
Introduction
Today we’ll determine the best mechanical keyboard with a knob. While many keyboards offer advanced features such as programmable macro keys and customizable RGB lighting, one particular feature that has gained popularity in recent years is the inclusion of a volume knob–a physical dial that allows users to adjust the volume of their audio without having to navigate through software menus or use keyboard shortcuts. However, the volume knob’s usefulness doesn’t stop there. It can also be used to control other functions, such as media playback, mic mute, and lighting effects. Some can even be reprogrammed via macros to do anything you can imagine!
Redragon K588

The Redragon K588 is a mechanical gaming keyboard that boasts an array of features at an affordable price point. This keyboard features RGB lighting that can be customized with 18 different lighting modes and 16.8 million color options, providing a visually stunning gaming experience. The K588 is equipped with Outemu Blue switches, which offer tactile feedback and a clicky sound that’s satisfying for typing and gaming alike. The keyboard is also designed to be spill proof, ensuring that any accidental spills won’t damage the device.
One of the standout features of the K588 is its compact design, making it a great choice for gamers who want a high-performance keyboard without taking up too much desk space. The K588 also has a limited macro function, with only six programmable keys, and the software required for programming the keys is not as user-friendly as some other gaming keyboards. There’s also no numpad, which might be sorely missed by some users.
PROS
- Affordable mechanical gaming keyboard
- Outemu Blue switches for tactile feedback and satisfying clicky sound
- RGB lighting with 18 different lighting modes and 16.8 million color options
- Compact design for users with limited desk space
- Spill-proof design for protection against accidental spills
- Six programmable keys for macro function
CONS
- Limited customization options with software that may not be user-friendly.
- No numpad for those that prefer to have one
Redragon K618

The Redragon K618 is a budget-friendly mechanical gaming keyboard with a sleek design and impressive features. The keyboard features RGB lighting with 18 different lighting modes and 16.8 million color options, allowing users to customize the look and feel of their gaming setup. The K618 is equipped with Outemu Red switches, which offer a linear and silent typing experience that is ideal for gaming. Additionally, the keyboard includes a detachable wrist rest, providing additional support and comfort during long gaming sessions.
One of the standout features of the K618 is its software, which is user-friendly and intuitive. The software allows users to fully customize their keyboard settings, including macros and RGB lighting, to suit their individual preferences. However, the K618 has limited customization options compared to some higher-end gaming keyboards, which may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, while the keyboard is durable and well-constructed, some users have reported that the keycaps can be prone to fading over time. The keyboard does not come with a wrist rest. Some feel it’s thin enough not to need a wrist rest, but for some no wrist rest is a deal breaker.
PROS
- Budget-friendly mechanical gaming keyboard
- Outemu Red switches for linear and silent typing
- RGB lighting with 18 different lighting modes and 16.8 million color options
- User-friendly software for customization of macros and lighting
CONS
- Potential for keycap fading over time
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end gaming keyboards
- No wrist rest
Corsair K95

The Corsair K95 is a high-end mechanical gaming keyboard that offers a premium typing experience. The keyboard features Cherry MX Speed switches, which provide fast and responsive keystrokes, making it ideal for gaming. Additionally, the keyboard features 6 programmable macro keys and dedicated media controls for easy access to music and video playback. The K95 also features RGB lighting with 19 different lighting zones, allowing users to customize the keyboard to their preference.
One of the standout features of the K95 is its build quality. The keyboard is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing durability and sturdiness. The K95 also comes with a detachable wrist rest for added comfort during long gaming sessions. However, the K95 is quite large and heavy, which may be a drawback for users with limited desk space. Additionally, the keyboard is quite expensive compared to other gaming keyboards on the market. Overall, the Corsair K95 is a great option for gamers who want a high-quality keyboard with impressive features and customization options.
PROS
- High-end mechanical gaming keyboard with Cherry MX Speed switches
- 6 programmable macro keys and dedicated media controls
- RGB lighting with 19 different lighting zones
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction for durability
- Detachable wrist rest for added comfort
CONS
- Large and heavy design may not be suitable for users with limited desk space
- Expensive compared to other gaming keyboards on the market.
Das Keyboard 4

The Das Keyboard 4 is a premium mechanical keyboard that delivers a satisfying typing experience. The keyboard features Cherry MX Brown switches, providing a tactile typing experience without the loud clicking noise of other mechanical switches. The keyboard also has a sleek, minimalist design with an anodized aluminum top panel for durability. The Das Keyboard 4 also features dedicated media controls and a built-in USB hub for added convenience.
One of the standout features of the Das Keyboard 4 is its dedicated media controls. The keyboard has a large, chunky volume knob, mute button, and media controls for easy access to music and video playback. The keyboard also has customizable backlighting, allowing users to adjust the brightness and set individual key lighting. However, the keyboard does not have programmable macro keys, which may be a drawback for gamers who rely on macros. Additionally, the Das Keyboard 4 is quite expensive compared to other mechanical keyboards on the market. Overall, the Das Keyboard 4 is a great option for users who prioritize a high-quality typing experience and minimalist design.
PROS
- Nice and beefy volume knob
- Premium mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches
- Sleek, minimalist design with an anodized aluminum top panel
- Dedicated media controls and built-in USB hub
- Customizable backlighting with individual key lighting
CONS
- No programmable macro keys
- Expensive compared to other mechanical keyboards on the market.
Logitech G915

The Logitech G915 is a wireless mechanical gaming keyboard that offers a sleek design and impressive performance. The keyboard features Logitech’s own GL Tactile switches, providing a tactile and responsive typing experience. The G915 also has a low-profile design, making it one of the thinnest mechanical gaming keyboards on the market. The keyboard features RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors and dedicated media controls for easy access to music and video playback. Additionally, the G915 has wireless and Bluetooth connectivity options, allowing for a clutter-free desk setup.
The G915 uses Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, which provides a fast and reliable connection with a 1ms response rate. The G915 has a fairly long battery life, with up to 30 hours of use on a single charge. Note that the G915 is fairly pricey, and the low-profile design may not be suitable for users who prefer a traditional keyboard feel.
PROS
- Wireless mechanical gaming keyboard with Logitech GL Tactile switches
- Low-profile design with RGB lighting and dedicated media controls
- Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity options
- Fast and reliable connection with a 1ms response rate
- Long battery life with up to 30 hours of use on a single charge
CONS
- Expensive compared to other gaming keyboards on the market
- Low-profile design may not be suitable for users who prefer a traditional keyboard feel.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a premium mechanical gaming keyboard that offers a customizable typing experience. The keyboard features SteelSeries’ OmniPoint adjustable switches, allowing users to adjust the actuation point of each key to their preference. The Apex Pro TKL also has a sleek, minimalist design with an aluminum frame for durability. The keyboard features RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors and a magnetic wrist rest for added comfort. Additionally, the Apex Pro TKL has dedicated media controls and a USB passthrough for added convenience.
The Apex Pro TKL features a very cool OLED smart display. The display is located at the top of the keyboard, right above the number pad, and provides users with quick and easy access to important information. It can be used to display anything from in-game stats and alerts to chat messages and media controls. The display is fully customizable, allowing users to personalize it with their own images or animations. Further customization can be had with the keyboard’s OmniPoint adjustable switches. These allow users to customize the actuation point of each key to their liking, providing a highly personalized typing experience.
The Apex Pro TKL also has a TKL (tenkeyless) design, making it more compact and suitable for users who prefer a smaller keyboard footprint. However, the keyboard is quite expensive compared to other mechanical keyboards on the market, and the absence of a numpad may be a drawback for users who rely on it.
PROS
- Premium mechanical gaming keyboard with SteelSeries OmniPoint adjustable switches
- Sleek, minimalist design with an aluminum frame
- TKL (tenkeyless) design for a smaller keyboard footprint
- Customizable actuation point for each key
- RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors and a magnetic wrist rest
- Dedicated media controls and USB passthrough
CONS
- Expensive compared to other mechanical keyboards on the market
- Absence of a numpad may be a drawback for some users.
HyperX Alloy Elite

The HyperX Alloy Elite is a high-performance mechanical gaming keyboard that offers a sleek design and durable construction. The keyboard features Cherry MX mechanical switches for a tactile and responsive typing experience. It also includes dedicated media controls and a volume wheel for convenient audio adjustments. The Alloy Elite has a full-sized layout with a number pad and offers customizable RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors. Additionally, the keyboard includes a detachable wrist rest and a durable steel frame for added durability.
One of the advantages of the HyperX Alloy Elite is its solid construction and durability. The keyboard’s steel frame and detachable wrist rest provide a sturdy and comfortable typing experience. The Cherry MX mechanical switches also offer a satisfying tactile response, making the keyboard suitable for both gaming and typing. However, the lack of a USB passthrough or macro keys may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the HyperX Alloy Elite is a great option for gamers who prioritize durability and a sleek design.
PROS
- High-performance mechanical gaming keyboard with Cherry MX mechanical switches
- Full-sized layout with a number pad
- Dedicated media controls and volume wheel
- Customizable RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors
- Detachable wrist rest and durable steel frame for added durability
CONS
- Lacks USB passthrough
- No macro keys
Comparison
When it comes to mechanical gaming keyboards with volume knobs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each keyboard on our list offers its unique set of features and advantages that make it better suited for specific preferences or situations. Ultimately, choosing the best mechanical gaming keyboard with a volume knob requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences.
Best for Budget: Redragon K588. This keyboard offers a great value for its price and includes many features typically found in more expensive keyboards, such as RGB lighting and dedicated media controls.
Best for Customization: Corsair K95. The K95 features six programmable macro keys and customizable RGB lighting with Corsair’s iCUE software, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want complete control over their keyboard’s customization.
Best for Wireless Gaming: Logitech G915. This wireless keyboard features LIGHTSPEED technology for a fast and reliable connection, as well as low-profile GL switches for a smooth and quiet typing experience.
Best for Durability: HyperX Alloy Elite. With a sturdy steel frame and detachable wrist rest, this keyboard is built to last, making it an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize durability and longevity.
Conclusion
I hope that this article has provided you with the information needed to guide you towards selecting the perfect keyboard for you. Each keyboard has its own unique strengths and is best suited for different preferences or situations, so it’s important to consider what you’re looking for. So go forth, try out some keyboards, and find the one that feels just right!
Thanks! All good options. I think I’d pick the Das keyboard.
A knob is so useful. I use it with macros for all kinds of crazy stuff.