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There are many different sizes, shapes, and names for mechanical keyboards. In this article, we will be doing a deep dive on Tenkeyless, or 80% keyboards. These Tenkeyless keyboards, or “TKL” for short, are essentially full-sized keyboards, without the addition of a number pad.

TKL keyboards are perfect for those that may have a confined working or gaming space, or for those that could simply do without the functionality of a number pad/ten-key. If you’re looking to increase mouse pad space for gaming, or lessen hand travel time from keyboard to mouse, then a Tenkeyless is an ideal solution. Additionally, TKL keyboards provide ergonomic benefits that may be absent with a full-sized keyboard. If you’re spending a significant amount of time in front of a screen, whether it’s for work or a hobby, you might as well be comfortable!

We’ve reviewed a few of the best tkl mechanical keyboards so that you can make an educated decision and figure out which build is right for you.

Top Pick

Leopold FC750R
Minimalist TKL keyboard with Cherry MX switches
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Mechanicalkeyboards.com

The Leopold FC750R is our top pick, Leopold offers high-quality boards and polished minimalist designs. Leopold is a Korean company, well respected amongst the StarCraft and Korean gaming community for providing long-lasting and polished products.

The Top 4 Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards

Our Top Pick: Leopold FC750R

Features

The 750R comes jam-packed with all the best features. The keycaps are 1.5mm PBT, which are guaranteed to survive years of daily wear and tear from typing and gaming. These keycaps are also resistant to temperature and solvents, so they shouldn’t wear out from natural oils that are left by your fingers. A 1.8m removable cable makes traveling with the 750R easy and harmless.

Ergonomic benefits

Leopold’s 750R also offers ergonomic benefits, the adjustable feet allow you to customize the height of the keyboard, so you can find the most comfortable position during use. The 750 also boasts an ergonomic key shape, so if you value comfortability this might be the right keyboard for you.

Switch type

As for the most important part of the keyboard, the switches, the Leopold FC750R comes with your choice of Cherry MX switches. It’s offered with Blue, Brown, Clear, Red, or Silent Red switches provided they are in stock. If you don’t have much experience with mechanical keyboards, Cherry MX switches are popular and well-liked around the mechanical keyboard community. If you’re worried about noise or are regularly in quiet environments, the keyboard comes with a sound-absorbing pad to help reduce noise.

Other attributes

The 750R is equipped with 100% anti-ghosting keys, the standard multimedia keys, 4 DIP switches for customization, and N-Key rollover. There is also a 6-key rollover function switch if for some reason you want to limit the number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously. As for looks, the 750R comes in white/gray, blue/yellow, black/graphite, and gray/light blue. Plenty of color options to choose from, or you can buy your own keycaps to customize your look. Keep in mind this board does not come with any backlighting

Our Runner Up: IKBC MF87

Runner Up

IKBC MF87
RGB TKL with aluminum body
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Mechanicalkeyboards.com

Runner up for best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is the IKBC MF87. Let me start off by saying this keyboard is an absolute unit. Made of 5 lbs of solid CNC aluminum, it’s built like a tank and guaranteed to last.

Features

Along with its solid build, the MF87 is visually stunning. It comes equipped with 9 pre-set RGB backlighting modes, with the ability to program each individual key to a different color. Fully-fledged customizability is rare with most RGB keyboards, which makes the MF87 particularly appealing to many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Additionally, there is an on-board brightness toggle, so you can tweak the RGB LEDs to your liking.

Key programming

The MF87 comes with 3 built-in layouts, Qwerty, Dvorak, and Colemak. Qwerty is generally the standard layout for most people, but it’s nice to have the option to change should you prefer another layout. Like most mechanical keyboards, this IKBC has 100% anti-ghosting keys and N-Key rollover, so it’s ideal for gaming where you are likely registering multiple keystrokes at once. The standard multi-media keys and F1-F12 are also included.

Switch type

Akin to many other mechanical keyboards in this price range, the MF87 is issued with Cherry MX switches. This model has Cherry MX Reds, which do not have a tactile bump or a click. Along with their low articulation force, these switches are ideal for gamers who enjoy a quieter mechanical keyboard experience, or for those working in a quiet environment.

Other Features

The MF87 has a detachable USB 2.0 cable which makes taking this keyboard on-the-go simple and worry-free.

Best Budget Pick: Ducky One 2 TKL

Budget Pick

Ducky One 2 TKL
Affordable keyboard with Cherry MX switches
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Our best budget mechanical keyboard is the Ducky One 2 TKL. Ducky is a highly reputable Taiwanese company, they produce high-quality keyboards at an affordable price. If you’re shopping on a budget, we would recommend choosing a Ducky keyboard.

Features

The Ducky One 2 is a very minimalistic keyboard, it goes without the usual fancy visuals and instead offers great performance. There is standard blue LED backlighting, with no option to tweak or change the colors. As for the keycaps, the One 2 is equipped with double shot PBT keycaps, which are guaranteed to last through daily wear and tear. If you’re a frequent traveler, the removable micro USB makes packing and transporting the One 2 easy.

Switch type

This particular board comes with Cherry MX Blue switches, if you are a fan of audible clicks when pressing keys then MX Blues are the right switch for you. Not suitable for a quiet working environment.

At a glance

For under $100, the Ducky One 2 is a great keyboard. A solid, sturdy build that is will definitely last years of use. It’s a perfect entry-level mechanical keyboard for anyone looking to dive into the mechanical keyboard space.

Best Customizable: Glorious Modular Mechanical TKL

Best Customizable

GMMK TKL
Hot-swappable RGB keyboard
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Mechanicalkeyboards.com

The GMMK TKL from Glorious PC Gaming is an extremely versatile and easily customizable keyboard. Glorious is a fairly new company started in Texas in 2014, they offer high-quality mechanical keyboards targeted towards gamers, at an affordable price.

Features

The GMMK TKL is a visually stunning keyboard, it comes with fully customizable RGB backlighting, change the color of any key via software or directly on the keyboard. Additionally, pre-set lighting effects are included direct from the manufacturer. This minimalist keyboard has a floating keycap design, with a standard keycap layout that makes personalizing your keys simple. One knock on this particular keyboard is that the factory keycaps are double-shot ABS, which are generally inferior to double-shot PBT. If you’re swapping the default keycaps for aftermarket it obviously won’t make a difference, but it is definitely something to keep in mind if you are keeping the stock keycaps. Want to learn more about keycaps? Check out our extensive guide on the different types of keycap materials.

Hot-swappable switches

The most enticing feature of the GMMK TKL is the hot-swappable switches. Generally, on most keyboards, there is soldering involved in order to change switches. The GMMK requires no soldering in order to swap out switches, and it’s compatible with Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Outemu, and Zeal switches. This particular unit is equipped with Gateron Browns, which are similar in quality to Cherry MX Browns. If you prefer a quieter typing experience this is the switch for you, otherwise, you can easily change the switches out to a variant you prefer.

Other attributes

This keyboard offers a solid and sturdy build with a high-quality aluminum faceplate, this unit is about 2.25 lbs so it should stay planted firmly on your desk. The USB cable is detachable and braided, so you can swap out the cable to match your customized look. All the regular multimedia keys are included, and if you are interested in creating macro keys Glorious software will enable you to do so.

Top Pick

Mistel Barocco MD770
Wireless RGB Split Keyboard
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• The Top 7 Split Mechanical Keyboards
  • Our Top Pick: Mistel Barocco MD770
  • Our Runner Up: Kinesis Freestyle Edge
  • Best Fixed-Split: Kinesis Advantage 2
  • Best For Office: Matias FK403 Ergo Pro
  • Best Budget: Koolertron Programmable
  • Best Luxury Keyboard: ErgoDox

Mistel Barocco MD770

The Mistel Barocco MD770 is our choice for the best split mechanical keyboard. This keyboard is super versatile and checks all the boxes for what we are looking for in a mechanical keyboard.

This 75% keyboard comes with RGB backlighting and double shot PBT keycaps. A lot of ergonomic keyboards have cheaper ABS keycaps, so this is a nice addition. Another great attribute of this keyboard is that it is wireless, the Bluetooth capabilities are solid, a single charge on the MD770 lasts about 7-10 days of frequent use.

The two keyboard halves are connected by a coiled USB-C cable, since it’s coiled you get a couple of feet of length out of it, so the length is definitely not a limiting factor. The MD770 is fully programmable, with macro and remapping support if that is your thing, 3-layers of saveable configurations are able to be swapped between.

Kinesis Freestyle Edge

Runner Up

Kinesis Freestyle Edge
RGB Split Keyboard
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The Kinesis Freestyle Edge is our runner up for the best split mechanical keyboard. This keyboard covers a lot of bases for us, it’s marketed for gaming but has solid components that are perfect for any use.

The cable linking the two separate pieces is about 20 inches, this is a good amount of length and you likely won’t be wishing for more. The Freestyle Edge is tenkeyless, so you have all the standard keys that a full size would have, but without the attached number pad. This keeps the footprint a little smaller, which is nice as split keyboards take up a fair amount of desk space.

Additionally, the keycaps on the Edge are PBT and it is fully programmable. Overall this keyboard has all the bells and whistles you would expect in a high-end mechanical keyboard.

If you are thinking of purchasing this keyboard we would recommend the lift kit that is sold separately. This allows you to further optimize your wrist position, its an added comfortability factor that some would probably prefer to have.

Kinesis Advantage2

Best Fixed-Split

Kinesis Advantage2
Fixed-Split Keyboard
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The Kinesis Advantage2 is our choice for the best fixed-split mechanical keyboard.

This keyboard is perfect for an office environment, it’s available with your choice of Cherry MX red or brown switches. At 2.2 pounds the Advantage2 has some solid weight, it really gives this keyboard a solid premium feel, so it won’t slip or slide around when typing.

The Advantage2 is a tenkeyless or 75% keyboard, but it does actually come with a functioning number pad on the right side, just on a separate key layer. The keyboard is fully programmable, has macro support and key remapping. It’s compatible with all operating systems, and Kinesis has thrown in a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is a nice addition.

Matias FK403 Ergo Pro

Best for Office

Matias FK403 Ergo Pro
Comfortable split keyboard
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The Matias FK403 Ergo Pro is our choice for the best for office work split mechanical keyboard.

The Ergo Pro first and foremost is a super comfortable keyboard, the wrist rests are padded and keep your hands at an ergonomic angle. Leg supports for tilting and tenting are included. This keyboard isn’t flashy, like some of the aforementioned split keyboards, so this one is perfect for office use.

Overall this is a pretty barebones split mechanical keyboard, it has no programmable options, and has ABS keycaps. If you’re looking for something simple and comfortable for your office space, this would be a decent choice.

Koolertron Programmable

Best Budget

Koolertron Programmable
Affordable split mechanical keyboard
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The Koolertron programmable takes the place of best budget split mechanical keyboard. This keyboard contains a lot of decent components, without the big-ticket price tag.

As for the actual function of this keyboard, given by the name it is of course fully programmable. You can create up to 8 macro keys, and each key is individually customizable if you’re wanting to remap some key functions.

The Koolertron is an 89-key, so that would put it around the 75% or tenkeyless size. Overall this is a fair quality split mechanical keyboard that would be great as an entry-level purchase.

ErgoDox Ez

Best Luxury

ErgoDox Ez
Luxury mechanical keyboard
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The ErgoDox Ez is our best luxury split mechanical keyboard. This keyboard is composed of great components and is endlessly customizable, lets dive in and find out what justifies its heavy price tag.

We would recommend purchasing the tilt kit for the Ez, along with the wrist rests, these components are much needed if you’re looking to get the most ergonomic keyboard possible.

ErgoDox uses QMK firmware for its keyboards, which is a great open-source solution to key customization. Reprogramming keys and setting custom layouts is super simple with this firmware.

Compact mechanical keyboards offer a convenient and comfortable form-factor, without sacrificing productivity. If you are working with limited desk space, or are frequently taking your keyboard on-the-go, then a 65% mechanical keyboard might be the right fit for you.

65% keyboards usually consist of around 66-68 keys, they are very similar to 60% keyboards as they lack the entire function row and number pad.

The slim difference is that 65% keyboards come equipped with arrow keys and four standard navigation buttons (page up, page down, delete, home).

If you absolutely can’t do without dedicated arrow keys, a 65% is the perfect condensed mechanical keyboard to cater to your needs.

Top Pick

Durgod Hades 68
Compact RGB keyboard
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• The Top 5 Best 65% Mechanical Keyboards
  • Our Top Pick: Durgod Hades 68
  • Our Runner Up: Vortexgear Cypher
  • Best Wireless: Akko 3068
  • Best DIY: KBDFANS TOFU65
  • Best Hot Swappable: Drop Alt 65%
  • Best Budget: Ducky One 2 SF
  • Best Topre: Leopold FC660C

Durgod Hades 68

The Durgod Hades 68 is our choice for the best 65% mechanical keyboard. It offers the perfect combination of price, performance, and quality that we would expect from a high-end keyboard.

The hefty aluminum case and non-adjustable rubber mounting feet give this keyboard a solid and immoveable feel, this isn’t a unit that’s going to slip and slide around during use.

Durgod has preserved the symmetrical compact look with the Hades 68, there is no blank keyspaces that you may see on other 65% keyboards. In order to make this work, they’ve sacrificed the right alt key, replaced it with a function key, and brought the right shift key down to a 1.75u size. Although this does give the Hades 68 a sleek look, it does make finding aftermarket keycap sets a bit of a chore.

There are a few different switch options available for purchase:

• Cherry MX
• Kailh
• Gateron

The Cherry MX and Kailh switches make this keyboard a bit more expensive as they are much higher quality than Gaterons. This unit comes with pre-lubed switches straight from the factory, along with high-quality stabilizers. Overall the typing experience on this keyboard is immaculate, super smooth without any key rattle.

Last but not least is the very enticing Durgod Hera software. Four function layers allow for endless customizability, and tweaking the RGB lighting modes is made easy. Most mechanical keyboard software packages are pretty clunky and unrefined, so the Hera software is a breath of fresh air.

Vortexgear Cypher

Runner Up

Vortexgear Cypher
Minimalist 65%
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Mechanicalkeyboards.com

The Vortexgear Cypher is the perfect minimalistic 65% keyboard. There is no flashy RGB lighting included, it’s just a simple and streamlined mechanical keyboard.

The Cypher is fully hardware programmable, with 3 different layers available for customization. It includes a UBC type-C connection, and laser engraved PBT keycaps. The Cypher case is plastic, if you’re a frequent traveler and are constantly lugging around your keyboards, this unit would be preferable than a heavier alternative. Although the USB C cord is detachable, this unit is not wireless and does not have Bluetooth capabilities.

Akko 3068

Best Budget

Akko 3068
Bluetooth 65% keyboard
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The Akko 3068 is our choice for the best wireless 65% mechanical keyboard. The 3068 is one of the best compact keyboards to take on-the-go, weighing only ~1.8 lbs this keyboard is extremely light and portable. It has wired and Bluetooth capabilities with a 1800mAh battery, which is good for about 120 hours of typing before it will need to be charged.

Dye-subbed PBT keycaps are included, with a light blue/gray/white theme. There is plenty of aftermarket keycap sets available for this keyboard if you’re looking to further customize.

Some people find that the Bluetooth connection can be a little hit or miss with this keyboard, however, we have not personally experienced any problems with this board.

KBDFANS TOFU65 KIT

Best DIY

TOFU65
DIY 65% Kit
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The TOFU65 is our pick for the best DIY 65% mechanical keyboard. This kit is a thrill to build, complete with high-quality components, and endless customizability. The only downside is that this DIY kit is perpetually out of stock, it’s really not easy to get your hands on.

What’s included in the TOFU65 DIY KIT:

• Aluminum case
• Aluminum plate
• PCB
• Cherry stabilizers
• USB cable
• Screws and rubber feet
• Brass weight

This PCB does not contain any RGB backlighting. The TOFU65 is compatible with QMK firmware, which is probably one of the best open-source tools for mechanical keyboard customization.

Assembly of this kit is fairly challenging but extremely rewarding. For any mechanical keyboard enthusiast looking to dive into the DIY kit space, this is the perfect starting package.

If you’re looking for an assembly guide, this TaeKeyboards video shows you how to put together all the parts.

Drop Alt 65%

Best Hot Swappable

Massdrop ALT 65%
Compact hot-swappable RGB keyboard
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The Drop Alt 65% is our choice for the best 65% hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. The Alt contains all the bells and whistles that you would expect to be included in a higher-end keyboard.

RGB lighting is included in this keyboard, each key is customizable to your preferred color. Additionally, an RGB under-glow light runs around the perimeter of the case, which can be customized for added effect. This keyboard is topped with double-shot PBT keycaps, this is generally the best combination of plastic material and keycap manufacturing process for longevity.

Since this PCB is hot-swappable there are a few different switch options available:

• Cherry MX
• Kaihua
• Halo switches

Last but not least is the very enticing QMK firmware that functions with the Alt. With QMK firmware the Alt is fully programmable, the process of making macros and custom keymapping is extremely simple. The Drop Alt 65% carries a pretty hefty price tag, but when you consider the quality components it’s built with, along with its hot-swap capability, it becomes a fairly good deal.

Ducky One 2 SF

Best Budget Pick

Ducky One 2 SF
Compact RGB keyboard
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The Ducky One 2 SF is our choice for the best budget 65% mechanical keyboard. This sleek keyboard is fitted with RGB backlighting and is available with your choice of Cherry MX switches. If you’re looking for an affordable entry-level mechanical keyboard, this Ducky keyboard is perfect for you.

The great thing about Ducky keyboards is that they are highly customizable, there are a ton of aftermarket keycap sets available. The One 2 SF comes with a Year of the Pig or Year of the Rat spacebar, which adds a little aesthetic flair to the keyboard. Ducky keyboards offer a great combination of price, performance, and quality. You really cannot go wrong choosing the Ducky brand.

Leopold FC660C

Best Topre

Leopold FC660C
Luxury Topre keyboard
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The Leopold FC660C is our choice for the best topre 65% mechanical keyboard. For those unfamiliar with Topre switches, they are considered to be the highest quality switch available. Topre switches are capacitive rather than mechanical, which means they won’t wear down after years of use. These switches will not develop key chatter and are dust resistant. These are definitely a luxury switch, the smoothness and sound of the key actuation make them well worth the price.

This keyboard has no RGB lighting, so if that’s your thing you’re going to have to look elsewhere. The price tag may look hefty, but the FC660C offers a typing experience that you’re not going to get with any Cherry MX or lesser switch. Topre switches are truly top of the line, and every mechanical keyboard enthusiast will want to get their hands on a keyboard equipped with them eventually.

Top Pick

Massdrop ALT 65%
Compact hot-swappable RGB keyboard
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• The Top 5 Hot-Swappable Mechanical Keyboards
  • Our Top Pick: Drop ALT 65%
  • Our Runner Up: Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard
  • Best Budget Pick: Geek GK61
  • Best TKL: Massdrop CTRL
  • Best DIY: KBDFANS DZ60RGB-ANSI

Drop Alt 65%

The Drop Alt 65% is our choice for the best compact hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. The Alt contains all the bells and whistles that you would expect to be included in a higher-end keyboard.

RGB lighting is included in this keyboard, each key is customizable to your preferred color. Additionally, an RGB under-glow light runs around the perimeter of the case, which can be customized for added effect. Illuminated by the RGB lighting is the double-shot PBT keycaps, this is generally the best combination of plastic material and keycap manufacturing process for longevity. We would expect any keyboard around this price range to have PBT keycaps.

Since this PCB is hot-swappable there are a few different switch options available:

• Cherry MX
• Kaihua
• Halo switches

These switches are all compatible with this keyboard.

Last but not least is the very enticing QMK firmware that functions with the Alt. With QMK firmware the Alt is fully programmable, the process of making macros and custom keymapping is extremely simple.

Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard

Runner Up

GMMK
Compact hot-swappable RGB keyboard
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The GMMK is a visually stunning keyboard, it comes with fully customizable RGB backlighting, change the color of any key via software or directly on the keyboard. Additionally, pre-set lighting effects are included direct from the manufacturer.

This minimalist keyboard has a floating keycap design, with a standard keycap layout that makes personalizing your keys simple. One knock on this particular keyboard is that the factory keycaps are double-shot ABS, which are generally inferior to double-shot PBT. If you’re swapping the default keycaps for aftermarket it obviously won’t make a difference, but it is definitely something to keep in mind if you are keeping the stock keycaps.

This keyboard offers a solid and sturdy build with a high-quality aluminum faceplate, it’s about 2.25 lbs so it should stay planted firmly on your desk. The USB cable is detachable and braided, so you can swap out the cable to match your customized look. All the regular multimedia keys are included, and if you are interested in creating macro keys Glorious software will enable you to do so.

Geek GK61

Best Budget

Geek GK61
Compact hot-swappable RGB keyboard
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The GK61 is the perfect entry-level and highly customizable mechanical keyboard in its price range. For around $50, its difficult to find any other hot-swappable keyboard with the number of features the GK61 has. There is a huge catalog of custom artisan keycaps, cases, and USB cords to choose from.

The GK61 RGB backlighting is particularly good, you get a vibrant shine through the keycaps. Custom software comes with the GK61 in order to control the lighting, however, it is notoriously poor and difficult to use unless you can read Mandarin. Although there are some English directions, its definitely tricky to create macros and personalize the layout.

The one downside of this particular PCB is that it is only compatible with optical switches, it comes stock with the Gateron Optical series.

If you have experience building mechanical keyboards or are a fan of DIY projects, there are other options for you. The GK61 is also available as a DIY kit, you can assemble it yourself (and purchase switches separately). You can easily drop in any Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Box, or other mechanical switches.

Massdrop CTRL TKL

Best TKL

Massdrop CTRL
Hot-swappable TKL keyboard
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The Massdrop CTRL TKL is our top pick for the best TKL hot-swappable mechanical keyboard for a few reasons. Along with its smaller twin, the Alt 65%, the CTRL TKL is composed of a low-profile aluminum case with sturdy magnetic feet. The stock keycaps are very solid, double shot PBT keys that are guaranteed to last the entirety of this keyboard’s lifespan.

The CTRL TKL has a plethora of RGB lighting options, backlighting and under-lighting are included in this unit, both are fully customizable. Additionally, this mechanical keyboard is fully programmable via QMK open-source firmware. Creating custom macros and entirely unique key layouts is made very simple.

KBDFANS DZ60RGB–ANSI

Best DIY

KBDFANS DZ60RGB-ANSI
DIY mechanical keyboard kit
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There’s a certain satisfaction in putting together your own peripherals. For those that like to get their hands dirty and are looking to dive into a little DIY action, the KBDFANS DZ60RGB Hot-Swap Kit is the perfect package for you.

First off, this kit includes everything except keycaps and switches. Those are sold separately on the KBDFANS website.

The quality components and extensive customizability of this kit have made it a popular choice in the mechanical keyboard community.

This PCB also contains RGB backlighting and is compatible with QMK firmware, which is probably one of the best open-source tools for mechanical keyboard customization.

Assembly of this kit is pretty straightforward since the PCB is hot-swappable, there is no soldering involved for installing switches. Simply screw together the components, pop in your switches and keycaps, attach the USB cord, and your build is complete!

If you’re looking for a guide, this TaeKeyboards video shows you how to put together all the parts. Ignore the soldering part of the video as this PCB does not require soldering.

The ability to customize the look and feel of a mechanical keyboard is one of the most enticing parts of the hobby. For most hobbyists, personalizing a keyboard starts and ends with the most abundant component of all, the keycaps.

You have probably seen keycaps that vary in size, shape, and colour. Some may even be transparent or filled with a clear lacquer, containing a figurine inside. While style and look are very important for some mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, it’s equally important to know what material the keycaps are actually made of.

Keycap Materials

The vast majority of keycaps are made of plastic. However, you have probably seen materials used like wood, silicon, and even metal. In this breakdown, we’ll be focusing on the three main types of plastic that are used to form keycaps.

ABS, PBT, and POM.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).

The most commonly used plastic for keycaps and keyboard casings. ABS is a thermoplastic, at a certain temperature, it becomes easy to mould and solidifies upon cooling. This makes it a perfect pliable material for injection moulding, the primary process for forming keycaps.

Manufacturers prefer to use ABS for double-shot moulding, which is the process of forming a keycap around a metal or plastic insert. This material is preferred as it is not as prone to shrinkage as other plastics may be. This is why you may see a keyboard composed of PBT keycaps with an ABS space bar, larger keys are simply too problematic to manufacture with other materials.

ABS keycaps feel much smoother compared to PBT or POM. For reference, LEGO is made of the same material, it’s a very slick and smooth plastic.

There are a few downsides to ABS plastic keycaps, overtime the keys will begin to appear shiny as a result of wear and tear.

This material is also susceptible to sunlight exposure, overtime lighter coloured keys will begin to turn yellow.

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate).

One of the hardest and most durable keycap materials, PBT is becoming the go-to material for high-quality mechanical keyboards. Unlike ABS plastic, PBT is more resistant to heat and chemicals. This means it won’t have the same yellowing problem as ABS keyboards, but it does make moulding keycaps a bit trickier.

The texture of PBT keycaps is a bit grainy or sandy in comparison to the smooth ABS keycaps. Overtime this texture won’t wear off, as it’s a property of the plastic. It is possible to find PBT keycap sets that have a smooth texture, however, the vast majority of sets are quite grainy. Since PBT does not wear down, it will not be prone to the “shine” that ABS keycaps have over extensive use.

There are some good benefits to the high melting point of PBT plastic. Most ABS keycaps have their legends laser-etched (burned), printed, or laser-engraved. These processes are subject to wear and tear and may fade over time. With PBT plastic, dye-sublimation is used to sink ink into the plastic, permanently staining the keycap and protecting the legend from erosion.

POM (Polyoxymethylene).

This material is rarely used in mechanical keyboard keycaps. Like ABS, POM is a thermoplastic that is slippery to the touch, however, it is much more durable and significantly harder. This material is commonly referred to by its brand name Delrin, the densest plastic used as a keycap material.

Cherry is one of the few manufacturers that use POM plastic on their mechanical keyboards, namely on the black keycaps for the G80 and G81 series. This material is wear-resistant, solvent-resistant, and low-friction. These qualities come at a high cost, which explains the rarity of the material. Legends on POM keycaps are primarily laser-engraved, which is prone to fade over time.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).

A relatively inexpensive and hard material, PVC is the second most commonly used keycap plastic. Massive brands such as Logitech, Dell, and HP use PVC for its keyboards due to its low cost. Most PVC keycap legends are pad-printed or stickers, generally, they are poor quality and we would not recommend purchasing a keyboard with PVC keycaps.

Key manufacturing

(Warning, the video is loud)

Keycap compatibility

Keycaps are not universal, it’s important that you do your research to determine which aftermarket keycaps are compatible with your mechanical keyboard. Don’t make the mistake that we have made in the past, buying keycaps that don’t fit!

Legend Printing

Pad-printing is one of the most common ways of creating a legend, a printer is used to ink the symbols onto the keycap. This is a cheap and effective way of inscribing legends, it will quickly wear down and begin to fade.

Laser marking, a few different methods of laser printing exist for printing keycap legends. There is charring, foaming, colouring, and ablation. All of these methods are prone to fading and staining over time.

Charring, or etching, uses a laser to heat the plastic to a darker shade, this is generally only used on gray and white keycaps where the darkening is noticeable.

Foaming creates an exterior of miniature and hard bubbles, the bubbles created are white and so this process primarily used on black keycaps.

Colouring is the process of using a UV laser to burn away one of the plastic colourants, this exposes another colour as a result.

Ablation is probably the best method of laser printing. A laser is used to burn deep grooves in the surface of the keycap, these grooves can be left empty or can be filled with colouring.

Conclusion

Keycaps are an extremely important part of any mechanical keyboard build. With such a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes, its difficult to find the right keycap for your preference. We prefer PBT double-shot keycaps and would suggest that combination to anyone looking for quality long-lasting components.

Finding the perfect combination of form, function, and style can be difficult when piecing together your ideal gaming setup. For some gamers, having mismatched peripherals can be annoying and visually unpleasant. Pairing a white mouse with a black keyboard and a red headset doesn’t work, it just looks plain goofy. We’ve compiled the best white mechanical gaming keyboards for those looking to tie their dream gaming setup together.

With these keyboards, you’ll be able to stay competitive in games while maintaining the aesthetic you demand. So strap in, and let’s go for a ride to find that perfect keyboard for you.

Top Pick

Anne Pro 2
Wireless 60% keyboard with RGB backlighting
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We chose the Anne Pro 2 as our top choice for its top-notch build quality, wireless capability, and customizability. This is a very popular 60% keyboard that is guaranteed to satisfy any mechanical keyboard enthusiast. It checks all the boxes to be considered the best white mechanical gaming keyboard.

The Best White Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

Our Top Pick: Anne Pro 2

The Anne Pro 2 is a 60% keyboard jam-packed with additional features. It offers wired or wireless Bluetooth capability, customizable RGB backlighting, and fully programmable keys. This unit from Obins is the only one on our list to use Gateron switches, which are popular Cherry MX clones.

In terms of quality, they are probably the closest to Cherry MX switches, and some people prefer them over the Cherry brand. The Anne pro is available with blue, brown, or red switches so you can choose your preference.

Having a wireless keyboard provides tremendous utility.

The Anne Pro 2 has an 8-hour battery life and is very compact and light, weighing only 1.37 pounds, so transportation is easy. For customization purposes, Obin offers a simple and convenient piece of software, no more fiddling around with hardware macros and key bindings. From the software control center, you can customize the color of any key, and map key macros on multiple function layers.

The Anne Pro 2 is one of the best 60% keyboards available, the PBT keycaps and case keep it light but durable. For more information on the different types of keycap materials, check out our extensive keycap guide.

This keyboard provides every possible feature you could ever want on a mechanical gaming keyboard, so for those looking for a unit that hits all the right marks, this is the one.

Our Runner Up Pick: Vortexgear Pok3r

Runner Up

Vortexgear Pok3r
60% keyboard with aluminum casing
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The Vortexgear Pok3r is our runner-up, it is an ultra-compact 60% keyboard rich with features, and comes highly recommended by most mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The aluminum casing and thick PBT keycaps give this keyboard an extremely durable and solid feel. At this price point, it is difficult to find another keyboard with build quality as good as the Pok3r.

This board does not come equipped with any RGB or LEDs, so for someone looking for a minimalist keyboard, this would be ideal. With a detachable micro USB cable and a weight of 1 pound, transporting this keyboard is safe and simple. No damaged cords or bent bases.

On the backside of the case are four DIP switches for cycling between keyboard layouts and changing FN key purposes. Onboard programming makes customizing and saving layer profiles easy, the Pok3r has three layers for configuration, which is standard for keyboards in this price range.

Under the keys Vortex has opted for Cherry MX switches, the white model is available for purchase with blue, red, or brown switches.

For anyone wanting an extremely high quality and long-lasting wired keyboard, the Pok3r will not disappoint. This sturdy keyboard is guaranteed to stand the test of time and resist regular wear and tear. The Pok3r is a great blank canvas for future customization should you choose to go that route.

Best Budget Pick: Qisan Magicforce 69

Budget Pick

Qisan Magicforce 68
60% keyboard with removeable cable
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The Qisan Magicforce 68 is an extremely popular budget keyboard. It is a compact and lightweight 60% keyboard, which means it does not come with a number pad. This unit would be perfect for gamers that are working with limited space, or for those that frequently travel. Taking this keyboard on the go is simple and worry free, as the USB cable can be removed so it doesn’t get damaged during transport. The entire unit is only 1.19 pounds.

This unit has no RGB backlighting for those that aren’t interested in that feature. This keyboard would be perfect for gamers with a minimalist setup. While the Magicforce is lightweight and compact, it still maintains a quality structure. The keyboard has a rigid metal faceplate, foldable foot pads, and rubber feet for stability.

This version of the Qisan Magicforce 68 comes with legitimate Cherry MX Browns. If you are wanting to save a little more money, the Magicforce 68 comes with Outemu Brown switches, which are supposed to be equivalent to Cherry MX Browns.

The Outemu Brown’s do not click when activated but do produce a bump, the sound is not very loud but is still audible, so this switch is suitable for use in a moderately noisy environment. Outemu switches aren’t the greatest quality, which is why they are often found on budget keyboards. There is about a $30 price difference between the two versions.

Best RGB Keyboard: Ganss GK87 Pro

Best RGB

Ganss GK87 Pro
TKL keyboard with RGB underglow
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The Ganss GK 87 is perhaps one of the best-looking keyboards on this list.

This model has white keycaps with vibrant pale blue backlighting. It’s a TKL keyboard, so it’s the perfect fit for a gaming setup with limited space. If you’re interested in TKL keyboards, check out our guide on the 4 best TKL mechanical keyboards. The most unique part of the GK 87 is the stunning RGB underglow. The case is translucent plastic which allows the mesmerizing RGB glow to shine through.

Along with its vibrant visuals, the GK 87 also offers a sturdy build. In terms of weight, it’s a light keyboard at 1.8 pounds.

It comes equipped with double-shot PBT keycaps mounted on an adonized aluminum frame, this unit isn’t one that will bend or break.

The Cherry MX Red switches on the GK 87 offer a tactile and quiet typing experience. Unfortunately, the USB cable cannot be disconnected, which can be an annoyance for those that are transporting their keyboard frequently.

For those looking for a visually impressive keyboard, the GK 87 will not disappoint. In terms of build quality and overall durability, this GANSS model is neck and neck with other impressive keyboards in this price range. With multiple RGB backlighting modes, this keyboard will mesmerize you for its entire lifetime.

Best Full Sized Keyboard: iKBC CD108

Best Full Sized

iKBC CD108
Full sized keyboard with Cherry MX switches
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The iKBC CD108 is a full-sized keyboard, this design includes a number pad so for those short on desk space, you may want to opt for another keyboard. The CD108 has a very minimalist design, it has no backlighting. Where it may lack in visuals, it makes up in function.

The CD108 is a sturdily crafted unit that will easily stand the test of time. It’s about 2.75 pounds and comes with 3-level adjustable flip out feet with rubber soles, so it stays in place very well. The outer case is made of durable plastic, giving the CD108 a solid feel.

The white keyboard model allows for either blue or red Cherry MX switches.

If you’re looking for a quieter keyboard, opt for the red ones.

The CD108 might be a bit too plain for some people, luckily the iKBC does include some customizability with the purchase. 22 RGB keys and a keycap puller are included with this model, so you can spice up the design to your liking. The CD108 has PBT keycaps, which give a more refined feel than the more common ABS keycaps.

If you’re looking for a quality keyboard with minimalist visuals that will surely be long lasting, the CD108 is the perfect fit for you.

Other White Mechanical Gaming Keyboards We Reviewed

Top Pick

Anne Pro 2
Wireless 60% keyboard with RGB backlighting
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White Mechanical Gaming Keyboards Under $50

Redragon K552
TKL budget keyboard
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The Redragon K552 is another typical budget keyboard, this model is tenkeyless, which means it lacks a number pad but still includes navigation buttons and arrow keys. This compact design will save you a bit of desk space if you’re willing to forego the number pad.

The K552 comes in two backlighting options, a full RGB spectrum or just plain red backlighting. If you’re under a tight budget, or don’t care for RGB lighting, opting for the single red backlighting will save you a bit of cash.

The K552 has 87 anti-ghosting keys equipped with Outemu Blue switches, which are stated to be Cherry MX Blue equivalents. While the Outemu switches are not up to par with Cherry switches, they are suitable for an entry-level mechanical keyboard like the K552.

Keep in mind that blue switches are among the loudest of any switch type, so if you like that audible click noise when typing this unit would be ideal.

If your gaming setup demands RGB lighting at an affordable price, this is the keyboard to target.

While the Outemu switches aren’t of the highest quality, they are the only ones available on mechanical keyboards at this price point. For better quality switches that will likely be longer lasting, you’re going to have to increase your budget.

Eagletec KG011
Full size budget keyboard
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The Eagletec KG011 is the only full size white mechanical gaming keyboard on our list for under $50. If you’re not lacking for desk space and having the convenience of a number pad is critical, then this unit is perfect for you.

The KG011 in white comes with three different backlighting options, you can either have full RGB lighting, blue backlighting, or no backlighting. The RGB model is the most expensive, and the no backlighting option is the cheapest, this allows you to save some money if you can do without lighting options.

While the KG011 is a budget keyboard, it is sturdily built. The Eagletec has an aluminum faceplate which guarantees rigidity, and it is moderately heavy at 2.29 pounds.

Like the Magicforce 68 and Redragon K552 this unit has Outemu switches, the KG011 has blue switches which are loud and tactile. While this keyboard has the style for both gaming and office environments, it would likely disturb others if you are hammering away in a quiet office.

The KG011 features non-slip rubber feet and foldable foot pads so you can type at an ergonomic angle, without the base slip-sliding all over the desk. For a cheaper budget keyboard, the Eagletec KG011 offers a solid product at an affordable price, with a sleek look to boot.

E Element Z88
70% RGB keyboard
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The E-Element Z88 is a compact 70% keyboard, although this design excludes the number pad, it contains the arrow keys and all navigation buttons. The layout is similar to a tenkeyless board, however, the keys are more densely placed allowing for a thinner footprint. The Z88 has multiple styles and functionality options to choose from.

Each respective design has Outemu switches and you can pick from either red, brown, or blue. Red switches will be the quietest, brown in the middle, and blue is the loudest.

Every model comes with RGB lighting, and they also offer a retro design that is equipped with circular keycaps, if that style is preferred. The RGB lighting is toggleable with the function key, 10 different lighting effects that can be chosen from at your discretion.

The Z88 has two foldable foot pads to elevate the keyboard, for a more comfortable typing experience.

The E Element Z88 is a suitable entry level gaming keyboard, it’s visually pleasing with an aluminum backing plate and RGB lighting. This unit is conveniently portable as well, with a detachable USB cord and a weight of only 1 pound. For someone looking for an affordable mechanical gaming keyboard, this would be a great fit.

White Mechanical Gaming Keyboards over $50, but under $110

iKBC New Poker 2
60% minimalist keyboard
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The New Poker 2 is a flawless 60% keyboard made by iKBC, it’s extremely minimalist and would fit perfectly in any non-RGB gaming setup.

This unit has a very compact design, the detachable USB-C cable and small footprint simplify traveling with this keyboard. While the build of the keyboard is very sturdy, it only weighs in at about 2 pounds, so lugging it around is not a chore.

The white model comes with Cherry MX red switches, which are the quietest of the bunch. If you’re looking for browns or clears, the New Poker 2 is available in black with those switch types. This unit has PBT keycaps, which are durable and matte smooth.

A highlight of the New Poker 2 is its hardware programming capability, no software is needed to cycle between layouts (Qwerty, Dvorak, etc). Four other DIP switches exist that allow you to change Fn and Pn positions, arrow keys, Win/Alt positions, and more. Additionally, building macros is very easy, and the Poker 2 has 3 programmable layers. All settings are saved to onboard memory, so you can plug and play instantly wherever you go.

For those looking for a solid minimalist keyboard with easy programming capabilities, the New Poker 2 is the perfect option.

White Mechanical Gaming Keyboards over $110, but under $150

Razer Blackwidow Chroma
Full size RGB keyboard
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The Razer Blackwidow Chroma is probably our least favorite keyboard in this price range. It does have a few good features, customizable RGB lighting, programmable keys, and a solid build. However, you can get the same, if not more features, on several keyboards that cost a lot less. Additionally, the Blackwidow uses custom switches developed by Razer that are often inconsistent in quality, and far inferior to Cherrys or Gaterons.

If you’re considering purchasing the Razer Blackwidow Chroma, we would highly recommend looking at other better-quality keyboards, such as the Vortexgear Pok3r or the Anne Pro 2.