If you’re thinking about buying a mechanical keyboard in Kenya, chances are that you will be faced with a difficult choice of a suitable one. There are many models currently in the market from various brands with different sets of features and even functionality.
Mechanical keyboards have become essential for gamers, writers, and professionals who need a precise, fast, and durable input device. As mentioned previously, the Mechanical Keyboards market in Kenya is ever-growing to accommodate the needs of various audiences. Therefore, if you are going to have one in 2025, it is very important that you can choose one that suits you best, as there are many counterfeit devices also in the market.
Therefore, if you are just getting started and don’t know where to look, this guide will walk you through every aspect you need to consider before purchasing a mechanical keyboard. I will also clarify the differences between the various models, switch types, keycap materials, connectivity, polling rate, and customization.
What to Know About Keyboards
For those who might think that Mechanical keyboards are just a thing of the 21st century, you may be thinking it wrong as they have been around, especially in the late 21st century in the 1980s, where they were mostly used in offices in the west due to their reliability and durability.
However, in Kenya, in the last five years, Mechanical Keyboards have become a preferred choice for many, mainly as they cater to the needs of every audience, whether you are a gamer, a Programmer, or even a writing professional. Some Popular brands include Logitech, Razer, HyperX, Redragon, and Corsair, which are just a few of the ones that have focused on the development of innovative switches, customizable layouts, and advanced software, making mechanical keyboards increasingly high-performance and accessible.
But what makes a mechanical keyboard so special? Mainly three aspects:
What to Look out for in a Mechanical Keyboard
If you are going to buy a mechanical Keyboard, below are a few things that you should watch out for to ensure you get the value of your money:
Switch
Switches are the beating heart of every mechanical keyboard, determining the feel of the keys, their noise, and their actuation speed. There are several types, including linear, which have fluid movement without any intermediate resistance or clicks. For these reasons, they are Perfect for gaming as they guarantee constant and rapid pressure.
Another common Switch in mechanical keyboards is the Tactile, which has a small step along the key travel that provides light tactile feedback without generating too much noise. It is excellent for typing and mixed gaming. Lastly, there are the Clicky switches, which produce a clearly audible clicking noise with each press. They are perfect for writers and programmers, but due to their noisy nature, they can be annoying in shared environments.
Format and layout
Mechanical keyboards come in a variety of formats, each with pros and cons:
- Full-size (100%): This model is equipped with a numeric keypad, suitable for those who work with numbers and need a full keyboard.
- TKL (Tenkeyless, 80%): This model does not have a numeric keypad, but it is more compact and appreciated by gamers for the extra space left for the mouse.
- 75%: Compact but with function keys, a good compromise between space and functionality.
- 65% and 60%: Eliminate some of the secondary buttons, offering a more essential and portable experience.
- 40% and 45%: Niche, require key combinations for some basic functions.
Keycaps
Keycaps play a crucial role in the experience of using a mechanical keyboard. Not only do they determine the feel under your fingers, but they also affect the resistance to wear and tear and the visibility of the backlight.
The main materials are:
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Cheap, lightweight, and smooth, but tends to become shiny with use.
- PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): More wear-resistant and has a matte texture but often does not allow RGB backlighting to pass through.
The profile of the keycaps also varies. There are many, including OEM, which is the standard for many commercial keyboards and is slightly curved; Cherry, which is lower than OEM and more ergonomic; SA, which is tall and curved and widely used in Asia; and many others. It is difficult to suggest one: perhaps Cherry is one of the most universal and used.
Connectivity
Another vital key area to pay attention to while preaching your Mechanical Keyboard is its connectivity, of which there are several options. First, there is the Wired (USB-C or USB-A): This offers maximum stability and the lowest latency, which is ideal for gaming and intensive work. You don’t have to worry about battery life, as the PC always powers the keyboard.
Secondly, there is also the 2.4 GHz Wireless connection, which is virtually indistinguishable from a wired one in terms of performance, thanks to dedicated USB dongles. However, using this means you will have to watch out for the battery life, especially if you are a heavy user. Finally, there is also the Bluetooth option, which is just Excellent for versatility and longer battery life, but with slightly higher latency.
Polling Rate
When choosing a keyboard, you also have to consider the Polling Rate, but what is it? The polling rate is the frequency with which the keyboard communicates data to the device to which it is connected. It is measured in Hz, a unit of frequency that indicates how many times something happens per second.
Most keyboards run at 125, 250, or 1,000 Hz, but the latest gaming models can go up to 8,000 Hz! For values of 1,000 Hz or higher, you must use wired connectivity or Wi-Fi, relying on very powerful dedicated USB receivers.
RGB and customization
Modern keyboards offer advanced RGB lighting, with software to customize colors, effects, and sync with other devices. However, keep in mind that PBT keycaps don’t always let light through, while translucent ABS ones are perfect for maximizing brightness. Some software also allows you to program macros, which are useful for both gaming and work activities, to remap the entire keyboard, change usage parameters, and much more.
Evaluating the software support of a mechanical keyboard before purchasing is a good and right thing to do. Orient yourself towards models that support VIA, a reliable and widespread open source software worldwide, that also works via web app, or towards famous brands that make software their strong point, such as Logitech G and Corsair.
Which one to choose?
The price of a mechanical keyboard varies based on features, materials and the seller:
- Budget Options (KSh 3,500 – KSh 6,500): These include the likes of Redragon K552 Kumara (KSh 3,561), Black T60 Mechanical Keyboard (KSh 3,799), and HP K500Y Gaming Keyboard (KSh 3,491).
- Mid-Range Options (KSh 7,000 – KSh 12,000): Common brands in this price range are Logitech G413 TKL SE (KSh 8,462), RK Royal Kludge RK61 Wireless (KSh 8,000), and E-YOOSO Z-686 RGB Compact Keyboard (KSh 7,800)
- Premium Options (Above KSh 15,000): In this price segment, you can expect to buy the following Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Wireless (KSh 25,499) and SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 (KSh 43,370).
