Best Mechanical Keyboards of 2026: 8 Typing, Wireless and Custom Picks

Updated October 14, 2026. Mechanical keyboards are not interchangeable. A quiet low-profile office keyboard, a heavy gasket-mounted custom board, and a retro typewriter-style keyboard may all use mechanical switches, but they serve different desks. This 2026 comparison prioritizes typing quality, acoustics, reliable productivity features, key layout, and practical customization rather than Hall-effect rapid-trigger gaming performance.

We compared eight released models with manufacturer specifications and independently published reviews or user evidence. No AsumeTech hands-on testing, measured noise, measured latency, battery runtime, or personal ownership is claimed. Prices are observed US manufacturer or identified regional listings as of October 14, 2026, not guaranteed checkout prices. Availability depends on switch, color, language layout and country.

For magnetic actuation, esports polling and SOCD policies, see the separate gaming-keyboard coverage rather than treating these typing-focused recommendations as gaming replacements. If you are choosing a complete work computer first, see our 2026 laptop buying guide; the right keyboard complements the host rather than fixing its display or performance limitations.

Quick picks: which mechanical keyboard should you buy?

Pick Exact model / configuration Best for Research score /10 Price context
P001 Keychron Q1 Max 75% QMK/VIA (fully assembled knob, Carbon Black, Jupiter Brown option) Best premium customizable typing board 9.3 US manufacturer listing around $209.99–$229.99 before code promotions; verify switch/color availability
P002 NuPhy Halo75 V2 (75%, QMK/VIA, Lemon tactile option) Best satisfying prebuilt typing feel 9.1 US manufacturer listed $129.95; optional wrist rest costs extra
P003 NuPhy Air75 V3 (ANSI US, Brown nano tactile, Nova White) Best low-profile travel-and-desk balance 9.0 US manufacturer listed $139.95; regional ANSI/JIS/ISO variants vary
P004 Lofree Flow 2 84 (Space Gray, Pulse tactile switches) Best premium slim aluminum typing board 8.9 US manufacturer listed $159 for 84-key version; check regional shipping and switch stock
P005 Logitech MX Mechanical Mini (Graphite, Tactile Quiet, US SKU 920-010550) Best quiet office and multi-device workflow 8.7 Logitech US storefront showed $139.99 promotion against $159.99 list; retailer pricing differs
P006 Ducky OK-M 75 (75% Black-and-Blue, KTT Wine Red linear) Best approachable budget mechanical typing 8.8 Regional retailer example €79; price and ANSI/ISO availability vary by country
P007 EPOMAKER Glyph (Retro White, Wisteria V2 linear, 83-key ANSI) Best expressive writer’s keyboard 9.0 Manufacturer direct $139; temporary sale pricing should not be treated as permanent
P008 MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA (75% fully assembled, ISO-DE Black & Silver) Best heavy aluminum modding option for ISO-DE 8.6 Manufacturer lists $79.99–$119.99 across kits/variants; ANSI V5 VIA listed out of stock, ISO-DE assembled listed in stock

Fast decision: choose the Keychron Q1 Max if you want a substantial programmable desk keyboard; the Halo75 V2 if your main goal is prebuilt typing feel; the Air75 V3 or Flow 2 for a lower profile; Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for predictable office switching; Ducky OK-M 75 for value; Glyph for character; and the MonsGeek only when its specific ISO-DE configuration suits you.

How we ranked them (research-only)

Our transparent editorial rubric weights typing feel and switch choice 35%, build quality and acoustic design 20%, layout, platform and wireless usability 15%, remapping and repair/customization 15%, and value/availability 15%. Scores are comparative judgments drawn from documented features and independent testing; they are not laboratory measurements. Confidence is highest where reputable third-party hands-on testing exists and lower where evidence is manufacturer-only or community reports. Prices and promotional codes are excluded from fixed score assumptions because they change quickly.

P001. Keychron Q1 Max 75% QMK/VIA (fully assembled knob, Carbon Black, Jupiter Brown option) — Best premium customizable typing board

Research score: 9.3/10. Observed price: US manufacturer listing around $209.99–$229.99 before code promotions; verify switch/color availability.

Exact configuration and specification: 75% ANSI; CNC aluminum chassis; gasket-mounted PC plate; Gateron Jupiter mechanical switches; MX-compatible hot-swap sockets; 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C; QMK/Keychron Launcher; macOS/Windows/Linux; ~1.72kg.

Why it earns a place

Keychron’s Q1 Max is the strongest all-round choice for a stationary typing desk in this comparison. Its 75% layout retains the function row and arrows without a numpad, and the gasket/foam arrangement offers a softer feel than a simple tray-mounted board. Hot-swap sockets accept standard MX-style mechanical switches, so owners can tune tactility or noise later without soldering. QMK-based customization and the macOS/Windows hardware toggle make it especially practical for mixed-device desks. The fully assembled knob version includes switches and keycaps; a barebones option does not, which changes the true purchase price. Independent RTINGS testing of the Q Max family praises build and responsiveness but notes inconsistent stabilizers. Do not assume an aluminum keyboard is inherently quiet: switch selection, desk surface, and stabilizers all influence the result. The manufacturer storefront displays multiple color and switch variants, and one default Red variant was listed as backordered during this check, so buyers should confirm the exact Brown configuration before ordering.

Who should buy it?

A desk-bound writer, programmer, or enthusiast who values solidity and tunable key feel over portability.

Strengths: Dense aluminum build, substantial acoustic treatment, remappable keys, Mac/Windows switch and included platform keycaps, three ways to connect.

Limitations: Heavy for travel; stock PBT legends are not shine-through; higher cost; occasional stabilizer inconsistency in independent family testing.

Verification: manufacturer product/specification page · independent review or community evidence. These links are provided for SKU, firmware, switch and stock rechecks, not as evidence of our own testing.

P002. NuPhy Halo75 V2 (75%, QMK/VIA, Lemon tactile option) — Best satisfying prebuilt typing feel

Research score: 9.1/10. Observed price: US manufacturer listed $129.95; optional wrist rest costs extra.

Exact configuration and specification: 75% high-profile mechanical; pre-lubed NuPhy switches including Lemon tactile; gasket mounting; 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C; QMK/VIA; RGB/Halo lighting; PBT caps; ~2.47lb.

Why it earns a place

The Halo75 V2 combines a traditional high-profile mechanical key travel with modern convenience. We prefer the tactile Lemon option for readers who want a discernible bump, though the maker also sells lighter and silent alternatives. The V2 is important: the original Halo75 used a different software ecosystem, while V2 supports QMK/VIA. Tom’s Hardware found the typing experience impressive for the price; Tom’s Guide separately praised its sound while flagging stabilizer wobble. This makes it a better fit for typists than buyers who require a perfectly tuned spacebar out of the box. The claimed battery range depends heavily on whether the RGB and perimeter Halo light are enabled; do not compare a lights-off maximum to another keyboard’s lights-on endurance. ANSI and local reseller layouts may differ, and the optional wrist rest is not part of the base price.

Who should buy it?

Someone who writes for hours and wants an attractive prebuilt board with tactile feedback but does not want to assemble a kit.

Strengths: Pleasant factory typing sound, strong switch choices, cross-platform VIA remapping, tri-mode wireless, enthusiast feel at midrange price.

Limitations: Spacebar/stabilizer wobble noted by independent reviewer; colored switch housings can change RGB appearance; backlit battery estimates vary enormously.

Verification: manufacturer product/specification page · independent review or community evidence. These links are provided for SKU, firmware, switch and stock rechecks, not as evidence of our own testing.

P003. NuPhy Air75 V3 (ANSI US, Brown nano tactile, Nova White) — Best low-profile travel-and-desk balance

Research score: 9.0/10. Observed price: US manufacturer listed $139.95; regional ANSI/JIS/ISO variants vary.

Exact configuration and specification: 75% low-profile mechanical; Brown nano tactile option; 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C; 1000Hz advertised wired/2.4GHz; modular corner key/knob; proprietary NuPhy.io customization, NOT QMK/VIA.

Why it earns a place

The Air75 V3 is not simply a relabeled V2. NuPhy redesigned its low-profile switch and acoustics, added a modular top-right control, and moved to its NuPhy.io software. That last change is a decisive buying consideration for people who maintain QMK/VIA layouts: this model is not the right pick if open-source firmware is a requirement. Tom’s Guide found the V3 substantially more refined than V2 for everyday typing, with better sound and construction. The Brown nano version supplies a tactile feel, while Red and Blush nano alternatives change actuation. The quoted 1,200-hour maximum comes from a lights-off manufacturer scenario, not independent confirmation. Choose ANSI US English deliberately; NuPhy also markets JIS and ISO variants, and stock varies by region and switch. Its low profile can reduce wrist extension, but ergonomics still depend on desk height and posture.

Who should buy it?

Laptop owners, commuters and Mac/Windows typists who want a low-profile feel without going back to scissor switches.

Strengths: Slimmer desk posture, strong portability for a mechanical board, improved V3 acoustics, long lights-off manufacturer battery rating.

Limitations: V3 drops QMK/VIA used by V2; low-profile replacement switch ecosystem is narrower; manufacturer endurance is not a measured real-world guarantee.

Verification: manufacturer product/specification page · independent review or community evidence. These links are provided for SKU, firmware, switch and stock rechecks, not as evidence of our own testing.

P004. Lofree Flow 2 84 (Space Gray, Pulse tactile switches) — Best premium slim aluminum typing board

Research score: 8.9/10. Observed price: US manufacturer listed $159 for 84-key version; check regional shipping and switch stock.

Exact configuration and specification: 84-key 75% low-profile; aluminum shell; Kailh/Lofree Cloud Series Pulse tactile switch; hot-swappable within compatible low-profile family; gasket mounting; 2.4GHz/Bluetooth 5.3/USB-C; VIA; 3000mAh.

Why it earns a place

Lofree’s Flow 2 84 is a credible alternative to the Air75 V3 for users who prioritize metal construction and VIA. It retains a function row and arrow cluster while keeping the board shallow. The Pulse tactile option is distinct from the Surfer linear and Void silent-linear configurations; buyers must pick the switch they want rather than assuming the sound and force will match every review. PC Gamer reviewed the Flow 2 platform and highlighted the multiple layouts and connectivity choices. Manufacturer figures cite up to 1,000Hz in wired/2.4GHz mode, but this is not an independent input-latency claim. The aluminum case and multi-layer damping make it a premium-feeling office option, though the low-profile switches are not interchangeable with every standard MX switch. A dedicated Mac-keycap version also exists; this entry is the standard 84-key Pulse variant, not the Mac-only Surfer SKU.

Who should buy it?

A Mac or Windows desk where aesthetics, tactile low-profile travel and easy remapping all matter.

Strengths: Refined slim metal design, three wireless/wired modes, VIA remapping, quiet gasket/dampening approach, readable shine-through legends.

Limitations: Specialized low-profile switch compatibility; no included wrist rest; backlit claimed runtime as low as ~17 hours versus ~120 hours unlit.

Verification: manufacturer product/specification page · independent review or community evidence. These links are provided for SKU, firmware, switch and stock rechecks, not as evidence of our own testing.

P005. Logitech MX Mechanical Mini (Graphite, Tactile Quiet, US SKU 920-010550) — Best quiet office and multi-device workflow

Research score: 8.7/10. Observed price: Logitech US storefront showed $139.99 promotion against $159.99 list; retailer pricing differs.

Exact configuration and specification: Compact low-profile Tactile Quiet mechanical switches; Logi Bolt USB-A receiver or Bluetooth LE; Easy-Switch for three devices; USB-C charging only; Logi Options+; white smart backlight.

Why it earns a place

This is the practical workplace recommendation, not the modding recommendation. The exact 920-010550 Tactile Quiet Graphite model is sold with a Logi Bolt receiver, and the keyboard can switch between up to three devices. Its low-profile keys can feel less tall than a typical enthusiast board, while the proximity-activated white backlight is useful at night. The important limitation is often missed: USB-C is for charging, not a full wired keyboard-data alternative, and the switch hardware is not user hot-swappable. RTINGS evaluated the larger MX Mechanical family and judged its office performance favorably while warning that latency is not intended for competitive gaming. Some advanced Logi Options+ features are desktop-specific, and a keyboard’s basic OS compatibility should not be confused with identical remapping support on every platform. The Mini omits the numpad; spreadsheet-heavy users may prefer the full-size MX Mechanical.

Who should buy it?

Shared workstations, writers moving between laptop and desktop, and offices where excessive click noise is unwelcome.

Strengths: Straightforward three-device switching, quiet tactile feedback, useful productivity software, smart proximity lighting, strong office compatibility.

Limitations: No hot-swap switches or QMK/VIA; charging cable is not a USB wired-data mode; fewer keycap customization options; casual rather than esports latency.

Verification: manufacturer product/specification page · independent review or community evidence. These links are provided for SKU, firmware, switch and stock rechecks, not as evidence of our own testing.

P006. Ducky OK-M 75 (75% Black-and-Blue, KTT Wine Red linear) — Best approachable budget mechanical typing

Research score: 8.8/10. Observed price: Regional retailer example €79; price and ANSI/ISO availability vary by country.

Exact configuration and specification: 75% OK-M 75; gasket-mounted plastic chassis; pre-lubed KTT mechanical switches; 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C; VIA; hot-swap; RGB; PBT keycaps; wired NKRO vs wireless 6KRO per manufacturer.

Why it earns a place

Ducky’s newer OK-M 75 should not be confused with the older One 3 TKL. It uses a 75% layout, pre-lubed KTT switches and a gasket arrangement that RTINGS found unusually comfortable at the budget end. The independent lab also noted poor shine-through legend clarity on the tested Black-and-Blue colorway, so RGB lighting does not guarantee readable legends at night. The official Ducky page lists both Wine Red and Baby switch options and provides ANSI/ISO VIA files; choose the correct regional layout before ordering. The linked Finnish retailer lists an exact regional part number, but that is not a universal US SKU. Wired NKRO and wireless 6-key rollover are distinct advertised behaviors. It is a better general typing buy than a latency-first competitive gaming board, and no unsupported battery-hour claim is used here.

Who should buy it?

First-time mechanical buyers who want a typing-first 75% board without paying for a heavy aluminum case.

Strengths: Excellent independently assessed typing feel for the cost, usable wireless modes, hot-swap and VIA, compact footprint.

Limitations: Plastic deck flex; stock Black/Blue legends can be difficult to read under RGB; battery-life claim not clearly specified; region-dependent part codes.

Verification: manufacturer product/specification page · independent review or community evidence. These links are provided for SKU, firmware, switch and stock rechecks, not as evidence of our own testing.

P007. EPOMAKER Glyph (Retro White, Wisteria V2 linear, 83-key ANSI) — Best expressive writer’s keyboard

Research score: 9.0/10. Observed price: Manufacturer direct $139; temporary sale pricing should not be treated as permanent.

Exact configuration and specification: 83-key ANSI 75% typewriter-inspired design; factory Wisteria V2 linear; 3/5-pin MX hot-swap; top mount and five-layer acoustic materials; 2.4GHz/Bluetooth/USB-C; 8000mAh; two screens/return lever.

Why it earns a place

The Glyph is an unconventional but well-supported choice for writing. Its return lever doubles as Enter/Backspace, and two displays add playful customization rather than core productivity benefits. Tom’s Guide independently tested the keyboard in June 2026 and praised its sound and smooth Wisteria V2 typing feel; the publication’s reported typing-speed result belongs to that reviewer and is not presented here as our own test. EPOMAKER specifies hot-swap support for 3/5-pin mechanical switches, so buyers who dislike the supplied linear feel can change it. The tall keycap profile and large case are not for everyone, and the displays and RGB can materially affect battery life. It is a genuine released keyboard available on the manufacturer store, unlike several 2026 preorders. Its software relies on EPOMAKER’s driver rather than VIA; make sure that is acceptable before buying.

Who should buy it?

Writers who want a retro aesthetic and a smooth light linear switch rather than a minimalist office look.

Strengths: Distinctive typing ergonomics and sound, included wrist rest, hot-swap despite unusual styling, independent long-form typing praise.

Limitations: Tall, heavy and visually conspicuous; single stock switch choice; RGB/screens shorten battery life; software is vendor-specific, not QMK/VIA.

Verification: manufacturer product/specification page · independent review or community evidence. These links are provided for SKU, firmware, switch and stock rechecks, not as evidence of our own testing.

P008. MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA (75% fully assembled, ISO-DE Black & Silver) — Best heavy aluminum modding option for ISO-DE

Research score: 8.6/10. Observed price: Manufacturer lists $79.99–$119.99 across kits/variants; ANSI V5 VIA listed out of stock, ISO-DE assembled listed in stock.

Exact configuration and specification: 75% aluminum, quick-release gasket case; 3/5-pin MX hot-swap; 8000mAh; 2.4GHz/Bluetooth 5.0/USB-C; VIA version ONLY; ISO German keycaps; factory switches vary by selected assembled configuration.

Why it earns a place

This is the most region-specific recommendation in the list. MonsGeek’s official storefront distinguishes the M1 V5 VIA from a similarly named non-VIA model, and the page explicitly reports ANSI stock unavailable while a standard German ISO assembled version is available. That distinction is essential: the non-VIA keyboard uses a different driver and should not be sold as the same item. The M1 V5 VIA’s quick-release aluminum case is designed for experimentation with switch feel and internal damping; the 8,000mAh battery and tri-mode wireless make it useful without a permanent cable. User discussions flag occasional VIA definition-file confusion and variable wireless behavior, so this is not as effortless as a Logitech office board. Confirm the exact ISO-DE keycap legends, switch selection and assembled-versus-barebones contents at checkout. It ranks lower here because its present stock and configuration are narrow, not because of a fabricated performance defect.

Who should buy it?

Enthusiasts in German-layout markets who want a metal custom platform and do not mind a bulky keyboard.

Strengths: Quick-release case for experimenting with foams/switches, hefty aluminum frame, true VIA version, useful 75% layout and knob.

Limitations: Current stock narrow to ISO-DE assembled configuration; ANSI out of stock; VIA JSON/firmware variants can confuse setup; weight ~1.8kg.

Verification: manufacturer product/specification page · independent review or community evidence. These links are provided for SKU, firmware, switch and stock rechecks, not as evidence of our own testing.

How to choose a mechanical keyboard for work and typing

Switch feel: tactile, linear, clicky and silent are not synonyms

Linear switches travel without a distinct tactile bump and may feel effortless for sustained typing; tactile switches add feedback before bottom-out; clicky switches intentionally produce an audible click. Silent variants use dampening but are not noiseless because the case, stabilizers and keycaps still produce sound. Published switch force in grams-force does not alone predict comfort: travel, bump shape, keycap height and typing technique matter. If you work in a shared room, a silent-linear or quiet tactile configuration is a more defensible starting point than a loud clicky switch.

Hot-swap is useful, but socket standards still matter

Hot-swappable keyboards let you change compatible switches without soldering. Standard 3/5-pin MX sockets, low-profile switch families, optical switches and Hall-effect magnetic switches are not automatically cross-compatible. A hot-swap label is not permission to insert any switch. Check the keyboard’s PCB socket type, plate cutouts, LED orientation, and whether keycaps match the switch stem and bottom-row sizes. The Flow 2 and Air75 V3 use lower-profile hardware, whereas the Q1 Max and Glyph are closer to conventional MX-style ecosystems.

75%, 65%, TKL and full-size: pick the keys you actually use

A 75% board typically keeps the F-row and arrows while compressing navigation keys; 65% generally omits the F-row; TKL removes the numpad but keeps a roomier navigation cluster; full-size retains a numpad. ISO and ANSI are not merely different printed legends: Enter/Shift shapes and physical key counts can differ. The MonsGeek entry here is explicitly ISO-DE, and the Ducky model has regional variants. Programmers who need frequent Home/End/Page keys should review the secondary-layer map before choosing a compact board. Accountants who live in spreadsheets may be better served by a full-size keyboard or separate numpad.

QMK, VIA, proprietary software and firmware updates

QMK is a configurable keyboard firmware ecosystem, while VIA is a common graphical remapping interface; not every keyboard advertising one supports the other in the same way. Some boards need a model-specific JSON definition and a wired connection to edit settings. Keychron Q1 Max and NuPhy Halo75 V2 support QMK/VIA workflows; the Air75 V3 uses NuPhy.io; Logitech uses Logi Options+; the Glyph uses EPOMAKER software. Never flash firmware intended for a neighboring model or ISO/ANSI variant. For Windows-specific shortcuts and Copilot-key reassignment, AsumeTech also explains Windows 11 keyboard remapping, which is distinct from onboard firmware remapping.

Wireless, Bluetooth and the battery-life trap

2.4GHz dongle modes often offer faster report rates than Bluetooth, but polling rate is not a substitute for independent end-to-end latency measurements. Bluetooth is typically convenient for multi-device work. Battery claims often describe RGB disabled, and an illuminated board with a screen can last dramatically less. Verify whether USB-C provides wired data or only charging: the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is a notable charging-only example. Also check that a 2.4GHz dongle is included, whether it uses USB-A, and whether the device can pair with the work laptop’s operating system.

Sound, stabilizers, posture and warranty

Gasket mounts, foam, PBT caps and pre-lubed switches can improve sound, but subjective labels like “creamy” and “thock” are not standardized measurements. A hollow desk or poor spacebar stabilizer can dominate what you hear. Heavy aluminum cases resist movement but are awkward to carry. Low-profile designs may be more comfortable for some wrists, yet a neutral wrist position and suitable desk height matter more than marketing. Check return windows, dead-key policy, local import taxes, and replacement switch availability. For a student choosing an entire study setup, our college laptop comparison covers host-platform tradeoffs before accessories.

Frequently asked questions

Is the best mechanical keyboard also the best gaming keyboard?

Not necessarily. This article rewards writing feel, office ergonomics, remapping, acoustics and value. Competitive gaming buyers may prioritize measured latency, adjustable magnetic actuation, Rapid Trigger and game-policy compatibility. Those needs justify a separate gaming-keyboard roundup; the two lists are not interchangeable.

Are all eight boards hot-swappable?

No. The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is not a standard user hot-swap board. Other products here offer hot-swap with different switch families; check the exact version. The NuPhy Air75 V3 and Lofree Flow 2 have low-profile constraints, and the MonsGeek VIA and non-VIA versions must not be conflated.

Can I use them on both Mac and Windows?

Most provide basic typing on both, but dedicated OS toggles, function-row defaults and remapping utilities vary. Keychron includes Mac/Windows considerations; Logitech has multi-OS shortcuts; MonsGeek has a hardware OS switch. Advanced vendor apps may have narrower support than basic Bluetooth HID typing. Confirm the selected ANSI/ISO layout and any proprietary app before purchase.

What is the best quiet mechanical keyboard for a shared office?

Start with the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini Tactile Quiet for a straightforward low-profile office setup, or consider a NuPhy Halo75 V2 with a verified silent switch configuration if you want more switch customization. A Lofree Flow 2 with Void silent-linear switches is another option, but that is a different switch configuration from the Pulse model scored here. No product is claimed acoustically silent without measurement.

Is a $200 aluminum keyboard worth it over a $70–$130 board?

It can be if you value weight, machining, switch customization and the feel of a stationary desk setup. It is not automatically faster or more productive. The Ducky OK-M 75 and Halo75 V2 can deliver a satisfying typing experience at a lower price. Paying for a premium chassis makes sense only after confirming that the layout, switches, support and warranty meet your needs.

What should I check on the day I order?

Reopen the exact manufacturer listing and verify the model generation, assembled versus barebones package, switch name, language layout, local stock, shipping/import costs, warranty and included dongle. A 2026 recommendation is not a promise that every color or switch remains available. Prices in this article are a dated snapshot, and promotional codes can expire.

Bottom line

The Keychron Q1 Max is our top overall desk-bound typing pick, with the Halo75 V2 close behind for prebuilt feel. The Air75 V3 and Flow 2 are attractive low-profile alternatives with different software ecosystems. Logitech’s MX Mechanical Mini remains the least complicated multi-device office choice, Ducky’s OK-M 75 offers strong entry-level typing value, the Glyph is for writers who enjoy its retro personality, and the MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA makes sense only when its exact available ISO-DE version fits your requirements. The best keyboard is the one whose switch feel, layout and software you can live with every day—not the one with the loudest spec sheet.

Editorial disclosure: This is a research-based buying guide. AsumeTech did not physically test these eight boards. Scores are editorial, sources are linked above, and the article contains no claims of original benchmark or typing-speed measurements. Product photos and featured art are pending verified exact-model media.

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