More people than ever enjoy mechanical keyboards for the different typing feel, customization, and variety they offer. However, many people also appreciate wireless keyboards because of the flexibility you have in where it is placed. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with one of the best wireless mechanical keyboards that impressed us.
Tip: looking for a deeper dive? Learn what a mechanical keyboard is and how to shop for one.
Keychron K3 V2
Royal Kludge RK84
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96
Logitech MX Mechanical
Razer Pro Type Ultra
Our Criteria
Mechanical keyboards offer a tremendous amount of variety and customization options, so it becomes crucial to sift through them to arrive at the best options. From the size of the keyboard to the type of switches and keycaps, there’s a lot to unpack. Connectivity and extra features become essential factors where wireless keyboards are concerned.
Layout
The layout or the number of keys on your keyboard determines both its size and functionality. Full-size keyboards feature the entire 104-key configuration, while more compact layouts such as 96%, TKL (tenkeyless), 75%, and 65% are fast becoming more popular.
Switch Type
The switch type on your mechanical keyboard is responsible for the sound and feel of the typing experience. Linear switches are typically silent with no tactile bump, tactile switches are silent with a perceivable bump on actuation, and clicky switches feature a loud, tactile click.
FYI: don’t want annoying, loud switches? Check out the best silent mechanical keyboards.
Connectivity
Wireless mechanical keyboards can usually be connected via Bluetooth as well as a 2.4GHz wireless receiver (for lower latency). Many models also allow a wired option, which is preferred by enthusiasts, with custom cables.
Features
Besides the size, sound, feel, and connectivity options of a mechanical keyboard, there are other features that can make or break your decision.
- RGB, with customizable lighting
- Hot-swappable switches
- Media controls
- Customizable layout via software
- Low profile for faster typing
- Ergonomic, with wrist rests, split layouts, and more
Buying Guide for the Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboards
While mechanical keyboards have been around since the 1980s, their popularity exploded in the mid-2000s, when mechanical models for both gaming and productivity became available.
The 2010s gave rise to the current era of mechanical keyboards, where you can find a wide variety of prebuilt options at every price point, as well as the parts to build a custom mechanical keyboard. You can find both large players (Razer, Logitech, Asus, Keychron) and budget brands (Epomaker, Royal Kludge, Havit, Redragon, Akko) competing for your money.
Mechanical keyboards owe their popularity to their superior typing experience, durability, and variety of options. Wireless connectivity further enhances the functionality and convenience of mechanical keyboards.
1. Best Overall Pick: Keychron K3 V2
The Keychron K3 V2 is one of the most popular keyboards from the beloved Hong Kong-based manufacturer. It features a compact 84-key layout that retains the function keys, and its low-profile Gateron switches (red, blue, and brown options) provide a great touch-typing experience. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows, with extra keycaps in the box.
You can connect and switch between three devices via Bluetooth for peak multitasking. The aluminum body is well-built, and the keyboard is thin and lightweight. You also get a wired connection and a white LED backlight to work in low-light conditions.
2. Best Overall Value: Royal Kludge RK84
Royal Kludge has been hitting it out of the park in the budget segment, and the Royal Kludge RK84 is one of their most popular compact wireless mechanical boards, thanks to its unbeatable set features at a fantastic price. The compact 75% layout (84-key), multiple hot-swappable switch options, long-lasting battery, and dual-wireless connection make this an all-rounder.
There’s customizable RGB lighting for the gamer in you, 2.4GHz connectivity for the lowest latency, and the ability to connect to and switch between three devices. You also get to pick a beautiful white variant, which is what I’m using in my freelancer setup. The updated version of this board also has preinstalled foam dampener for a deeper sound.
3. Best Gaming: Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 is a near full-size wireless mechanical keyboard aimed squarely at gamers. What stands out on this Asus board are the pre-lubed and hot-swappable switches, with an option of linear or clicky. The 96% layout retains the numpad, while also providing a multifunction button and multi-wheel for controlling media playback and RGB lighting.
As it should be on a gaming keyboard, you’re getting both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, besides the wired option. Asus also provides a preinstalled foam dampener and pre-lubed stabilizers for a superior typing and auditory feel. The first five function keys are hotkeys for recording and the Xbox Game Bar.
Good to know: want more gaming options? Check out the best gaming keyboards.
4. Best Productivity: Logitech MX Mechanical
The Logitech MX Mechanical has long been one of the fan favorites among non-gaming, productivity-focused boards. It’s a proper full-size mechanical wireless keyboard with three low-profile switch options. Connect up to three devices via Bluetooth or Logitech’s high-speed receiver. It works with Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, and iPadOS.
The MX Mechanical offers a lot of customization via the Logi Options+ application. For fans of smart features, the backlight adjusts to your lighting conditions and turns on the moment it detects you approaching the keyboard. The low-profile keys provide a precise and fast typing experience, while the feature set makes this one of the most functional boards, suitable for every workload.
Good to know: love Logitech boards? Check out the best Logitech keyboards for everyone.
5. Best Full-Size: Razer Pro Type Ultra
The Razer Pro Type Ultra is a full-size wireless mechanical keyboard from the peripherals giant. Unlike its multitude of gaming keyboards, this one takes a more minimalist approach – the gorgeous white design and premium build quality makes it stand out. The yellow linear switches are silent and satisfying to type with.
Also included are a preinstalled dampening foam and premium detachable wrist rest for optimum comfort. For connectivity, use Bluetooth or 2.4GHz to connect with up to four devices. Both Windows and macOS are supported, and you can remap the keys and record macros on Windows using Razer Synapse software.
FYI: want some mechanical typing fun on your laptop? Here are some laptops with built-in mechanical keyboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity in wireless keyboards?
The difference between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity in wireless keyboards is that you need a dedicated dongle for your keyboard to use a 2.4GHz connection. The 2.4GHz connection is considerably faster than Bluetooth and ideal for fast-paced gaming. If your wireless keyboard supports this connection method, it should come with a dedicated 2.4GHz dongle.
To connect your wireless keyboard via Bluetooth, you can use your computer’s built-in Bluetooth capability or any Bluetooth dongle.
What does it mean when a keyboard is hot-swappable?
A hot-swappable keyboard lets you switch between compatible keyboard switches. There are a variety of keyboard switches, the most common being three-pin and five-pin switches manufactured by Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Razer, Logitech, and many more.
What is the most important thing to look for in a mechanical gaming keyboard?
The most important things to look for when choosing a mechanical keyboard are the layout and the switch type. These two factors will impact your experience the most, whether you’re gaming or typing. If your keyboard isn’t hot-swappable, you’re stuck with the switches you chose at the time of buying, so choose carefully based on your preferences.
Image credit: Unsplash
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