Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts love to use them for both gaming and work. There are tons of options out there, all with different kinds of switches and keycaps that help create unique sounds and feeling while typing.
To some, the clickiest option is the way to go. However, for many people, a deep, thocky sound is the most ideal option. Here are some of the best keyboards on the market to make that specific sound that you love.
Here are NerdTechy’s top picks:
- Best Overall: EPOMAKER TH80 Pro: This keyboard has a great sound and is the perfect size to use for both gaming and office work tasks. Plus, it’s got a programmable control knob which is an extremely useful feature.
- Best Runner-Up: nuphy Halo65: This 65% keyboard does a great job of looking minimalistic while still providing functionality. It’s a solid runner-up choice that looks and sounds great.
- Best Alternative: keydous NJ80-AP: With its two base plate material options and overall clean aesthetic, it’s a solid choice. Plus, its 75% size gives you great functionality.
- Best 2nd Alternative: Keychron K2 Version 2: This keyboard takes all the functionality of a 75% board and puts it into a compact profile to give you a ton of desk space. It has a very clean look and sounds great, too.
- Best Large Size: RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK98: This is the keyboard you’ll want if you need to primarily use it for office work. It’s a 98% size, so you’ll get the number pad on the side, unlike all the other options.
- Best Budget: Akko 3068B Plus: For those on a budget who still want a thocky keyboard, this is the best bet. It’s extremely compact and won’t break the bank.
- Need some help? Check our FAQs section to learn more about Thocky Keyboards, what they are, and how they differ from other versions.
Best Overall: EPOMAKER TH80 Pro
Key Takeaways:
- RGB lighting internally
- 75% keyboard with 80 keys
- Gateron Pro Black switches and MDA PBT keycaps
The best option on the market for a thocky keyboard is the EPOMAKER TH80 Pro. This is a 75% keyboard, so you’ll have all of the main functionality you need for gaming as well as light office work.
To get the best sound possible from this keyboard, go with the variation that comes with the Gateron Pro Black switches.
The TH80 also comes with MDA PBT keycaps that are a mix of light gray, dark gray, and yellow. They have clearly printed legends on top and are durable enough to last a long time.
As for looks, this is a unique-looking keyboard. The body is white, and internally, there is RGB lighting. In addition, there’s a control knob on the top right that can be programmed to perform various functions.
In fact, you can program the entire board with additional software. The TH80 can also connect to multiple devices via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB-C.
Best Runner-Up: nuphy Halo65
Key Takeaways:
- 65% size
- Baby Raccoon switches and PBT keycaps
- RGB lighting with 17 pre-set lighting modes
A great runner-up choice is the nuphy Halo65. As the name implies, this is a 65% %-sized keyboard, making it slightly smaller than the TH80 Pro. This is great for those who want a compact keyboard and don’t need a ton of extra keys that they’ll never use.
The best-sounding switches for a thocky sound are the Baby Raccoon switches. These are paired with durable PBT keycaps to provide a great typing experience.
There are also 17 extra keycaps included in the package in case you ever need or want to switch older ones out for newer ones.
As for looks, this is a very clean-looking keyboard. It’s available with either a black or white body, and the keycaps that come with each option are a mix of white, black, green, yellow, and red.
The Halo65 also comes with RGB lighting that can be set to one of 17 different pre-set lighting modes. To connect this to your computer, you can use either Bluetooth, a wireless dongle, or a USB-C cable.
Best Alternative: keydous NJ80-AP
Key Takeaways:
- 75% size
- Gateron Pro Milky Yellows achieve the thocky sound
- Available in either brass or stainless steel for the base plate
The keydous NJ80-AP is a great alternative choice. This is a 75% keyboard with either a steel plate base or a brass plate base. Both give you the thocky sound you want from a keyboard like this.
Speaking of the thocky sound, the switches you’ll want to achieve are the Gateron Pro Milky Yellows. These switches are covered by PBT keycaps with a unique matte texture.
This texture is great for long hours of use without getting tired of using them. There’s also a programmable knob on the top right to perform various functions.
The NJ80 is only available in a white base color, with the keycaps being a mix of white, blue, and yellow. The entire board is also able to be reprogrammed to have different switches perform the various function button tasks.
Internally, there is RGB lighting that can also be customized. To connect this keyboard to your computer, you can use Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB-C.
Best 2nd Alternative: Keychron K2 Version 2
Key Takeaways:
- 75% keyboard size with 84 total keys
- Durable aluminum frame
- The switches are Gateron Red Switch v2
Another great 75% alternative is the Keychron K2 Version 2. This keyboard has 84 total keys but is designed to be as compact as possible.
This means all of the keys are put as closely together as possible in order to reduce the amount of desk space the keyboard takes up.
The switches you’ll want in this keyboard are the Gateron Red Switch v2. The keycaps used on the K2 are durable, and there are extras included to use for either Windows or Mac. This is all built on top of a durable aluminum frame.
The overall look of this keyboard is extremely clean. It’s only available with a black base plate, and the keycaps that are included are a mix of dark gray, light gray, and orange. Internally, there is RGB lighting to add a bit of flair.
When connecting to your computer, you can use either Bluetooth 5.1 or USB-C. Best of all, you can connect it to up to three devices at the same time and easily switch between them while in use.
Best Large Size: RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK98
Key Takeaways:
- 98% keyboard size
- Comes with Hot Swap Red Switches
- Two color options
If you’re someone who needs a large keyboard to use for both work and gaming, the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK98 is the way to go.
This is a 98% keyboard with 100 total keys on it. This gives you all the main keys you need, plus the number pad and accompanying keys on the right side.
For maximum thockiness, the switches you’ll need to go with on this keyboard are the Hot Swap Red Switches. On top of those, you’ll find durable keycaps in varying colors depending on the keyboard you pick.
As for looks, there are two main color choices. The first is a black base with dark blue and light blue keycaps. The second is a white base with white, blue, and gold keycaps.
Both options come with fully programmable RGB lighting underneath. When it comes to connectivity, you can use Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB-C.
Best Budget: Akko 3068B Plus
Key Takeaways:
- Compact 65% size
- It uses Akko Jelly Purple switches
- Two color options, both with RGB lighting
If you want the best thocky sound on a budget, go with the Akko 3068B Plus. This keyboard is a compact 65% size, so it will take up a very small amount of space on your desk.
When it comes to switches, there is only one option: Jelly Purple. This is nice, so you don’t have to get confused when picking the right one. There are also durable PBT keycaps with a clearly printed legend on top of each switch.
As for looks, there are two different choices. The first is a white base with white and blue keycaps. The second is a white base with white, light pink, and dark pink keycaps.
Both options also come with RGB lighting inside. To connect to your computer, it’s the same as many of the other keyboards listed above Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB-C.
FAQs About Thocky Keyboards
What makes a keyboard ‘thocky’?
A thocky keyboard is characterized by its deep, resonant sound when keys are pressed. This sound profile is often achieved through a combination of factors like the keyboard’s case material, keycap material, switches used, and internal dampening.
How do switch types affect thockiness?
Switch type greatly influences thockiness. Tactile and linear switches, especially those with heavier actuation force or dampened designs, contribute to a thocky sound. Rubber domes can also be thocky, while clicky switches tend to produce a higher-pitched sound.
Can keycap material influence the sound of a keyboard?
Absolutely. Keycaps play a crucial role in sound profile. Thicker keycaps made of materials like PBT or high-quality ABS can enhance the thocky sound, while thinner or lower-quality keycaps might not have the same effect.
Does the keyboard case affect thockiness?
Yes, the case is vital. Heavier, denser materials like aluminum or brass amplify the thocky sound, while lighter materials like plastic may result in a different sound profile. The case’s internal design, including any additional sound dampening, also matters.
What role does internal dampening play in a thocky keyboard?
Internal dampening, using materials like foam or silicone within the case, reduces excess vibration and noise, enhancing the deep, thocky sound. It can be fine-tuned to achieve different levels of thockiness.
Are thocky keyboards better for typing or gaming?
This is subjective. Thocky keyboards can be great for both typing and gaming, depending on personal preference. The deep sound and feel can be satisfying and less fatiguing for long sessions, but some gamers might prefer a different sound or feel.
Can I modify a regular keyboard to be thockier?
Yes, modifications like changing switches, adding o-rings, using different keycaps, or implementing internal dampening can make a regular keyboard thockier. However, achieving the desired sound profile might require experimentation.
Other Accessories for Your Thocky Keyboard
While a thocky keyboard is great, there are additional accessories you can add to it that elevate your user experience. The first would be to consider some new keycaps.
There are lots to choose from, including gradient side print and pudding.
You might also consider changing out the switches for something a bit quieter, which is where quiet switches become a necessity.
Meet Derek, “TechGuru,” a 34-year-old technology enthusiast with a deep passion for tech innovations. With extensive experience, he specializes in gaming hardware and software, and has expertise in gadgets, custom PCs, and audio.
Besides writing about tech and reviewing new products, Derek enjoys traveling, hiking, and photography. Committed to keeping up with the latest industry trends, he aims to guide readers in making informed tech decisions.