10 Best Mechanical Keyboards 2025 in the United States

The SteelSeries Apex 5 is a hybrid mechanical gaming keyboard that blends the tactile, clicky feel of blue mechanical switches with the smoothness of a membrane, offering a unique typing experience. It features an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, making it solid and durable without being too heavy. With a full 104-key layout, this keyboard supports per-key RGB lighting, allowing you to customize colors and reactive effects for each key, which is great for gaming ambiance and visibility in low light. The included premium magnetic wrist rest adds comfort for longer sessions. It also has an OLED smart display above the keys, letting you see game stats, messages, or custom images, which is a nice touch for gamers who want quick info at a glance. In terms of connectivity, it uses USB and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation, making it versatile across systems.

Being a hybrid switch, it might not satisfy purists who prefer fully mechanical switches for their consistency and durability. While the keyboard supports anti-ghosting and key rollover common in gaming keyboards, specific details about the rollover capability aren't highlighted, so heavy fast typists might want to double-check if it meets their needs. The keyboard also lacks dedicated macro keys, which some advanced gamers might miss for custom commands. The Apex 5 stands as a robust, feature-filled keyboard well-suited for gamers who want customizable lighting, durability, and convenient smart display features without committing entirely to traditional mechanical switches.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless is a high-end mechanical keyboard designed mainly for gamers who want speed, customization, and a compact layout. It features SteelSeries’ unique OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic switches, allowing you to set the actuation point anywhere from 0.1mm to 4.0mm. This means you can customize key sensitivity for different actions, like having quick taps for movement keys and deeper presses for more deliberate commands, which can improve reaction times and reduce mistakes. It also supports 2-in-1 action keys, letting you assign two different commands to a single key depending on how hard you press it, a novel feature that adds flexibility. The keyboard offers full N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, ensuring every key press registers even during intense gaming.

The tenkeyless (TKL) layout is great if you prefer a smaller keyboard without the number pad, saving desk space but keeping essential keys accessible. Build quality is solid, with a premium aluminum top plate and durable PBT keycaps that resist wear over time. Its wireless connection is very reliable, combining 2.4GHz and Bluetooth options to minimize lag, which is crucial for fast-paced esports. RGB backlighting adds visual appeal and can be customized per key, and the small OLED screen provides useful information and quick access to settings. Programmability is strong, with software support for setting macros and configuring keys to your liking.

One downside is that the battery-powered wireless setup requires regular charging, and while the TKL design suits many gamers, users who rely on a numpad might find it limiting. Additionally, the premium features come with a higher price tag compared to standard mechanical keyboards. For those who value cutting-edge switch technology, excellent build quality, and wireless freedom in a compact esports-focused board, the Apex Pro TKL presents a compelling option.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard stands out in the mechanical keyboard category, particularly for gamers seeking a highly customizable and responsive experience. One of its main strengths is the OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches, which allow users to set their own actuation points for each key. This means you can adjust how sensitive keys are, making it easier to differentiate between a light tap and a deeper press. This feature can enhance gameplay, as it provides quicker reactions without accidental triggers on critical keys like WASD.

The keyboard's build quality is robust, and it includes a wrist rest, which adds comfort during long gaming sessions. The RGB backlighting is another highlight, offering vibrant color options that can be customized to match your gaming setup. Additionally, the OLED smart display provides useful information from games and apps, enhancing the user experience.

The keyboard may feel overwhelming for users who prefer a more straightforward setup. The advanced features like 2-in-1 action keys and extensive programmability might take time to learn, which could deter casual users. Its wired nature may also be a drawback for those who prefer wireless options, although the USB passthrough is a helpful addition for connecting other devices. If you're a gamer who values speed, customizable controls, and comfort, the Apex Pro could be a great addition to your setup.