Best 75% mechanical keyboards for gaming and typing 2025
Based on thousands of hours of testing.
75 percent mechanical keyboards are a popular category, offering nearly as many keys as a TKL keyboard in a much more compact footprint. If you prefer a smaller keyboard for ergonomics, portability or just aesthetics, but you can't live without the arrow keys and Function row that's necessarily excised on even the best 60 percent and 65 percent size keyboards, then 75 percent could be just right.
In this article, we'll share our absolute favourite 75 percent mechanical keyboards. After hundreds of hours of research, building and testing, we've narrowed down dozens of the best mechanical keyboards to just twelve recommendations that we're confident will be great choices for gaming, typing, programming and more - including both wired and wireless options that work on Mac and PC. Our favourite of these is the Epomaker Luma84, but we've got more listed below.
Best 75% mechanical keyboards 2025
- Epomaker Luma84: low profile with excellent RGB
- Nuphy Halo75 V2: a stylish and customisable option
- Gamakay TK75 HE: a great sub-$100 rapid trigger keyboard
- NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL: upgraded optical switches in a uniquely feature-dense design
- Lemokey L1 HE: gorgeous, powerful and versatile
- Varmilo Minilo75 HE: retro looks and modern gaming features
- Keychron K2: compact, cheap, capable
- Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini: ultra low profile with a convenient carry case
- Niz Plum Micro84: soft electro-capacitive switches
- Lofree Edge: extremely low profile with Bluetooth
- FiiO KB3: DAC/AMP meets mechanical keyboard
- Asus ROG Azoth: A mainstream choices that bridges the gap
1. Epomaker Luma84
Low profile with excellent RGB and impeccable typing
The Epomaker Luma84 is a pretty low-profile keyboard built into an aluminium frame, offering both excellent durability and a form factor that's easy to slide into a backpack - or even a large pants pocket. The Luma84 is available with white or black PBT keys which feel great, though they don't allow the RGB lighting below to shine through. As well as a USB-C wired connection, the Luma84 also supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections, a good fit given its streamlined look and portable nature.
The typing feel here is excellent for a low profile board, combining the snappy feeling you'd get from a great laptop keyboard with the extra tactile and audible feedback you'd want from a mechanical. The sound is relatively deep here, thanks to a few layers of sound dampening materials, with a sound that feels like rain to me.
While good desktop software to modify the keyboard is available for Windows and macOS, you can also use the VIA web app to make changes by uploading the relevant .JSON file, as explained in the manual. Either way, it's easy to change backlighting modes, remap keys, etc.
Overall, an exceptional keyboard for the money, and highly recommended - I can't think of a single thing wrong with this keyboard.
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2. Nuphy Halo75 V2
Stylish, customisable and impeccably wrought
The Nuphy Halo75 V2 looks unlike the vast majority of mechanical keyboards on the market, with a stylish appearance in five colours (black, white, mojito green, blue lagoon and sakura fizz pink), but the reason we're recommending it here is its prowess as a practical keyboard for typing or gaming. The combination of high-quality and gently rounded mSA PBT keycaps, extremely effective sound dampening and a gasket mount make for a beautiful sound signature and a great typing experience. In terms of switch choices, there are several interesting options produced cooperatively by Gateron and Nuphy, from the extremely soft 37g Mint linear switches in our review unit to 45g "early actuation linear" Raspberry and 55g tactile Lemon alternatives.
Elsewhere, Nuphy has been busy improving the Halo formula for this V2 version. Several design elements from the incredibly gorgeous (but more expensive) Gem80 keyboard have made their way to the Halo, with a transparent ring around the bottom of the case that spills RGB with ease, backlit "homing bars" on the F and J keys to aid touch typing, open source QMK and VIA programming support and an improved 2.4GHz wireless chip that supports 1000Hz polling; Bluetooth and wired USB-C are also available.
Like other Nuphy keyboards, the Halo75 V2 comes with Mac-friendly keycaps out of the box and Windows alternatives included inside, plus a switch to toggle between Mac and Windows bindings. This makes for a great cross-platform keyboard you can use with almost anything, and I certainly have no qualms about its gaming performance even if that isn't the primary focus here. Altogether, a beautiful evolution of the formula that's well worth considering in this 75 percent form factor.
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3. Gamakay TK75 HE
A great, sub-$100 rapid trigger keyboard
The Gamakay TK75 HE has quickly become my go-to keyboard recommendation for Counter-Strike 2 and other fast-paced competitive games, thanks to the keyboard's exceedingly rapid Hall Effect switches, comfortable compact layout and aggressive sub-$100 price point.
Those Hall Effect switches allow for a rapid trigger function which essentially allows you to press and release a key at any point in its travel, rather than having to reach a fixed actuation point. That makes stopping on a dime to deliver an accurate headshot much faster and easier, and we've seen this technology spread from its originators Wooting to more mainstream brands like Corsair, SteelSeries and Razer in the last year or so. The TK75 HE is by far the cheapest option with the same tech, making it a good choice for the value-oriented FPS gamer.
Apart from this rarely-so-affordable functionality, the TK75 HE also comes with a convenient metal volume knob in the upper right and tri-mode wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. The case is plastic, but feels well-built and weighty, while the white, black and grey PBT keycaps are not the most textured but still provide a more stable gaming platform than ABS alternatives, eg the more expensive Nerdytec keyboard recommended below. I found myself returning to the TK75 HE even for typing up articles like this one, which is always a good sign that I'm having a pleasant typing experience. I'm genuinely impressed.
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Alternative: If you don't need Hall Effect switches and would prefer a better typing experience and build quality, the TK75 Pro offers exactly that. I love the deep sound that the gasket-mounted switches, sound dampening and full-body aluminium construction provide, and I can't believe how inexpensive it is for what you're getting. There are some lovely colour schemes available too!
4. NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL
Newly upgraded optical switches in a uniquely feature-dense design
The Function 2 MiniTKL is an evolution of the PC case maker's initial compact keyboard that upgrades to optical switches for faster inputs and a range of actuation depths. I'm glad to see that the original version's uniquely key-dense design is maintained, which even includes a volume wheel and three mode keys on the left side of the chassis. This area is easier to reach than the traditional upper right placement for volume wheels and means you don't have to take your hand off the mouse to mute or adjust the volume - clever stuff for competitively-minded players.
Outside of this, the keyboard is good-looking and performant, with a new 8000Hz polling rate that matches high-end keyboards from the likes of Corsair and Razer, plenty of RGB lighting (set via NZXT's CAM software) and a choice of US or UK layouts in black and white colourways.
The non-standard layout on the right side does mean that finding custom keycap sets could be tricky, but the switch to premium PBT keycaps compared to the ABS of the original model makes a huge difference to key feel and overall build quality - I wouldn't feel any need to change these unless I wanted a particular colour scheme.
Overall, the Function 2 MiniTKL is an excellent gaming-focused 75 percent keyboard that's exceptionally good value in the US and still worth considering in the UK.
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5. Lemokey L1 HE
A gorgeous-looking, powerful, and seriously versatile mechanical keyboard
The Lemokey L1 HE is a visually appealing wireless gaming keyboard along similar lines to the Field 75 HE, with a chunky volume wheel in the upper left, macro keys on the left side, three retro-inspired colour schemes and an extremely heavy aluminium chassis. While 2.4GHz and Bluetooth are both supported, you're also free to use the keyboard wired.
Inside, you'll find purple Gateron Double Rail magnetic (Hall Effect) switches, which allow the keyboard to offer gaming features like analogue inputs, mimicking a controller, or SOCD, which makes side-strafing faster and more responsive in FPS titles. The Lemokey web software makes activating these functions pretty easy, though Wooting still leads the way in terms of usability for HE keyboards.
These switches also feel reasonable for typing, despite their linear nature, and that's aided by Lemokey's choice to go with a gasket mount and pre-lubricated switches, producing an extremely smooth key press. Hard-wearing PBT keycaps and multiple layers of sound dampening also enhance the typing experience, making for a very pleasant keyboard to listen to. You get a keycap and switch puller in the box, and plenty of alternate keycaps to change how the keyboard looks or match macOS modifiers.
Overall, this is one of the nicest pre-built keyboards I've ever used, especially in the silver and purple colourway Lemokey sent out for testing. I've been impressed by quite a few of the releases from Keychron's higher-end marque, and the Lemokey L1 HE continues that exciting trend.
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6. Varmilo Minilo75 HE
Retro looks and modern gaming features
The Varmilo Minilo75 HE is a handsome, well-built and capable 75 percent keyboard. The colour scheme and key legends are quite retro, but the internals are quite up-to-date, with recent developments such as 8KHz polling and magnetic switches. The latter means that you get access to a lot of (largely FPS-focused) features, such as rapid trigger, SOCD and adjustable actuation points. The typing experience is also excellent, with the PBT keycaps and sound dampening contributing to a very elegant feel. Our review unit contained "Magnetic White" switches, with "Huano Mag Marble", "Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro" and "TTC King of Magnetic RGB" options also available - all four are linear, but offer different weights, typing sounds and RGB spill-through.
Amusingly, all of the magnetic switch terminology in the desktop software has been copied wholesale from Wooting's efforts ("tachyon mode", "rappy snappy"), and the interface as a whole is one of the least intuitive efforts I've seen with the various features spread out across multiple screens. The lighting profiles are also numbered instead of named, which feels odd. The firmware updater also runs in Chinese only. Thankfully, web software is also available, which is a much more polished effort and is therefore a lot easier to recommend.
Overall, a reasonable choice for the money, especially if you want the gaming-focused features such as the 8K polling and magnetic switches.
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7. Keychron K2 / K3
Compact, cheap, capable
The Keychron K2 sets an incredibly high bar when it comes to value, offering a well-built keyboard with plenty of switch and backlight options at a very attractive price. It comes with Mac and Windows keycaps in the box, including a Mac-style Function row, which makes it almost uniquely Mac-friendly while still working just fine on Windows and Linux computers. The default K2 comes with Gateron Red, Blue or Brown switches, a plastic frame and a white key backlighting, but you can spend a little more to get RGB backlighting or RGB backlighting with an aluminium frame. Even for the most expensive option, you're still getting a great deal.
The ($84) Keychron K3 is also worth mentioning. This keyboard is even lighter and more portable than the K2, swapping out full-height mechanical switches for low profile Gateron or Keychron Optical alternatives. This provides a snappy, laptop-like feel that I really adore. For more on the K3, check out our write-up here - including other great gaming keyboards of all sizes.
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8. Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini
The Cherry KW X ULP 2.0 Mini is a fantastic compact low-profile keyboard hampered by a hard-to-remember name. I took this board on a work trip recently and it proved a strong option for both typing up articles and gaming in the hotel room, with the extremely slim design and included soft cover making for a keyboard that was easy to slip into a backpack or even a large jean pocket.
The Cherry MX ultra low profile switches still provide a good amount of tactile feedback, making for a snappy but short travel keypress that feels like a great laptop keyboard. The keyboard isn't too loud, even when typing at high speeds, and a minimum of six keys can be registered simultaneously (so-called 6KRO), unlike membrane boards that often top out at two or three keys pressed at once.
I used the keyboard in Bluetooth mode for working, but swapped over to 2.4GHz for lower latency inputs when playing Battlefield 2042 on an Asus ROG Ally X. Both worked reliably, and I appreciate the inclusion of a small slot for the 2.4GHz USB dongle.
If you want a better typing experience than a laptop keyboard can provide - or a keyboard of any description for a PC handheld without one - then this is a great option that takes up the bare minimum of space while still providing the necessary typing and gaming capabilities. The only downside is the high price.
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9. Niz Plum Micro84
Soft electro-capacitive (Topre-like) switches
The Niz Micro84 (sometimes called the Plum Micro84) brings something unique to the table: electro-capacitive switches that combine the soft feel of rubber dome keyboards with the accuracy and durability of mechanical keyboards. You may have tried (or heard about) these sorts of switches on boards like the Topre Realforce or Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB), which are well known for their soft and pleasant typing feel. Of course, those examples are both incredibly expensive, but the Micro84 is a lot more reasonably priced.
Asides from its unique switches, the Micro84 impresses with its long feature list. This is a Bluetooth keyboard that can also be used wired, it comes with numerous backlighting options from no backlighting to full RGB, and it has an incredible number of functions accessible through the Fn layer. This makes for a slightly busy-looking keyboard, with tons of legends on each keycap, but it means you really don't miss out on anything - there are controls for the mouse, volume, media, backlighting, numpad, Bluetooth connections and much more.
All things considered, the Micro84 is a unique keyboard that's well worth experiencing, especially for typing and programming, even though its unique switches and lack of customisable firmware mean that your options for post-purchase customisation are limited.
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10. Lofree Edge
An extremely low profile wired and Bluetooth keyboard
The Lofree Edge is an extremely slim 75 percent keyboard that is built around Kailh POM 2.0 low profile mechanical switches in a gasket mount, giving it a snappy, laptop-like feel with a deep sound signature that feels miles beyond most laptops.
The keyboard's wedge-shaped design ranges from 5.4 to 16.5mm, while weighing in at 485g. With both USB-C wired and Bluetooth connectivity, you have quite a bit of flexibility too; the Edge works well whether it's sat on a desktop, kept next to the couch for use with a media PC or tucked into a backpack to be used with your laptop or tablet on the go. I used it most often when sitting in a racing cockpit where there wasn't space for a regular keyboard, and the Edge worked perfectly in this role.
The layout here is quite standard and suits both Mac and Windows keymaps, with Fn shortcuts used to swap between them. (I'd have preferred a dedicated toggle switch, but after a few visits to the manual you'll commit Fn+N and Fn+W to memory.) The keys aren't particularly readable though, with a hairline font weight and white backlighting that bleeds around each PBT keycap rather than illuminating the lettering from behind. This isn't likely to be an issue for frequent typists, but if you're going to have backlighting at all I feel you may as well spring for compatible keycaps. That backlighting has a large impact on battery life too, with 10 hours promised with backlighting and 130 hours with it disabled from a 2000mAh battery - so I'd definitely recommend you keep the lighting off, especially given a relatively long three-hour charging time.
Interestingly, the Edge comes with a carbon fibre stand that slots together from multiple pieces, allowing you to a place to stash either the keyboard or a tablet - but it's too narrow for a smartphone, which feels like a missed opportunity. By default, the Edge feels comfortable to use flat, but there are 3° and 6° flip-out feet to adust its orientation if you prefer.
We normally don't recommend Kickstarter projects amongst our guides, but Lofree have a good track record for delivering their keyboards to a reasonable time scale and the unit we tested feels like the finished article, so we're happy to recommend it. For anyone that prefers low-profile, laptop-like keyboards, this is a seriously nice piece of kit.
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11. FiiO KB3
DAC/AMP meets mechanical keyboard
The FiiO KB3 is a DAC/AMP built into a surprisingly competent mechanical keyboard. I'm not sure this is the mash-up that anyone expected, but I can't argue with the slick setup that this unusual combination unlocks: a great typing experience and an effective headphone amp, all with minimal clutter.
With both 3.5mm single-ended (170mW) and 4.4mm balanced (550mW) outputs, you have the flexibility to connect a good range of headphones - even relatively inefficient options like Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 600Ω - and the audio quality here is a step beyond what you'll get from the integrated solutions in desktops and laptops alike. For comparison, this is more or less the specification of FiiO's KA13 DAC/AMP, which retails for £70/$80 on its own, so you're only paying around £70/$70 for the addition of what is quite a high-end mechanical keyboard.
As well as the two integrated CS43131 DACs and SGM8262 op-amps, you get a convenient and pleasantly knurled volume knob on the right side of the keyboard and a USB hub with two USB-A ports on the back of the board. The keycaps are slightly less practical in design, with a nearly transparent appearance that isn't super readable with the RGB backlighting cranked to its maximum - but is quite reasonable with a single colour set or the lighting extinguished completely. You do at least get a reasonably full Function layer, allowing you to control your music, adjust the keyboard's lighting and switch between Mac and Windows modes (Fn + S and Fn + A respectively).
The keyboard itself is also well-built, with an aluminium-magnesium case that's suitably dense-feeling and linear 67g Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellow switches in a hot-swap gasket mount. Interestingly, an identically-named wireless version also exists with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth support, but this other model drops the unique DAC/AMP - so double-check you're getting the wired DAC/AMP version if that's the one you want! Both models support QMK/VIA firmware programming, which can be done via a web app - very convenient but perhaps a little less intuitive than the Corsair iCUEs and Razer Synapses of the world.
The KB3 is quite a unique option then, successfully joining the mechanical keyboard and audiophile communities, and with no small amount of appeal.
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12. Asus ROG Azoth
A mainstream choices that bridges the gap
The Asus ROG Azoth is a keyboard that took the mechanical world by storm when it was released, marking a rare instance of a mainstream manufacturer going all-in on the custom keyboard scene. Asus bundled in all manner of creature comforts including pre-lubricated switches, gasket mounting and hot-swappable sockets to appeal to the enthusiast crowd. Its execution is sublime, with smooth linear NX Red switches and a comfortable typing experience.
The Azoth also has typical gaming keyboard flair, with mean looks and an unconventional OLED screen, which we've seen other manufacturers use in the past, so it's nice to see Asus bundle one here. Its battery life of up to 2000 hours in the best case scenario with no RGB on and over the 2.4GHz wireless receiver is also excellent, while it can also connect over Bluetooth. Its software isn't the best, but that's a small problem in the context of what is a fantastic mainstream gaming keyboard with lots of enthusiast-level features.
Of course, the hard thing to stomach with the Azoth is the price. It's an expensive option undoubtedly, but it's worth considering that some fully custom enthusiast-level options can run a lot more, and sometimes come with less features!
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So there we have it - our top 12 choices. Let us know what you think in the comments below, and if you think we've missed out a great contender then do get in touch! You can also reach me via Twitter @wsjudd if you prefer.