The best mechanical keyboards of 2025: I handpicked the top models available
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of mechanical keyboards on the market and the enthusiast jargon accompanying them. We've got you covered with a list of the best mechanical keyboards for functions other than just video games.
Membrane keyboards can be boring and unsatisfying. After a while, they just break or get that weird shiny overcast on all the keycaps. Thankfully, mechanical keyboards can spice up your office or gaming space. Keyboards like the Keychron Q1 Max, the Cherry Xtrfy 3.0, and the Logitech G715 sport vibrant RGB lights, aesthetic layouts, and tons of customizable options. What's more, Bluetooth can conveniently connect most of these listed keyboards to almost any smartphone, tablet, computer, or operating system like macOS or Windows.
What is the best mechanical keyboard right now?
The best mechanical keyboard we tested is the Keychron Q1 Max due to its sturdy build, customization options, and overall user experience. This keyboard wowed us in every way and deserves this top spot. We tested a bunch of other great options as well. Read on to find your best fit.
Sort by AllThe best mechanical keyboards of 2025
Show less View now at AmazonThe minute I unboxed the Keychron Q1 Max, I knew it would be a quality keyboard. In my mechanical keyboard testing, this keyboard performed far above the others and has become my daily driver, along with the Q1 HE. It adds personality to your workspace, flair to your productivity, and even works great for playing games.
The first and most indicative factor of its quality is the materials the keyboard is built from. The base is made from aluminum, which gives it a sturdy presence on your desk. If you're like me and good at knocking everything over, this keyboard has survived many unfortunate elbow bumps over time. Although the aluminum base may change the acoustics of the mechanical sound you may be searching for, it makes for a durable and sleek tool.
The keyboard comes in three base colors: Carbon Black, Shell White, and Purple. It also has three switch options of Gatreon's Jupiter Red, Jupiter Brown, or Jupiter Banana. My review unit came equipped with the Jupiter Yellow switches that yield a sound I can best describe as metallic bubble wrap, which I found ultra-satisfying.
The best thing about Keychron keyboards is their companion launcher app, where you can customize aspects of your keyboard like assigning different key commands, remapping keys, adjusting key actuation points, and customizing RGB lights. With Keychron keyboards, there is a particular aspect of customization that makes the keyboard feel like yours. Not to mention, each keyboard comes with extra tools, keycaps, and adapters.
Keychron Q1 Max tech specs: Type: 75% | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
Pros
- Customizable
- Durable materials
- Aesthetic without customizing
- Launcher app
- Not as much RGB control
- Turns off fast when not in use
The minute I unboxed the Keychron Q1 Max, I knew it would be a quality keyboard. In my mechanical keyboard testing, this keyboard performed far above the others and has become my daily driver, along with the Q1 HE. It adds personality to your workspace, flair to your productivity, and even works great for playing games.
The first and most indicative factor of its quality is the materials the keyboard is built from. The base is made from aluminum, which gives it a sturdy presence on your desk. If you're like me and good at knocking everything over, this keyboard has survived many unfortunate elbow bumps over time. Although the aluminum base may change the acoustics of the mechanical sound you may be searching for, it makes for a durable and sleek tool.
The keyboard comes in three base colors: Carbon Black, Shell White, and Purple. It also has three switch options of Gatreon's Jupiter Red, Jupiter Brown, or Jupiter Banana. My review unit came equipped with the Jupiter Yellow switches that yield a sound I can best describe as metallic bubble wrap, which I found ultra-satisfying.
The best thing about Keychron keyboards is their companion launcher app, where you can customize aspects of your keyboard like assigning different key commands, remapping keys, adjusting key actuation points, and customizing RGB lights. With Keychron keyboards, there is a particular aspect of customization that makes the keyboard feel like yours. Not to mention, each keyboard comes with extra tools, keycaps, and adapters.
Keychron Q1 Max tech specs: Type: 75% | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
Finding a great product at a reasonable price can be difficult, but this is where the Cherry Xtrfy MX 3.1 shines. This keyboard offers an incredibly satisfying typing experience for both work and gaming, thanks to Cherry's MX2A crosspoint switch technology and a one-millisecond response time.
The keyboard's compact design makes it surprisingly hefty with an ergonomic slope. The elegant RGB lights balance the perfect amount of light and keyboard visibility, so it doesn't look too gaudy.
Review: This mechanical keyboard I tested works just as well for work as it does for play
ZDNET expert Kyle Kucharski tried this mechanical keyboard first-hand and valued it for its high quality and low price. "Enthusiasts might miss a few of the keyboard's niche features, but for most consumers looking for a customizable, sleek mechanical keyboard, the Cherry Xtrify MX 3.1 delivers the experience," he said.
However, it does miss a few features that some keyboard enthusiasts might prefer. The keyboard is not hot-swappable, and the keycaps are made from a cheaper material than usual, but this makes sense for its $120 price tag. If you want an excellent keyboard that provides a smooth, reactive experience without the hassle of customizing or building, the Cherry Xtrify MX 3.1 is a winner.
Cherry Xtrfy MX 3.1 tech specs: Type: 100% | Hot-Swappable: No | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB plug-and-play | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
Pros
- Great features for price
- one-millisecond response time
- Sturdy
- Not hot-swappable
- Wired
Finding a great product at a reasonable price can be difficult, but this is where the Cherry Xtrfy MX 3.1 shines. This keyboard offers an incredibly satisfying typing experience for both work and gaming, thanks to Cherry's MX2A crosspoint switch technology and a one-millisecond response time.
The keyboard's compact design makes it surprisingly hefty with an ergonomic slope. The elegant RGB lights balance the perfect amount of light and keyboard visibility, so it doesn't look too gaudy.
Review: This mechanical keyboard I tested works just as well for work as it does for play
ZDNET expert Kyle Kucharski tried this mechanical keyboard first-hand and valued it for its high quality and low price. "Enthusiasts might miss a few of the keyboard's niche features, but for most consumers looking for a customizable, sleek mechanical keyboard, the Cherry Xtrify MX 3.1 delivers the experience," he said.
However, it does miss a few features that some keyboard enthusiasts might prefer. The keyboard is not hot-swappable, and the keycaps are made from a cheaper material than usual, but this makes sense for its $120 price tag. If you want an excellent keyboard that provides a smooth, reactive experience without the hassle of customizing or building, the Cherry Xtrify MX 3.1 is a winner.
Cherry Xtrfy MX 3.1 tech specs: Type: 100% | Hot-Swappable: No | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB plug-and-play | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
I found that aesthetics come into play the most for this mechanical keyboard. The Logitech G715 is cloudy-white and has Clicky, Tactile, or Linear switches. The Clicky switches that came with my review unit remind me of old mechanical keyboards -- specifically, the one my grandparents keep in their computer room to this day.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the keyboard is that the RGB lights light up under each keycap individually, and the WASD keys light up differently to assist in gameplay. I also noted that the extra 4- and 8-degree kickstands on the keyboard's base worked well for productivity.
My only qualm is that it is not a hot-swappable keyboard. This is convenient for people who want to use it as is, but it also means that I can't change the switches to play with different sounds. Overall, it's an ideal product for those who don't care about the bells and whistles of customization but still want a fun and quality mechanical keyboard.
Logitech G715 tech specs: Type: 75% | Hot-Swappable: No | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB/USB-C, Bluetooth, and wired | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
Pros
- Induvidual RGB lights
- Nostalgic
- Kickstands
- Not hot-swappable
- Plastic base
I found that aesthetics come into play the most for this mechanical keyboard. The Logitech G715 is cloudy-white and has Clicky, Tactile, or Linear switches. The Clicky switches that came with my review unit remind me of old mechanical keyboards -- specifically, the one my grandparents keep in their computer room to this day.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the keyboard is that the RGB lights light up under each keycap individually, and the WASD keys light up differently to assist in gameplay. I also noted that the extra 4- and 8-degree kickstands on the keyboard's base worked well for productivity.
My only qualm is that it is not a hot-swappable keyboard. This is convenient for people who want to use it as is, but it also means that I can't change the switches to play with different sounds. Overall, it's an ideal product for those who don't care about the bells and whistles of customization but still want a fun and quality mechanical keyboard.
Logitech G715 tech specs: Type: 75% | Hot-Swappable: No | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB/USB-C, Bluetooth, and wired | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
Read MoreThe Cherry KC 200 MX is the perfect keyboard for your office setup. It is a 100% keyboard with plenty of standard features like a number pad and customizable action keys. Its slim form makes it a sleek addition to your workspace. It reminds me of Apple's Magic Keyboard, but more satisfying.
The mild mechanical clicking sound is the most essential feature that makes it office appropriate. Its sound is smoother than that of a traditional membrane office keyboard, which may help deter mid-day headaches. Switching up sounds helps mine.
The design of this keyboard was made for professionals who wanted a smoother typing experience but with no frills -- hence no RGB lights, knobs, or flashy colors. The keyboard uses Cherry's MX2A switches, so it could also work well for gamers.
Cherry KC 200 MX: Type: 100% | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB-A | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
Pros
- Hot-swappable
- 100% keyboard
- Quieter keys
- Keys are kind of cramped
- Only USB-A connection
The Cherry KC 200 MX is the perfect keyboard for your office setup. It is a 100% keyboard with plenty of standard features like a number pad and customizable action keys. Its slim form makes it a sleek addition to your workspace. It reminds me of Apple's Magic Keyboard, but more satisfying.
The mild mechanical clicking sound is the most essential feature that makes it office appropriate. Its sound is smoother than that of a traditional membrane office keyboard, which may help deter mid-day headaches. Switching up sounds helps mine.
The design of this keyboard was made for professionals who wanted a smoother typing experience but with no frills -- hence no RGB lights, knobs, or flashy colors. The keyboard uses Cherry's MX2A switches, so it could also work well for gamers.
Cherry KC 200 MX: Type: 100% | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Compatibility: Mac and Windows | Connectivity: USB-A | Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
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