Rog Typist vs MK TypistSwitch Variety vs RGB & Macros
Choose the Rog Typist for its wider selection of switch types, or the MK Typist for its RGB lighting and powerful macro system.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Rog Typist
Switch Variety
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 100% boards under $100.
- Offers a wider selection of pre-installed switch types, including tactile, linear, clicky, and silent.
- Lists support for multiple keyboard layouts including ANSI, Colemak, Dvorak, and Workman.
- Includes a dedicated programmable layer for key remapping, according to its vendor description.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
MK Typist
RGB & Macros
Build quality in the bottom 15% of 100% boards under $150.
- Features per-key RGB backlighting with new lighting modes.
- Supports Ducky Macro 2.0 for powerful, hardware-based macro recording.
- Explicitly lists compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Your priority should dictate the choice. If having a specific switch type (like silent or linear) without modification is most important, the Rog Typist is the clear pick. If you value in-game lighting, advanced programmable macros for work or play, and broader OS compatibility, the MK Typist is the more feature-rich option, though often at a slightly higher price point.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Rog Typist
MK Typist
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky
Layout standard
ANSI, Colemak, Dvorak, Workman
ANSI
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Backlight
None
RGB
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Mac & Windows
No
Yes
- Rog Typist
- MK Typist
- Performance
- 5773
- Build quality
- 4644
- Productivity
- 4959
- Customizability
- 4356
- Portability
- 4244
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Wired
- Case material: Plastic
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The MK Typist takes the lead for gaming, programming, and content creation, primarily due to its RGB lighting and robust macro system. The Rog Typist is the better choice for modders interested in a specific switch type from a wider initial selection. For office use and travel, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing core productivity features and the same large form factor.
Pick the MK Typist
- The MK Typist features per-key RGB backlighting, which can be useful for key visibility in low-light gaming sessions.
- Its listing mentions support for Ducky Macro 2.0, which the manufacturer calls powerful hardware for creating complex macros.
- Both keyboards offer full N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
Rog Typist vs MK Typist specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 16 specs differ
Rog Typist
MK Typist
Switch options
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Rog Typist vs MK Typist: your questions
Both are designed for typing with PBT double-shot keycaps and full-size layouts. The Rog Typist supports more alternative layouts like Colemak and Dvorak out of the box. The MK Typist's vendor description emphasizes a high-quality typing experience with TTC switch options and a stable construction.
No, the Rog Typist does not have RGB lighting. The product metadata specifies 'RGB: No'. The MK Typist is the model that features per-key RGB backlighting.
The MK Typist is not hot-swappable. Vendor characteristics list 'Hotswap: No' for both models. Changing switches would require desoldering the existing ones and soldering in new switches, as mentioned in a user review for the Rog Typist version of the board.
Yes, the MK Typist (Frozen Llama edition) explicitly lists Mac compatibility in its characteristics. The Rog Typist's vendor data lists 'Mac Compatible: No', though it does offer a Win/Alt swap option for Mac key mapping according to its description.
Both the Rog Typist and MK Typist use PBT double-shot keycaps. This material is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time, and the double-shot molding ensures the legends won't wear off.
The MK Typist supports Ducky Macro 2.0, which the manufacturer describes as powerful hardware for macros. The Rog Typist's vendor description also mentions a dedicated programmable layer and macro recording functionality, so both offer programmability.
Both have full N-key rollover, essential for gaming. The MK Typist adds per-key RGB, which can be a functional and aesthetic benefit for gamers. The Rog Typist offers silent switch options, which could be preferable for gaming in shared spaces.
The MK Typist Frozen Llama is a limited edition version of the MK Typist, restricted to 1,500 units. It features a unique blue and purple colorway, per-key RGB lighting, a new case design, and uses TTC brand switches instead of the Cherry/Kailh switches found on the standard Rog Typist model.
The provided metadata and vendor descriptions do not mention a wrist rest being included with either the Rog Typist or the MK Typist keyboards. They are sold as pre-built keyboards with a detachable USB-C cable.
According to the vendor characteristics, both keyboards come with a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable that is 60 inches (approximately 1.5 meters) long, providing a good amount of reach for desk setup.
Yes, the Rog Typist product listing states it supports layouts including ANSI, Colemak, Dvorak, and Workman. Its vendor description mentions 16 built-in layouts selectable via dipswitches, including Norman and Minimak varieties.
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