If you’re on a desktop computer right now, you definitely need a keyboard. Also, if you’re on a laptop, well, you also need a keyboard. That poor laptop keyboard, after all, isn’t the most durable thing in the world. And when it comes to keyboards, wireless mechanical keyboards are the best of the best when it comes to the typing experience.
Wires tend to be distracting, especially when you’re thinking about what words to mix in your work, etc. Besides, wireless technology has gone far above and beyond compared to its clunky version a decade ago. Wireless mechanical keyboards are just some of the few ways to enjoy the fruits of technological advancement.
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As for why mechanical, the old membrane keyboards are not exactly the most cost-effective options especially if you want something that is durable– something that you won’t be obliged to throw away in the event that one key prematurely breaks.
Meanwhile, wireless mechanical keyboards are great for travel since not only are they durable, but they also work on other electronic devices, including smartphones or tablets.
A pleasurable typing experience awaits you with these five of the best wireless mechanical keyboards.
What to consider when purchasing wireless mechanical keyboards?
A few factors you’ll want to look for when viewing your options for wireless mechanical keyboards are the following:
- Layout – This determines how large the keyboard is. For the best size-to-productivity ratio, you’ll want to go with a 75%, 80%, or the TKL layout.
- Is it hot-swappable? – This is also rather important as keyboards that don’t allow hot-swapping have soldered switches, meaning you can’t replace that particular switch if it breaks. Besides, hot-swappable keyboards allow for better customization.
- Battery life – pretty self-explanatory.
- Wireless options – Does it have a 2.4GHz wireless dongle or is it limited to Bluetooth?
- Switch options – This does not matter much if the mechanical keyboard is hot-swappable since you can just replace the switches, but generally, you want something that comes with full options: tactile (usually Brown), clicky (usually Blue), and linear (usually Red).
Keychron K2 Version 2
PROS
- Sturdy and durable
- Good switch options
- Good Mac compatibility
- Mature design
- Good battery life
- Backlit keycaps
CONS
- You can only press 6 keys at the same time in wireless mode
- No 2.4GHz dongle
- Waking up from sleep mode takes a couple of seconds
- ABS keycaps
- A little too high, you might need arm wrests
- Layout: 75%
- Hotswappable: Yes
- Switch options: Gateron G Pro Red/Brown/Blue
- Keycaps: ABS (cheap plastic)
- Wireless options: Bluetooth 5.1
- Battery: 4000 mAh
If you want something that does a bit of everything and offers lots of possibilities– including modding and customization, then the Keychron K2 ought to be the most versatile option. The layout is 75% so you don’t really lose much functionality since the F keys are intact.
The keyboard build is also sturdy and there’s even an option that comes with a metallic frame for extra durability and weight. There’s also an RGB and White backlight version for those who love to work in the dark, literally.
The keyboard does have a few downsides. It lacks the 2.4GHz dongle option so you’ll have to plug in the USB cable for intense games. The keycaps are also ABS plastic which is cheap and will easily catch oil and sweat marks (though you can clean it easily). Still, for its price and versatility, you can’t really ask for more.
Keychron K2 Version 2
Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed
PROS
- Low-profile keycaps
- Lightspeed technology from Logitech
- Durable, aluminum design
- TKL layout
- Good battery life
- Additional function keys
- Backlit keycaps
CONS
- Expensive
- Not hotswappable
- Forget about customization or self-repairs
- Layout: TKL
- Hotswappable: No
- Switch options: Logitech Romer G Switches Tactile/Linear/Clicky
- Keycaps: Unspecified
- Wireless options: Bluetooth 5.0, Lightspeed 2.4GHz dongle
- Battery: 40 hours
If you’re not interested in customizing the keyboard and want undeniable quality, then you’re better off with a big brand like Logitech. Their G915 Lightspeed lineup is well-received and has many fans that swear by its quality.
This is a well-built keyboard with a metal chassis (as opposed to plastic) and it also comes with a volume knob. Logitech equipped it with its own proprietary switches but they still come in similar classifications. Moreover, the keycaps are low-profile, making the keyboard great for people on the go.
The crowning feature here is Logitech’s own Lightspeed wireless technology which ensures as little latency as possible (perhaps even better than wired).
Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed
EPOMAKER Theory TH80
PROS
- Beautiful, colorful design
- Pre-built custom keyboard
- Hot-swappable
- PBT keycaps out of the box
- Has that satisfying enthusiast keybard "thock" out of the box
- Has a function knob (for volume, etc.)
- Solid quality
CONS
- Keycap design might not be for everyone
- A bit more expensive than others
- Keycaps are not backlit, RGB lighting is just for style, not function
- Layout: 75%
- Hotswappable: Yes
- Switch options: Various
- Keycaps: PBT
- Wireless options: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz Dongle
- Battery: 3800 mAh
If you’re intimidated by all the customization involved in enthusiast hot-swappable keyboards, then Epomaker has something for you. It’s called the Epomaker Theory TH80 and you can use it out-of-the-box feeling like an enthusiast because this is a pre-built custom keyboard.
The spacebar comes with foam, the keys and the stabilizers are pre-lubed, and the keycaps are PBT. That means you can type immediately upon opening it and still get that coveted, satisfying “thock” sound from the keys which are usually the result of hours upon hours of modding and customization.
When it does come to technicality, the Epomaker TH80 doesn’t lag behind and even comes with a wireless dongle and a good battery.
EPOMAKER Theory TH80
Keychron K3 Version 2
PROS
- Hot-swappable
- Mature design
- Good Mac compatibility
- Low profile
- Good switch options
- Backlit keycaps
- Light & Thin
CONS
- Small battery
- No 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth only
- ABS keycaps
- Layout: 75%
- Hotswappable: Yes
- Switch options: Red/Brown/Blue
- Keycaps: ABS (cheap plastic)
- Wireless options: Bluetooth 5.1
- Battery: 1550 mAh
Is the Logitech keyboard too expensive? Thankfully, Keychron has an alternative in the form of the Keychron K3 Version 2. It’s a low-profile TKL keyboard that’s also great for travel and minimalism.
It’s similar in design and function to the Keychron K2 with a couple of key differences. First, the switches are Keychron’s Optical design switches though they’re also hot-swappable. Second, the battery is significantly smaller, meaning it doesn’t have that same longevity.
Still, it’s a budget low-profile mechanical keyboard that’s wireless. That’s hard to find these days.
Keychron K3 Version 2
Royal Kludge RK100 Wireless
PROS
- Affordable for this layout category
- Good switch options
- Hotswappable
- Good layout
- Good battery
CONS
- ABS keycaps
- Keycaps aren't backlit
- A bit of flex on the chassis
- Layout: 96%
- Hotswappable: Yes
- Switch options: Gateron G Pro Red/Brown/Blue
- Keycaps: ABS (cheap plastic)
- Wireless options: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz dongle
- Battery: 3750mAh
Of course, not everyone has hundreds of dollars to spend on a keyboard that they’ll probably replace once they become an enthusiast. So for a good starting point that still ticks all the boxes, then the Royal Kludge RK100 should suffice. It’s a compact full-layout keyboard with complete wireless functionality.
Funny enough, this budget option comes with a 2.4GHz dongle, making it more responsive in wireless compared to the Keychron options prior. However, since it’s a budget brand, Royal Kludge keyboards tend to use cheaper plastic and thus tend to feel less durable compared to others.
Make no mistake though, it’s still a sturdy keyboard. Plus, you can replace the keycaps and the switches since it’s also hot-swappable.
Royal Kludge RK100 Wireless
Frequently Asked Questions
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What size is the best for mechanical keyboards?
TKL offers the best balance between space and functionality. -
Are mechanical keyboards better?
Yes. They sound better and the keys are more durable.