If you’re spending hours a day at your computer—whether it’s for gaming, work, or content creation—your keyboard is more important than you might think. Enter: mechanical keyboards. These tactile marvels have become a cult favorite for tech enthusiasts, gamers, programmers, and even writers. Why? They’re satisfying to type on, highly customizable, and simply built to last.
Whether you’re just getting into the mechanical keyboard world or looking to upgrade your current setup, this guide will help you understand what makes them so special. We’ll cover the basics, dive into different sizes and switches, explore popular brands, and finish with hands-on reviews of four standout models: KEMOVE K87, Keychron V3 Max, Razer Huntsman V2 TKL, and Redragon STAR BLADE K707 PRO. We’ll even rank them based on price-to-performance so you know exactly where your money’s best spent.
What Is a Mechanical Keyboard?
At its core, a mechanical keyboard uses individual mechanical switches beneath each key. Unlike membrane keyboards, which rely on a thin rubber dome to register keystrokes, mechanical keyboards provide precise, tactile feedback. You can actually feel the switch actuate, which not only feels better but also tends to be more accurate and satisfying.
Because each key is its own independent switch, mechanical keyboards are more durable, easier to repair or customize, and offer better responsiveness. It’s not just about speed and accuracy—there’s a genuine joy in using a good mechanical board that makes you want to type more.
Mechanical vs. Membrane: Why It Matters
Most standard office or laptop keyboards are membrane-based. They’re cheap to produce and get the job done, but they lack the satisfying feel and feedback that mechanical boards offer.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Mechanical Keyboard | Membrane Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Typing Feel | Tactile, clicky, or smooth | Soft, often mushy |
| Durability | 50+ million keystrokes | 5-10 million keystrokes |
| Noise | Can be loud or quiet | Generally quieter |
| Price | Usually higher | Budget-friendly |
| Customization | High | Very limited |
Mechanical keyboards are especially appreciated by those who type a lot or game competitively. Once you’ve experienced a good mechanical board, it’s hard to go back.
Keyboard Sizes: Find Your Fit
Mechanical keyboards come in different sizes, depending on your needs and space:
- Full-size (100%): Includes everything—alphanumeric keys, function row, arrow keys, and a number pad.
- Tenkeyless (TKL, 80%): Drops the number pad to save space. Great for gamers and compact setups.
- 75%: Similar to TKL but more compact and tightly arranged.
- 65% and 60%: Even smaller, removing function rows and sometimes arrow keys. Ideal for minimalists.
- 40% and below: Highly specialized, for advanced users who rely heavily on layers and macros.
For most people, TKL strikes the right balance between functionality and space-saving. It’s especially popular in gaming circles and among remote workers who want an uncluttered desk.
Meet the Switches: The Heart of the Mechanical Keyboard
Switches define the feel, sound, and behavior of each keystroke. There are three major types:
- Linear switches – Smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom. No tactile bump. Popular among gamers. Example: Cherry MX Red.
- Tactile switches – You feel a small bump when the key actuates. Great for typing. Example: Cherry MX Brown.
- Clicky switches – Tactile and loud. Typing on them feels and sounds like an old-school typewriter. Example: Cherry MX Blue.
And here are some of the most popular switch brands:
- Cherry MX: The gold standard. Red (linear), Brown (tactile), Blue (clicky).
- Gateron: Smooth and budget-friendly alternatives to Cherry.
- Kailh: Known for variety and innovation.
- Razer: Custom switches optimized for gaming.
- Optical switches: Use light-based actuation for faster response. Seen in some high-end gaming boards.
Each switch type caters to a different user, so it’s worth experimenting or buying switch testers before committing.
Most Popular Mechanical Keyboard Brands
If you’re browsing online or walking into a tech store, you’ll run into these names frequently:
- Keychron – Beloved by Mac and Windows users alike. Modern, clean, and often wireless.
- Razer – Designed with gamers in mind. RGB-heavy and fast switches.
- Ducky – A favorite for build quality and reliability.
- Corsair – RGB-rich with high-end gaming features.
- Redragon – Budget-friendly and great value.
- KEMOVE – Up-and-coming brand focused on customization.
- Logitech – Premium design and excellent wireless tech.
- Akko, Leopold, Varmilo – More niche, but known for stunning build quality and unique aesthetics.
Top best Mechanical Keyboards Reviewed (2025 Picks)
Let’s dive into four keyboards that are currently making waves. We’ve tested them across work tasks, gaming, and day-to-day use. I personaly like TKL keyboards so here are best budget TKL picks for me:
🏆 KEMOVE K87
Size: TKL
Switches: Gateron Red, Brown, Blue
Connectivity: Wired & Wireless
Price: Mid-range
Why we like it:
KEMOVE brings a lot of value to the table. The hot-swappable switches make this keyboard endlessly customizable. The typing feel is surprisingly premium for the price, and its dual-mode connection (wired and wireless) gives it versatility across setups. The RGB lighting is bright but not overbearing.
Pros:
- Hot-swappable
- Great build for the price
- Wireless + wired
- Custom key mapping
Cons:
- Software is a bit clunky
- No dedicated media keys
Best for: Hobbyists and casual gamers who want flexibility without breaking the bank.
💼 Keychron V3 Max
Size: TKL
Switches: Keychron K Pro (Red, Brown, Banana)
Connectivity: Wired
Price: Mid-range to premium
Why we like it:
Keychron is the go-to brand for modern keyboard lovers, and the V3 Max is a perfect example of why. This board feels like a tank—solid, smooth, and ultra-responsive. Its gasket-mounted structure offers a typing experience that rivals high-end custom boards. Plus, it plays nice with both Windows and macOS out of the box.
Pros:
- Excellent typing feel
- Gasket mount = ultra-smooth keystrokes
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Mac/Windows friendly
Cons:
- No wireless
- Slightly higher price tag
Best for: Professionals and creatives who type a lot and appreciate great build quality.
🎮 Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
Size: TKL
Switches: Razer Optical (Clicky or Linear)
Connectivity: Wired
Price: Premium
Why we like it:
This is a gaming powerhouse. The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL offers ultra-low latency, fast optical switches, and near-zero debounce delay. If every millisecond counts—whether you’re climbing the ranks in Valorant or playing competitively—this is a great choice. The PBT keycaps feel sturdy, and the magnetic wrist rest is pure comfort.
Pros:
- Lightning-fast actuation
- PBT keycaps
- Comfortable wrist rest
- Low latency
Cons:
- Pricey
- Geared more toward gamers than typists
Best for: Competitive gamers who want speed, accuracy, and a premium feel.
💡 Redragon STAR BLADE K707 PRO
Size: Full-size
Switches: Redragon Custom Mint Mambo Linear Switch
Connectivity: 3-Mode Connectivity
Price: Budget
Why we like it:
Redragon keeps surprising us. The K707 PRO punches way above its weight with per-key RGB, dedicated media controls, and a sturdy metal top plate. It’s not the quietest board, but it’s reliable, visually striking, and super affordable. If you’re just getting into mechanical keyboards, this is a solid launchpad.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Dedicated media keys
- Good lighting and aesthetics
- Metal frame
- swappable switches
- Gasket mount
- PBT Keycaps
- 5-Layer Noise Dampening
Cons:
- A bit noisy (but switches sound nice)
Best for: Beginners, casual gamers, or anyone wanting a solid mechanical experience at a low cost.
There are also 2 similar versions of this keyboard : STAR BLADE K707 PRO Anime Keyboard and STAR BLADE K707 PRO(Side Printed PBT Keycaps).
Price / Performance Ranking
Here’s how the four stack up when it comes to bang-for-your-buck:
| Rank | Keyboard | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Redragon K707 PRO | Excellent value, gasket mount, hot swap | Bit louder switches |
| 2️⃣ | KEMOVE K87 | Customization, wireless, solid build | Software UI |
| 3️⃣ | Keychron V3 Max | Typing experience, gasket mount, quality | No wireless, slightly higher cost |
| 4️⃣ | Razer Huntsman V2 TKL | Gaming performance, build quality | High price, not ideal for typists |
If you’re after the best value, Redragon K707 PRO is tough to beat. But if you’re a gamer with a budget, KEMOVE K87 is a solid pick. For typing nirvana, Keychron’s got your back. And for no-compromise esports performance? Razer wins.
Final Thoughts
Mechanical keyboards are more than just a tool—they’re an extension of your workflow, your game, and your personal taste. Whether you’re coding into the night, raiding dungeons, or writing your next blog post (like this one), having the right keyboard under your fingers makes a huge difference.
We hope this guide helped clear up the mechanical keyboard landscape and pointed you toward the perfect fit. Got a favorite model or switch? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear what you’re typing on.
