Buying Guide
The Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards: Our Research
Six enthusiast-style boards chosen from listing research, not forum polls.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
This roundup reflects our research into listings, not a count of forum opinions. It leans toward the compact, hot-swappable boards enthusiasts favor.
We compared switch type, hot-swap and connection from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Scan Rate
NuPhy BH65 Hall Effect Keyboard
A 16,000Hz key scan rate.
Best for: Tuning fans.
Our take Check price for NuPhy BH65 Hall Effect Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless Magnetic
AULA F75 HE Wireless
Hall effect switches with a 4000mAh battery.
Best for: Cable-free desks.
Our take Check price for AULA F75 HE Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best Dynamic Keystrokes
Attack Shark X68 HE
Up to 4 actions per key.
Best for: Macro fans.
Our take Check price for Attack Shark X68 HE (opens in a new tab)
Best Aluminum Frame
Keychron K2 Ultra 8K
An aluminum frame with 8000Hz.
Best for: Premium builds.
Our take Check price for Keychron K2 Ultra 8K (opens in a new tab)
Best 65% Mechanical
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace
ROG NX switches with double-shot PBT.
Best for: Traditional feel.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Gasket
Redragon K673 PRO Wireless
A gasket mount with a knob.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Our take Check price for Redragon K673 PRO Wireless (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 16,000Hz key scan rate. | Tuning fans. | Check price for NuPhy BH65 Hall Effect Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| Hall effect switches with a 4000mAh battery. | Cable-free desks. | Check price for AULA F75 HE Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
| Up to 4 actions per key. | Macro fans. | Check price for Attack Shark X68 HE (opens in a new tab) |
| An aluminum frame with 8000Hz. | Premium builds. | Check price for Keychron K2 Ultra 8K (opens in a new tab) |
| ROG NX switches with double-shot PBT. | Traditional feel. | Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace (opens in a new tab) |
| A gasket mount with a knob. | Tight budgets. | Check price for Redragon K673 PRO Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Scan Rate1 of 6
NuPhy BH65 Hall Effect Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
NuPhy's BH65 offers a 16,000Hz key scan rate and hot-swappable magnetic switches in a 65% frame.
Best for
- Tuning fans.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.
Why we like it
Actuation and rapid trigger are set per key. It shares a 65% layout with the Falchion Ace; the K673 PRO goes with a 75% (81 keys) layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the F75 HE and X68 HE; the Falchion Ace goes with ROG NX mechanical switches.
The BH65 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. When we checked, only the Falchion Ace and cheaper picks cost less, and the K2 Ultra cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- 16,000Hz key scan rate
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the X68 HE at the time of writing
Best Wireless Magnetic2 of 6
AULA F75 HE Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AULA's F75 HE brings Hall effect switches to a tri-mode 75% board with a 4000mAh battery and a knob.
Best for
- Cable-free desks.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its polling rate before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
The switches are hot-swappable. You get a 75% (80 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the K673 PRO and its a 75% (81 keys) layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the BH65 and X68 HE; the Falchion Ace goes with ROG NX mechanical switches.
Use the F75 HE's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. When we checked, only the K673 PRO and cheaper picks cost less, and the Falchion Ace cost more. If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the BH65 instead: it offers 8,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75% (80 keys)
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75% (80 keys) layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 4000mAh battery
Cons
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the X68 HE at the time of writing
Best Dynamic Keystrokes3 of 6
Attack Shark X68 HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Attack Shark's X68 HE adds dynamic keystrokes, up to four actions per key, to rapid trigger in a 68-key frame.
Best for
- Macro fans.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.
Why we like it
It sits near $40 at the time of writing. You get a 65% (68 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the K2 Ultra and its a 75% layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the BH65 and F75 HE; the Falchion Ace goes with ROG NX mechanical switches.
It also comes with an adjustable actuation point. The X68 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the K673 PRO was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65% (68 keys)
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 65% (68 keys) layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key
Cons
- Wired only
Best Aluminum Frame4 of 6
Keychron K2 Ultra 8K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Keychron's K2 Ultra reaches 8000Hz polling on both wired and 2.4GHz and uses an aluminum frame.
Best for
- Premium builds.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the X68 HE, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin switches. No other pick in this guide offers a 75% layout; compare the X68 HE, which has a 65% (68 keys) layout. It is the only pick here with keychron Apex Red linear switches; the BH65 has hall effect magnetic switches instead.
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. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the BH65 and the rest. The trade-off is polling rate; for more, the BH65 offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & 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 X68 HE at the time of writing
Best 65% Mechanical5 of 6
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Falchion Ace fits arrow and navigation keys into a 306mm, 65% frame with ROG NX mechanical switches and double-shot PBT keycaps.
Best for
- Traditional feel.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired onl rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is wired only. A touch panel on the left adjusts volume or runs shortcuts, and lubricated stabilisers smooth the larger keys. It shares a 65% layout with the BH65; the X68 HE goes with a 65% (68 keys) layout.
You get ROG NX mechanical switches here, which sets it apart from the K2 Ultra and its keychron Apex Red linear switches. It also comes with lubricated switch stems. The Falchion Ace needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
It was priced above the F75 HE and below the BH65 at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the BH65 offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65%
- Switches: ROG NX mechanical
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- ROG NX mechanical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame
Cons
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the X68 HE at the time of writing
Best Budget Gasket6 of 6
Redragon K673 PRO Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's K673 PRO is a gasket-mounted tri-mode 75% board with a scroll knob.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Its polling rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
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.
No other pick in this guide offers a 75% (81 keys) layout; compare the K2 Ultra, which has a 75% layout. Use the K673 PRO's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper X68 HE and the pricier F75 HE, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the BH65 offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & 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
Cons
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the X68 HE at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
- Build
- We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
- Polling rate
- We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
What to Look for in a Mechanical Gaming Keyboards Now
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes
Hot-swappable boards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Check whether the sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches.
Choose the layout before the switch
Full-size boards keep the number pad; tenkeyless drops it and gives the mouse more room. 75% and 65% boards keep arrows in a tighter frame, while 60% boards move arrows and F-keys to a function layer.
Polling rate is a small factor
1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.
Wired, dongle or Bluetooth
A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
How to Choose a Mechanical Gaming Keyboards Now
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tuning fans | BH65 | A 16,000Hz key scan rate |
| Cable-free desks | F75 HE | Hall effect switches with a 4000mAh battery |
| Macro fans | X68 HE | Up to 4 actions per key |
| Premium builds | K2 Ultra | An aluminum frame with 8000Hz |
| Traditional feel | Falchion Ace | ROG NX switches with double-shot PBT |
| Tight budgets | K673 PRO | A gasket mount with a knob |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BH65 | 65% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| F75 HE | 75% (80 keys) | Hall effect magnetic | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
| X68 HE | 65% (68 keys) | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K2 Ultra | 75% | Keychron Apex Red linear | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 8,000Hz |
| Falchion Ace | 65% | ROG NX mechanical | Wired | Not listed |
| K673 PRO | 75% (81 keys) | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | X68 HE, K673 PRO |
| About $50 to $100 | F75 HE, Falchion Ace, BH65 |
| About $100 to $150 | K2 Ultra |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 8,000Hz polling?
No. It is a marginal gain on top of 1,000Hz and can cost battery life and CPU time.
Should I pick tenkeyless or full-size?
Tenkeyless if you want more mouse room and rarely type numbers; full-size if you enter numbers often.
Is a membrane keyboard bad for gaming?
No. It is quieter and cheaper, but it feels softer and usually lacks per-key rollover guarantees beyond what the listing states.
Is a wireless keyboard slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle for most players. Bluetooth adds more latency and is better kept for other devices.
Do Hall effect switches help in games?
Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.
Do these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
Bottom Line
NuPhy's BH65 is the pick for per-key tuning and a 16,000Hz scan rate. AULA's F75 HE is the wireless magnetic choice, and ASUS's Falchion Ace is the mechanical option.