Why the Mechanical Keyboard Still Wins
For a writer, the mechanical keyboard is a beautiful thing. It’s not necessary for everyone, but a well-designed mechanical keyboard can turn a tedious day of typing into an aesthetically pleasing experience.
Given that most of my days involve sitting at a desk for hours, having a keyboard I actually enjoy using is a necessity. I first got a mechanical keyboard about two years ago — the Keychron K2 — and I’ve never looked back.
Keychron’s Rise in the Mechanical Keyboard Industry
Keychron is one of the most prominent brands within the mechanical keyboard industry. The company made a name for itself after initially launching via Kickstarter back in 2017. Since then, it has produced dozens of different keyboards and keypads, plus a variety of mouse models.
Unlike other electronics, there isn’t a whole lot to owning a mechanical keyboard. That simplicity is part of the appeal. You unbox them, set them up, and plug them in. The K2 even comes with little tilt legs that give you a slightly better angle from which to type.
Wired or Bluetooth: Your Setup Options
From there, you have a couple of different options. The K2 comes with a simple USB cable, but there’s also an option for Bluetooth connection. If you value a clean, minimalist workspace, Bluetooth is probably the way to go.
While I’m loyal to my older Keychron K2, there are a few upgraded and newer versions worth considering. Keychron has released a variety of new models over the past two years, with a broad range of features and price tags.
Form Factor and Price: What’s New From Keychron
In many cases, the form factor is the draw. One of the more interesting releases, called the Keychron K8 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard, comes with an all-wood body and is equipped with an LED backlight. That one is substantially more expensive at around $200. The K2, meanwhile, costs $60. But if you’re into the look, maybe it’s worth it.
If you’re a gamer, there’s also Keychron’s C0 HE One-Handed 8K Keyboard, a keypad built for convenience and speed with an industrial aesthetic. However, interested gamers will have to wait — it’s currently sold out.
The company has also updated its K, Q, and V series keyboards, with many of those ranging in price from $100 to $200, depending on the features and model.
| Model | Notable Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Keychron K2 | Tilt legs, wired or Bluetooth | $60 |
| Keychron K8 HE | All-wood body, LED backlight, magnetic switches | Around $200 |
| C0 HE One-Handed 8K | Gaming keypad, industrial design | Sold out |
| K, Q, V series | Updated features across models | $100–$200 |
Customization: Key Caps and Versatility
One of the appealing elements of owning a mechanical keyboard is the versatility. You can swap out the key caps for a wide variety of others — indeed, there’s a whole submarket devoted to this — or make your own custom caps. I’ve never gone that overboard myself.
That flexibility means a mechanical keyboard can evolve with your taste. If you get bored of one look, you aren’t stuck with it. A new set of key caps can make the same board feel brand new, which is a big part of why enthusiasts stay hooked.
The Sound Is Part of the Appeal
There is also the sound, of course. Some people balk at the accentuated noise of loudly clacking keys, but I’m a fan. In fact, the sound is one of the key selling points for a lot of consumers. The distinct auditory experience produced by these keyboards has even made its way into ASMR videos.
For many people, that sound is nostalgic. It recalls a time when typing had a physical, mechanical quality to it rather than the muted tap of a laptop. If you spend all day writing, that small sensory detail can make the work feel less like a chore.
Retro Style Meets Modern Typing
For me, the Keychron’s biggest selling point is its retro form factor. I get really nostalgic for old school electronics, and Keychron scratches this itch pretty well. It’s a beautiful-looking device that brings to mind a different era of computing, when the style was more workman-like and less minimalist.
That blend of old-school looks and modern features is what keeps the mechanical keyboard relevant. You get the charm of a vintage board with the convenience of Bluetooth and USB connectivity. It’s a small upgrade to a home office, but one you notice every single day.
As far as home office purchases go, you could do a lot worse than picking up a piece of hardware that makes your desk look like it just time-traveled from the 1990s. For a writer, that daily pleasure is worth far more than the price tag.
