Introduction
Whilst its easy for PC users to put all of their attention towards the components of their build, finding the right peripherals is also a key step when putting together your dream setup. As the devices used to control the actions of any gaming PC or workstation, finding a mouse and keyboard that is functional and comfortable will greatly enhance the user experience.
A keyboard is arguably the most important peripheral to go alongside a PC, as it is almost impossible to conduct any tasks without it. Due to the complexity of a keyboard’s design, there are a range of variables that can have a major impact on their size, feel, and versatility.
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One of the most crucial adjustment is a keyboard’s size, as this will drastically alter the layout and number of inputs available to the user. For this buyer’s guide, we’ll be taking a look at the best 100% mechanical keyboards, which is an ideal choice for workstations or gamers that use a lot of macros.
Our Recommendations
1. MSI Vigor GK50 Elite
👑 The best budget 100% mechanical keyboard.
Starting off with a rather reliable choice here within GeekaWhat HQ, the MSI Vigor GK50 Elite. This full-sized gaming keyboard is one of the cheapest options on the market, but offers quality and reliability that matches designs with a much loftier price tag. Featuring an aluminium frame with double-shot PBT keycaps, the GK50 Elite is clearly built to last. In addition, this keyboard comes with a choice of Kailh box white or blue clicky switches, which are ideal for typists due to their lower actuations points. And for gamers, the GK50 Elite comes with plenty of RGB lighting, which can be customised to match the rest of your gaming setup.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | MSI Vigor GK50 Elite |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Clicky |
| Switch Name | Kailh Box White/Blue |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Detachable Cable? | No |
| Dedicated Media Controls | No |
Things We Like
Budget price point: As one of the cheapest full-sized gaming keyboards available, the MSI Vigor GK50 Elite is an affordable way to enhance your gaming setup. This makes it a great option to go alongside a budget-friendly gaming PC.
High build quality: Despite the lower price point, this keyboard doesn’t take any shortcuts with its design. Because of this, we’ve been able to use this keyboard for a number of years around the office without it suffering any damage or technical faults.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of wireless connectivity: It’s no surprise to see a lack of wireless connectivity given the budget pricing, but a detachable USB cable would be a nice touch that would improve the portability and longevity of this keyboard.
Fairly heavy and difficult to move: With the aluminium frame and and full-size form factor, the GK50 Elite is fairly heavy compared to keyboards with a smaller layout. As a result, this design isn’t the most ideal for consumers wanting to take their keyboard with you.
Summary
Overall, the GK50 Elite is a solid choice for those on a tight budget, as it offers a quality typing experience well above its paygrade. With a durable aluminium frame and clicky octagonal-shaped switches, this keyboard will offer a satisfying typing experience that is designed to last.
Design: 4.2/5
Versatility: 3.6/5
Features: 4/5
Value for Money: 4.3/5
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Solid build quality
- Good typing exprience
Cons
- Lack of wireless connectivity
- 100% layout is heavy
Where to Buy
Buy the MSI Vigor GK50 Elite on:
2. Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless
👑 The best low-profile 100% mechanical keyboard.
For anyone looking for a more portable solution, then the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless will be a better choice for your setup. As a wireless mechanical keyboard, this design makes the G915 more portable and lightweight than most full-size keyboards. On top of this, this keyboard uses low-profile mechanical switches, resulting in a slimmer form factor that will easily fit into a bag. In terms of connectivity, this keyboard comes with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and a wired USB cable, allowing you to connect to multiple devices at once. For gamers, the LIGHTSPEED wireless dongle provides low-latency performance that is ideal for gaming, and the per-key RGB lighting provides a splash of colour.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Low-profile |
| Switch Name | GL Tactile, GL Linear, GL Clicky |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB |
| Detachable Cable? | Yes |
| Dedicated Media Controls | Yes |
Things We Like
Lightweight and portable: With a lightweight and wireless design, the G915 is a great choice for consumers looking to use their keyboard in multiple setups, or taking them on the go.
Dedicated media controls: Having additional controls to adjust media controls on the fly is always a welcomed addition to any keyboard, as it means you don’t have to disrupt your game or workflow to make changes to audio or background media.
Things We Don’t Like
Large price tag: Whilst this gaming keyboard can be found on sale quite frequently, the MSRP is fairly steep for any peripheral or accessory. Therefore, only those willing to splash the cash or save money elsewhere should consider this product.
Uses a micro USB port: The micro USB port on this keyboard is fairly outdated compared to the standard USB-C, meaning gamers will have to keep hold of their micro USB cables to make sure they can charge this keyboard.
Summary
For those looking to pick up a full-size gaming keyboard that is portable and lightweight, then the thinner form factor and wireless connectivity of the G915 is ideal for taking on the go. Also, the RGB lighting means this design won’t look out of place next to a high-end gaming PC.
Design: 4.3/5
Versatility: 4.5/5
Features: 4.3/5
Value for Money: 3.8/5
Pros
- Dedicated media controls
- Lightweight design
- Very portable for 100% keyboard
Cons
- Very expensive
- Micro USB port is outdated
Where to Buy
Buy the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless on:
3. Corsair K70 MAX
👑 The best 100% mechanical keyboard for gaming.
If you’re interested in a high-end mechanical keyboard with a more traditional layout, Corsair’s brand-new K70 MAX will be a better fit for your setup. With a bulkier layout and more traditional mechanical switches, the K70 MAX aims to provide a luxurious and tailor-made experience to gamers and non-gamers alike. The highlight inclusion on this design is undoubtedly the MGX magnetic switches, which allows users to adjust the actuation point of individual switches to suit your preferences. On top of this, the K70 MAX comes with plenty of multimedia controls to adjust settings on the fly, as well as a number of ergonomic features such as an integrated kickstand and attachable wrist rest.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Corsair K70 MAX |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Switch Name | Corsair MGX |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Detachable Cable? | Yes |
| Dedicated Media Controls | Yes |
Things We Like
Innovative key switches: The double actuation key switches adds a whole new layer of inputs for users to mess around with, making it a great choice for gamers looking for greater control over their in-game actions. Plus, it means the typing experience will be tailored to your needs.
Lots of media controls: As 100% keyboards are an ideal choice for anyone that likes macros, users will be happy to see the multitude of additional shortcuts included in this design. On top of this, the indicators in the centre make it easy to track when these shortcuts are active.
Things We Don’t Like
Only offers wired connectivity: Considering the price of this mechanical keyboard, it’s surprising not to see at least one way to wirelessly connect it up to a PC or laptop. However, the detachable cable does make this keyboard slightly easier to move between multiple locations.
Very expensive: What is quickly becoming a theme in this roundup, the K70 MAX is one of the most expensive keyboards within their line-up. And as a fairly new product, we don’t expect this to change anytime soon.
Summary
Corsair’s K70 MAX is one of the most luxurious keyboards currently on the market. With complete control over the typing experience, as well as an abundance of multimedia controls, this full-size keyboard is an ideal choice for anyone using their PC build for a combination of gaming and work-based activities.
Design: 4.5/5
Versatility: 4/5
Features: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Innovative key switches
- Premium design
- Dedicated media controls
Cons
- No wireless connection
- Keys are loud for linear switches
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair K70 MAX on:
4. ASUS ROG Claymore II
👑 The best high-end 100% mechanical keyboard.
Finally, the ASUS ROG Claymore II is another premium mechanical keyboard with a unique twist. This 100% mechanical keyboard includes a detachable numpad, allowing users to shorten the design to a TKL layout when needed. Also, the numpad can be attached to the left-hand side, putting shortcuts in a better position for left-handed users or allowing easier access when gaming. This pairs nicely with the wireless connectivity, as users can detach the numpad to make this keyboard easier to take on the go. In terms of appearance, the sleek aluminium frame and black double-shot PBT keycaps offer a stark contrast to the RGB lighting on each key and across the top of the frame. This makes the ROG Claymore II a perfect choice for gamers building a high-end rig.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS ROG Claymore II |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Clicky, Linear |
| Switch Name | ROG RX Blue, RX Red |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz, USB |
| Detachable Cable? | Yes |
| Dedicated Media Controls | Yes |
Things We Like
Versatile design: With the ability to switch between a full-sized or TKL layout, this mechanical keyboard lets user choose when to prioritise portability or functionality. Plus, the wireless connectivity makes it easy to move this keyboard from point A to B.
Great aesthetic for gamers: The combination of RGB lighting and a darker metallic base provides a stealthier appearance that looks great alongside a premium gaming PC.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of tactile switches: Whilst the ROG Claymore II comes with a choice of linear or clicky switches, the lack of tactile switches will be disappointing for keyboard enthusiasts the prefer the feedback these switches provide over their clicky and linear counterparts.
Very expensive: It’s not much of a surprise given the features included, but the ASUS ROG Claymore II is one of the most expensive mechanical gaming keyboards available. Because of this, only high-end PC builders will have the money required to pick one up.
Summary
The ASUS ROG Claymore II’s innovative and versatile makes it an ideal choice for anyone that wants a full-size keyboard, but are concerned about portability. With the ability to detach the numpad, this keyboard offers the benefits of a more compact TKL layout when needed, whilst also offering a range of additional inputs to allow for plenty of shortcuts and macros.
Design: 4.5/5
Versatility: 4.3/5
Features: 4.6/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Can be changed to TKL layout
- Increased portability
- Sophisticated design
Cons
- Limited key switch choice
- Very pricey
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS ROG Claymore II on:
Are 100% Mechanical Keyboards Good for Gaming?
When it comes to gaming keyboards, 100% are usually considered one of the least desirable choices, with most gamers opting for more compact layouts. This is mainly because most games won’t require a lot of inputs, which means a lot of keys are more of a burden when gaming. By eliminating the inputs not in use, more space is freed up for mouse movements, which allows for a greater range of movement that leads to improved accuracy and precision in a range of titles. Because of this, gamers tend to prefer the likes of TKL or 60% keyboards for their setups.
However, this is not the case for all gamers, as the additional keyboard inputs will be beneficial for certain game genres or types of gamers. For example, strategy games tend to require a lot of different inputs to complete tasks, making the additional keys useful for shortcuts and macros. Additionally, gamers that are looking to use their PC for productivity-related tasks would benefit from having easy access to all the inputs found on a traditional keyboard layout.
Why You Can Trust Us
Whenever a new mechanical keyboard arrives at the GeekaWhat office, our team of PC hardware and gaming experts test and evaluate the product straight away. After various gaming and productivity testing procedures, our results are used to create an extensive summary of the product in question. In this summary, we’ll state the product’s quality and value compared to the rest of the market, which will help determine whether it is worth a consumer’s hard-earned money.
If you would like to learn more about our team or editorial promise, head to the About Us section on our website.
How We Tested the Best 100% Mechanical Keyboards
In order to test and evaluate the best mechanical keyboards with a 100% layout, there are a number of factors that we take into account, these are:
- Performance
- Connectivity
- Design
- Versatility
- Switch types
- Aesthetic
- Value for Money
Conclusion
Best 100% Mechanical Keyboard: ASUS ROG Claymore II
If we had to pick one 100% mechanical keyboard to go alongside a custom-built PC, it would have to be the ASUS ROG Claymore II. Whilst it comes with a large price tag, the flexibility and quality it provides is enough to justify the investment, with the detachable numpad eliminating a lot of the concerns that most users will have when picking up a full-size keyboard.
Read our full coverage on mechanical keyboards, or Buy the ASUS ROG Claymore II on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 100% Mechanical Keyboard?
A 100% layout includes all the inputs you’d find on a traditional keyboard, with each key having individual switches for more responsive feedback.
What are the Different Key Switch Types?
There are many different switch types available, but they can be separated into three distinct categories: clicky, tactile, and linear. Clicky switches provide the most feedback, whereas linear switches provide the smoothest response.
Is Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wireless Better for Gaming?
The reduced latency and more stable connection offered by 2.4GHz wireless makes it a better connectivity option for gaming. But having Bluetooth for increased portability and battery life is always a welcomed addition.
Are Mechanical Keyboards Better than Membrane Keyboards?
Generally, we’d suggest a mechanical keyboard over a membrane keyboard due to their superior typing experience and increased durability. However, membrane keyboards are a solid choice for anyone on a tight budget.
