The keyboard is a common thing but the mechanical keyboard is preferred by many. especially gamers are much more like mechanical keyboards. In this post, I’m talking about the top 5 Mechanical Keyboards. Each keyboard is analyzed based on its build quality, typing experience, features, and value.
#1: Yanyue AL71 ($99.99)
- Form factor: 68%
- Build: Two-piece solid aluminum shell with gasket mounting, switch pads, and case dampening for a premium feel and excellent sound profile. It also boasts side-diffused RGB accents and physical switches for connectivity and OS selection.
- Switches: User can choose between Crystal White (lighter linear) or silent switches. The reviewer prefers the Crystal White switches for their smoothness and sound. Hot-swappable with 3/5 pin switches.
- Keycaps: Cherry profile PBT keycaps with a slight texture, matte finish, and good thickness.
- Stabilizers: Factory-lubed and well-tuned with minimal ticking, especially on the spacebar.
- Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, or 2.4 GHz wireless with dongle. Notably, it has the largest battery in this list at 4600 mAh.
- RGB: Per-key lighting with side diffused accents. South-facing LEDs due to the Cherry profile keycaps.
- Overall: The Yanyue AL71 offers exceptional value for its price. It boasts a premium aluminum build, excellent sound dampening, hot-swappable switches, high-quality keycaps, and a large battery.
#2: Royal Kludge M75 ($119.99)
- Form factor: 75%
- Build: Hefty two-piece plastic case with gasket mounting, foam dampening, metal knob, and a small OLED screen for connectivity, battery level, and OS indication.
- Switches: Depending on the colorway, the user can choose between Browns (tactile), Reds (linear), Speed Silvers (linear), Pale Green (tactile), or Vidian (linear). Switches are factory-lubed but a little scratchy on the reviewer’s Speed Silvers. Hot-swappable with 3/5 pin switches.
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT non-shine-through keycaps with side printing.
- Stabilizers: Very well-tuned with no ticking or rattling.
- Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, or 2.4 GHz wireless with dongle. Battery life.
#3: Epomaker Brick87 ($109.99)
- Form factor: TKL with a Lego-themed design that allows attaching genuine Lego bricks.
- Build: Two-piece plastic case with a lot of dampening material for a quiet and thocky sound profile.
- Switches: User can choose between Epomaker Wisteria Flamingos (linear), Lily (linear), or Gateron Pro Yellow (linear). The reviewer recommends Epomaker switches over Gateron Pro Yellows for enthusiasts. Hot-swappable with 3/5 pin switches.
- Keycaps: PBT keycaps with a smooth texture and matte finish. Good thickness but slightly inconsistent printing.
- Stabilizers: Well-tuned and lubed with a slight tick on the spacebar.
- Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, or 2.4 GHz wireless with dongle. Battery life is 3000 mAh.
- RGB: Bright and well-diffused with tons of modes, including south-facing LEDs.
- Overall: A fun and unique keyboard with excellent sound dampening and hot-swappable switches. Ideal for Lego enthusiasts.
#4: Royal Axe R100 ($99.99)
- Form factor: The user can choose between 95% (reviewed), 65%, TKL, or full-size.
- Build Single plastic shell with a unique, slightly angled design and a built-in dongle storage compartment. Feels solid but lacks adjustability.
- Switches: Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches (linear, pre-lubed) – a good option but slightly scratchy. Hot-swappable with 3/5 pin switches.
- Keycaps: AK profile PBT keycaps with a matte finish and grippy texture.
- Stabilizers: Heavily lubed and well-tuned with no ticking or rattling.
- Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, or 2.4 GHz wireless with dongle.
- RGB: North-facing LEDs, bright and vibrant with various modes.
- Overall: A feature-rich keyboard with a unique design, hot-swappable switches, and good connectivity options. The sound is a little on the loud side.
#5: AO 5075 B+ ($99.99)
- Form factor: 75%
- Build a Two-piece plastic case with gasket mounting and silicone dampening for a good sound profile. However, the plastic construction feels a little cheap.
- Switches: Hot-swappable with a choice of AO’s V3 Cream Yellow Pros (linear), V3 Cream Blue Pro (tactile), or V3 Silver Pros (linear) – the reviewer recommends the Silvers for gaming.
- Keycaps: ASA profile PBT double-shot keycaps with a nice texture and thickness. These are good keycaps, but haven’t been updated by AO in a while.
- Stabilizers: Well-tuned and lubed from the factory with minimal ticking.
- Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, or 2.4 GHz wireless with dongle.
- RGB: South-facing LEDs for better shine-through with some keycap sets.
- Overall: A great keyboard for the price with excellent sound and hot-swappable switches. However, the plastic case feels cheap.
Read More: Top 5 Best Budget Headphones in 2024
This review highlights five excellent mechanical keyboard options for 2024, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. The AO 5075 B+ offers a good balance of features and affordability, while the Royal Axe R100 provides a unique design with multiple form factors. The Epomaker Brick87 stands out for its Lego compatibility and enthusiast-grade features. If you prioritize a feature-rich experience, the Royal Kludge M75 is a strong contender. Finally, the Yanyue AL71 steals the show with its exceptional value proposition, delivering a premium aluminum build, top-tier features, and a budget-friendly price tag.
Remember, the ideal keyboard depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like form factor, switch type, sound profile, keycap material, and connectivity options before making your choice. By carefully evaluating these aspects and using this review as a starting point, you can find the perfect mechanical keyboard to elevate your typing experience.
