The Best Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
Backlit mechanical Keyboards are the most common input device for a gaming computer. keyboards provide shortcuts for keyboard commands (e.g., Ctrl+C) and hotkeys for functions like undoing actions or deleting text (e.g., ctrl-z).
Mechanical keyboards are considered to be superior to membrane or dome-switch keyboards due to their increased durability.
While membrane and dome-switch keyboards are capable of registering keypresses', the buttons only need to be pressed halfway down for a button press to be registered.
In contrast, mechanical switches snap from up to down.
This generally makes them more responsive and less likely to miss presses since users do not have to press keys as hard or in just the right spot.
Keyboards with backlit mechanical keyboard switches in the keys are made by several production companies like Logitech, Razer, Cooler Master, and Corsair.
While they all use slightly different mechanical switches for their keyboards (Logitech has its proprietary Romer-G switch), most modern mechanical keyboards offer at least some degree of customization through key remapping and macros.
Mechanical keyboards are typically more expensive than membrane keyboards due to their durability and increased functionality.
Most membrane keyboards will cost around $10, while mechanical quality levels vary between ~$20 and ~$150. Membrane keyboards are generally more compact, however, making them a better choice for users prioritizing portability.
Backlit Mechanical Keyboards Differences
Each Switch is composed of a housing, stem, and spring. The housing can be made out of ABS plastic or metal.
It is the base that the keyboard switch attaches to on your keyboard. Stems are either removable or non-removable.
If the stem doesn't come off then it's fixed (also known as soldered). Removable switches are easier to clean and replace but have the downside of being more prone to failure.
Springs provide resistance against your fingers while you type so that it feels a bit like a weighted switch. If the spring isn't there, it's a linear switch, which means that there is no tactile bump or clicks feeling while typing.
Reviews of the Best Mechanical Keyboards for Typing
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Top | Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Aluminum Base, 104 Standard Keys | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
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Top | Redragon K580 VATA RGB LED Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Macro Keys & Dedicated Media Controls, Onboard Macro Recording (Blue Switches) | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
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Top | Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Backlit RGB LED, Cherry MX Speed RGB Silver, Black (CH-9127414-NA) | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
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Top | Razer Huntsman Elite Gaming Keyboard: Fastest Keyboard Switches Ever - Clicky Optical Switches - Chroma RGB Lighting - Magnetic Plush Wrist Rest - Dedicated Media Keys & Dial - Classic Black | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
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Top | Logitech G613 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Multihost 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth Connectivity (Renewed) | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
The Redragon K556 is a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches.
The switches are adequate for typing, but I prefer the Reds or Blacks which have less resistance and therefore require less hand strength to type with.
However for gaming, specifically FPS games like Apex Legends and CS: GO, this keyboard works very well and doesn't tire out my hands or arms.
The K556 has a detachable wrist rest which is nice because it makes the keyboard easier to transport, but also I can swap it to whichever side of the keyboard suits me best.
- Mechanical Brown Switches
- 18 Backlit Modes
- N-key Rollover
- Self-design & Removable Keycaps
- Wide Compatibility
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
Redragon K580 VATA is another mechanical keyboard introduced by Redragon.
As with the previous model, M801 Mammoth, this cheap mechanical keyboard also comes with a standard 104-key QWERTY ANSI layout that you can find with most keyboards in the market.
Its main key feature is its blue switches.
- 5 Macro Keys
- Dedicated Multimedia Controls
- N-key Rollover
- Durability
- RGB Backlight
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is no doubt one of the best gaming keyboards available everywhere.
It has just about every feature you would want on a gaming keyboard, with an endless list of customizable options thanks to its seamless built-in support for Corsair's CUE (Corsair Utility Engine) software.
The Keyboard's additional features are extensive. 8MB of onboard memory allows you to store up to 3 profiles that can be accessed at the touch of a button even when there is no software installed.
It has 6 dedicated, programmable macro keys for simple key combinations, which makes it incredibly easy to activate complex commands with
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Tuned for low noise operation
- Six dedicated macro keys
- Cherry MX Speed RGB Silver mechanical key switches
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
The Razer Huntsman uses Razer Green switches, which are a clicky switch that requires a bit more force to actuate.
The keys also have an auditory and tactile feedback when the key is pressed, which makes for a satisfying typing experience.
While it may take a while to get used to a mechanical keyboard, once you do it's hard going back to anything else.
The top row of buttons can be used to control your volume level or skip tracks without having to minimize your gaming window and look for a shortcut key on your desktop.
The Razer Huntsman Elite also has an RGB backlight that can be customized through the use of the Razer Synapse software, allowing you to tailor your lighting experience to fit your preferences and personal style.
- Faster Than Legacy Mechanical Switches
- Personalization
- Aluminum Construction
- Magnetic Wrist Rest
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
The Logitech G613 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a plug and play wireless mechanical keyboard with white LED backlighting.
The low-profile keys barely make a sound and don't require much force to press, so you can double-tap faster for strategic victories.
With its USB 2.0 pass-through port, you never need to unplug the wireless receiver.
This keyboard is a great choice for fast-paced games whether you play online or in your living room. This could be one of the best budget keyboards for typing as its quite cheap.
The keyboard also supplies 6 G-Keys, which can be programmed to perform specific commands while typing.
- LIGHTSPEED
- Romer-G mechanical switches
- Six programmable G keys
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for the best mechanical keyboard for typing, you found it: Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT. Go get yours today!
