The 7 Best Mechanical Keyboards for Writers (2023)

Working on your first novel? Or spend all day typing for work?

Either way, your keyboard is the #1 tool in your toolkit—and can make or break your experience, productivity, and fingers!

As a mechanical keyboard nerd (I own dozens) and somebody who spends all-day-every-day writing (I run 3 blogs full-time)…

…allow me to help you find a keyboard that helps you write better (and more comfortably)!

Here are my votes for the best mechanical keyboards for writers:

How the keyboards are ranked:

Cost

Obviously, you’ll want to pick a keyboard within your budget!

Wireless

Do you prefer a Bluetooth (or USB Dongle) option for wireless? Or is a USB-C ok?

Ergonomics

If you’re a writer, you NEED to be comfortable for long periods of time on a computer! Do you need a low-profile keyboard? Or split keyboard? We’ll talk about these below.

Switch Options

This is the 2nd most important feature—you’ll want tactile or clicky switches for typing (probably). We’ll discuss these in detail below

Hot-swappable

Hot-swappable keyboards allow you to easily change the switches without de-soldering (makes it more convenient to make customizations.)

Fancy Features

RGB backlighting? USB ports on the keyboard itself? A scroll wheel for volume, etc?

Those are the main factors you should consider for purchasing a keyboard (especially for typing or writing all day).

Are Mechanical Keyboards Good for Writers?

In a word, yes! Mechanical keyboards offer several HUGE benefits, specifically for writers, authors, bloggers—anybody who types a lot:

• More accuracy - Mechanical keyboards are generally more accurate (and definitely more reliable) than membrane keyboards
• More durable - mechanical switches are rated for millions of keystrokes, and are less likely to stick with extended use!
• Faster Typing Speeds (sometimes) - Mechanical keyboards aren’t usually that much faster from a technical perspective—but given other factors like comfort, keyboard height, and “tactile feedback” for your fingers—they can end up yielding faster typing speeds
• More customization (and fun) - There are a TON of customization options with mechanical keyboards, so you can really dial in your writing experience the way you like it!

Pro Tip: What is a mechanical keyboard? A computer keyboard that uses a physical switch underneath each key, rather than the cheap rubber membranes found in most “regular” keyboards. They make mechanical keyboards in all different shapes, sizes, layouts, colors, and switch options (to customize the look, feel, sound, size, and more)!

Let’s get into the recommendations!

Keychron K2 - Best Overall (and Best for Mac)

• Cost: ❌ Over $130
• Hot-swappable? ❌ no
• Backlighting? ✅ Yes.
• Wireless? ❌ No
• Ergonomics: ✅ Comes with a detachable wrist rest, too!

Corsair is another popular brand in gaming, and the K70 has FANCY features that’ll delight gamers (just don’t forget to work, too).

• USB pass-through
• Media controls & extra macro keys
• Detachable wrist rest

Wrist rests definitely take some getting used to, but can be a game-changer if you have oversizes hands (or sometimes if you don’t).

Also, you can choose from a number of Cherry MX switches (the OG name in keyboard switches)

• MX Blue - clicky (light, tappy sounding)
• MX Brown - tactile (what I recommend for accountants)
• MX Red - Linear (the normal linear switch, NOT the Silent version)
• MX Speed - a lighter, faster linear switch

It might not have all the fancy features from some other boards, but if you’re also into gaming, the K70 is a solid, well-built keyboard with plenty of Cherry MX switch options.

Click here for the best gaming keyboards list!

Summary: What is the best keyboard for writers?

If you spend a lot of time typing, I recommend a mechanical keyboard for improved accuracy, speed, ergonomics, and customization options.

If you want a wireless option, I recommend the Keychron K2 mechanical keyboard (with brown tactile switches). I also think the Durgod Taurus is another fantastic pick!

Happy writing, clicking, and clacking 😎

Mechanical Keyboard FAQs

What keyboards do professional writers use?

While there isn’t a single favorite, most writers make sure to use keyboards that offer accuracy, speed, and comfort. Some fantastic mechanical keyboards for writers are:

• Keychron K2 - Best Overall (and Best for Mac)
• Durgod Taurus - Runner-Up
• Tecware Phantom 87 - Best Budget
• Logitech G915 - Best Low-Profile
• Keychron K7 - Best for Travel
• Kinesis Freestyle Pro - Best Ergonomics
• Realforce R2 - Most Accurate Typing

Which mechanical keyboard is best for typing?

This will come down to personal preference based on your needs, but I generally recommend a mechanical keyboard (for accuracy, speed, comfort, and customization) with tactile switches (as opposed to linear switches). Here are some of my favorites:

• Keychron K2
• Anne Pro 2 or Ducky One 2 Mini (compact 60% keyboards)
• Durgod Taurus (for office work)
• Tecware Phantom (budget)

Do mechanical keyboards make you type faster?

Generally, yes, but it’s usually only a small increase. Mechanical keyboards are generally show increased accuracy (which increases speed), as well as an improved feel and ergonomics. And since you can purchase mechanical keyboards in various sizes, heights, switch options, and keycap profiles (shape), you can generally dial in your comfort for typing speed increases.