Clicky keyboards are not for everyone. They are louder than most mechanical keyboards and certainly louder than purpose-built quiet keyboards, but for gamers who like to feel and hear their keyboard, there is nothing quite like using a clicky keyboard. As the name implies, no matter what switches the keyboard uses, as long as it's clicky, it will produce that signature sound on each keystroke. As long as gamers are alone in a space or the people around don't mind, clicky switches offer a stable, tactile feel that feels amazing for gaming and everyday tasks like coding.

Update on May 16th, 2024 by Marc Storch: As the mechanical keyboard space becomes more mainstream, more options are always being added for people looking for clicky keyboards. Whether you are on a budget or just want an excellent wireless option, the Royal Kludge RK61 is hard to go wrong with, and the recently released Razer Pro Type will certainly hit a few checkpoints for click keyboard enthusiasts.

  • best gaming keyboard deals
    HyperX Alloy Origins Core Gaming Keyboard
    Best Overall Clicky Keyboard
    $80 at Amazon
  • MSI VIGOR GK50 ELITE TKL GAMING KEYBOARD
    MSI VIGOR GK50 ELITE TKL Gaming Keyboard
    Best Mid-Range Clicky Keyboard
    $36 at Amazon
  • RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
    RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
    Best Budget Clicky Keyboard
    $47 at Walmart
  • Razer Pro Type Ultra
    Razer Pro Type Ultra
    Best Wireless Clicky Keyboard
    $160 at Amazon
  • Logitech G915 Lightspeed
    Logitech G915 Lightspeed
    Best Premium Clicky Keyboard
    $190 at Amazon
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    Razer Huntsman Mini Gaming Keyboard
    Best Compact Clicky Keyboard
    $93 at Amazon
  • 71hdk4PnJFL._AC_SX679_
    Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
    Best Full-Size Clicky Keyboard
    $110 at Best Buy
  • Keychron Q3 Keyboard in blue colorway
    Keychron Q3
    Most Customizable Clicky Keyboard
    $194 at Keychron
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Best Wireless Gaming Keyboards in 2024

Wireless gaming keyboards are an excellent way to keep gaming setups looking clean, plus there are tons that offer best-in-class gaming performance.

While clicky keyboards may seem a nuisance to some users, some love them, and the clicking sounds are therapeutic. They have a nostalgic element, and people used to the typing sounds of older keyboards and typewriters will appreciate the design. This guide highlights the best clicky keyboards in 2024.

The Best Clicky Keyboards in 2024

HyperX is well known for its gaming headsets and mice, but not so much for its keyboards. The Alloy Origins TKL aims to put HyperX keyboards on the map with a fully aluminum case, gorgeous RGB lighting, and excellent performance. The Alloy Origins is perfect for gamers looking for a workhorse keyboard that can game and make accomplishing everyday tasks a joy, all at a reasonably affordable price.

This keyboard has three switches to choose from, but gamers should be looking at the HyperX blue option for clicky switches. These switches look and feel like Cherry clicky switches, but they have a slightly lighter actuation force of 50g instead of 60g, which makes it easier to use this keyboard for longer periods. However, the keycaps on the Alloy Origins TKL are shiny and feel cheap, which is a bit disappointing, but they can easily be replaced with keycaps of higher quality if gamers want.

Even after adding a nicer set of keycaps, the Alloy Origins TKL still has an excellent price-to-performance ratio, especially when compared to similarly performing keyboards like the Razer Huntsman. Plus, the TKL form factor is a perfect option for pretty much any gamer; it fits on even the smallest desks, but still has enough room for dedicated arrow keys and a function row.

The MSI Vigor GK50 TKL sits at a similar performance level to the HyperX Alloy Origins TKL but at an even more affordable price point. This keyboard is meant to be taken anywhere and everywhere for gaming with no compromises while on the go, and it accomplishes that task easily. Gaming with the GK50 TKL Elite is an absolute joy. From FPS games to MMOs, this keyboard feels responsive and precise.

In Game ZXC's MSI Vigor GK50 TKL review, we found that the keyboard offering a 1,000Hz polling rate and a comfortable gaming experience, all while being very portable, makes it perfect for any player who is looking to travel to gaming conventions or competitions, or who just want a smaller keyboard for their desk. While the GK50 TKL is not the most ergonomic keyboard, it is very comfortable for gaming and even working for long periods. Plus, thanks to its three adjustable typing angles, pretty much every gamer can find an option that works best for them.

Whether gaming on the go or at a desk, this keyboard is an absolute beast. The travel distance of the Kahil Blue made it easy to actuate movements, but it isn't too short, making accidental key presses a non-issue. Although, as far as gaming on the go is concerned, it would be nice if this keyboard had a wireless option, but at this price point, it is hard to complain.

If you are looking for an incredibly affordable clicky keyboard, it is hard to go wrong with the Royal Kludge RK61. This keyboard perfectly combines excellent build quality with a fantastic typing feel, all for under $50. That is a pretty rare combination.

At this price point, many keyboards are not made to last the test of time, but the RK61 feels incredibly durable. Despite its small frame, it feels hefty and does not move around the desk when typing on it, but it is still easy enough to pack up and game on the go, if needed.

Like many of the other keyboards in this guide, the RK61 can be used with linear, tactile, or clicky switches. Of course, if you want the full clicky experience of this keyboard, Game ZXC recommends using the clicky switches from Royal Kludge. These are not the best clicky switches available, but for a budget keyboard, they are pretty amazing. Plus, thanks to the hot-swappable PCB, you can easily swap these switches out for whatever you prefer.

Razer has been doing exceptionally well with its mechanical keyboards lately, and the Razer Pro Type is another excellent model that is a clicky keyboard fan delight. This keyboard is unapologetically loud and clicky with every key press, and the wireless connection is rock solid for gaming and general work.

This keyboard is part of Razer's professional lineup, so along with the excellent performance and build they are known for, the Pro Type has a much more office-friendly design instead of their usual gamer aesthetics. This might be a downside for some, but this keyboard looks gorgeous in pretty much any setting. Despite being a pre-built keyboard from Razer, the Pro Type has a much more similar look to boutique keyboard brands or even some custom keyboards.

Using Razer's Clicky Yellow Switches, the Pro Type delivers a very satisfying typing experience. The stabilizers do an excellent job of making the click of every keypress not overbearing, but they don't mute them to a point where it takes away from the auditory experience of using this keyboard. However, Game ZXC would recommend checking with your work neighbors to see if the sound is okay before you start typing with this keyboard near them.

While not nearly as affordable as the MSI Vigor GK50 TKL, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed makes up for its higher price tag with some excellent performance and a ton of features. With a gorgeous low-profile design, awesome clicky switches, and one of the best wireless connections available, the G915 Lightspeed is an excellent option for anyone who wants a premium keyboard that can do it all.

Whether gamers choose to use clicky switches or not, Logitech's low-profile switches are some of the best-feeling low-profile switches. When first typing on this keyboard, it kind of feels like using an Apple keyboard, but with a much better clicky feel and a zippy response time. Despite a bit of keycap wiggle, because of their low-profile nature, typing feels very stable, and with the combination of clicky switches, typing up a paper or playing games feels fantastic.

Logitech has blown other wireless gaming products out of the water since releasing their Lightspeed technology. Connection dropouts and lag are non-issues when using the G915; gaming on it feels like using a wired keyboard. Plus, with the fantastic battery life, this keyboard can be used for up to 96 hours with the RGB lighting on, without needing a recharge.

Compact 60% keyboards are not for everyone, just like clicky switches are not for everyone. But for gamers using a small desk or people who want more room for their mouse, a 60% keyboard is the way to go, and there is no better option than the Razer Huntsman Mini. This tiny keyboard is only 11 inches wide and uses Razer's optical clicky switches, which feel amazing when typing.

The Best 60 Percent Keyboards for 2024 Thumb
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The Best 60 Percent Keyboards for 2024

These 60% keyboards are an excellent option for gamers who want a compact and powerful gaming experience.

Despite having a shorter travel distance and lighter actuation force than the standard clicky switch, the Cherry MX Blue Razer optical clicky switches bring that same feeling and sound that all clicky users love. Plus, the shorter distance and lighter force make typing for long periods less tiring, and in gaming, it is easy to make quick movements. However, if gamers come from a full-size or even a TKL keyboard, adjusting to a 60% keyboard has a bit of a learning curve.

For gamers who can't stand the feeling of a small keyboard and want a ton of media buttons and room to spread out while typing, look no further than the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2. This keyboard is built to last and feels fantastic to type on. Despite its higher price tag, it is a worthy investment for gamers who want a keyboard they can expect to game with for years to come.

Compared to the Razer Huntsman Mini, the K70 RGB MK.2 looks like a behemoth. However, this keyboard has very little wasted space, and even with its large footprint, which can include a detachable wrist rest, the size does not feel excessive. The aluminum chassis makes this keyboard feel much fancier than its plastic counterparts, like the Logitech G613. Plus, it is much more resistant to sweaty hand stains.

Unlike many other keyboard companies that have turned to using their in-house mechanical switches, Corsair still offers the tried and true Cherry MX switches with this keyboard. The combination of the premium chassis, excellent keycaps, and Cherry MX Blue switches will make any clicky keyboard fan swoon about how nice it feels to type and game with this keyboard.

DIY keyboards and customizable keyboards are excellent ways to get into the world of mechanical keyboards, especially if gamers want to try out a bunch of different switches. Many brands are offering hot-swappable keyboards now, but few do it as well as Keychron. The Keychron Q3 is a very accessible way to get into the world of DIY keyboards, and the form factor is a great middle-ground that works well for most gamers.

Like the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, the Keychron Q3 has an aluminum chassis, which gives an excellent solid base to type and game on. This customizable keyboard can be purchased fully assembled or as a bare-bones kit, depending on the level of DIY gamers want to dive into. If gamers want to go with the pre-built version, it comes with Gateron G Pro Blue switches as the clicky option, and they are an absolute joy to type on.

However, for people just getting into DIY keyboards, be warned that it is hard to escape once the rabbit hole is revealed. Customizable keyboards offer a world of possibilities that is exciting, but also unhealthy for the wallet.

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The Most Customizable Keyboards in 2024

Keyboards can evolve along with a gamer's style and preferences. These are the best keyboards for anyone looking for top-of-the-line customization!

Choosing Clicky Keyboards For The Win

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Clicky keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, and with how popular DIY keyboards are becoming, it is much more accessible to try out a clicky keyboard to see if it is the right fit. With that being said, there are thousands of options to choose from, but as long as gamers keep in mind these factors for finding the best clicky keyboard, the search will be much more straightforward.

  • Build Quality: The keyboard should be durable enough to last for at least a couple of years, and having user-replaceable parts also makes this factor much easier to fulfill.
  • Performance: Whether users want to use these keyboards for gaming or typical everyday tasks, the keyboard's performance should not hinder the experience at all.
  • Typing Experience: While switches play a significant role, the typing experience also includes ergonomic and creature comfort designs that make the keyboard a joy to use.
  • System Compatibility: People should go for clicky keyboards that are compatible with their devices' hardware and software. The best keyboards are highly adaptable and will work with numerous platforms and systems with zero modifications.
  • Connectivity Technology: Regarding connectivity technology, customers have the option of wireless or wired keyboards. Wireless keyboards mainly connect to other devices via Bluetooth. They allow maximum movement, making them ideal for gamers who love shifting their positions without moving the entire setup. Wireless keyboards have a chargeable battery that users should charge for it to work. Wired keyboards are easier to maintain and perfect for users who don't move around often. Gamers don't have to charge wired keyboards to use them. Wireless-wired hybrid keyboards have diverse connectivity technologies; players can use them as wired or wireless.

Regardless of what clicky keyboard people decide to go with, as long as it hits all these factors, it will be an excellent keyboard.

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The Best Membrane Keyboards for 2024

In the era of mechanical switches, these membrane keyboards pack a punch with great customizability, aesthetics, and reliability at affordable prices.

FAQ

Q: Are clicky keyboards loud?

Clicky switches are typically the loudest mechanical switches out of the three main options, but if keyboard cases include enough sound-dampening foam, they will not be annoyingly loud. Of course, some gamers love the louder sound that clicky switches provide, so it's up to personal preference to include sound dampening.

Q: What color switch is the quietest?

Following the standards set by Cherry MX switches, red switches tend to be the quietest option. Most of the time, red switches are linear switches that don't have the clicking mechanism like clicky switches do. But with more mechanical switch companies popping up, that color scheme does not always translate.

Q: Why do people like clicky keyboards?

As its name hints, it is a clicky keyboard that clicks when users press the key, reminiscent of typewriters. It is a special mechanical keyboard with switches that produce the clicking sound. Some gamers prefer them due to the tactile response and nostalgic element.

Q: What is the best clicky switch for gaming?

The HyperX blue switches are one of the best clicky switches for gaming as they are all about ultra-fast reaction speed and durability. They are also lightweight and give tactile solid feedback with a clean clicking sound. Gamers can get it with the HyperX Alloy Origins Core Gaming Keyboard.