Buying Guide
The Best 75% Keyboards
We weighed five keyboards on layout and switches, and the KN85 costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 75% layout keeps the function row and arrow keys in a compact footprint. Every pick uses a 75% layout, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these keyboards on layout, switches and connection using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these keyboards ourselves, and where a maker leaves out switches, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
PBT Keycaps
Kisnt KN85 WirelessPBT keycaps.
Best for: Buyers who want PBT keycaps.
Check price for Kisnt KN85 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon K673 PRO WirelessA gasket mount.
Best for: Buyers who want gasket mount.
Check price for Redragon K673 PRO Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Redragon K724 PRO WirelessA built-in screen and knob.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in screen and knob.
Check price for Redragon K724 PRO Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Keychron K3 Version 2A Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps.
Best for: Buyers who want Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps.
Check price for Keychron K3 Version 2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Keychron K2 (75%)An 84-key wireless mechanical layout at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less.
Check price for Keychron K2 (75%) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBT keycaps. | Buyers who want PBT keycaps. | Check price for Kisnt KN85 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A gasket mount. | Buyers who want gasket mount. | Check price for Redragon K673 PRO Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in screen and knob. | Buyers who want built-in screen and knob. | Check price for Redragon K724 PRO Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps. | Buyers who want Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps. | Check price for Keychron K3 Version 2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An 84-key wireless mechanical layout at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less. | Check price for Keychron K2 (75%) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
PBT Keycaps1 of 5
Kisnt KN85 Wireless
Kisnt's KN85 is a tri-mode 75% board with pre-lubed linears, PBT caps and a 4000mAh battery.
Best for
- Buyers who want PBT keycaps.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It switches between Windows and Mac modes. Its 75% layout keeps the F-row and arrows in 85 keys, and it connects over USB-C, 2.4GHz or Bluetooth to three devices. The gasket mount softens typing noise.
It uses pre-lubed Bsun linear switches at 45-50gf, and the hot-swap sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin switches. PBT keycaps resist shine. Warm RGB lighting glows around the keys and case edges, and every key is programmable.
It is the only pick here with a 75% layout; the K724 PRO has a 75% (81 keys) layout instead. Use the KN85's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75%
- Switches
- Bsun linear, pre-lubed
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Keycaps
- PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Bsun linear, pre-lubed switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Also Consider2 of 5
Redragon K673 PRO Wireless
Redragon's K673 PRO is a gasket-mounted tri-mode 75% board with a scroll knob.
Best for
- Buyers who want gasket mount.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
The sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin switches. A single knob handles volume and backlight brightness, and it switches between USB-C, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz without re-pairing. Five layers of dampening give a quieter, cushioned feel.
Redragon's software lets you design lighting effects and program macros with custom keybinds. Adjustable RGB brightness suits a dark room. The socket accepts common switches, so you can change the feel later without buying a new board.
It shares a 75% (81 keys) layout with the K724 PRO; the Keychron K2 goes with a 75% (84 keys) layout. Use the K673 PRO's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75% (81 keys)
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75% (81 keys) layout
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Gasket mount
- Scroll knob
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Redragon K724 PRO Wireless
Redragon's K724 PRO adds a built-in screen and knob to a gasket-mounted 75% board.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in screen and knob.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KN85 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker specifies five layers of noise dampening. A TFT screen shows battery and connection status and can run custom GIFs, next to a control knob. It switches between three connection modes without re-pairing.
It shares a 75% (81 keys) layout with the K673 PRO; the Keychron K2 goes with a 75% (84 keys) layout. You get lubed linear switches here, which sets it apart from the Keychron K2 and its hot-swappable switches. Use the K724 PRO's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. It was priced above the K673 PRO and below the K3 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75% (81 keys)
- Switches
- Lubed linear
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75% (81 keys) layout
- Lubed linear switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Built-in screen and knob
Cons
- Costs more than the KN85 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Keychron K3 Version 2
Keychron's K3 is a low-profile 75% board with a Mac layout, extra Windows keycaps and QMK remapping.
Best for
- Buyers who want Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KN85 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It pairs with three devices. Its ultra-slim 75% layout pairs with up to three devices over Bluetooth 5.1, and it also works wired. It suits a laptop user who wants mechanical keys without a tall board.
It ships with keycaps for both Mac and Windows, and QMK firmware allows full key remapping. The aluminium top keeps it thin and light. It is the only pick here with low-profile mechanical switches; the K724 PRO has lubed linear switches instead.
Use the K3's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper K724 PRO and the pricier Keychron K2, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75%, low-profile
- Switches
- Low-profile mechanical
- Connection
- Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75%, low-profile layout
- Low-profile mechanical switches
- Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps
- Pairing with 3 devices
Cons
- Costs more than the KN85 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Keychron K2 (75%)
The Keychron K2 stands out for an 84-key wireless mechanical layout.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KN85 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
You get a 75% (84 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the K673 PRO and its a 75% (81 keys) layout. Hot-swappable switches is unique to it among these picks, while the K3 uses low-profile mechanical switches. Use the Keychron K2's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the KN85 at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the K3 the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75% (84 keys)
- Switches
- Hot-swappable
- Connection
- Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75% (84 keys) layout
- 84-key wireless mechanical layout
- Hot-swappable switches, the only one here
- An 84-key wireless mechanical layout at the highest price in the group
Cons
- Costs more than the KN85 at the time of writing
How We Chose These 75% Keyboards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five keyboards on layout, switches and connection from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 3 fields compared are stated for every pick, while switches has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the KN85 to the Keychron K2, state layout and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The K673 PRO gives no switches.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KN85 (under $50) to the Keychron K2 ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a 75% Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Fit and compatibility
Use the KN85's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Extras that separate them
The K724 PRO: a gasket mount. The K3: pairing with 3 devices. The Keychron K2: an 84-key wireless mechanical layout.
A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor How much to spend
Under $50 buys the KN85 and the K673 PRO; $50 to $100 buys the K724 PRO and the K3; $100 to $150 buys the Keychron K2 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who want PBT keycaps: the KN85. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less: the Keychron K2.
A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps Linear, tactile or magnetic
Linear switches travel smoothly, tactile switches have a bump, and clicky switches add a click. Hall effect switches read a magnet, so actuation can be adjusted and rapid trigger resets a key as soon as it rises.
How to Choose a 75% Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want PBT keycaps | KN85 | PBT keycaps |
| Buyers who want gasket mount | K673 PRO | A gasket mount |
| Buyers who want built-in screen and knob | K724 PRO | A built-in screen and knob |
| Buyers who want Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps | K3 | A Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less | Keychron K2 | An 84-key wireless mechanical layout at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The KN85, the K673 PRO and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| KN85 | 75% | Bsun linear, pre-lubed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| K673 PRO | 75% (81 keys) | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| K724 PRO | 75% (81 keys) | Lubed linear | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| K3 | 75%, low-profile | Low-profile mechanical | Bluetooth, wired |
| Keychron K2 | 75% (84 keys) | Hot-swappable | Bluetooth, wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KN85 was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Keychron K2 the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | KN85, K673 PRO |
| About $50 to $100 | K724 PRO, K3 |
| About $100 to $150 | Keychron K2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the KN85 our PBT Keycaps pick?
The label rests on PBT keycaps. It makes sense for anyone who wants PBT keycaps.
Will the KN85 work with my setup?
Use the KN85's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our PBT Keycaps pick.
What extras do the KN85 and the K673 PRO include?
The KN85: a 4000mAh battery. The K673 PRO: a gasket mount. The K724 PRO: a built-in screen and knob.
Should I pick the KN85 or the Keychron K2?
The KN85 suits buyers who want PBT keycaps; the Keychron K2 suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less.
What else do the K3 and the Keychron K2 offer?
The K3: QMK remapping. The Keychron K2: an 84-key wireless mechanical layout.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KN85, chosen for PBT keycaps. Look at the K673 PRO for a gasket mount, the K724 PRO for a built-in screen and knob and the K3 for a Mac layout with extra Windows keycaps if those matter more to you.
75% boards often compress the right-hand column; check where Home and End sit.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Keyboards Under $75
- Similar guideThe Best 65% Keyboards
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceWired, 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth: which connection for a mouse or keyboard?
- Similar guideThe Best 96% Keyboards
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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