Best Mechanical Keyboards of March 2024: Expert Comparisons, Reports & Reviews
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The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How we Score
Last update on 2024-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best mechanical keyboards have long been gamers' goal in perfecting their Gaming PC suite. As a result, mechanical keyboards appear in virtually all E-sports tournaments worldwide, are present in every professional game room, and are perhaps most conspicuous on the tables of all E-sports gamers and streamers.
And "the best mechanical keyboards" is an unsustainable concept, at least in gamers. Because the mechanical keyboard in the world today has countless types, and each style has its characteristics. In this article, we will do our best to bring you the best mechanical keyboards based on a wide variety of preferences from separate users.
The mechanical keyboard is a high-end keyboard using Switch technology for each key, fully converging elements of good bounce, smoothness, and durability. If you use your fingers to type on the keyboard, you can quickly feel the difference from a regular keyboard.
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Regular keyboard: This is a popular keyboard today, and most likely, the computer you are using is using this keyboard. The rubber key will touch with the circuit board below at each keypress. Then thanks to elasticity, the rubber pad helps the keypress back to its original position.
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Mechanical keyboard: Completely different from regular keyboards. Each keypress is equipped with a separate switch and is often called a switch. In addition, each key uses a straight spring stand.
So what are the advantages of mechanical keyboards over regular keyboards?
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Fast typing speed: The mechanical keyboard's first and most important advantage is that the typing speed is 2 to 3 times faster than the regular keyboard. Because of its fast typing speed, this is the keyboard that gamers use most often. Typing faster means the ability to destroy the enemy is also higher. And if you like trash talk, the enemy will undoubtedly be very annoyed with the words that flow endlessly from your mechanical keyboard.
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High bounce: Thanks to a spring inside each key, it brings a high-bounce rate after pressing them. Thanks to the high bounce, if you have to type a key many times, make sure that typing time for the mechanical keyboard will be shorter.
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Makes typing smoother: In addition to fast operation, the advantage of the mechanical keyboard is that it makes typing much smoother. You only need to use moderate force to press the keys much softer than a regular keyboard.
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Longer lifespan: Mechanical keyboards typically have a much longer lifespan than regular keyboards.
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The feeling of typing is better: Try once to experience this mechanical keyboard. You will feel how great it is. Perhaps the new real experience helps you more easily visualize. In addition, the unmistakable distinctive mechanical keystroke sound will make you highly excited.
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Using RGB backlighting: Mechanical keyboards often have LEDs attached to each key, bringing shimmering effects primarily when used at night.
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Highly customizable: Mechanical keys in many patterns from pit to cute, classic, retro. And you can even purchase each key with their color instead, customizing the keyboard design to your very own style.
It is not difficult to realize the gamers' desire for mechanical keyboards with many such advantages. In a moment, we will come to the list of the best mechanical keyboards in the world today:
1. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
You can say that the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is like a BMW 7 Series in the keyboard world because of its beauty in design, luxury in materials, and high technology that is suitable for a group of young users. Not as beautiful as luxurious Mercedes Maybach style as the mechanical keyboards of Varmilo.
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT's base is anodized aluminum for enhanced rigidity. I used a high-precision CNC turning technique to cut holes to fit the buttons without excess gaps.
This aluminum plate bends slightly at the top, in contrast to the raised somewhat protrusion of the padded armrest and synthetic leather, forming an entire body that barely conceals the base of the switch. As a result, these switches do not expose much of the outside even when the style of the button legs protrudes from the panel.
The buttons, lights, and logo illuminated by RGB LEDs are all designed and attached to this aluminum frame, seamless, creating a solid, beautiful body. In addition, the rotating volume button is made highly sharp, sure, not lax like many other products on the market.
These elements create a beautiful, modern, and youthful overall look for the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT gaming mechanical keyboard that any gamer would love at first sight for quality materials, machining, and design products.
Different from products from Varmilo using sublimation thermal printing technology, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT keycap is made with Double Shot technology in the style of Tai-hao keys that are on the market. As a result, keycaps have better light penetration, direct light from the switch up to text, making the keyboard easy to read even in the dark.
Thanks to using PBT plastic keycaps, the feeling of the keys becomes much more hands-on than before. Equipped with the latest Cherry MX switches, each has a different feel depending on the individual's taste. But the test version using the Cherry MX Blue switch brings a sense of balance to the writer in both work and gaming. It has moderate feedback, is not too light or heavy, and has a reputation" click" featured when pressing the key, making the user more excited after each keypress.
The size between the keys is also moderate, neither too tight nor too wide, so when experiencing the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT with action games, users can easily reach all the buttons in the range. En two rows of keys around the standard WASD keys without moving the wrist away from the palm rest, so users can play longer without getting tired.
Overall, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is the successor of the good things in the previous version. But it is improved with some new factors, making the product experience more comfortable and convenient, especially in the current game stream movement.
2. SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL
Steelseries APEX 7 TKL belongs to the latest range of APEX mechanical keyboards from Steelseries. With a compact and eye-catching design, the switch is by Steelseries with a lifespan of up to 50 million presses, and an aluminum shell has the standard bearing materials to make the aircraft extremely durable.
The APEX 7 TKL has most of the keyboard body made of hard plastic in black tones in terms of design. The plate on the underside of the switches is aluminum for a more luxurious feel. Especially when in use, we always look directly at the keyboard surface but rarely look to the sides.
The keycap material will still be the usual ABS plastic. Although the switch used is the QX2 switch, the contact pins will still be in the typical Cherry shape, so you can easily change the keycap in case of extended use or if the keycap breaks.
One point that many people notice on a mechanical keyboard is RGB LEDs. The Steelseries APEX 7 features a 16.8 million color RGB system and the ability to adjust the color on each key through Steelseries Engine 3. Even when used in the morning or with many lights, the LED light is evident. Ceiling, the LED transition effects are also very smooth.
In the right corner of the keyboard, we have a small OLED screen that shows the profiles available on the keyboard every time you switch between these profiles and the macros settings. In addition, you can customize the images displayed on this OLED screen arbitrarily or hand-draw to create your highlights.
Next to the OLED screen will include two Multimedia buttons with a scroll wheel with volume up/ down and play/ pause functions. The other button will have the same play/ pause function and press twice to skip the song, quite convenient.
Steelseries APEX 7 TKL has many outstanding features such as surface cover material or multi-purpose OLED screen and 16.8 million colors Per-key RGB LED light with USB Pass-Through function, which is quite convenient. However, the price tag of $129.99 will confuse a lot of mechanical keyboard novices with cheap mechanical keyboards. But if you are a hard fan of Steelseries and want to synchronize your Steelseries ecosystem, then Apex 7 is absolutely a perfect choice for your entertainment corner.
3. HyperX Alloy Origins
HyperX Alloy Origins goes for the mid-range mechanical keyboard group, combined with Kingston's NGenuity software to synchronize with other accessories. The keyboard's excellent, neat, and sturdy design is sure to appeal to users at first sight.
Overall, HyperX Alloy Origins has a minimalist design, but full aluminum gives a relaxed look, along with a popular scratch. The plastic base helps the keyboard to fix the table. Meanwhile, the keyboard lift base can be opened in 3 different angles, giving users the freedom to choose as they like.
The only sign that helps users recognize this as a gamer keyboard is the HyperX logo on the space button and next to the LED for Caps lock, NUM lock, and Game Mode on/ off notifications. You can say that Alloy Origins owns the most attractive RGB LED strip among products in this price segment. By default, HyperX marks all critical effects on the key-cover surface.
Once attached to the system, HyperX Alloy Origins got more vitality. Besides being resistant to ghosting and manipulating multiple keys simultaneously, the main star in this mechanical keyboard is a new switch developed by HyperX, similar to the popular Cherry MX Red switch. The product's weight is 45g, equivalent to the Cherry MX version. Still, in general, the Alloy Origins is a bit heavier when manipulated in practice.
In terms of appearance, this switch is no different from Cherry, using the same design so that gamers can replace the key covers at will without fear of incompatibility. In addition, HyperX says the product can withstand 80 million keystrokes.
HyperX NGenuity software was born to customize the Alloy Origins keyboard. Gamers can completely set up the LED effects for each button individually. They can preview the result before saving it to Alloy Origins' memory.
Performance is one of the strengths of HyperX Alloy Origins. Although using the Red switches, the keyboard can still support good editing and fast game operations. The 1.8mm key travel provides a snappy 3.8mm of travel, compared to the 2mm and 4mm on other Cherry MX Red switches, respectively.
The Alloy Origins key cover is also pretty good, though it occasionally slips. Anyway, the editing experience on these critical covers is very stable, even when used for a long time. In addition, the distance between the keys is reasonable, so fingers can comfortably operate quickly without getting tired.
Finally, the HyperX Alloy Origins has all the ingredients for a mechanical gaming keyboard - mechanical switches and RGB LED backlighting - and it does just that. The LED lights are good quality, simple, and easy to customize. In addition, the keyboard's gaming performance is comparable to existing competitors on the market. As a result, this promises to be an attractive choice in the mid-range keyboard segment at an affordable price.
4. Logitech G512 Carbon
Logitech has always been the leading brand of gaming gear for professional gamers. Logitech products always give users excellent performance, especially gaming mice and mechanical keyboards. To give gamers the best possible gaming experiences, Logitech has brought in the remarkable mid-range Logitech G512 Carbon mechanical keyboard.
This mechanical keyboard has a sturdy, stylish aluminum alloy, RGB LED keys each key, and especially switching options, similar to Logitech G513. However, in this release, the Logitech G512 Carbon brings you a new switch called the GX.
Compared with Romer-G switches, GX switches have a longer operating distance (1.9mm to 1.5mm) and overall travel (4mm to 3.2mm) but still feel fast and responsive when playing shooters. Fast-paced CS: GO and Overwatch.
The Logitech G512 Carbon is a compact full-size mechanical keyboard with little wasted space. In addition, the keypad is made of aluminum alloy to create a solid feel, compared to other mechanical keyboards in the same price range.
We will find six rubber-padded feet on the underside to keep the keyboard from slipping during use on the table. If desired, two wide kickstands (with separate rubber feet) firmly allow you to raise the keyboard for a different typing angle. The USB port locates in the upper right corner, a nifty feature missing on many keyboards in the same price range. G512 Carbon has a thick cable that protrudes not from the center of the keyboard but on the right side near the USB port, which is brilliant in design. It makes it easier for the cable to pass through your monitor stand.
The G512 Carbon's RGB LED looks excellent. Keycaps have a soft, smooth surface and a slightly concave surface that keeps the user's finger in the middle of the key.
You can use Logitech's Gaming Software to adjust the RGB LEDs on the G512 Carbon and record macros. The software is relatively easy to use. It allows you to use Logitech's LIGHTSYNC function to synchronize your keyboard's RGB lighting with other Logitech peripherals. The software also enables you to record macros and disable keys for Game Mode.
You can choose colors on each key or choose from presets. Some significant RGB LED effects bring different colors to the function keys, the middle keys, the standard keys, and the number keys.
We're sure you'll love the haptic feedback while gaming, with the well-spaced keys, the rubberized feet, and the heavyweight of the keyboard also keeping it from slipping off the board. Also, choose a private place to play and enjoy the signature clicking sound of Logitech G512 Carbon mechanical keys without disturbing anyone.
The Logitech G512 Carbon is a mechanical keyboard with minimal details from the older Logitech G513. Still, the mechanical keyboard retains the elegant beauty of the Logitech G series. And deserves to be one of the best mechanical keyboards available today.
5. Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
At Gamescom 2019, Razer introduced a new keyboard in its Huntsman line called Huntsman TE (Tournament Edition) and a new Linear Optical switch that offers even faster speeds than Elite seniors. Up to 2020 today, Huntsman TE is still known as a keyboard that owns "the speed of light."
According to Razer, Linear Optical Switches work like Opto-Mechanical to emit an infrared beam to detect keystrokes. However, the upgrade this time is the 1mm key travel is shorter than the previous 1.5mm, so in theory, TE will be faster than the Elite.
The sheer speed of the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is what separates this champion from others. Designed and tested by Team Razer athletes, this mechanical gaming keyboard features the fastest switch Razer has ever created.
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition uses Razer's most advanced optical-mechanical switch with a durability of up to 100 million clicks. Although the keyboard still retains a simple and neat look, the leading color tone is black with a plate on the metal surface to increase rigidity and anti-fingerprints.
More rigid and more durable than ABS or PVC, PBT is a thermoplastic that gives keycaps a premium feel in every push. Keycap Huntsman TE has rugged construction for continuous multi-hour use. It's a double mold that ensures that the keycap printed would never be lost or worn. The thin font is designed on the PBT keycap to bring aesthetic, minimalism, neatness and still let the LED light pass through just right.
With the ability to store up to 5 profiles in memory, you can bring this full-size keyboard to play anywhere without worrying about re-setting the macros. In addition, you can fine-tune comfortably with Synapse software and store your settings via cloud storage. To meet the demands of many players moving from one location to another, plug in the cord and use it immediately. The addition of a latch keeps the cord stable during play.
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition equips with a unique LED system displaying up to 16.8 million colors. It helps users see more clearly when using the keyboard at night or when there is a lack of light. In addition, moderate, eye-catching brightness enhances your space.
The Razer mechanical keyboard uses an all-new optical switch for stable pressure that provides a more comfortable feel for gamers and a lifespan of up to 100 million clicks. In addition, each push-button fits with thick layers for better stability and protection against dust and water.
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is sure to surprise its owners because of the breakneck speed it delivers. If you want to experience the speed of light, then this mechanical keyboard is the answer.
1. What is the mechanical keyboard switch?
The switch is like the heart of the mechanical keyboard. On regular keyboards, only one piece of rubber is on each keypress. So when you press any key, the rubber key will touch the circuit board below. Then thanks to elasticity, the rubber pad helps the keypress back to its original position.
It is entirely different from regular keyboards, particularly for the mechanical keyboard. Each key press has a separate switch, also known as switching on and off. And the durability of this switch is not to say, is rated 40-60 times higher if compared to rubber because it is mainly used by springs to help the critical bounce back to its original position.
2. How many types of switches are there all, and which one is the best?
With the mechanical keyboard, the switch of Cherry is the most popular with four standard buttons is Blue, Brown, Red, and Black.
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With Cherry MX Blue, you get a tactile, clicky keys response, both with a click to indicate receipt of the key and a crisp, pleasant click sound. This feature comes in the most popular switches because it feels completely different from the rubber keyboard. However, the downside is that this switch is extremely noisy, and there is a high chance you will get grimaces from people around.
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Cherry MX Red and Black meanwhile offer a linear (straight) keystroke, with no change except for increasing pressure from the moment you start pressing the bottom out (pressing the full stroke). MX Red and Black differ only in pressing force, with Red much softer. Those who want to find a keyboard for gentle typing, extended typing without fatigue can choose Red. In addition, Cherry also developed a gray MX Speed switch with an actuation point higher than other switches, reducing the stroke from 2mm to 1.2mm for the key to receiving the signal, increasing the speed of pressing the key of professional gamers.
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The other representative is Cherry MX Brown with a non-clicky tactile keys response, a tactile click to indicate receipt of keys, but no clicking sound like Cherry MX Blue. For many professionals, tactile is the truth of the mechanical keyboard when it feels best to press without distracting by the noise from the clicky mechanism.
In the development history, Cherry also makes other switches such as MX Gray, MX White, MX Green, etc... which we will mention in our more in-depth articles on mechanical keyboards.
In addition, on the market, there are many types of switches with the same structure as Cherry MX produced by Gateron, Kailh, Outemu, ... but they all refer to 3 main types of switches: linear, clicky, and tactile. Gateron is rated the most of the above manufacturers with the superior quality compared to the rest, close to Cherry. However, there are still many limitations on the ruggedness of the switch. Another popular switch is the Razer Green switch manufactured by Kailh from 2012 to 2014 and by Greentech from 2014 to present with a similar feel to Cherry MX Blue.
The mechanical key also has another special external switch from Japan, Topre. Topre, manufactured by Japanese company PFU, is a combination of automatic control with spring, keypad, and rubber cushion. Thanks to that, Topre's actuation point is relatively high but still gives a tactile feeling with a characteristic thick when the key returns to its original position. Topre can be considered a hybrid switch that converges the good features of mechanical and rubber keys. Still, many people do not recognize the Topre keyboard as a mechanical keyboard at the same time.
3. Is the durability of the mechanical keyboard superior to selling regular keys?
The truth is that mechanical keyboards are much better than regular keyboards, especially in durability. According to manufacturers from Cherry to Gateron, Greentech, or Topre, their switches all have a long lifespan of 30 million clicks or more.
This durability also depends on the switch type, with Blue usually having the lowest life because the clicky mechanism can be affected if dust gets in and accumulates in the switch. Finally, of course, the durability of anything depends on the person who uses it. But to damage, a mechanical keyboard switch is also an arduous process.
Meanwhile, the complex, stretching, and loosening rubber curtains are inevitable with regular keyboards if not preserved in the ideal environment. In addition to not receiving the keys, the feeling of pressing will also be affected a lot when the rubber membrane is no longer in its original state. However, you can avoid using a mechanical keyboard, thanks to its composition of challenging to damage and deteriorate components.
4. What is a custom mechanical keyboard?
Suppose you are bored with the popular design of the company's keyboard. In that case, the feeling of keys or layout is not satisfactory. Your preferences and custom will be a perfect choice. As its name implies, custom keyboards are manufactured with a moderate to a limited number, not soldered switch, led so that the owner can choose.
When choosing a custom keyboard, you can easily customize the switch according to your preferences, not having to stick to the manufacturer's options. In particular, you can customize the controller, such as changing springs to achieve desired pressing force, lube to make essential travel smoother or stick stickers inside the button to prevent dust and increase the stability of the switch. In addition, the crossbars of the extended keys are welded and assembled to create a complete keyboard and lubed to eliminate rattling sound.
Not only that, but the custom keyboards are also often equipped with RGB LEDs underneath and around the keys to help the keyboard become more shimmering. Custom keyboards are from monolithic aluminum and anodized, dotted with RGB LEDs, which adds to their beauty.
If you have the basics of electronic welding components, you can even assemble your custom one.
5. Are there any mechanical keyboards with RGB backlighting?
Not really, this depends on your preferences. However, most mechanical keyboards equip with RGB backlighting or custom for it. Maybe because gamers are usually nocturnal, the keyboard needs backlighting.
Gamers wishing to have a well-designed keyboard with 16.8 million colors RGB backlighting can look to brands like Corsair, Razer, or CoolerMaster. Meanwhile, keyboard users who are inclined to work in the office or enjoy classic beauty can look to brands like iKBC, Ducky, Filco, or Leopold.
If your new gaming PC has a unique RGB LED system or is clean, simple, a mechanical keyboard with RGB backlighting is a good value for the complete look.
6. What is Keycap? I see that you guys also have fun playing keycap. Please explain?
Well, thanks for the question. Indeed, referring to the mechanical keyboard is indispensable to mention the keycap hobby - also known as "the pleasure of plastic." Sounds a bit weird, right?
Most keycaps (plastic buttons mounted on the keyboard) that come with keys on the market are pretty simple designs with a black or white tone. Unfortunately, the quality of production is not appreciated because it is a thin ABS plastic, printed with pad print technology or laser engraving, and relatively easy to fly. Therefore, the keycap by key hardly meets the needs of complex users.
Foreseeing this need, many manufacturers have started to produce keycap. There are two outstanding manufacturers with top quality in the market with many brands: GMK from Germany and Signature Plastic from America. GMK specializes in thick double-shot ABS keycap sets, using Cherry Profiles manufactured online acquired by Cherry. Meanwhile, Signature Plastic has profiles like SA, DSA, G20, or DCS with SA profile that is very popular with players worldwide because of its curved, tall design like on old typewriters and computers.
In addition to the quality and good typing feel, famous mechanical keyboard players, such as Geekhack and Deskthority, design and select the keycap sets of the two above brands, so they have a very high aesthetic. In addition, the production is only on-demand and is almost entirely on group buys (buying groups), so these keycap sets are pretty limited. This setup implicitly pushes these sets' buying and selling prices up slightly.
Meanwhile, many people like to play custom keycaps, artisan (handcrafted keycap) from names like ClickClack, BroCap, BooperCap, HolyOops, etc. These keycaps are all handcrafted with aesthetics and degree. However, the difficulty to manipulate is relatively high. Therefore, their prices are usually not low, average $40 or more, and often sellers will draw buyers, not sell them massively. These artisan keycaps are traded at around 150 but are seldom bought and sold with cash but rather an exchange. For example, ClickClack's Skull Tri-color keycap auction was up to $900 for a single button.
At the end of this article, we have together selected the five best candidates today in the race of the world's best mechanical keyboards:
1. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
5. Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
I hope you will have a better overview and maybe also a better understanding of the world of mechanical keyboards. So many keyboard gaming communities are out there waiting to welcome new members like you every day.