Mechanical Keyboard Buyer's Guide

Choosing a new keyboard can be a challenge, given the barrage of technical terms like switches, layouts, and connectivity options. The goal of this article is to provide you with clear and objective guidance. As your guide to Joybuy's product recommendations, I've compiled information to help you make an informed decision that meets your needs for typing feel, functionality, and budget.

What to Look for When Buying a Mechanical Keyboard

Before you decide on a model, there are a few fundamental aspects to consider. These criteria will help you narrow down the options and find a product that perfectly suits your use case.

1. Layout and Size: ISO vs. ANSI and Form Factor

The keyboard layout is crucial for daily use, especially if you frequently type in a specific language.

• ISO-DE Keyboard: This layout is the standard in Germany. It features a large, two-row Enter key, a dedicated key for < > |, and the umlauts (?, ?, ?) in their standard positions. For heavy typists and programmers in Germany, this is often the most practical choice.
• ANSI (QWERTY US): Common in the United States, this layout has a long, single-row Enter key. It can be advantageous for gaming or specific programming environments but may require some adjustment for text entry.

In addition to the layout, the size (form factor) is important:

• Full-Size (100%): Includes all keys, including the number pad.
• Tenkeyless (TKL, 80%): Omits the number pad, saving valuable desk space.
• Compact (75% / 60%): A small gaming keyboard in these formats is even more space-efficient, either by arranging the function and arrow keys more tightly or by removing them entirely and making them accessible via an Fn key.

2. Switches and Customisation: The Heart of the Typing Experience

Mechanical switches define the typing sound and feel. The three main types are:

• Linear: A smooth, resistance-free keystroke. Preferred for fast-paced gaming.
• Tactile: A noticeable bump when the key is actuated, without a loud click. A great all-rounder for both typing and gaming.
• Clicky: A noticeable bump accompanied by an audible click sound. Popular with heavy typists who appreciate clear feedback.

A hot-swap keyboard offers maximum flexibility here. It allows you to change switches without any soldering. This lets you experiment with different switch types or easily replace faulty ones.

3. Connectivity and Extra Features

How the keyboard connects to your device is another key consideration.

• Wired: Offers a stable, latency-free connection and never needs charging.
• Wireless Keyboard: Provides more flexibility and a cleaner desk setup. Common technologies include Bluetooth (compatible with many devices) and 2.4 GHz wireless (often with lower latency via a USB dongle). Many models offer multiple connection options (Tri-Mode).

Extra features like customisable RGB keyboard lighting are especially popular in the gaming scene and allow for deep setup personalisation.

Our Top Keyboard Picks for Different Needs

Here is a selection of models that cover various requirements and budgets.

MageGee TS91 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard

Why It Stands Out: The MageGee TS91 is a membrane keyboard with a special construction that emulates a mechanical typing feel. It's aimed at budget-conscious users who want the aesthetic and compact 60% form factor of a gaming keyboard without the expense of a true mechanical model.

Pros:

• Compact 60% Layout: Maximises desk space, making it ideal for gaming setups that require large mouse movements.
• RGB Backlighting: Offers various lighting modes and adjustable brightness.
• Water-Resistant PCB: The circuit board is IPX4 certified, making it more resilient against accidental spills (the interface is not waterproof).
• Mechanical Feel: Uses membrane technology that mimics the tactile feedback of mechanical keys.

Who Is It For? Beginners and casual gamers on a tight budget who are looking for a visually appealing small gaming keyboard with RGB lighting and a QWERTY US layout.

AJAZZ AK980 V2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Why It Stands Out: The AJAZZ AK980 V2 is a feature-packed wireless keyboard for demanding users. It combines a 98% layout, which integrates a number pad into a compact frame, with modern features like a TFT display and a rotary knob for controlling volume and other functions.

Pros:

• Tri-Mode Connectivity: Flexibly switch between Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and a wired USB-C connection.
• Smart TFT Display and Rotary Knob: The display shows system information, connection mode, or custom GIFs. The knob allows for quick adjustments to volume, lighting, and more.
• Hot-Swappable: Compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customisation and maintenance.
• Gasket-Mount Structure: A gasket mount and multiple layers of foam dampen typing noise and provide a softer typing experience.

Who Is It For? Keyboard enthusiasts and gamers who appreciate high functionality, hot-swap customisability, and flexible connectivity in a nearly full-size (98% QWERTY) layout.

Akko 3084B Plus Tri-Mode Mechanical Keyboard

Why It Stands Out: The Akko 3084B Plus is a high-quality mechanical keyboard tailored for the German market. With its 75% ISO-DE layout, it offers an ideal compromise between compactness and functionality, including dedicated arrow and function keys.

Pros:

• ISO-DE Layout: Perfect for users in German-speaking regions who don't want to give up umlauts and their familiar key layout.
• High-Quality Akko V3 Pro Switches: The factory-lubed "Cream Yellow" switches are linear, offering a very smooth and pleasant typing feel.
• Hot-Swappable and Tri-Mode: Supports swapping both 3-pin and 5-pin switches and offers connectivity via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C.
• PBT Double-Shot Keycaps: These keycaps are known for their high resistance to wear and shine, ensuring the legends will never fade.

Who Is It For? Demanding typists, programmers, and gamers looking for a compact yet fully functional gaming keyboard with a German ISO-DE keyboard layout and high-quality components.

Looking for More Accessories?

A precision input device is only half the battle. To complete your gaming or work setup, a great mouse is just as important. Discover our selection of ergonomic and responsive mice.

? Find our current selection of RGB Gaming Mice here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the advantage of a mechanical keyboard over a membrane keyboard? Mechanical keyboards generally offer greater durability, as each switch is rated for tens of millions of keystrokes. They provide a more precise and consistent typing feel and, thanks to the variety of switch types, offer a high degree of customisation to suit personal preferences.

2. What does "hot-swap" mean for a keyboard? A hot-swap keyboard has a printed circuit board (PCB) that allows you to simply pull out the mechanical switches and replace them with others, no soldering required. This makes it easy to customise the typing feel and repair individual keys.

3. Which switches are best for gaming? Linear switches are often recommended for gaming because they allow for a fast, resistance-free keystroke all the way down. This can be an advantage in fast-paced gaming situations. However, the choice is highly dependent on personal preference; tactile switches are also popular among gamers.