5 Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards of 2020 Reviews
Have you ever experienced being in a LAN party with your gaming buddies and noticed that some of their keyboards have that wondrous “clickety-clack” sound every type they press a key? It’s because they’re using a mechanical gaming keyboard. So what’s the difference between using a mechanical keyboard as compared to using a conventional keyboard for your computer?
Besides mechanical gaming keyboards to be more expensive than their traditional counterpart, the experience can be worlds apart. Just try typing something on a mechanical keyboard and then go back to your conventional keyboard, you might feel that the latter is now incredibly squishy than the former.
It’s not just for style purposes either as mechanical gaming keyboards are known to be more durable than the traditional model. Hence, you’ll find that you’re going to use that one keyboard for a very long time (until you purchase a new one, of course). Furthermore, most mechanical models have replaceable keys, which means that even if the Shift key becomes unusable (perhaps because of excessive gaming), then you can just replace that one key instead of buying a new keyboard.
If you’re already searching for the right model keyboard for your gaming needs, then here are the five best mechanical gaming keyboards we’ve gathered around the market for your convenience.
If you’ve been an enthusiast of the PC gaming scene for quite some time, then chances are you’ve already heard about the Razer brand, and one of their top mechanical gaming keyboards is the BlackWidow Chroma.
It comes with mechanical switches that are rated to be functional for up to 80 million keystrokes. It also comes with individually programmable backlit keys. If you want to play around with the backlights, you definitely can as it comes with 16.8 million color options. Installation is very simple as it has a plug-and-play functionality.
Our Conclusion: The Razer BlackWidow Chroma is one mechanical gaming keyboard that you’ll be using for a very long time. With its rated 80 million keystrokes, you can type all you want for years before you have to replace a particular key. However, if you’re already attuned with using other gaming keyboards on the market, you’ll find that the BlackWidow Chroma has a narrower main typing portion as compared to other models. It will take some getting used to, but it doesn’t get in the way of it being an excellent keyboard.
Pros
All the keyboard keys are durable.
It has 16.8 million color options for its backlight.
Fully programmable keys.
On-the-fly macro recording feature.
Braided fiber cable for increased cord durability and to avoid tangles.
Cons
The main keyboard is narrower as compared to other mechanical gaming keyboard brands.
Another Razer mechanical gaming keyboard to grace this list is the Ornata Chroma. With this particular model, it comes with custom-designed keycaps that are shorter as compared to other models on the market. It is even shorter than some units found in the Razer keyboard line.
It still has individually programmable backlit keys, and it also comes with an ergonomically designed wrist rest for those extended hours of playtime.
Our Conclusion: The Razer Ornata Chroma is a wonderful mechanical gaming keyboard and one that you can rely on for many types of gaming genres. Whether you’re into first person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), or fighting games, this unit can help you win battles and matches for a good long while. You have to make sure, however, that you don’t move a lot since the magnets on the wrist rest are not as powerful as advertised so that it can shift from time-to-time.
Pros
It has 16.8 million colors to select for its backlight.
Its shorter keycaps mean faster travel between keys.
Its ergonomically designed wrist rest provides a decent level of comfort.
On-the-fly recording feature for its macro keys.
Cons
The magnetic wrist rest is not as powerful as claimed to be.
Corsair is another brand to watch out for when you’re searching for an excellent mechanical gaming keyboard on the market.
If you’re an enthusiast of the brand, then you ought to consider getting the STRAFE. With it, you can take advantage of Cherry MX key switches to deliver excellent competitive advantage as it presents minimal input lag. Its red backlighting is sure to draw attention, and all of the keys are fully programmable.
Our Conclusion: The Corsair STRAFE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard lets users gain an utmost competitive advantage with its low input lag. In other words, if you input a key, it will have the shortest amount of time possible to register on your games or when you’re typing something on it. Its red backlighting is certainly a head-turner, but it might not favor some if you’re not a huge fan of the color. It would be beneficial if it had a mic/headphone passthrough, in particular with some computer towers situated a bit far from the user.
Pros
The use of Cherry MX red switches means it gives one of the smallest amounts of input lags as possible.
Its red backlighting can be bright enough to see the keyboard in the dark.
It has near-endless programmability for every keyboard key.
The Logitech G910 Orion Spark is advertised as the “world’s fastest RGB mechanical keyboard.” While it might be a tall claim, one thing’s for sure is that keyboard inputs are indeed tactile and blazingly fast.
It promotes up to 25 percent faster actuations, and let’s not forget about the fully customizable RGB backlighting. It also has a companion Arx Control App to help you access your in-game data and profiles with just the use of your smartphone. The keyboard even comes with a smartphone dock, which is a welcoming feature.
Our Conclusion: Like the previously mentioned Razer BlackWidow Chroma, the Logitech G910 Orion Spark is a mechanical gaming keyboard that has narrower key spacing as compared to other units on the market. As such, it might take some getting used to, but it doesn’t deal much of a blow as its positives outweigh the negatives. Overall, it is an excellent gaming keyboard to have, and it’s one that you won’t be parting with it for years to come.
Pros
High-speed RGB mechanical keyboard promotes quick actuations for typing and gaming.
It has customizable lighting for each key.
You can choose different lighting profiles for each game.
The Arx Control app and smartphone dock are welcoming features.
Cons
Key spacing is slightly narrower than other models on the market.
The Pictek Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has an anti-ghosting feature for its 104 keys. It means that it allows users to use multiple keys simultaneously
A welcoming feature is that the unit is water and dust proof. Hence, if you’re drinking something and you accidentally drop your beverage on the keyboard, just wipe it off, and It’ll still work fine. This particular keyboard makes use of blue switches, and the clicky sound it makes will put audio sensory pleasure to any PC gaming fan.
Our Conclusion: While the Pictek Mechanical Gaming Keyboard offers plenty of advantages, such as it being water and dust proof, as well as its 104 keys have an anti-ghosting feature, it is a bit of a disappointment that users could not change the color of its backlighting. So if you’re not a fan of the multiple colors laid out in front of you every time you’re typing or gaming, then it can be a problem.
Pros
It has anti-ghosting for its 104 keys.
Its blue switches for its keys are durable, sensitive, and highly responsive.
Water and dust proof.
Its backlighting is suitably bright to make typing and gaming in the dark an easier task to handle.
Mechanical keyboards are known to live longer as opposed to its traditional counterpart. Many manufacturers test the keys of their keyboards to be rated from 30 million to 70 million key presses. For comparison’s sake, the conventional keyboard will only last for approximately 5 million key presses.
Improved Feedback and Typing Experience
Aside from mechanical keyboards to last longer than the traditional model, they also offer better regarding typing experience. There are some types of switches that have a detectable actuation point, while some have additional feedback if you hearing those clicky sounds is music to your ears.
Durable
Albeit mechanical gaming keyboards are known to be heavier compared to the conventional keyboard, they do offer more regarding stability and durability.
Factors to Consider When Buying Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
Type of switches used.
Size and Layout
Tactile Feel and Audio Feedback
Backlight
Cost
Final Conclusion: If you’re considering changing your membrane or scissor-type keyboard with a mechanical gaming keyboard, then know that you’re going to make a worthy investment. Mechanical keyboards may be more expensive than traditional models, but they do offer more advantages. It will last longer, provide a better tactile feel, and some units will even have extra bells-and-whistles to make any typing and gaming experience even better than before.
Penh J. Bunnarong is an IT guy who has a background in Technology bachelor's degree. He is very passionate about sharing his knowledge on high tech, gadgets & tools, and sports & outdoors.
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