Mechanical keyboards: 3 good models compared
Frequent writers and gamers are increasingly using mechanical keyboards due to a variety of advantages. In our comparison, we present three good and recommended models.
Wide range of mechanical keyboards
The days when the keyboard was just gray PC peripherals are over. In the meantime, mechanical keyboards have become a popular input device for ten-finger typists and gamers for a good reason.
- With around 50 million keystrokes, mechanical keyboards not only endure around ten times more key confirmations than conventional keyboards, but at the same time offer greater scope for individual settings and convince thanks to advantageous technologies such as "N-Key Rollover" or "Anti-Ghosting".
- There are now numerous mechanical keyboards with different features and functions. That is why we present three good and noteworthy models from the field of mechanical keyboards below:
1. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2014
Even though the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2014 hardly looks different from its predecessor, the interior has numerous innovations, such as the revised "Cherry MX-Blue" switches, which are known for a fixed pressure point. The rubberized surface, which enables a firm hold, and the switchable LED key lighting, which in turn can be regulated in 18 steps, are still advantageous and can therefore be adapted to individual needs.
- The additional keys "M1" to "M5" can be assigned any number of macros using in-house software, which is particularly beneficial for gamers and frequent writers.
- In addition, the mechanical keyboard includes a height adjustment, a polling rate and the software for the special keys.
- In addition to a 2.0 USB port, which enables a "10-key rollover" (the simultaneous pressing of ten keys), the keyboard comes with audio connections.
- In terms of ergonomics and design, the input device makes a few small compromises: the key layout comes as standard in MF style and there is no ergonomic palm rest.
2. Roccat Ryos MK
The Roccat Ryos MK is primarily designed for gaming and presents itself in a completely black robe. Apart from the large palm rest area and the additional keys, it looks similar to a conventional keyboard, but scores with numerous gaming features. A great advantage of the mechanical keyboard is the total of 113 keys, which you can assign individually.
- The Roccat Ryos MK has durable Cherry MX switches as well as extended "anti-ghosting" with "N-key rollover". The latter functions guarantee that no wrong keys are activated and several keys can be pressed at the same time.
- The keyboard convinces with a special "Smudge Proof" surface, which proves to be particularly dirt-repellent and does not allow fingerprints.
- Also worth mentioning are the three programmable thumb buttons and the five individually assignable macro buttons, which are particularly useful for gamers.
- In the past, players repeatedly criticized the robustness of the keyboard, which, despite its heavy weight, was susceptible to external influences.
3. SteelSeries 6Gv2
The SteelSeries 6Gv2 is the official successor of the G7 and above all known for the fact that it comes without a lot of accessories, but is comparatively cheap. The pleasant keystrokes, their special processing and durability have given her a good reputation.
- The input device is particularly convincing due to its robustness and weight, which it owes to a metal plate and the heavy mechanical keys. Weighing 1.2 kilograms in combination with the scratch and non-slip rubber feet, it is hardly possible that the keyboard will slip under normal use.
- The SteelSeries 6Gv2 also has an "N-Key Rollover" and therefore enables the simultaneous pressing of several keys.
- Under each key on the keyboard there are 18-carat gold-plated "Cherry MX-Black" switches, which are known for their smoothness and low noise.
- Unfortunately, the keyboard has no lighting and no palm rest, which proves to be advantageous for longer gaming sessions.
The mechanical keyboards mentioned here differ in their switches. In another practical tip, you can find out which differences the respective Cherry MX switches have and what their advantages and disadvantages are.