Buying Guide
The Best Linear-Switch Gaming Keyboards
From the K617 to the ROG Azoth Extreme: five keyboards ranked on polling rate and battery life, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Linear switches are smooth and fast, which suits gaming. Every pick uses linear switches, ordered by polling rate.
Our comparison rests on published figures for layout, switches and connection; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out polling rate, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
Keychron K2 Ultra 8K8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Best for: Buyers who want 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Check price for Keychron K2 Ultra 8K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Azoth ExtremeAn aluminum body at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K617 costs less.
Check price for ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
DIERYA DK68E 60% KeyboardHot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Best for: Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Check price for DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Redragon K617 Fizz 60% KeyboardHot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Best for: Buyers who want hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Check price for Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
MageGee MK-Box 68-Key KeyboardSeparate arrow keys in a 68-key frame.
Best for: Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame.
Check price for MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Keychron K2 Ultra 8K
Keychron's K2 Ultra reaches 8000Hz polling on both wired and 2.4GHz and uses an aluminum frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the K617 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin switches. On polling rate it ties with the ROG Azoth Extreme at 8,000Hz. It is the only pick here with a 75% layout; the ROG Azoth Extreme has a 75% TKL layout instead.
No other pick in this guide offers keychron Apex Red linear switches; compare the K617, which has red linear switches. Use the K2 Ultra's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. Its price falls between the DK68E and the ROG Azoth Extreme, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75%
- Switches
- Keychron Apex Red linear
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Battery life
- 760 hours
- Keycaps
- PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Keychron Apex Red linear switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 8,000Hz polling
Cons
- Costs more than the K617 at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme
The ROG Azoth Extreme is built around an aluminum body, with 8K polling with the Polling Rate Booster on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K617 costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the K617 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers an 8,000Hz polling rate and runs for up to 1600 hours. On polling rate it ties with the K2 Ultra at 8,000Hz. It is the only pick here with a 75% TKL layout; the K2 Ultra has a 75% layout instead.
No other pick in this guide offers ROG NX Snow linear switches; compare the K617, which has red linear switches. Use the ROG Azoth Extreme's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the K2 Ultra.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75% TKL
- Switches
- ROG NX Snow linear
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth (3 devices), wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Battery life
- 1600 hours
- Keycaps
- PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- ROG NX Snow linear switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 8,000Hz polling
Cons
- Costs more than the K617 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard
DIERYA's DK68E uses pre-lubed linear switches and dampening foam in a 60% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
Remapping runs in a browser on Windows, macOS or Linux. On polling rate it trails the group at 1,000Hz, while the K2 Ultra offers 8,000Hz. Like the K617, it has a 60% layout, while the ROG Azoth Extreme uses a 75% TKL layout.
No other pick in this guide offers pre-lubed linear switches; compare the K617, which has red linear switches. The DK68E needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Its price falls between the MK-Box and the K2 Ultra, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- Pre-lubed linear
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Pre-lubed linear switches
- Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Browser-based remapping on Windows, macOS or Linux
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Polling rate trails the K2 Ultra (8,000Hz)
Worth a Look4 of 5
Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard
Redragon's K617 Fizz is a wired 60% board with red linear switches and hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Best for
- Buyers who want hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no dedicated arrow keys or function row rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced hot-swap boards here. Its 60% layout frees desk space for wide mouse swipes, and 20 lighting presets adjust in brightness and speed. The software programs macros.
Its switches are rated for 50 million presses, in a white and grey colourway. It shares a 60% layout with the DK68E; the MK-Box goes with a 65% (68 keys) layout. It shares red linear switches with the MK-Box; the DK68E goes with pre-lubed linear switches.
The K617 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the K2 Ultra offers 8,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- Red linear
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Red linear switches
- Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Switches rated for 50 million keypresses
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
Solid Runner-Up5 of 5
MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard
MageGee's MK-Box fits red linear switches and separate arrow keys into a 68-key frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired only rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It has plug-and-play support for Windows, Linux and Mac. Its 68-key layout keeps separate arrow keys and Fn-accessible F1-F12, so little is lost against a larger board. The red switches are linear and light, and blue LED backlighting offers about 16 modes set from the keyboard.
A 65% (68 keys) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the ROG Azoth Extreme uses a 75% TKL layout. It shares red linear switches with the K617; the ROG Azoth Extreme goes with ROG NX Snow linear switches. It also offers full anti-ghosting.
The MK-Box needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65% (68 keys)
- Switches
- Red linear
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Compact 65% (68 keys) layout
- Red linear switches
- Separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame
- Plug-and-play support for Windows, Linux and Mac
Cons
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
The catch
There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the K2 Ultra offers 8,000Hz.
How We Chose These Linear-Switch Gaming 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while polling rate and battery life have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the K2 Ultra to the MK-Box, state layout, switches and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The K617 and the MK-Box give no polling rate; the DK68E, the K617 and the MK-Box give no battery life.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the K617 (under $50) to the ROG Azoth Extreme ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Linear-Switch Gaming Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much polling rate you need
The K2 Ultra tops polling rate at 8,000Hz and the DK68E sits lowest at 1,000Hz; 2 picks share the top figure. The K2 Ultra is the pick for polling rate. The K617 and the MK-Box give no polling rate figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Battery life across these picks
Across these 2 picks battery life spans 760 hours (the K2 Ultra) to 1600 hours (the ROG Azoth Extreme). If battery life is your first filter, the ROG Azoth Extreme sets the ceiling at 1600 hours. The DK68E, the K617 and the MK-Box give no battery life figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk Switches
The K2 Ultra lists Keychron Apex Red linear; the ROG Azoth Extreme lists ROG NX Snow linear; the DK68E lists Pre-lubed linear; the K617 and the MK-Box list Red linear.
Setup checks
Use the K2 Ultra's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. The DK68E needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps Features beyond the spec table
The DK68E: browser-based remapping on Windows, macOS or Linux. The K617: switches rated for 50 million keypresses. The MK-Box: plug-and-play support for Windows, Linux and Mac.
How to Choose a Linear-Switch Gaming Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes | K2 Ultra | 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K617 costs less | ROG Azoth Extreme | An aluminum body at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches | DK68E | Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches |
| Buyers who want hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches | K617 | Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches |
| Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame | MK-Box | Separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The K2 Ultra leads on polling rate at 8,000Hz, ahead of the ROG Azoth Extreme at 8,000Hz. "Not listed" marks polling rate where the K617 and the MK-Box leave the figure out.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K2 Ultra | 75% | Keychron Apex Red linear | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 8,000Hz |
| ROG Azoth Extreme | 75% TKL | ROG NX Snow linear | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth (3 devices), wired | 8,000Hz |
| DK68E | 60% | Pre-lubed linear | Wired | 1,000Hz |
| K617 | 60% | Red linear | Wired | Not listed |
| MK-Box | 65% (68 keys) | Red linear | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the K617, sat in the under $50 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the ROG Azoth Extreme at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | K617, MK-Box, DK68E |
| About $100 to $150 | K2 Ultra |
| About $250 to $500 | ROG Azoth Extreme |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the longest battery life: the ROG Azoth Extreme or the K2 Ultra?
The ROG Azoth Extreme tops battery life at 1600 hours; the K2 Ultra follows at 760 hours, 111% apart. The DK68E, the K617 and the MK-Box are left out of this ranking because their battery life isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What makes the ROG Azoth Extreme the Premium Pick?
The label rests on an aluminum body at the highest price in the group. The K617, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the K617 costs less.
Do the K2 Ultra and the ROG Azoth Extreme differ on layout?
The K2 Ultra uses 75%; the ROG Azoth Extreme uses 75% TKL; the DK68E and the K617 use 60%; the MK-Box uses 65% (68 keys).
What should I check before buying the MK-Box?
The MK-Box needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the K2 Ultra and the ROG Azoth Extreme apart?
The K2 Ultra: 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes. The ROG Azoth Extreme: an aluminum body. The DK68E: hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the K2 Ultra, chosen for 8000Hz polling in wired and 2.4GHz modes. Look at the ROG Azoth Extreme for an aluminum body at the highest price in the group, the DK68E for hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches and the K617 for hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches if those matter more to you.
Lubed linears feel smoother out of the box.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap Gaming Keyboards
- Similar guideThe Best Clicky-Switch Gaming Keyboards
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceGaming Mouse Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best Tactile-Switch Gaming 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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