If youre in search of a new mechanical keyboard with a knob then youve come to the right place.
What is the best keyboard with a rotary knob?
These include design features such as an integrated cradle and a versatile scroll knob.
As well as some universal features you might expect to see like RGB backlighting and wireless modes.
The cradle is a big plus for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts wanting more functionality from their keyboard.
Besides holding a 12-inch tablet, the slot is perfect for holding phones or even handheld consoles.
Thats sure to come in extremely handy in certain situations.
Constructed from plastic, the build quality is not bad but it does have some slight bend under pressure.
We noticed that the stabilizers come with some slight rattle too, but nothing extreme.
For switches, you get a choice of Ajazz Blue or Pinks.
Blues are a clicky switch with a tactile feel, while Pinks are a linear switch.
The RGB backlight looks incredibly bright/ saturated against the bold-color aesthetic of the keyboard.
All RGB backlighting is easily controllable onboard or with the software.
Finally, the Ajazz K620T V2 connects via Bluetooth 5.0 and comes with a very large, 4400mAh battery.
Upon testing, the battery gave us 900 hours of life (with the lights off)!
It has 66-keys, including a full set of arrows, and two modifier keys directly above.
Additionally, it supports tri-modes of connectivity and per-key RGB backlighting.
Made from plastic, the two-part case has an acrylic frosted top shell and a non-acrylic bottom.
Additionally, on the back left of the case is a recessed USB-C port.
The TH66 goes for a hybrid-gasket-sandwich design with dual layers of dampening foam.
The result is a softer typing experience with quieter typing sounds.
The PCB supports both 3/ 5-pin switches and has RGB LEDs.
As a result, Epomarker recommends only using Gateron SMD switches to prevent any issues with keycaps.
For switches, the TH66 is available in Gateron Pro mechanicals.
Supporting these are a set of factory-lubed stabilizers.
We also like that the keycaps are of high quality as well.
These are a dye-sub set of PBT keycaps that come in a unique MDA profile.
MDA is essentially a lower version of the SA profile with a similar sculpted form.
They go particularly well with the curved, ergonomic case profile of the keyboard.
FANTECH MAXFIT67
TheFantech Maxfit67is a wireless 65% mechanical keyboard that offers great value.
It has 67 keys including a full set of arrows, three modifiers, and a multi-function volume knob.
Additionally, it supports three modes of connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and RGB backlighting.
The Maxfit67 sports a cream-white ABS case with matching color keycaps.
At the back center of the case is a USB jot down-C port.
Moreover, under the case are four rubber feet and two back expandable feet.
The expandable feet provide two additional levels of elevation.
The knob on the top-right of the board is perfect for quick in-the-moment volume changes.
you’re free to also press it down to mute/ unmute.
Although the case is only plastic, the build quality is high and the overall acoustics sound great.
If youre wondering what the plate material is, this is aluminum.
For switches, the Maxfit67 comes in a choice of Kailh Box Whites or Gateron Milky Yellows.
We particularly like that the switches are factory-lubed and sound decent out of the box.
So do the custom-made POM+PA12 stabs that come pre-clipped and have very little wire rattle.
Both wireless options perform extremely well with zero noticeable lag or dropouts.
Overall, the Maxfit67 is a quality, beginner-friendly board thats enjoyable to use and mod.
It has 84-keys, including an exploded F-row and a dedicated volume wheel.
Azio first launched the IZO through a Kickstarter campaign, with a focus primarily on aesthetic appeal.
Due to this, its quite feminine in its style and overall nature.
Unfortunately, the softness does follow through to the build quality, which is quite delicate, too.
Constructed from plastic, the case feels cheap and has noticeable flex when you give it a push.
Moreover, the stabilizers are quite cheap as well and dont particularly sound the best.
The Azio IZO ships with Gateron Blue mechanical switches.
These are clicky, tactile switches that require 60+15g of actuation force for a 2.3mm pre-travel.
In terms of functionality, the knob on this keyboard is especially useful.
Turning it controls the volume and you’re able to push it down to mute.
Finally, Bluetooth pairing is a breeze and the 5,000mAh battery lasts for two weeks.
Alternatively, connect and use it over a wire.
Overall, females, in particular, will adore this unique keyboard.
While it might not have the greatest build quality, its aesthetic appeal is top-notch
5.
Additionally, the design features a multi-function, rotary encoder.
The knob functionality is somewhere between the standard and highly innovative.
Providing three-way control in four different profiles bindings, it does far more than just adjust the volume.
For switches, the CK721 uses Epomaker TTCs.
Our board came in TTC Blues, however, it comes in Red or Brown switches, too.
Red is for linear, Blue is for clicky, and Brown is for tactile.
All three require 45g of force for 1.8-2mm of actuation to make it great for gaming or typing.
On the whole, you will be very happy with the stock quality.
Thats a big plus for those who regularly like to get inside their board.
Powering this is a 2000mAh battery.
Admittedly, this is on the smaller size, lasting 72 hours.
Impressively, it doesnt just include one rotary knob but manages to house two.
The dual-knob feature controls the backlights and volume, with one knob assigned to each.
Moreover, under each knob is an LED indicator.
This starts to blink red and blue when its time for a charge.
In terms of the build quality, this is only mediocre.
Apart from the metal bar on top, the chassis is entirely plastic.
This results in the whole board looking a bit cheap and toy-like.
Another innovative thing we like about the design is that the faceplates are swappable for easy customization.
These attach to the side of the board using screw-on rivets.
For switches, the Shurikey uses Varmilo EC V2s.
EC V2s are an electrostatic capacitive switch that has just 5ms of latency (in gaming mode).
They come in four different colors: Sakura, Ivy, Moka, and Rose.
Each has a slightly different actuation force ranging from just 35g to 55g.
In terms of connectivity, you’re free to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0 or over a wire.
With that said, for work or productivity, the Bluetooth protocol works just fine.
Finally, the battery life is long-lasting with 4500mAh of juice.
Constructed from hard ABS plastic, the casing is solid and has some premium weight.
Moreover, the bevels on the case are just about right, not too small or too thick.
On the back left of the case is a USB-C port.
Then, underneath are a rear pair of single-stage flip-out feet.
Due to using Kailh sockets, the board is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
The hot-swap sockets arent overly tight, making it easy to try out new switches with no soldering required.
For stock switches, this particular model comes in either Gateron Browns or Yellows.
The keycaps that came with this board are very nice for a stock set.
These are double-shot PBT keycaps that have a Cherry profile and dye-sub legends.
At 1.4mm, they are lovely and thick.
Moreover, the legends are sharp, clear, and easily legible thanks to their contrasting black font.
Another big pro of the NJ80-AP is its eye-catching 16.8m color backlight.
The RGB effects are abundant and the white is clean.
To program the backlighting or set macros, Keydous provide their own native software.
However, due to the rough Chinese translation, this is a bit unintuitive.
Made from metal, it does not feel cheap at all, much like the rest of the board.
Finally, the wireless connectivity on the NJ80-AP is super smooth, and the large 4800mAh battery is impressive.
During our testing, Bluetooth was stable and the 2.4 GHz gave us no fuss at all.
In short, the NJ80-AP is a high-quality bit of kit thats sure to exceed expectations.
Made from CNC aluminum, the build of the Pro is noticeably robust.
To mute vibration and dampen keystrokes further, the GMMK Pro opts for a gasket-mount design.
This consists of multiple silicon strips around the plate that prevent it from coming into contact with the case.
As a result, the Pro has a more cushioned clamp for a softer, quieter typing experience.
The south-facing PCB is hot-swappable and supports both three and five-pin switches.
In addition to this, it supports both plate-mount and PCB-mount stabs.
Youll be glad to know that the board comes with its own GOAT screw-in stabilizers.
These are pre-clipped and pre-lubed out of the box.
Another big pro is that the GMMK Pro offers versatile software support.
Its not only compatible with Glorious Core, but also QMK and VIA open-source firmware.
QMK/ VIA is a popular open-source software that makes it easy to master any keyboard key or macro commands.
Additionally, it features RGB backlighting, hot-swappable switches, and QMK support.
Made from CNC aluminum (with a steel plate), the build quality is superb.
Weighing 3.13 lbs., it has plenty of heft and the kind of rigidity you see from custom boards.
The result is a real premium product that provides an excellent foundation for now and years into the future.
One con to using aluminum is that the case is lacking flip-out feet.
Instead, four rubber feet help to raise the case just above the ground.
Thanks to the gasket mount structure, the board provides 2.5mm of PCB flex.
This reduces vibrations during heavy use and helps eliminate resonance throughout the keyboard.
Compared to other gasket-mounted implications, the Q2 doesnt feel too stiff and springs back up wonderfully.
In between the gasket-like structure is a hot-swap PCB with south-facing RGB LEDs.
For switches, this particular listing comes with Gateron G Pro Reds.
Included are a nice pair of factory-lubed PCB-mount stabs, too.
These are Gaterons own silver-plated stabilizers that sound great out of the box.
In terms of software, the Keychron Q2 relies solely on QMK and VIA support.
Thanks to its clean layout and simple tabs, most people will find it very straightforward to use.
Overall, the Keychron Q2 is a solid 65% board that offers an exceptional typing experience.
Youll struggle to find a better pre-built keyboard with a knob that sounds and feels quite like this!
Click herefor the Black version!
What is a Keyboard Rotary Knob For?
The most common use for a keyboard rotary knob is to control media volume.
Turning the knob clockwise/ counterclockwise increases or decreases the volume respectively.
Turning the knob may increase or decrease brightness, or it can cycle through different lighting patterns.
The knob press turns the lights on and off.
Alternatively, it might flick between a solid light color and backlighting effects.
Many keyboards with rotary knobs allow you to customize your own bindings onboard or through software.
you might then combine the knob function with other key presses.
While the knob does not take up much room, its enough to impede compact functions.
you could find keyboards with knobs of different sizes.
ensure the knob is the right size and texture to meet your standards.
Knob Functionality
Any keyboard with a knob should list its functionality on the box.
Some only feature controls for media or lighting controls.
Others offer you program profiles to cycle through.
Build Quality
Look for a keyboard with superior build quality.
This means opting for sturdier materials such as PBT over ABS, or even metal over plastic.
Thicker plastic lasts longer, especially with heavily used parts like keys and knobs.
You should pay attention to how the knob feels and turns.
Is it cheap, thin plastic, or does it feel solid under your fingertips?…
Choose switches with a response time, feel, and sound that works best for you.
They should meet on the middle ground of function and preference where your expectations sit.
Start by looking at how easy it is to adjust the features of your keyboard.
You might be better off with a keyboard that has incorporated software to extend these features.
Connectivity Options
Decide whether you want a wireless or wired keyboard connection.
you’re free to get both with a wireless keyboard, but hard-wired keyboards are less portable.
With wireless options, consider RF keyboards that use a dongle against popular Bluetooth options.
Bluetooth requires less hardware, but RF keyboards have lower latency.
We hope you found a mechanical keyboard with a knob on this list.
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