Whether you are logging in to Steam to unwind after a long day or rushing out a detailed report for work, there is no denying that mechanical keyboards provide a more tactile and enjoyable user experience. And when it comes to mechanical keyboards, few products rival those from Keychron. So if you are planning on getting a new Keychron mechanical keyboard for gaming or work, we have you covered. Here are our picks for the best Keychron keyboards depending on your budget.
Best Keychron Keyboard – Keychron Q5 (S$240 to S$250)
Keychron’s Q series of mechanical keyboards cannot quite reach the lofty heights of specific custom builds. But they do get pretty close, and at a fraction of the cost. There is also the added benefit of not having to wait for your custom keyboard to be built and shipped directly to your home.
Such is the case with the Keychron Q5, which boasts just about every premium feature of a custom build at less than half the price. With that said, the Q5 is still on the more expensive end of a pre-build mechanical keyboard. So we would only recommend this option if budget is less of a concern.
Nevertheless, the Keychron Q5 still represents excellent value, which may seem like a strange thing to say about a $250 keyboard. Of course, the typing quality is fantastic, as you would expect of a high-end mechanical keyboard. However, the standout feature is its range of customisation.
You can replace or alter any component of the Keychron Q5, from the top plate, the switches, and the keycaps to the case foam within the board. It even includes a toolkit to make any changes easier. So whether you are a modification enthusiast who loves to tinker with your keyboard or a newbie looking to jump into the deep end of the mechanical keyboard pool, the Q5 has you covered.
Learn More: Customise Your Keychron Q5 Barebone Kit With Knob With Akko Keycap
Best Mid-range Keyboard – Keychron K10 (S$140)
The Keychron K10 presents an excellent budget option for users constantly on the go. Offering a wireless experience, you can connect up to three devices using Bluetooth. Moreover, with a battery life of up to 70 hours with backlighting on (or up to 240 hours without), you never have to fret about charging it frequently.
Additionally, like the other mechanical keyboards in Keychron’s K series, the K10 contains a compatibility toggle, allowing you to switch between different operating systems. It even includes extra system-specific keycaps.
As for the typing experience, the K10 feels and sounds good right out of the box. The stock Gateron G Pro switches feel great to the touch. The same goes for the keycaps (even though they are made of ABS plastic) and the keys, which are very stable. Of course, you can still opt to change the switches with a hot-swappable version if you desire.
Best Budget Keyboard – Keychron V1 (S$100)
Just because you are working with a tight budget does not you must sacrifice quality. The Keychron V1 offers the best of both worlds, combining the features of the premium Q series and the budget-friendly K series keyboards in a well-built and customisable unit. All of that at an attractive price point of S$100!
This mechanical keyboard features a durable plastic frame rather than solid aluminium, making it lighter but less premium-feeling than its Q Series counterparts. Otherwise, you can expect the same PBT keycaps and the broad range of customisation options available to the Q5, allowing you to replace the keycaps, stabilisers, switches, or case foam.
The V1 is also compatible with VIA companion software. So you can develop profiles with customised macros, key assignments, and RGB lighting on various desktop operating systems.
Do note that the V1 utilises Keychron branded switches, which feel identical to Gateron switches. However, the former contains a box around the stem to minimise side-to-side key wobble. As a result, they may feel scratchy. Fortunately, applying lube can help smooth the typing experience.
These selections are our recommendations for the best Keychron keyboards based on price and features. Of course, you are not limited to these options. At The Masked Studio, we carry a comprehensive range of mechanical keyboards from Keychron and other brands for you to choose from. Do not hesitate to head down to our showroom to test our products. Just give us a quick call beforehand to schedule your visit.