Tech & Work

Our favorite mechanical keyboards

By // June 26, 2017, 3:08 PM PST // foxvanallen

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  • Lofree

    Admittedly more aesthetic than functional, the wireless Lofree relies on Gateron Blue switches for that satisfying, typewriter-like clicking sound. Its round buttons make it a challenge to use, though -- expect to make a lot of typos with this one until you get used to its unusual (but pretty!) layout.

    It comes in pure white, turquoise and sandstone black via Indiegogo for $84.

    Lofree

  • WASD V2 Mechanical Customizable

    If you want a truly unique mechanical keyboard, WASD's V2 customizable delivers -- keys are available in 21 colors and can be printed to read however you want. The level of clickiness is customizable too, with six different Cherry MX switch options available.

    Expect to pay $140 for an ANSI 61-key compact keyboard and $150 for the 104-key full size at the company's website.

    WASD

  • Qwerkywriter

    The Bluetooth-enabled Qwerkywriter brings an authentic old-school feel to your phone, tablet or computer. It features aluminum metal construction, an integrated tablet stand and a physical return bar that you can program.

    This retro-inspired Kickstarter success is available via Qwerky Toys for $239.99.

    Qwerky Toys

  • This Iron Man mechanical gaming keyboard

    Built with a metallic housing, this Mark LXIII-inspired keyboard from ThinkGeek has blue-style switches and programmable color backlighting.

    You can find yours on ThinkGeek for $99.99.

    ThinkGeek

  • Steelseries Apex M800

    Built for gaming, every key on the top-of-the-line Apex M800 is fully programmable in both function and LED color. Its QS1 switches support fast typing with their incredibly low actuation force of just 46g (compared with 55g for MX Cherry blue).

    The Apex M800 is available direct through Steelseries for $199.99.

    Eric Franklin/CNET

  • This SNES-inspired keyboard

    Hyperkin's Hyper Clack Tactile keyboard is a blast of nostalgia for fans of the Super Nintendo video game system with clicky Gaote Blue mechanical switches.

    You can buy this colorful '90s throwback direct from Hyperkin for $99.99.

    Hyperkin

  • Unicomp IBM Model M replacement

    The IBM Model M is arguably the most famous and durable mechanical keyboard in computing history. They continue to be manufactured by Kentucky-based Unicomp, its original manufacturer.

    IBM Model M look-alikes (both USB and PS2) are available direct from Unicomp starting at $84.

    Unicomp

  • G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 RGB

    This aggressively designed keyboard has six programmable macro keys, customizable RGB backlighting, dedicated media keys with on-board LED volume display, a detachable wrist rest and a special set of 10 red sloped and textured keycaps. It's available with your choice of MX Cherry Red, Blue and Brown switches.

    The G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 RGB is available at Amazon.com starting at $129.99. A less-expensive, red-only backlit version is also available.

    G.Skill

  • The budget-friendly Redragon K552 Kumara

    One of the best budget mechanical keyboards, the Redragon K552 Kumara uses inexpensive Cherry MX Blue-equivalent switches to deliver that satisfying click and responsiveness at the price of a sluggish membrane keyboard. For a few dollars extra, you can upgrade to a version with backlit, color-customizable LED keys.

    This well-reviewed keyboard is available through Amazon starting at just $29.99.

    Amazon

  • Razer Ornata Chroma

    Admittedly, this gaming keyboard is not fully mechanical -- it's a mecha-membrane hybrid that combines crisp clicks with a cushioned membrane for reduced fatigue. Mid-height keycaps reduce the time presses take to register, with 10-key roll over. Individual back-lit keys, meanwhile, can be color customized via the Razer Synapse app.

    The ergonomic Razer Ornata Chroma is available via Amazon.com for $89.99.

    Dave Cheng/CNET

  • Corsair K95 RGB Vengeance

    This high-end brushed aluminum gaming keyboard features 18 dedicated macro keys, 122-key roll over, color-customizable backlighting and a soft-touch wrist rest. What really separates it from the competition is its light, fast Cherry MX Red switches with reduced tactile feedback.

    The Corsair K95 Vengeance keyboard is available direct from the manufacturer for $189.99.

    Corsair

  • Das Keyboard 4 Professional

    One of the best-known brands in mechanical keyboards, Metadot's Das Keyboard 4 Professional comes in multiple versions. The Cherry MX Blue version has audible clicking and a tactile feel; the Cherry MX Brown is tactile with a quieter keypress.

    The Das Keyboard 4 Professional is available direct from the company starting at $169.00.

    Das Keyboard

  • Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate

    Want to truly impress your co-workers? Das Keyboard also makes an Ultimate version with blank keys.

    It too is available direct from Das Keyboard starting at $169.

    Das Keyboard

  • Logitech G610 Orion

    We like the well-rated Logitech G610 Orion (with Cherry MX Red or Brown switches) for its combination of simplicity and price. Its backlighting, while limited to white LED, is customizable down to the individual key level.

    You can find the Logitech G610 Orion on Amazon for $77.49.

    Amazon

  • Cherry MX-Board 3.0 G80

    This no-frills keyboard from famed switch-maker Cherry is both well-made and inexpensive. It's available in your choice of Cherry MX Blue, Red and Brown switches to accommodate your unique style.

    The Cherry MX-Board 3.0 is available via Amazon for $78.66.

    Amazon

  • Matias Tactile Pro for Apple

    Based on the classic Apple Extended Keyboard design, the Matias Tactile Pro features laser-etched keys with sculpted keytops and n-key rollover. The Alps mechanical switches (60g force), meanwhile, are meant to recreate that classic Apple typing feel without the spring noise.

    You can find the Matias Tactile Pro at the company's website for $149.95.

    Matias Corporation

Lofree

Admittedly more aesthetic than functional, the wireless Lofree relies on Gateron Blue switches for that satisfying, typewriter-like clicking sound. Its round buttons make it a challenge to use, though -- expect to make a lot of typos with this one until you get used to its unusual (but pretty!) layout.

It comes in pure white, turquoise and sandstone black via Indiegogo for $84.

Lofree

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About Fox Van Allen

Fox Van Allen is a Los Angeles-based writer for CBS Interactive covering technology, tech lifestyle and gaming topics for GameSpot, CNET, ZDNet and TechRepublic. He has previously worked as a news and feature writer for a number of other sites, inclu...