Membrane keyboards just don’t have the same kind of audible click that a mechanical keyboard has. It isn’t just the sound, but the feedback mechanical switches provide, too. And let’s not forget the serious levels of customization you get out of mechanical keyboards.
Thankfully, you aren’t shackled to the Apple Magic Keyboard and can replace it with relative ease.
Here are the best mechanical keyboards for Mac.
Q: Are Mechanical Keyboards Better For Typing?
Yes, mechanical keyboards are generally considered better for typing.
Right out of the gate you’d have access to programmable macro buttons, media controls, and a few extra buttons. Regardless of which type of keys you choose—linear, clicky, tactile, tactile white—they’re surprisingly low profile, though not quite as low as a Magic Keyboard. Either way, they’re fantastic for typing and gaming given how quickly the keys return to their resting position.
That performance does come at the cost of wear and tear, but with the Logitech G915, it would take a mighty long time to see any kind of deterioration. You see, the keyboard is made of tough plastic, reinforced by a hard aluminum plate along the time, just under the keys. It gives the Logitech G915 unmatched durability, longevity, and a hint of style given the brushed metal aesthetic.
With Alps mechanical switches underneath, excellent anti-ghosting, and sculpted keys, the Matias Tactile Pro is built to unleash your typing skills without worrying over fingers slipping or keys failing to register. And don’t worry about wear and tear—the keys are laser-etched, so the symbols will never wear away.
While the Matias Tactile Pro emulates Apple keyboards of the past, it has one foot firmly in the modern era. You’ll find not one, but three USB 2.0 ports that allow for data transfer and charging straight from the keyboard. More importantly, the Matias Tactile Pro features Mac-friendly function keys.
The Velocifire M87 features a tenkeyless profile, simplifying the layout to the most essential buttons. However, that doesn’t prevent it from introducing Mac-friendly function keys that have full control of your Mac’s various settings such as screen brightness. It’s slim, lightweight, and compact, making it the ideal choice for smaller desks.
In terms of performance, the Velocifire M87 is built with tactile Brown switches, which give the keys good feedback along with an audible thud and clack when typing. The keys also have a nice curve to them to prevent unwanted slipping as you speed through your work. If the Brown switches aren’t quite your style, you’re welcome to replace the keys with something better.
The Keychron K2 features Gateron G Pro Brown mechanical switches which give the keys a more gentle clack rather than a sharp clicking sound. Brown switches aren’t for everyone, so if you prefer Gateron Red or Blue switches, you’re in luck—the K2 allows for hot-swapping.
What the Keychron K2 excels at, other than typing, is functionality. In addition to Mac-friendly keys, the K2 features Bluetooth capabilities; in fact, you can connect to three different devices at once, which you can switch between using a slider. And if you plan on going wireless, you won’t be disappointed considering that the battery can last up to seven days on a single charge.
For starters, the Redragon K550 is quite comfortable whether you’re gaming or typing, which owes to its custom Purple switches. It only takes a small amount of effort for the keys to register, saving you from that end-of-the-day finger fatigue. Furthermore, the keys have a slight indentation to prevent slipping and a detachable wrist rest that has a good grippy texture to compound its already comfortable profile.
Those same clicky custom Purple switches put in the work in a gaming setting as well. The success comes from the feedback the Redragon K550’s keys provide. You know you’ve pressed the key thanks to physical and audible feedback with no perceivable lag input. And as a bonus, the Redragon K550 comes with 12 macro buttons that you can program to your heart’s desire, along with a USB passthrough for better cable management.
The Das Keyboard 4 Professional is right at home next to your work desk, awaiting the day’s tasks. When you get started, you’ll immediately notice that none of the keys interfere with one another, thanks to full n-key rollover, so you can type away as fast as you can. It’s also quite welcoming to cable management. Along the back is a USB 3.0 hub with two ports, allowing you to plug in a mouse or charge nearby devices.
If longevity is a concern, you never have to worry about the Das Keyboard 4 Professional falling behind. Made from hard plastic, topped with a black anodized aluminum panel, and switches that are rated for 50 million keystrokes, durability is the last thing you should be worried about. The Cherry MX Brown and Blue keys even have a nice UV hard coat protection to further prevent fading.
To make it happen, the XVX Womier K87 features hot-swappable mechanical switches, giving you free rein over your preferred type; if not, you’re welcome to choose between Gateron Red, Yellow, Brown, or Blue mechanical switches and leave it at that. Even with the base switches XVX provides you with, they’re all high-quality keys with excellent response time, feedback, and full n-key rollover. They’re also PBT double-shot, making the keys highly resistant to oils with an added hardness for durability.
In terms of design, the XVX Womier K87 is certainly one of the prettiest mechanical keyboards available. The top layer is PMMA organic glass material, giving it a transparent look that really heightens the RGB backlight as well as increases the keyboard’s toughness. If you plan on customizing the keyboard, the XVX Womier K87’s durability will definitely come in handy.
There are two types of keyboards: membrane and mechanical. They’re called as such due to the technology used to register a keystroke—membrane keyboards rely on electrical contact while mechanical switches rely on a physical mechanism.
It’s that fundamental difference that makes mechanical keyboards better for typing due to the mechanical switches having audible and very noticeable feedback. When you type on a mechanical keyboard, there’s no doubt that your key registers.
Q: What Are the Best Mechanical Switches?
No mechanical switch is better than another; it comes down to personal preference.
There are three main types of mechanical switches: tactile, clicky, and linear or, as they’re commonly referred to, brown, blue, and red, respectively. Each switch offers different levels of click and clack, feedback, and actuation. However, one brand’s tactile keys may not sound or perform the same as another.
If noise is a concern, go with tactile or linear; if you want the most feedback, clicky mechanical switches are a good place to start.
Q: Does Apple Have Mechanical Keyboards Available?
Unfortunately, no.
Apple-branded mechanical keyboards are no longer in rotation. What Apple does have available—such as the Magic Keyboard—are strictly membrane keyboards. While they are undeniably of higher quality and have a beautiful aesthetic, a good mechanical keyboard will outperform any of Apple’s membrane keyboards in typing and gaming.
