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10 Best MX Keyboards 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard – Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor - 8-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water & Dust Resistant – Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch – Gaming Grade Anti-Ghosting,Black

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,323
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
13274 reviews

Build Quality
The build quality feels solid, and the keys are responsive, making it a reliable and high-quality choice.
Backlighting
The RGB lighting adds a great touch to any setup, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard stands out with its tenkeyless design, making it a compact and convenient choice for gamers who want to save desk space while maximizing comfort and performance. The whisper-quiet tactile and silent switches are designed for durability, promising over 20 million keypresses, which is excellent for long-term use without fear of noise disturbance. The anti-ghosting feature ensures accurate keystrokes during intense gaming sessions, which is critical for maintaining in-game precision.

The build quality is robust, with IP32 water and dust resistance, providing extra durability against accidental spills and dust particles. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers who may have drinks nearby during long gaming sessions. The keyboard's RGB backlighting is customizable with 8-zone illumination, allowing for a personalized gaming experience with various color options and effects. The dedicated multimedia controls, including a clickable volume roller and media keys, offer added convenience for adjusting settings without interrupting gameplay.

However, it's important to note that the keyboard is wired, which may limit mobility compared to wireless options. Also, while its compact design is great for saving space, the absence of a numeric keypad might be a drawback for users who require it for tasks beyond gaming. In summary, the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is a solid choice for gamers who prioritize a compact, durable, and quiet keyboard with customizable lighting and multimedia controls. Its strengths lie in its durability, quiet operation, and space-saving design, though the lack of a numeric keypad and wired connectivity are considerations to keep in mind.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,323
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
13274 reviews

Build Quality
The build quality feels solid, and the keys are responsive, making it a reliable and high-quality choice.
Backlighting
The RGB lighting adds a great touch to any setup, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
#2

SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard — Adjustable Actuation — OLED Screen — RGB – USB Passthrough​

Rating
9.8
Switch Type
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
6386 reviews

Switch Type
The OmniPoint switches are super smooth and eliminate the scratchiness of linear MX switches, making key presses feel like floating over the brushed aluminum base.
Build Quality
The keyboard offers excellent build quality and the included wrist rest adds comfort during long gaming sessions.
Backlighting
The RGB lighting is fantastic, with bright and vibrant effects that spill over the board, creating a very cool and clean lighting effect.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard stands out with its innovative OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches, which offer 40 levels of per-key actuation, providing an exceptional level of customization. This feature allows gamers to set keys for ultra-fast or deep presses, enhancing the gaming experience by reducing accidental key presses and latency. The inclusion of 2-in-1 action keys further adds to its versatility, allowing different actions based on key pressure, such as walking or sprinting in-game.

The rapid trigger mechanism ensures faster response times, making it a great choice for competitive gaming. The OLED Smart Display is a handy addition, providing quick access to information from games and apps, while the clickable metal roller and media key offer additional control options. The RGB backlighting enhances the visual appeal and can be customized to fit personal preferences.

The keyboard's build quality is robust, and the included wrist rest adds to comfort during long gaming sessions. USB passthrough is another practical feature, allowing easy connection of additional devices. However, this keyboard might be overkill for casual users who do not need such high levels of customization. Its price point could be another consideration, as it may be on the higher end for those looking for a standard gaming keyboard. Additionally, the extensive customization options might have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with such advanced features. It's an excellent choice for serious gamers who value high performance and extensive customization in their gaming peripherals.

Rating
9.8
Switch Type
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
6386 reviews

Switch Type
The OmniPoint switches are super smooth and eliminate the scratchiness of linear MX switches, making key presses feel like floating over the brushed aluminum base.
Build Quality
The keyboard offers excellent build quality and the included wrist rest adds comfort during long gaming sessions.
Backlighting
The RGB lighting is fantastic, with bright and vibrant effects that spill over the board, creating a very cool and clean lighting effect.
#3

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard — Esports Tenkeyless — OLED Screen — Adjustable Actuation — PBT Keycaps — Bluetooth — 2.4GHz — USB-C

Rating
9.6
Switch Type
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
6386 reviews

Switch Type
Adjustable actuation is a game-changer, allowing customization of key sensitivity to fit playstyle perfectly.
Build Quality
The build quality is outstanding, with a solid aluminum frame that feels premium and durable.
Backlighting
The RGB lighting is vibrant and tastefully done, creating a cool and clean lighting effect.
Form Factor
The TKL design saves space while still feeling comfortable to use.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard is designed for gamers seeking high performance and customization. It features OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches, allowing you to set the actuation point for each key from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, which is ideal for both rapid and precise inputs. The keyboard offers a robust gaming experience with 40 levels of per-key actuation, which can greatly enhance gameplay by enabling light touches for quick actions and deeper presses for more deliberate controls.

Additionally, the rapid trigger mechanism helps reduce latency, making it 20 times faster than traditional mechanical keyboards and offering 11 times faster response times. The build quality is premium, featuring an aluminum top plate that ensures durability. PBT keycaps add further to its longevity and tactile feel. The TKL (Tenkeyless) form factor is compact and perfect for esports, freeing up desk space while still providing full-size functionality. Backlighting is fully customizable RGB, enhancing the visual appeal and allowing you to match your setup's aesthetics.

Connectivity options include lag-free Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless with both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.0, as well as a detachable USB-C for wired use. An OLED screen adds an extra layer of control and customization directly on the keyboard. However, it comes with a higher price tag, which might be a consideration for some buyers. Also, while the Tenkeyless design is advantageous for gaming, it might not suit users who rely heavily on the number pad for productivity tasks. This keyboard is best suited for gamers, especially those involved in esports, who need high customization and performance from their equipment.

Rating
9.6
Switch Type
Build Quality
Backlighting

Most important from
6386 reviews

Switch Type
Adjustable actuation is a game-changer, allowing customization of key sensitivity to fit playstyle perfectly.
Build Quality
The build quality is outstanding, with a solid aluminum frame that feels premium and durable.
Backlighting
The RGB lighting is vibrant and tastefully done, creating a cool and clean lighting effect.
Form Factor
The TKL design saves space while still feeling comfortable to use.

Buying Guide for the Best MX Keyboards

When it comes to picking the right mechanical keyboard, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Mechanical keyboards are known for their durability, tactile feedback, and customization options. To make an informed decision, you should understand the key specifications and how they align with your usage patterns, whether you're a gamer, a typist, or someone who uses a keyboard for general purposes.
Switch TypeThe switch type is the mechanism beneath each key that registers a keypress. This is a crucial spec because it affects the feel and sound of the keyboard. There are three main types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming. Tactile switches have a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which is great for typing as it provides feedback that the key has been pressed. Clicky switches are similar to tactile but also produce an audible click, which some users find satisfying but can be noisy. Choose a switch type based on whether you prioritize speed, feedback, or sound.
Key Rollover and Anti-GhostingKey rollover refers to the number of keys that can be pressed simultaneously and still be registered by the keyboard. Anti-ghosting ensures that extra keystrokes are not registered when multiple keys are pressed. These specs are particularly important for gamers who may need to press multiple keys at once. Keyboards can have 6-key rollover (6KRO) or N-key rollover (NKRO), where N means any number of keys. For general use or typing, 6KRO is usually sufficient, but for gaming, NKRO is preferable to ensure all your keypresses are accurately registered.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the keyboard. A well-built keyboard will be more durable and provide a better typing experience. Keyboards can be made from plastic, aluminum, or other metals. Plastic keyboards are lighter and more affordable, but may not be as durable. Metal keyboards are sturdier and often have a premium feel, but they can be heavier. Consider how often you will be moving your keyboard and whether you need something more portable or more durable.
Keycap MaterialKeycap material affects the feel and durability of the keys. The two most common materials are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). ABS keycaps are smooth and can become shiny over time with use, but they are generally more affordable. PBT keycaps are more durable, resistant to wear, and have a textured feel, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts. If you type a lot or want a keyboard that will look good for a long time, PBT keycaps are a better choice.
BacklightingBacklighting refers to the illumination of the keys, which can be useful in low-light environments and can also add an aesthetic appeal to your keyboard. There are single-color backlighting options and RGB backlighting, which allows for customizable colors and effects. If you often work or play in dimly lit rooms, backlighting can be very helpful. RGB backlighting is more about personal preference and can be a fun way to customize your setup. Choose based on your lighting needs and aesthetic preferences.
Form FactorForm factor refers to the size and layout of the keyboard. The most common form factors are full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), and compact. Full-size keyboards include a number pad, function keys, and navigation keys, making them ideal for users who need a complete set of keys. TKL keyboards omit the number pad, saving space while still providing most of the keys you need. Compact keyboards, such as 60% or 75% layouts, are even smaller and more portable, but may require some adjustment if you're used to a full-size layout. Choose a form factor based on your space constraints and how many keys you need.

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