Mechanical Keyboards

What a mechanical keyboard is

Most laptop and office keyboards have a rubber dome under a sheet of keys. A mechanical keyboard has a separate switch with its own spring under every key. Each press is deeper and more even, and you can choose how it feels and sounds. People who type all day, write code or play games often prefer one, and the keys can be changed for a new look with a keycap set.

What is in the range

• Sizes from 60% to 96%. A 60% board is the letters, numbers and modifiers only. A 65% adds arrow keys, a 75% adds the function row, and a 90% or 96% keeps a number pad squeezed in close.
• Hot-swap boards, where the switches pull out and new ones push in without soldering. Most keyboards here are hot-swap.
• Gasket-mounted boards, where the plate sits on soft mounts for a cushioned press, many with a volume knob and some with a small screen.
• Magnetic switch boards, using Hall effect switches whose press point can be set, for fast games.
• A split keyboard, in two halves so each hand sits at shoulder width, and a barebones kit you fit with your own switches and keycaps.

Some are wired only; others connect three ways, by cable, receiver or Bluetooth.

How to choose

The switch. Red switches are linear: smooth all the way down and fairly quiet. Blue switches are tactile and click loudly. Brown and similar switches give a bump without the click. In a shared office or at home late at night, a blue switch will be heard.

The size. The smaller the board, the closer the mouse comes to you, and the more keys move to a second layer behind Fn. If you enter a lot of figures, keep a number pad, or add a separate number pad.

The height. Mechanical keys stand taller than a laptop's. The Health and Safety Executive notes that people using thick, raised keyboards may need a wrist rest, and several here are made for these boards.

The layout. Check the options for the layout and the keycap language: a UK board has a tall Enter key, a US board a long flat one.

Questions people ask about mechanical keyboards

Do they work with a laptop?

Yes, by USB or USB-C cable, or wirelessly where the board offers it. Programmable boards may use software, which the product page names.

Can I change the keycaps?

On most, yes. Check that a new set fits your number of keys and your switch stems.

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door.

More to look at

• Keycaps
• Compact keyboards
• Gaming keyboards
• Wrist rests
• Mouse mats and desk mats
• Guide: How to choose a keyboard for your laptop
• Guide: Gaming on a laptop: the mice, keyboards, controllers and cooling that help