The purple Teensy LC is from OSH Park. The Varmilo VA108M is the full-size version of our top pick, but we don’t recommend it over the full-size Leopold FC900R because it has a different case than the VA87M, it lacks cable management, and it’s more expensive. They’re not bad keyboards, but these flaws aren’t as forgivable in a keyboard that starts at $155—especially not when you can get a keyboard that won’t destroy your USB cables and has better-quality keycaps for much less, or when you could spend a little more for the higher-quality, even more customizable Ctrl. Most sellers refer to these at 3x6mm but they are really 3.5x6mm. The Topre Realforce TKL R2 is very expensive and lacks important features, but its unique Topre switches are truly delightful to type on. With 60% and 40% mechanical keyboards, in particular, several non-essential keys that you may be used to having are disposed of, so you must make sure you’re comfortable tackling a completely new format. Anything above this limit can be too cumbersome for traveling, especially if you’re bringing along other stuff in your backpack. For example, you can switch between Windows and Mac layouts, swap the Caps Lock key to Ctrl, or disable OS-specific keys like the Windows or Command keys.

PBT does not develop gloss and is very durable.

It allows you to choose your design and the switch that works well for you. Despite having much fewer keys, 40% keyboards greatly reduce hand movement to become more efficient once you get familiar with the layout and function layers.

To ensure stability, the plastic base of the keyboard is fitted with four rubber pads. The Code V3 and the V3 are identical except for a couple of things: The Code V3 has white backlighting and comes with shine-through ABS keycaps, while the V3 has no backlighting and is available with either customizable ABS keycaps or PBT keycaps.

For programming boards that don't have the ICSP header pins installed. It offers a ton of switch options and colorful keycap sets to match your preference, and it comes with a removable Mini-USB cable and a wire keycap puller. As advertised, this keyboard is “made by programmers for programmers.” Still, it makes an excellent accessory for those in the enjoyable world of computer gaming. Obinslab Anne Pro 2 60% Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Best Wireless Portable Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, PBT keycaps with addressable RGB LED backlighting. These black switch are from Digikey. You can customize a few behaviors on the VA87M: You can lock the Windows key by pressing Fn + Win, and you can swap Caps Lock and the left Ctrl button by holding Fn + left Ctrl for more than three seconds.

It has a split space bar which displays a multi-color light that serves as a notification for the layer that you’re working on. The WASD keyboards have notably chunkier, more-angular cases, and both the thinner ABS and coarser PBT keycaps are of lower quality than the keycaps that come with our picks. The key-caps used here are DSA caps are great, but it will get used to somewhat. A compiled hex file for the ATmega32 will not run on the ATmega324PA. There is a single common data pin for the Encoder A and Encoder B signals. The switches are rotated so that the through hole pins are staggered allowing the switches to be placed closer together. level 2 In addition to providing clearly labeled media keys, the VA87M allows you to customize a couple of functions, but it isn’t fully programmable. Mechanical switches are named after colors to give you an idea of what to expect in terms of response, noise, and travel times.

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Fitted with clear legends, the ABS keycaps allow the backlighting to truly shine, while the reflective brushed metal plate adds to the effect. We tested 40 gaming keyboards by playing dozens of hours of games, and we found that the Cooler Master MK730 is the best RGB gaming keyboard.

If the Varmilo VA87M isn’t available, we recommend the tenkeyless Leopold FC750R instead. It has a modular switch design that allows you to load it up with whatever switch you prefer at any time. No doubt it is smaller than most mechanical keyboards but this is an outstanding feature that makes it very easy to carry around making it a great takeaway for travels. It works on Windows and Mac. But it’s frequently out of stock—at this writing only barebones kits are available—and it’s expensive. If you are using leaded solder this is a very bad idea, creating lead dust. The FC750R typically costs around $120, though some switch options cost an additional $5. We tested 40 gaming keyboards by playing dozens of hours of games, and we found that the Cooler Master MK730 is the best RGB gaming keyboard. Learn more.