Mechanical Keyboard

Understanding Mechanical Keyboard Form Factors

The keyboard's size determines the space it takes up on your desk and the keys you get. These are the standard mechanical keyboard form factors:

Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard (104-Key)

This is the keyboard layout that most people use daily, featuring a number pad, function row, and navigation keys. It fits best those who often input numbers or simply want the most extensive set of keys at their disposal, requiring no reliance on shortcuts. The AULA F2088 Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an example of a trustworthy full-size mechanical keyboard.

TKL Mechanical Keyboard (Tenkeyless)

Simply put, this configuration excludes the number pad, which is why the keyboard is much smaller size-wise. This allows for a better mouse setup, which is something that is taken into account most of the time by gamers. The Cosmic Byte CB-GK-25 Pandora TKL Mechanical Keyboard is definitely among the most popular options here.

75% Mechanical Keyboard

This trim layout keeps the function row and arrow keys but overall footprint is neatly trimmed, delivering the best of both worlds - functionality and space-saving design. Both AULA F75 series and Cybeart Nighthawk 75 set good examples of this very versatile form factor.

60% Mechanical Keyboard

This is the tiniest layout available, no function row, navigation cluster or number pad. Such minimalistic design really is the best one for people who want a clutter-free environment and space is limited. Redragon K617 Fizz is a well-liked 60% mechanical keyboard from The IT Gear.

96% Mechanical Keyboard

You still have the number pad here but the designers have done away with the gaps between different key groups that you normally find on a full-size keyboard, giving you a very compact full-size experience. It's a nice alternative to the traditional full-layout keyboard for those who want the numpad without the bulk

Connectivity Options: Wired vs. Wireless

Mechanical keyboards have now evolved to provide you different means of connectivity given your workstyles and desk setups.

Wired Mechanical Keyboard

A USB-based wired connection ensures the most dependable and lag-free experience. Because of this, it is the top pick for professional gamers and other users where latency is a critical factor. The AULA F2088 is an excellent example of a wired keyboard.

Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Switching to a wireless keyboard will eliminate all those cables and wires from your desk making it really neat and clean.
Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard
Pairing with multiple devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones is just a matter of clicks. So if you want a keyboard for work and multi-device use, this is the best option for you.
2.4GHz Mechanical Keyboard
Comes with a dongle and more stable connection than Bluetooth, plus a bit lower latency, so perfect for gaming.
Tri-Mode Keyboard
Offers the convenience of both worlds — wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connections are all supported by a tri-mode keyboard giving you the maximum possible freedom. The AULA F75GRR and Cybeart Akula 99 have very good tri-mode mechanical keyboard models.

Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types: Finding Your Feel

The switch is the core of a mechanical keyboard, and it influences the feel and noise of typing. The suitable switches depend on the user mainly.

Linear Switch Keyboard (Red Switch)

The direct top-to-bottom press that you get with these switches is a really smooth one, no tactile bump or audible click along the way. So they're the top choice for gamers who want a quick tip of the fingers and also fast typists who like to keep the pressure low. Redragon K617 Fizz normally comes with red switches.

Tactile Switch Keyboard (Brown Switch)

These switches feature a distinct bump as you press the key, which serves as feedback without the loud click. They are a great all-around choice that has been liked by both typists and gamers due to its balanced feel. Logitech G512 Carbon comes with GX Brown tactile switches.

Clicky Switch Keyboard (Blue Switch)

This switch is the type that offers the most clear feedback with the tactile bump and a click sound and the typing sound in general is quite loud. These are great for people who love the clicky sound but may not be suitable for the environments where this can really disturb others

Hot-Swappable Keyboard

This is a feature in which you can take switches out and put new ones in without soldering. This way a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard is basically a user-friendly keyboard for endless customizations. Thousands of current keyboards, e.g. the AULA F75 series, are hot-swappable.

Magnetic Switch Keyboard

This is the next-gen style that involves magnets in the keystroke registering, this way you get adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger features, normally found in high-end gaming keyboards.

Optical Switch Keyboard

These switch units activate the keystrokes with light, so the work speed becomes faster and the durability is increased as well over the traditional mechanical switches.

Choosing a Keyboard for Your Use Case

Your main motivation for buying a keyboard should be the factor that determines your actual trade

Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

If you are a gamer, then features like very low latency, N-key rollover together with customizable RGB lighting are the ones that you should pay attention to. Corsair K100 RGB is one of the premium gaming mechanical keyboards aimed at performance.

Office Mechanical Keyboard

If you want a mechanical keyboard for the office, you should opt for features like tactile or linear switches which don't produce a loud noise so that your colleagues won't be disturbed by your keyboard. If your keyboard is also compact and connected to multiple devices, then these features will come in handy too. You can explore our collection of office and home keyboards for suitable options.

Programming Keyboard

Programmers like to have tactile switches for the accurate keystrokes and also macro-programmable keys to automate repetitive tasks.

Typing Keyboard

Writers and typists focus on switches only. Some prefer linear switches because of smoothness, and others like tactile or clicky for feedback.

Key Features to Look For the Optimal Experience

Besides the essentials, a few features can be your secret weapons for a better typing and gaming experience.

RGB Mechanical Keyboard

Colored backlight not only allows you to change the look of your keyboard, but you can also use it for in-game notifications and alerts.

Anti-Ghosting Keyboard & N-Key Rollover

Both of these help in registering all the key presses simultaneously when multiple keys are pressed at the same time. These features are a must-have for the gaming keyboard.

Programmable Keyboard & Macro Keyboard

With programmable keys, you can assign codes or specific functions to a key while macros let you record complicated sequences to be performed just by pressing a single key

PBT Keycaps Keyboard

The PBT plastic keycaps are more durable and resistant to shine rather than ABS keycaps, meaning that your keyboard will continue to look and feel great for a longer time

Budget Mechanical Keyboard

There are so many awesome models for as low as Rs.2000 and under Rs.5000 that you can get great value for money in this category as well. The Redragon K630 Dragonborn is one of the highest rated budget mechanical keyboards

Premium Mechanical Keyboard

For the lovers of quality and features, you have the option of getting the Corsair K100 RGB or Logitech G series keyboards

Mechanical Keyboard for Gamers

You can find different options for gaming mechanical keyboards like low latency, and customizable RGB lighting.

Mechanical Keyboard for Professional

If you want a keyboard with emphasis on typing comfort, durability, and a look that is fitting the professional environment, then these keyboards will suit your office and home usage. At The IT Gear you can buy mechanical keyboards at different price points and for different types of use cases.

Compatibility: Mac and Windows

Make sure that the keyboard you pick supports the operating system on your computer. Many keyboards that have Keychron-style layouts are designed to work with both Mac and Windows, and they usually also have a switch to toggle back and forth between these two layouts. Because of their cross-platform compatibility, they are excellent choices for those who work with different devices.

Frequently Asked Questions