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Our favorite mechanical keyboard is nearly $100 below MSRP right now
Our favorite mechanical keyboard is nearly $100 below MSRP right now

Digital Trends

time24-07-2025

  • Digital Trends

Our favorite mechanical keyboard is nearly $100 below MSRP right now

Just about everyone into desktop computing goes crazy about the world of mechanical keyboards. But which one should you get? Our team put together a list of the best mechanical keyboards late last year. And right now you can get the top entry, the Logitech G915 TKL, at an incredible price. The classic MSRP is $230, but now you can get the keyboard for $132, a discount of $98. Alternatively, you can also get the white version for $140. Both are available to you, now, by pressing the button below but feel free to read on to see why this keyboard fit at the top, some key insights given by our extended review of the keyboard, and all the basic info on this top-rated mechanical keyboard. Why you should buy the Logitech G915 TKL The Logitech G915 TKL is a tenkeyless board with a slim profile, low latency Bluetooth connection, and a 40 hour battery life for extended gaming and writing without being tethered by a cord. Its able to stay strong despite its thin profile due to a frame made of 'aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.' Interacting with your media is easy, too, as there's a scrolling wheel bar for precision volume controls on the fly alongside easy-to-reach media controls like start/stop and next. Plus, Logitech's Lightsync can make the keyboard's on-board RGB lights sync up to your content. This, combined with the excellent typing experience afforded by Logitech's GL switches makes this an 'awesome all-round model' — which is exactly why it made the top of our mechanical keyboard list, even though it is gamery in nature. Next, be sure to take a look at our Logitech G915 TKL review. It's a review with lots of heart in it, as our reviewer kept using the keyboard for months and months, after really liking it, saying that its Lightspeed connection made it impossible to tell the difference between wired and wireless modes, even with twitch games that require extreme to-the-second input readouts. Additionally, the Ghub software for the keyboard is logical and legitimately useful. The Logitech G915 TKL is now down to $132 for its black version, with a discount of $98 off of its usual $230 price point. You can also find the white version for $140 if you tap the button below. Get this great deal while you can.

This Compact Gaming Keyboard Gets a Lot Right, but a Few Things Wrong Too
This Compact Gaming Keyboard Gets a Lot Right, but a Few Things Wrong Too

CNET

time23-07-2025

  • CNET

This Compact Gaming Keyboard Gets a Lot Right, but a Few Things Wrong Too

One of the best things about mechanical keyboards, at least for me, is that there are a ton of choices and options so you can find the one that perfectly fits your preferences. Whether you're a hardcore gamer who needs the biggest, best and fastest one around or you're a more causal gamer who needs something great at work and occasional play, there's something for everyone. Cherry has long been one of the best keyboard makers and continues to have a huge presence and influence on the industry. The newest version of it's popular compact gaming keyboard, the XTRFY K5V2, offers a lot for both hardcore and enthusiast gamers to love. What I like about the Cherry K5V2 keyboard Jason Cockerham/CNET I sometimes forget how much I enjoy smaller keyboards. They take up less space on my desk while still giving me all the essential functions I need. The K5V2 is a 65% keyboard which keeps things nice and compact with the only extra keys being Delete, Page Up and Page Down, all of which are tucked in on the right edge. There's a tiny Cherry magnet on that side too which I found to be an odd inclusion but at least you can take it off. Cherry switches have long been synonymous with build quality, and thankfully its keyboards are just as well built. The K5V2 has a metal plate, two layers of sound-dampening and pre-lubed PCB stabilizers, all adding up to a very solid keyboard. No part of the K5V2 feels cheap. Glorious Cherry keys There's a reason Cherry has been such a dominant player in the mechanical keyboard space: it makes beautifully tactile switches. The K5V2 I reviewed has Cherry's new MX2A Red switches. They don't have quite as much audible clack as I'd like, but they still feel great. They're smooth and responsive with enough tactile feedback to remind me why I fell in love with Cherry switches in the first place. This keyboard is part of Cherry's XTRFY lineup which is all about gaming, so the company has included its "super-scan technology" which increases the polling rate of the keys. The company claims the keyboard is scanning keypresses every half millisecond for an incredibly fast response rate, and while I wasn't able to directly test that claim, I can say it responded incredibly fast for me. Detailed customization Jason Cockerham/CNET If you don't like the MX2A reds (or really any other part of the keyboard), Cherry lets you customize almost every aspect of the K5V2. From the base to the keycaps, the cable, even add-ons, you can pick and choose from an impressive array of colors and materials for your K5. The standard model comes in all black, with non-PBT keycaps and the aforementioned MX2A Red switches. I personally prefer PBT keycaps, but the ones on the base version at least allow the RGB light through. Even though there's not much in the way of software customization for remapping keys, Cherry did hide secondary functions behind almost every single key on the keyboard. Using key combos, you can change the lighting effects, access media controls, program macros and even control your mouse all without having to move your hands. I've not used a keyboard with this much pre-programmed mapping before, and I have to say I like it. It's helpful too for using the K5V2 for things other than gaming. It took me a while to memorize some of the shortcuts, but it's actually made me a bit faster at my day job of review writing and research. What I don't like about the Cherry K5V2 keyboard Jason Cockerham/CNET As great as the switches and keys are on the K5V2, I've noticed the feeling doesn't appear to be universal across the keyboard. This likely has to do with the pre-lubed PCB stabilizers. While they certainly add to the smooth quality of the typing experience, the feel and sound of the stabilized keys (space bar, backspace, etc.) are noticeably different from the rest of the keyboard. I wouldn't say it's bad, but at the very least, I found it distracting. No software support This seems to be one of Cherry's biggest opportunities for improvement. I've tested several of their keyboards, and it's always hit or miss as to which are supported by the Cherry Utility software. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason behind it, and while the physical keys on the K5V2 have an extra layer of functionality and can be somewhat customized via the hardware itself, there's no way to modify anything with Cherry's software. Jason Cockerham/CNET No wireless connectivity Being such a compact keyboard, the K5V2 is almost begging for wireless connectivity, but there's none here. I realize space is precious on a 65% keyboard, but I've seen companies include wireless support on keyboards smaller and thinner than this one, so it's definitely possible. At least you can choose a really nice coiled cable if you want, so that's something. Should you buy the Cherry K5V2 keyboard? There's a lot to love about the K5V2, especially if you prefer compact keyboards like I do. It's very well built, great for gaming and more customizable than most other keyboards I've tested. Plus, it's backed by the Cherry reputation. However, it's certainly not the cheapest you can find. It's $140 for the base model, but I've seen it on sale for as low as $70. Of course, adding customization options other than the standard white or black will start to add up. The highest-end configurations can push $300. But if you're looking for a solid, compact gaming keyboard that's great for both work and play and you don't need much software support, the K5V2 is easy to recommend.

Are Analog Keyboards the Future? Why Mechanical Keyboards May Be Obsolete
Are Analog Keyboards the Future? Why Mechanical Keyboards May Be Obsolete

Geeky Gadgets

time20-06-2025

  • Geeky Gadgets

Are Analog Keyboards the Future? Why Mechanical Keyboards May Be Obsolete

What if the tools you've relied on for years were no longer the best option? For decades, mechanical keyboards have been the gold standard for gamers, programmers, and typists alike, celebrated for their tactile feedback and satisfying click. But technology rarely stands still, and a quiet revolution is underway. Enter analog keyboards, a new breed of input devices that promise to redefine precision, responsiveness, and control. With features like adjustable actuation points, joystick-like movement, and magnetic switch technology, analog keyboards are challenging the very foundation of what a keyboard should be. Could this be the beginning of the end for mechanical switches? This overview Optimum explores the seismic shift taking place in the world of gaming peripherals, where analog keyboards are emerging as the preferred choice for those demanding peak performance. We'll uncover how innovations like Hall effect sensors and TMR technology are allowing unparalleled durability and customization, and why traditional mechanical keyboards may soon feel like relics of a bygone era. Whether you're a competitive gamer seeking an edge or a tech enthusiast curious about the future of input devices, this exploration will reveal why the mechanical switch, once untouchable, is now on borrowed time. Change is inevitable—are you ready to embrace it? The Rise of Analog Keyboards Analog vs Mechanical Keyboards The growing interest in analog keyboards stems from their ability to deliver a level of control and responsiveness that mechanical keyboards cannot match. Unlike mechanical keyboards, which rely on a single actuation point to register keypresses, analog keyboards detect varying levels of input. This allows for finer control and faster response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. For example, in a racing game, an analog keyboard can simulate the gradual acceleration of a gas pedal, offering a more immersive and precise experience. Mechanical keyboards, while celebrated for their tactile feedback and diverse switch options, are inherently limited by their binary input system. Each keypress is either 'on' or 'off,' which restricts the level of control available. In contrast, analog keyboards provide multiple input points per key, allowing smoother and more nuanced gameplay. This fundamental difference is reshaping the expectations of gamers who demand peak performance and adaptability in their peripherals. Advancements in Analog Switches At the heart of analog keyboards lies magnetic switch technology, which has transformed how key inputs are detected. Hall effect sensors, for instance, use magnets to measure the distance of a keypress, delivering unmatched durability and precision. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, which degrade over time due to physical wear, Hall effect switches are immune to such issues, making sure a longer lifespan. TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) sensors represent another significant advancement. These sensors offer higher sensitivity and lower power consumption, making them particularly suited for competitive gaming. However, their higher production costs have slowed their widespread adoption. Other technologies, such as optical and inductive switches, also exist but often fall short in terms of versatility and sound quality. As a result, Hall effect and TMR sensors have emerged as the leading innovations in the analog keyboard space. The Mechanical Switch is Dead! Watch this video on YouTube. Advance your skills in keyboards by reading more of our detailed content. Performance Features of Analog Keyboards Analog keyboards are equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the gaming experience. These include: Adjustable Actuation Points: Users can customize the distance required for a keypress to register, tailoring the keyboard's responsiveness to their preferences. Users can customize the distance required for a keypress to register, tailoring the keyboard's responsiveness to their preferences. Rapid Trigger Functionality: This feature instantly resets keys after release, allowing for faster inputs during high-stakes matches. This feature instantly resets keys after release, allowing for faster inputs during high-stakes matches. SOCD Cleaning: Resolves conflicts when opposing directional keys are pressed simultaneously, making sure precise movement inputs. While invaluable in fighting games, this feature has been banned in some competitive titles like Counter-Strike due to its potential for unfair advantages. Resolves conflicts when opposing directional keys are pressed simultaneously, making sure precise movement inputs. While invaluable in fighting games, this feature has been banned in some competitive titles like due to its potential for unfair advantages. Joystick-Like Analog Movement: Mimics the smooth control of a controller's thumbstick, offering a more intuitive experience for genres beyond first-person shooters. Mimics the smooth control of a controller's thumbstick, offering a more intuitive experience for genres beyond first-person shooters. Dynamic Keystroke (DKS) Technology: Enables multiple inputs per keypress, making it ideal for executing complex combinations in games like Apex Legends . These features collectively make analog keyboards a powerful tool for gamers seeking precision, speed, and versatility. Customization and Build Quality Modern analog keyboards are designed with customization and durability in mind. Features such as prelubricated switches, modular designs, and premium materials ensure a high-quality, long-lasting experience. Many models also include hot-swappable switches, allowing users to replace or upgrade switches without soldering, making maintenance and personalization more accessible. However, analog keyboards still face limitations in terms of tactile and clicky switch options, areas where mechanical keyboards excel. For enthusiasts who prioritize the auditory and tactile feedback of mechanical switches, this can be a drawback. That said, custom Hall effect keyboards are beginning to bridge this gap by combining the best aspects of mechanical and analog designs, offering a more balanced experience for users. Market Impact The rise of analog keyboards has disrupted the dominance of mechanical keyboards, reshaping the gaming peripheral industry. Companies like Cherry, once synonymous with mechanical switches, have struggled to adapt to this analog revolution. Delays in releasing competitive analog products have widened the gap between traditional manufacturers and innovators like Wooting, a leader in analog keyboard technology. Wooting's keyboards have set new benchmarks with features such as customizable actuation points and analog movement capabilities. These advancements not only enhance gaming performance but also highlight the limitations of mechanical keyboards, which are increasingly viewed as outdated technology. As more companies invest in analog technology, the market is likely to see even greater innovation and competition in the coming years. Practical Considerations To fully use the potential of an analog keyboard, advanced software is often required. Features like input filtering and dead zone adjustments are essential for optimizing performance and tailoring the keyboard to individual preferences. Additionally, while some analog keyboards offer extensive modding options—such as hot-swappable switches and customizable cases—others are more limited in this regard. When selecting an analog keyboard, it's crucial to evaluate these factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and expectations. Analog keyboards represent a significant leap forward in gaming technology, offering unmatched performance, precision, and customization. With innovations like magnetic switch technology, adjustable actuation points, and joystick-like movement, they deliver a level of responsiveness that mechanical keyboards cannot rival. While mechanical keyboards still hold appeal for their tactile variety, the rise of analog keyboards signals a new era in gaming peripherals. For gamers seeking the ultimate edge, analog keyboards are quickly becoming the definitive choice. Media Credit: optimum Filed Under: Gaming News, Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

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