The mechanical keyboard has long been acclaimed by gamers, especially thanks to the range of possibilities it offers. In this area, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is, in our eyes, a reference. It is indeed available in no less than 7 versions, each equipped with different switches. Suffice to say that everyone can find happiness! In addition to that, it reflects a very high level of quality (and robustness) and has a wrist rest and accessories adapted to different types of play.

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How did we choose?

When looking for the best quiet keyboard, many questions can arise. However, the most important thing is to find the one that best suits our use. To do this, the essential element is the type of switches that will equip your choice.

Where Cherry has dominated for many years with its MXs, other manufacturers are starting to break into house systems. However, the ranges are not as extensive as those of the original brand.

The switches can be of two types:

either linear , which means that their resistance consists only of the spring. The result is a completely fluid race.
either tactile , that is to say with resistance at mid-height. This allows you to physically feel the moment when the button was pressed.
Among these two types, there are still subdivisions. Here are the main ones at Cherry:

The Cherry MX Red : linear type, they require a constant force to be activated. Using a key is therefore very fast, but leaves little room for error. It is one of the switches acclaimed by gamers, thanks to its speed and robustness.
The Cherry MX Black : similar to the MX Red, they require more force to be activated.

The Cherry MX Blue : it is often called “Clicky” because its activation emits an audible noise. Touch type, you can feel the point of contact. However, think of those around you because its use is relatively noisy. It is best for typing, unless you are looking for accuracy first.

The Cherry MX Brown : it is, more or less, a silent MX Blue. It offers a good balance between typing and gaming.

The Cherry MX Speed : Betting on typing speed, it is the fastest in the range. Like the MX Red, it is a very flexible linear system, but with activation of the key 0.5 mm higher. The result is a very sensitive strike. We do not recommend it to people prone to typos.

The Cherry MX Silent : based on the Red or the Black, this version aims to minimize the noise nuisance, often blamed on mechanical keyboards.
Once the type of contactor has been chosen, it is important to base yourself on the following criteria in order to be able to sort through the different possibilities:

Ergonomics: directly linked to user comfort, it determines how long you can spend using your keyboard and under what conditions. The shape of the keys, the presence of a palm rest, the height of the set and the backlight have a significant impact. Anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover are also essential for gamers because they allow you to activate several keys simultaneously without confusion on the part of the device.

The design and the template: these elements are important so that you can determine whether it will be easy to transport your keyboard, whether it will fit on your desk, etc. In addition, the materials chosen and the “frameless” design (no additional plate around the keys) have an impact on the durability of the whole. It will be easier to maintain a frameless aluminum format than another plastic compound. Finally, the presence of rubber pads and additional feet are elements of stability.

Integrated commands : they can be of 2 kinds: direct (like multimedia keys) or indirect (activated with a combination of keys). These tools are always useful to be able to access certain settings on the fly without having to leave your game. For fans of programming and shortcuts, it is also important to have macro keys (direct or indirect) which can be linked to a combination of commands to perform several actions by pressing a single key.

Connectivity : some keyboards integrate connectors directly into their chassis. There are generally two types: a USB port which can be used either for charging or as an additional USB port for data transfer. Rare models also include a jack connector for connecting a headset.

The software part : the gaming peripherals are often linked to a program allowing to adapt the different settings, to create profiles or even to manage the backlight. This allows you to really customize the use of your keyboard.
From our list of fifty models, we were able to move to ten products thanks to these criteria.

Then, on the basis of numerous tests and user opinions, we were able to establish our selection of the 6 best mechanical keyboards available today.

The best cheap mechanical keyboards

It is very rare to find keyboards of this type at this price level. However, the two models found in this section are excellent solutions for the transition to this technology adored by gamers, despite some necessary sacrifices.

HyperX Alloy FPS

HyperX already has a good reputation in other fields, in particular that of gaming headsets . With his Alloy FPS, he entered the world of keyboards. This highly effective product can easily be adapted to your needs.

In ergonomics, despite the absence of wrist rests, the brand has ensured comfort of use by adapting the template of the keyboard. Indeed, the maximum height is limited, which avoids any discomfort during long sessions.

The device gives off an impression of solidity thanks to its frameless design and its neat steel plate. For those who wish, it is possible to raise the assembly using 2 folding feet. Stability is ensured by 6 rubberized supports, distributed under the grainy plastic surface.

From the point of view of the switches, you can opt for Cherrys MX Red, Brown (more difficult to find with us) or Blue . Whichever you choose, typing comfort is assured even if the more clicky Blue will tend to be quite noisy. Gaming, textured and red tones can replace classic models. This color is also omnipresent in the backlight, non-RGB.

Also in gaming optics, you have, on the entire keyboard, anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover which allow the simultaneous activation of all the keys on the keyboard in order to guarantee you maximum speed.

A USB port is available but it can only be used for charging, unfortunately.

At the order level, you will only have access to the minimum. Here, therefore, no multimedia or macro keys but sub-commands linked to the activation of the FN key to modify the volume, control the playback of your content or adjust the backlight. Game mode is also one of the other available functions.

Even if it is quite basic, this keyboard wants to be transportable. The connector is therefore removable and the format, reduced despite the numpad. If you don't need the latter, a more compact Pro version without a USB port is available.

For customization enthusiasts, know that the only possible modifications are made via keyboard shortcuts. An RGB version , linked to a specific program, is also on sale and offers many more possibilities but for a less attractive price.

In the end, this is a very good introduction, no matter what type of game you prefer.