Other good keyboards
These keyboards aren't good enough for the spots above or just don't have standout features. They are still worth seeing.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% for $300: : Razer's newest and highest-end keyboard does almost everything right, but it's too expensive (7/10, WIRED Review). The Pro keeps the same strong tactile switches and gasket mounting system of the original BlackWidow V4 75% and adds wireless connectivity, a new dial on the side, and a customizable OLED screen right next to it. These upgrades don't justify the $110 price tag, but they're still incredibly well executed and come together to make an impressive gaming keyboard if you can find it for sale.
Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 for $119: : Cherry's latest entry into the gaming space is a full-size, RGB-heavy keyboard that comes stock with its new MX2A switches and a "noise damping structure" intended to reduce write noise. This keyboard is a solid option with a clacky sound profile, stylish RGB, and a sturdy metal chassis. While it's a little rough around the edges compared to some of the other keyboards on this list, it has a sturdy, no-frills build, and Cherry's switches have repeatedly proven themselves to be long-lasting and reliable.
Wooting 60HE+ for $175: : Between an archaic mounting method and long wait times for delivery, I can't recommend the 60HE over Keychron's Q1 HE. While I still think it's a fantastic Hall effect keyboard, it doesn't have the same polish and refinement as the Keychron offering. The 60HE still uses a tray mounting system which, while modular, doesn't sound or feel good for typing. Along with this, the plastic case is disappointing at the price; It was once an acceptable trade-off for customizable Hall-effect switches, but Keychron offers a full-metal, gasket-mounted keyboard for about $50 more, and I think the improvements are worth the money, unless you prefer a layout of 60% or you want the ability to use the wide range of aftermarket cases of the 60HE.
Cherry KC 200 MX for $90: : The KC 200 MX is an incredibly simple and barebones keyboard that doesn't add anything new, or remove anything necessary. It is a full-size mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX2A switchesa metal plate, and little else. It's not customizable, it's not programmable, but I can say for sure that it will be durable, reliable, and at least somewhat enjoyable to type on for years to come.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-S for $360: : While the new Studio has replaced this model as my choice for programmers, this older version is still great if you want something simpler, or with a unique writing feel. The layout is still great and the Topre switches - a kinda-membrane, somewhat mechanical switch with a deep typing sound and a distinct, rounded tactility - are a joy to type on. In addition, these keyboards have a large community with aftermarket parts and guides on how to modify them. The Pro Hybrid Type-S model specifically has extras like Bluetooth connectivity and silence rings. It's also reprogrammable using HHKB's proprietary app, although there isn't much reason to modify the existing layout unless you want a specific macro or change to the feature layer. It is incredibly easy to find on the used market for about half the price, making it a much more reasonable alternative to the Studio.
Melgeek Made68 for $149: : With a more minimal approach to its design and a white and purple color scheme, the Made68 has a great desk presence that stands out from the crowd. Additionally, the deep customization of Melgeek's Gateron-powered Hall Effect switches means that incredibly granular adjustments can be made to the typing experience of this keyboard, even down to the actuation distance of the individual keys. The external appearance can also be customized, with removable side panels and an interchangeable light diffuser in the back. Speakers are currently available in black, green and red with each include new silver side panels. However, you will need a screwdriver set to remove any of these panels, as an Allen key is not included with the keyboard. Overall, the Made68 sounds and feels great to type on. The tray-mount is not ideal for the feeling of typing, but the typical problems with the consistency of typing are not as prominent here as other similar keyboards. At this price, a slightly bumpy typing experience is a worthwhile tradeoff for customizable Hall Effect switches and a satisfying typing sound.
Tips for change
Photography: Henri Robbins
Switches are a huge part of a mechanical keyboard - if you already have a keyboard, try swapping the switches if you want a new experience. I'm working on a guide to my favorite switches, but below are my recommendations if you want a silent, tactile or linear switch.
Silent switches
One of the most frequent things that friends and family ask me about is silent switches. For coworkers, roommates, family members, or partners, the constant clicking and clacking of a mechanical keyboard can be grating. There are silent and silent linear touch switches, but I found the silent linear ones to be more acceptable in terms of typing feel and actual silence. However, even the best silent linear switches can be heard a little off compared to a non-silent switch.
The best silent switch available today is the We love Heartbeat ($11 for 36 switches). Once lubricated, this switch is almost perfectly silent and, more importantly, manages to do so with almost none of the "mushy" or "squishy" feeling that most silent switches have. Instead, it has a clean and slightly soft background that is betrayed only by the lack of audible response to accompany it. In the second place is the quieter one Gazzew Bobagum. This switch is almost dead, and although it has the usual "mushy" silicone bottom feeling, it's not so bad when the rest of the switch is as smooth as it is. If you're a fairly light typist who doesn't press the background keys, or don't mind a slightly mushier background, these are great too.
Linear switches
Linear switches are often the default choice over mechanical switches. My two favorites are from Gateron: Oil King is changing ($49 for 70) and Change to cream Soda ($53 for 70). Oil Kings are one of the best linear switches available today. Out of the box, they are smooth, sound great, and require zero modification. You don't need to lube, film, exchange sources, or anything else. Just put in a keyboard, and you're golden. Cream Soda switches, on the other hand, are a great mix of different switch technologies. Using a long stem for a more distinct, proper background sound Ink plastic for a smooth and deep sound, and factory lubricant that is on par with hand-lubing, they feel incredibly smooth and sound good right out of the box, although they can also benefit from adding film.
Tactile switches
I think a lot of people are looking for the wrong things when shopping for tactile switches. While ultra-tactile switches with distinct bumps are popular online, I find that these types of switches often feel good on their own and can be difficult for the average person to adjust. Instead, I always favor something in between: a crisp, responsive bump that is not so drastic that it distracts from writing or feels uncomfortable after prolonged periods.
The classics still hold: Durock T1 ($45 for 110) the switches are a great starting point, and I've always had a soft spot for Novelkeys' Touch Cream ($12 for 10) switches, although you need to break them in a bit compared to other switches. The drop Holy Panda ($42 for 35) they mostly deserve their reputation - they're a solid, heavy touch that feels good to type on, and I'll always love it Boba U4T for its fantastic sound profile and also a great tactile bump.
Avoid these Keyboards
Not every keyboard will be a winner. Here are a few that I don't think are worth the price.
Satechi SM1 for $99: : I didn't feel compelled or inspired by this keyboard in any way, and when you spend $100 or more on a keyboard, must be inspiring, or at least pleasant to use. The SM1's typing experience is disappointing even by the standards of a low-profile keyboard. It feels hollow to type on, has a shallow and scratchy keypress, and the build quality doesn't feel solid. Despite being mechanical, I would compare the user experience to a laptop's built-in keyboard in terms of construction and typing satisfaction. Combining this with the lack of any customization software (which means a completely fixed layout) and the use of proprietary tactile switches​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​with which, the Satechi SM1 is a disappointing keyboard all around, especially when compared to standard height mechanical keyboards in the same price range.
HiGround Opal Base 65 for $120: : In my test (5/10, WIRED Review), I found the Opal Base 65 to fall behind the competition in almost every way. With a tray assembly, crappy software, and a one-piece plastic case, I can't find any reason to choose this keyboard over anything else.
KSI Wombat Willow for $145: : I wanted to like this keyboard because it has everything I have must such as: a unique layout, a metal case, PBT keys, and Gateron switches. But it just doesn't work that well. Typing sounds hollow and ratty, the typing angles are either entirely flat or almost flat, and for some reason, every time I turn on Caps Lock, it automatically writes "20 02 00" (and after doing a factory reset, type "01". 06 07" instead). I couldn't find any way to solve this using KSI's WB Pouch software. However, it does some clever things: The number pad is placed so that the key Enter of the main keyboard can be pressed with your thumb during use, and the two rows of Function keys consolidate many keys vertically to save horizontal space. I want the assembly and polishing to match the great vision of this keyboard because the idea itself is fantastic.
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