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How to Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

A quality mechanical keyboard is a long-term investment that saves your wrists and improves your typing experience for years.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $11.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good mechanical keyboard should last you a decade if you pick one with a hot-swappable board that lets you replace parts as they wear out. Instead of buying cheap, you want a sturdy base that feels solid under your fingers.

Wait for major holiday sales to find the best deals on premium boards. If you see a new version launch, look at the previous model; it is usually cheaper and performs almost exactly the same as the new one.

The 18-month window is a deadline, not free money. If you have a balance left over after that time, you will start paying interest on the remaining amount, which will cost you more in the long run.

The steps

  1. 01

    Identify your layout

    Decide if you need a full-size board with a number pad or a compact version to save desk space. Once you pick a size, look for brands that offer repairability. You want something you can fix, not replace.

  2. 02

    Check the sale cycle

    Major holiday events are the best times to find high-end boards marked down significantly. Check sites like Reddit or enthusiast forums to see if a model you like is about to be replaced by a newer version.

  3. 03

    Use the right card

    If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you spread that $200 cost into payments of $11.11 per month. Just make sure you track that 18-month intro window on purchases carefully.

  4. 04

    Test the switches

    Mechanical keyboards rely on switches that determine how the keys feel and sound. Order a cheap switch tester online to see which type you prefer before you commit to the full board.

  5. 05

    Read the return policy

    Even with research, you might hate the feel of a board once it is on your desk. Buy from a retailer with a fair return policy so you are not stuck with a tool you do not enjoy using.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Why spend $200 on a keyboard?

Cheaper boards use plastic parts that degrade quickly. A $200 board uses better materials and switches, meaning you will not have to buy a replacement in a year.

Is the 0% offer actually free?

It is not free money. It just means you have a set period of 18 months to pay off the purchase without interest charges building up on the balance.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% rate early and hurt your credit score. Set up autopay for at least the minimum to keep things moving.

Are mechanical keyboards hard to clean?

Not at all. You can pull the keycaps off and wipe the board down. Many models also let you swap out the switches if one stops working.