Nowadays, one simply can’t deny the surging popularity of mechanical keyboards in the gaming and typing industry – all for good reasons too!
Compared to the traditional keyboards, mechanical types are stronger and more durable for longer use. To add, mechanical keyboards are usually very customizable as well.
This means users get to enjoy a fully functioning keyboard with the look and style that they prefer, making gaming and working much more fun.
If you’re looking for the best mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ve rounded up the 14 best mechanical keyboards his year.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Viper V765 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Our first pick for the best gaming and typing mechanical keyboard this year comes from the brand Viper with its V765 RGB keyboard version.
Despite being released in 2018, this keyboard can still stand tall among its competitors to this day. It comes with its own software users can use to customize their preferences.
Priced at an affordable $99, the Viper V765 RGB gaming keyboard has been rated the best overall keyboard for the last three years in a row by Tom’s Hardware.
The Viper V765 comes with a full set of features including the first-ever DIP LED box switch for maximum lighting effects and a full spectrum of RGB lighting,
It also offers multiple dedicated multimedia keys that allow users to easily access controls with a simple scroll interface on the keyboard.
In terms of the switches, the Viper V765 comes with Kalih box switches with an IP56 rating which makes the keyboard stay clean with its water and dust resistance.
For more extra comfort, the keyboard is also equipped with a removable magnetic palm rest for maximum support during gaming and typing marathon.
As of right now, the Viper V765 keyboard is available in one variation of a Kalih white box switch of a full-size layout that’s compact and portable.
2. Das keyboard 5QS Smart Keyboard
Our second option for the best mechanical keyboards for gaming and typing this year falls on the 5Qs Smart Keyboard from Das Keyboard.
Priced at $199, this newer generation of the 5Q keyboard brings users convenience and productivity by displaying information such as weather and CPU usage on its keys.
These notifications will show up in different colors to make sure users will know what they’re looking at. Not only that, it also comes with multiple built-in RGB profiles.
The profiles can be fully customized to users’ needs through its built-in profile editor. To add, there’s also a macro editor used to record and replay keystrokes on the keyboard.
For extra comfort, the 5Qs keyboard offers detachable wrist rest that’s attached magnetically and helps users rest their palms comfortably and securely.
All in all, The 5Qs smart keyboard is designed for power users such as gamers and coders. On top of that, it’s also compatible with multiple O.S such as Windows, Ubuntu, and macOS.
As of right now, the 5Qs keyboard is available for purchase through its official website and eCommerce stores. It is available in one variant of black color.
3. Logitech G915 TKL
If you’re looking for newer versions of a mechanical keyboard, the Logitech G915 TKL released last June 2020 might be worth checking out.
This wireless mechanical keyboard features a pro-grade lightspeed connection that boosts its performance up to 1ms, resulting in no delay in either gaming or typing.
Despite being wireless, the G915 TKL is fully functional while plugged in via a USB connection, this way users can charge and use the keyboard at the same time.
To top it all, the keyboard also features high-performance low-profile GL mechanical switches that are responsive, accurate, and durable.
When it comes to design, the keyboard comes with a thin, refined design engineered to deliver the best and durable performance for even the most intense gaming sessions.
In addition to all of that, the G915 TKL also comes with an intelligent LIGHT SYNC RGB technology that allows users to fully customize the key lighting colors to their desire.
As of right now, the Logitech G915 TKL is available for purchase through Logitech official website or its global retailers. It offers two variants of Carbon at $179 and White at $229.
4. Keychron Q1
For a newer release option, the Keychron Q1 can also be worth trying. Released just this year, this keyboard comes with two different versions of fully assembled and barebone versions.
Priced between $139 to $169, the differences between the two versions come from its keycaps and switches, which the barebone version has none.
This means users get to choose and install keycaps and switches to their liking. Not to mention, the Keychron Q1 also has the ability to switch layouts between macOS and Windows.
While it was built with Mac users’ experience in mind, the keyboard has a system toggle and customized keycaps for both operating systems which you’ll be able to save.
In terms of design, the Keychron Q1 has a gasket-mounted design that makes typing and gaming more comfortable, flexible, and convenient.
Its RGB lighting system is also pleasant to the eyes as they are facing toward the user and are non-shine-through, making them perfect for customized keycaps.
As of right now, the Keychron Q1 has many different variations users can choose from. Starting from its types, colors, and switches. Visit its official website for more information.
5. Mountain Everest Max
If you’re looking for a high-end mechanical keyboard with full customization and modularity, the Everest Max from Mountain is a good contender.
At a price of $290, the keyboard comes with many great features unlike any other. It comes with a customizable media dock, display keys, and cherry stabilizers.
The media dock offers a wide range of controls and notifications on the top of the keyboard. It has displayed information that allows users to easily monitor your system or switch profiles.
Users also get to modify the 4 display keys and choose shortcuts, macros, or hotkeys on their own. Everything can be adjusted to your needs, which will surely boost productivity.
The cherry stabilizers on the Everest Max ensure the keyboard produces light and easy sound thanks to its tight tolerance and factory-tuned Krytox GPL Grade 0.
Just like other high-end keyboards, the Everest Max also comes with a magnetic palm rest that allows users longer sessions of use and extra comfort.
The Mountain Everest Max is available in two different color variations of Gunmetal Gray and Midnight Black. Both can be purchased from its official website or retailers.
6. Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
If you’re looking for a newer release keyboard, the UHK 60 v2 ultimate hacking keyboard can be a good choice. Launched this September, this keyboard is expected to ship in January 2022.
With a price of $275, this mechanical keyboard has a unique split design which is not like any other regular keyboard. It’s ergonomic and thin, making it better for productivity.
The split keyboard allows users to improve their typing posture as they can type on two separate halves. Not only that, but users can also add modules such as a touchpad.
Each half of the keyboard is connected to the other one with a replaceable bridge cable which expands and shrinks as needed, making it the best choice for minimum desk space.
Its detachable palm rests are made of natural beech wood with a powder-coated steel plate. It
offers a unique combination of warmth, class, and durability.
As of right now, the keyboard offers many different variations depending on the layouts, case colors, and different key-switch types. Open its official website for more information.
7. HyperX Alloy Origins
If you’re looking for a more affordable keyboard, the HyperX Alloy Origins might be a good choice. Released in February this year, this model is retailed for around $99 at the moment.
The HyperX Alloy Origin is a compact, sturdy keyboard that offers custom mechanical switches designed to give gamers the best mix of style, performance, and reliability.
Not to mention, the custom switches from HyperX come with exposed LED lights and actuation force that make them appear more stylish yet are still responsive and accurate.
Onboard, the keyboard can store up to the profile memories. Users get to create their own custom-designed light shows and switch them up easily with a click of a button.
In addition to all of that, the HyperX Alloy Origins also comes with a game mode, anti-ghosting, and n-key rollover that users won’t accidentally take themselves out of a game mode.
As of right now, the HyperX Alloy Origin offers its users three different variations of HyperX Aqua Switch, HyperX Red Switch, and HyperX Blue Switch.
8. Hexgears Impulse
Another good choice for an affordable mechanical keyboard is the Hexgears Impulse that comes in two variants: with and without pudding-style keycaps on the keyboard.
Priced at $89, the keyboard comes with beautiful RGBs lights and self-cleaning Kalih Box switch technology that preserves its keycaps even after the most intense gaming and typing sessions.
Not only that, but the keyboard also comes with per-key customizable lighting modes, swappable key switches, IP56 design, curved metal mounting plate, and 2 adjustable-height feet.
Despite not having custom software, the Hexgears is still an incredible option and one of the best affordable gaming keyboards there are right now.
The Hexgears Impulse is available in two variants of white and RGB backlighting with an RGB light ring which you can get through its official website or any authorized seller.
9. Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT
If you’re looking for a high-end flagship keyboard from a well-known brand, the K95 from Corsair priced at $199 is a good option.
First arriving in 2013, the RGB model is updated in 2017 to include RGB light bar up top and Cherry MX Speed switches alongside MX Blue and Brown options.
When it comes to the style, the keyboard comes with per-key backlighting and 19-zone LightEdge lighting across the keyboard, giving it well-balanced and vibrant lighting effects.
Performance-wise, the keyboard comes with six dedicated macro keys with custom key remaps for an in-game advantage. You can also program special streaming commands to your liking.
On top of that, there’s an 8MB onboard profile storage that lets you take up to five profiles wherever you go, making it more convenient to use at any time.
In addition, the CORSAIR iCUE software also offers vivid dynamic lighting control, macro programming, full-system lighting synchronization, coolers, fans, and more
As of right now, the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is available in three different variants of Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, and Cherry MX Speed.
10. Razer Huntsman Mini
For a newer release option for the best mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing, the Razer Huntsman Mini released back in July 2020 is worth checking out.
With a price tag of $119, the Huntsman Mini is essentially a compact and highly portable gaming keyboard with cutting-edge Razer Optical Switches.
The keyboard is designed to be ideal for streamlined and on-the-go setups that don’t sacrifice performance over convenience thanks to its high accuracy.
The Razer™ optical switches offer the keyboard lighter and smoother actuation compared to the regular mechanical switches. It also lasts longer thanks as it doesn’t rub on as much.
The keycaps on this keyboard are also designed for greater durability which ensures its textured quality doesn’t wear off to a shiny finish even after intense use.
In addition, the keyboard also comes with 5 onboard memory and lighting presets that let users take the settings anywhere and switch them up without its software.
Pretty great right? On top of that, all these features are built around an aluminum casing that’s robust enough to withstand long hours of intense and regular use.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is available for purchase through its official website or any authorized Razer seller. It offers two variants of Black and Mercury with clicky or linear optical switches.
11. K4 TKL RGB – Xtrfy
The K4 TKL RGB – Xtrfy is another great option if you’re looking for an affordable mechanical keyboard. Even at $99, this keyboard can stand tall among its competitors at the moment.
The keyboard comes with mechanical key switches that provide users with a lighter touch and faster actuation. It has a customizable RGB illumination and up to 1000 Hz polling rate.
In terms of design, the K4 TKL comes with a minimalistic and compact look that’s perfect for travel and on-the-go adventures but with the same sturdiness as other mechanical keyboards..
The K4 TKL also offers six-zone color customization as well as numerous backlight typing effects. It uses impactful RGB lighting and elevated DIP LEDs for crisp illumination of every key.
As of right now, the K4 TKL RGB – Xtrfy comes in many different variations which you can check out yourself through its official website here.
12. AUKEY KM-G17
If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that’s less than a hundred bucks, the AUKEY KM-G17 might be the best choice for you.
With a price tag of $49, this mechanical keyboard still gives users a run for their money. It comes with many essential features and much more.
It comes with fully programmable macro keys, AUKEY blue switches that give users precise tactile feedback, 19 preset lighting effects, and many more.
Users can easily cycle through the 19 preset lighting effects with the effects button and adjust a variety of other settings like lighting color, brightness, and effect speed.
There’s also a 104-key rollover with anti-ghosting means this mechanical keyboard will never miss a single key-press or confuse your commands in any scenario.
13. Durgod Fusion
For another high-end option of a mechanical keyboard for typing and gaming, the Durgod Fusion is worth checking out.
Released in March 2021, the Durgod Fusion features wired and wireless versions. All come with Cherry MX Switches, 3 different designs, and PBT Double-shot keycaps.
Priced at $179, one of the Durgod Fusion’s key features is its classic gaming console look which makes users feel nostalgic while using it.
The keyboard comes with a raised top panel and an iconic plastic body that resembles the build of the retro gaming console, NES.
Despite being a retro keyboard, the Durgod Fusion offers all the modern technology and functions of mechanical keyboards. It is also compatible across all devices and OS.
When it comes to design the keyboard is only 14 inches long. It’s small, compact, and is perfect to bring everywhere in your backpack. making it the perfect device for on-the-go users.
The keyboard also comes with Cherry MX switches and high-quality keycaps for unparalleled precision, extra comfort, and convenience.
For the wireless version, the battery can last up to 40 days on a full charge. Though the battery life will vary depending on the circumstances and computing conditions.
The Durgod Fusion comes in three different designs of Steam, Original, and Navigator. Each design comes in different colors which you can check out on its official website.
14. SteelSeries Apex Pro
Our last pick for the best mechanical keyboard in this list is the SteelSeries Apex Pro. With a price of $209, this keyboard is the first of its kind that offers customizable per-key sensitivity.
Steel Series also claims the Apex Pro has 8x faster response, 5x faster actuation, and 2x times durability compared to the other mechanical keyboards out there.
In addition, the keyboard features an OLED smart display that shows information straight from games and apps on your device. You can also use it to adjust settings and change profiles.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is built around an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that provides the keyboard with unparalleled durability and sturdiness under any situation.
For extra comfort, the Apex Pro also comes with a detachable premium magnetic wrist and palm rest with full palm support and a durable soft-touch finish.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro comes in different language layouts which you can check out through its official website here.
Wrapping up!
There you have it! In this article, we have given you a list of the 14 best mechanical keyboards for gaming and typing in 2021 along with their prices and short reviews.
Mechanical keyboards are good options if you spend a lot of time gaming or typing on your computer. It’s comfortable and durable even during the most intense session of use.
We hope this article has been enlightening! If you still have any questions about the topic in question, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
See you in another article!
