Clicky keyboards are not for everyone. They are louder than mostmechanical keyboardsand certainly louder thanpurpose-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 andeveryday 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.
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Q3
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 Alloy Origins Core Gaming Keyboard
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a compact mechanical keyboard featuring durable HyperX Mechanical Switches, designed to withstand 80 million keystrokes. Constructed with a full aircraft-grade aluminum body, it ensures long-lasting performance and stability. Its ultra-compact and portable design is complemented by a detachable cable, making it convenient for on-the-go use.The keyboard also boasts striking RGB lighting, which can be customized with dynamic effects using the HyperX Ngenuity software. This advanced software enables users to tailor the keyboard’s functionality and aesthetics to their preferences, creating a personalized experience.
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.
MSI VIGOR GK50 ELITE TKL Gaming Keyboard
The Vigor GK50 Low Profile is a tenkeyless form factor version of the award-winning full-size keyboard. With Kailh’s low-profile switches and a classic sleek, yet sturdy design, players can start gaming on the go without compromises. The included scratch-resistant, breathable drawstring bag provides easy storage and effortless on-the-go travel. Armed with Kailh Low Profile mechanical switches in blue, red, or white, players can feel the outstanding feedback of a 50gf clicky keystroke.
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 Rant’sMSI 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.
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
The RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is a small, 60% compact gaming keyboard that includes everything from RGB to mechanical switches. It’s one of the very few options out there for mechanical keyboards on a budget, but their house brand “RK” blue, brown, and red switches stand out when playing games. This is a hot-swappable keyboard, meaning users can swap out the key switches with ease.
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 Rant 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 Pro Type Ultra
The Razer Pro Type Ultra is the perfect wireless keyboard for workers who seek the advanced features and performance of high-end gaming keyboards. This wireless keyboard is designed for fast, quiet, and mistake-free typing to enhance productivity and promote a peaceful office environment. Benefiting from effortless keypresses and a luxurious wrist rest, the Pro Type Ultra also excels ergonomically. With dual Bluetooth and HyperSpeed RF technology, buyers can connect to the keyboard and easily switch between up to four devices.
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 Rant would recommend checking with your work neighbors to see if the sound is okay before you start typing with this keyboard near them.
Logitech G915 Lightspeed
While it retails at a price point many may consider expensive, the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED is a capable wireless gaming keyboard. Equipped with low-profile mechanical switches, users get the same performance as mechanical switches, but at a lower height. The G915 is built to last as it comes in an ultraslim design that’s made with aircraft-standard aluminum alloy.
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.
Razer Huntsman Mini Gaming Keyboard
The Razer Huntsman Mini boasts Razer Linear Optical switch technology, which utilizes optical beam-based actuation for key presses at the speed of light. This results in a 15-30% shorter actuation distance of 1.0 mm compared to other linear switches.For an enhanced gaming experience, this keyboard offers ultimate personalization with Razer Chroma, syncing with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from over 30 partners. This enables support for 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys. Designed with quality in mind, the Huntsman Mini features a matte, aluminum top frame that increases structural integrity and durability.
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.
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.
The CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 is a premium mechanical gaming keyboard built to last. Equipped with a lightweight durable aluminum frame and 100% CHERRY MX gold-plated contact key switches, it boasts the reliability and accuracy gamers demand. Powerful CORSAIR iCUE software enables sophisticated macro programming, vivid dynamic multicolor illumination, and full system lighting synchronization. With 8MB of dedicated onboard memory and hardware playback, players can take all of their settings with them. A host of extras, including a USB pass-through, dedicated multimedia controls, a detachable soft-touch wrist rest, and textured FPS and MOBA keycaps, make it easy to call the shots and minimize interruptions. It’s the most amazing K70 keyboard yet.
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.
The Keychron Q3 is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard to push the typing experience to the top. Built with a full aluminum CNC machined body, double-gasket design, and QMK/VIA support, the Q3 is designed for premium typing comfort and endless possibilities.
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.
Choosing Clicky Keyboards For The Win
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.
Regardless of what clicky keyboard people decide to go with, as long as it hits all these factors, it will be an excellent keyboard.
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.
