Best Mechanical Keyboards For Mac 2023: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

A good keyboard is an input device that lets you direct your computer’s functions according to your needs and requirements. The quality of any particular keyboard is dependent on a lot of different factors that we will discuss through the course of this article.

It also depends on your own unique expectations that can vary from person to person. In this article, we will try and give you an overview of some of the best mechanical keyboards for Mac so that you can get a solid keyboard as soon as possible to continue with your gaming and computing requirements.

First, we will go through a list of products that our team has shortlisted just for you. Hopefully, you can find a good keyboard for your requirements from this list. We will also go through a few important factors that are crucial in determining the overall quality and value of a keyboard. Make sure to read these points carefully before making the final decision regarding which mechanical keyboard model to buy for your Mac. Now, without wasting any more time, let’s get straight into it.

Top 10 Best Mechanical Keyboards For Mac 2023

1. Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard

The Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard is a superb creation that really makes your life much easier. Regardless of whether you plan to use this keyboard for gaming or for other professional tasks, it packs a punch in all aspects and is perfectly built for multifunctional user oriented Mac computers.

It has the capacity to connect to upto 3 different devices using the Broadcom Bluetooth chipset that comes as a wireless variant. Not many keyboards offer both wired and wireless usage possibilities and this is definitely something to keep in mind.

The Gateron Red switches that come with this keyboard are perfect for light to moderate gaming and great for typing as well. Overall, we are very satisfied with the performance and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this.

• Changing the battery voids the warranty.

2. Macally Backlit Mechanical Keyboard

The Macally Backlit Mechanical Keyboard is our second product of the list and it is very much in the running to be the best mechanical keyboard for Mac. The first thing that strikes you about this keyboard is the stylish and elegant design which is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also very durable and resists wear and tear damage.

Other than this, the sloped design and concave keys ensure that the user does not experience fatigue or wrist pain when they work for a long time. . It also features a secure USB connection as it is a fully wired keyboard that connects to your Mac with the help of a USB type-C cable.

All things considered, we are pleased with the test results this keyboard has notched up. It has the capacity to function as a solid gaming keyboard for hardcore gamers and can also easily work as part of a professional office or work from home setup.

We have absolutely no doubts whatsoever about its performance capacity and we would wholeheartedly encourage you to buy this keyboard.

3. Das Keyboard Model S Professional Mechanical Keyboard

Das Keyboard has really hit the sweet spot with the Model S Professional Mechanical Keyboard. It offers the perfect balance between visual aesthetics and functionality and is definitely one of the most impressive keyboards that you can use with your Mac. The Cherry MX Blue Switches are perfect for fast, high intensity typing. It’s also really good for gaming as you can smash the buttons to your heart’s content without worrying about damaging them.

It has also got features that are specifically catered to the requirements of Mac computers such as Mac-specific key functions. It also comes with a high-speed USB 2.0 hub that is perfect for charging other Apple devices such as iPhones or Ipads along with any other USB compatible devices. We are very impressed with what we have seen while testing this keyboard and we urge you to get your hands on it as soon as possible to get more out of your gaming or your work.

4. Azio USB Mechanical Backlit Keyboard

The keyboard comes with a variety of different Mac-specific features such as Mission Control and Launchpad. Apart from this, this keyboard is also a very exciting and durable device to use thanks to its polished beveled edges and bead-blasted.

The mechanical brown switches used in this keyboard are very much capable of frequent use over extended periods of time. They also manage to give off a really good tactile and audio response during usage which makes it so much more fulfilling.

The wrist rest which comes with this keyboard is another positive and is definitely the icing on the cake. For all of these reasons and more, we would encourage you to go for this keyboard without a moment’s hesitation as you will instantly come to know its true value upon first glance.

5. M104 Mac Layout Mechanical Keyboard

Velocifire has been producing premium quality accessories for computers and this M104 is another welcome addition to the list. This is an extremely well designed elegant keyboard that personifies class and style upon first glance. It comes with specially designed function keys for different Mac features.

In terms of durability, this keyboard ranks quite high in the list as it is equipped with an aluminum frame that gives it an aura of strength and solidity. This is the perfect keyboard for all of your Mac devices such as iMac, MacBook, Mac mini, Mac Pro as it is easily compatible with all of these devices.

Additionally, this keyboard also has adjustable backlight features to improve visibility in dim light conditions. Overall, we are highly impressed with the performance of this keyboard and there is no doubt about the fact that it can easily be regarded as one of the best in the market at this point in time.

6. GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The GK61 mechanical keyboard from HK Gaming is a superb gaming keyboard that has served an entire generation of gamers admirably for many years. As a 60 percent keyboard, it does not have a separate numeric pad and this has a flipside; the lack of a numeric pad makes it very compact and efficient in terms of space management.

The GK61 comes with optical Gateron switches which have been reported to be long lasting and durable. As for the RGB, here also you have a plethora of different options. With 16.8 million colour combinations as well as multiple options for RGB backlight customization, you have the chance to set up the backlighting as per your tastes and preferences.

7. Matias Tactile Pro Keyboard

Old-school dedicated Mac users are sure to have a gala time using this keyboard as it personifies everything associated with the Apple Extended keyboard which was considered to be one of the best keyboards for Mac produced to date.

Unlike many of the modern keyboards that we find nowadays, this is equipped with the individual Alps mechanical switches. We have spoken to many long-term users of this keyword who have attested to the fact that this keyboard feels really smooth and also has the capacity to bump up your productivity as it can help you to work at a much faster pace as compared to traditional keyboards.

This keyboard also gives you the added advantages of being fully integrated with the Mac operating system. This allows you to access various Mac function keys and enables you to control aspects such as brightness, volume iTuns and many more at the touch of a button. Another crucial factor that separates this keyboard from any of its competitors is that it has laser etched symbols on the keys which means that the chances of the symbols fading over time with continued usage are reduced quite drastically.

The minimalistic yet visually aesthetic design of this keyboard is also something that has attracted an audience. Another aspect of this keyboard that has attracted attention is the fact that it comes with 3 dedicated USB 2.0 ports that you can use to connect devices such as mp3 players.

So all things considered, we are very happy with this keyboard and its performance capacity and we would urge you to get yours as early as possible.

8. M87 Mac Layout Mechanical Keyboard

The M87 from Velocifire is another cherished keyboard among gamers and professionals alike and that is why it has managed to secure this place in this list. The keyboard’s stylish design  is a big factor that has contributed to its massive popularity.

The design of the keys are specially oriented to relieve users of fatigue after long hours of continuous usage. Furthermore, the compact layout of the keyboard makes it a dream for people who like to have a tidy setup and sufficient space to operate their mouse.

Another important factor to speak about is the aluminium grade alloy that is used to give this keyboard a very secure structure and base.  This enhances its durability and subsequently increases the time period for which you can expect to serve you.

Just like many modern keyboards it also has an elevation knob on the upper part of the keyboard to give you further ergonomic benefits while gaming and working for long hours. Overall, we can give this keyboard a big thumbs up because we are extremely pleased with its performance and design.

9. Logitech Ergo K860

Logitech really needs no introduction when it comes to any kind of PC related products including keyboards. The Logitech K860, as the title suggests, is the most ergonomically supreme keyboard in this list and this takes nothing away from the fact that it also has a host of other features which makes it worth the buy. The natural curve and plot of this keyboard is created to give you maximum relief against fatigue.

Additionally, the curved wrist rest has been reported to offer up to 55 percent additional wrist support as compared to other keyboard models. It also managed to significantly reduce the requirements for wrist bending which gives you a slew of long-term ergonomic benefits that should not be understated.

Because of the unique ergonomic benefits  of this keyboard, it has been certified to improve your posture and also lower the amount of muscle strain with long term usage of the device. This makes the K860 the perfect keyboard for individuals who have back issues or posture related issues and have trouble sitting and typing for long hours or even have  issues such as carpal tunnel.

Another important thing to mention is that this keyboard features quiet keys and is therefore ideal for individuals who do not like their key switches to make too much noise as is the case with so many mechanical keyboards. The battery life of this device is considered to be somewhere around 2 years which is a decent length of time.

10. PICTEK Full Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

This full sized gaming keyboard from PICTEK is our final product on this list and we are definitely signing off in style with this one. This is the perfect gaming keyboard for Mac in many ways and is also a dream for typists. The first major theme that sets this keyboard apart from many of its successors is that it has a lot of different options when it comes to RGB customization.

It has 9 adjustable preset light modes along with additional controls for backlight speed and direction. Then we move on to its classic Blue Switches which are clicky and give good tactile feedback while typing and gaming for long hours.

Another impressive aspect of this keyboard is that it can be folded up to 30 degrees that makes it very useful for different setups and individuals who prefer a slightly steeper angle of operation during typing.

The keycaps have been tested extensively for weaknesses and it has an average lifespan of about 10 million clicks which is very good by modern market standards. Last but not the least, the matte finish is a massive plus that is easy on your skin and also gives the keyboard a very premium high-quality look.

Factors To Consider Before Buying A Mechanical Keyboard For Mac

A good keyboard is vital in order to get the best computing experience regardless of whether you are engaged in professional tasks, recreational gaming or both. Before buying any particular keyboard, it is therefore necessary to get a good understanding of the pros and cons they bring and the factors that can be used to make an assessment regarding their feasibility.

Buyers should also keep their own unique usage expectations in mind while making the final choice. In this section, we will go through some of these factors that are essential in determining the worthiness of a keyboard based upon the requirements that you expect to impose upon it on a regular basis.

1. Size

The size of the keyboard is the first factor that we wish to discuss in this section. This is something that is often overlooked by many potential keyboard buyers but it really shouldn’t be. The ideal keyboard size is dependent on your requirements and how you plan to use the keyboard in the long run. For instance, if you plan to use a keyboard as a part of your stationary Mac setup for gaming, then we would urge you to go for a full sized keyboard. The same is recommended in the case of professionals who expect to undertake consistent typing assignments on the keyboard.

This is again quantified by the amount of space you have to set up your keyboard. If space is an issue, then there are a few different smaller versions that you can easily go for. The first variant to consider are the 60 percent variants which are slightly smaller as compared to traditional full sized keyboards. These types are generally devoid of a separate numeric pad and a few function keys. Then there are also 75 percent as well as 65 percent variants which can also prove to be useful depending upon the amount of space you have at your disposal.

2. Design And Ergonomics

Many top keyboard manufacturers use their design and unique visual appeal to differentiate their product from others. You have different options with regard to categories such as colour, metal or aluminum finish, glossy finish etc. Apart from visual elements, keyboards should also ideally offer certain ergonomic features that allow the user to have the best experience. This is especially pertinent for gamers or individuals who have to type on the keyboards for extended periods of time at a stretch. Comfort and ease of usage are things to think about while considering the ergonomic implications of different keyboard designs.

There are a few different examples that should be of help to buyers. There are quite a few keyboards out there which are thinner in terms of their width and this does not require the users to bend their wrists upwards which might be a very uncomfortable position for some. Most keyboards are equipped with legs or risers on the top in order to mitigate the effects of this unnatural wrist position.

There are more specialized ergonomic features too with certain higher end keyboard models that offer things such as curbed layouts and removable wrist rests so enable the user to tailor their keyboard setup according to their own needs.

3. Layout Of Keys

Generally, most of the keyboards available in the market at this point in time have similar key layouts barring very minute differences in key spacing. However, we are now seeing more and more keyboards which are moving away from the traditional typewriter layout model and looking to experiment with alternative key layout options. Keyboard designers are tweaking the traditional layout patterns for a variety of different reasons such as design, cross-platform compatibility, or other considerations.

Even if the layout of the keys and the arrangement is familiar to you, there might be subtle differences which may end up having an effect on your gaming or work efficiency over the long term. For example, there are some keyboards which have a numeric pad featuring an alternative odd layout with keys placed in unconventional areas.

There are also keyboards which do away with the separate numeric pad altogether and this could be useful for people who are looking to fit their keyboards in a relatively tight space. Keyboards without the numeric pad are generally called 60 or 75 percent keyboards because of their limitations in terms of size.

The main point that we are trying to make here is that you should be aware about the key layout patterns of different keyboards. This is crucial because you don’t want to be in a position where you have already bought a keyboard and then you realize that it hampers your productivity because of the layout of the keys.

4. Connection

As you surely know, there are two kinds of keyboards available that can be divided into two broad categories in terms of the type of connection they use to connect to your PC or Mac. You have the old school traditional wired keyboards on the one hand. Then on the other hand we have the new wireless keyboard variants that are a lot easier to carry and travel around with. It is important to be sure of how you plan to use your keyboard.

If you wish to use it as part of a stationary long term setup, then a wired keyboard would be the best way to go. However, if you are looking for something a bit more transportable that you can carry on your travels, then of course a wireless keyboard is the best option. There are also keyboards which come with removable or detachable USB wired connectors which manage to encapsulate the best of both worlds.

In the case of wireless keyboards, most of them use Bluetooth technology combined with a USB adapter to connect to your computer. The only thing to keep in mind while using a wireless Bluetooth keyboard is that you will need to pair the device with your computer in order to be able to use it. This process is relatively straightforward and you should be able to do it easily. Once the pairing is done, then usually, your connection is secured.

If your Mac already has built in Bluetooth, then you will not even require a dongle or an adaptor. There are some keyboards which use Radiofrequency with the help of a mini adapter to connect to your Mac. However, an important element to take note of in this regard is that both technologies are susceptible to outside wireless signal interference and this may cause hindrance during operations.

5. Gaming Feasibility

Not all mechanical keyboards are the same and some are more feasible for gaming purposes as opposed to others. The first thing to mention here is that if you play any kind of first person shooter games then we would recommend you pick a traditional wired keyboard. This is because wireless keyboards often have a small input lag whereby it takes a little more time for your computer to recognise the command that you entered and reflect it on screen.

This is also called ghosting as you might feel like your actions are taking slightly longer to take effect. This point becomes all the more critical if you play online competitive multiplayer games like Fortnite.

Also, we would recommend you to go for mechanical switches if you expect to use the keyboard for heavy gaming. There are quite a few different options available in terms of mechanical switches. Cherry MX switches are considered to be the best, but there are also other options such as Outemu Blue Switches or gateron Brown Switches which are great for gaming purposes.

We have spoken about this matter in further detail in our FAQ section so make sure to check it carefully in order to get a more in depth understanding of the kind of switch that will suit you the best.

FAQs on Mechanical Keyboards for Mac

Q1. What Is A Mechanical Keyboard And How Is It Different From Other Keyboards?

A mechanical keyboard is generally considered to be a keyboard of superior quality that is equipped with better keyswitches that delivers a much more fulfilling experience while typing.

The spring activated key switches are responsible for giving the user a higher degree of tactile feedback along with a better prospect for hitting particular keys with a greater percentage of accuracy during typing as well as gaming.

Mechanical keyboards have seen a big resurgence in modern times, primarily because an entire generation of gamers have discovered its usefulness and it’s better performance as compared to traditional membrane keyboards.

Mechanical keyboards are also generally considered to be a lot more durable and suited to rough use over a longer time period. They also tend to have better build quality and offer additional features such as Backlights or RGB customization. These customizations include preset patterns as well adjustments to brightness as well as a host of other dynamic lighting options.

Q2. What’s The Difference Between Various Switches Found On Mechanical Keyboards?

Mechanical keyboards come with a variety of different switches and there is some degree of confusion among buyers regarding which type of switches ideally suits their usage requirements.

At the outset, it should be mentioned that any type of mechanical switch will feel a lot more responsive when compared to the rubber dome switches that are found on traditional membrane keyboards. However, there are some mechanical switches which are better for gaming than others.

Cherry MX Balck switches are linear non-tactile switches that are considered to be the best for gaming purposes. They do not give you the kind of tactile bump that you may find in other mechanical switches. However, in the case of gaming, this is not an issue as you will have to bottom out while pressing the key switches anyway. These switches have the exact same actuation and release points which give the keyboard a very smooth feel of touch.

If you face issues with pressing the wrong keys inadvertently during intense gaming, these switches will help to minimize those effects because of the high actuation force. The only downside with these types of switches is that they are not as fulfilling to type on as compared to some of the others.

If you are looking for a balanced experience between gaming as well as typing, then CHerry MX Brown switches are the ideal choice. These are tactile switches that give you an indication of when the switch can be released thanks to the tactile bump that you experience while pressing them. These types of switches also help you to double tap faster while button mashing during gaming sessions.

The next variant is the Cherry MX Blue Switch which is found on a lot of the mainstream mechanical gaming keyboards that are found in the market nowadays. These are classified as tactile and clicky switches that give you a high amount of tactile as well as audio feedback. These switches are considered to be the best suited for typists who have to spend long hours on the keyboard writing.

It has a very easily discernible tactile bump and has the resistance of average keyboards. Some gamers do not prefer these switches because the release point is higher than the actuation point and this may cause issues while double tapping and button mashing.

Then we have the Cherry MX Clear switch variants which are considered by many to be balanced switches that can do decent job at typing as well as gaming without being superb for either.  These types of switches give you a moderate tactile feedback similar to membrane keyboards and are preferred by many budget gamers.

The final switch variant that we will discuss in the context of mechanical keyboards are the CHerry MX Red Switches. They are often considered to be lighter versions of the Cherry MX balck switches and are also widely used and advertised as gaming grade switches. They require less force to actuate and there are also people who do not prefer this type for heavy gaming because of its light resistance and actuation force.

This is a matter of subjective preference and difficult to lay down in concrete terms. Note that keyboards which use this switch variant are generally a little bit more constantly as compared to the others that we have already discussed.

Conclusion

In this article today, we have searched the farthest depths of the market to find the best mechanical keyboard for Mac that you can get your hands on right now. We started off with a brief intro and then followed it up with a list of 10 of the best mechanical keyboards that we could find on Amazon to go with your Mac setup.

We have tested these keyboards to the best of our ability and all the ones that we selected for the list have been subjected to the intense testing and repeated trials. Along with that, we have also tried to gauge the overall feedback on the keyboards by looking closely at online ratings and numerous different reviews.

Next, we moved on to some of the key factors that you should keep in mind while shortlisting or choosing which keyboards are ideal for you. This is largely dependent on individual usage expectations as well as unique tastes and preferences. Make sure to go through these individual factors carefully to get a comprehensive idea of which type of keyboard suits your requirements.

Finally, we chose a few frequently asked questions regarding mechanical keyboards and tried to answer them as effectively as possible. Some of these questions required us to go into some length of detail so we would urge you to stay patient and read the whole thing.

And lastly, we would always encourage you to do further research on things where you feel your knowledge needs some polishing. Hopefully, this article has set you on the right path and can help you in your journey to find some of the best mechanical keyboards for Mac.