If youre in search of the best 70% mechanical keyboard then youve come to the right place.
Below, we will take a look at some of the latest mass-produced models on the market right now.
What is the best 70% mechanical keyboard?
The switch plate itself is metal, though, and underneath the case are two magnetic plastic feet.
Customization comes in the form of full RGB backlighting, with 16.8 million color options available to choose from.
you’re free to also build your own macros and keyboard layouts via the included DPC customization software.
Powered by a detachable USB cable, connectivity issues will never be a problem with this board, either.
Like other value keyboards, this one is made out mostly out of plastic.
Even still, it has plenty of stiffness and rigidity as to not feel cheap or flimsy.
Under the surface of these keycaps sit custom dustproof switches that are comparable to Cherry MX Reds.
Youll be able to enjoy fast action with this board for sure.
Customization is a nice touch with this keyboard too.
The RGB lighting system has 18 different presets and is programmable from top to bottom with different effects.
Furthermore, per-key lighting is also built-in and there are almost infinite backlight color options that you might configure.
Unfortunately, the K599 does not feature software to create onboard macros.
It does however offer eleven multimedia shortcut key combinations by pressing the function key and the top letter row.
The dual-purpose keys can be activated with zero extra effort at all.
Compatibility-wise, this keyboard works with all Windows and Mac OSX devices.
It also works well with new gaming consoles (such as the latest Xbox and PlayStation).
Compatibility issues are no problem, either.
It works well on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux devices.
Thanks to some crafty engineering, the 71 layout maintains the functionality of a TKL keyboard.
Multi-media keys also have secondary functions that are easy to find.
With a frame made from milled aluminum, the KB512L has real strength and rigidity.
The switch plate is 100% metal as well (and fully hot-swappable).
Your standard ABS keycaps come with the deal, though its not difficult to swap them out, either.
That allows this keyboard to fit perfectly into any business or office space while still having plenty of personality.
It also works wonders as a gaming keyboard, too.
The Blue switches built-in are responsive and have just the right amount of click to them.
Having a metal plate and floating keys provide the tactile feedback productive typists are looking for.
Each of the keys can be programmed and coded (with macros).
The build is lightweight and incredibly portable.
This makes it a versatile choice that works well in a variety of different situations.
Its not weak, its not clunky, and it doesnt feel like a cheap knockoff.
It still has that rigid, solid feedback youd expect from a mechanical keyboard.
Equipped with Brown switches that have a soft tactile bump, the typing sound is almost silent.
On top are ABS are keycaps that do allow the light to shine through.
Instead, it connects through a plug-in USB dongle.
A lot of other 70% mechanical keyboard options could probably borrow that neat little innovation.
This is done by removing the End, PgDn, and Delete keys.
In terms of the build, the ALT71D has an ABS plastic casing with thin corner bezels.
The case is quite rigid but does have some flex if you tried to bend it.
On top, the keycaps use a higher-quality PBT plastic.
As you could see, these come in an attractive black and yellow color scheme.
Unfortunately, this is non-adjustable and does look quite cheap.
On the plus side, it can hold two triple-A batteries for an excellent battery life and connection.
For switches, the board comes with Cherry MXs in a choice of four different colors.
As a result, you wont be able to mix and match them.
Youll be glad to know that the ALT71D is fully compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
Switching between the system modes is made possible by pressing the Fn+A or Fn+S keys.
All in all, its a great mid-range board but is let down by not having any software.
It has a compact 71 key layout that condenses all the home and navigation keys into one single block.
This removes some of that under-utilized space that you might find on a TKL design.
Although the case is just plastic, the build quality is pretty good and theres very minimal flex.
Underneath are two magnetic feet that prop the board up at an angle and stop it from moving.
RGB backlighting is a key feature of the RK71 that adds to its gamer aesthetic.
On the side of the case is a strip of LED pipes for some soft accent lighting.
Additionally, a vibrant per-key backlight shines brightly on top.
The RGB lights and effects look amazing and really make this keyboard pop.
Thanks to built-in software, youll be able to customize almost every aspect of the RK71.
Creating macros and assigning dual functions will never be a problem with this software.
As you could see, its essentially a 60% board that adopts a full-size Numpad on the end.
This makes it a great choice for users after a portable yet functional solution for both gaming and work.
To achieve its compact size, some compromises are made in the layout.
Getting accustomed to this layout may take some time as it is a little bit different.
Another thing to be aware of is that the non-regular key sizes can make buying keysets more difficult.
Fortunately, the stock PBT keycaps are of high quality and have an attractive three-toned aesthetic.
On top are plate-mounted stabs that do have some rattle out of the box.
However, only the space bar and backspace have stabs so it wont take that long to mod these.
A big plus is that the SK71S is fully hot-swappable and comes with Gateron optical switches.
The switches feel lightweight and comfortable to use while having an extremely fast response time of 0.2ms.
Its worth noting that you’re able to only swap them out for other optical switches.
Underneath each switch is its own LED for a fantastic RGB backlight.
Its a bit difficult to use but other than that, you wont be disappointed with this product.
Overall, its a great dive into the world of custom keyboards.
It has a compact layout (with 72 keys) that retains direct access to the entire navigation cluster.
Moreover, it stands out for its high build quality, hot-swap usability, and long-lasting battery life.
Weighing 1.62 lbs., the board has decent weight and feels solid in your hand.
Underneath the case are five rubber feet, plus two rear flip-out feet that have two levels of adjustment.
Without raising the flip-out feet, the K14 sits at an ergonomic six-degree angle.
you could then increase this to nine-degrees by inclining the back two feet.
Next to this, theres another switch for toggling between wired and Bluetooth modes.
Then, further along, is a USB bang out-C port for powering the board over a wire.
For switches, the K14 is available in Keychrons own MX-style variant or in Gaterons.
Both switch types are mechanical and come in multiple colors.
Furthermore, on top are a set of double-shot ABS keycaps.
Despite being ABS, they do have a nice, soft-touch coating that provides some extra grip.
Finally, to use this keyboard wirelessly, the K14 features Bluetooth 5.1.
This lets you pair up to three devices and seamlessly switch between them.
Fortunately, in wireless mode, you wont have to worry about it dying often.
This is because the large, 4000 mAh battery can last up to two months!
To make this board even more interesting, Epomaker has decided to go for a stacked acrylic case.
Despite being made of acrylic, the case has decent build quality with no flex or creaking sounds.
Unfortunately, the stabilizers are one area where Epomaker has cut costs, though.
These sound incredibly clacky and will likely need replacing down the line.
For switches, the ACR98 Mini adopts its own custom AKKO CS Jellys.
Depending on the acrylic case color you buy, these come in different switch colors.
As you might expect from an acrylic board, RGB backlighting is a standout feature of the ACR98 Mini.
We also like that there are many onboard functions and programmable controls for customization.
Overall, theres a lot to like about this awesome 70% keyboard.
What is a 70% Keyboard?
A 70% mechanical keyboard is roughly 70% the width of a full-size keyboard.
Unlike a 75% keyboard, it loses the strip of function keys along the top of the board.
The majority of 70% keyboards have 71-keys.
Typically, the keys on a 70% keyboard are compact rather than exploded.
This is to remove as much white space on the board as possible.
1.5u keys between the spacebar and left arrow key are common (instead of three 1u keys).
Additionally, the right shift key tends to be 1.75u rather than the full 2.75u of a standard layout.
Design
The design will depend on the dimensions and layout of the keyboard.
Some will have more modifier keys and some will have fewer.
Some keyboards will re-arrange where the USB-C input is or have expandable feet.
Others may have LED indicators, while some may not.
Furthermore, pay attention to the design to ensure it meets your aesthetic standards.
If you prefer the look and feel of higher quality plastics or metals, expect to pay more.
These come in plenty of options, ranging from clicky to silent.
You may need to compromise on certain visual details, but this is worth the performance of the keyboard.
Bluetooth is a popular option, and its usually the baseline for wireless connectivity.
You may also see infrared and radio frequency options.
Pay attention to any wired connections and which ports you oughta take advantage of.
Does the keyboard use USB C or USB A?
Are there any other wires involved?
Battery Life
Any good wireless keyboard will have a decent battery life.
It may not rank first in your criteria, but you should know what to expect.
A battery life of 72 hours plus is a good life for a keyboard.
We hope you found a 70% Mechanical Keyboard on this list.
Click herefor the 15 best 65% Mechanical Keyboards!
Click herefor the 15 best 75% Mechanical Keyboards!
