10 Best Mechanical Keyboards 2022 | UK Gaming Blogger Reviewed

Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy. Learn more about him and his blogs from here.

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Logitech - G613 for £89.99
2. HUO JI - E Yooso Z 77 for £39.11
3. Velocifire - Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard Mini for £34.90
4. HyperX - Alloy Elite 2 for £199.96
5. Das Keyboard - 4 Professional for £138.92

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of mechanical keyboards available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

You've possibly heard the term "mechanical keyboard" thrown about in offices or by gamers, but perhaps you've never really understood what it means. Well, unlike membrane keyboards which have a rubber dome underneath, mechanical styles have an independent key beneath each key cap. These switches determine when a key has been pressed and are highly sensitive. 

This probably doesn't sound too dissimilar to how your current membrane keyboard works, as no doubt you press a key and an action takes place on your computer. However, what mechanical keyboards offer is an audible or tactile way of knowing that this action has happened. This feels more satisfying and can help you type much faster, and with more accuracy.

This kind of keyboard is also easier to clean and maintain than a membrane one, as you can effortlessly take off the keys and put them back on after a quick wipe down. Membrane keyboards are known for degrading quite dramatically over time, whereas mechanical options are durable and long-lasting.

1. Choose the Right Size Keyboard
2. Choose Between Different Switch Keys Depending on Feel and Sound
   
3. Decide Between a Wired or Wireless Option

With around a hundred keys, you don't have to worry about function layers, which is when one key performs multiple functions. The full number pad is also crucial for those who input numerical data on a regular basis - we're looking at you, finance department folks!

However, the large size of these keyboards does of course have some cons too. The extra space taken up by the number pad makes the keyboard much larger on your desk, and also means your mouse is positioned further away. This type of keyboard is also difficult to transport, as it sadly doesn't fit easily into a backpack or handbag.

The TKL ("tenkeyless") or 80% style keyboard still has a number row at the top, so you won't lose the ability to fill in spreadsheets or type numbers. This layout probably isn't ideal for accountants, but for everyone else, it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

The keyboard is still large enough that you won't have to worry about function layers, and the lack of a number pad really saves a lot of desk real estate. If you're a gamer, the extra mouse space can really make all the difference. The layout should feel familiar and shouldn't cause you any major problems - it's just a scaled-down version of what you're already used to!

Pair your new mechanical keyboard with a gaming mouse for the best experience!

The 60% keyboard is the smallest and most portable option on our list. It lacks a number pad, the top row of F keys, or the navigational keys that are usually found on the right side of the keyboard, leaving you with a simple, sleek alphanumeric set-up. Not only is the 60% keyboard a lightweight solution, it's easy to travel with and takes up next to no room in a backpack. 

Due to the missing keys, you may have to learn some new functions in order to access features that are usually controlled by the arrow keys or the F keys. It can take some time to get used to because the keys themselves are usually noticeably smaller, but if you're working with a tablet or iPad on the road, these make the perfect partner.

PC games usually don’t require any F keys or a numerical pad. WASD is used for directions, along with other letters. These smaller keyboards can save gamers a bit of money because they probably don’t needs the larger kind.

The next choice to make is how you want the keys to feel and sound when you’re typing - this is affected by the colour category of the switch. These come in pairings of Blue and Green, Red and Black, or Brown, which each have their own benefits and characteristics.

• Blue and Green switch keys are tactile and require a lot of pressure to work. They are satisfying to type with but loud. Green switches are simply a heavier version of blue.
• Red and Black keys require a lighter touch, making them a great choice for gaming. Black switches require slightly more pressure than Red, reducing the number of accidental presses.
• Brown switches only need a light touch and don't make a clicking sound when pressed so are perfect for those who like to type silently.

Wired keyboards are readily available, and it's no surprise considering that they're the cheapest option. They also don't require charging or batteries, so they're always ready to use. Keyboard and mouse wires can turn a clean workspace into something of a tangle if you're not careful though.

Wireless keyboards keep your desk neat and tidy, and can also be used from a sofa if you like hooking up your computer or laptop to a TV. These are often more expensive than their wired counterparts and you'll need to keep them charged, meaning that they may spend a lot of the time hooked up to your PC anyway! Most bluetooth keyboards require batteries, so there’s that cost to take into account.

Why not take a look at some more wireless keyboards if you're looking for a clean workspace.

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

Mechanical keyboards are a much better option for gaming than membrane keyboards as each press of the key is guaranteed to register. They're also much more durable and long-lasting as there's no squishy membrane that will degrade over time, causing missed inputs and double-presses.

There is a satisfying click associated with mechanical keyboards that some people liken to a typewriter. This depends on the type of switch, but the more substantial, heavier options have a much more pronounced typewriter sound.

No, like most other pieces of computing technology it's not a good idea to get your mechanical keyboard wet. If water seeps through the switches into the electronics inside, it'll likely cause permanent damage to your keyboard.

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Written and researched by Lewis Clark