10 Best Gaming Laptop with Mechanical Keyboards
Shako Memon
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In the rapidly evolving world of gaming, having the best gaming laptop with a mechanical keyboard can make all the difference for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate gaming experience. While laptop manufacturers have been offering mechanical keyboards for years, the option is mostly limited to gaming models. These laptops are typically high-end laptops that feature powerful GPUs, thick form factors with RGB everything gamer aesthetics, and a price tag to match.
One of the devices that has become quite popular among gamers is a gaming laptop with a mechanical keyboard. This combination not only ensures portability, but also the tactile precision that mechanical keys provide. Let’s take a look at why these laptops have become a must-have for gamers and how to choose the best laptop for your needs.
Best Gaming Laptop with Mechanical Keyboards
1. MSI Titan 18 HX
If you need the most powerful gaming laptop on the market, there’s no better choice than the MSI Titan GT77. This machine boasts the most powerful mobile processor ever produced by Intel, the Core i9-13980HX. MSI hasn’t skimped on other areas either. The keyboard utilizes Cherry MX Ultra low-profile switches that are plenty tactile.
The MSI Titan GT77 HX has it all, and quite frankly, it should. We tested it for $5,399.99, which is a bit steep for most people (don’t worry, there are cheaper options further down the list). Between the powerful performance, great 18-inch mini-LED screen, and clicky mechanical keyboard, there’s a lot to enjoy.
The Intel Core i9-14900HX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU are powerful, but not a huge step up from the previous generation. However, with 128GB of RAM and 4TB of SSD storage, there’s plenty of room for gaming and more than enough memory for gaming. It’ll be a great machine for video editors.
The 14th-generation Intel Core processors don’t offer a huge performance boost over 13th-generation Core gaming laptops, but the Titan 18 HX performed well in our most demanding tests, like running Cyberpunk 2077 on the Ray Tracing Ultra preset.
MSI uses a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard with a nice, clicky feel and comfort. It’s a luxury for typing and gaming, but it’s a shame that MSI doesn’t use these switches for the number keys and arrow keys as well.
The highlight, however, is the 18-inch mini LED display, which covers 112.4% of the DCI-P3 color gamut in our tests and measures an impressively bright 559 nits with our light meter. Games and movies look great on this HDR display.
MSI has managed to squeeze a desktop as close to the laptop chassis as possible with the Titan. This is for those who don’t have the space or want to put a desktop. It’s the best in many ways, if you can afford it.
2. Alienware m15 R7
The Alienware m15 R7 offers great value for money. This laptop features premium Cherry MX ultra-low profile mechanical switches. Thanks to this tactile keyboard design, you can feel and hear every key you type.
With its plastic chassis, the m15 R7 doesn’t feel as premium as its competitors. That doesn’t mean its build quality is bad, though. Users report the opposite, but there isn’t much in the way of design flair. The modest RGB makes the thing pop, but the matte black plastic doesn’t catch your eye.
As mentioned earlier, the performance of the m15 R7 is impressive considering its price. If you push the machine, you can expect to see some pretty loud fans. The fans keep things cool and prevent thermal throttling, but some users may find the fan noise distracting.
3. Razer Blade Pro 17
The Razer Blade Pro 17 is a gaming laptop that features a responsive mechanical keyboard that offers a tactile and precise feel.
It seamlessly integrates the famous Razer Chroma RGB lighting effects into the keys. So, Blade Pro 17 users can choose from a dazzling array of keyboard lighting effects. The Pro 17 features a 7th-generation Intel i7-7820HK CPU and a GeForce GTX 1080 GPU with 8GB GDDR5X.
The best part about this laptop is its spacious 17.3-inch display with a stunning 4K resolution. The top model also comes with up to 1TB SSD storage and 32GB RAM.
4. MSI Titan GT77
High-performance gaming enthusiasts and competitive gamers will love MSI's GT77. This machine offers high-end specs and, combined with a high-resolution 17-inch screen, gives gamers a standalone gaming laptop with the added benefit of a tactile mechanical keyboard.
This large screen offers 4K resolution with a refresh rate of 120Hz and comes with a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for excellent color reproduction. And to ensure massive processing power to handle the latest AAA games, MSI has equipped it with a 12th generation Intel Core i7-12800HX processor with 16 cores, 25MB cache, and a clock speed of up to 4.8GHz. It also comes with a generous 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD to ensure that gaming performance doesn’t suffer.
The GT77 is bulky. But that’s mostly true for all gaming laptops, as it needs extra space to accommodate a dedicated GPU, in this case the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti. And the high-performance thermal design and mechanical keyboard add to the overall bulk.
Still, it’s a powerful laptop that gamers will love, and its attractive design with RGB lighting on the back will catch a few envious glances.
5. Alienware x16 R2
The Alienware x16 R2 is a premium 16-inch gaming laptop. An Alienware representative told us that this machine is Alienware’s “most premium ever.” And it’s also a premium price. If you want a refined experience with an all-metal chassis, mechanical keyboard, and premium speakers, this is the kind of machine you want. It’s not a value-focused gaming laptop that offers the highest possible gaming performance at the lowest price point. However, if you’re looking for a more premium design, this gaming laptop could be the one for you.
The Alienware x16 R2 is a 16-inch gaming laptop with a lot of powerful hardware packed into it. Our review model came with a high-end Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, but the base model also comes with an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H CPU. Both of these CPUs are Intel Meteor Lake CPUs, which means that this laptop comes with neural processing unit hardware that could one day be important for leveraging AI capabilities in Windows and other applications.
Our Alienware x16 R2 came with a mechanical keyboard featuring Cherry MX ultra-low profile switches, but the base model comes standard with the “Alienware X Series Keyboard,” which is a more traditional laptop keyboard.
Finally, the laptop we reviewed featured a 16-inch 2560×1600 resolution IPS display with a 240Hz refresh rate. Alienware says the laptop is also available with a 2220×1080 display with a super-fast 480Hz refresh rate.
6. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15
The Scar 15 is packed with high-end gaming specs to play the games you want to play. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, and an RTX 3080 GPU, the Scar 15 is as good as any gaming laptop you can find.
However, to stand out in a competitive market, you need to stand out from the crowd. Asus does this with the Scar 15 by combining a solid thermal design with an amazing audio experience. The 5.1.2 channel 4-speaker surround sound comes with AI noise cancellation and Dolby Atmos, so you get a great audio experience while gaming.
As a gaming laptop, nothing can beat the Scar 15. With its high-end configuration and the looks to match, the Scar 15 is a beautiful machine for enjoying esports and online gaming with your friends.
The only downside is its price. There are many laptops with similar configurations that are cheaper. However, if you want an immersive sound experience, the Scar 15 is your best bet.
7. GIGABYTE AORUS 17G XC
Gigabyte was the first manufacturer to include a mechanical keyboard on its laptops. The AORUS 17G features OMRON switches with a travel distance of 2.5mm and an actuation point of 1.6mm. The OMRON switches also boast a lifespan of 15 million keystrokes.
The AORUS line of laptops also utilizes Microsoft’s Azure AI technology. Azure AI automatically ensures that the best settings are used when gaming. This technology makes PC gaming easier and faster for both beginners and experts alike.
The Gigabyte AORUS 17G has some impressive features, but it does have some questionable design choices. The most egregious of which is the placement of the webcam. Instead of being located above the screen like most laptops, the webcam is placed along the bottom bezel. This results in awkward viewing angles and potentially unsightly looks.
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8. Alienware m18 R2
If you buy an 18-inch laptop, chances are it’s going to sit on your desk for a while. The Alienware m18 R2 is a pretty hefty laptop at 8.63 pounds, but it’s a good deal for its powerful gaming performance on a large, high-resolution display.
Gaming laptops can’t compete with desktops when it comes to upgradeability, but the Alienware m18 R2 still impresses. Opening it up, I found plenty of additional slots for an M.2 SSD, slotted RAM, a swappable Wi-Fi card, and of course, the battery.
The laptop feels solidly built, with plenty of aluminum along the frame (though that may be part of what makes it a bit heavy). Perhaps my favorite part is the Cherry MX low-profile mechanical keyboard, which is great for both typing and gaming. It’s worth the extra $50, and I wish all laptops had a mechanical keyboard option. Unlike the MSI Titan, the Alienware’s mechanical keyboard covers every key.
That’s not to say there aren’t any complaints. The display is usable, but not as bright as some OLED options. The touchpad could use some love, although you’ll likely be using a gaming mouse. However, the build quality, performance, and upgradeability still make this a winner in our book.
9. Aorus 15G
The Aorus 15G is the lightest mechanical keyboard laptop you can buy right now. The keyboard on this laptop features keys with an optimal 1.6mm actuation point and 15 million keystroke durability. Plus, the keyboard comes with customizable Auros Fusion lighting effects.
The spec sheet for the Aorus 15G makes for an impressive read. Powered by a 10th-generation Intel Core i9-10980HK processor, this laptop performed strongly in our PC benchmarks. The top model features an RTX 2080 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and a Full HD VDU with a 240-300Hz refresh rate.
10. Alienware m17 R4
Alienware's m17 R4 notebook will be the first to feature this mechanical keyboard. Alienware says this collaboration with German keyboard switch maker Cherry MX began three years ago, with the shared goal of creating a "binary mechanical switch experience" and shrinking it down to fit the compact design of a laptop.
Cherry MX's standard mechanical switches were too tall at 18.55mm, and so were their low-profile switches, which come in at 11.9mm, so the company worked with Alienware to design a new ultra-low-profile switch that measures just 3.5mm tall. After going through over 160 switch prototypes, the two companies settled on an ultra-low-profile design inspired by the gull-wing doors of the DeLorean sports car from Back to the Future.
In addition to keeping your keyboard from freezing with 100% anti-ghosting and NKRO (n-key rollover), gamers can also optimize their laptops with fully programmable keys for macro key assignments and AlienFX per-key RGB backlighting that offers up to 16.8 million brilliant colors,” the announcement reads.
This new Cherry MX mechanical keyboard can be found on Alienware’s m17 R4 gaming laptop, which features 10th-generation Intel Core processors and GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080. Adding a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard to this laptop will cost you an additional $150.
What to consider when choosing the best gaming laptops with Mechanical Keyboards?
Purchasing a computer with a mechanical keyboard isn’t all that different from buying a gaming laptop. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Keyboards
As we discussed earlier, mechanical keyboards require a lot of space, making them impossible to accommodate in an Ultrabook’s chassis. As such, most laptops with mechanical keyboards are gaming laptops.
These keyboards are not uncommon. However, the fact that most laptop manufacturers use sub-brands and third-party mechanical keyboards further complicates the issue.
No, that’s not the problem. The problem is that manufacturers like Alienware and Dell expect buyers to customize their laptops and explicitly choose a mechanical keyboard. When there are a few more important choices, like CPU, RAM, and storage specs, it’s easy to overlook them.
Unlike all laptops, few laptops come with a mechanical keyboard. Often, there are precise specs, which limits your choices to a few. Even so, the decision often comes down to which GPU and RAM specs you should choose.
GPUs
From NVIDIA’s RTX 3060 to the RTX 3080Ti, you can choose the one that best suits your gaming needs. A laptop with an RTX 3060 GPU is affordable and suitable for office use. A laptop with an RTX 3080Ti, on the other hand, offers incredible gaming performance that’s great for all AAA-level game titles.
RAM
It’s hard to find a laptop with less than 16GB of RAM (including a mechanical keyboard), but many manufacturers allow you to expand the RAM up to a whopping 64GB. More importantly, you should opt for DDR4 or DDR5 RAM.
Display
Most of these laptops come with IPS panel displays, so you’ll have limited choices. However, you’ll need to decide on a resolution that suits your needs, from 4K resolution to 1440p and 1080p. 4K and 1440p resolutions offer unparalleled gaming experiences, but they’re expensive.
In comparison, laptops with 1080p resolution are versatile enough to be used as both gaming rigs and business laptops.
FAQ
Do gaming laptops have mechanical keyboards?
Yes, gaming laptops have gained immense popularity among gamers in recent years due to their portability and performance. However, one important factor that has caused controversy and debate among gamers is whether gaming laptops come with mechanical keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards are high-quality keyboards that replace the traditional rubber dome membranes found on standard keyboards with individual mechanical switches beneath each key. These switches are usually made of durable plastic or metal, providing durability and a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
How long can a mechanical keyboard last on a laptop?
Mechanical keyboards are very durable, and even if you intentionally try to destroy them, it’s unlikely that they’ll cause any problems during their lifetime. In fact, most mechanical keyboards are rated to withstand millions of keystrokes. So even with heavy use, they’re unlikely to break.
What are the alternatives to a laptop with a mechanical keyboard?
Most modern laptops use a membrane keyboard. Membrane keyboards use a rubber membrane between the keycaps and the printed circuit board. This rubber membrane allows laptop manufacturers to create thinner and lighter ultrabooks. This is because the membrane is much lighter than the metal springs used in mechanical keyboards.
Can a mechanical keyboard help you play better in games?
Your gaming performance will largely depend on your skill level. However, mechanical keyboards have a slight advantage because they feel good and are more responsive.
Is a mechanical keyboard on a laptop the same as a standalone mechanical keyboard?
Laptop mechanical keyboards are similar to standalone mechanical keyboards in terms of switch design and tactile feedback. However, due to space constraints, laptop mechanical keyboards may have shorter travel distances and slightly different key layouts. Standalone mechanical keyboards often offer more customization options and a wider variety of switch types.
What are the disadvantages of using a laptop with a mechanical keyboard?
There are a few disadvantages. First of all, they are noisier than the more popular membrane keyboards because they use mechanical parts that make a lot of noise. Second, they are bulky and make the laptop heavier because they use springs under each keycap, so you won’t find a lightweight laptop with a mechanical keyboard. Finally, mechanical keyboards are more complicated to clean and more expensive than membrane keyboards.
Can I replace or upgrade a mechanical keyboard on a gaming laptop?
Replacing or upgrading a mechanical keyboard on a gaming laptop is usually not feasible due to the integrated design of most laptops. Unlike desktop keyboards, laptop keyboards are often built into the chassis, making it difficult to replace individual switches or the entire keyboard without special tools and expertise.
Conclusion
The convergence of gaming laptops and mechanical keyboards represents a significant trend that combines mobility with top-notch gaming performance. This synergy appeals to a dedicated segment of gamers who value the convenience of a laptop along with the tactile feel and responsiveness of a mechanical keyboard.
While it faces challenges such as design complexity, noise, and increased cost, the benefits of gaming experience, durability, and aesthetic appeal make this combination a preferred choice for gamers. Future technological advancements are likely to further refine the integration of mechanical keyboards into gaming laptops, further increasing their appeal to the gaming community.
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