Buying guide
Linear Gaming Setup
Updated How we research
Fast, smooth keys for competitive play. The page is split into five sections (A gaming-focused board; Linear switches for rapid presses; A TKL layout for more mouse room; Pudding keycaps for RGB shine; A deskmat for smooth mouse glide), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 6.5 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:GATERON Jupiter Red Keyboard Switches Linear 45gf RGB LED 5 Pin Factory Pre-lubed for MX Mechanical Keyboard (110PCS). Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Womier Pudding Keycaps PBT Shine Through 164 Keys OEM Profile (Black). Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:Cherry MX 8.2 TKL Wireless, Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz & Wired Mode, incl. Metal Case for Safe Transport, MX RED Switches, Black. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:JWICK Red Linear Switches JWK 62g 5 Pins RGB Mechanical Keyboard Switches (70pcs). Features score of 8/10, overall 8.2/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
A gaming-focused board
- Redragon RM104 Wireless Gaming Keyboard with Knob, Tri-Mode BT/2.4G/USB-C RGB Computer Keyboards, 4000mAh Battery, Programmable Software Support, Anti-Ghosting, Compatible with PC MacOur score7.6/10
- Redragon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired, 11 Programmable Backlit Modes, Hot-Swappable Red Switch, Anti-Ghosting, Double-Shot PBT Keycaps, Light Up Keyboard for PC MacOur score7.6/10
- TDT Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Wired 104 Keys RGB with Blue Switch, Programmable BacklitOur score7.0/10
- RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Blue Switch, 104 Keys Full-Size, 11 Backlit Modes, Double-Shot ABS KeycapsOur score6.5/10
Linear switches for rapid presses
- GATERON Jupiter Red Keyboard Switches Linear 45gf RGB LED 5 Pin Factory Pre-lubed for MX Mechanical Keyboard (110PCS)Our score8.6/10
- JWICK Red Linear Switches JWK 62g 5 Pins RGB Mechanical Keyboard Switches (70pcs)Our score8.2/10
- HMX Linear 5-Pin MX Mechanical Keyboard Switches for Custom Keyboards (HMX Cheese, 90 Switches)Our score8.1/10
- Granvela Cherry MX Standard RGB Red Switches - Plate Mounted 45g Force Linear Clear-Housing Switches for Mechanical Keyboard-MX1A-L1NA 10 PackOur score6.8/10
A TKL layout for more mouse room
- Cherry MX 8.2 TKL Wireless, Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz & Wired Mode, incl. Metal Case for Safe Transport, MX RED Switches, BlackOur score8.4/10
- Keychron K8 80% Layout Bluetooth Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Tenkeyless 87 Keys/USB C/White Backlit/Gateron G Pro Red Switch/N-Key Rollover, TKL Gaming Keyboard for Mac WindowsOur score8.2/10
- G.SKILL USB KM360 Professional Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard, Cherry MX Red, ABS Dual Injection Keycap, (White)Our score7.8/10
- Keychron C1 87 Key TKL Wired Mechanical Keyboard for Mac Windows, 80% Layout Gateron Brown Switch White LED Backlit Double-Shot ABS Keycaps, USB-C Gaming Keyboard for Gamer/Typists/OfficeOur score7.6/10
Pudding keycaps for RGB shine
- Womier Pudding Keycaps PBT Shine Through 164 Keys OEM Profile (Black)Our score8.6/10
- USHOW Pudding Keycaps Double Shot PBT Backlit 108 Keys (Pink)Our score8.0/10
- USHOW Pudding Keycaps Translucent Layer Backlit PBT Set (Black Pudding)Our score7.6/10
- XDK Pudding Keycaps Shine Through PBT Backlit RGB KeycapsOur score6.8/10
A deskmat for smooth mouse glide
- GGLTECK Large Gaming Mouse Pad XXL Extended Desk Pad 36x12 Non-Slip Stitched EdgesOur score7.8/10
- Large Extended Gaming Mouse Pad Stitched Edges 31.5x15.7 Non-Slip Rubber Base, BlackOur score7.8/10
- TEDNETGO Large Gaming Mouse Pad XXL Non-Slip Black Desk Mat with Stitched EdgeOur score7.5/10
- Large Mouse Pad Extended Keyboard Mat Stitched Edges XXL 31.5x15.7 (Gray White Flowers)Our score7.2/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1A 110-piece set of Gateron Jupiter Red factory pre-lubed 45gf linear switches with 5 pins, enough for a full size board.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 110 switches cover a full size keyboard including spares
- + Factory pre-lubed stems feel smooth without spending hours hand lubing
- + 45gf weight keeps keystrokes light for long typing and fast gaming
- - Light springs can cause accidental presses for heavy handed typists
- - Factory lube is good but not as even as careful hand lubing
#2Womier's black 164-key PBT shine-through pudding keycaps in OEM profile cover almost any lit keyboard layout.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 164 keys give extras for full size, TKL and compact boards
- + Black pudding look pairs well with vivid RGB lighting
- + OEM profile feels familiar to stock keyboard users
- - Translucent skirts can show dust under the keys
- - Pudding style is less suited to minimalist unlit boards
#3CHERRY MX 8.2 TKL Wireless is a tenkeyless board with an aluminum housing, MX Red switches and Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and wired modes. It comes with a metal carrying case, aimed at a premium TKL pick.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10
- + Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz RF or cable, and charging while you play.
- + CHERRY MX Red linear switches rated for more than 100 million actuations per key.
- + Aluminum housing, 16 million color RGB and a metal case for transport are included.
- - Priced well above most TKL boards in this guide, and the switch type is linear Red only.
- - The listing shows several variants with very different prices, so check the exact version in the cart.
#4A 70-piece pack of JWICK Red JWK linear switches with 62g weight and 5 pins, a smooth budget linear for full builds.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + JWK linears are known for smooth travel at a low cost per switch
- + 62g weight is firm enough to avoid accidental presses during typing
- + 5 pins keep switches steady in hot-swap sockets without a plate
- - 70 switches will not fill a full size board with a numpad
- - Heavier than typical reds, so light touch typists may find them tiring
#5Keychron K8 is a wireless 87-key tenkeyless keyboard with Gateron G Pro Red switches, white backlight and Bluetooth for up to 3 devices. Works on Mac and Windows with a 4000 mAh battery.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Bluetooth 5.1 for up to 3 devices, plus wired USB-C, with a listed battery life of up to 200 hours with backlight off.
- + 87-key layout keeps the arrow keys and navigation cluster, with extra keycaps for Mac and Windows.
- + Gateron G Pro Red linear switches rated for 50 million keystrokes.
- - White backlight only, so there is no RGB lighting on this version.
- - Wireless mode is 6KRO, with full N-key rollover only when wired.
#6A 90-switch pack of HMX Cheese 5-pin linear MX switches aimed at custom keyboard builders chasing smooth sound.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + HMX linears are popular in the custom scene for smooth, consistent travel
- + 90 switches fill a tenkeyless or smaller board with spares
- + 5-pin design gives stable alignment on hot-swap PCBs
- - Check the switch weight spec before ordering
- - Enthusiast brand pricing is higher than basic budget linear packs
#7USHOW's pink 108-key double shot PBT pudding keycaps add a soft glow to full size backlit keyboards.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Pink pudding design gives a cute, glowing keyboard look
- + Double shot legends stay crisp and let light through
- + 108 keys cover a standard full size board
- - Pink tone may clash with cool colored RGB effects
- - Limited extras for compact layouts
#8G.SKILL KM360 is a tenkeyless keyboard with Cherry MX Red switches, ABS double-injection keycaps, an aluminum top plate and a detachable USB-C cable. A genuine Cherry switch option at a mid-range price.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Cherry MX Red switches rated for over 50 million keypresses, mounted on an aluminum top plate.
- + Detachable USB Type-C cable and a tenkeyless layout that is easy to pack.
- + ABS dual-injection keycaps with white LED backlight and N-key rollover.
- - White backlight only, so there is no RGB, and the switches are linear Reds rather than a tactile Brown.
- - Wired only with no wireless mode, so it suits a fixed desk setup better than travel.
#9GGLTECK's 36x12 XXL extended gaming desk pad has non-slip backing and stitched edges.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 36x12 size fits a full size keyboard and mouse area
- + Stitched edges keep the mat from peeling apart
- + Non-slip base holds position on smooth desks
- - 12 inch depth may feel narrow for large mouse movements
- - Check the colorway in the listing photos before ordering
#10A black 31.5x15.7 large extended gaming mouse pad with stitched edges and a non-slip rubber base.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Non-slip rubber base keeps it steady under heavy keyboards
- + 31.5x15.7 size handles full size keyboards and mouse swipes
- + Black surface hides stains well
- - Check the seller's return policy before buying this mat
- - Thin mats may not add much cushioning
#11Redragon RM104 wireless gaming keyboard with a multifunction knob, tri-mode Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and USB-C, RGB lighting and a 4000mAh battery.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Multifunction knob handles volume and mute and cycles RGB modes, close to the knob feature of the old pick.
- + Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C) lets one board serve a PC, laptop or console.
- + Companion software supports macros, remapping and profiles, and the 4000mAh battery suits cordless use.
- - The listing does not name the switch type in the bullets shown, so check the switch before buying.
- - No wrist rest is mentioned, unlike the old pick, and stock is shown as limited.
#12Redragon K671 wired gaming keyboard with hot-swappable linear red switches, double-shot PBT keycaps, 11 backlight modes and macro editing.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Hot-swappable sockets with linear red switches let you change switches later, and spare switches and keycaps are included.
- + Listed with double-shot keycaps, 11 backlight modes with adjustable speed and brightness, and macro editing.
- + Full key anti-ghosting and 12 multimedia shortcuts suit gaming and everyday desk work.
- - Ships with linear red switches, so anyone wanting the brown tactile feel of the old pick needs to swap switches.
- - The listing text is a mix of keycap terms (PBT and ABS), so the exact keycap material is unclear.
#13Keychron C1 is a wired 87-key tenkeyless keyboard with Gateron G Pro Brown switches, white LED backlight and double-shot ABS keycaps. A simple USB-C board for home and office typing.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Gateron G Pro Brown tactile switches rated for 50 million keystrokes, a quiet bump for office use.
- + Detachable USB-C cable and an inclined frame, with extra keycaps for Mac and Windows.
- + Double-shot ABS keycaps let the white backlight shine through the legends.
- - Wired only, so the Bluetooth of the original Keychron K8 pick is not carried over.
- - White backlight only, with no RGB effects.
#14USHOW's Black Pudding PBT keycaps use a translucent lower layer to spread backlighting around each key.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Black top with translucent skirt creates a dramatic RGB glow
- + PBT tops resist shine better than ABS pudding sets
- + Pudding style suits gaming boards with bright lighting
- - Check the key count and profile fit your keyboard before ordering
- - Glow effect is wasted on keyboards without backlighting
#15TEDNETGO's large XXL black desk mat is a non-slip gaming mouse pad with a stitched edge.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + XXL size fits keyboard and mouse on one surface
- + Stitched edge prevents fraying over time
- + Non-slip base keeps the mat in place during gaming
- - Check the exact dimensions fit your desk before ordering
- - Plain black design offers little style
#16A 31.5x15.7 XXL keyboard mat with stitched edges and a gray white flowers pattern for softer desk styling.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Gray white flowers pattern gives a gentle, decorative desk look
- + 31.5x15.7 size covers keyboard and mouse comfortably
- + Stitched edges hold up to wrist friction
- - Floral print may not suit gaming or corporate setups
- - Printed surface can wear under heavy mouse use
#17TDT's wired 104-key RGB gaming board with blue switches offers programmable backlighting for players on a small budget.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Programmable backlit zones let you highlight movement and ability keys
- + Full size layout keeps the numpad for MMO binds and number entry
- + Blue switches give obvious clicks that confirm each input
- - Clicky switches can leak into voice chat and streams
- - Little-known brand, so durability over years is uncertain
#18Granvela listing of 10 Cherry MX Red style linear switches, 45g, 3-pin plate mount, described as re-packed Cherry MX1A-L1NA with a 12 month warranty.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10
- + Linear 45g actuation with 1.9mm pre-travel and 3.7mm total travel, the classic Cherry MX Red spec.
- + Clear housing suits backlit boards, and ten switches fit small repairs or a test of the feel.
- + Listing includes a 12 month warranty note.
- - The listing says the switches are re-packed in China by a third party seller, not sold in Cherry packaging.
- - Stock is shown as limited, and the listing text mixes Cherry and Outemu wording.
#19XDK's pudding shine-through PBT backlit RGB keycaps make lighting glow through both legends and sides.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Shine-through legends plus pudding sides maximize visible RGB
- + PBT material holds up better than typical budget pudding sets
- + Simple way to refresh the look of a lit gaming board
- - Layout coverage and color are missing from the title
- - Lesser known brand with limited quality information
#20A full-size 104-key RGB gaming board with blue switches, 11 backlit modes and double-shot ABS keycaps.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Double-shot ABS legends will not fade even as the caps wear
- + 11 backlit modes give plenty of lighting variety for a cheap board
- + Full-size layout suits games with many keybinds
- - ABS keycaps develop shine faster than PBT caps with heavy use
- - Generic listing makes long-term reliability and support hard to judge
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MechKeeb Lab curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.