Anyone recommend a good mechanical keyboard?

[Bearygoodfries1]

Hi everyone!

I’ve taken an interest in mechanical keyboards recently. The clicky sounds sound so satisfying.

Anyone recommend a good mechanical keyboard? Preferably under $300.

Also, are there any other things I should know before getting a mechanical keyboard? I like convenience and efficiency, so wondering if a mechanical keyboard may affect anything like that (like lack of bluetooth connection or something like that).

 

[mfram]

I use the Logitech MX Mechanical series. They have the typical "full" keyboard version and the "mini" version without the extra number pad. Comes in a couple different colors. I would not get the "for Mac" version. You get the dongle "for free" with the standard versions but don't get the dongle in the "for Mac" versions. Either way, the Logitech keyboards can pair to up to 3 different devices either over Bluetooth or dongle. I love the feel of my MX Mechanical.

 

[Bearygoodfries1]

Oh nice, I like Logitech gear.

I’ll check them out then.

Thank you!

 

[MacGizmo]

I also like the Logitech Mechanical keyboards. They feel great to type on, and I love the lighting effects.

 

[MikeDr206]

I have a Keychron low profile. Advantage is you can get a hot swap version to use different switches (I like blues).

 

[VitoBotta]

I have tried several low profile ones (I prefer those), including Keychron, Nuphy, Logitech and Lofree and my favorite is definitely the Lofree Flow that I am using now. It's premium quality and you will find many reviews and comparisons that highlight the typing experience even if this keyboard doesn't have extra features like fancy lighting etc.

I bought the black version with tactile ("phantom") switches which were a bit too hard at the very beginning but these are self lubricating POM switches that become smoother over time, and I can already see the difference after a couple of weeks. Anyway since the keyboard is hotswappable, I have also ordered the linear ("ghost") switches since many people say they are kinda lighter.

But the typing experience is awesome once you get used to this kind of keyboard coming from MacBook keyboards or Magic keyboards and similar.

Before the Lofree I used the Logitech MX Mechanical mini for a few weeks and I actually liked it. It doesn't feel premium quality as much as the Lofree and typing on the Lofree is anyway better, but the Logitech has the best battery life in the market hands down and it's not even close, so you may want to take that into consideration as well.

 

[LeeW]

I do like the Logitech MX Mechanical; It's not too high, like some that require a palm rest to use comfortably, which I really dislike. And as mentioned, battery life is just the best.

 

[lixuelai]

I use the Nuphy Air75v2 (have 3 actually). Great keyboard. Great typing experience and the wireless and wired latency is good enough for gaming and I also like the look.

Lowfree Flow is also great and the typing experience is even better than Nuphy but also more $, the wireless is not as good, and looks a bit bland stock.

 

[VitoBotta]

I use the Nuphy Air75v2 (have 3 actually). Great keyboard. Great typing experience and the wireless and wired latency is good enough for gaming and I also like the look.

Lowfree Flow is also great and the typing experience is even better than Nuphy but also more $, the wireless is not as good, and looks a bit bland stock.

I don't have any issues at all with the Lofree using BT. What do you mean?

 

[lixuelai]

I don't have any issues at all with the Lofree using BT. What do you mean?

Lowfree doesn't have 2.4 wireless. The latency is not great if you also want to use it to game.

 

[VitoBotta]

Lowfree doesn't have 2.4 wireless. The latency is not great if you also want to use it to game.

Ah I had forgotten it doesn't have a dedicated wireless dongle like for example Logitech. but really the bluetooth connection is absolutely rock solid for me. I don't do any gaming though, so I can see how the BT connection might be a limitation for that.

 

[Chancha]

Check out the Keychron Q Max series. Full height, lots of layouts, 2.4GHz + BT + USB, Mac layout default, Mac function row printed keycaps, fully hot-swappable for customization down the road, and already very well built out of the box.

Nuphy is also a great contender if you are into low profile.

I have used extensively Logitech MX series stuff and can swear by them especially the MX Keys and MX ERGO, but for mechanical I'd stay away from Logitech, they use too much proprietary stuff.