry MX Black: Cherry MX Black is a type of linear switch. It does not provide tactile or acoustic feedback on successful key presses. This allows relatively quiet typing. The keyboard with Cherry MX Black switches feels quite stiff. The switch must be pressed with a relatively high force of 60 centinewtons. This switch is a bit unsuitable for those who write a lot, as typing tires from time to time. Cherry MX Black switches are very popular among gamers.
  • Cherry MX Red: Cherry MX Red switches differ from Cherry MX Black only in the amount of force required to press a button. The actuation force is noticeably lower here at 45 centinewtons.
  • Cherry MX Blue: Cherry MX Blue is a click switch and provides tactile and acoustic feedback on successful keystrokes. Those who type a lot on mechanical keyboards prefer this switch as it allows fast typing. There are also some fans of the blue Cherry MX switches in the gamer scene. However, the keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches has one downside: it's quite loud. It can disturb the environment as much as the person typing itself.
  • Cherry MX Brown: Cherry MX Brown belongs to the group of tactile switches. This switch is popular because it allows comfortable writing on the one hand and games from the MOBA, MMO, or RTS genres on the other. Unlike Cherry MX Blue switches, switches with brown bars are relatively quiet.
Romer-G switch - designed for gamers

The new generation of switches is the Romer-G switch from Logitech. According to the manufacturer, these switches were developed specifically for gamers and differ in several details from the Cherry MX switches. Each switch consists of seven individual parts. In addition to the spring, there are two contacts inside the switch that register the actuation of the button. The pressure point is reached at 1.5 millimeters, the actuation force is low at 45 centinewtons.

Romer-G switches are tactile. Gamers will feel resistance when keystrokes are registered. Unlike many gamer switches, this one is very quiet. Logitech has had great success with this switch in the eSports field. Romer G switches are not compatible with Cherry MX enclosures due to their different construction.

Fast and durable: According to the manufacturer, this switch is much faster than other switches. When playing games, fast response time is an advantage. In addition, according to the manufacturer, the keys are not only designed for 50 million keystrokes, but should also be able to cope with 70 million keystrokes without a problem and remain functional even after 90 million keystrokes.

Another special feature of Romer-G-Switches is the lighting. Unlike Cherry MX switches, the cap pins are not on the spring but on the outside. In addition, a small lens is attached, which directs the light from the LED directly onto the lock cover. The buttons are not indirectly illuminated from below as in the Cherry MX switches, but the surface of the button cover itself is evenly illuminated. At the same time, the special design prevents light from being emitted to the sides of the lid.

Kailh Switches - Keycaps compatible with Cherry MX

Kailh switches are from the manufacturer Kaihua Electronics. They work on the same principle as Cherry MX switches. That's why keycaps from Cherry MX switches fit on Kailh switches. However, Cherry MX switches are made of a higher quality. This is demonstrated, among other things, by gold plating on the cross point contacts, which is intended to ensure a long service life. Kailh switch contacts are not gold plated.

Kailh switches come in a variety of color-coded variations. Brown switches are tactile. This also applies to the blue version. However, it also provides acoustic feedback and thus belongs to the click switch group. On linear switches Kaihua Electronics offers switches in black and red. The discharge weight for all Kailh switches is between 50 and 60 centinewtons.

The term from the world of gamers: MOBA stands for "Multiplayer Online Battle Arena". This genre includes, for example, "League of Legends". MMO stands for "Massively Multiplayer Online". This type of game is famous for being World of Warcraft. RTS group, "Real Time Strategy" game, including "Age of Empires" game. RPGs are "role-playing games" - role-playing games like "The Witcher". FPS stands for "First Person Shooter". This genre is also called first person shooter. The standout representative is "Far Cry".

Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical keyboard

mechanical keyboard


Before buying a mechanical keyboard, potential buyers should consider the advantages and disadvantages of these input devices. 50 million keystrokes and more isn't a problem for a mechanical keyboard. That's roughly ten times what a rubber dome keyboard is capable of.

Due to their construction, mechanical keyboards do not lose quality even after years of use. They offer the same typing experience for a long time as on day one.

Depending on which switch the buyer chooses, mechanical keyboards offer a preferred resistance and pressure point. It facilitates fast and error-free typing. Mechanical keyboards are heavier than rubber dome keyboards. The reason for this is a built-in mechanism. Higher weight improves input device stability, which is important when gaming. The lightweight keyboard glides faster due to the sometimes aggressive handling of players while playing.

Even with the relatively quiet Cherry MX Black switches or Romer G switches, mechanical keyboards are always louder than non-mechanical models when typing. The higher weight of the mechanical input device compared to other keyboards ensures greater stability. However, this weight can be uncomfortable when the keyboard is placed on your lap or needs to be transported. While there are some inexpensive models, mechanical keyboards are usually more expensive than other types of keyboards.

Advantages & disadvantages of mechanical keyboard:

Advantages
  • Long life
  • Better writing experience
  • High stability
Deficiency
  • Higher noise level
  • Higher weight
  • Higher acquisition costs
Types of mechanical keyboard

All mechanical keyboards work on the same principle. However, there are variants. Mechanical keyboards differ in the number of keys. 30 keys are required for letters including spaces, plus another 10 for numbers.

Many additional keys such as Windows key, shift or alt key, control key or function keys F1 to F12 on the top edge of the keyboard are required to work on PC. There are 105 keys on a normal office keyboard. On the gaming keyboard there are also macro and multimedia keys. Some models have 115 keys.

The greater number of keys due to additional function keys is not the only difference between a mechanical office keyboard and a gaming input device. Some games put a lot of stress on the keyboard. Therefore, the keys and mechanisms are more resistant than office keyboards. The chassis is also sturdier.

Another difference is the type of connection, there are wired and wireless mechanical keyboards. Both variants have their respective advantages and disadvantages. With a wired keyboard, users are less flexible. The length of the cable determines whether you can use the keyboard a little further from the computer. On the other hand, transmission is safe and always just as good. What you type on the keyboard is registered by the computer.

Advantages & disadvantages of wired keyboard

Advantages
  • Secure connection to computer
  • Cheaper to buy than a wireless keyboard
  • No accessories like Bluetooth receiver or battery required
Deficiency
  • Loss of flexibility
Wireless keyboards offer more flexibility. Input devices typically work up to 10 meters away from the computer. This is practical, among other things, when the computer workstation is very small or a gamer wants to type or play games comfortably from the couch. The downside is that it requires a Bluetooth USB receiver and battery for the wireless keyboard. If the Bluetooth connection is unstable or the battery is low, there will be connection problems. For this reason, passionate gamers always prefer wired keyboards.

Advantages & disadvantages of wireless keyboard

Advantages
  • High flexibility
Deficiency
  • Loss of connection due to poor Bluetooth signal or low battery
  • Required accessories are subject to additional charge
  • More expensive to buy than a wired keyboard
When is a mechanical keyboard needed?

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, most people think of games first. Input devices are widespread in the gaming scene. Hobbyist as well as professional gamers appreciate the feel of typing, the precision, fast response times, and longevity of mechanical keyboards. Selecting different switches allows gamers to find a keyboard that suits their personal needs.

However, it's not just gamers who benefit from the advantages of mechanical keyboards. In principle, this input device is of interest to all those who frequently type on a computer. Therefore, a good writing flow with a mechanical keyboard is now also appreciated in many offices.

Think before you buy the right mechanical keyboard?

mechanical keyboard


Before you buy a mechanical keyboard, you should think about which criteria your future input device will have to meet.
  1. Usage: Both those who write a lot and gamers benefit from a mechanical keyboard. If you're looking for a keyboard for gaming, models with additional macro and multimedia keys are a better choice. It should be noted that these gaming keyboards are larger due to the larger number of keys and therefore take up more space on the desk.
  2. Switches: The selection of switches is very important for the typing experience on a mechanical keyboard. Depending on the type of switch used, there is no feedback, tactile or acoustic feedback when touched - or both. We recommend that prospective buyers test a mechanical keyboard before buying it. It gives you a feel for how the switch feels.
  3. Lighting: Keyboard lighting is basically a useful feature. This allows trouble-free typing in low-light environments. Gamers also prefer RGB lighting that they can customize.
  4. Connection: With a wireless keyboard, users are more mobile. The cable variant guarantees a secure and hassle-free connection to the computer. Many gamers prefer wired keyboards for this reason. The connection options for the headset can also be useful.
  5. Operating system: It is important to know if the keyboard is compatible with the operating system you are using. Most mechanical keyboards offer compatibility with the major operating systems Windows, Linux, Chrome, and macOS. For example, on some keyboards, multimedia key combinations are not available on Linux and macOS systems.
  6. Ergonomics: Due to the built-in mechanics, mechanical keyboards are generally taller than other keyboards. However, there is definitely a difference in height within this product group. Ergonomic handling suffers when the case is too high. In this case, additional ergonomic support for the handball is recommended.
  7. Price: Mechanical keyboards are available in different price ranges. It should be borne in mind that such keyboards are significantly more durable than non-mechanical input devices. Therefore, interested parties should always choose a model that they can use well and that meets their requirements. If the price is slightly higher, the investment pays off over a long service life.
Good maintenance extends service life

Like all modern input devices, the keyboard is solidly built and designed for long life. This is especially true for mechanical keyboards, especially gaming models. This technology is designed for a high number of keystrokes. However, dust and dirt are almost unavoidable with frequent use. Small crumbs interfere with the mechanism and must be removed regularly. Some cleaning and maintenance tips:
  • Clean dust and dirt from your keyboard regularly. Disconnect the keyboard from the computer before cleaning. It is best to wipe the house with a slightly damp cloth. Fat residue is unavoidable over time - just from skin fat on your fingers. On the other hand, a drop of cleaning fluid on the cloth helps.
  • You can easily clean the tight spaces between the buttons with a cotton swab slightly dampened or soaked in alcohol .
  • Blow out any dust and crumbs that are between and under the buttons with a compressed air spray. After cleaning all the keys like this, turn the keyboard over and shake the rest gently.
  • Wipe the lids one by one with a damp cloth. However, a shower is more comfortable: Place the lid in a bowl with warm water and a spray of cleaning fluid. After cleaning, dry the lid thoroughly. It's best to let it dry for a few more hours before putting it back in.
  • When the lid dries, spray the inside of the keyboard with compressed air. Do this as gently as possible so as not to damage the spring mechanism.
  • After you have carefully cleaned all the parts and allowed them to dry, put the caps back in their respective positions.
Useful accessories for mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards are a sensible investment for writers and gamers because of their longevity. The wear of the mechanism is low, so with good care it still provides a good typing feel even after many years. The equipment can be equipped with the following useful accessories.
  1. Wrist rest: Those who frequently type long texts or play games for hours stretch their fingers and wrists. Palm rest promises more relaxing work and play. Can prevent or reduce signs of fatigue or even wrist pain after typing for a long time. Such overlays are already integrated in many high-quality keyboards. External armrests can be purchased for all other models. A good cushion is ergonomically designed and consists of a gel pad with a soft microfiber surface.
  2. Separate numeric keypad: If you primarily type text or use the keyboard primarily for gaming, you usually don't need a numeric keypad. However, if you have to complete an arithmetic task or enter a lot of numbers, you will quickly learn to appreciate the number board. Since many keyboards are not equipped with this, it is worth buying an external numeric keypad in such cases.
  3. Compressed Air Spray: Compressed air spray keeps the keyboard dust and crumb free. Dirt particles under the buttons interfere with functionality. Compressed air spray is not only a useful accessory for mechanical keyboards, as every keyboard needs regular cleaning.
Frequently asked questions about mechanical keyboard

mechanical keyboard


Keyboard mixes "Y" and "Z" - what to do?

If you buy a keyboard in Germany, you usually get what is called a QWERTZ keyboard - this is a keyboard with a German layout. By simultaneously pressing the "Alt" and "Shift" keys - the shift key - the keyboard switches to the American layout, and the Y and Z keys are swapped in function.

If the keyboard confuses these two letters, the key combination to change the keyboard layout is accidentally pressed. In this case, you just need to press "Alt" and "Shift" again at the same time to return to the German keyboard layout with the usual key assignments.

Screen display rotates keyboard - what to do?

Depending on which monitor is connected to the computer, screen content may suddenly be displayed by being rotated 90 degrees. This occurs on some monitors when one of the following key combinations is accidentally pressed:
  • CTRL + arrow keys
  • CTRL+Alt+arrow keys
  • CTRL+Shift+9
Undo rotate screen: To return to normal view, the appropriate key combination must be pressed repeatedly until the display is correct again.

Liquid spilled on the keyboard - what to do?

Despite extreme caution, accidents can happen - a glass of water or a coffee cup next to the end of the keyboard. If liquid flows over the keyboard, prompt action is usually required. There are mechanical keyboards that are completely waterproof, but most models are not.

Then the keyboard must be immediately unplugged from power to avoid a short circuit. Since the keyboard draws power from the computer, simply unplugging the USB connector is sufficient. Then the keyboard should be turned over to allow as much liquid as possible to escape again, preferably on an absorbent towel. The next step is to remove the individual lock caps.

If juice or other drinks containing sugar, such as cola or beer, are spilled onto the keyboard, there is a risk that the mechanism will stick. This can be prevented by carefully cleaning each key and the sensitive components underneath with isopropanol. This works best with cotton swabs. For difficult-to-access spaces, disposable syringes and fine cannulas are suitable for injecting isopropanol everywhere. Once everything is dry, the lock can be reassembled. Lastly, to check, each button must be pressed several times in a row.

Which shortcuts make word processing easier?

If you use shortcuts – certain key combinations – in a word processor, you can save a lot of time and do it without a mouse. These are the most important shortcuts:
  • Ctrl + A: Press control key "Ctrl" and key "A" at the same time, select all the text you have written so far. Also, mark all design content such as tables or inserted images.
  • Ctrl + C: If you have selected all or part of the text with the mouse, copy the selected text by pressing "Ctrl" and "C" simultaneously.
  • Ctrl + V: If you have selected text, an image, or another part of the document and copied it, use the "Ctrl" and "V" key combination to paste the copy. To do this, first place the cursor where you want to paste the copied content.
  • Ctrl + Z: Pressing the "Ctrl" and "Z" keys simultaneously will undo your last action. If you press this key combination several times in succession, some steps will be cancelled.
  • Ctrl + S: Use this shortcut to save your document.
  • Ctrl + P: If you want to print your document, press the "Ctrl" and "P" keys at the same time.
  • Alt + F4: Press the Alt key together with the F4 key, use this shortcut to exit the program you are currently working on.
Where can I buy a mechanical keyboard?

It's not just computer hardware specialist dealers who offer mechanical keyboards. Almost every department store now has a computer department that sells peripherals. From time to time, discounts also have mechanical keyboards within their reach. This purchase option is a good choice for those who have informed themselves in detail beforehand and decided on the model available in local stores, as they can bring the keyboard with them immediately. In the best-case scenario, the specialist retailer will still offer competent advice and the opportunity to try the keyboard out before you buy it. However, the supply of mechanical keyboards in local stores is very limited.

The Internet offers significantly more options. Prices in online stores are often cheaper. For this, buyers have to accept that they can only check and try the keyboard after purchase. If the keyboard doesn't live up to your expectations, online trading offers the advantage of 14 days of withdrawal rights. During this time, the keyboard can be returned - without giving a reason - the buyer will receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Conclusion

We have outlined the important points that you should know before choosing the right mechanical keyboard. Have you decided on a product that catches your eye?

The most important point in choosing the best mechanical keyboard is the switch. Observe the product you want to buy according to the way of choosing that has been discussed. That way, you can use the keyboard more comfortably.

Post a Comment for "10 Best Mechanical Keyboards With RGB Lighting"