Mechanical keyboards are a great way to unleash a storm churning wave of productivity and reflexes. They have a longer lifespan of keys, higher stability, robustness, and less weight. That’s why manufacturers today make them in a variety of flavors. For instance, you have plain mechanical models for productivity-minded users, LED bells & whistles for gamers, and so on for the ergonomically minded folks, and more.

Will you work faster on a mechanical keyboard? Sure! All it will need is some getting used to. The following high-end mechanical keyboards will build your muscle memory. Your fingers will get accustomed to embracing molded tops and more in-depth travel of keys in no time.

Buyers Guide

High-end mechanical keyboards are suited to people with queer tastes. Before you pick one, keep track of the following factors.

Best High-End Mechanical keyboard, a brief introduction

Hailing from the electrical keyboards of the 90s, they are keyboards with mechanical feedback. A mechanism of switches is used to cause resistance instead of rubber domes used in the past. A switch provides more in-depth key travel, along with crisp and audible clickety sounds (causing euphoria to some users). Added resistance and feedback trains your muscles to enjoy deeper travel and enhance typing speeds. However, it takes time to get accustomed.

Switch Types

Three switches are offered for various uses.

• Linear (Cherry Mx Red) – Offers no sound or resistance. A high-speed and light tap style switch is perfect for high-performing gamers.
• Tactile – This has no click sounds, though resistance is a present factor. Cherry Mx Brown switches represent them. A balance between two extremes makes them an all-rounder.
• Clickety – These switches are represented by Cherry Mx Blue and are known for their audibility and tactile feedback. High levels of reset location and actuation force makes them perfect for hard-core typing jobs.

Though they know that for repeated tap actions (such as those required in gaming), they perform slowly. Moreover, if you have a knack for key snap sounds, these will be perfect for you.

It’s All About Keys

The low priced, cheaper made keyboards soon lose their keys over time. The letters fade away, and keys lose their uniform tapping sense. Keys of high-end mechanical keyboards are usually made from PBT plastic, rigid, sturdy, and expensive. These prove more resistance to abrasion in contrast to the commonly used ABS material.

The keycaps you should have a lookout for are the double shot molded keycaps. Lettering on these gets laser printed separately, so it never fades. Furthermore, they are built in a way to welcome the fingers.

Do lookout for the NKRO feature. The N-key roller makes sure each key gets scanned independently. So, if multiple keys are simultaneously being pressed, each gets recognized.

Forms

Our list provides you with a wide range of options for high-end keyboards. Different forms of sizes include:

• 100% – It is the classic keyboard
• Ten Key Less – The number pad is eliminated. It makes the keyboard and mouse placement more centered, focusing less strain on muscles.
• 65% or 60% – Mini keyboard, perfect for portable uses.

Further variations in keyboards being wired or wireless, rest pads, led backlighting, etc., depending on your preference and requirements.

With that out of the way, let’s find out the best High-End Mechanical Keyboard available today.

1. Anne Pro 2

Managing to rummage through the hearts of many, the Anne Pro comes with many features and side perks. This is a 60% mechanical keyboard which has a wire and wireless powering option. The minimalistic layout makes it centered on your working space and perfect for travel-related use. This means you won’t have to make considerable adjustments in body posture.

The wireless connection is supported through Bluetooth. The keyboard seamlessly connects with up to 4 devices back and forth. This comes backed with the new edge obinskit starter software, which allows complete freedom. It lets you decide the layout of your key, lighting, and even set macros in function.

Anne Pro 2 is a perfect gaming high-end mechanical keyboard with all the must-haves. The keys are double shot PBT keycaps capable of bearing all kinds of attacks made on the keyboard. The NKRO feature ensures the credibility of simultaneously given key commands. Its keys encase the Kailh Box RGB brown mechanical switch, which can also be used for professional writing purposes.

The Anne Pro is an all-rounder that comes with extra keycaps and a keycap puller to help you customize the board. It enables you to highlight keys meant for specific commands. The Programmable LED backlights further add to this. An added perk with this keyboard is the ‘Magic Fn,’ present on Caps lock to let you utilize F1-F12 keys while gaming.

Buy Here: Amazon

2. Kinesis Freestyle Pro Ergonomic Split Mechanical Keyboard

Next up, the Kinesis split mechanical keyboard. The ergonomic split is an attractive keypad for those who face muscle fatigue due to long work hours. We will explain why!

The split caters to all body types as it doesn’t restrict you to fixed dimensions to type. Moreover, the adjustable split, splay, and tent (sold separately) address all risk aspects. The 0 – 20 Inch wired separation aids to prevent forearm pronation and ulnar deviation and provide proper wrist extension to keep them leveled.

The genuine Cherry mechanical keys (Cherry MX Brown) makes it fit for all purposes. These require low activation forces, render tactile feedback, and rated for 50 million keystrokes reflecting superb durability. An added feature of 8 Office Hotkeys makes it easy for you to give quick and time-saving commands without having to do much.

Furthermore, one of the best high-end mechanical keyboards being TKL, makes mouse usage in proximity possible. This paired with the palm rest further adds to your comfort and ease. Its wide range of compatibility makes it ideal for users who readily switch between Mac, Windows, and Linux. However, the split takes some time to get used to.

Buy Here: Amazon

3. Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

If you are looking for something high-end yet well within your budget range, look no further. The Logitech G910 is a budget wired mechanical keyboard meant for gaming. It features the exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches known to be the fastest that Orion makes. The actuation is at 1.5mm, making it possible for the keyboard to receive input 25 percent faster.

Coming in strong with 70 million keystrokes, it puts many competitors to shame in credibility. Wait, there is more to keys!

They also have included nine customizable G-keys, which lets you assign commands per profile, reflecting speed and accessibility. The keyboard’s size is pretty big, with an added palm rest for maximum support to your wrists.

Furthermore, you can also light it up with its RGB Customisable Illumination. It lets you play with 16 million colors. The Arx Control Integration for Smartphones and Tablets is possible through the Smart Dock. You don’t have to quit the game, as it offers in-game display, system analytics, and much more. However, the volume control on this keyboard is cheaply made. What’s worse? It does not plug and play.

Buy Here: Amazon

4. Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard

Another high-end mechanical keyboard that serves you well in all fields of productivity. Faster and accurate than many, this mechanical wonder offers incomparable tactile feedback.

It features Cherry MX Brown switches with Gold contacts to offer a smooth typing experience. These keys can bear 50 million keystrokes, showcasing Gas German durability and precision.

The laser-etched key inscriptions with bumps on the F and J key, along with an elevated height of 3.1 cm, all add to your adaptability. As for adding to comfort, it has a detachable footboard to raise the keyboard to many levels as per your liking.

Backed with precision defining N-Key roll and added media controls and a significant volume knob, this keyboard is one of a kind. But, it lacks durability in contrast to the options mentioned above. Moreover, the size is quite big, which can take up considerable space on your desk (if it’s already limited).

Buy Here: Amazon

5. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

If you are looking for a high-end mechanical keyboard known for its RGB lighting, look no further.

This is a hard-core gaming keyboard that stages per-key RGB lighting and a 19-zone LightEdge running through the top border. All of this is backed by limitless customization.

You get an edge while gaming through the programmable six macro keys. These Cherry MX key switches exhibit a 1.2 mm actuation, capable of bearing 100 million keystrokes!

The leatherette detachable palm rest cushions the double shot PBT keys to offer comfort when needed. Low noise operation and great N- the key role is perfect for high-speed gaming sessions for long hours. The downside? You need to install an extensive setup to enjoy and control lighting and firmware upgrades.

Buy Here: Amazon

Final Thoughts

Mechanical keyboards are a great addition to your working table. They do require some getting used to, but when that passes, your hard work pays off. Pick a high-end mechanical keyboard that suits your palate and explore new boundaries through these top-rated mechanical keyboards mentioned above. We hope you find your best high-end mechanical keyboard soon. Thank you for reading.

In 2010, Razer marked another first in history by introducing Razer BlackWidow, the world’s first gaming mechanical keyboard. Since then, Razer has been pushing innovation to raise the gamer’s experience to the next level.

Razer BlackWidow

Razer Mechanical Switches

Mechanical switches are the main and most important component of mechanical keyboards. To have more control over the performance, stability, and durability of the switches, Razer decided to develop their mechanical switches. The Razer Mechanical Switches were first embedded in the BlackWidow in 2014. Today, the Razer BlackWidow family has three variants of mechanical switches – green, yellow, and orange.

• Razer Green Switch. The green switch is Razer’s classic mechanical switch. It has a tactile and clicky feel, which means users can feel a bump and can hear a distinctive click sound with each keypress.
• Razer Orange Switch. The orange switch is tactile but silent. Like the green switch, users can feel a bump with each keypress but unlike the green switch, the clicky sound is absent.
• Razer Yellow Switch. Razer’s yellow switch is linear and silent. Users won’t feel any bump and won’t hear any clicking sound. It’s also faster than the green and the orange switches with only a 1.2mm actuation point and 0mm reset point.

Aside from the key-feel, other attributes make each switch distinct from the other as summarized in the table below.

Razer BlackWidow

The Razer BlackWidow is a family of sturdy, robust, and well-built gaming keyboards equipped with Razer Mechanical Switches. This iconic keyboard has gone through enhancements and innovations since its introduction in 2010 to meet the demands and needs of gamers. With two sizes available, users can choose between a full-sized, feature-rich keyboard or the tenkeyless variety which is more portable with a compact form factor. There are currently 16 keyboards in the BlackWidow family each with different features and designs that would suit every gamer’s needs. Read on to discover the astonishing features that come with this legendary keyboard.

RGB Backlighting 

Keyboard backlighting is a feature that makes gaming keyboards alluring. Each switch of the BlackWidow is individually lit.  The keyboard is powered by Razer Chroma RGB with over 16.8 million customizable color options and 150 Chroma-integrated titles to choose from. To make the colors brighter and more vivid even in a well-lit environment, Razer started using transparent casing in their latest editions of the BlackWidow. With dynamic lighting effects and more vibrant colors, gamers can personalize the gaming keyboard and can have a more immersive gaming experience.

Superior Durability

Razer’s mechanical keyboards are built to last for years with a lifespan of 80 million keystrokes. To increase each keycap’s durability, Razer adopted the doubleshot molding process where the lettering is molded into the structure as opposed to being printed. This ensures that the lettering will not wear off even after millions of keystrokes. Furthermore, the keycaps have tough, extra-thick walls to withstand prolonged and repeated use in addition to dust and liquid protection. The enhanced Doubleshot ABS keycaps are currently installed on the Razer BlackWidow V3 and Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro. Complementing the rugged keycaps is the keyboard’s robust casing. With the top frame’s Aluminum construction, the BlackWidow is indestructible despite intense, regular use.

Extra Features 

Razer has integrated extra features in selected editions of the BlackWidow family, allowing gamers to control their entertainment settings with ease. The Razer BlackWidow Elite comes with extended controls in the form of a Multi-Function Digital Dial and media keys located in the top right corner of the keyboard. These provide easy access to media-specific functions such as adjusting the volume and changing tracks which are also fully customizable via Razer’s configuration software, Razer Synapse 3.

The Razer BlackWidow V3 likewise comes with a multi-functional digital roller and a media key-set which can be used for play, pause, and track skipping and for volume and brightness controls. The roller can also be reprogrammed through Razer Synapse 3 for a slew of other functions such as page scrolling and lighting controls.

On the other hand, Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro sports media buttons and a circular wheel in the top-right corner of the keyboard. The three-round buttons are for play, back, and forward, while the circular wheel is for volume control with a mute button sitting at its center. These are also programmable through Razer Synapse 3.

Aside from the media control features, Razer also included ergonomic wrist rest with a padded leatherette cushion. The soft padding lets the wrists rest comfortably relieving pressure and fatigue over long gaming periods.

Connectivity Modes

All the BlackWidows are wired save for one model. Razer recently decided to cut the cord and combined Hyperspeed 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth wireless technology in Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro. Armed with the latest wireless technology, users can expect smooth, low-latency gaming with the Blackwidow’s productivity edition. There’s no need to worry when the battery goes low, it can still be used while charging using the detachable USB-C cable.

Razer has made history by releasing the world’s first mechanical gaming keyboard but it didn’t stop there. Always a leader in the gaming market, Razer is known for game-changing and award-winning innovations across its products. The legacy Razer BlackWidow continues to evolve with increased durability, stability, and reliability with every new release. Combined with advanced technology and amazing features, the world-renowned gaming keyboard will always be on every gamer’s list of the bests.

When selecting a new mechanical keyboard for gaming or work, there’s a lot you should pay attention to, such as the type of switches the keyboard comes with, its size, ergonomics, and extra features such as backlights. To make the selection process easier for you, we picked the top 10 mechanical keyboards available in 2020.

1. Razer Huntsman Elite

The Razer Huntsman Elite is an impressive mechanical keyboard that features Razer’s proprietary opto-mechanical switches. Whereas traditional mechanical switches register a keypress when two metal parts touch each other, opto-mechanical switches have an optical light sensor that sends an electrical impulse as soon as it registers the stem descending. As a result, the Razer Huntsman Elite provides unprecedented responsiveness and durability (up to 100 million keystrokes).

In addition to its innovative switches, the keyboard features several other technological innovations that put it into a league of its own. Located in the top-right corner is a multi-functional digital dial that lets you easily control everything from media playback to volume to brightness. You can fully customize it through Razor’s Synapse 3 software, which is also used to modify the 4-side underglow and 38 RGB customization zones.

To ensure that you won’t have to reconfigure the keyboard every time you unplug it from your computer or reinstall your operating system, Razer equipped the Huntsman Elite with onboard memory capable of storing up to 5 profiles. Included with the keyboard is a comfortable magnetic wrist rest that also features customizable RGB lights.

2. Ducky One 2 Mini

Not everyone has a use for a full-sized mechanical keyboard with dedicated multimedia keys. If you never use the numpad and don’t remember the last time you needed the arrow keys, the Ducky One 2 Mini might be just the right choice for you. Its 61-key design saves you a ton of space on your desk, allowing your mouse to roam more freely and helping you avoid shoulder pain due to incorrect positioning of your arm when holding the mouse.

Hidden under PBT double-shot seamless shine-through keycaps are Cherry MX switches (Blue, Brown, or Red), which effortlessly handle any number of simultaneous key presses and have a lifespan of up to 50 million presses. All switches are individually backlit, and the keyboard supports 10 RGB lighting modes and several levels of brightness.

The Ducky One 2 Mini connects to your computer using a detachable USB Type-C cable. The ability to disconnect the cable comes in handy when traveling with the keyboard, and it also means that you can easily use a longer or shorter USB Type-C cable to improve your cable management.

3. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT

You can always count on Corsair to offer sensibly priced high-end products, and the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT proves this yet again. From a distance, it may look like a fairly standard full-sized gaming keyboard with customizable RGB lights, but a closer inspection quickly reveals that it’s more than that. On the left are six fully programmable keys, which you can use to execute custom macros to increase your productivity or gain an in-game advantage. If you’re a streamer, you can swap the G-caps for the included S-caps and use Elgato Steam Deck software to program special streaming commands.

The top part of the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is dedicated to multimedia controls and LED status lights. The dedicated aluminum volume roller arguably deserves the most attention because it provides a very enjoyable and novel way of adjusting the volume. The multimedia keys are the only keys on this keyboard that don’t have Cherry MX switches. Alongside more usual Cherry switches, Corsair sells this keyboard with two hard-to-find MX Speed options.

What makes typing on the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT even more comfortable is the included detachable plush palm rest with a soft texture. Just keep in mind that the palm rest makes the already large keyboard even larger, so make sure you have enough space for it on your desk.

4. Logitech G Pro

The Logitech G Pro is a great option for all gamers, programmers, and other Linux users who are looking for a compact mechanical keyboard that doesn’t stand in the way of productivity. As a tenkeyless keyboard, the Logitech G Pro is essentially a standard full-sized keyboard without the numpad section. For most users, it’s the ideal size because numbers can still be easily entered using the numerical row.

To meet the requirements of professional gamers, Logitech developed its own mechanical switches, called GX Clicky. Similar to Cherry MX Blue switches, GX Clicky deliver performance, responsiveness, and durability, with a tactile feedback bump. All keys are backlit, and you can customize lighting and animations with G HUB software to make the keyboard match your computer.

On the rear is a unique slot for a Micro USB cable. The slot has two deep holes on its sides, which are intended for the included three-pronged Micro USB cable, and their job is to ensure an extra safe connection and prolong the life of the cable. The built-in rubber feet can be adjusted to three different angles, making it easy to find a comfortable position.

5. Das Keyboard 4 Professional

So far, we’ve listed only gaming-oriented keyboards with RGB backlights, but what if you’re looking for something a bit more productivity-oriented? In that case, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional deserves your attention. As its name suggests, this keyboard is intended for professionals who don’t have time to individually configure the color of each and every key. Its down-to-earth design highlights   every fine detail, and its rugged construction makes you feel that your money was well spent.

The Das Keyboard 4 Professional is available with Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Blue switches. The former switches have a soft tactile bump in the middle of the key press for precise but relatively quiet typing experience, while the latter switches have significantly more noticeable tactile bump, which reduces the need to push the keys all the way down.

A new keycap font ensures excellent readability while underscoring the keyboard’s professional appearance. If you often Skype with your colleagues, you’ll appreciate the oversized volume knob and dedicated media controls. There’s even a handy sleep button that lets you instantly stop what you’re doing and go grab a quick snack.

6. SteelSeries Apex Pro

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a feature-packed mechanical keyboard with a Series 5000 Aircraft grade aluminum frame and detachable soft touch magnetic wrist rest. One of its main attractions is the built-in OLED display, which delivers information from compatible games and apps, such as CS:GO and Discord.

Another attraction are the OmniPoint Switches, the world’s first adjustable mechanical switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, which have a fixed attenuation point, OmniPoint switches have a variable travel distance (0.4 – 3.6 mm), allowing you to adjust each key individually to the exact point you want to register a key press. For example, you can make the keys more sensitive when playing games and turn their sensitivity all the way down to eliminate typos and accidental key presses when working.

As one would expect from a gaming keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex Pro has RGB backlighting and USB passthrough for the mouse or any other USB device. The bottom side features cleverly designed channels that let you route the USB cable coming out from the keyboard in three different ways so that you can keep your desk tidy.

7. Kinesis Freestyle Pro

The Kinesis Freestyle Pro is designed to provide maximum comfort during long typing sessions. Because each half of the keyboard is completely independent, both of your hands can be in the ideal ergonomic position regardless of how narrow or wide your shoulders are.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a good idea to lift the back of your keyboard for increased comfort. Instead, you should keep your wrists as flat as possible, and the Kinesis Freestyle Pro allows you to do this with its zero-degree slope form-factor. You can, however, take advantage of its three easily adjustable slope settings (5, 10, and 15 degrees) to reduce forearm pronation.

Ergonomics aside, the Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a fairly regular mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches. It supports custom macros and shortcuts, but the application through which you can configure them (SmartSet) is compatible only with Windows and Mac.

8. Roccat Vulcan 121 AIMO

Many mechanical keyboards are guilty of simply using readily available Cherry MX switches to offer more or less the same functionality, durability, and typing experience. The Roccat Vulcan 121 AIMO stands out because it brings to the table its own switches, called Titan. According to Roccat, its switches are more consistent, reliable, and precise than Cherry MX and other mainstream switches. Their clear housing maximizes the effect of RGB backlighting, and it also protects the contacts against water and dust.

The Roccat Vulcan 121 AIMO is definitely built to last. The aluminum plate at the top eliminates flex and makes the keyboard feel premium to the touch. Its brushed finish does a great job of hiding fingerprints, so you don’t need to worry about the keyboard looking dirty after every gaming session.

The dedicated mixer-style media keys let you pause, play, or skip songs with a single button press, and the oversized volume knob makes it easy to find just the right volume level for any occasion. Completing this high-end mechanical keyboard is a large detachable palm rest.

9. Obinslab Anne 2 Pro

The Obinslab Anne 2 Pro offers a lot of features in a very compact package. For starters, it’s the only wireless keyboard on this list. Because it uses Bluetooth 4.0, it works with all popular operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Its built-in 1900 mAh battery can power it for up to 8 hours, long enough to get you through the entire day of work. Of course, you can easily use it in wired mode because the keyboard is equipped with a standard USB Type-C port.

To make up for the limited number of keys, the Obinslab Anne 2 Pro has a few clever tricks up its sleeve. You can press one of its two Fn keys to access F-keys, multimedia functions, and more. Arrow keys can be accessed directly without pressing a modifier key thanks to the so-called tap functionality. When enabled, this functionality makes certain keys behave differently when quickly tapped or help.

Believe it or not, but the Obinslab Anne 2 Pro can store up to 16 offline macros to make your work easier. The keyboard is available with virtually all popular switches, including Cherry MX Blue, Brown, and Red.

10. Koolertron Macro Pad

The Koolertron Macro Pad isn’t a full-fledged keyboard. It’s a programmable macro pad with 48 keys, each of which can be programmed to execute a complex macro. Because the device has its own memory, it doesn’t matter that the official configuration software isn’t compatible with Linux. You can simply use a Windows computer to set up your macros and then connect the Koolertron Macro Pad to your Linux machine. All keycaps are blank, so you can mark them with a pen or do some DIY laser carving.

Note: The Windows log key that sits between CTRL and ALT on most PC keyboards is referred to as the Super key in this article.

General Linux Shortcuts

GNOME Keyboard Shortcuts

KDE Keyboard Shortcuts

Xfce Keyboard Shortcuts

LXDE Keyboard Shortcuts

Cinnamon Keyboard Shortcuts (Linux Mint)

Bash Keyboard Shortcuts

Ubuntu Keyboard Shortcuts

Firefox Keyboard Shortcuts

ChromeOS Keyboard Shortcuts (Chromebook)