The 15 Best Mechanical Gaming keyboards of 2020

The Razer, Huntsman Elite, is one of the most expensive on this list, but when you look at what the keyboard can do, it is pretty understandable.

The Razer optomechanical buttons are faster and more responsive than any other switch on the market, making it spectacular for competitive gamers. They have also been tested to endure up to 100 million clicks, which are unheard of — making it both the fastest and the most durable mechanical switch on the market. That said, the Huntsman Elite needs to be tamed and can take some time getting used to. The actuation point is very low at only 1.5mm and only requires a force of 45g, which is incredibly sensitive and might cause you to make quite a lot of misclicks at first. Nevertheless, if you learn to use this keyboard to its full potential, it is incredible.

Aside from performance, it also has an excellent ergonomic design with a magnetic wrist rest that makes it comfortable to use for hours on end.

200$ for a mechanical keyboard is very expensive. While the frame, switches, and overall design are of exceptionally high quality, it doesn’t feel more luxurious than the G Pro or Apex M750. So unless you are obsessed with having the fastest switches on the market or love Razer, then this keyboard might not be worth it for you. Although you could always get the non-elite version and still get the same core performance but without a few of the extra features and gimmicks.

Like any other high-end Razer product, it, of course, comes with full Chroma lighting but few Razer products before it has looked this spectacular.

The Razer Huntsman Elite is expensive but also extremely powerful in the right hands. Its sensitivity can take some time getting used to, but the potential upside of having the most responsive keyboard on the market is also tremendous.

The G Pro keyboard uses Logitech’s G-Romer switches, which I was happy to see. They are among the most durable on the entire market with durability tests having them last up to 70 million clicks, which is insane. Logitech also claims that these are 25 percent or 10ms faster in their actuation than regular switches. While it is hard for me to say if those exact numbers are correct, I will say that this keyboard feels like one of the most responsive ones out there.

The Romer-G is neither loud nor silent but hits the sweet, quiet spot in the middle. It sounds a lot like the classic Cherry MX Red switch, which in my opinion, is a good thing. It gives you much of the same responsive feel as a loud mechanical switch but without waking up the entire household.

As it has been designed solely for competitive gaming, it has, of course, been stripped of the numeric keypad, which I prefer myself as a gamer. However, as a writer, I miss the keypad at times. So if you often use your numeric keypad, then this might be a deal-breaker for you. But for the serious gamer that wants to climb the ladder and perform better than ever, the Logitech G Pro is impressive.

It also offers a lot of customization through the Logitech software that will allow you to configure your keys, macros, and the LED lighting. You can even set specific keybindings to specific games, so you don’t have to make across-the-board changes.

The design is precisely what I would expect from Logitech. Strong, durable, and on point. It’s very compact and quite slim but also feels very qualitative.

The Logitech G Pro is a no-nonsense professional gaming keyboard that is used by a ton of pro gamers around the world, and it is one of the best if you want to maximize your in-game performance.

Just like the Corsair Strafe, the K95 Rapidfire feels and looks extraordinary with its brushed aluminum frame. Pretty much all Corsair keyboards feel quite luxurious, but this mech keyboard takes it to the next level. And I can honestly say that this beauty is not only luxurious in design and quality but performance as well. It even has a gunmetal version if you don’t think the regular aluminum is for you.

What’s really great about the K95 version is that it comes with custom made Cherry MX switches. The high-speed Cherry MX model which is the fastest in the series yet. I love this new custom high-speed option. Although, much like the Razer optomechanical switches, these high-speed keys are really sensitive and can be tough getting used to. But once you do, you have one of the fastest and most responsive keyboards on the market. It is also available in classic Cherry MX Brown for those that want a quiet version.

Since Corsair calls this a Platinum keyboard, we have to talk about quality, and this one takes the cake. It is undoubtedly the one on the list with the most qualitative feeling to it, and that is quite the accomplishment. The aluminum frame is of unparalleled quality, and it looks and feels great!

The detachable wrist rest is a welcome addition, compared to the other some of the older Corsair models. It works well for long gaming sessions, but can always be removed if it doesn’t suit you.

Compared to the K70 or strafe version, it also has six custom G-keys, which can be used as additional keybindings or custom macros.

The biggest downside to this mechanical wonder is its price. It is one of the more expensive options on the list but definitely also one of the most qualitative ones. It is also pretty large due to the additional media control and G-keys, which is something to consider as it is less portable than most other options on this list.

If you want quality, performance, and durability, this is as good as it gets. Concerning quality, it is also second-to-none. This also means that it is rather expensive and whether or not it is worth your money is up to you. I will say though that this keyboard will almost certainly be with you for years to come, making it a worthwhile investment.

The HyperX Alloy Elite is a premium keyboard with convenient media control keys, a game mode, textured gaming keys, wrist rest, and standard Cherry MX switches. And while I love playing around with Logitech’s, Razer’s, and SteelSeries’ switches, there is something comfortably familiar about the classic Cherry MX switches. They are very reliable and offer great performance. It is not for nothing that almost the entire mechanical keyboard market utilizes these exact switches. It also means that you can choose between the Blue, Brown, and Red switches. So you have the option between loud, quiet, or silent, which is always nice to have.

The design is pretty flawless, and the subtle wrist rest makes it one of the most comfortable options for extended gaming sessions. Combine the ergonomics with the textured gaming-specific keys, and you have a keyboard with excellent grip and stability.

Like most high-end keyboards, the Alloy Elite can be fully customized through the proper software, and everything from LED lighting patterns to macro profile settings is fully adjustable.

HyperX Alloy Elite offers a lot of features and quality that you usually have to pay a bit more for. So aside from being relatively high-end in terms of pricing, it feels like quite the bargain.

This high-end mechanical beauty from SteelSeries comes packed full of features and impressive gimmicks, but the most impressive feature is its fundamental design and performance.

It uses the latest version of SteelSeries’ very own QX2 linear mechanical switches, which is better than ever. They have a distinct ”clicky” sound and offer extreme tactile feedback and responsiveness. On the plus side, the loud noise makes it feel even more responsive and feels good to use. But on the other hand, it can be a problem if you live in a house with thin walls as your roommate or spouse might end up getting a bit annoyed by the loud clicking – At the of the day though it is one of the best switches on the market in terms of pure performance.

The Apex M750 is one of the more expensive keyboards, but it certainly also feels like a luxury product. With its full aluminum frame and durable switches, it feels like one of the most qualitative options on the market.

As I mentioned, it comes with an array of features and gimmicks, so let us take a look at those.

It has all the basics covered, such as 100% anti-ghosting, RGB lighting, and programmable buttons and macros. However, it also comes with Discord chat integration that will light up the keyboard when you get messages, get muted, and more. The next cool gimmick is the Imagesync. This allows you to upload an animated GIF, and the SteelSeries software will create a custom LED lighting pattern of off that GIF. It’s a bit silly but fun to play around with. It also has GameSense, which will light up the keyboard in specific ways when in-game events happen, such as when your ultimate is ready in DOTA 2. Gamesense only works with certain games though such as CS:GO and DOTA 2.

All and all, the SteelSeries Apex M750 has a tremendous amount of customizability and can be personalized to your own preferences.

It might not be cheap, but I certainly feel like it is worth the price tag.

The Fnatic Streak comes with a lot of options. Firstly, you can choose between the regular Streak or miniStreak. If your sole focus is competitive gaming, then the compact and focused design of the miniStreak, but if you cannot live without a number pad, then the regular Streak is there for you. It also comes with four different distinct types of Cherry MX mechanical switches. So whether you want it loud and clicky, silent and tactile, or something in between the Streak provides it.

Fnatic was kind enough to send us both the regular Streak Pro and the miniStreak, and we absolutely love them both. However, the large Streak does have one issue that can be annoying. It has a smaller ‘Enter’ button, which can be irritating and take some time getting used to. If you aren’t already, that is.

”Built to be David, not Goliath” is how Fnatic themselves put it, and they nailed it. The Streak has a slim, lightweight design but still has top-tier performance and feels incredibly durable. While the performance of the Streak is up there with the very best, the real star of the show is the design, particularly on the miniStreak. Making an ergonomic keyboard can be tough, but Fnatic absolutely nailed it, and the optional wrist wrest takes the comfort above and beyond.

Both Streak’s come with full RGB lighting if you choose the Pro version and looks absolutely stunning and fully customizable with the OP software. It also comes with a few additional features such a dedicated media keys and FN-lock as well as a Fnatic button that turns the LED lighting way down, which is excellent for those moments where you want zero distractions.

The Streak and miniStreak are among the absolute best performing mechanical keyboards on the market and comes with a somewhat affordable price tag and exceptional design. Without a doubt, one of our favorites on the market right now.

Super-fast response & a shorter actuation time is one of the main reasons to get a mechanical keyboard over regular membrane options. And the Logitech G512 with the aid of their Romer-G switches offer it in spades.

The G512 is also a straightforward keyboard with its slim and compact design; it leaves little room for anything but the bare essentials. So if you want a quality mechanical keyboard with high-end performance, then the G512 is definitely a good choice, but if you enjoy gimmicks and sprinkles like media control, wrist rests, and so on, then it is not for you.

The G512 uses Romer-G switches, which are Logitech’s switch line instead of the Cherry MX, which most other mechanical keyboards use. The difference one could say between the Cherry MX and the Romer-G is that the latter has more of a bump than a click, which makes it feel a bit smoother.

The key switches can endure up to 70 million clicks, and when you combine that with the carbonated design, you have a peripheral that will be with you for years to come.

Having a compact keyboard can make a world of difference and especially when it comes to competitive shooters. Most high-end players will use a much slower mouse speed than in other genres to achieve the highest possible precision. This means that they move their mouse a lot, and leaves less room for a keyboard, especially on tournament setups. So with a compact keyboard like the miniStreak or the Alloy FPS Pro, you have more room to move your mouse around unhindered.

The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is very affordable compared to some of our other favorite keyboards, but don’t let that fool you. It has excellent performance and feels ultra-responsive at all times, which is really something you notice once you play a competitive game like Counter-Strike. This is due to the Cherry MX mechanical switches, which come in 3 different variants on the Alloy FPS Pro. So you can get it in a loud & clicky version, a quiet version, or even a completely silent one.

As I mentioned, it doesn’t have anything but the bare necessities, but if your only concern is performance, then this mechanical beauty has all you need.

In case you happen to enjoy have additional features like a numeric keypad, RGB lighting, etc. Then you are in luck. It also has a full-sized RGB version that packs the same punch.

I can certainly understand why some of the world’s biggest esports athletes use this keyboard. It is the definition of effectiveness, without all the bells and whistles that sometimes get in the way.

I don’t think this entry on the list comes as a surprise to gamers familiar with mechanical gaming keyboards. Partly because the first Blackwidow was the most popular and well-known mechanical keyboard on the market for a very long time. But also because it is such a truly fantastic piece of gaming equipment.

I’m not shy about saying that I rarely find Razer’s products to live up to the hype. Usually, it seems like the entire focus is to make their gear look as cool as possible, and that their actual performance is the second priority for them. But sometimes we have to give credit, where credit is due. This is, alongside the Razer DeathAdder and the Huntsman, the best piece of gaming gear Razer has ever produced.

You, of course, get the option between all 3 of Razer’s award-winning mechanical switches that offer top-end performance as well as astounding durability.

This keyboard embodies all the best from Razer, without any of the letdowns. It has a beautiful LED lighting, with more customization options than you will ever need, combined with a crisp tactile mechanical feel, which is both reliable and responsive. And while quality is usually where Razer lets us down, the Razer Blackwidow Elite is incredibly sturdy, with the durability of around 80 million keystrokes. It has fully programmable keycaps, which only adds to the endless array of customization options.

The new Elite version also comes with the same top-tier design as the Huntsman with full media control, additional USB and jack ports, as well as a soft, magnetic wrist rest that clicks onto the keyboard effortlessly.

This is not just one of the best keyboards; it’s one of the most well-polished pieces of gaming equipment ever made. All these fantastic things do have a catch, though. It is quite pricey, and one of the most expensive on this list. But that does not mean it isn’t worth every penny, it indeed is.

I concede to Razer. The Blackwidow Elite is one of the best mechanical keyboards ever made, and certainly among our favorites of the year.

The new Cherry MX Red switches are the latest quiet version from Cherry, but it does feel like it is slightly noisier than the old version. This is either a pro or a con depending on who you ask. Personally, I like a semi-loud clicking noise, and for that, the Red switches are perfect. Like every other Cherry MX switches, it is top-of-the-line in terms of feel and tactile feedback, and the Corsair Strafe can perform well even at the highest level of play.

The keyboard comes with full RGB lighting, meaning you can adjust it to any color under the sun or choose one of the preset patterns from the Corsair software.

The software also allows you to adjust and assign new macros, and you can even save your personalized settings in the cloud, meaning your setup will go with you wherever you go. A massive deal if you ever attend tournaments or LAN events.

Corsair Strafe MK.2 also has a lot of quality-of-life features such as a splendid wrist rest, full media controls, an additional USB port, and most importantly, textured keycaps made for FPS and MOBA gaming.

I would recommend the Corsair Strafe over most other keyboards if you value quality above all else. Although it has the performance to be used at a tournament level, the real star of the show is it’s beautiful, quality design.

It has a minimalist look similar to the Redragon, and its performance is a slight league above. Add in almost endless customization, and you have yourself an excellent mechanical keyboard.

The M500 has Cherry MX red switches, which are great for FPS games, especially. The response times were good, although the keys can feel a tad plasticky. The setup isn’t hard at all, even if you have never owned or used a SteelSeries before. The clicks are quite adequate, but it’s pretty quiet in relative terms, which hits the sweet spot for us.

The keys are well-spaced, making it a compact yet comfortable keyboard to use. A wrist rest would have made the experience even better, we thought. It works well in scenarios where you have a lot of typing to do since the feedback does find good middle ground.

The overall feel is a bit plastic, and for the price, you can expect a bit more. Additionally, more backlighting options we thought should have been available. Moreover, it was reported that the letters on the keycaps do tend to wear out over a year when used rigorously.

Coming to the actual performance, it’s a great mechanical keyboard that has MX blue equivalent switches (Outemu mechanical switches) & not a hybrid of sorts. So the tactile feedback and the clicky sound are more than satisfying. The tactile feedback is good for gaming and typing quickly as well, although these can get slightly noisy. The keys are a The precision & comfort level on hand may not match up to the higher end ones like the Razer, but it has a lot to offer entry-level & experienced gamers.

Looks-wise it’s similar to most other compact options and has beautiful red LED lighting shining through. The complete anti-ghosting was something that we liked a lot. The Abs keycaps & the finish overall felt pretty good to use. The gold plated USB is a plus point as well.

The downside is more to do with durability as many users have mentioned that after prolonged use for a year or 2, some keys tend to stop registering or register as double or triple clicks instead of just the 1. Another small blip we would say is the lack of a wrist rest, which is important considering that the design is quite compact. All things considered, this could be pretty good for the office or as a spare gaming option as well.

Normally if one’s budget is around the price point of the K552, then there’s a toss-up between going for a low-end mechanical or a membrane variant. Still, this offering by Redragon offers incredible value that just can’t be denied, especially if the actuation force & feel is exactly what you are after.

Regarding the mechanical sound/feel, it does quite a good job. It is worth noting that it has more of a ”clicky” sound as opposed to audible. This can be a major con or Pro, depending on your personal preference. Whether you want an audible or clicky sound, it does not directly interfere with the gaming performance of the keyboard.

The wrist rest works nicely and is easy to detach/attach.

The keycap puller does feel a little low quality, but as it is not a real part of the keyboard, it is not a significant issue, in my opinion. It can, however, be annoying when/if you want to use it.

The roll-over feature on this keyboard deserves to be mentioned. All buttons are entirely roll over, which should please MOBA players especially. If you are not sure what roll-over means, it is that you can press every key on the board at the same time, and they will all get registered. This is awesome when playing a high-intensity game like MOBA or FPS games.

The media control center on the upper right corner was also an excellent addition. It looks super cool and is in tone with the rest of the board. And such convenience is always welcome.

Something that may be a deal-breaker for some is the lack of complete anti-ghosting. It is worth mentioning that keyboards of this price do not usually have that, even if they advertise it. Although it does not have 100% anti-ghosting, the quality of the roll-over keys give mostly the same experience as full anti-ghosting, and most people won’t feel the difference.

A genuinely excellent gaming keyboard, and one of the best bangs for your buck, on the market, If you are looking for an affordable but high-quality mechanical keyboard, then this I can highly recommend this beauty.

This keyboard was made as a mid-range mechanical keyboard with a high focus on quality. Mostly it does a fantastic job of hiding the fact that it is not a high-end keyboard. But there are a few examples where Azio chose to cut corners to keep the pricing down. There is a lack of rubber, which can sometimes make the keyboard slippery on rare occasions. And there are a few numbers of examples of the keycaps going a bit lose after extended use. However, Azio is known for its fantastic customer support, which is always a huge plus.