10 Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards 2025 in the United States

The RK Royal Kludge S98 is a compact 96-key mechanical keyboard designed with gamers in mind. It offers hot-swappable switches, allowing users to easily change mechanical switches without soldering, which is ideal for customizing keyboard feel. The top-mount design and sound-absorbing foams contribute to a quieter, more pleasant typing experience with creamy and natural key feedback. It features a smart display that shows useful information such as connection mode, battery status, and custom images, adding a unique flair. The rotary knob enables quick adjustments of volume, lighting, and other settings, enhancing convenience.

Connectivity options are versatile, including Bluetooth 5.0, a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and USB-C wired mode, ensuring stable connections across various devices. The RGB backlighting is fully customizable, enhancing the gaming atmosphere. The build uses durable double-shot PBT keycaps that resist wear and provide a good tactile feel. The keyboard’s 96-key layout is compact yet functional, effectively balancing desk space and key availability.

While it supports programmable keys and macros through software, these features might be somewhat limited compared to some high-end gaming keyboards. It may also lack certain advanced gaming-specific features such as dedicated macro keys or ultra-high polling rates that hardcore gamers sometimes seek. The RK Royal Kludge S98 is a solid choice for gamers seeking a versatile, customizable, and well-built mechanical keyboard with wireless freedom, especially for those who value quiet typing and a neat compact layout.

The Redragon K580 PRO Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard is a versatile option for gamers thanks to its multiple connectivity modes, including USB-C wired, Bluetooth 3.0/5.0, and 2.4Ghz wireless. This flexibility means you can use it in various setups, whether you're on a PC or a gaming console. The linear red switches provide a smooth and quiet keypress, suitable for both gaming and typing, though they might lack the tactile feedback some gamers prefer.

One standout feature is the hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to easily change switches without soldering, which is great for customization enthusiasts. With 104 keys and dedicated multimedia controls, you can manage your media without pausing your game, and the volume/backlight adjust wheel adds extra convenience. The RGB backlighting is fully customizable, enhancing the visual appeal, especially in low-light environments.

Five programmable macro keys allow for on-the-fly macro recording, which can be very useful in complex gaming scenarios. The build quality appears solid, although at 3.3 pounds, it might be on the heavier side if you're planning on frequent transportation. The keyboard's design is modern and ergonomic, but its size might not be ideal for those with limited desk space. While its software support adds additional customization options, users who prefer a plug-and-play experience might find it a bit cumbersome. With a high customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, it’s clear the keyboard is well-received, making it a reliable choice for serious gamers looking for a feature-rich mechanical keyboard.