A weighted weekly score across community chatter, retail availability, and editorial mentions. Row names link to their deep dive when one has been published. Updated Aug 24, 2026.
Hall effect keeps expanding beyond gaming boards; IQUNIX's EC75 and Keychron's magnetic-mechanical hybrid Kickstarter both launched this week, reinforcing HE as a baseline feature.
Score change: flatHall effect keeps expanding beyond gaming boards; IQUNIX's EC75 and Keychron's magnetic-mechanical hybrid Kickstarter both launched this week, reinforcing HE as a baseline feature.
Gateron shipped its first tactile magnetic switch, Jade Emerald, adding software-adjustable actuation to a tactile HE feel for the first time.
Score change: +55%Gateron shipped its first tactile magnetic switch, Jade Emerald, adding software-adjustable actuation to a tactile HE feel for the first time.
Lineup and stock unchanged at Gateron, KBDfans, Divinikey since the early-2026 four-switch expansion; still the steady mid-range linear default.
Score change: flatLineup and stock unchanged at Gateron, KBDfans, Divinikey since the early-2026 four-switch expansion; still the steady mid-range linear default.
MX2A is now the default across nearly all retail Cherry switches, but the new Lumina Browns made at Cherry's China facility are drawing mixed community reaction.
Score change: -50%MX2A is now the default across nearly all retail Cherry switches, but the new Lumina Browns made at Cherry's China facility are drawing mixed community reaction.
Keycaps
Keycap movers
RankNameScore8-wkEditor's note
01
GMK CYL Orange Alert
GMK CYL Orange Alert opened for group buy Aug 14, running through Sep 14 across Divinikey, KBDfans, UniKeys and Keebz N Cables.
Score change: +72%GMK CYL Orange Alert opened for group buy Aug 14, running through Sep 14 across Divinikey, KBDfans, UniKeys and Keebz N Cables.
OG Extensions' group buy closed Aug 12 and the set is now in-stock at zFrontier, the usual post-buy interest cooldown after a strong run.
Score change: -45%OG Extensions' group buy closed Aug 12 and the set is now in-stock at zFrontier, the usual post-buy interest cooldown after a strong run.
Sibling set DCS Molch, part of the same Dolch family, closed its own group buy Aug 23, giving the Dolch family a fresh bump in interest.
Score change: +38%Sibling set DCS Molch, part of the same Dolch family, closed its own group buy Aug 23, giving the Dolch family a fresh bump in interest.
TA Neo's group buy closed July 17 and the set has moved into production tracking, cooling week-over-week chatter as attention shifts to newer buys.
Score change: -20%TA Neo's group buy closed July 17 and the set has moved into production tracking, cooling week-over-week chatter as attention shifts to newer buys.
Split/ergo keeps consolidating as the enthusiast default, reinforced by Keychron's wireless Q11 Ultra and continued Glove80 coverage in 2026 roundups.
Score change: +90%Split/ergo keeps consolidating as the enthusiast default, reinforced by Keychron's wireless Q11 Ultra and continued Glove80 coverage in 2026 roundups.
Alice still gets cited as the top ergonomic starter layout, but full split boards keep pulling advanced hobbyists further along the ergo path.
Score change: -66%Alice still gets cited as the top ergonomic starter layout, but full split boards keep pulling advanced hobbyists further along the ergo path.
The 2026 Sonnet and Encore have fully transitioned from pre-order to in-stock, with new Black Sesame and Forest Mocha colorways now shipping.
Score change: +80%The 2026 Sonnet and Encore have fully transitioned from pre-order to in-stock, with new Black Sesame and Forest Mocha colorways now shipping.
Blaine V2: SE's group buy (July 10-Aug 9) sold out and addons are gone too, so attention now shifts to CannonKeys' next project update.
Score change: -40%Blaine V2: SE's group buy (July 10-Aug 9) sold out and addons are gone too, so attention now shifts to CannonKeys' next project update.
Keychron launched the V6 Ultra Hybrid on Kickstarter Aug 18, mixing mechanical and magnetic switches on one board with $149 early-bird pricing.
Score change: +98%Keychron launched the V6 Ultra Hybrid on Kickstarter Aug 18, mixing mechanical and magnetic switches on one board with $149 early-bird pricing.
Topre unveiled the Realforce R4 with dual-mode USB-C/Bluetooth connectivity, slated for an Oct 18 Japan launch, reviving electrocapacitive buzz.
Score change: +55%Topre unveiled the Realforce R4 with dual-mode USB-C/Bluetooth connectivity, slated for an Oct 18 Japan launch, reviving electrocapacitive buzz.
MX2A's near-total takeover of Cherry's catalog is tempered by community debate over the China-made Lumina Brown, the first switch off that line.
Score change: -15%MX2A's near-total takeover of Cherry's catalog is tempered by community debate over the China-made Lumina Brown, the first switch off that line.