Close-up Shot of a White Mechanical Keyboard and Switch on Wooden Desk

The 5 Best Minimalist Mechanical Keyboards You Can Find!

When you have to use your keyboard for more work than the next guy, you will quickly agree with me that you could do with a more comfortable option. Even though the normal stock keyboards can get the job done, you will find yourself spending less time pulling at your hair and actually getting work done instead.

There is a huge gulf in class between using a mechanical keyboard and a stock keyboard, and this is accounted for in the prices that you have to pay to get each one. A proper mechanical keyboard will set you back a few quid for sure, but not all of them are worth it. That’s why we are presenting to you the best minimalist mechanical keyboards available on the market.

Eagletec KG011 Mechanical Keyboard

This is a keyboard designed with three key features attended to – comfort, durability, and responsiveness.

The Eagletec KG011 features medium resistance, tactile feedback to ensure a comfortable, error-free typing experience even for extended periods of writing, programming, or gaming. The backlight is also uniform across the keyboard so that it is suitable for entry-level typists who still need to look at their keyboards during sessions. Now you don’t have to keep the light on in your workstation.

Durability is attended to with the industrial aircraft-grade aluminum body ABS casing design, and gold plate-mounted mechanical keys. These features ensure that your keyboard is built to stand the rigors of everyday use for hours on end. The keys are also splash-proof, so your work is not interrupted by a little splash here and there. Accidents are bound to happen, right?

The keyboard works properly across the board, on all window versions, on all major computer brands (HP, Dell, Alienware, etc.) with limited Apple Mac keyboard support.

The Eagletec KG011 might not be the best option if you work in an open space due to the slightly above average noise that its keys make during typing. However, for its price, you can’t have too many complaints


Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional2

In the context of sensitive and responsive keyboards, this keyboard sets itself apart at the top of the pile. It uses a topre switch, which is a mix of a mechanical spring-based switch, rubber dome switch, and capacitative sensor. This, in less technical terms, means that you only require a gentle push to register your keystroke, combined with a bouncy tactile feedback.

It also boasts contoured frame and keys to promote easy gliding across keys, so that your hands and fingers don’t fatigue easily. It also takes minimalism up a notch by fitting 101 keys into just 60, with other key combo options available to reduce the distance your fingers have to travel, giving you a better typing experience.

If you are looking to spend top dollar and get value in exchange, the HHKB might just be right for you. It also has a PBT casing system with the keys printed using dye sublimation so that the legends never wear off due to use.


Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate

The Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate is a keyboard that gives you value for every cent. It uses a special Cherry MX Blue switch that gives it a clicky tactile feedback and also reduces the effort required to produce a keystroke. The blank keys are also a special feature on this keyboard that encourages you to type faster, for longer.

It has a two-port USB 3.0 feature that allows fast file transfers compared to USB 2.0 ports, which is especially useful when your computer doesn’t have the 3.0 port. The n-key rollover feature (NKRO) will come as good news for you as a fast typist or programmer. Simply turn it on by pressing the shift and mute buttons.

Another conspicuous feature on this minimalist mechanical keyboard is the large volume control knob for media and online videos, accompanied by other dedicated control buttons such as pause, play, next, etc.

Just when you think it can’t get any better, it also comes with extra features like the anodized aluminum top panel, a resonance-free bottom enclosure, a magnetically attached footbar that also doubles as a ruler, and a laser engraved aluminum bottom label.

However, before you splurge on this keyboard, you should check to make sure that it works on your OS, especially if your device is a Mac.


Qwerkywriter S

This is a minimalist mechanical keyboard that gets extra points for taking things retro and its incredible versatility. The Qwerkywriter is made of 100% anti-scratch aluminum alloy, making it incredibly sturdy and durable. It also has an integrated tablet stand that fits devices between 10.5 to 12 inches wide, and with a thickness that does not exceed 5/8 inch. The typewriter inspired keys are made of 2 piece keycaps to provide better stability together with its automotive f=grade electroplating.

The Qwerkywriter S also supports wireless connection to function as a Bluetooth keyboard that can connect to up to three devices at the same time. On a wired USB connection mode, it also has an n-key rollover feature (NKRO) that fast typists will just love.

The German mechanical Cherry MX switches embedded in this keyboard provides great tactile feedback and performance for a better typing experience. The knob button on the side of the typewriter doubles as a scroll button and a volume key for playing media and online videos.

A minor drawback you can run into with this keyboard is a patchy experience when you use it over the Bluetooth connection.


Logitech K840 Mechanical Keyboard

The Logitech K840 is a minimalist mechanical keyboard that also delivers on an enjoyable typing experience. The anodized aluminum chassis makes it incredibly sturdy to stand to the rigors of every day, prolonged use. The 1.8m cable that comes with the keyboard is also reinforced with strain relief capacities for extra longevity.

The keyboard is also versatile and customizable to fit your personal needs and taste. It allows you to use the integrated media and shortcut keys to have more enjoyable entertainment sessions. The reprogrammable keys also allow you to reassign shortcuts based as you want using the Logitech Options feature.

It also uses the Logitech Romer-G mechanical switch based on Japanese engineering to give you the best typing experience that you could ask for. It works on systems on the Windows 7 OS and newer versions.

Like most mechanical keyboards, it sits pretty high. So, to protect your wrists and avoid injuries, it is recommended that you have a wrist rest for times when you have to work for extended periods. However, very few mechanical keyboards within its price range outperform the K840.


Quick Buyers Guide for Minimalist Mechanical Keyboards

Buying a mechanical keyboard can be a luxury for some, but when you are always on your computer, you can’t do without one. There are a lot of mechanical keyboards available, and some offer great value for money, while others don’t. Knowing the things to look out for is a non-negotiable factor to consider. So, what are the things that you should consider before you check out that keyboard from your cart?

Switch

As a writer, I have found that my job is much easier and smoother on certain switches compared to others. You would be best served to look out for one that suits the purpose of why you are buying a keyboard. A switch that requires you to press the key all the way down would better serve a gamer who doesn’t want to press keys accidentally. On the other hand, one that requires less effort will produce less noise and travels shorter.

Another factor to consider is the type of feedback that your switch gives you. Would you prefer tactile or auditory feedback when you press? We can’t get into the details of the switch right here, but you can read up on it. There’s a lot of articles that cover that stuff especially.

Extra Features

Other than the switch, you would also want some features on your keyboard that will add to the experience for you. Each person’s needs are different, and you should not be paying for features that you won’t need because these extra features mean more coins that you’ll be shelling out.

If you will be typing in poorly lit rooms, a keyboard with backlighting is non-negotiable. However, it is up to you to choose whether you want one with a single light, or you prefer an RGB mechanical keyboard better. These allow you to choose the color you want on the RGB spectrum.

Other convenience options like dedicated buttons, media keys, volume dial, etc. contribute to making the keyboard worth the strain on your pocket.

Conclusion

If you have stuck around this long, I expect that you know more than you did about the best minimalist mechanical keyboards than you did before now. I also expect that you have found the keyboard for you.

On the off chance that you have not, the information that we have shared should be enough for you to make an informed decision when you go to look for the keyboard that works best for you. Leave your comments and questions below. I’ll be more than happy to hear from you!

Doing a full gaming buildout? Check out our article on the best minimalist PC cases too!

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