When looking for a new mechanical keyboard, you want to know you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Durability, responsiveness, precision, and customization options are all key metrics that you need to consider when choosing the right keyboard.

With all that in mind, the most important thing to look out for when buying a new mechanical keyboard is the switch style.

A good set of switches can be the difference between the perfect mechanical keyboard and one that will feel uncomfortable to use. Let’s look at some of the available options in more detail.

Mechanical keyboard switch variations

Each key in a mechanical keyboard is loaded with a spring known as a ‘switch’. This gives each key press a distinctive, satisfying clicking sound that makes typing feel more responsive and accurate.

There are three broad switch variations that a mechanical keyboard uses. Here’s a brief overview of the three switch styles and how it makes the keys respond.

• Clicky switches offer little resistance when pressed but make a loud, satisfying click once the key is fully pressed
• Tactile switches also offer little resistance but are quieter, as the click is less pronounced.
• Linear switches offer no resistance and are completely noiseless.

The best mechanical keyboards with a number pad

Before we get into the picks, let’s establish the benchmarks we’re looking for in a good-quality mechanical keyboard.

A good quality mechanical keyboard should be fast, durable, comfortable, and customizable. It needs to be easy to use for long periods of typing, and should feel precise and responsive. It also needs to be cost-effective and readily available so your expected shipping time doesn’t go through the roof.

With our expectations set, let’s look at five of the best keyboards that fit every type of budget.

The best overall mechanical keyboard – SteelSeries Apex Pro

SteelSeries do things a little differently. Instead of traditional mechanical keyboard switches, the Apex Pro comes with an intuitive OmniPoint magnetic switch design. This allows the user to manually adjust the sensitivity of each key. Want sensitive WASD keys optimized for gaming? No problem. Need a more rigid actuation for long periods of typing? Steelseries can do that too.

The Apex Pro also comes with various accessories, like wrist stabilizers, a volume knob, and an OLED screen, not to mention highly-customizable RGB lighting settings, allowing you to set up your keyboard aesthetic to suit your style.

SteelSeries designed the Apex Pro with gamers in mind. The mechanical numpad is the ideal way to assign the macros that let you play the way you want to.

That said, the Apex Pro isn’t just for the seasoned gamer. The intelligent numpad control will prove helpful to everyone, from casual users to professional writers and business owners.

The only contentious aspect of the Apex Pro is the price. Steelseries sell this model for a hefty $199, setting the Apex Pro at the upper-tier of mechanical keyboard price points. Still, there’s no better choice for users wanting the very best out of their keyboard and numeric keypad.

The best mechanical keyboard for typists – Logitech MX Mechanical

The Logitech MX Mechanical is all about efficiency. It’s fast, streamlined, and precise. This is a keyboard that does the basics perfectly without the extra functions that some keyboard users consider unnecessary.

Logitech’s tactile switches make for quiet, smooth, satisfying typing. This makes the MX Mechanical ideal for those who spend long days writing in an office on a desktop PC or mac.

Logitech created the MX Mechanical to function flawlessly with both macOS and windows, so you can be confident you’re getting a keyboard designed to work efficiently with your device.

The mechanical numpad even comes with additional lock and calculator buttons designed to speed up your writing process. With its gentle keycaps and innovative numpad features, the Logitech MX Mechanical is a writer’s best friend.

Coming in at approximately $169.99, the MX mechanical is an excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts and working professionals alike.

Those buying for work can even set their delivery details to their place of work and take advantage of Amazon’s business-exclusive prices and shipping rates.

Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.

The best budget mechanical keyboard – CoolerMaster CK552 Gaming Keyboard

With the introduction of the CK552 Gaming Keyboard, CoolerMaster has once again proven that they are a leading seller of straightforward, budget, mechanical keyboards.

The stunning aluminum-weighted keyboard is complete with an intuitive mechanical numpad, allowing for easy key binding.

The addition of built-in software allows you to quickly and easily customize RGB lighting. Whether you’re a writer looking to get some work done in low light or a gamer that wants to customize their aesthetic, the CK552 has something for everyone.

This is the perfect place to start for those investing in their first mechanical keyboard. The CK552 comes in at only $79.99, promising no-nonsense fundamentals at a highly affordable price.

Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.

The best hot-swappable mechanical keyboard – Tecware Phantom 87

So, you bought a new keyboard. The only problem is that you don’t like how the switches feel. If you want to replace them manually, you’ll need to take the keyboard apart, desolder the old switches, solder on new ones and then reassemble the device.

Replacing switches is difficult, risky, and time-consuming.That is, unless you have a hot-swappable keyboard. Tecware’s hot-swappable Phantom keyboard allows users to swap out switches quickly and efficiently, so you can easily customize your keyboard and number pad switches to suit your style.

Want to test out a tactile keyboard but don’t want to buy a new product? Simply buy tactile switches at a fraction of the price and slot them into your keyboard. You don’t even need to disconnect the keyboard from your computer.

Not interested in installing new switches? Don’t worry. The Phantom 87’s built-in switches are high-quality and pre-lubed, making them feel super smooth and responsive. And the best part? This keyboard comes in at only $49.99.

Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.

The best wireless mechanical keyboard – Razer Blackwidow V3 Pro

If you’re going to buy a wireless keyboard, you’ll want to know you aren’t skimping on quality.

Unfortunately, many wireless keyboards don’t hold up when it comes to tasks that require lighting-fast speeds for gaming. It’s a rare sight for a keyboard to be both portable and high-caliber.

Fortunately for those of us that require a wireless, portable keyboard, Razer has just about nailed it. The Blackwidow Pro comes with everything you would expect from a top-class mechanical keyboard. It’s fast, it’s programmable, and it’s precise. The full-size numeric keypad is ideal for binding macros and setting up extensive key binds.

The keyboard lasts for up to 192 hours on a single charge and comes with helpful software to tell you how much battery life is remaining.

Coming in at a whopping $249.99, this wireless mechanical keyboard won’t be the first choice for everyone. Still, for those who demand portability without losing out on high-end features, the Blackwidow V3 Pro is the best available option on the market.

Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.

FAQs

Are mechanical keyboards hard to maintain?

While mechanical keyboards are more prone to collecting dust and debris than regular keyboards, they can be cleaned quickly and easily thanks to their removable keycaps.

What are the benefits of a mechanical keyboard?

Here are a few of the core benefits to owning a mechanical keyboard with numpad:

• Responsiveness
• Accuracy
• Durability
• Reliability

Are mechanical keyboards loud?

This depends entirely on the key switches you choose. Clicky switches can be loud because they are designed to be resistant and have a noisy, satisfying click when pressed. If volume is a concern, opt for quieter linear or tactile switches.