Best Keyboards To Get 2024
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In the ever evolving world of technology even simple things such as the keyboard continue to evolve in new and interesting ways to meet our ever changing needs and wants as consumers. Depending on what you do for work or as a hobby, finding the perfect keyboard is an important decision as it will be right by your side in your digital journey. As 2023 comes to a close, the keyboard market continues to innovate on the tried and true classic in order to cater to diverse user needs, from gaming enthusiasts to somebody looking to increase productivity in their line of work. In this post we’ll delve into keyboards you should consider on the higher end, point out some more budget-friendly gems for those mindful of their spending, and consider alternative options that might just be right for you. Let’s dive into the world of keystrokes and unveil the keyboards that stand out.
Keyboard Switch Basics
The switches under each keycap significantly influence your keyboard feel. There are three primary types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches, such as Cherry MX Red or Gateron Red, are ideal for fast-paced gaming, offering a smooth keystroke feel with no tactile bump. On the other hand, tactile switches, like Cherry MX Brown or Razer Orange, are perfect for typing, providing a satisfying click-in halfway down the key press. Lastly, clicky switches, like Cherry MX Blue or Razer Green, deliver a distinct clicky-clacky sound, although this can be bothersome for some.
Keyboard Size and Layout
Keyboard size is crucial, especially when considering desk space. Full-size keyboards are great for comprehensive functionality but may be too bulky for some setups. A 75% keyboard presents a compact alternative, keeping the function and arrow keys but ditching the numpad. For an even smaller option, the 65% keyboard retains only essential keys, providing maximum desk space for gaming. The most compact option, the 60% keyboard, removes even the arrow keys and is an excellent choice for gamers wanting maximum mouse room.
Our First Choice - The DrunkDeer A75
Alright, let’s get started! First up, the DrunkDeer A75 Rapid Trigger Mechanical Keyboard. Now, this keyboard has a unique feature – Rapid Trigger technology. This is basically a new feature that some manufacturers are adding to keyboards. It allows for mid-motion repeats without compromising actuation points. That enables faster response times than conventional keyboards of the past. Basically, it more accurately measures your key inputs by accounting for how far you’ve pressed the button. This is useful in instances where you might need rapid keypresses or very controlled movement in a video game. So in theory this technology could give you an advantage over other people in competitive games depending on what type of game you’re playing. But keep in mind a keyboard on its own isn’t going to suddenly make you good at a game you’re bad at.
Now remember how I spent the beginning of this video covering the three traditional mechanical switches. Well ignore all that because this keyboard throws away the traditional mechanical switches we talked about earlier. Instead, it uses magnetic switches. These offer a smoother typing experience due to the lack of physical contact between parts. They’re also supposed to be more durable, lasting twice as long as regular switches (around 100 million keystrokes). These magnetic switches are how this keyboard is able to have rapid trigger technology. Another cool feature that rapid trigger technology makes possible is adjustable actuation distance. This means you can change how far you have to press a key for it to register. Which allows you to fine-tune the keyboard to your preferences, whether you’re a gamer or just someone who types a lot.
As for additional features the DrunkDeer A75 is a 75% size keyboard, so it’s a bit more compact than a full-size board. It also has a volume knob, RGB backlighting, and connects via a USB-C cable. Price-wise, it comes in at $130 USD with keycaps or $119 USD without if you want to modify the board with a different style of keycaps. If you choose to buy the board with keycaps you get to pick between ABS and PBT keycaps. ABS and PBT are just the different polymer materials used to make the keycaps. Now which one of these two should you choose? That comes down to personal preference for feel, sound, and looks. So you’re gonna have to do your own research on which one you think you might like more. If you want to go with a different style of keycap I’ll try to link some keycap options below. Maybe even do a dedicated video/blog on them in the future if you’re interested.
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): DrunkDeer A75 Rapid Trigger Mechanical Keyboard No Keycap
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): Womier Pudding PBT Keycaps Black
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): Womier Pudding PBT Keycaps White
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): DrunkDeer A75 Rapid Trigger Mechanical Keyboard WITH ABS Keycaps
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): DrunkDeer A75 Rapid Trigger Mechanical Keyboard WITH PBT Keycaps
Other Rapid Trigger Options
DrunkDeer isn’t the only option out there utilizing some form of Rapid Trigger technology. For those looking for an alternative, the Razer Huntsman mini 60% Analog Keyboard is a compelling choice. Featuring Analog Optical Switches, it offers actuation for speed and precise control, allowing for users to set a desired actuation point for accurate control. The keyboard also features DoubleShot PBT Keycaps with enhanced durability, meaning it will resist wear and tear degradation under intense use. Being a razer product also means one thing, RGB lighting, and with onboard memory and multiple lighting presets, users can store up to 5 separate keyboard profiles without the need for external software. Another awesome feature we’d like to mention is that the keyboard comes equipped with a detachable Type-C cable, which is incredibly convenient for anybody that finds themselves on-the-go. At this point the Razer Huntsman Mini can be bought off of Amazon for $149.99 USD but can sometimes be found on sale for around $135.00 USD.
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Analog Optical Gaming Keyboard Black
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Analog Optical Gaming Keyboard White
Another noteworthy option that comes equipped with Rapid Trigger technology is the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard. It comes equipped with OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches that the user has ultimate control over thanks to 40 levels of per-key actuation up to 0.1mm - 4.0mm. An interesting feature is that the keys also allow for 2-in-1 actions, allowing the user to program two different actions to the same key, enhancing versatility not just for gaming but also for work related things to help streamline your daily productivity. Boasting a 60% form factor with a premium aluminum top plate, this keyboard also leaves you with plenty of desk space for all your other accessories. This keyboard also features a detachable USB-C cable for convenience, which you would expect for a keyboard of this caliber. Currently priced at $179.99 USD on Amazon it is definitely on the pricey side, but for the quality you’re getting it’s definitely worth it for any keyboard enthusiast.
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard Full Size Version
Some Budget Choices
Not willing to spend a lot on a peripheral device? Well don’t worry we have some budget option recommendations as well. Our first recommendation would be the Cooler Master CK552 Full Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. It’s equipped with Gateron Red mechanical switches which still offer rapid response times for any game type you might be playing. As for looks, it has RGB Backlighting with per-key LEDs as well as multiple lighting modes to match your desired look. With brushed aluminum design and a curved top plate and floating keycaps, it was an impressive aesthetic meant to match its functionality. With all this in mind, the Cooler Master CK552 which is priced at $79.99 USD is a standout choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable gaming keyboard.
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): Cooler Master CK552 Full Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Still too expensive? Fear not, we still have one more keyboard we want to mention and that’s the Havit HV-KB487L mechanical keyboard. This compact keyboard is designed to save desk space while still maintaining essential functionality thanks to its interesting layout, and by that we mean the inclusion of the numpad on a keyboard this size. Equipped with Red Switches this keyboard will surely meet your needs as either a gamer or as a productivity tool in the office. The keyboard also looks beautiful with an absolutely amazing aesthetic design that would look great in any users desk setup. It’s also incredibly affordable with a price of $42.99 USD on amazon.
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): Havit HV-KB487L Mechanical Keyboard
The Most Customizable Option - The Keychron V1
Now maybe you want something in-between the budget options and the cutting edge options.For those people I’m gonna recommend the Keychron V1 75% Wired Mechanical Keyboard. If you’re really interested in Keyboard customization this is a great entry board. It’s fully customizable from the inside out. That includes the keycaps, the switches, the plate, and even the case foam. Not only that, but you can easily remap and program the keys to get whatever layout, backlight effect, or shortcut you want. As for the switches, the keyboard can come with either tactile brown or linear red switches but is also hot-swappable. What that means is that you can easily hot-swap the switches with the majority of 3pin and 5pin MX mechanical switches on the market. So those switches would include the Cherry and Gateron switches we mentioned earlier but also other switch types like Kailh, Panda, etc. And if you’re not a hands on person don’t worry, changing out the switches doesn’t take any type of soldering. As for the keycaps, the keyboard comes with Double-shot PBT keycaps with south-facing RGB. Now the keyboard also has a feature I haven’t talked about in this post, which is that it’s compatible with not only Windows Operating Systems but macOS as well and allows you to save two different button layouts on the keyboard. I know a lot of people aren’t gaming on a MAC, but hey if you are this might be what you’re looking for. And if not, maybe you use a MAC for work and just want a high quality keyboard similar to the ones you’re used to for your PC.
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): Keychron V1 75% Wired Mechanical Keyboard Red Switches
Amazon Affiliate Link (US): Keychron V1 75% Wired Mechanical Keyboard Brown Switches
Ending Thoughts
As 2023 comes to a close, the keyboard market continues to change, offering a myriad of choices to cater to any individual’s needs. Each keyboard mentioned in this post brings its unique strengths to the table, and we hope we helped you narrow down what you should pick up as your next keyboard. We can’t wait to see what the future holds in 2024 for all keyboard enthusiasts.