Mechanical keyboards are often classy, sturdy, and flashy-looking. They are mostly either used by typewriters or gamers to increase the accuracy and output. They offer various features that can smoothen the typewriting; hence, they are also useful for those who want to level up their typing speed.
There are different kinds of keyboards, and choosing one can be confusing. To simplify the technicalities involved, we have everything to help you make an informed decision like the size, switches, and other additional features. Lastly, do not forget to check our unique product recommendations.
Image | 1 ![]() Ant Esports | 2 ![]() Corsair | 3 ![]() Corsair | 4 ![]() Offbeat | 5 ![]() Dierya | 6 ![]() TVS | 7 ![]() LexonElec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | MK1000 Multicolour | K95 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | K70 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Slayer Wired Mechanical Keyboard | RGB Mechanical Keyboard | Gold USB Keyboard | RK61 Wired/Wireless Bluetooth |
Features | Gamers With Limited Budget Can Go for It | For Super Typing and Phenomenal Gaming Experience | Enjoy Durability as Well as Comfort | Water-Resistant Mechanical Keyboard With an Ergonomic Design | A Portable Option for Freelancers and Typewriters | A Budget-Friendly Mechanical Keyboard for Beginners | 2 in 1 Mechanical Keyboard That Has an Energy-Saving Mode |
Price Starts at | ₹2,349.00 | ₹17,099.00 | ₹10,899.00 | ₹999.00 | ₹20,920.00 | ₹2,599.00 | ₹19,240.00 |
Type of switch | Clicky and Tactile | Linear | Linear | Linear | Tactile | - | Tactile |
Size | TenKey less | Full-size | Full-size | Full-size | 60% | Full-size | 60% |
Compatibility | Windows and Mac | Windows and Mac | Windows | - | Windows 2000, XP, WIN, 7, 8, 10, Android 4.4, and Mac | - | Android, IOS, Windows |
Macro keys | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Anti-ghosting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
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Its time to move on to the next section. Here is a list of our favorites for now. Be sure to check out our thoughts on each item. So, help yourself.
From ₹2,349.00
Type of switch | Clicky and Tactile |
---|---|
Size | TenKey less |
Compatibility | Windows and Mac |
Macro keys | No |
Anti-ghosting | Yes |
From ₹17,099.00
Type of switch | Linear |
---|---|
Size | Full-size |
Compatibility | Windows and Mac |
Macro keys | Yes |
Anti-ghosting | Yes |
From ₹10,899.00
Type of switch | Linear |
---|---|
Size | Full-size |
Compatibility | Windows |
Macro keys | Yes |
Anti-ghosting | Yes |
From ₹999.00
Type of switch | Linear |
---|---|
Size | Full-size |
Compatibility | - |
Macro keys | Yes |
Anti-ghosting | Yes |
From ₹20,920.00
Type of switch | Tactile |
---|---|
Size | 60% |
Compatibility | Windows 2000, XP, WIN, 7, 8, 10, Android 4.4, and Mac |
Macro keys | No |
Anti-ghosting | No |
From ₹2,599.00
Type of switch | - |
---|---|
Size | Full-size |
Compatibility | - |
Macro keys | No |
Anti-ghosting | No |
From ₹19,240.00
Type of switch | Tactile |
---|---|
Size | 60% |
Compatibility | Android, IOS, Windows |
Macro keys | No |
Anti-ghosting | No |
Broadly, there are two types of keyboards, the membrane keyboard and the mechanical keyboard. Before jumping into why we should use a mechanical keyboard, let's understand how they differ from each other.
A membrane or ordinary keyboard has a circuit covered by a three-layered rubber, and above that, there are buttons or keys which we see on the keyboard. When you press any button, the rubber layer attached to the circuit sends the information to the CPU. Then, the CPU shows the output on the screen.
On the other hand, a mechanical keyboard does not have a rubber layer like a membrane keyboard. Instead, it has a mechanical switch and spring below every key. When you press down a key, it sends the information to the CPU through the circuit, which further shows the screen's output.
Due to the spring's presence, you will hear the clicking sound, ensuring you do not miss any type. The clicky-sound will further help you in pacing up.
The main difference between membrane and mechanical keyboards lie in the typing experience. Unlike ordinary keyboards, where you need to press the keys down to the bottom to register a click, mechanical ones, on the other hand, picks the click halfway through the keystroke. So, that's the reason they enhance productivity.
Mechanical keyboards can help you save a lot of energy and fatigue-free typing. On top of it, they can withstand more repetitive strokes due to their metal on metal contact, making them comfortable for typists.
They are relatively easy to clean – you can remove all the keycaps, wash them, and refit everything back. It makes them more durable than their counterparts.
Before making any decision, there are some factors you need to consider to make your purchasing experience flawless. This section discusses all such aspects in detail. So, let's get started.
Keyboards are generally available in four different sizes. You have to select one of them according to your requirement. The following section discusses each size in detail.
Keyboards come in different sizes. A full-size keyboard comprises all the keys, 104 in total. This keyboard is ideal for people whose work involves numbers because it includes a dedicated corner for a number pad cluster. Also, it has a similar structure to the ordinary keyboard, so it is comfortable to use.
Its main downside is its large size that will make your hands or fingers stretch a lot to reach for the keys, therefore, hampering your typing speed. Additionally, it is quite challenging to carry around as it will not easily fit in the bag, so those who go for gaming events can skip this type.
Compared to a full-size layout, a tenkeyless or TKL keyboard, also referred to as 80%, comprises only 88 keys in total, saving some space by taking away the number pad cluster. Those who do not prefer the large size can get their work done with a keyboard that offers only a limited set of keys.
Gamers and programmers mainly prefer it because it is light in weight, and unlike a full-sized keyboard, it doesn't slow the typing speed giving a larger space to type.
If you think that TKL is still quite big, 75% is much smaller and crammed up to save space and offer a more portable approach. It is pretty similar to the tenkeyless, except for a few missing keys.
The keys are placed right next to each other, with almost no extra space in between them. Also, it has the navigation key cluster and a few more keys on the far right column.
Want to go lower? Look for 60%. It is one of the most miniature-sized keyboards that are similar to laptop-size keyboards. Without the function or F keys and navigation keys, it is easier to carry and operate.
Those who strictly demand portability can choose this size as it only has 60 keys. Moreover, it improves your typing speed drastically because you won't have to move your fingers as far.
Unlike regular keyboards, mechanical keyboards come with individual switches under each key, which offers better durability, and most importantly, improved performance. They have three switches: linear, tactile, and clicky, with distinctive features. So, choose wisely based on your typing experience.
Linear or silent switches function similarly to those in the membrane keyboards and offer a smooth press. They require the least pressure or actuation force, the force needed to press the key for them to be recognized, of 45gram. They readily accept repeated and fast keystrokes, which makes them a perfect choice among gamers.
We do not recommend the linear switches to those who do a lot of typing because they are bland and smooth, causing many typing errors. Moreover, linear ones are silent compared to the tactile and clicky switches, making it hard to recognize the click's sound.
Tactile switches offer a slightly palpable bump midway while pressing the key; they make a sound, which helps the user recognize the press. You can identify the noise while clicking, but the switches don't make the sound, which might be more challenging for some to catch.
These switches are ideal for typewriters and gamers who have a balanced speed because they do make a sound but not loud enough that is comfortable to hear.
Clicky switches are similar to tactile switches, and they also offer a clicky sound that is crispy and bumpy. This clicky sound is loud enough to let you know when the keypress is registered. They can be very noisy for some, so it is better to avoid them in quieter areas like the library.
Among all three, they require the highest amount of actuation force, around 60 grams. Due to this increased pressure, these switches are not suitable for gaming. However, they make up for the best keyboards for typing, and are, therefore, a preferred choice among programmers.
Checking your operating system before purchasing a keyboard must be done to ensure that it will work fine when connected. Before buying, you must check whether your computers operating system is compatible with the keyboard you want to purchase.
Some will only work on Windows, while others will work for both Windows and Mac. Be sure to check our specifications table!
A keyboard with macro keys allows users to automate specific commands by replacing the tedious task of pressing multiple buttons to perform a particular function with one keypress. If you easily remember shortcuts, then a macro key would help boost efficiency and productivity.
Pick a mechanical keyboard with a maximum number of buttons to perform macro functions. With this, you can easily program them to perform a specific task. Many keyboards suffer from ghosting, meaning that the unintended signal pops up on the screen when you continuously press a particular key.
If you're a highly professional gamer or a writer who loves fast tapping on the switches, then looking for an anti-ghosting feature would be a great option.
Now, you can have a complete set-up with all the other gadgets. We have covered all the essential products from wireless mouses to the monitors to enhance your productivity. You can know more from our buying guides and product recommendations from the articles below.
There is no doubt that mechanical keyboards can considerably enhance productivity. Not only are they meant for gamers, but they are becoming famous among typewriters as well. Do not let yourself slip by attractive and cool-looking keyboards; remember to get what to need the most at the moment.
Author: Nikhil Deora
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