Should you buy a mechanical keyboard? | Mark Ellis Reviews

Are you considering trying out a mechanical keyboard? I've been using them since the start of 2021, and they've transformed the way I type and get things done. So, this is the definitive answer to the question "are mechanical keyboards worth it?"... answered by a long-term Apple keyboard user.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - What is a mechanical keyboard?
03:00 - Initial experience
03:49 - Do they improve typing?
04:47 - The sound
05:48 - Reliability
07:15 - Downsides
08:42 - RGB lights
09:36 - Keyboard recommendations
12:55 - Conclusion
Related links:
➡️ IQUNIX F96 Coral Sea Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: iqunix.store/markellisreviews
➡️ Epomaker GK96S: epomaker.com?sca_ref=545697.YVbsPmXFKK
➡️ Keychron K3: www.keychron.com/pages/keychr...
➡️ Keycrhon K2: www.keychron.com/products/key...
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I have zero interest in deep spec dives or long-winded comparisons. I review laptops, smartphones, tablets, headphones and the latest tech based on real experience. I'll tell you how it'll make you feel, whether or not it's worth your time (and money) and help you find the tech you need to get stuff done.
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[@MarkEllisReviews]

I've fallen in love with mechanical keyboards. Have you?

[@satyabratsingh234]

Add more contrast to ur footage maybe..

[@MarkEllisReviews]

@@satyabratsingh234 I like the grade on this one, to be honest, mate.

[@billyg8614]

Just bought a new 24” iMac. Also bought “Das Keyboard” mechanical kb to go with it. Ever since I got my 1st Razer Black Widow mech kb back in 2014, I’ve never looked back. It just feels right. Think IBM Selectric 2.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

@conrad wow, you’re still going 😂 I wouldn’t compare a keyboard to a girlfriend though, buddy 😬

[@MarkEllisReviews]

@conrad you’ll love this, Conrad. I’ve bought about ten coffee machines so far, I grind my own beans (stop laughing at the back), and I think it tastes lovely. And this will be your favourite bit - I don’t know why. I just twiddle the coarse/fine knob on the grinder, buy random packs of beans from Amazon (usually because they’re on offer or have a cool name) and never really know how long to froth the milk for. I don’t even know what coffee I make - it could be a latte, or a cappuccino, I genuinely have no idea. It could even be a babycino. I know NOTHING about coffee, but I’m obsessed with it. Sorry 😬

[@guitart]

When I type on a mechanical keyboard i feel like a hacker penetrating into the NASA mainframe, even if I'm writing my shopping list.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

😂 you and me both.

[@BookClubDisaster]

Yeah I totally feel like Matthew Broderick in Wargames!

[@Sokoon710]

😂😂 cutest comment ever had red on KZbin

[@jimallen6197]

It is a deep rabbit hole to go down for sure. I started with the Keychron K2, I now have 2 Keychron K1's, and 2 Azio Retro Classics as well. Love them all👍

[@melprophet1936]

Really good video as always. I'm happy to see the renewed interest in mechanical keyboards because in the old 386/486 days of PC's they were very common if not even standard. I always enjoyed using them.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks, Mel!

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[@MrDos22]

Just bought a keychron K4 with blue switches. Great build and will hopefully make my typing better! Great vid

[@pauljakeman]

Really awesome and to the point video buddy. Deffo want a mechanical keyboard now!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks very much, Paul!

[@pauljakeman]

@@MarkEllisReviews no probs mate!

[@mrc1500]

Das Keyboard mechanical on my Mac. Drives my colleagues nuts on Webex (clack) (clack) but it’s lovely. It’s full width, too, and reassuringly heavy - come the apocalypse it’ll double as a club.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

😂

[@jedlomax100]

I have bought a Keychron K4 partly based on your recommendations. After 10 years of an iMac KB it has taken a week to get used to but now I really like it. And it has a light show..so...yes.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Everyone loves a light show.

[@NoBSBeardReviews]

You’ve got me intrigued! Just recently picked up the Apple Magic keyboard and it’s okay. I think we’re about the same age so I’m guessing I’ll like a mechanical keyboard.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Keep an eye on the channel today! More mechanical keyboard stuff incoming...

[@FridaWestling]

I could listen to your voice all day! You should make audiobooks!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

You're too kind :)

[@deanmeixner]

Great review Mark. I've been eyeing off a K2 for quite a while, I think it will make a nice addition to my new Mac mini.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks, Dean. The K2 is a great keyboard.

[@deanmeixner]

@@MarkEllisReviews How's the bluetooth issue? Any probs with the Keychron? Have pretty much settled on a K6, some models are more difficult to get hold of here, very similar to the K2.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

@@deanmeixner Nope, all sorted!

[@deanmeixner]

@@MarkEllisReviews Thanks again Mark!

[@awvandijke]

Hi Mark, totally agree with you, I am “ a heavy typer” coming from the Commodore 64. So thats as far as my age goes, and I hate the butterfly keyboard of my 13” MacBook Pro. I connected the Mac to a 27” 4K Philips and use a Logitech mouse and keyboard. Although mechanical It is not as nice as the old keyboards. And so have been looking at your set up for the last few clips, and when buying my new Mac Mini anytime soon, I think I will go with the K3 including the RGB lights. My grand children will love it

[@MarkEllisReviews]

They will indeed - and so will you!

[@Hektormydog]

Like you mention, watching one of your videos and saw the F96 on the desk. I just got an F97 IQUNIX the other day. Although I’m new to this whole mechanical keyboard idea I decided, why go the upgrade route?, and just got ‘the best’ at the beginning. Also, like you say, one of the ideas with this is to improve my typing skill and maybe put a bit more enjoyment in the process. Besides the keyboard itself something you don’t really hit on are the switches used. With no experience but hearing a lot about this, I finally choose the TTC ACE in my F97, smooth with some travel, and gold plated for maybe a bit more durability. One other thing you touch on is the RGB lighting. I got the RGB option, but I’m not into ‘the flash,’ just use the lights to help a bit in low room light mostly, but the IQUNIX doesn’t illuminate through the top of the key caps. So far, it has been great. Thanks for your practical thoughts and reviews, they help.

[@greggyaus]

I just upgraded from a PC to a Mac Studio and there’s no way I can ditch my Logitech G915 TKL mechanical keyboard. Sure, I want Touch ID and a keyboard layout that matches Apple’s OS but (with a bit of key remapping) willing to sacrifice that for the feel and RGB beauty of the Logitech. :)

[@pudswoods]

Really helpful video 👍 I’m curious whether you had any difficulty switching between a UK and a US keyboard layout? I’m in the UK, and I spotted that some manufacturers only make ANSI keyboards.

[@pjsixhundred]

I always use a mechanical keyboard and have done for decades. Better feel, higher accuracy. It's a no brainer. I've tried the Apple type keyboard and it just isn't the same. People should try a mechanical one for sure. Your point about noise on a Zoom call is interesting however I just go on Mute.

[@Keziapurrs]

I just recently got the Keychron K2 with brown switches and absolutely love it!!! I was using the Tapatek mech keyboard for a couple of years and a few of the keys got wonky so I bought the K2. It’s been a dream. It’s a great typing experience and I love that it has dedicated Mac keys on the function keys. I got the brown switches and they’re the perfect blend of smooth and clicky.

[@innovativeadvertising6463]

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[@CNile-se9xw]

I have the Keychron K3 low profile keyboard, but I swapped out the optical switches that came with it (too squishy) for optical browns which have a nice feel to them & are quiet. The beauty of the optical switches is that they're reasonably priced, but more importantly, they don't have delicate pins that are prone to damage if not precisely lined up, you simply push them in like Lego. I have the backlight set to static white & connect via USB-C, as when used wirelessly, the backlight is too dim. If I have to crunch a lot of numbers, I pull out my Satechi ST-XLABK wireless numeric keypad, which adds F13, F14, & F15 function keys, scroll arrows, page keys & print screen. The whole setup fits my needs perfectly, didn't cost the earth, is Mac compatible & is very discrete.

[@JimKanaris]

Hey Mark! Thanks for this non-technical overview of the mechanical keyboard. You convinced me to pick one up. I settled on the Keychron K2. Hope it complements my 16" M1 Pro, which sits on a stand, making the typing experience a little awkward. We shall see!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@JimKanaris]

@@MarkEllisReviews Loving it so far!

[@RandyRydberg]

I use a Moonlander split-Ortholinear keyboard as of last March... wonderful!

[@rorywalters1614]

I actually like one thing of the butterfly keyboard: the bigger key surfaces. I’m a slow typer, the bigger surfaces did make me type faster. It haven’t run into reliability issues since 2016, so far it’s okay. I previously used several ThinkPads, key surfaces were a bit small, and all of them had 1~3 keys fallen off, and I couldn’t put some of them back because the switches were also broken😫.

[@innovativeadvertising6463]

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[@hanswolfhausen8347]

Back when this video was posted, I had already tried out the Keychron K2 and the honeymoon ended as quickly as it started. This week, in fact, I have decided to try them again. This time I purchased the Logitech MX Mini Mechanical. Mac edition with the quiet switches. So far, I'm having a better experience. It boasts 10 months of battery life if the backlight is not used. I'm going to stick it through with this one and hope it grows on me as yours did.

[@bj0rnen]

I just got into mechanical keyboards. I first bought a Keychron K4 Pro, which is a 96 layout, but I also wanted to try a low profile one with the same layout so I preordered the NuPhy Air 96 when it was revealed.

[@mplovecraft]

Thank you, highly interesting :)

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deadandburied7626]

Love 'em too.

[@thereclamationproject]

I love the low profile of the Magic Keyboard. I’m tempted to try the K3. I just wish they had a 10 key version.

[@moshans8906]

@Mark Ellis Reviews, nice general review on the mechanical keyboard world. I see you got the IqUnix F96 Coral Sea and the Keychron K2. May I know, in your opinion, do you prefer IqUnix or Keychron. I've been eyeing the K4 V2 and F96 Coral Sea just like yours for quite sometimes, but didn't really sure which one should I get.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks! The IQUNIX just pips it, but you pay quite a bit more for it.

[@JoeTourist]

After seeing Marques Brownlee using the Keychron K2 on his Macs, I bought one and haven't looked back. My Apple Magic keyboard sits collecting dust...no comparison. Since I'm older than you, I was there when IBM came out with their original (and costly) mechanical keyboard for the IBM-PC - the gold standard!

[@magnummer]

I may be on the most unpopular side here. But I fell for the craze and ordered a mechanical keyboard around a year ago. One with original cherry reds and all the toys available at the time. Not a cheap one mind you. And so far I cant wait to change it back to a slim membrane one as the experience has been terrible for me. The errors I make while typing in it never went away, no matter how much I tried. It feels too big and chunky and the sound drives me crazy after a while (Listening to how a keyboard sounds for a few seconds on a review video its not the same as actually hearing it all the time). The only thing holding me back from just getting rid of this thing is how much I paid for it and the fact that where I live there isn't a market for it to sell it used. TL;DR: Really do your research about this topic. Mechanical keyboards ARE NOT for everyone.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

They're definitely not for everyone ;)

[@caliwator]

I totally agree with you. I dont see an actual reason why they would be better. The key travel is longer and you have to lift your hands and fingers more. i can see why people like them because it is nostalgic and they are fun to use. But they aren't really better than low profile keyboards in my opinion. Its a trend at the moment and it will probably change again some time.

[@ben.harnwell]

Love my Keychron K2! So easy to shift between work and home PC... Also Mac and PC is easy to switch.

[@JuanCAraujoS]

I'd love to enter this world of mech keyboards, but I don't know where to start. I'm between the Royal Kludge RK84 Pro or the Nuphy Air 75... one is a regular profile, much like the Keychron K2 ant the other is a low profile, much like the K3. Then again, both have an advantage over the Keychrons: 2.5 GHz dongle if you don't want to rely on bluetooth. A step up int he more custom scene would be the Keychron Q1 V2. But I would go for the barebones version so I could build it up one component at a time. I think the deal with mi is that I'm overwhelmed with all the options... as if I had a huge burger between my hands and I'm not sure where to put the first bite. Is a huge rabbit hole and all I need now is a little push.

[@elik4396]

"This video is totally free of detailed comparisons between switches and stuff." THIS is why I love this chanel! So practical and down to earth. None of the tech snobbery that normal guys like me are lost in. Speaking of keyboards, I've been using the Logitec MX Keys for several months now, and have written my last few novels on it. Love the keyboard, and it's definitely an upgrade over the stock keyboard on my 2017 Macbook Air. But I'm definitely considering a mechanical keyboard to pair with my new Mac Mini M1. Have you checked out the Querkywriter? It's a bit of an odd keyboard, but stylistically it's loaded with nostalgia and I hear that it's very well made.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you, Eli! That really does mean a lot. And I have seen the Querkywriter appear on various social posts; always catches my eye…

[@PanikNT]

I have a gk64 with gateron milky blacks. Dab em in krytox205G0, and you have budget version of black inks.

[@4CardsMan]

Back in the day when we built PC's, we always provided a Focus 2001. It was perfect. A lot of mechanical keyboards are way too springy.

[@reykjavik9187]

I'm also thinking on trying out mechanical keyboard, but still I have some concerns whether it would better than my Magic keyboard. By the way, after two years passed from this review do you still stick to mechanical keyboards in favour of Magic keyboard?

[@davidbcg286]

I have my eyes on a Niz Keyboard, much softer feel and low noise as I read/saw. I'd like to customize it a bit inspired by the new Apple keyboard with dedicated emoji/spotlight/do not disturb keys (not needing dictation for now). So far I could not find a simple way to get custom keycaps... it's quite surprising given the huge mechanical keyboard market.

[@dennisud]

I have a USB0A keyboard as well as a wireless one. Yo me as I have a desktop I don't need the wireless convenience and so that is my current situation! Nice to know the M1 Mac-mini has USB-A I/O!

[@popukon]

I had used IBM card punching machines and VT-52 and VT-100 terminals at first. My first personal computer was the Apple II, But at some point I sold it.. I got an IBM PC. and a the time it came with a keyboard. I sort of hated from the start , after using the Apple II's builtin keyboard, which I just felt it was better than the IBM clackity keyboard .I was finally able to buy a new keyboard (I don't remember what brand it was I mean it was 41 years ago), and put the IBM back in the box and set it aside. When I sold it, both keyboards went with it. After all the huge DIN connector was on it's way out for the PS/2 connector.Then I moved to Japan. I bought an NEC 9800 and it's keyboard was a low travel low profile keyboard and was awesome. Mechanical but low travel was the key for me. Then at work I was to use a Mac Iicx and the ADB Apple keyboard, i thought it was the best. I also got an NEC 9800 at work. I was programming on the Sun Sparkstation II, Mac, and . Over decades of buying Macs and building my own PCs there was a move to build DOS/V PCs (bilingual Japanese PCs, where you bought the parts. I never found the nice keyboards of the Mac Iicx and NEC 9800. Then somewhere along the line I got a Mac PowerBook G4. That keyboard was great. A week after it was released, I bought my first Apple Magic Keyboard. Then I had found a keyboard that was excellent. I liked it so much the I got two. But once i a while, helping someone else, I had to use their clackity keyboards, also Windows,There ere clearly is a market for them. But I hate them so much.I actually carried around my Apple keyboard until I found a folding keyboard with track pad, that could be used either wirelessly or wired. So, if I ever came across a high travel keyboard, I always take mine, either foldable, or the Apple keyboard. I hate anything that has more travel than the Apple keyboard. My foldable has low travel. I feel that Apple Magic Keyboard 2 is a GOAT. I actually get tired on long travel keyboards. I don't have RSI nor Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I just get tired after about 10 minutes. I use an Apple keyboard on everything, my Macs, my Windows and Linux machines.Other people's machines. So, not a chance in hell would I ever go back.

[@johnmercado6138]

opinion on reds vs browns on the K3 as a person who currently uses a Mac Pro and plans on buying his first mechanical keyboard?

[@dickybirdcch]

Love my cheapish mechanical keyboard, the travel, the way it sounds, the tactile feedback from the switch’s kickback.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Great, aren't they?

[@dickybirdcch]

@@MarkEllisReviews probably not going back to a regular membrane keyboard if I'm building new home pc setups if i can help it.

[@4CardsMan]

I learned to type on a manual typewriter. So, I relate to mechanical keyboards.

[@iamBede]

I'm using Keychron K8 and K3v2

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Thx

[@innovativeadvertising6463]

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[@simonc61]

I love the look of the Iqunix F96 Avocado version but there don't seem to be any suppliers in the UK. Did you buy yours direct from Iqunix and was there any import duty incurred? Also with my current keyboard (Cherry) I type with my wrists resting on the desk, which doesn't seem an option with the F96. I guess you could use a wrist rest with it if need be?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I did indeed buy mine direct from IQUNIX. I don't think there's any import duty to worry about. And yep, you could indeed use a wrist rest.

[@Hektormydog]

I just got the newer F97 Hitchhiker with TTC ACE switches. Bought direct, quick shipping, and use a nice cherry wood wrist rest bought on AMAZON.

[@RafalBorowski]

As an owner of 4 mechs I can easily say - YES... you not even should... you have to...

[@marcuseliasson8214]

Hey Mark! What's your favourite mechanical keyboard (so far)?

[@michaellatta]

The best keyboard were the solenoid 029 keypunch. It would pull the key away from your fingers when activated, so you never needed to bottom out the keys.

[@RealAleksandarBlagojevic]

i love mechanical keyboards but i also love ergonomic keyboards. does anyone know a good, if possible, quiet mechanical one which is ergonomic at the same time? can it be that there aren't any? maybe this is a niche in the market?

[@insantonua]

You may be interested in the Alice form factor. How quiet it is depends on the switches you put in. edit: check out geekhack and/or r/mk

[@TejusSubbanna]

I tend to work 4/5 days a week at my home office and one day at a coffee shop or at the office. If the experience of going back to the laptop keyboard (Mac) is too jarring, I would not get into them - too much learning curve.

[@josannelochan]

Yayy someone with my sentiments exactly. I want a mechanical keyboard but I don’t care about all the excessive knowledge 😅

[@SridharKatakam]

What is your primary keyboard nowadays?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

A mixture, but I keep coming back to the IQUNIX stuff.

[@gabor222]

Weren’t the keyboards of the early 90s mechanical? I remember they were more clicky than today’s usual cheap keybords and I didn’t really like the change when they disappeared.

[@Wanted797]

I’m in the category of getting fed up with it haha. I am I light touch typist so it drove me insane.

[@peteruzek]

I hate noisy keybords. If mechanical means louder, then thank you. Mechanical keybords of my wife and colleagues make me crazy.

[@ScreaminEmu]

Why does switch color matter?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

That's for someone else to answer ;)

[@ScreaminEmu]

@@MarkEllisReviews put it this way; if I were to order one, should I care about red vs brown switches? 😂

[@MarkEllisReviews]

@@ScreaminEmu If it's your first one... no ;)

[@jackielim3172]

Switch colour represents what type of switches you are using. For the example you used which are reds and browns. Cherry/Gateron red switches are linear switches, which means when you type they have no bump/tactile when you press in, it's smooth. For browns, they are tactile, which has a bump halfway when you press in, without having the annoying clicking sound those PrO GaM3R keyboards. Everyone has their preference, if you like to know how they feel, you can go to a tech store and try it if they have a switch tester around or some keyboards lying around.

[@ScreaminEmu]

@@jackielim3172 👍🏼

[@robmlisanti]

I came from a pc keyboard I prefer my iMac 🖥 keyboard ⌨️

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I do like the Magic Keyboard, but there's just something about these mechanical keyboards...

[@robmlisanti]

@@MarkEllisReviews to each is own

[@caliwator]

Mechanical keyboards are overrated. I prefer the magic keyboard. Why would more key travel be better?

[@geo7geA]

Hey Mark, I’ve got to ask why are you always wearing thermals? 😂

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I'm glad someone has finally asked 😂 I'm usually about to go for a run before shooting my vids...

[@letzchat321]

Magic keyboard is terrible

[@jeffdickey]

Its only “magic” involves aggravating my RSI from pounding dodgy keyboards for most of the last 40+ years.