Despite the popularity of mechanical keyboards, some still don’t like the loud and clicky sound they make. Some also find them to be less comfortable because of the rigid keys. As a result, these people prefer to use scissor-switch keyboards instead.
There are several benefits of using a scissor-switch keyboard. Having a shorter travel distance, scissor switches are quieter than mechanical switches. They are also more comfortable to type on for long periods because the keys are softer and have a lower actuation force. In addition, scissor-switch keyboards tend to be more affordable than their mechanical counterparts.
If you’re looking for a quiet and comfortable keyboard, then a scissor-switch keyboard might be the right choice for you.
However, since there are so many options, deciding which one to get can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best scissor-switch keyboards to help you make your decision. So, keep reading to find the best keyboard for your needs.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Logitech MX Keys | Check Price |
| Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard | Check Price |
| Logitech ERGO K860 | Check Price |
| Corsair K83 | Check Price |
| Apple Magic Keyboard with Numpad | Check Price |
| Perixx PERIBOARD-429 | Check Price |
| Cherry Stream Keyboard | Check Price |
1. Logitech MX Keys
Logitech always comes up with some of the best products out there, and the MX Keys is not an exception. If you are searching for a scissor-switch keyboard that offers the comfort of a low profile, the MX Keys is the best option. The keyboard has a sleek design and comes with a palm rest that makes it extremely comfortable to use.
Thanks to the low-profile keys with a scissors switch design, the keyboard provides increased stability with reduced key bouncing for a better typing experience. Having a shorter travel distance also means that the keys require less force to press, resulting in faster and more silent typing. And the spherically dished keycaps make it easy to find the correct key while touch typing.
Logitech has done a great job with the MX Keys in terms of design and build quality. The entire keyboard has been assembled on a single aluminum plate, giving it a premium look and feel. Its slim and compact form factor makes it very easy to carry around.
Battery life is probably one of the most impressive aspects of the MX Keys. Logitech claims that it can last up to 5 months on a single charge, and in our testing, we found that to be true. However, turning the backlit keys on will reduce battery life.
The keyboard also allows you to connect up to three devices at the same time and switch between them with a simple key press. And it supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. This feature is very helpful if you often have to switch between different platforms.
PROS
- Offers a comfortable typing experience
- Slim and lightweight design
- Durable framework
- Easy-switch enabled
CONS
- Limited customizable options
- Expensive
2. Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard
If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I am a big fan of the Microsoft Sculpt line of keyboards. The latest version is the best scissor-switch keyboard I have used to date. It is a full-size keyboard with a number pad.
The thing that makes this keyboard stand out among others is the domed keyboard design. This gives the Sculpt a more natural feel when typing and reduces pressure on your wrists. Plus, the integrated soft and cushioned wrist rest provides additional support and comfort.
The keys are also well-spaced and have a nice, soft travel, allowing fast and accurate typing. And the detachable number pad comes in handy when you need to do some quick calculations. You can place the Numpad on either side of the keyboard, depending on your preference.
Moving on to the connectivity section, the keyboard uses a wireless 2.4GHz connection. The good thing about this is that you don’t have to worry about any latency issues. I also like that it comes with a USB receiver, which you can store inside the keyboard when not in use.
Unfortunately, this keyboard doesn’t come with rechargeable batteries. So, you will have to replace the AA batteries every few months, which adds to the overall cost of ownership. Other than that, the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality scissor-switch keyboard.
PROS
- Ergonomic split design
- Good ergonomics
- Cushioned wrist rest
- Affordable price
CONS
- Uses non-rechargeable batteries
- Requires time to get used to the layout
3. Logitech ERGO K860
Ergonomic keyboards are getting more popular as office workers attempt to avoid the wrist pain caused by ulnar deviation, and the Logitech ERGO K860 is one of the best we’ve tested. This scissor switch keyboard has a split, curved design that encourages you to use a more natural posture, and it has a cushioned palm rest that feels wonderful under your wrists.
Moreover, the unique curved layout makes this keyboard more comfortable for long periods than a traditional flat keyboard, and the scissor keys have just the right amount of travel and springiness. It may take a little getting used to if you’re used to a standard keyboard, but it’s definitely worth the investment for your long-term health.
This wireless keyboard also has a unifying receiver, so you can easily connect it to multiple devices, and it’s compatible with Logitech’s Flow software, which lets you use one keyboard and mouse on multiple computers at a time. And the wireless range is excellent, so you won’t have to worry about losing the connection.
In the battery department, Logitech claims that you’ll get up to 24 months of life from the two included AA batteries, but depending on how often you use the keyboard; your results may vary.
Read: Does Backlit Keyboard Affect Battery Life?
Overall, the Logitech ERGO K860 is an excellent scissor-switch keyboard that will help you avoid pain in the long run. This keyboard may not have all the bells and whistles you’re used to for gamers, but it’s still a great choice for general use. Once you get used to the split layout, you may never want to go back to a traditional keyboard.
PROS
- Great ergonomics
- Comfortable wrist rest
- Enhanced wireless connectivity
- Attractive design
CONS
- Unfortunately no backlighting
- A bit pricey
4. Corsair K83
Corsair never stops experimenting with the design of its keyboards, and the K83 is yet another example of that. This time, the company has gone for a scissor-switch keyboard with low-profile keys and a unique design. The result is a sleek and stylish keyboard that feels great to use.
The K83 seems to have so many things going on at first glance. The keyboard has a minimalist design but is still packed with features. There is no Numpad, but the integrated touchpad and mouse buttons will surely come in handy. At the top right corner, you will find a joystick control, a volume roller, and brightness buttons.
Having a slightly closer look, you will find that the keys are well spaced out and have a lot of travel. The scissor switches offer a good amount of tactile feedback, making it easy to type on this keyboard. However, compared to the keyboards mentioned above, the pre-travel on the K83 is a bit too high. This might take some getting used to, but it is not a deal breaker.
In order to keep the keyboard small and compact, Corsair didn’t include any wrist rest with this keyboard. This is something that you might want to consider if you plan on using this keyboard for long hours.
Moreover, the NKRO (N-Key Rollover) on the K83 is fantastic, and you will never have to worry about ghosting issues. And using the Corsair iCue software, you can reconfigure the keyboard to your liking.
So, if you are looking for a scissor-switch keyboard that comes with a unique design and a plethora of features, then the Corsair K83 is the one for you. With its compact design, you can easily carry it around, but be aware that the battery only lasts 40 hours.
PROS
- Packed with a bunch of features
- Compact design
- Integrated touchpad
- Easy to carry
CONS
- Small trackpad
- The battery life could be better
5. Apple Magic Keyboard with Numpad
If you are a Mac user, what can be better than an Apple product? That’s why, for all the Mac lovers out there, we have the Apple Magic Keyboard with Numpad. The keyboard has been specially designed and engineered for Mac computers, so you don’t have to make any adjustments. You can simply connect it to your Mac and start using it right away.
The scissor mechanism underneath each key makes this keyboard extremely comfortable to use. The keys are well-spaced and have a good travel time, so you don’t have to worry about typos. In addition, the sleek and slim design makes it look great on your desk and reduces strain on your wrists.
One of the best features of this keyboard is the built-in numeric keypad. This makes it extremely convenient for those who have to enter data or work with numbers regularly. The arrow keys are also located in an inverted T layout, which makes them easy to reach.
However, this attractive-looking keyboard doesn’t have backlighting, so it might not be the best option if you often work in low-light conditions. Also, the price tag is on the higher side, but we think it’s worth the investment.
Overall, no one can deny that the Apple Magic Keyboard with Numpad is one of the best scissor switch keyboards available on the market. It offers a great typing experience, looks stylish, and is extremely durable. But, if you are short on budget, you might want to consider some of the other options on our list.
PROS
- Slim and compact profile
- Simple but premium design
- Great ergonomics
- Comfortable typing experience
CONS
- No backlighting
- Expensive
6. Perixx PERIBOARD 429
If you don’t have enough space on your desk, the Perixx PERIBOARD-429 might be your best scissor-switch keyboard. This miniature keyboard doesn’t include a number pad, which can create a bit problem for some people. Despite the slim and compact design, the PERIBOARD 429 doesn’t feel flimsy at all. The keyboard is quite sturdy and will withstand years of use.
It comes with low-profile scissor switches that are quiet and have a nice, soft feel to them. Unlike most other scissor switch keyboards, the PERIBOARD 429 features independent key-switch construction. This gives the keyboard a more premium feel, and each keystroke is registered with perfect accuracy.
The LED backlighting is not too bright nor too dim. You can also adjust the brightness level to suit your needs. Plus, there are indicator lights on top for the Num Lock, Caps Lock, brightness, and Scroll Lock.
The keyboard also features pre-defined shortcut keys for Windows and multimedia. These can be quite handy if you often have to perform certain actions. It is compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7, but not with macOS.
The Perixx PERIBOARD 429 may not be the best scissor-switch keyboard for everyone, but it definitely has a lot to offer at this affordable price point. If you’re looking for a slim and compact keyboard with scissor switches, this is the one you should get.
Read: Best Keyboards for Excel
PROS
- Affordable price point
- Compact design
- Convenient shortcut keys
- Separate key-switch mechanism
CONS
- No number pad
7. Cherry Stream Keyboard
The keyboards on top of this list are quite expensive, but the Cherry Stream is one of the most affordable models that offer great value. If you are looking for a pocket-friendly scissor-switch keyboard with a simple design and good build quality, this is the one for you.
The whole keyboard is made of black plastic, with a CHERRY SX scissor mechanism. There is nothing fancy, but the build quality is very good. It can withstand some serious abuse, and it will still look like new. The keycaps are also made of good quality plastic and have a nice matte finish, which feels great to the touch.
Furthermore, the keyboard has a very simple layout, with no extra function keys or anything like that. It does have a few media control keys, which is always a plus. And the status LEDs are very discreet, so they won’t be distracting at all.
For improved stability, it has 8 rubber pads underside. Also, there are 2 kickstands that you can use to prop up the keyboard at an angle of your choosing.
The only downside of this keyboard is that it’s not backlit, so it might be a bit hard to use in low-light conditions. But other than that, it’s a great scissor-switch keyboard for everyday use.
PROS
- Silent keystrokes
- Simple design
- Affordable price point
- Dedicated media keys
CONS
- Not very ergonomic
Conclusion
Mechanical keyboards may have a lot of features to offer, but they are not for everyone. People who prefer a more traditional look and feel still prefer scissor switch keyboards.
Therefore, after getting so many emails and requests, we have decided to review the best scissor switch keyboards. In this list, you will find keyboards of different price ranges and from different brands. I have tried to cover as much ground as possible so that everyone can find a keyboard according to their needs and budget.
I hope that, after reading this article, you will be able to find the best scissor-switch keyboard for yourself. If you have any doubts or queries, feel free to ask in the comment section below. I will try my best to answer them as soon as possible.
Thank you for reading!
