Pretty much any mechanical keyboard is customisable, but some are harder to customise than others. When looking for a keyboard to customise you ideally want it to be hot-swappable, which means the switches in the keyboard's PCB aren't soldered on and can be pulled out using a switch puller and replaced with a different switch. However, hot-swappable keyboards do tend to cost more than hard-wired alternatives. The brown switches inside this keyboard give you a tactile bump that you can feel, but unlike the blues (which the keyboard is also available with), they’re silent, so you get a much quieter typing experience. You can also get a variant with Gateron switches, too, so you have a bit more versatility in terms of options. What we loved is that the entire keyboard elevates at the rear, so you have a slightly more ergonomic typing experience overall.

percent: The main typing keys, number keys, and the arrow keys. The function keys are accessed using different key combinations. The only problem is, not all 60% keyboards fit this standard. Some have layouts that are tweaked slightly. One of the biggest differences between keycap profiles is whether the keycaps are sculpted or uniform. A uniform keycap has a flat surface and is not angled at all. Sculpted keycaps on the other hand, have a slight angle to help with typing to make is so you don’t need to stretch your fingers quite as far. After 100+ hours of testing keyboards, here is our curated list of the best 60% mechanical keyboards. If you enjoy getting some work done in a cafe and hate using your laptop keyboard, a 60% might be a good option.

Like other 60 percent keyboards, the RK61 uses a Function key (here in the lower right corner) to allow functions which don't have dedicated keys to be used. For example, you can press Fn + Enter to rebind keys in the lower right to work as the arrow keys for text editing, or press Fn and a number key to get the corresponding F key. This works well enough, but without dedicated software support you must rely on utilities like ClearKeys or Autohotkey to set up macros if you need them.

Before buying, make sure the layout of the keycaps matches the layout of your keyboard - and beware some older mechanical keyboards that have non standard bottom row layouts. Generally, US-style 'ANSI' keycap sets are more commonly available than UK/EU-style 'ISO' keycap sets, but some keycap sets will include extra keys to suit both layouts. This goes double for smaller keyboards, which often take more liberties with the layout and are therefore harder to find keycap sets for. UK Some older keyboards, especially from companies such as Razer and Corsair, will have non-standard layouts so the keycap sizes will be different than what comes with a new keycap set, unless it’s made specifically for that keyboard model. I believe that every keyboard on this list fills its own niche depending on what you might be looking for, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the top 3. Both options are made from PBT plastic and come in the OEM profile. Only difference is the colorway you choose. Getting a new keycap set for your keyboard is a very exciting first step and for many people is the push they need to fall into the rabbit hole of the mechanical keyboard hobby.

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If you have a keycap set or switch in mind, you can save some time and money by getting a barebones keyboard kit. These come without switches and keycaps, so you don't need to take anything off - you just plug in the switches and keycaps you've decided on. This is a little more expensive than buying a K552 or RK68 and modding it, but you have a wider range of modding options and the base level of quality is often higher. You can easily mod the stabilizers or add foam inside the case if you’re looking to improve the keyboard with no desoldering required. Need a keyboard that matches the rest of your setup? You can get colored keycaps and lighting to match that.

You also want to look at how familiar the keycap set feels. For example, a flat or uniform profile may feel strange if you’ve never used one before, so it may have an adverse effect on your typing speed. Use what feels familiar and what you have the muscle memory to type on.Not everyone has the financial means to invest in expensive keycaps, and that’s perfectly fine! This guide is here to offer a solution. We’ve curated a fantastic list of over top-notch budget keycaps that not only enhance the appearance and tactile experience of your keyboard but also endure extensive usage without straining your budget: Keycap Set Typically, keyboards come with a standard layout. This ensures a universal fit when looking for aftermarket keycaps. Layout Compatibility: Ensure that the keycap set is compatible with your keyboard layout. Some budget keycap sets are designed for specific layouts, while others offer versatility for various keyboard sizes.

The RK61 proves that you really don't have to spend a lot to get a great compact keyboard. While some may prefer a more full-featured board with advanced software, the RK61 nails the essentials - key feel, connectivity, build quality and looks - at a very attractive price. Like other SteelSeries keyboards, the Apex Pro Mini models are well-built with aluminium top plates and sound great, with reliable wireless (if available), detachable USB-C cables and high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps. Battery life of 30 hours is decent enough too, ensuring you'll only need to charge your keyboard once or twice a week with frequent use. The switches are also hot-swappable which makes it easy to remove your switches and lube them or mod the stabilizers – all without needing to desolder.

Wrapping up

The RGB also really pops on this keyboard due to the white color. The RGB has a nice fuzzy glow to that really pops on your desk. Description: The XDA canvas keycaps from Drop and Mito are one of my absolute favorite keycap sets available right now. These keycaps are a little bit on the pricey side, but man are they awesome. The XDA profile is definitely unique and blast to type on. The legends are quite aesthetic and come with several different colored keycaps to customize the layout to your preference. These keycaps come with different size keyboard layouts, including tenkeyless, 65%, ortholinear, or 1800 compact with the price varying by the size of the layout. You can find these keycaps on Drop.com and view the products once you sign up. 14. Drop DSA Astrolokeys Keycaps