Both models are compatible with Windows and Mac, and they come with replacement keycaps for both operating systems. Their lower-quality ABS keycaps feel thinner and more brittle to type on and are likely to wear out faster than the thicker PBT keycaps on our top picks, but keycaps are easy to replace if you want to do so. Both models offer surprisingly good build quality, provide an enjoyable typing experience, and have an attractive minimalist design-all uncommon features in this price range. If I were getting into mechanical keyboards for the first time today, I’d buy the tenkeyless Keychron C1 or the full-size Keychron C2. If you do need a number pad, you can get a separate numpad, such as the Leopold FC210TP, which you can move out of the way when you’re not using it.Ĭ1: 14.06 by 5.12 by 1.5 inches C2: 17.15 by 5.12 by 1.57 inches
We recommend tenkeyless keyboards-that is, models without a built-in number pad-because they’re more ergonomic and because most people don’t use a number pad frequently enough to justify the desk space it occupies. These Varmilo keyboards aren’t fully programmable, but they have clearly labeled media keys, and you can customize a couple of functions. Our pick comes with a removable Mini-USB cable that’s easy to replace and a wire keycap puller for replacing or cleaning keys.
The Varmilo VA87M and VA87M Mac are available with a variety of Cherry switches if you don’t already know what kind of switches you like, we recommend Cherry MX Brown switches because they offer a satisfying tactile bump without making too much noise for a shared space.