White Mechanical Keyboards

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There are hundreds of mechanical keyboards available, but the models can be counted on fingers when it comes to white mechanical keyboards. We have reviewed 4 best mechanical keyboards from top manufacturers. These keyboard models come in different variants for different switch types and are perfect for gaming and coding.

 

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 – PBT Double-Shot Keycaps

 

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The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is the upgraded version of the original K70. The keyboard is currently priced at $140, which can be a dealbreaker for some people. But the K70 RGB MK.2 lasts years, so think of it as an investment. You might not notice the new changes instantly, but it has the latest features that make the K70 MK.2 one of the best mechanical keyboards for gaming.

Design 

The K70 MK2 has durable chassis and a brushed aluminum body that looks and feels premium. On the top center, the keyboard has Corsair’s RGB logo that used to be a non-RGB plain logo on the older model. Corsair has used floating keycaps so the RGB lights are visible, and they prevent dust and debris from gathering in-between the keys. Like most mechanical keyboards, the MK2 also uses Cherry MX mechanical switches, these switches are loved by gamers, and they provide excellent accuracy with 1.2mm actuation.

There are five switch options available, including Red, Blue, Brown, and Silver speed switches. The media keys are placed above the numbad, which are easy to locate, and there’s a volume roll-bar above the media keys. Corsair has added a new key for switching profiles, and the keyboard has 8MB of onboard memory for maintaining three profiles.

The position of brightness controls and the button that disables the Windows key has been changed. MK2 also supports Corsair’s ICue software, which lets you customize the RGB lighting and set macros. On the back, the K70 MK2 has a cable-routing tunnel for wired headphones.

Performance

We tested the keyboard with Valorant, StarCraft: Remastered, and Warframe. Its switches feel fast and springy, and the key spacing is pretty comfortable for coders and gamers both. The K70 is the perfect white mechanical keyboard, but MMO or MOBA gamers might not like it because of the lack of dedicated macro buttons. 

Pros

  • High build quality
  • Impressive design
  • Key switch selection

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No dedicated macro keys

 

 

Razer BlackWidow Lite – Orange Key Switches

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The Razer BlackWidow Lite is a fantastic gaming keyboard. It features Razer’s proprietary orange switches, which are similar to Cherry MX Brown switches and offer a strong tactile feel. The keyboard has an aluminum top plate and a plastic base with simple looks. 

Design

The BlackWidow Lite has a simple design that allows you to use it anywhere you want for gaming, coding, and regular typing work. It measures 14x5x0.5 inches (LxWxH) and is lightweight too. The rectangular-shaped keys have a plain easy to read font and white backlight, making it look attractive and straightforward.

Because it is a tenkeyless keyboard, it does not have a dedicated number pad, which makes it perfect for people who have small gaming desks, and short throw distance to the mouse is another advantage you’ll get. There is Razer’s logo above the arrow keys, and the bottom has flip-out feet to raise the front slightly. It has a detachable cable so you can easily carry it in a case or your backpack.

The BlackWidow Lite uses the Razer Synapse software, which allows you to adjust the backlight, reprogram keys and set up profiles. 

Performance 

As mentioned earlier, the keyboard offers a strong tactile feel for both gamers and programmers. But it’s ergonomics are not perfect; the keys have high profile, which makes typing uncomfortable after using for a few hours, and some people may experience strain. On the upside, it features O-rings, which help reduce the typing sound, it does make little noise, which is acceptable, but if you have always used rubber domes or scissor keyboards and looking for a quiet mechanical keyboard, we recommend you to choose a different model. 

Pros

  • Unobtrusive design
  • Detachable USB cable
  • Lightweight and portable

Cons

  • Flimsy feet
  • High profile keys

 

 

Logitech G915 TKL – Low Profile Switch Options

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The Logitech G915 TKL is a wireless gaming keyboard that uses Bluetooth or a USB Type-A dongle for connectivity. The keyboard looks premium, features low-profile switches, and its tenkeyless design makes it compact; thus it’s ideal for people with limited space. 

Design 

The G915 TKL has the same design as G915 Lightspeed but without Numpad and G macro keys. The keyboard uses an aircraft-grade aluminum top plate and plastic base, which is probably the reason it’s so expensive. It measures 15.2×5.8×0.9 inches (LxWxH); the height is pretty low, thus requires no wrist pad. If you do not like typing when it’s flat, you can use flip-out feet for better ergonomics.

On the top right, the G915 has a smooth volume wheel and media keys. It also has a Lightspeed key, Bluetooth key, Game mode key, and Light sync RGB key. On the top edge, you’ll find a power button and a USB port for connecting the cable for charging. The RGB buttons and illuminating G logo can be customized using the Logitech G Hub software, which is easily available on Logitech’s website.

Performance

The G915 TKL features low-profile GL mechanical switches with three options: tactile, clicky, and linear. The keys feel pretty responsive, and they are silent. The performance is flawless for coding and regular work. You can play any game without any lag thanks to its excellent wireless technology. If you are a hardcore gamer and every millisecond matters for you, you can use the included cable and connect it to the USB port for wired use.

Pros

  • Premium design
  • Low-profile switches
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum top plate

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited macro functionality

 

 

Razer BlackWidow X Chroma

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The BlackWidow X Chroma is another great mechanical keyboard by Razer. It features switches without the casing, and it has an exposed thick metal frame, which gives it a professional look rather than a regular gaming keyboard look. The keyboard feels premium and more reliable than other exposed deck mechanical keyboards.

Design

Most Razer keyboards have used a plastic plate that hid the lower part of the keycaps, but the X Chroma has a metal plate with a low profile. The keyboards’ length is around 18 inches, and the width is 7.5 inches; it’s neither too small nor too big. The switches’ root are visible, and the keycaps have a simple and easy to read font.

Its new mechanical switches provide excellent responsiveness, and they are perfect for fast-paced games. The actuation point is 1.9mm, which is slightly less than Cherry MX keys. Its RGB lights can produce 16.8 million colors, and they can be customized using the software.

Performance

The performance is exactly as you expect from Razer products. The keys have a tactile bump, which is fantastic for coding and the big keys such as the spacebar have Costar stabilizers. Unlike Cherry stabilizers, Costar Stabilizers are not completely rattle-free, but they feel excellent.

You can play any game you want; it does not favor any particular genre when it comes to gaming performance. Up to ten profiles can be registered using the macro editor, and you can create a custom install with all of the settings saved, which is a great feature if you take your peripherals to LAN tournaments. 

Pros

  • RGB lighting
  • High quality exposed metal keyboard deck
  • Responsive switches with 80 million keystrokes lifespan

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No dedicated media keys

 

Buying Guide For White Mechanical Keyboard

This is the buying guide for mechanical gaming keyboards to understand which features you should look for. And we have mentioned some tips and answered frequently asked questions which will help you choose the right keyboard. 

Ordinary Keyboards vs. Mechanical Keyboards

If you are reading this, you probably know the difference between ordinary and mechanical keyboards. So, you can skip this part, but those who don’t know the difference should read it. 

There are two main types of keyboards: traditional (Ordinary) and mechanical.

The way they work and perform is pretty different from each other, so make sure you buy the one which suits your needs.

  • Ordinary Keyboards have a membrane rubber dome under the keys that record each keystroke you make. These rattle-free keyboards are cheap, and they can last years. If you need a keyboard for casual use, such as browsing internet, these ordinary keyboards can fulfill your needs.
  • Mechanical keyboards use mechanical switches that record your keystrokes when you press the key. The switches provide better feedback and performance than rubber dome or scissor-switch keyboards. They are a bit expensive, especially if you are looking for a white variant because there are limited top brands that offer mechanical keyboards in white color. If you are a programmer or gamer, you should choose a mechanical keyboard for precise control and comfort.

 

Things to Consider When Buying a Mechanical Keyboard

Most mechanical keyboards offer RGB lights and various customization options, which you can use according to your preferences. 

These are some features you should look for:

Led backlighting or RGB (Red Green Blue)

Most modern keyboards offer Led backlight or RGB. This is one of the most important features; it helps you locate keys in the dark and avoid accidental keystrokes. Normal Led backlight keyboards have one color, which is usually white, while the RGB keyboard can change multiple colors and have various effects. RGB keyboards are popular with gamers, and we recommend buying RGB instead of a regular Led backlight keyboard. RGB keyboards can display white color, but traditional white LEDs don’t display other colors. 

Keyboard onboard memory

Keyboard onboard memory allows you to save your customizations in your profile. If you want to use your keyboard on a different computer, you can connect your keyboard to it, and it will remember all your customizations. Some keyboards allow you to create multiple profiles to customize your keyboard for dedicated tasks and switch the profiles easily. 

Customization options

All top keyboard manufacturers such as Razer and Logitech, offer software for customizing the colors or effects of RGB lights and some brands allow you to set macros if there are no dedicated macros.

Key response time

It’s essential to have a keyboard with fast key response time; a slight difference in response time can impact your experience.

 

Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types

Mechanical keyboards offer several types of switches that you can choose based on your liking. Some brands offer the same model with various switch types for different requirements of their users. 

Which mechanical switch should I choose?

When it comes to choosing a switch type, it can be very confusing because the selection is too vast. We have mentioned the most popular switch types and their characteristics, which will help you choose your ideal type. 

There are three types of switches: Linear switches, tactile switches, and clicky switches.  

Linear switches provide a smooth feeling when you press the keys; there is no tactile feedback or bump in key travel.    

Tactile switches provide tactile feedback and bump when the key hits the actuation point.    

Clicky switches provide a click sound with tactile feedback and bump when you press the key.   

 

Switch manufacturers and their switch types

The German company cherry is the most famous mechanical keyboard switcher maker. They introduced their first mechanical switch in the 90s and patented it. Most keyboards use their cherry MX switches, and other manufactures have also started making similar switches since the patent has expired. But still, cherry MX remain popular among gamers, and they are still considered the best.  

Cherry MX Switches

Cherry MX switches are available in multiple colors, and each color has different characteristics. 

4 Popular Cherry MX switches:

Cherry MX Black

The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch with a high actuation force. These switches are preferred by most RTS (Real-time strategy) gamers.

Cherry MX Red

Cherry MX Red is also a linear switch with less actuation force than Cherry MX Black.

Cherry MX Blue

The Cherry MX Blue switches are preferred by programmers and writers; they provide tactile feedback with a click sound. The most significant advantage is they allow you to type faster. You can stop pressing the key as soon as you experience tactile feedback; once you hit the actuation point, there is no need to press the key till bottom since the key registers the click before that. You need a lot of practice to master this, but you can type pretty fast once it becomes your habit. You can also use this benefit while gaming. 

On the downside, they make noise, which can make the keyboard unsuitable for some workplaces. 

Cherry MX Brown

Cherry MX Brown switches are like MX Blue; they provide tactile feedback without any sound. These are preferred by MMO and RTS gamers and are perfect for people who like MX Blue but do not want the click or rattle sound.

 

Switches from other manufacturers

Kailh Brown/ Red / Blue / Black

Kailh (Kaihua Electronics Co) is a Chinese manufacturer that manufactures switches similar to Cherry MX. The build quality of their product is excellent, and many companies are using these switches.

Razer Green / Razer Orange Mechanical Switches

The Razer Green and the Razer Orange are Razer’s proprietary switches manufactured with the help of Kaihua Electronics Co. 

More Switches

Romer-G, Logitech GX, Logitech GL, SteelSeries QS1 switches. 

What are the quietest keyboard switches?

Zilents, Healios, Matias Quiet Linear, Cherry MX Silent Red/Black are all considered quite switches. 

What are the loudest keyboard switches?

Cherry MX Blue

What are the fastest keyboard switches?

Cherry MX Speed (Silver) and Steelseries’ Omnipoint switches are the fastest and they are suitable for both typing and serious gaming.

 

Terms Related to Keyboard keys & Switches

If you have read keyboard reviews, you must have seen technical terms being used to describe the features, and there’s a possibility that you don’t know what they mean. We have selected a few important technical terms and have explained them so you can find exactly what you want. 

What is Actuation Force?

The amount of pressure you put on a key to register a click is called actuation force. Different switches require different actuation force. The actuation force is measured in Centinewton (cN) or gram-force (gf). There is another similar term, “Actuation Point,” which is the point where the clicks get registered. 

What does “Bottom Out” mean?

Mechanical switches can register the click before bottoming out, but linear switches don’t provide tactile feedback, bump, or clicky sound; thus, the users have to press the keys to their full depth, which is called Bottom Out.

What is key travel distance?

Key travel is the total distance each key travels from top to bottom when pressed. 

What are keyboard macros?

A macro is a shortcut that performs multiple instructions in one click. Some gaming softwares and Microsoft Office allows you to create your own shortcuts, which help you avoid repetitive tasks.

 

Tips

How to keep your white keyboard clean?

Even if you wash your hands several times a day, your white keyboard can start looking disgusting after a few months of regular use. It’s better to clean it occasionally before it gets too dirty. 

To clean your white keyboard, you need glass wipes, and if you don’t have wipes, you can use a paper towel moistened with glass cleaner. Foaming glass cleaners are ammonia-free, and they can’t harm your keyboard if you apply a minimal amount.

Once you spray the foam on a paper towel, squish it, and gently clean the keyboard, your keyboard will be cleaned within a minute. Make sure you don’t use too much glass cleaner; it can leave a sticky residue on the keys.

How to Quiet Your Mechanical Keyboard using rubber O-rings?

Some mechanical keyboards make too much noise, even though you enjoy those clicky sounds, it can be unpleasant for your co-workers or your spouse. You can apply rubber O-rings (Switch dampers) to your keycaps. These tiny rings prevent keycaps from rattling against the switch under it. 

Keep in mind that these O-rings don’t make your switches completely silent; they minimize the sound. They work for linear switches; if your keyboard has tactile or clicky switches such as Cherry MX Blue, these O-rings won’t make any difference because those switches click on their actuation point. 

 

Frequently asked question

Q. Are low profile keyboards better?

A. Yes, low profile keyboards are comfortable to use, and you don’t require a wrist rest because the keys are already close to the surface. 

Q. Do I need to buy a wrist rest along with a keyboard?

A. Some gaming keyboards come with built-in wrist rests, and some don’t require one if the keyboard profile is low. But if you are going for a high profile keyboard, you should buy a wrist rest; it prevents carpal tunnel syndrome and provides a comfortable experience.

Q. Do these keyboards work on macOS?

A. Most keyboards work on all Operating systems such as Mac, Windows, and ChromeOS. Some customization options might not work in macOS if the manufacturer does not provide software for mac. You can check this info on their official website. 

 

Sources

  1. Avram Piltch, Razer BlackWidow Lite Keyboard Review, Tom’s Hardware.
  2. Marshall Honorof, Razer BlackWidow X Chroma Review, Tom’s Guide.

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