7 Fantastic Mechanical Keyboards To Love Your Work Or Gaming
Retro keyboards and the comeback
Working from home is,without a doubt,  still a trend and most of us already have some kind of a home office setup in our home. To be productive in this kind of setup, you need great equipment that you should love using every single day,
One of the core elements of the human-computer interface is the keyboard. This allows us to communicate, create but also play games for some of us who love a fun night online with frieds.
Having the right keyboard can make the difference between a productive, fun day and the frustration of not getting thigns done.
Keyboards are primarily used for typing, but really they can do so much more. With a few extra features, what your keyboard can do for you will make you fall in love with it.
Mechanical (retro) keyboards are back in the trend due to their reliability and also precission when typing or playing games. Moreover, they are easily customizable, making them fun to use hence your work more productive.
Here below we have handpicked THE BEST mechanical retro keyboards you can find on the market so you have your perfect work from home setup. When selecting, we’ve considered different aspects like quality of keys, connectivity, customization and of course price.Â
$125
- Connectivity technology: USB-C
- Compatible devices: PC&Laptop
- Keyboard Backlight: RGB
The Razer Huntsman Mini—is a 60% gaming keyboard with cutting-edge Razer Optical Switches. Highly portable and ideal for streamlined setups, this lightning-fast actuation mechanical keyboard in a very compact form factor .
The Razer Huntsman Mini doesn’t have the function row, home cluster and numpad of a traditional full-sized keyboard, however it doens’t loses anu functionality because all these inputs are still accessible via secondary functions and shortcuts.
Ideal for minimalist or smaller setups where desk space is a premium, this retro keyboard compact build also means it travels well and is easier to position when gaming—allowing you to play more comfortably or, work better and faster from your remote or home office setup.
It has been designed for greater durability, the keycaps on this 60% gaming keyboard have a premium, textured quality that will degrade extremelly gard or have their labelling wear off with intense use. For easier reference when executing commands and hotkeys, side-printed secondary functions have also been added.
Have fun with the onboard memory and lighting presets by storing and activating up to 5 keyboard profiles without the need for software, as you personalize it further with a suite of Razer Chroma RGB lighting effects already loaded into the keyboard.
$55
- Connectivity technology: USB-C & Bluetooth
- Compatible devices: PC&Laptop
- Keyboard Backlight: RGB
The Newmen mechanical keyboard offers both wired & wireless connectivity. NEWMEN GM610 support type C-USB and bluetooth 3.0 + bluetooth 5.0 interface. You have the ability to connect up to 3 different devices under wireless mode and switch among them easily.
Another cool feature is of course the RGB Backlit — There are a total of 20 chroma backlit effects you can chose from so you can customize your RGB effect, or just turn it off if it bothers you.
The creators of Newmen mechanical retro keyboard have cut all the unnecessary keys cut and created a more pragmatic layout, having 60% of the size of a normal mechanical keyboard, but with 100% function.
With this keyboard, you will recieve a set of different color backup keycaps and hot swappable function can let you customize different combination layout on keycaps and switches(OUTEMU).
You can record macros(12 macros per profile), assign macros easily through the software and this keyboard is compatible with both windows and mac systems.Â
This retro keyboard is a great compromise between size, customizability and price. We see this a good entry level mechanical keyboard for someone who wants reliability and mobility.
$105
- Connectivity technology: USB-C
- Compatible devices: PC&Laptop
- Keyboard Backlight: RGB
Keychron K4 is a 96% layout (100-key) RGB backlight Bluetooth mechanical keyboard with Aluminum Frame. The K4 is crafted to maximize your workspace and enhance productivity.
This is a keyboard focused on Macs, with a unique Mac layout that provides all necessary Mac function keys, while compatible with Windows. It connects with up to 3 devices with the latest Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 chipset proved from time to time. Hence it can also connect with your smartphone, laptop and iPad and stay productive with your portable gadgets too.
Its inclined bottom frame makes the K4 more comfortable to type.
One really cool feature about this retro mechanical keyboard is the Gateron Red Switch.
The Gateron red switch feature a smooth linear feeling while satisfying your finger with a durable 50 million keystroke lifespan.
The K4 battery can last up to 24 hours typing with a 4000 mAh big battery, which is one of the biggest in mechanical keyboard. N-key rollover (NKRO) on wired mode or 6KRO on wireless mode. The K4 can last up to 72 hours typing, or up to 7 days of normal use (8 hrs/day) with this 4000 mAh big battery, making it one of the most powerful among mechanical keyboards. N-key rollover (NKRO) on wired mode or 6KRO on wireless mode.
The keyboard has enchanting RGB backlight with modern keycap legends to help you type in dim environments; available in 15+ types of flashing light mode. Durable Gateron mechanical switch with a 50 million keystroke lifespan to provide an unrivaled tactile responsiveness on the tactile Brown switch.
It has a 96% layout (100-key) wireless mechanical keyboard with a number pad in a compact design that’s built for peak productivity and a great tactile typing experience.
$79 – $99
- Connectivity technology: USB-C
- Compatible devices: PC&Laptop
- Keyboard Backlight: RGB
A stunningly slim and stylish design with sturdy black anodized brushed aluminum frame delivers a modern, streamlined look with exceptional durability.
Illuminate your desktop with bright, dynamic, per-key rgb backlighting fully customizable with near-limitless colors and effects.
It comes with powerful corsair iCUE software enables dynamic rgb lighting control, key remaps and custom macro programming, and full-system lighting synchronization across all iCUE-compatible CORSAIR devices.
This retro keyboard creates a great experience with an unparalleled level of immersion when playing iCUE-integrated games, as your RGB lighting dynamically reacts to in-game actions and events in real-time. Moreover, the full n-key rollover (nkro) with 100% anti-ghosting ensures that every keypress registers, no matter how fast you play. Convenient keyboard shortcuts let you control media playback, volume, and onboard lighting on-the-fly.
$113
The Cherry MX key switches that come on this keyboard are considered the gold standard among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. They offer a rainbow of tactile and audio feedback types, and they’re built to last through millions of presses, so they’ve become extremelly popular.
The Logitech G610 Orion Red retro mechanical keyboard is well built, relatively simple as far as features, and priced decently at $113. A big downside is that it does not have USB hubs or audio pass-throughs built in, but they’re good-performing keyboards.
The design of this retro keyboard is built to look utilitarian, with a rectangular shape and few extra features or controls; it doesn’t even have a USB hub.
Nevertheless, the cool features are just hidden from casual eye. The keys are all backlit by dimmable white LEDs, and when they aren’t on the keys look completely normal.
A set of playback controls, along with Game, Light, and Mute buttons, sit on the upper-right corner of the keyboard as flat, circular buttons that don’t stand out (but are also backlit). A wide volume wheel rests just above the playback controls, offering easy volume adjustment with a flick of the thumb.
The keyboard do not have wrist rest, but you get three height adjustments for it, between four or eight degrees, depending on your tastes.
The G610’s lights might be white rather than multicolored, but you can still make some fun customizations to them through Logitech’s software, just as you can with the Logitech G910 ($129.99 at Dell) . While you can’t change the colors, you can choose between various lighting effects like a slow wave of light across the keys, random starlike twinkling, and lighting individual keys and zones. You can also synchronize the lighting patterns with other Logitech G-series devices, like mice and headsets.
The G610 retro keyboard can be programable for some handy functions. The F-keys can be individually set with different macros for your games, with per-game profile support available through the Logitech G software. You can also selectively disable different keys when in Game mode, accessible by tapping the Game key on the keyboard’s upper-right corner
This mechanical keyboards deliver for both gaming and general use, and both coders and gamers will likely be happy by this classic keyboard performance.
Both versions of the G610 (Onion Red and Brown)have dimmable, programmable white lighting and a few convenience features, but they’re otherwise intentionally much more stark and utilitarian than their more expensive siblings. Their $120 price tags might seem a bit high to a layman, but fans of mechanical retro keyboards will recognize the price as very reasonable
$115
- Connectivity technology: USB-C, Bluetooth
- Compatible devices: PC&Mac
- Keyboard Backlight: RGB
The Keychron K8 is a decent wireless mechanical keyboard and is essentially a TenKeyLess (80%) version of the Keychron K4. This retro keyboard uses Gateron Brown switches, which offer tactile feedback without causing too much noise, making it a good fit for office use.Â
You also have the option to purchase this keyboard with blue switches. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any macro-programmable keys or any companion software, which may be a disappointment to gamers and programmers. This keyboard may be difficult to find through online retailers, but you should be able to easily purchase one from the Keychron website or on Amazon.
In terms of design and ergonomics,the keyboard is made of solid plastic and the keys feel stable. Unfortunately, the ergonomics are just okay, mostly because it sits high and can lead to some fatigue or pain with prolonged use and there’s no wrist rest included. It has howeverm, a two level adjustable feet and inclined bottom frame provides a great ergonomic support for typing comfort.
If you are looking for an RGB backlight function to help you type in dark environments, then this is the keyboard for you.Â
Connect with up to 3 devices via Bluetooth and switch among them easily. With high reliable and broad compatibility Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 chipset, the K8 is best to fit home, office and light gaming use while connecting with your smartphone, laptop and iPad. It also has wired mode with USB Type-C connection.
With the Gateron Brown switch providing unrivaled tactile responsiveness on the Brown switch with a durable 50 million keystroke lifespan. N-key rollover (NKRO) on wired mode or 6KRO on wireless mode. When it comes to battery life, the K8 can last up to 200 hours (with backlight off) with a 4000 mAh big battery, which is one of the biggest in mechanical keyboards.Â
With a unique Mac layout while compatible with Windows, the Keychron K8 has all essential multimedia and function keys you need. Extra keycaps for both Windows and Mac operating systems are included.
#7 AZIO RETRO CLASSIC BLUETOOTH
$220
- Connectivity technology: USB-C, Bluetooth
- Compatible devices: PC&Mac
- Keyboard Backlight: RGB
With its design originating from retro typewriters and crafted with modern features, the Azio Retro Classic is the perfect mix of past, present, and future. The cool round keycaps remind the nostalgics of the good old time and it’s complemented with a durable metal alloy frame and a premium leather or wood surface. By combining genuine materials and innovative technology in a vintage-inspired form, Azio has created a a new modern line of creative tools is perfected.
 Each RCBT’s top surface genuine leather or wood veneer will have a difference in pattern and shade due to the natural character of the material.Â
The keycaps are designed so that the backlight shines through the center of the keys, illuminating them evenly with white backlight (orange for Posh only) in static on/off mode.
Simultaneously connect up to 3 devices via Bluetooth. When USB mode is selected, simply connect the included USB-C cable to your device and type away.
Inside here is a made to last battery with a built-in high-capacity 5,000mAh Li-ion rechargeable with up to 9 months of usage time (backlight off) and up to 2 months (backlight on).
