Some users don't mind a shallow keyboard - one that's got little chiclet keys that feel a little mushy. These users will happily tap away on Apple's magic keyboard, blissfully unaware that there are better typing experiences to be had out there. Typing experiences that are more tactile, more satisfying, and more comfortable. Ones that click, clack, thoc even. One of the best mechanical keyboards can make you more accurate, and help you type better with more feedback under the finger.
Mechanical keyboards use physical key switches that give that vital feedback when you type. They can also be endlessly customizable, even if you don't have an electronics degree or a soldering iron. You can build one from the ground up with parts that click together with ease, letting you choose the exact key switch you want, and what you want the whole thing made out of. Fancy some fancy-looking art on your keycaps? You can do that. Want your new keyboard to sound a certain way? You can do that too. Don't want to do any of that, and just want to pick up a slick keyboard without the need to build it? you can do that too, and we've gathered up some of the best.
The best mechanical keyboards for Mac if you like tactile feedback when you type
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Great introduction
When we reviewed the Keychron K2V2, it quickly became one of our favorite mechanical keyboards for beginners. It's quite lightweight because of the plastic body, has a 75% layout, is hot-swappable so you can change out the switches, and has wireless Bluetooth connectivity with up to three devices. And since it uses standard MX stem switches, it's also compatible with pretty much every keycap set out there.
Professional clack
When we checked out the Das Keyboard 4 Professional, we liked it because of the dedicated media controls, which include an oversized volume knob and a number pad. There are also two USB 3.0 ports, allowing you to plug in accessories right into your keyboard. Das Keyboard also gives you the option of Cherry MX Brown or Blue switches. This one isn't hot-swappable, however.
Customizable TKL
When we reviewed the Keychron Q3, we found it to be a true premium TKL mechanical keyboard. It has an all-metal body that gives it serious heft and a double gasket mount design that makes typing feel incredible. It's also hot-swappable and you can remap keys with QMK/VIA software. It's perfect if you want a higher-end board that has almost all of the keys (no number pad). Plus, even the RGB lights are customizable!
Plenty of options
The K4 V2 is a 96% mechanical layout keyboard as opposed to the 75% K2, with tons of options for customization. It's a compact full layout, so you'll get less spacing throughout the board between the different sections. Switch up the RGB lighting, the frame materials, or choose a hot-swappable model. The keyboard is satisfying to use with reassuring feedback, and earns its place in this list.
Professional keys
One of the best mechanical keyboards we've ever tested, the Wombat Pine Pro is an absolute tank of a mechanical keyboard. The key switches come in red or brown varieties and the colors available look great too. It sounds great, and it's super satisfying to type on, with little to no deck flex. It's not hot-swappable, and there's no backlight, but everything else about this keyboard is pretty incredible.
Built from scratch
Glorious GMMK is making waves in the mechanical keyboard community. This is a highly affordable gasket-mounted 75% layout keyboard with a built-in rotary knob. You pick either Black Slate or White Ice for the body; choose your own switches, keycaps, plates, and more. This is a mass-produced mechanical keyboard that allows you to dive into the world of building from scratch with a reasonable price tag.
Compact clicks
A smaller 65% layout, the Keychron Q2 differs from its peers with a smaller size and optional rotary knob. It's a fully customizable via QMK/VIA software and hot-swappable, and features an aluminum case that is CNC machined, polished, anodized, and sandblasted. The optional knobs are great for if you want something physical to change your volume, or even use it in compatible programs.
RGB light show
This mechanical keyboard features a transparent glass material for the case body, allowing a full-on RGB underglow light show at your desk. The Womier K87 is also a TKL board, giving you a lot of practicality, though there are 60% layouts available as well. It comes equipped with Gateron Red, Blue, Brown, or Yellow switches, but you can change them later if desired since it's hot-swappable.
Low-cost alternative
You don't have to empty your wallet to get your fingers on a mechanical keyboard. This one from Redragon is easy on the budget, but extremely popular for everyday use. It's not as customizable as some other choices, but the price is right. It's got red linear switches for the gamers, and the RGB behind the keyboard can be brightened as needs be. It's wired as well, so latency will be good and low.
How to choose the best mechanical keyboard for you
If you want some recommendations for the best mechanical keyboards, I've tried quite a few here. My first mechanical keyboard choice is the Keychron K2 V2, which is a great starting board if you want to get your feet wet that also includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The Keychron K2 V2 is comfortable to type with (though a wrist rest may be needed due to the case height), its compact layout gives me everything I need in a small footprint, and there is a hot-swappable version, so you can change out the switches if desired. Since it uses standard Cherry MX stems on the switches, you can customize the keycaps to anything that can fit on a traditional Cherry MX stem.
For those who want a Keychron but need a number pad, the Keychron K4 V2 is a great option. The 96% layout means you get a full number pad for data entry, and it still has a slightly smaller footprint than a full-size keyboard.
Those who want a hybrid between a Magic Keyboard and a mechanical could try the Keychron K1 V4, which comes in either tenkeyless (TKL) or full size. However, this one won't be hot-swappable, and you can't change the keycaps due to the low profile, which isn't standard.
Since Keychron is a fairly established brand for mechanical keyboards, especially for Mac users, the 75% layout Keychron Q1 is a great choice if you want a higher-end mechanical keyboard. It has a full aluminum body that comes in several different colors, and it is hefty; definitely feels premium. It also is gasket-mounted, so it has a bit more flex and is comfortable as you type.
You can choose to have it fully assembled, but you can also go barebones for slightly less and use your own switches, keycaps, and other accessories with it. To top things off, it does have a rotary knob version and you're able to fully customize the programming for every key (including the knob) with VIA or QMK software.
However, the Q1 does not currently have Bluetooth wireless connectivity. If the Q1's 75% size doesn't suit your needs, there is also the Keychron Q2 with smaller 65% layout, or the Keychron Q3 with larger TKL (everything except the number pad) size.
Why use the best mechanical keyboards instead of the Magic keyboard?
The Apple Magic Keyboard doesn't cut it for everyone, although there are some good alternatives. But if you prefer real key feedback, the satisfying clickety clack, or just want the ability to fully customize your keyboard, you really ought to consider a mechanical keyboard. In fact, I would say mechanicals are the best keyboards for Mac, period. Honestly, once you discover the magic of mechanical keyboards, it's tough to go back to the flat, chiclet-style laptop keyboards like the Magic Keyboard — plus you just feel so much more productive.
If you need a little more guidance on this (expensive) hobby, don't miss out on our Mechanical Keyboards 101: Beginner's Guide for a deep dive into mechanical keyboards as a whole.
