I’ve written for seven years about simply how a lot I take pleasure in typing and gaming on mechanical keyboards, so it is maybe not shocking that I are inclined to ask plenty of firms to ship over their newest and biggest choices. In the present day I am rounding up 10 keyboards that I’ve examined this week (!), from feature-focused gaming boards to extra design-oriented mechanicals for typists.
Full disclosure proper from the off: just one keyboard here’s a full-size choice with a quantity pad, and from the feedback on latest keyboard assessment roundups we all know that the Eurogamer commenters love their quantity pads. Now we have full-size keyboard suggestions already, however we even have some particular full-size evaluations coming your means quickly – so keep tuned.
Within the meantime, prepare for this collection of strange mechanicals of all sizes and styles, from bizarre HR Giger impressed and retro Japanese designs from manufacturers you’ve got by no means heard of to esports-focused choices from a lot greater names. You would possibly even discover your subsequent keyboard right here, so have enjoyable!
Keychron K4 HE: a trendy full-size keyboard with fast set off
GravaStar Mercury K1 Professional: completely distinctive, sensible efficiency
Gamakay TK75HE V2: the quietest mechanical I’ve ever examined
Logitech Professional X TKL Speedy: the brand new esports favorite
Monsgeek Fun60: a less expensive Wooting 60HE?
Epomaker Break up 65: a snug and straightforward to make use of ergonomic
Cherry Xtrfy MX 8.2 TKL Wi-fi: foolish identify, stunning board
Epomaker Hack 59: a contemporary HHKB various
Superb GMMK 3 HE: countless customisation with a failing
Hexgears Immersion A3: an inexpensive G915 TKL various
Wrapping up
Keychron K4 HE: a trendy full-size choice with fast set off
I heard you guys love quantity pads – so you are going to love this keyboard too. The Keychron K4 HE Particular Version is a wood-veneered, 96 % dimension keyboard with Gateron double-rail magnetic “nebula” switches that present a tender, linear journey and are snug for typing and gaming alike. The 96 % format incorporates practically all the keys on a regular keyboard, however packed right into a neater design the place the navigation keys go up high and the arrow keys intrude into the numpad and alphanumerics. It takes a day or two to get your head round, however permits for a full keyboard in a a lot smaller area.
Like different Particular Version keyboards we have examined up to now from Keychron, just like the smaller K2 HE, the K4 HE comes with enticing rosewood accents that complement the cream-coloured keys and aluminium body very properly; a black/wooden mannequin can also be obtainable, whereas commonplace fashions with metallic frames and backlit keycaps are a contact cheaper. Given the recognition of wooden in PC circumstances just like the SFF Fractal Terra as of late, it is good to see keyboards evolve to make use of extra pure supplies too.
As this keyboard makes use of magnetic Corridor Impact switches, you get the same old nifty options – adjustable actuation factors from 0.2mm to three.8mm that enable you discover the right mix between pace and accuracy, a SOCD (simultaneous opposing cardinal instructions) function that prioritises the final key pressed when strafing in FPS titles, a dynamic keystrokes function that permits you to set a number of actions to totally different factors within the keypress, and a dynamic fast set off mode that dispenses with set actuate/launch factors to hurry up inputs even additional. It is basically the total trick bag pioneered by Wooting, all programmable by way of web-based software program. I recognize that the keyboard is ready up with most of those options disabled by default – it is not excellent to have fast set off when typing, for instance – however enabling them is simple sufficient and the online device works reliably.
Total, a perfectly-built, handsome and responsive keyboard with each conceivable function you may want from a contemporary gaming board, aside from increased polling charges I suppose. Keychron continues their propensity for producing wonderful worth choices that do not compromise on high quality.
GravaStar Mercury K1 Professional: completely distinctive, sensible efficiency
The Gravastar Mercury K1 Professional feels just like the type of factor HR Giger can be designing if he had been nonetheless round and actually into keyboards for some purpose, with flip-out claws, a skeletal metallic chassis and a few severely spacey keycaps. It is completely on the market versus principally anything available on the market, and for that I completely adore it. It additionally feels extraordinarily effectively constructed, with completely no give wherever on the board.
Behind the just about unsettling design, there is a strong keyboard that works effectively for typing and gaming, due to gasket-mounted tactile switches. The 75 % format consists of all the keys I would like – like arrows and Operate keys – whereas being extra compact than a regular tenkeyless (TKL) design. After all, that additional area is then used on creepy tripod claws, however the keys themselves are nonetheless all inside simple attain.
Elsewhere, there are some good touches, like a small built-in show within the backside proper, a quantity rocker within the high proper that may be pressed right down to mute, and a 2.4GHz wi-fi USB dongle constructed into the greebled underside of the keyboard. It is clear that plenty of care and a focus went into designing this, and even at its steep asking value you will not really feel hard-done. This keyboard is one-of-a-kind.
Gamakay TK75HE V2: the quietest mechanical I’ve ever examined
Gamakay’s TK75 keyboard is certainly one of my all-time faves, a 75 % keyboard with a plastic chassis however more and more well-built internals for surprisingly little cash. The unique TK75 was a strong 75 % dimension keyboard with a quantity wheel, the TK75 HE added Corridor Impact magnetic switches and now the TK75 HE V2 provides a small display screen for standing indicators and the time/date or your alternative of (animated) photographs and as much as 8K polling.
The V2 mannequin with Phoenix Silent switches can also be the quietest mechanical keyboard I’ve ever heard, with basically not one of the clatter that usually accompanies quick typing on a mechanical – simply extraordinarily deep tones that produce an opulent report. It is truly just a little spooky how little sound this keyboard makes, and it is just about the one mechanical I would truly advocate for a crowded but quiet area like a library or workplace.
The remainder of the formulation right here is because it was: a handy quantity wheel within the higher proper, backlit ABS keycaps that present the (optionally available) RGB lighting, a easy plastic chassis and barely garbage Home windows-only software program. Given the worth, the plastic case and old-school software program really feel like affordable locations to chop prices, and I nonetheless extremely advocate this mannequin general.
Logitech Professional X TKL Speedy: the brand new esports favorite
So what is the distinction between the Logitech Professional X TKL, which we beforehand beneficial, and the Professional X TKL Speedy on our desk this week? The reply is straightforward: the common Professional X TKL is a wi-fi keyboard with commonplace mechanical switches, whereas the Professional X TKL Speedy is wired-only however has extra superior magnetic switches, and is actually the primary Logitech keyboard to incorporate these. Mixed with the keyboard’s present strengths, together with good software program and an as much as 8000Hz polling price, is that this the brand new keyboard a greater choice for competitively-minded FPS gamers?
In brief, sure. The Speedy permits Logitech (and its many sponsored groups and gamers) to meet up with the pattern in direction of high-performance fast set off keyboards that permit gamers to maneuver extra responsively, particularly when strafing and counter-strafing, and thereby acquire a tiny edge over their rivals.
The Logitech implementation may be very a lot straight down the road, with Corridor Impact switches that unlock the same old options: fast set off, multi-point actuation (map a number of capabilities to the identical key at totally different depths), key precedence (aka SOCD, which routinely cancels one key press if a selected different keypress is detected – eg if A and D are paired this fashion, you start counter-strafing proper as quickly as D is pressed, somewhat than ready for A to be launched as regular). I like which you can obtain setups from throughout the Logitech software program, so you do not have to be an knowledgeable to check out a extra superior config that makes use of these options.
Elsewhere, the G Professional X TKL Speedy stays an excellent typing keyboard, although it’s the loudest of all of the keyboards we examined right here. The PBT keycaps are fairly grippy, which is nice, the format may be very commonplace and there are handy media controls and a quantity wheel. All in all, an inexpensive alternative for anybody considering FPS gaming, with a sophisticated expertise that justifies the next value than extra boutique choices.
Monsgeek Fun60: a less expensive Wooting 60HE?
The Wooting 60HE is our present high Corridor Impact keyboard advice, backed with world-class software program and a singular design. The Fun60 Extremely seems to have been made very a lot in the identical mould, as a 60 % Corridor Impact keyboard with fast set off and different magnetic swap performance, however it’s considerably cheaper than the Wooting providing (presently £81 vs £163) whereas utilizing a nicer aluminium chassis.
The Fun60 additionally apes the important thing design language of the Wooting board, right down to the loop on the highest left nook of the board to affix a 60HE-style material strap – although one is not included within the field, making it a little bit of a moist squib; copying for the sake of copying in the identical means that Android telephones adopted iPhone-style notches regardless of a plethora of arguably higher designs beforehand.
The Fun60 continues to be an inexpensive choice, with a greater typing expertise out of the field with the supplied magnetic switches, a quoted 8000Hz polling price not discovered on the 60HE, and a few extra fascinating colourways than the Dutch-built board. Nevertheless, you do see the price distinction by way of the software program expertise, which is nowhere close to as polished as what Wooting is providing – actually, it was a wrestle to even get the software program to launch on our Home windows take a look at system. Given how vital that software program is to profiting from its options, the 60HE stays our high choose, however the Fun60 is value contemplating as a less expensive various.
Epomaker Break up 65: cozy and straightforward to make use of
The Epomaker Break up 65 is an ergonomic keyboard that is very simple to study – simply pop aside the 2 elements if you need to undertake a extra snug posture and put them again collectively when you have to bang out an article or no matter at excessive pace. The acquainted format right here shouldn’t be fairly as ergonomically superior as extra aggressive departures, with their tenting and wholly rearranged keys, however oftentimes good is the enemy of excellent – and the Break up 65 is certainly good.
Other than its splitting-in-half celebration trick – which supplies you the right place to go away a mug of tea, for the file – the Break up 65 is a strong alternative for each typing and gaming. The 65 % format is nice as a result of it consists of arrow keys whereas being properly compact, the wisteria switches and PBT keycaps really feel good underneath the finger, and the format might be modified to your choice utilizing on-line VIA or QMK firmware instruments.
The splitting does imply that you will have a brief, versatile double-ended USB-C cable working throughout your desk, however you do have the selection to shed an additional USB-C cable to your pc with each Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz wi-fi on board.
I usually discover ergonomic keyboards a little bit of an obstacle to study whereas additionally doing my common work, so I used to be pleasantly stunned to search out that the Break up 65 was each extra snug than a regular keyboard and no harder to make use of, even when it did take a day or two to coach myself how you can press the smaller cut up area bar dead-on.
Cherry Xtrfy MX 8.2 TKL Wi-fi XAGA: foolish identify, stunning board
Cherry’s acquisition of Swedish esports-grade peripheral producer Xtrfy has seen the corporate embrace gaming in a means that the well-known switch-maker has by no means actually completed earlier than, with the most recent launch being this long-titled board: the MX 8.2 TKL Wi-fi XAGA.
That long-butt identify belies a reasonably simple mechanical that provides a somewhat stunning white/silver design, a compact TKL format and a alternative between the corporate’s wonderful MX2A blue (clicky) or crimson (linear) switches. These debuted in 2023 and are a lot smoother than the MX switches that Cherry has been constructing because the 80s. The particular sauce right here is the connectivity, with low-latency 2.4GHz and Bluetooth in addition to the same old USB-C wired connection, and an optionally available metallic carrying case excellent for esports stars and severe mechanical keyboard nerds proudly carrying their newest acquisitions to the workplace.
There’s not an enormous quantity right here by way of particular options – no 8K polling, ergonomic benefits, magnetic switches or the like – however the typing expertise might be the perfect I’ve had on a Cherry keyboard in a while, and the fetching design and that metallic case go a way in direction of justifying the somewhat steep value of admission. Hardly a mass-market choice then, however I recognize Cherry’s new method to placing out strong keyboards that exhibit its new switches convincingly.
Epomaker Hack 59: a contemporary HHKB various
The Hack 59 would not do a lot to cover its inspiration: the legendary Joyful Hacking Keyboard (HHKB), launched within the 90s, the primary well-known 60 % dimension compact keyboard. The Hack 59 largely abides by the identical design philosophy and format, ie not together with Management keys within the decrease corners, however drops the DIP switches used to regulate performance for a extra fashionable web-based interface with QMK/VIA programming and provides RGB lighting (naturally). This is not probably the most pure format for Mac or Home windows – you will need to change Caps to function Management, most certainly – however it’s an fascinating change of previous and works excellently in Linux; no shock given the HHKB’s Unix origins.
Regardless of its area of interest attraction, the Hack 59 is effectively constructed and feels very nice to make use of, with a pleasant key chatter that has been tuned with 5 layers of sound dampening. That produces a barely deeper sound than most mechanicals utilizing comparable switches, although that is nonetheless one of many louder mechanicals of the ten examined right here immediately. Elsewhere, there may be the same old tri-mode connectivity, PBT keycaps, gasket-mounted and hot-swap switches and an ABS plastic chassis.
In the event you just like the format and need to mimic the Linux hackers of outdated, it is a way more reasonably priced choice than an actual HHKB – and arguably a extra feature-rich various too.
Superb GMMK 3 HE: countless customisation, however first-party GBPT keycaps do not match
Reece has already reviewed the extremely configurable Superb GMMK 3, however I wished so as to add just a few of my very own ideas relating to each the keyboard and the persevering with collection of keycap units that Superb has launched over the previous yr. In brief, it is a good keyboard that provides dependable efficiency, would not problem the likes of Epomaker or Keychron on value, however does provide plenty of flexibility on the subject of developing your good keyboard.
I used to be despatched a 75 % dimension mannequin with Corridor Impact keys, however you can even get a smaller 65 % or bigger one hundred pc dimension, every obtainable with Corridor Impact or conventional mechanical switches, with wired or tri-mode connectivity, and in US/ANSI or UK/ISO configurations with a north- or south-facing PCB. That is an virtually paralysing variety of choices for newcomers, however an intoxicating association for lovers – and it continues ever after with choices for various circumstances, switches, badges, knobs, cables, swap mountings and keycaps. Two “GMMK 3” keyboards can due to this fact differ massively, however the default GMMK 3 HE 75 mannequin I ended up with has a compact UK format, decently-implemented fast set off performance and a handy quantity wheel.
The differentiating issue had been the GBPT Voltage keycaps that Superb additionally despatched alongside, inscribed with Japanese hiragana and in a fetching white, gray and yellow/lime colourway. I just like the comparatively slick feeling of those keycaps so much, however there is a matter – they do not completely match the UK/ISO format, and I ended up having to make use of virtually random keycaps of the mistaken peak and color to fill the area subsequent to left shift (`) and enter (#). I feel that if Superb goes to do its personal keycap units, this embarassing omission should be mounted.
Hexgears Immersion A3: low cost Logitech G915 TKL various
Just like the Logitech G915 TKL however do not need to pay £200 for a keyboard? Hexgears has you lined with a suspiciously comparable design that even eclipses the Logi authentic in some respects, and it prices half as a lot. That is the Immersion A3, a low-profile mechanical with a faux-metal high plate and round non-mechanical buttons. Even the font alternative is harking back to the G915 TKL – although the legends are so much greater. Nevertheless, as an alternative of a large quantity wheel within the higher proper, Hexgears opted for a classy LCD show – with the time, date, modifiers and battery ranges. I do not hate the tweak, although the smaller quantity wheel alongside feels nowhere as good as Logitech’s metallic curler.
There are a alternative of three switches right here – linear white rain, tactile black cloud and clicky disguise mountain. My assessment unit got here with white rain, they usually had been affordable – although the tender touchdown right here did remind me a little bit of a membrane keyboard somewhat than a super-precise mechanical. I additionally discovered these switches had been hot-swap once I pulled off a keycap and the whole swap got here out too – not an excellent indicator of construct high quality, it must be mentioned.
In the end, I feel you are higher off ready for the Logitech G915 TKL on sale, given its higher construct high quality, extra confirmed low-latency wi-fi and extra developed software program, although I respect the grind from Hexgears and the few design deviations elevated the board considerably. I would wish to see a extra novel design subsequent time that iterates on the identical low profile TKL temporary, as there’s solely to this point you’ll be able to go following in another person’s footsteps.
Wrapping up
Nicely, for those who’ve learn each phrase of this text, I would wish to shake your hand – that is a heck of a dedication to studying about new keyboards and I applaud your service.
It is fascinating to see simply how diverse the mechanical market stays, at the same time as options like magnetic switches develop into extra ubiquitous, there’s nonetheless an enormous quantity of alternative on the subject of layouts, options and supplies… even when there’s way more shameless copying than there may be real innovation.
Keep tuned for extra keyboard evaluations and protection – the subsequent 5 (!) keyboards I will be testing have already arrived at DF HQ. Within the meantime, why not tell us which keyboard you are most intrigued by within the ballot beneath, or inform us that you simply favor to see full-size keyboards with a quantity pad within the feedback?
