Rankings
The Apex 9 TKL is a premium tenkeyless keyboard aimed at esports competitors, offering hot-swappable optical switches, dual actuation points, and a high 8000 Hz polling rate within an aluminum frame.
The RK R98 Pro is a wired 96% mechanical keyboard that brings premium features such as gasket mounting, five-layer foam dampening, and pre-lubed switches to a relatively affordable price. It excels in sound quality and ergonomics but lacks wireless options and has non-standard keycap sizing.
The Redragon K745 PRO is a full-size tri-mode keyboard with gasket mounting, premium sound dampening, PBT keycaps and vivid south-facing RGB, offering strong features but limited software and some ergonomic shortcomings.
The Redragon K671 is a full-size wired mechanical gaming keyboard featuring hot-swappable linear Red switches, RGB backlighting, and a metal-reinforced base, aimed at budget-conscious gamers. It offers strong build quality and customization options, though software and macOS support are limited.
The ASUS ROG Azoth is a premium 75% wireless mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable pre-lubed switches, gasket-mount construction, tri-mode connectivity, and a 2-inch OLED display. Reviewers praise its build quality and feature set, while users note the high price, heavy weight, and software issues.
The AJazz AK980 is a feature-rich 96% mechanical keyboard with a gasket-mount design, hot-swap capability, and a unique TFT screen. It offers tri-mode wireless connectivity, a large 8000 mAh battery, and vibrant RGB lighting, though the ABS case can flex and firmware support is limited.
The RK Royal Kludge S98 is a feature-rich 96% mechanical keyboard that combines a smart TFT display, a metal control knob, extensive sound dampening and triple-mode wireless connectivity. It offers hot-swappable switches and a long-lasting battery, though its ABS case and keycaps feel less premium and Bluetooth reliability can suffer at low charge.
The RK R65 is a compact 65% wired mechanical keyboard featuring a gasket-mount design, hot-swappable pre-lubed switches, PBT MDA keycaps, and a CNC aluminum volume knob. It delivers premium typing feel and extensive customization while remaining affordable, though it lacks wireless options and a wrist rest.
The RK Royal Kludge R75 is a wired 75% mechanical keyboard that blends a gasket-mounted chassis, premium PBT keycaps, and hot-swappable switches with extensive RGB lighting and QMK/VIA support. Its compact footprint and removable volume knob make it attractive for gamers and typists seeking customization without breaking the bank.
The RK98 is a full-size 98% wireless mechanical keyboard featuring hot-swappable pre-lubed switches, extensive RGB lighting, and a massive 3750 mAh battery that delivers long runtimes. Its triple-mode connectivity and built-in USB hub make it versatile, though the ABS case and heft may deter users seeking a premium feel.
The RK61 is a budget-friendly 60% mechanical keyboard offering hot-swappable switches, RGB lighting, and both wired and wireless connectivity. Its compact design and detachable cable make it portable, while QMK/VIA support adds customization, though build quality can be inconsistent.
The RK61 is a budget-friendly 60% mechanical keyboard offering triple-mode wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and RGB lighting. Its lightweight ABS chassis and integrated wrist rest make it portable, though build quality and software stability are noted drawbacks.
The Keychron C2 is a budget-friendly full-size wired keyboard with hot-swap support and dual-OS keycaps, offering solid build quality and low latency. It targets Mac and Windows users who need a numeric keypad and reliable wired performance.
The Redragon K689 is a budget-friendly full-size wired keyboard that offers a gasket-mounted PCB, pre-lubed linear switches, hot-swap capability and per-key RGB, but lacks wireless connectivity and advanced lighting software.
The Redragon K556 offers a solid metal chassis, hot-swappable Outemu switches, and vibrant RGB lighting in a full-size layout, but lacks per-key lighting and portability.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
— | 32 hours | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 200 hoursbest | — | 13 hours | 130 hours | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 680 grams | 1,029.9 grams | 880 grams | 640 grams | 560 grams | 799 grams | 880 grams | 1,043.3 grams | 939 grams | 1,361 grams | 1,000 grams | 480 gramsbest | 1,186 grams | 1,140 grams | 829 grams |
— | — | 1,000 Hz | 1,000 Hz | 1,000 Hz | — | — | 8,000 Hzbest | — | — | — | — | 1,000 Hz | 1,000 Hz | 1,000 Hz | |
— | — | 104best | — | 61 | — | 104best | — | 100 | — | 104best | — | — | — | — | |
12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | — | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 24 monthsbest | 12 months | 12 months | — | 12 months | 12 months | — | |
— | 5.1best | 5 | — | 5.1best | — | — | — | — | 5.1best | — | 5 | 5.1best | 5.1best | — | |
— | 9 metersbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lighting(1) | |||||||||||||||
Backlighting | RGB | RGB | RGB (south-facing) | RGB | RGB | RGB | Per-key RGB | per-key RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB (non-per-key) | RGB | RGB | RGB | White LED |
Power & Battery(1) | |||||||||||||||
Battery Life (hours) | — | 32 hours | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 200 hours | — | 13 hours | 130 hours | — | — |
Layout & Size(2) | |||||||||||||||
Keyboard Layout | 75% | 98% | Full-size 108 | 65% | 60% | 96% (98-key) | Full-size 108 | tenkeyless | Full QWERTY 104-key | 96% (98-key) | Full-size 104 | 60% | 75% | 96% | ANSI (US) |
Weight (grams) | 680 grams | 1029.9 grams | 880 grams | 640 grams | 560 grams | 799 grams | 880 grams | 1043.3 grams | 939 grams | 1361 grams | 1000 grams | 480 grams | 1186 grams | 1140 grams | 829 grams |
Performance(2) | |||||||||||||||
Polling Rate (Hz) | — | — | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz | — | — | 8000 Hz | — | — | — | — | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz |
N‑Key Rollover | — | — | 104 | — | 61 | — | 104 | — | 100 | — | 104 | — | Full | full | — |
Warranty & Support(1) | |||||||||||||||
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | — | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 24 months | 12 months | 12 months | — | 12 months | 12 months | — |
Build & Design(3) | |||||||||||||||
Case Material | Plastic | ABS | — | — | ABS | — | Plastic | aluminum alloy | Metal | ABS | Aluminum | ABS | Aluminum | ABS | ABS plastic |
Keycap Material | PBT | ABS | PBT | PBT | ABS | PBT | ABS | PBT | PBT | PBT | ABS | ABS | PBT | PBT | Double-shot ABS |
Keycap Profile | MDA | Standard | Rounded | MDA | — | MDA | Round | — | — | — | — | — | Mid-height | Cherry | OEM |
Connectivity(2) | |||||||||||||||
Connection Type | Wired | Wireless | Tri-mode (Wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz) | Wired | Wired | USB‑C | Wired USB-C | USB-C | Wired USB-C | Bluetooth/2.4GHz/USB-C | Wired | Wireless | Tri-mode | Tri-mode | Wired USB-C |
Bluetooth Version | — | 5.1 | 5.0 | — | 5.1 | — | — | — | — | 5.1 | — | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.1 | — |
Switches(1) | |||||||||||||||
Switch Type | Silver/Blue/Brown/Cream | Blue/Brown/Red/Speed Silver | Mint Mambo linear | Multiple | Multiple | mechanical | Custom Dragon Chant linear | OptiPoint optical (linear) | Linear Red | mechanical | Brown tactile | Blue/Brown/Red | Hot‑swappable | Various | Gateron G Pro Brown |
Compatibility(1) | |||||||||||||||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows/macOS/Linux/Android | Windows/macOS/iOS/Android/Linux | Windows, macOS | Windows/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS | Windows/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS | Windows/macOS | — | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | Windows/macOS/Android/iOS | — | Windows/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Android | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the R75 for its exceptional value, highlighting the clean type sound from its triple-layer foam, the premium feel of its gasket mount, and the CNC-machined volume knob.
Everyday users love the satisfying thocky typing experience, the usefulness of the volume knob, and the vibrant RGB lighting, while noting occasional spacebar wobble and uneven lighting as drawbacks.
“The volume knob is incredibly useful and well-machined.”
“10/10 recommend”
“isn't gorilla-proof”
K671 is the better budget pick with hot-swap and extra accessories; K556 suits users wanting more lighting options and quieter operation.
Professional reviewers commend the RK98 for delivering a comfortable, responsive typing experience, strong battery endurance, and versatile triple-mode connectivity, while noting the lack of dedicated media keys as the primary criticism.
Everyday users consistently praise the compact full-size layout, long battery life, and RGB lighting, but report Bluetooth stability issues, shine on ABS keycaps, and the keyboard's heavy weight.
Professional reviewers praise the K745 PRO for its premium-grade build, gasket-mounted chassis and impressive sound profile, noting the bright south-facing RGB and generous bundle, while criticizing the mismatched keycap legends, limited proprietary software and lack of open-source firmware.
Everyday users consistently highlight the keyboard's vivid RGB, quiet linear switches and the convenience of hot-swap sockets and hardware toggles for multiple devices, with recurring complaints about unstable flip feet, hollow spacebar sound and clunky software.
Professional reviewers praise the R65 for its gasket-mount construction, which delivers a high-end typing feel, and for the inclusion of a CNC aluminum volume knob-features typically found on much pricier boards. They also highlight the full QMK/VIA support and the pre-lubed Cream switches that give the keyboard a satisfying "thocky" sound, noting its exceptional value at under $70.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the R65's satisfying typing experience, premium sound, and the handy volume knob, calling it a game-changer. The compact layout and durable PBT keycaps receive frequent compliments, while occasional complaints focus on inconsistent factory lubrication, overly bright RGB, and early firmware quirks that are usually fixed via VIA.
Professional reviewers praise the RK61 for delivering strong performance and a premium feel at a low price point, highlighting its clean aesthetic, responsive switches, and the thoughtful inclusion of extra switches. They also note its flexible connectivity options and QMK/VIA support, while pointing out that its build quality lags behind higher-priced rivals.
Everyday users consistently commend the keyboard's value, portability, and RGB aesthetics, often rating it 4-5 stars for budget builds. Common praise centers on the hot-swap capability and smooth typing, while recurring complaints involve loose stabilizers, lack of tilt legs, and modest wireless battery life.
Professional reviewers note that the R98 Pro brings high-end features like gasket mounting and multi-layer foam dampening into an affordable package, praising the sound and ergonomics while pointing out the unconventional keycap layout and lack of wireless connectivity.
Everyday users love the "creamy" sound profile, the comfortable MDA keycaps, and the handy detachable volume knob, but complain about the non-standard keycap sizes and occasional key wobble.
Professional reviewers praise the K689 for bringing a gasket-mounted design and multi-layer acoustic treatment to the budget market, noting the muted click and solid build quality, while pointing out the limited RGB software and lack of wireless options.
Everyday users highlight the smooth key feel, satisfying RGB lighting and heavy, stable chassis, but complain about the rudimentary lighting software, cheap-looking keycap font, and the absence of wireless connectivity.
Reviewers commend the dual-point actuation and hot-swap optical switches, noting the solid aluminum chassis and premium PBT keycaps, while pointing out the lack of per-key actuation, OLED display, and media controls.
Users love the tank-like durability, vivid RGB and speed advantage, but complain about limited switch compatibility, missing media controls and occasional software hiccups.
Professional reviewers note the K671 stands out for its hot-swap capability and durable PBT keycaps, delivering premium features at a budget price.
Everyday users praise the smooth switch feel and vibrant lighting, while noting the lack of per-key RGB and occasional software quirks.
Professional reviewers commend the S98 for its unique smart display, premium acoustic treatment, and versatile connectivity, noting the ABS case and lack of dedicated media keys as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users love the soothing sound profile, the fun smart display, and the smooth metal knob, while complaining about Bluetooth reliability at low battery and the power draw of the display.
Professional reviewers commend the K556 for its solid metal chassis, hot-swappable switch capability, and generous inclusion of spare switches, noting the lack of per-key RGB and a non-detachable cable as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the keyboard's build quality, tactile Brown switches, and vibrant lighting, while common complaints focus on keycap finish imperfections, non-backlit Fn legends, and the heavy, non-portable design.
Professional reviewers commend the RK61 for delivering a strong value proposition with hot-swap switches, RGB lighting and triple-mode wireless, while criticizing the cheap ABS build and occasional firmware instability.
Everyday users love the small size, vibrant RGB and the convenience of pairing with multiple devices, but complain about noisy stabilizers, Bluetooth reliability issues, and software crashes.
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the Azoth's superb build quality, premium typing feel, OLED screen, and low-latency wireless, but criticize its high price and bloated Armoury Crate software.
Everyday users rave about the luxurious feel, acoustic dampening, and OLED display, but many complain about the software instability and slippery PBT keycaps.
Professional reviewers laud the AK980 as a standout sub-$100 board, praising its dense feature set, premium gasket-mount construction, and TFT screen, while noting the ABS case flex and lack of open-source firmware.
Everyday users love the screen, hot-swap capability, quiet typing and seamless cross-platform switching, but complain about ABS case flex, occasional screen stutter, and the absence of dedicated customization software.
Professional reviewers praise the C2's hot-swap flexibility, cross-platform keycaps, and sturdy wired connection, while noting the lack of wireless and premium keycap material.
Everyday users love the typing feel and easy switch swapping, but complain about ABS keycap shine and the stiff braided cable.
