Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard Buying Guide
Tired of your plain, uninspiring keyboard? Mechanical keyboards, with their customizable switches, cool backlighting, and top-notch build quality, can make typing feel way more exciting. If you’re thinking about making the switch and want some tips on what to consider before buying, keep reading to find the perfect mechanical keyboard for you.
Determine Your Use
Gaming
If you want a keyboard that truly amps up your gaming experience, look for ones with fast-actuating switches, customizable RGB lighting, anti-ghosting, and macro support. Brands that are well-known for their top-notch gaming keyboards include HyperX, Razer, Logitech, Corsair, SteelSeries, and Asus ROG. They all offer great features to elevate your gaming experience.
Typing/Programming
If you’re after a keyboard that enhances your typing experience, look for features like tactile switches, ergonomic designs, and high-quality keycaps. These aspects are key for making long typing sessions more comfortable and enjoyable. Brands like Keychron, Ducky, Corsair, Das Keyboard, and Filco offer a great selection of keyboards designed to meet your typing needs. Whether you’re coding or just typing away, these options have you covered.
Switch Types
Mechanical keyboards get their name from the distinct switches they use. There are various switch types, each offering a unique typing experience to match your personal preference. Here are some switch types to consider:
- Linear – Smooth keystrokes with no tactile bump or audible click. Examples include Cherry MX Red and Gateron Red.
- Tactile – Provides a noticeable bump to indicate actuation, but no loud click. Examples include Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Brown.
- Clicky – Features a tactile bump along with an audible click when pressed. Examples include Cherry MX Blue and Razer Green.
- Optical – Uses light-based technology for actuation, offering fast response times and varying feels. Examples include Gateron Optical and Razer Optical switches.
- Electrostatic Capacitive – Utilizes a different technology for a smooth and quiet typing experience. An example is Topre switches.
Keyboard Layout & Form Factor
Layout and form factor covers the design and setup of a keyboard, which can really affect how comfortable and productive your typing experience is. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Full-Sized: Comes with everything—number pad, function keys, and arrow keys. Perfect for those who want a complete set of keys.
- Tenkeyless (TKL): Skips the number pad, freeing up desk space and making it better for ergonomics. Great for gamers and those who prefer a minimalist setup.
- 60%/65%: Compact designs that leave out function keys and/or arrow keys. Ideal for portability and a sleek, minimal look.
- Ergonomic: Features split or tented designs to reduce strain and support a more natural hand position.Top of Form
Build Quality & Materials
Build quality and materials are key to how long-lasting and enjoyable your keyboard will be. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Frame: Keyboards can have plastic, metal, or aluminium frames. Metal frames are sturdier and feel more premium, while plastic ones are lighter and usually more budget friendly.
- Construction: Look for a keyboard with a solid build and minimal flex. A well-made keyboard feels stable and can handle heavy use better.
- Feet and Angles: Adjustable feet and ergonomic angles make typing more comfortable and help reduce strain.
- Keycaps: They can be made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). PBT is more durable and doesn’t get shiny from finger oils, while ABS is cheaper but tends to wear out faster. There are also companies that offers customize keycaps tailored just for you. From stars wars themed all the way to anime.
Connectivity
Keyboard connectivity is all about how your keyboard links up with your computer or other devices. Here’s a rundown of the main options:
- Wired: Gives you a reliable connection with no batteries required, making it great for gaming and everyday use.
- Wireless: Keeps things neat and flexible by eliminating cables. Just look for good Bluetooth or RF connections and solid battery life.
- Dual-Mode: Lets you switch between wired and wireless, so you can choose what works best for you in different situations.
Additional Features
Features collectively enhance your keyboard’s functionality, comfort, and customization, catering to a wide range of user needs and preferences. Here’s an overview of features available:
- Programmability: Some keyboards offer advanced programmability for custom macros and key remapping.
- Sound Dampening: Includes foam or dampening material to reduce typing noise and improve acoustics.
- Customizable Weight: Some keyboards allow for the addition or removal of weights to adjust the overall heft and stability of the keyboard.
- Ergonomics and Comfort: features include adjustable feet for customizable typing angles, detachable wrist rests for added support, and split keyboards to reduce wrist and shoulder strain.
- Connectivity and Integration: Options that ensure flexibility and ease of use. multi-device pairing allows you to switch between several devices seamlessly, integrated hubs add extra USB ports for peripherals, and Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wireless options help reduce cable clutter.
- Advanced Key Customization: Customization options tailor your keyboard to your needs. macro recording lets you create complex key sequences for efficiency, and per-profile customization allows you to configure different key mappings and lighting setups for various applications.
Price and Budget
Budget-Friendly (Under RM200)
Ideal for beginners or those looking for an affordable entry into the mechanical keyboard world. These are some keyboards you can consider
- Premium typing experience with meticulous design
- Equipped with durable Outemu switches, rated for 50 million keystrokes
- Vibrant 16.8 million color RGB lighting with 18 pre-set modes
- Dual-layer fiberglass PCB for enhanced signal stability and durability
- Includes spare switches and pullers for easy maintenance
- Compact and durable design with a sturdy metal top plate
- Features Gateron switches for a satisfying typing experience
- Customizable RGB lighting to personalize your setup
- Convenient media controls for easy access
- Detachable USB-C cable for portability and convenience
Mid-Range (RM 200 – RM600)
This range offers a balance between performance and price, perfect for those looking for more features without breaking the bank.
- Well-built mechanical gaming keyboard with customizable RGB backlighting
- Choice of linear Razer Yellow or tactile Razer Green switches
- Includes a comfortable wrist rest and two incline settings
- Also available in a TenKeyLess version (BlackWidow V3 TKL)
- Balanced features and affordability, priced around RM499
- Equipped with Cherry MX Red switches for smooth typing
- Full anti-ghosting with n-key rollover for accurate key presses
- Red backlighting with customization options through the Corsair Utility Engine
- Includes a detachable wrist rest and dedicated media controls
Premium Mechanical Keyboards (Above RM600)
For enthusiasts who demand the pinnacle of performance, durability, and customization, premium mechanical keyboards offer top-of-the-line features and build quality.
- Adjustable actuation switches allow users to fine-tune the sensitivity of each key.
- The aircraft-grade aluminum frame provides durability and a premium feel.
- Per-key RGB backlighting offers customizable lighting effects for a personalized look.
- Dedicated media controls provide easy access to media functions.
- The modular design allows for flexibility and customization in the keyboard setup.
- Offers premium features with Cherry MX switches for high-quality keypresses.
- Comes with an aluminum frame for durability and a premium feel.
- Includes customizable per-key RGB lighting controlled via iCUE software.
- Features six macro keys for advanced programming options.
- Comes with a detachable wrist rest for added comfort.
- Supports full anti-ghosting and N-key rollover for reliable performance.
- Includes dedicated media controls for easy access to media functions.
- Has a USB pass-through port for added convenience.
Fully Custom (No Budget Limits)
For those who want complete control over their keyboard, these options allow you to build the perfect setup:
- Drop CTRL/ALT: Hot-swappable bases with customizable switches, keycaps, and RGB lighting – ideal for experimentation.
- Glorious GMMK Pro: A premium, modular keyboard with an aluminum case, hot-swappable switches, and full programmability.
- KBDFans: Popular in Malaysia for DIY kits, offering everything from cases to switches, allowing complete control over your build.
Try Before You Buy
Testing the keyboard’s switches and ergonomics in person allows you to assess the feel, key response, and overall comfort, ensuring that the keyboard suits your typing or gaming needs and preferences before committing to the purchase. Here are some things you can test yourself before buying:
- Switch Feel & Type
- Key Travel & Actuation
- Ergonomics
- Keycap Material & Profile
- Noise Level
- Size & Layout
Finding the perfect mechanical keyboard means looking at several key aspects, such as switch types, keyboard layout, build quality, and extra features. Consider what you’ll use the keyboard for, whether it’s gaming or typing and test out different switch feels and ergonomic options to see what feels best. Also, check out connectivity options and any additional features that might be useful. By trying out keyboards and getting a feel for their performance and comfort, you’ll be able to make a choice that suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
