If you cannot get your creative juices flowing without the touch and feel of an old-school typewriter then might want to check out this list of the best retro keyboards.
Don’t you feel nostalgic about the satisfying “click” of a good old mechanical keyboard? No matter how many so-called “modern” keyboards you try, none of them will ever be able to replace the retro keyboards.
Membrane keyboards are a dime a dozen these days, but they are slow, less reliable, and more difficult to repair. Besides, you can do nothing to control the key-feel of the membrane keyboards.
Do you miss using the mechanical keyboards while typing or playing games? Then stick around as we look at some of the best retro keyboards you can buy in 2022.
Why Do People Prefer a Retro Mechanical Keyboard?
Well, the simplest answer to this question lies in the switches. The typing experience on one of the best retro mechanical keyboards is superior to that of the modern membrane keyboards.
A mechanical keyboard helps you type faster, lighter, and more accurately than a membrane keyboard. Depending on the type of switch, it requires more or less force to produce that satisfying ‘click’ to register your keystroke. Typists can avoid accidental keystrokes, reducing mistakes as mechanical keys provide specific feedback.
Furthermore, as mechanical switches don’t have to be pressed all the way to actuate, you can glide-type with ease. So, if you are a touch typist, you have to give some of the best retro keyboards that we will cover a go.
The Best Retro Mechanical Keyboards You Can Buy Right Now
Although there are many options on the market, the following are the best retro keyboards that are ideal for a novice and a power user alike.
Vortexgear Race 3 Retro Keyboard
Price: $199 USD
If you are in the market for the best retro keyboard that is both compact and sleek, then the Vortexgear Race 3 might be the perfect pick. It is about 75% of your regular-sized keyboard, built like a tank.
As soon as you unpack the keyboard, you will appreciate the quality and retro look with colored shift, arrow, escape, and enter keys that give it a quintessential ‘retro’ look. The thick PBT keycaps also seem quite sturdy; it is a delight to type. It is one of the best retro mechanical keyboards you can buy that won’t break your bank.
Azio RCK Compact Elwood Typewriter Keyboard
Price: $219 USD
The Azio RCK Compact Elwood keyboard is a perfect amalgamation of retro look and modern tech, apart from its stunning looks. It is one of the best retro keyboards available, with the ability to connect via Bluetooth as well as a standard USB connection.
The keyboard borrows heavily from the design of the typewriter keyboards from the past and looks more like a piece of vintage art than anything. The Azio supports both Mac and Windows and a few Android tablets.
Although the price of this retro wireless keyboard is on the higher side, it is worth every penny.
Price: $99 USD
One of the best retro keyboards is the Hyperkin Hyper Clack keyboard for general purposes. It features Gaote Blue switches that produce a soothing ‘click’ that you are looking for from a retro wireless keyboard.
With its blue keycaps, it certainly is a keyboard that will stand out on your desk. The Hyperkin has to be the loudest of the best retro mechanical keyboards. So, if you are not comfortable with the loud clicking sound of the keys, this might not be an ideal choice for you.
Corsair K95 Platinum XT
Price: $199 USD
If you play games on your PC and are looking for the best retro gaming keyboard with full RGB lights, then the Corsair Platinum XT is perfect. The super-programmable RGB backlights can also reflect the in-game stats, and the keyboard has dedicated macro keys and media control keys.
As you can imagine, all these features come at a cost. The Corsair K95 is one of the best retro mechanical keyboards in the premium bracket. If you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks for a great retro gaming keyboard, this one is worth a shot.
Epomaker Lite
Price: $129 USD
Would you love to own a retro mechanical keyboard that is quieter? If you would, the Epomaker Light could be a great option. It is a quiet, compact mechanical keyboard with a retro gray and yellow color scheme. The keyboard’s unique “shallow gasket” design prevents the keycaps from slamming against the base, reducing the noise considerably. The muted raindrop-like sound is a delight when typing long texts.
We chose the five best retro mechanical keyboards based on the price, usability, typing experience, and build quality. You can’t go wrong picking any one of these.