I’ve written for seven years about simply how a lot I get pleasure from typing and gaming on mechanical keyboards, so it is maybe not stunning that I are likely to ask numerous firms to ship over their newest and biggest choices. At present 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 possibility with a quantity pad, and from the feedback on current keyboard evaluation roundups we all know that the Eurogamer commenters love their quantity pads. We’ve full-size keyboard suggestions already, however we even have some particular full-size opinions coming your method quickly – so keep tuned.
Within the meantime, prepare for this number of bizarre mechanicals of all styles and sizes, from bizarre HR Giger impressed and retro Japanese designs from manufacturers you have by no means heard of to esports-focused choices from a lot greater names. You may even discover your subsequent keyboard right here, so have enjoyable!
Keychron K4 HE: a classy 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 comfortable and straightforward to make use of ergonomic
Cherry Xtrfy MX 8.2 TKL Wi-fi: foolish title, stunning board
Epomaker Hack 59: a contemporary HHKB various
Superb GMMK 3 HE: limitless customisation with a failing
Hexgears Immersion A3: an inexpensive G915 TKL various
Wrapping up
Keychron K4 HE: a classy full-size possibility with fast set off
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
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 % measurement keyboard with Gateron double-rail magnetic “nebula” switches that present a comfortable, linear journey and are snug for typing and gaming alike. The 96 % structure incorporates almost the entire keys on a normal keyboard, however packed right into a neater design the place the navigation keys go up prime 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 house.
Like different Particular Version keyboards we have examined up to now from Keychron, just like the smaller K2 HE, the K4 HE comes with engaging rosewood accents that complement the cream-coloured keys and aluminium body very properly; a black/wooden mannequin can be obtainable, whereas normal 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 standard 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) characteristic that prioritises the final key pressed when strafing in FPS titles, a dynamic keystrokes characteristic 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 primarily the total trick bag pioneered by Wooting, all programmable by way of web-based software program. I admire that the keyboard is ready up with most of those options disabled by default – it is not perfect to have fast set off when typing, for instance – however enabling them is simple sufficient and the net instrument works reliably.
General, a perfectly-built, handsome and responsive keyboard with each conceivable characteristic you may want from a contemporary gaming board, other than larger 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
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
The Gravastar Mercury K1 Professional feels just like the form of factor HR Giger could be designing if he had been nonetheless round and actually into keyboards for some cause, with flip-out claws, a skeletal metallic chassis and a few severely spacey keycaps. It is completely on the market versus principally the rest available on the market, and for that I completely adore it. It additionally feels extraordinarily properly constructed, with completely no give wherever on the board.
Behind the virtually unsettling design, there is a strong keyboard that works properly for typing and gaming, because of gasket-mounted tactile switches. The 75 % structure consists of the entire keys I want – like arrows and Perform keys – whereas being extra compact than a normal tenkeyless (TKL) design. In fact, that further house 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 prime proper that may be pressed all the way down to mute, and a 2.4GHz wi-fi USB dongle constructed into the greebled underside of the keyboard. It is clear that numerous 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
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
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 % measurement keyboard with a quantity wheel, the TK75 HE added Corridor Impact magnetic switches and now the TK75 HE V2 provides a small display for standing indicators and the time/date or your selection of (animated) photos and as much as 8K polling.
The V2 mannequin with Phoenix Silent switches can be the quietest mechanical keyboard I’ve ever heard, with primarily not one of the clatter that usually accompanies quick typing on a mechanical – simply extraordinarily deep tones that produce an opulent report. It is really slightly spooky how little sound this keyboard makes, and it is just about the one mechanical I might really suggest for a crowded but quiet house 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 (elective) 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 cheap locations to chop prices, and I nonetheless extremely suggest this mannequin total.
Logitech Professional X TKL Speedy: the brand new esports favorite
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
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 easy: the common Professional X TKL is a wi-fi keyboard with normal mechanical switches, whereas the Professional X TKL Speedy is wired-only however has extra superior magnetic switches, and is in reality 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 fee, is that this the brand new keyboard a greater possibility 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 the 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 could be very a lot straight down the road, with Corridor Impact switches that unlock the standard options: fast set off, multi-point actuation (map a number of features 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 manner, you start counter-strafing proper as quickly as D is pressed, moderately than ready for A to be launched as regular). I like which you could obtain setups from inside the Logitech software program, so you do not have to be an skilled to check out a extra superior config that makes use of these options.
Elsewhere, the G Professional X TKL Speedy stays a fantastic 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 structure could be very normal and there are handy media controls and a quantity wheel. All in all, an affordable selection for anybody fascinated with FPS gaming, with a cultured expertise that justifies the next value than extra boutique choices.
Monsgeek Fun60: a less expensive Wooting 60HE?
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
The Wooting 60HE is our present prime 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, but it surely’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, all the way down to the loop on the highest left nook of the board to affix a 60HE-style cloth 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 method that Android telephones adopted iPhone-style notches regardless of a plethora of arguably higher designs beforehand.
The Fun60 continues to be an affordable possibility, with a greater typing expertise out of the field with the supplied magnetic switches, a quoted 8000Hz polling fee not discovered on the 60HE, and a few extra attention-grabbing colourways than the Dutch-built board. Nonetheless, you do see the fee distinction by way of the software program expertise, which is nowhere close to as polished as what Wooting is providing – in reality, 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 taking advantage of its options, the 60HE stays our prime choose, however the Fun60 is price contemplating as a less expensive various.
Epomaker Break up 65: comfortable and straightforward to make use of
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
The Epomaker Break up 65 is an ergonomic keyboard that is very simple to study – simply pop aside the 2 components while you need to undertake a extra snug posture and put them again collectively when you should bang out an article or no matter at excessive pace. The acquainted structure right here isn’t fairly as ergonomically superior as extra aggressive departures, with their tenting and wholly rearranged keys, however oftentimes good is the enemy of fine – and the Break up 65 is unquestionably good.
Aside from its splitting-in-half social gathering trick – which provides you the right place to go away a mug of tea, for the file – the Break up 65 is a strong selection for each typing and gaming. The 65 % structure 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 structure may 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 operating 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 shocked to search out that the Break up 65 was each extra snug than a normal keyboard and no tougher to make use of, even when it did take a day or two to coach myself tips on how to press the smaller break up house bar dead-on.
Cherry Xtrfy MX 8.2 TKL Wi-fi XAGA: foolish title, stunning board
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
Cherry’s acquisition of Swedish esports-grade peripheral producer Xtrfy has seen the corporate embrace gaming in a method that the well-known switch-maker has by no means actually achieved earlier than, with the most recent launch being this long-titled board: the MX 8.2 TKL Wi-fi XAGA.
That long-butt title belies a reasonably simple mechanical that gives a moderately stunning white/silver design, a compact TKL structure and a selection between the corporate’s wonderful MX2A blue (clicky) or pink (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 standard USB-C wired connection, and an elective metallic carrying case perfect 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 the direction of justifying the moderately steep value of admission. Hardly a mass-market possibility then, however I admire Cherry’s new strategy to placing out strong keyboards that display its new switches convincingly.
Epomaker Hack 59: a contemporary HHKB various
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
The Hack 59 does not do a lot to cover its inspiration: the legendary Completely happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB), launched within the 90s, the primary well-known 60 % measurement compact keyboard. The Hack 59 largely abides by the identical design philosophy and structure, 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 essentially the most pure structure for Mac or Home windows – you may need to change Caps to function Management, more than likely – but it surely’s an attention-grabbing change of previous and works excellently in Linux; no shock given the HHKB’s Unix origins.
Regardless of its area of interest enchantment, the Hack 59 is properly 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 related switches, although that is nonetheless one of many louder mechanicals of the ten examined right here right this moment. Elsewhere, there’s the standard tri-mode connectivity, PBT keycaps, gasket-mounted and hot-swap switches and an ABS plastic chassis.
When you just like the structure and need to mimic the Linux hackers of outdated, it is a far more inexpensive possibility than an actual HHKB – and arguably a extra feature-rich various too.
Superb GMMK 3 HE: limitless customisation, however first-party GBPT keycaps do not match
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
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 gives dependable efficiency, does not problem the likes of Epomaker or Keychron on value, however does supply numerous flexibility in the case of setting up your good keyboard.
I used to be despatched a 75 % measurement mannequin with Corridor Impact keys, however you can too get a smaller 65 % or bigger one hundred pc measurement, 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 nearly paralysing variety of choices for newcomers, however an intoxicating association for fans – and it continues ever after with choices for various circumstances, switches, badges, knobs, cables, swap mountings and keycaps. Two “GMMK 3” keyboards can subsequently differ massively, however the default GMMK 3 HE 75 mannequin I ended up with has a compact UK structure, 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 quite a bit, however there is a matter – they do not completely match the UK/ISO structure, and I ended up having to make use of nearly random keycaps of the unsuitable top and color to fill the house subsequent to left shift (`) and enter (#). I believe that if Superb goes to do its personal keycap units, this embarassing omission must be fastened.
Hexgears Immersion A3: low cost Logitech G915 TKL various
Picture credit score: Digital Foundry
Just like the Logitech G915 TKL however do not need to pay £200 for a keyboard? Hexgears has you coated with a suspiciously related design that even eclipses the Logi unique in some respects, and it prices half as a lot. That is the Immersion A3, a low-profile mechanical with a faux-metal prime plate and round non-mechanical buttons. Even the font selection is paying homage to the G915 TKL – although the legends are quite a bit greater. Nonetheless, 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 selection of three switches right here – linear white rain, tactile black cloud and clicky disguise mountain. My evaluation unit got here with white rain, they usually had been cheap – although the comfortable touchdown right here did remind me a little bit of a membrane keyboard moderately than a super-precise mechanical. I additionally came upon these switches had been hot-swap once I pulled off a keycap and the complete swap got here out too – not a fantastic indicator of construct high quality, it needs to be stated.
Finally, I believe 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 might wish to see a extra novel design subsequent time that iterates on the identical low profile TKL transient, as there’s solely up to now you possibly can go following in another person’s footsteps.
Wrapping up
Properly, in the event you’ve learn each phrase of this text, I might wish to shake your hand – that is a heck of a dedication to studying about new keyboards and I applaud your service.
It is attention-grabbing to see simply how diversified the mechanical market stays, whilst options like magnetic switches turn into extra ubiquitous, there’s nonetheless an enormous quantity of selection in the case of layouts, options and supplies… even when there’s far more shameless copying than there’s real innovation.
Keep tuned for extra keyboard opinions and protection – the following 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 just choose to see full-size keyboards with a quantity pad within the feedback?
