Mechanical keyboards are popular for their durability, satisfying typing feel, and customization options. You need reliability, but hundreds of brands claim to be the best. Nowadays, choosing the best one can be confusing. Below, I will tell you best mechanical keyboard brands that deliver what they promise.
I have tested keyboards from over 20 brands in the past 3 years. Some deliver amazing value. Others waste your money with fancy marketing but poor build quality. I’ll help you pick the perfect brand for your needs and budget.
Quick Answer:
The top 5 mechanical keyboard brands are Keychron (best overall value), Ducky (enthusiast favorite), Corsair (gaming leader), Leopold (office excellence), and Das Keyboard (premium professional). Choose a keyboard based on your primary use case and budget range.
Best Brand For Mechanical Keyboard
Here is a list of top rated mechanical keyboards:
1. Keychron – Best Overall Choice
Keychron produces excellent wireless keyboards that are compatible with both Mac and Windows. They’re popular because they offer great quality at fair prices.
Best for: People who want one good keyboard for everything
Price range: $70 to $200
Top models:
- K2 – Compact size with wireless
- K8 – Full-size wireless keyboard
- Q-series – More premium metal-body keyboards
Why choose Keychron?
- Works perfectly with Mac computers
- Can connect to 3 devices at once
- Keys feel great for typing and gaming
- Battery lasts weeks on one charge
Our Opinion:
Keychron hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability. I particularly love how they’ve nailed wireless functionality without compromising on typing feel. Their Mac compatibility is flawless, making them my top recommendation for Apple users. The Q-series stands out as offering premium features at mid-range prices.
2. Das Keyboard – Professional Typing Experience
Das Keyboard uses German engineering to make some of the best typing keyboards. They focus on clean design without flashy lights.
Best for: Writers, programmers, office workers
Price range: $150 to $300
Top models:
- Model S Professional – No number pad (saves space)
- 4 Professional – Full-size with volume wheel
Why choose Das Keyboard?
- Extremely solid metal construction
- Cherry MX switches (the gold standard)
- Very quiet options available
- Looks professional in any office
Our Opinion:
While expensive, Das Keyboard delivers unmatched build quality that justifies the price for serious typists. I appreciate their no-nonsense approach. The Model S is our favorite for its perfect weight and balance.
3. Ducky – Favorite of Keyboard Enthusiasts
Ducky comes from Taiwan and makes keyboards loved by serious keyboard fans. They’re known for excellent build quality and customization.
Best for: People who love customizing their keyboard
Price range: $100 to $250
Top models:
- One 2 Mini – Very compact 60% size
- One 3 – Full-size with great keycaps
Why choose Ducky?
- Keycaps don’t fade or wear out
- Smooth, consistent typing feel
- Lots of special edition designs
- Good for both gaming and typing
Our Opinion:
Ducky represents the best entry point into custom keyboards. Their attention to detail with PBT keycaps sets them apart. I am especially impressed with their special editions – they’re collectible without being gimmicky. The One 3 shows how far stock keyboards can go with proper engineering.
4. Leopold – The Quiet Professional
Leopold makes keyboards that feel amazing but stay quiet. They’re perfect for shared office spaces.
Best for: People who need a quiet mechanical keyboard
Price range: $120 to $180
Top models:
- FC750R – No number pad (saves space)
- FC660M – Compact but keeps arrow keys
Why choose Leopold?
- Special sound-dampening materials
- Thick keycaps that feel premium
- Minimal flex when typing hard
- Very clean, simple designs
Our Opinion:
Leopold makes the keyboards we most enjoy typing on daily. Their sound-dampening is industry-leading. These are the only mechanical keyboards we use in open offices. The FC660M’s compact layout is genius, though the lack of programmability might deter some users.
5. Corsair – King of Gaming Keyboards
Corsair makes keyboards packed with features gamers love. Their iCUE software lets you control every light and setting.
Best for: Gamers who want full RGB control
Price range: $100 to $300
Top models:
- K70 RGB Pro – Full-size with media controls
- K65 RGB Mini – Super compact for more mouse space
Why choose Corsair?
- Some of the fastest response times
- The aluminum frame feels solid
- Software lets you customize everything
- Great for FPS and MOBA games
Our Opinion:
Corsair dominates gaming keyboards through sheer polish. Their iCUE software is the most refined RGB control system available. While bulky, the K70’s aluminum frame sets a durability standard. I recommend these for gamers who prioritize ecosystem integration over portability.
6. Razer – Innovative Gaming Tech
Razer doesn’t use normal switches – they make their own faster switches for gaming.
Best for: Competitive esports players
Price range: $80 to $250
Top models:
- BlackWidow V4 – Classic gaming keyboard
- Huntsman Elite – Uses light sensors instead of physical switches
Why choose Razer?
- Switches designed just for gaming
- RGB lights sync with other Razer gear
- Some of the fastest keyboards available
- Comfortable wrist rest included
Our Opinion:
Razer pushes boundaries with switch technology, though their quality control can be inconsistent. The Huntsman Elite’s optical switches deliver on their speed claims, but I find them overly sensitive for typing. Best for gamers who want the fastest possible inputs.
7. SteelSeries – Built for Esports
SteelSeries works with professional gamers to make tournament-ready keyboards.
Best for: Serious competitive gamers
Price range: $120 to $200
Top models:
- Apex Pro – Lets you adjust how far each key presses
- Apex 7 – Great middle option with OLED screen
Why choose SteelSeries?
- Adjustable switches let you customize feel
- Built to survive travel to tournaments
- Simple but useful OLED display
- Magnetic wrist rest attaches securely
Our Opinion:
SteelSeries offers the most tournament-ready keyboards. The Apex Pro’s adjustable actuation is revolutionary for competitive play. I appreciate their focus on functionality over flash. The OLED display provides useful game info rather than just being a gimmick.
8. Redragon – Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboard
Redragon proves you can get a mechanical keyboard for very little money.
Best for: First mechanical keyboard or tight budget
Price range: $30 to $80
Top models:
- K552 Kumara – Basic but solid gaming keyboard
- K596 Vishnu – Wireless option under $80
Why choose Redragon?
- Cheapest way to try mechanical switches
- Surprisingly good build for price
- Has RGB lighting, even at a low price
- Lasts longer than expected
Our Opinion:
Redragon delivers shocking quality for the price. While not as refined as premium brands, their keyboards survive years of abuse. I recommend them as test boards for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
9. Royal Kludge – Best Budget Wireless
Royal Kludge makes affordable wireless mechanical keyboards that don’t feel cheap.
Best for: People who want wireless without spending much
Price range: $40 to $100
Top models:
- RK61 – Compact 60% size
- RK68 – Keeps arrow keys in a small size
Why choose Royal Kludge?
- Connects via Bluetooth or wired
- Hot-swappable switches (easy to change)
- The battery lasts about a week
- Comes in different colors
Our Opinion:
Royal Kludge proves wireless tech doesn’t have to be expensive. Their hot-swappable models offer incredible customization potential. Battery life impresses us, though the Bluetooth can be finicky with some devices. Best value in wireless mechanical keyboards.
10. HHKB – Unique Topre Switch Feel
HHKB (Happy Hacking Keyboard) uses special Topre switches that feel like a mix of mechanical and laptop keyboards.
Best for: Programmers and minimalists
Price range: $200 to $350
Top model: Professional Hybrid – Wireless Topre keyboard
Why choose HHKB?
- Topre switches feel like nothing else
- Super lightweight and portable
- Perfect layout for coding
- Made in Japan with great quality
Our Opinion:
HHKB’s cult following is justified. The Topre switches provide a typing experience unlike any other. I love the Professional Hybrid’s perfect weight and minimalist design, though the high price and unusual layout require commitment. Not for everyone, but magical for those who click with it.
11. Varmilo – Beautiful Custom Designs
Varmilo makes keyboards with amazing color schemes and themes.
Best for: People who want a keyboard that looks special
Price range: $150 to $400
Top models:
- VA108M – Full-size with custom colors
- VA87M – Smaller version without number pad
Why choose Varmilo?
- Dozens of color options available
- Can customize before buying
- High-quality dye-sublimated keycaps
- Feels as good as it looks
Our Opinion:
Varmilo makes the most visually stunning production keyboards. Their dye-sublimation is artwork that lasts. I am impressed by how they maintain quality across wild color schemes. The VA87M is our favorite 80% keyboard, though the customization process can be overwhelming for beginners.
Which Mechanical Keyboard Brands are Best
Here’s a comprehensive table covering best Mechanical Keyboard Brands with features:
Brand | Best For | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Keychron | Overall value | Wireless, Mac/PC support, hot-swappable |
Corsair | Gaming | RGB lighting, fast response, aluminum frame |
Leopold | Typing | Silent, PBT keycaps, sound dampening |
Razer | Esports | Fastest response, Chroma RGB |
Redragon | Budget option | Affordable, RGB, decent build |
Das Keyboard | Professional use | German engineering, minimalist design |
Ducky | Enthusiasts | Customizable, PBT keycaps, RGB |
SteelSeries | Competitive gaming | Adjustable switches, OLED display |
Royal Kludge | Budget wireless | Wireless, hot-swappable, compact |
HHKB | Programmers | Unique switch feel, minimalist |
Varmilo | Custom designs | Beautiful themes, dye-sublimated keys |