Are you considering buying a new keyboard or curious to know, are mechanical keyboards easier to type on? If you are, then read on because this article is for you!
Mechanical keyboards require less force on keystrokes making them easier to type on than membrane keyboards. Other benefits include improved typing speed and better accuracy.
In this article, I explore are mechanical keyboards easier to type on, what to look for in a mechanical keyboard, and share with you my list of the best mechanical keyboards for typing.
What Is The Best Mechanical Keyboard For Typing On?
Mechanical keyboards are a fantastic choice for typing, coding and gaming. Trust me when I say, once you start using a mechanical keyboard, you’ll be reluctant to return to using a regular membrane-style keyboard. Check out why mechanical keyboards are better for coding.
Mechanical keyboards are built to last, they offer serviceability, reliability, mechanical keyboards are easier to clean, and customize, not to mention their unique sound if you decide to opt for a clicky switch. Talking of a clicky switch, for those perhaps wondering, Cherry MX Blue is considered the best choice for typing. So, after hours of research I have compiled a stellar list of the best mechanical keyboards for typing.
- SteelSeries Apex Pro
- Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
- Keychron K10
Editor’s Choice
SteelSeries Apex Pro
| Switch Type: | OmniPoint Adjustable |
| Connection Interface: | USB |
| Keycap Material: | PBT |
| RGB: | Yes |
| Compatibility: | MicrosoftWindows 10, macOS X |
| Dimension (LxWxH): | 5.5 x 17.2 x 1.6 inches |
| Weight: | 2.14 pounds |
SteelSeries Apex Pro Pros:
- Adjustable switch actuation for preferred sensitivity when typing
- Frame is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy for durability and sturdiness
- Removable magnetic wrist rest
- Three-way cable routing management
SteelSeries Apex Pro Cons:
- Not all keys use the OmniPoint switches
Why you’ll love it. The SteelSeries Apex Pro mechanical keyboard gives you the ability to set the keystroke sensitivity. Doing so will allow you to select a keystroke setting that suits your typing style perfectly.
Best Keyboard With Cherry MX Switches
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
| Switch Type: | Cherry MX |
| Connection Interface: | USB |
| Keycap Material: | PBT |
| RGB: | Yes |
| Compatibility: | MicrosoftWindows 10, macOS X |
| Dimension (LxWxH): | 18.3 x 6.7 x 1.4 inches |
| Weight: | 2.89 pounds |
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Pros:
- Great build quality with an aluminum chassis for durability
- Dedicated macro keys
- Good quality keycaps with the ever popular Cherry MX Blue, Brown or Silver switches
- Detachable padded wrist rest
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Cons:
- Requires 2 USB ports to power the keyboard
Why you’ll love it. The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT mechanical keyboard offers great build quality along with your choice of Cherry MX switches. The high-quality PBT double-shot keycaps allow for a positive typing experience and reduce wear, fading, and shine, keeping your keyboard looking at its best at all times.
Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K10
| Switch Type: | Gateron G Pro |
| Connection Interface: | Bluetooth |
| Keycap Material: | ABS |
| RGB: | Yes |
| Compatibility: | Microsoft Windows, macOS, ChromeOS |
| Dimension (LxWxH): | 17.13 x 4.72 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight: | 1.99 pounds |
Keychron K10 Pros:
- Low price
- Great build quality for the price
- various backlighting options
Keychron K10 Cons:
- ergonomics does not support long periods of typing
Why you’ll love it. The Keychron K10 is a budget-friendly keyboard that gives you all the benefits of typing with mechanical switches at a rock bottom price. The blue equivalent switches offer the user clicky and tactile feedback when typing.
Are Mechanical Keyboards Better For Typing?
Mechanical keyboards are better for typing because every keystroke is registered via a mechanically actuated switch that allows users to type faster and more accurately, additionally mechanical keyboards generally offer customization options.
Most mechanical keyboards offer customization, unlike more traditional membrane-style keyboards. Having the ability to customize your keyboard’s switches, keycaps and more to match your typing style is a nice benefit to have.
One point to note, mechanical keyboards are considered to be loud by some. However, its important to understand that mechanical keyboard switches do come in three different styles, tactile, clicky and linear. Cherry MX mechanical switches are by far the most popular switches available and offer a wide variety of tactile, clicky, and linear switches to choose from.
- Tactile: on keystroke the user receives tactile feedback
- Clicky: on keystroke the user receives both tactile and an audible click
- Linear: on keystroke the response is neither tactile or clicky
What Makes A Good Mechanical Keyboard For Typing?
Now that I have answered, are mechanical keyboards easier to type on, the next question is, what makes a good mechanical keyboard for typing? Since keyboards are a personal choice, there is no right or wrong answer here. Below I offer three important features to consider when deciding what makes a good mechanical keyboard for typing.
1. Comfort:
Being comfortable when you’re typing is a key thing to think about before buying any keyboard. Ask yourself if you prefer a low profile or high profile type keyboard. Also, you might want ergonomic support when you type, if so you will want to choose a mechanical keyboard with a palm rest.
2. Responsiveness:
Keystroke responsiveness comes down to your switch choice. Generally speaking, MX Blue is considered the best choice for users who want to focus on typing. For a comprehensive list and breakdown, check out the full offering of Cherry MX switches here.
| MX Red: | Linear |
| MX Brown: | Tactile and quiet |
| MX Blue: | Audible and tactile |
| MX Black: | Precise and linear |
| MX Silver Speed: | Fast and precise |
3. Size:
Mechanical keyboards generally come in three sizes, Full Size, Ten Key Less (TKL) and 60 Percent.
- Full Size: this keyboard has 104 keys, includes alphanumeric keys, includes a number pad and includes directional arrow keys
- Ten Keys Less: this keyboard is the equivalent of a full size keyboard but without the number pad
- 60 Percent: this keyboard is a compact sized keyboard, as the name suggests it has 60 percent less keys than a full keyboard
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, I have answered all of your questions related to, are mechanical keyboards easier to type on. However, you may still have other questions surrounding mechanical keyboards. If you do, below I have answered some common frequently asked questions.
What’s the advantage of a mechanical keyboard?
- The advantage of a mechanical keyboard is that it uses a mechanical switch under every key therefore enhancing the typing experience.
Are mechanical keyboards noisy?
- Mechanical keyboards can appear noisy to some users, however there are mechanical switches that are silent, for example the Cherry MX Silent switch.
What’s the best mechanical switch for typing?
- The best mechanical switch for typing is the Cherry MX Blue switch.
Are mechanical keyboards harder to type on?
- Mechanical keyboards are not harder to type on because the force needed on each keystroke is less than a regular keyboard.
Final Thoughts On Are Mechanical Keyboards Easier To Type On
So, in conclusion, are mechanical keyboards easier to type on? Yes they are! While a mechanical keyboard won’t make you better at typing, they are easier to type on given the use of mechanical switches and the level of customization available.