There are a lot of different mechanical keyboards on the market these days, and it can be tough to figure out which one is the best for you. Different people have different needs, so it’s important to find the keyboard that fits your specific situation.

There are 60 percent keyboards for gaming, ten keyless keyboards for working, and full size mechanical keyboards too. The best option for you really depends on how often you're going to be typing and what kind of gaming you do most often.

Before getting into the list of best mechanical keywords, let's see what type of keyboards are out there.

Types of Keyboards

Full size - These keyboards offer all of the keys you could ever want to use in your typing, and they don't take up a lot of space. If you're looking for a full keyboard so that you can utilize all ten fingers when typing, this is the way to go.

Ten keyless - The 10 keyless option is great for people who just want a basic keyboard that gives them all of the letters of the alphabet. Gamers don't typically need to use this many keys, but typing is a lot easier with a 10 keyless model.

60 percent – The 60 percent option offers all of the letters and symbols you'll ever need for typing or gaming, but it lacks some other important abilities. This keyboard does not have a number pad, so it's very streamlined and doesn’t take up much space at all. It also doesn't come with function keys either, so gamers will need an additional way to access in game functions like moving or shooting weapons in FPS games. You can do it via layers on your keyboards if you own programmable ones, or you can do it via a separate keyboard or controller if you have one.

The mechanical switch types

There are a lot of different types of switches out there, each with their own unique feel and design. Cherry MX switches are the most popular kind on the market, but Gateron and Kailh also make some compelling options too.

Cherry MX – Most models come in both red or brown varieties, although there is another green variety available on some keyboards. The red switches are popular because they give the gamer no tactile feedback at all; this allows for faster clicking speeds to get through some games easier. The brown switches offer a tactile feedback when pressed but still allow for faster response times like the red models do. Both versions require some force to press, but they are easy to find on the market.

Gateron – These switches are great for gamers who want tactile feedback without too much pressure required to activate them. They come with three different kinds of activation forces: 30g, 45g and 65g so most people will be able to use one of these options without feeling like they're pushing down too hard on their keys. Since many gamers don’t need additional features like media controls or back lighting, this brand is a good choice for most folks who just want that tactile feel when using their keyboards.

Kailh – The Kailh switches require around the same amount of force as Cherry MX versions do, but they don't last as long in some cases. Gamers who play a lot of hours a day will probably have to replace their keys earlier than they would with Cherry MX models, but the Kailh switches are still excellent for typing purposes and gamers can use them just as often without any complaints.

Best Mechanical Keyboard to Buy - Top 5 Picks

While there are dozens of models to choose from, these three choices stand out as the best mechanical keyboards for typing and gaming.

1. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

This is one of the most expensive keyboards on the list, but it also comes with many different features like media controls and a USB pass-through port. It's easy to clean too, so gamers will love how easy it is to keep this model looking new after months or years of using it.

2. SteelSeries Apex M500

Gamers who want something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg because they just play casually or not at all should consider this keyboard. It's affordable enough for even young adults who still live at home with their parents, yet it still offers a lot of the same compatibility and features as more expensive models.

3. Cooler Master QuickFire XTi

This is a 60 percent option that's a great pick for gamers who just want that tactile feedback from their keys without having to go through all of the trouble of using a full sized keyboard. It's also affordable, so gamers can have one in every room if they wish or take this model with them on long journeys where another computer isn't available.

4. Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2

Typing purists should consider going with this model because it has quiet switches which allow users to type faster without clacking too loudly and annoying their neighbors or family members in the room. Gamers may love the Chroma lighting too, since they have so many color options they can choose from.

5. Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum

This model comes with a wrist rest that is non-slip and removable which makes it an easy product to clean or store for any gamers who don't play every day. While the price isn't cheap, this model does work well across multiple platforms so users can take their settings to other PCs if needed without having to sign up for another gaming service or worry about the hardware not working correctly.

Conclusion

If you want something more affordable without sacrificing too much on quality, there are plenty of options available on the market today for both typing purists and gamers who just need that extra nudge of tactile feedback. Some models do cost more than others, but getting a good keyboard that's comfortable to use should be the top priority for people who type on their PC every day or play games regularly.