If you're willing to sacrifice some RGB edge lighting and the dedicated macro row, the Corsair K70 MK.2 also comes highly recommended and offers far better value for money.īest compact mechanical keyboard: Fnatic Streak 65 Still, if you believe that perfection comes when there's nothing left to add rather than nothing left to take away, the Platinum XT is well worth a look. Of course, everything comes at a cost - and for the K95 Platinum XT, that includes a substantial footprint and a premium price tag. The keyboard is well-built too, with an aluminium chassis and PBT keycaps that should provide excellent longevity. The actual typing experience hasn't been forgotten either, with a wide range of switches - including hard-to-find MX Speed options alongside more usual Cherry switches.
This full-fat K95 Platinum XT keyboard has super-programmable RGB backlighting and edge lighting that can reflect in-game stats, plus dedicated macro, volume and media controls, a USB port and a plush wrist rest. When it comes to mechanical keyboards, few can match Corsair's high-end models for pure depth of features. Watch on YouTube Watch the latest episode of DF Direct Weekly, where Digital Foundry staff discuss the hottest topics in gaming technology.īest full-size gaming keyboard: Corsair K95 Platinum XT
If you're not sure, scroll on to browse our full selection of recommendations! We've chosen keyboards for programming, gaming, building yourself and much more, so take a look. Note: The pictures of each keyboard show either a UK or US layout, but I've linked to the appropriate regional layout wherever possible - so don't worry if you see a keyboard with a different-sized Enter key than what you're used to!Ĭlick the links below to jump right into the category you're most interested in. Let's take a look at the ten best mechanical keyboards on the market, all tried and tested by Digital Foundry.
Whether you're looking for the ultimate gaming keyboard, a surprisingly solid budget offering or just something to code on, we've got you covered. We've updated this article as of spring 2022 after testing more than three dozen new keyboards, adding new options for wireless and low profile models, modular keyboards offering deep customisation and high-end premium keyboards with unique features and eye-catching designs.
I ended that piece with three keyboard recommendations, but the response to the article made it clear that you wanted to see more recommendations for different use-cases than we considered - particularly full-fat gaming keyboards with features like macro and media keys, programmable RGB lighting and game-state integration or quieter models that can be used in a busy office. Which are the best mechanical keyboards on the market? That was the question I tried to answer in our feature on whether mechanical keyboards are good for gaming, and how they became popular in the first place.