The Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards: Our Research

Actuation and rapid trigger are set per key. The body is solid aluminum, and the NuPhyIO web driver remaps keys, assigns macros and sets actuation and rapid trigger from a browser with no download. Hyper Tap lets a second key fire when the first is released, which helps cancel movement inertia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.