Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: How to Choose the Right Size, Switches and Connection

A mechanical gaming keyboard can improve your typing comfort, free up desk space and offer plenty of customisation options. But you still need to navigate the spec sheets, which are often packed with terms that don't necessarily guarantee an experience suited to your needs.

Before you place an order, three common pitfalls keep cropping up:

• Confusing backlighting with customisable RGB: some keyboards only offer fixed lighting or a handful of preset effects. Check the number of available modes, whether configuration software is included and if it's compatible with your system.
• Choosing a format that's too compact: a 60 % keyboard frees up space for your mouse, but usually removes the function row and navigation keys. A 75 % or 80 % model keeps more controls while still being compact.
• Overlooking the QWERTY US layout: it may suit gamers and users who are used to it, but it differs from French AZERTY. Check the keycap legends and shortcuts before confirming your purchase.

Technical Specs to Check Before You Buy

1. Size: 60 %, 75 %, 80 % or 98 %

The percentage roughly indicates the keyboard's size compared to a full-size model.

• Compact 60 % keyboard: around 61 keys, with no number pad, function row or dedicated navigation cluster. It suits small desks and gamers who mainly use shortcuts.
• 75 % keyboard: it keeps the arrow keys, function keys and several useful controls in a tighter layout. This is a particularly practical compromise for gaming, remote working or taking your keyboard on the go.
• 80 % or TKL keyboard: typically has 87 keys, retains the function row and navigation cluster, but does away with the number pad.
• 98 % keyboard: it includes almost all the keys of a full-size model, with the number pad integrated into a more compact structure.

If you regularly work with spreadsheets, the number pad is a real comfort. For a gaming setup where your mouse needs plenty of room to move, a 75 % or 80 % keyboard leaves more space on your desk.

2. Switches: Linear, Tactile or Clicky

Linear switches offer a smooth, consistent travel with no noticeable bump. They're often favoured for games that require repeated presses, as well as for their fluid typing feel. Tactile switches add a perceptible bump under your finger, while clicky switches produce an audible click with every press.

The right choice depends mainly on your environment and habits:

• In a shared office or for late-night gaming, avoid clicky switches without checking their noise level first.
• For everyday typing, compare the actuation force, travel distance and feedback feel.
• A stated lifespan, for example 50 million keystrokes, is a figure provided by the manufacturer. It isn't enough on its own to predict the overall keyboard's longevity.

3. Connection and Customisation

A wired mechanical keyboard with USB Type-C saves you from having to recharge a battery and guarantees a stable connection. It's particularly well suited to desktop setups and gamers who value simplicity.

A wireless mechanical keyboard can offer several connection modes:

• Bluetooth for laptops, tablets and smartphones;
• 2.4 GHz with a USB receiver for a dedicated wireless link;
• USB wired for charging or continuous use.

Check how many devices can be stored, the battery life and whether the USB receiver is included. For customising the keyboard, hot-swap lets you replace switches without soldering, as long as they're compatible with the 3-pin or 5-pin sockets. A programmable keyboard can also let you remap keys, macros, lighting or the function of a volume wheel.

The gasket mount structure, when combined with damping foam, changes the typing feel and resonance. It doesn't guarantee a silent keyboard, though: the switches, keycaps and the force you apply remain the deciding factors.

Our Selection Based on Your Profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a Budget

AJAZZ AK820 75 % — Wired Mechanical Keyboard

Why this choice suits this profile: its 75 % size and wired USB Type-C connection let you start with a compact setup without having to worry about battery life.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size keeps the arrow keys and main function keys, while hot-swap means you don't have to replace the whole keyboard to change the typing feel.

Key advantage and highlights

Interchangeable linear switches, PBT keycaps, gasket mount structure, volume wheel and RGB backlighting with multiple modes.

Recommended for: High-End Enthusiasts

Ticktype EVO75 Custom — Tri-Mode Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Why this choice suits this profile: its aluminium case, tri-mode connection and VIA compatibility appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy tailoring their keyboard to their workspace and gaming setup alike.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The spec sheet mentions a 75 % size, hot-swap and quick disassembly. That makes maintenance and modifications easier without having to get the soldering iron out straight away.

Key advantage and highlights

Wired, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connection, interchangeable switches, leaf spring mount, QWERTY US keycaps and a stated 8,000 mAh battery.

Recommended for: Specific Uses and Heavy Users

KEYSME Lunar 01 80 % — Tri-Mode Mechanical Keyboard

Why this choice suits this profile: it's aimed at users who regularly switch between a computer, tablet or smartphone, as well as those looking for a programmable keyboard with a distinctive style.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The three connection modes mean you're not tied to a single device, while hot-swap lets you upgrade the switches rather than replacing the whole keyboard to change the typing feel.

Key advantage and highlights

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and USB Type-C, 4,000 mAh battery, PBT keycaps, programmable wheel, customisation software and compatibility with Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

Is a mechanical keyboard suitable for remote working?

Yes, as long as you choose switches whose noise level suits your environment. Linear or tactile models are generally quieter than clicky ones, but the noise also depends on the keycaps, the keyboard's structure and how hard you type. A Bluetooth connection can also make it easier to switch between a work computer and a personal device.

How long does a mechanical keyboard last?

It depends on the switches, the circuit board, the stabilisers, how you use it and how you maintain it. The figures quoted by manufacturers, such as 50 million keystrokes, usually apply to switches under specific conditions. A hot-swap model is still easier to maintain, though: if a switch fails, the faulty one can be replaced without desoldering the whole board.

Does QWERTY US cause problems in the UK?

It may take some getting used to, particularly for accents, the position of certain keys and shortcuts. Windows and macOS let you select different layouts in the settings, but the legends printed on the keycaps remain those of the physical keyboard. So check this point carefully before buying, especially if you regularly write in French.