If our picks are out of stock-or if you’re looking for a wireless tenkeyless keyboard, higher-end options, or a gaming keyboard-take a look at the other good mechanical keyboards we found during testing. Unfortunately, availability is an issue with most great mechanical keyboards. Keychron offers optional upgrades for the C1 and C2, but if you plan to spend extra for RGB or hot-swap, you’re better off getting one of our top picks instead. But the C1 and C2 have lower-quality ABS keycaps that feel cheaper to type on and will wear out faster than the solid PBT keycaps on our top picks, and these budget models are not programmable. They’re also compatible with Windows and Mac, and they come with replacement keycaps for both operating systems. Both models offer solid build quality, feel good to type on, and aren’t ugly-all uncommon qualities for keyboards in this price range. If you’re willing to trade quality and programmability for a lower price, get the tenkeyless Keychron C1 or the full-size Keychron C2. If you do need a number pad sometimes, you can get a separate programmable numpad, such as the Keychron Q0, that you can move out of the way when you’re not using it.Ĭ1: 14.06 by 5.12 by 1.57 inches C2: 17.15 by 5.12 by 1.57 inches Most people don’t use a number pad frequently enough to justify the desk space it occupies. We recommend tenkeyless keyboards-that is, models without a built-in number pad-because they allow you to place your mouse closer to your body, which can reduce strain on your shoulders, neck, and back.

And if you want the fun rotary knob that controls volume by default but can be reprogrammed to do other things too, you have to pay around $10 more. But these models can’t work wirelessly-like most mechanical keyboards, they must be plugged in. All three models are available with a variety of Keychron K Pro switches we recommend the Brown switches if you’re not sure which kind you like best. The V3, V5, and V6 all come with keycaps for Windows and Mac, and swapping between the two operating-system layouts is simple. All three models have sturdy cases, durable PBT keycaps, and smooth lubricated stabilizers, and they boast fancy features typically reserved for much pricier models, including RGB backlighting, hot-swappable switches, and full programmability with the easy-to-use VIA software. V3: 14.17 by 5.75 by 1.46 inches V5: 14.96 by 5.83 by 1.46 inches V6: 17.32 by 5.75 by 1.46 inchesĪmong all the mechanical keyboards we’ve tested, the tenkeyless Keychron V3, the 1800-layout Keychron V5, and the full-size Keychron V6 stand out for their quality and value.

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