Buying Guide to Mechanical Keyboards: Average Price Overview

When you are checking out mechanical keyboards in a computer store or online, you will notice that prices can vary significantly. Well-known brands such as Ducky, Das, and Filco typically price their keyboards between $100 and $150. Upper-echelon brands, like Topre and HHKB, offer keyboards that begin at $200 and can exceed $350. Budget-friendly options are available from brands like Redragon and Keychron, with their offerings starting at around $50. 

A variety of factors play a part in determining the cost of these keyboards. As you sort through the different brands and features, you'll gain more knowledge about what's available, which can help you choose a keyboard that perfectly fits your individual needs and preferences.

Average Prices for the Most Popular Mechanical Keyboards

Before going into the specifics, it is important to understand that the average prices of mechanical keyboards fluctuate greatly. This variance is often due to a lot of factors such as brand reputation, keyboard size, switch type, and extra features. It could also be more on the macro level such as industry trends, supply and demand, changes in computer peripheral technology, a shift in consumer preferences, and more.

Most mechanical keyboards typically cost anywhere from $80 to well over $200. High-quality brands such as Ducky, Das Keyboard, and Filco usually sell their keyboards around the $100 to $150 mark.

High-end brands like Topre and HHKB are known for their premium-quality products. Prices often start at $200 and can go up to $350. On the other side, brands like Redragon and Keychron offer good-quality mechanical keyboards starting from a more budget-friendly price point of $50.

Custom mechanical keyboards can have prices that reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars, based on the components used. Modders have generally accepted that the money they will spend on customizing their keyboards will be considerable.

Factors That Affect The Price of a Mechanical Keyboard

It's not just the brand. It's not just the model. Many factors influence the price of mechanical keyboards. Let's check out some of these factors:

1. Build Quality: The materials used in manufacturing the keyboard significantly affect its price. Keyboards made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or reinforced plastic are more expensive compared to more standard counterparts.
2. Switch Type: Premium switches from reputable brands like Cherry MX or custom-designed switches may command a higher price.
3. Brand Reputation: Mechanical keyboards from well-known and reputable brands often come with a higher price tag. Established brands with a track record of quality and innovation may justify their higher prices through superior build quality, advanced features, and customer support.
4. Features and Functionality: Keyboards with advanced features and additional functionality such as customizable RGB lighting, programmable macros, detachable cables, and wireless connectivity can add to the cost of the keyboard.
5. Customization Options: Keyboards that offer extensive customization options such as hot-swappable switches, customizable keycaps, and programmable layouts may be priced higher to reflect the added flexibility and versatility they provide.
6. Layout and Size: Compact or specialized keyboard layouts may be priced differently from standard full-sized keyboards. Smaller form factors like tenkeyless (TKL), 60%, or 40% keyboards often command a premium due to their unique design and limited availability.
7. Switch Brand: The brand of switches used in the keyboard can affect its price. Premium switches from reputable brands like Cherry, Gateron, or Kailh may be priced higher than keyboards with generic or lesser-known switches.
8. Accessories and Extras: Included accessories such as wrist rests, keycap pullers, or additional keycaps can add value to a mechanical keyboard but may also contribute to a higher price. 
9. Custom or Limited Editions: Custom or limited edition mechanical keyboards designed in collaboration with artists, designers, or enthusiast communities often come with a premium price tag due to their unique aesthetics, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
10. Market Demand and Availability: Supply and demand dynamics in the market can influence the price of mechanical keyboards. Limited availability, high demand for specific models, or fluctuations in production costs may result in price variations over time.

Best High-End Mechanical Keyboards

Everyone wants to have the best of the best. If money is not a problem for you, then buy yourself any of these top-of-the-line mechanical keyboards. The prices we included here are just indications and may change at any time.

1. Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 (HHKB Pro 2): The HHKB Pro 2 is a premium mechanical keyboard known for its compact design, Topre switches, and excellent build quality. It features a minimalist layout with optimized key placements for efficient typing. Typically priced around $200 to $250 USD.
2. Realforce R2: The Realforce R2 is another high-end keyboard from Topre. It offers a comfortable and tactile typing experience thanks to its Torpe switches. Prices range from $250 to $350 USD, depending on the model and switch type.
3. Keychron K8: The Keychron K8 is a high-quality wireless mechanical keyboard designed for professionals. It has a compact layout, customizable RGB backlighting, and hot-swappable switches. The Keychron K8 is priced around $70 to $100 USD, making it a more affordable option compared to others on this list.
4. Input Club Kira: The Input Club Kira is a premium mechanical keyboard with a full-sized layout and hot-swappable switches. With customizable RGB backlighting, a solid aluminum frame, and a variety of switch options, it's a versatile option for business users who want top performance and customization. Prices for the Input Club Kira range from $200 to $300 USD.
5. Drop CTRL: The Drop CTRL is a high-end mechanical keyboard with a sleek aluminum frame and customizable RGB backlighting. It has hot-swappable switches, allowing users to easily customize their typing experience without soldering. Depending on the customization options and switches, the Drop CTRL is priced around $200 to $250 USD, depending on customization options and switch choices.
6. Leopold FC980M: The Leopold FC980M is a premium mechanical keyboard with a compact layout and high-quality Cherry MX switches. It features a minimalist design, durable PBT keycaps, and a sturdy build quality. Prices for the Leopold FC980M typically range from $120 to $150 USD, which is more of a mid-range option.
7. Rama Works M60-A: The Rama Works M60-A is a luxury mechanical keyboard with a premium aluminum case and customizable keycap options. It offers a smooth typing experience and a unique design that stands out in any office setting. While it may be more expensive than other options on this list, the M60-A is a high-end choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and performance. The Rama Works M60-A is priced at around $400 to $500 USD.

Best Mid-Range Mechanical Keyboards

These models strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and vital features. Check out some of the best mid-range mechanical keyboards available on the market. Again, note that these prices fluctuate:

1. Ducky One 2 Mini: The Ducky One 2 Mini is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard known for its build quality, customizable RGB lighting, and Cherry MX switches. Prices for the Ducky One 2 Mini start at around $100 to $120 USD.
2. Anne Pro 2: The Anne Pro 2 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard featuring wireless connectivity, customizable RGB lighting, and Gateron switches. Prices for the Anne Pro 2 start at around $80 to $100 USD.
3. Drop ALT: The Drop ALT is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard featuring an aluminum case, hot-swappable switches, and customizable RGB lighting. Prices for the Drop ALT start at around $180 to $200 USD.
4. GMMK (Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard): The GMMK is a modular mechanical keyboard available in various sizes (TKL, full-size, etc.). It features hot-swappable switches, customizable RGB lighting, and a solid build. Prices for the GMMK start at around $60 to $100 USD depending on the size and configuration.
5. Keychron K6: The Keychron K6 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard designed for both Mac and Windows users. This product has wireless connectivity, customizable RGB lighting, and hot-swappable switches. Prices for the Keychron K6 start at around $70 to $90 USD.
6. HyperX Alloy Origins: The HyperX Alloy Origins is a full-size mechanical keyboard with HyperX Red switches, customizable RGB lighting, and durable aluminum construction. Prices for the HyperX Alloy Origins start at around $90 to $110 USD.
7. SteelSeries Apex Pro: The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a full-size mechanical keyboard with adjustable mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, and a sturdy aluminum frame. Prices for the SteelSeries Apex Pro start at around $200 to $230 USD.
8. Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition: The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is a compact mechanical keyboard. It has Razer's linear optical switches, customizable RGB lighting, and a detachable USB-C cable. Prices for the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition start at around $130 to $150 USD.
9. Fnatic Streak: The Fnatic Streak is a full-size mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches, customizable RGB lighting, and a detachable wrist rest. Prices for the Fnatic Streak start at around $120 to $140 USD.
10. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2: The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is a full-size mechanical keyboard. It features Cherry MX switches, customizable RGB lighting, and a durable aluminum frame. Prices for the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 start at around $150 to $180 USD.

Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards

Tightening your belt? Don't worry because several models still deliver exceptional performance without draining your bank account. Surprisingly, many top-notch keyboards are on the market at relatively low prices.

1. Redragon K552: The Redragon K552 is a tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard with Outemu switches, customizable backlighting, and a compact design. Prices for the Redragon K552 start at around $30 to $40 USD.
2. E-Element Z-88: The E-Element Z-88 is a compact mechanical keyboard available in various switch options. It has customizable RGB backlighting and a durable construction. Prices for the E-Element Z-88 start at around $40 to $50 USD.
3. TOMOKO TKL Mechanical Keyboard: The TOMOKO TKL Mechanical Keyboard is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with Outemu switches, customizable backlighting, and a budget-friendly price. Prices for the TOMOKO TKL Mechanical Keyboard start at around $30 to $40 USD.
4. Velocifire TKL02WS: The Velocifire TKL02WS is a wireless tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with brown switches, white backlighting, and a sleek design. Prices for the Velocifire TKL02WS start at around $40 to $50 USD.
5. GAMDIAS Hermes E1: The GAMDIAS Hermes E1 is a full-size mechanical keyboard featuring blue switches, customizable backlighting, and dedicated media keys. Prices for the GAMDIAS Hermes E1 start at around $40 to $50 USD.
6. Royal Kludge RK61: The Royal Kludge RK61 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard that has wireless connectivity, customizable RGB backlighting, and a budget-friendly price. Prices for the Royal Kludge RK61 start at around $40 to $50 USD.
7. Qisan Magicforce 68: The Qisan Magicforce 68 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard available in various switch options. It has a minimalist design and budget-friendly price. Prices for the Qisan Magicforce 68 start at around $30 to $40 USD.
8. Ajazz AK33: The Ajazz AK33 is a compact 75% mechanical keyboard. It is designed with blue switches, customizable backlighting, and a durable construction. Prices for the Ajazz AK33 start at around $30 to $40 USD.
9. MOTOSPEED CK62: The MOTOSPEED CK62 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard featuring wireless connectivity, customizable RGB backlighting, and a budget-friendly price. Prices for the MOTOSPEED CK62 start at around $40 to $50 USD.
10. Eagletec KG010: The Eagletec KG010 is a full-size mechanical keyboard with blue switches, customizable backlighting, and a sturdy design. Prices for the Eagletec KG010 start at around $40 to $50 USD.

Key Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Mechanical Keyboard

When purchasing a mechanical keyboard, don't just look at the price tag. There are other crucial elements to consider to ensure the keyboard aligns with your unique needs and tastes.

1. Switch Type: The type of switches used in the keyboard is one of the most important factors to consider. There are various switch options, each with different characteristics such as tactile feedback, actuation force, and noise level. Common switch types include Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh, each offering different variants such as linear, tactile, and clicky switches. 
2. Build Quality: Look for keyboards with sturdy frames, high-quality keycaps, and durable switches to ensure long-term reliability and performance. Keyboards with aluminum or steel frames tend to be more durable than those made from plastic.
3. Layout: Keyboards come in various sizes and layouts, including full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), compact (60%), and ergonomic layouts. Choose a layout that fits your workspace and typing habits.
4. Customization Options: Look for customization options such as programmable keys, customizable RGB lighting, and removable keycaps. Customization features allow you to personalize the keyboard to your preferences and optimize your typing experience.
5. Connectivity: Wired keyboards offer a reliable connection with minimal input lag while wireless keyboards provide greater flexibility and convenience. Bluetooth keyboards are ideal for use with mobile devices and laptops.
6. Extra Features: Look for additional features that enhance functionality and usability such as media controls, USB pass-through ports, detachable wrist rests, and adjustable feet. These extra features can improve productivity and convenience.

Conclusion

Mechanical keyboards come in all sizes, styles, features---and prices. By considering the average costs, knowing the factors affecting prices, looking at different budget options, and matching them to your needs and preferences, you will have the right keyboard in no time at all.