THE BEST MECHANICAL GAMING KEYBOARDS WITH CHERRY MX SWITCHES
09/2017 by FRIEDRICH STIEMER - Back to overview
In this blog post we give an overview of the best mechanical gaming keyboards of well-known manufacturers that rely on our CHERRY MX switches.
Mechanical CHERRY MX switches have been the standard for gaming keyboards for years. They provide a guaranteed lifespan of 50 million keystrokes without loss in input quality. In addition, users have the option to choose between different-color MX switches with different switching characteristics. For more information about the MX technology and the characteristics of the different switches, please refer to our blog article "CHERRY MX switches at a glance".
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum with CHERRY MX Brown or Speed Silver
Corsair’s current flagship is the K95 RGB Platinum, which we have already presented in detail in this blog post. Nevertheless, we would like to give you an overview of the extensive feature set of this gaming keyboard.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum at a glance
- Keyboard layout: Extended
- Key switches: CHERRY MX RGB Brown or Speed [MP|t1] Silver
- Backlight: RGB
- Macro keys: Six dedicated keys
- Sampling rate: Up to one millisecond
- Matrix: 100% anti-ghosting with full-key rollover via USB
- Software and built-in memory: Available
- Media buttons: Six dedicated multimedia keys including volume Up/Down roller
- Wrist rest: detachable
- Dimensions: 465mm x 171mm x 36mm
- Weight: 1.32kg
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum features an aluminum housing with detachable, rubberized wrist rest. The extended key layout includes dedicated multi-media controls with volume roller as well as six macros keys to store self-programmed actions. Core of the keyboard are CHERRY MX RGB switches - available with tactile MX Brown or responsive, linear MX Speed Silver characteristics.
It also features a single-key backlighting which is programmable via Corsair CUE software to adjust the LEDs with the greatest possible flexibility. Pretty unique is the “LightEdge” LED strip at the rear , completing the lighting concept. Underneath is a USB port for convenient connectivity of peripherals or storage media. Ten additional, structured keycaps are included with the keyboard to enablebetter grip in the WASD area, for example.
HyperX Alloy Elite with CHERRY MX Blue, Brown or Red
HyperX Alloy Elite has been developed with focus on functions as well as design. The feedback from esports professionals, customers and the media has also been considered to launch a gaming keyboard that leaves hardly anything to be desired.
HyperX Alloy Elite at a glance
- Keyboard layout: Standard full-key layout
- Key switches: CHERRY MX Blue, Brown or Red
- Backlight: Red
- Macro keys: none
- Sampling rate: Up to one millisecond
- Matrix: 100% anti-ghosting with full-key rollover via USB
- Software and built-in memory: none
- Media buttons: Four dedicated multimedia keys including volume Up/Down roller
- Wrist rest: detachable
- Dimensions: 444 mm x 227 mm x 36 mm
- Weight: 1.47kg
As a solid foundation, the HyperX Alloy Elite features a full-steel frame that guarantees long keyboard lifespan. The red backlight can light up in six light effects, which can be controlled by dedicated quick-function keys. In addition, it is possible to regulate the brightness of the LEDs or to activate gaming modes. HyperX also puts the multi-media control on dedicated keys and a volume roller allows an intuitive regulation of the sound intensity. Above the keypad is a light strip that provides additional optical highlights.
With the HyperX Alloy Elite, buyers have the choice of three different CHERRY MX switches: Linear MX Red, tactile MX Brown or tactile and audible MX Blue. At the rear is a USB port for connecting compatible devices such as headsets, mice or USB sticks. The included wrist rest is detachable. In addition, the manufacturer provides replacement key caps with a structured surface for more grip.
Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L RGB with CHERRY MX Brown or Red
Cooler Master developed this gaming keyboard to meet high demands of professional gamers. For the design, the manufacturer combines precision and performance, thus opting for a simple exterior in order to not distract from the essentials.
Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L RGB at a glance
- Keyboard layout: Standard full-key layout
- Key switches: CHERRY MX Blue, Brown or Red
- Backlight: RGB
- Macro keys: Yes, through double key occupancy
- Sampling rate: Up to one millisecond
- Matrix: 100% anti-ghosting with full-key rollover via USB
- Software and built-in memory: available
- Media buttons: Yes, through double key occupancy
- Wrist rest: detachable
- Dimensions: 439 mm x 130 mm x 41 mm
- Weight: 1.09kg
For Cooler Master, the LED backlighting is more than just an optical gimmick. It is a tool for better navigation even in poor light conditions. Thanks to the ability to illuminate each key in a different color from the full range of RGB colors (16.8 million colors), key areas can be illuminated differently. Alternatively, you can import programmed lighting layouts. Of course, the LEDs also have multiple effects. The exclusive direct system is on board as well: gamers do not need to switch into a software to change macros or profiles or to switch between from one to another, since these actions can be done via key combinations. Coolmaster MasterKeys Pro L RGB is available with CHERRY MX RGB switches. Choose from the linear MX Red or tactile Brown.
The keyboard boasts onboard memory and an ARM Cortex M3 32-bit processor to control input and lighting effects or create on-the-fly macros. A double assignment of the keys performs multimedia and macro operation. The mat UV coating underlines the simple but elegant appearance of the MasterKeys Pro L RGB. If you prefer TKL variants (Tenkeyless), keyboards without a number block for more space on the table can be found in MasterKey Pro S. It is the same design, just TKL.
SteelSeries Apex M500 with CHERRY MX Red or Blue
SteelSeries Apex M500 is a gaming keyboard in tournament quality and fully adapted requirements of professional gamers. Thanks to a hard plastic and a steel base, it defies all conditions and offers long lifespan.
SteelSeries Apex M500 at a glance
- Keyboard layout: Standard full-key layout
- Key switches: CHERRY MX Red or Blue
- Backlight: Blue
- Macro keys: Yes, through double key occupancy
- Sampling rate: Up to one millisecond
- Matrix: 100% anti-ghosting with full-key rollover via USB
- Software and built-in memory: available
- Media buttons: Yes, through double key occupancy
- Wrist rest: none
- Dimensions: 440 mm x 136 mm x 39 mm
- Weight: 1.24kg
SteelSeries relies on a simple yet elegant design without frills. For better orientation, the manufacturer uses blue key backlight. If desired, three different pulsation settings can be selected as well as four different brightness levelsto set optical accents on request. As mentioned above, the manufacturer uses a steel plate for the bottom for a rugged and durable foundation. In addition, cable ducts are integrated for tidy cable management. Operation of macros and multimedia functions is carried out by double key occupancy. The software can be used to program any key for triggering macros, which allows maximum flexibility. To avoid accidentally opening the start menu during gameplay, the Windows button can be locked. On the Apex M500, the gamer can choose between linear CHERRY MX Red or tactile and audible MX Blue.
Tt eSPORTS MEKA PRO with CHERRY MX Blue, Red or Brown
Simple design, an extensive feature set and many customization options - this is the Tt eSPORTS MEKA PRO. Thanks to four preconfigured profiles, the keyboard can be used immediately for RTS, FPS, MOBA or MMORPG games.
Tt eSPORTS MEKA PRO at a glance
- Keyboard layout: Standard full-key layout
- Key switches: CHERRY MX Blue, Red, or Brown
- Backlight: Red
- Macro keys: Yes, through double key occupancy
- Sampling rate: Up to one millisecond
- Matrix: 100% anti-ghosting with full-key rollover via USB
- Software and built-in memory: available
- Media buttons: Yes, through double key occupancy
- Wrist rest: none
- Dimensions: 450 mm x 143 mm x 38 mm
- Weight: 1.20kg
The gaming keyboard is equipped with red per-key illumination. In addition to static lighting, six light effects are also possible, such as pulsing or a color wave. Tt eSPORTS stores four different lighting zones that are suitable for the above-mentioned game genres to focus on the important keys out of the box. MEKA PRO features macros that can be programmed without any additional software directly on the keyboard in real time. Onboard memory stores the settings directly on the device. The manufacturer does not provide dedicated keys for macros, they work through double key occupancy. Lighting, multimedia and shortcut functions are controlled this way as well. There are nine additional key caps included. Tt eSPORTS MEKA PRO is available with audible, tactile CHERRY MX Blue, linear MX Red or tactile MX Brown.
G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 RGB with CHERRY MX Red, Blue or Brown
The high-end model for gaming keyboards by G.Skill is called Ripjaws KM780 RGB. It combines a long lifespan with practical features to provide the ultimate gaming experience.
G.Skill Ripjaws KM780 RGB at a glance
- Keyboard layout: Standard full-key layout
- Key switches: CHERRY MX Red, Blue, or Brown
- Backlight: RGB
- Macro keys: Yes, through double key occupancy
- Sampling rate: Up to one millisecond
- Matrix: 100% anti-ghosting with full-key rollover via USB
- Software and built-in memory: available
- Media buttons: Six dedicated multimedia keys including volume Up/Down roller and LED volume display
- Wrist rest: detachable
- Dimensions: 518 mm x 172 mm x 48 mm
- Weight: 1.36kg
The upper part of the case is made of brushed aluminum and provides a robust base as well as a noble exterior. Each individual key can be assigned with various functions or macros. In addition, there are six dedicated macro keys on the left margin. All settings can be stored in up to three different sets, which allows countless combinations. The color of the integrated LEDs of the per-key backlighting can also be freely selected - the complete RGB color space is available for this purpose. Of course, it is also possible to make the keyboard stand out with different light effects. In a small box, G.Skill also provides ten additional key caps with a structured surface. Multimedia operation can be controlled through dedicated keys and a volume wheel. A small LED display even shows the current volume setting. Ripjaws KM780 RGB offers a USB port as well as headphone and microphone jacks on the rear. G.Skill even integrated a mouse bungee (mouse cable holder) into the keyboard.
The gaming keyboard is available with three different CHERRY MX RGB switches: Linear MX red, tactile and audible MX Blue or tactile MX Brown.