Buying Guide
The Best Mechanical Keyboard
We weighed five keyboards on polling rate and layout, and the Maxfit61 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Mechanical keyboards use a switch under every key, which gives a consistent feel and makes the switches replaceable on hot-swap boards. These are ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh layout, switches and connection as the makers state them; we did not test these keyboards ourselves, and if a maker skips polling rate, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
FANTECH Maxfit61
A lower price than the GK61 and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for FANTECH Maxfit61 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Geeky GK61 60% Keyboard
Hot-swap sockets.
Best for: Buyers who want hot-swap sockets.
Our take Check price for Geeky GK61 60% Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard
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.
Our take Check price for Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard
Separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame.
Best for: Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame.
Our take Check price for MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Polling
AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard
The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz).
Best for: Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.
Our take Check price for AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the GK61 and the rest when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for FANTECH Maxfit61 (opens in a new tab) |
| Hot-swap sockets. | Buyers who want hot-swap sockets. | Check price for Geeky GK61 60% Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches. | Buyers who want hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches. | Check price for Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| Separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame. | Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame. | Check price for MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz). | Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate. | Check price for AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
FANTECH Maxfit61 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FANTECH's Maxfit61 is a wired 60% board with blue clicky switches and hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function ro is a problem.
Why we like it
Pullers ship in the box. It shares a 60% layout with the K617; the WIN68 HE goes with a 68-key compact layout. You get blue clicky switches here, which sets it apart from the K617 and its red linear switches.
It also comes with switch and keycap pullers in the box and a detachable USB-C cable. The Maxfit61 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.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the GK61 the next step up. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the WIN68 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Blue clicky
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Blue clicky switches
- Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brand
- Switch and keycap pullers in the box
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
Also Consider2 of 5
Geeky GK61 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Geeky's GK61 is a hot-swappable 60% board with macro software and Mac support.
Best for
- Buyers who want hot-swap sockets.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It sits near $22 at the time of writing. Hot-swap sockets let you change switches without soldering, using the tools in the box. The detachable USB-C cable and 60% layout make it easy to pack for LAN events.
No other pick in this guide offers a 60% (61 keys) layout; compare the MK-Box, which has a 65% (68 keys) layout. The GK61 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Maxfit61 and the pricier K617, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60% (61 keys)
- Switches: Mechanical, hot-swappable
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% (61 keys) layout
- Mechanical, hot-swappable switches
- Hot-swap sockets
- Macro and remapping software
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Maxfit61 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
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. Like the Maxfit61, it has a 60% layout, while the GK61 uses a 60% (61 keys) layout. Like the MK-Box, it has red linear switches, while the Maxfit61 uses blue clicky 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. Its price falls between the GK61 and the MK-Box, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the WIN68 HE, which offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the Maxfit61 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 onl rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It has plug-and-play support for Windows, Linux and Mac. It is the only pick here with a 65% (68 keys) layout; the Maxfit61 has a 60% layout instead. Like the K617, it has red linear switches, while the Maxfit61 uses blue clicky 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.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Maxfit61 at the time of writing. Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the WIN68 HE, which offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the Maxfit61 at the time of writing
Fastest Polling5 of 5
AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The WIN68 HE brings magnetic switches down to a budget price.
Best for
- Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.
Why we like it
The 68-key layout keeps arrows while dropping the function row. It is the only pick here with a 68-key compact layout; the Maxfit61 has a 60% layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers hall effect magnetic switches; compare the Maxfit61, which has blue clicky switches.
You also get a Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price. The WIN68 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MK-Box.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 68-key compact
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 68-key compact layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Maxfit61 at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- Build
- We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
What to Look for in a Mechanical Keyboard
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | Maxfit61 | A lower price than the GK61 and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want hot-swap sockets | GK61 | Hot-swap sockets |
| 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 |
| Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate | WIN68 HE | The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxfit61 | 60% | Blue clicky | Wired | Not listed |
| GK61 | 60% (61 keys) | Mechanical, hot-swappable | Wired | 1,000Hz |
| K617 | 60% | Red linear | Wired | Not listed |
| MK-Box | 65% (68 keys) | Red linear | Wired | Not listed |
| WIN68 HE | 68-key compact | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick costs the least here?
The Maxfit61. It undercut the GK61 when we checked, while the WIN68 HE cost the most of the group.
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.
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 these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Maxfit61, chosen for a lower price than the GK61 and the rest when we checked. Look at the GK61 for hot-swap sockets, the K617 for hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches and the MK-Box for separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame if those matter more to you.
Hot-swap sockets let you change switches later without soldering.