I am looking for mechanical keyboard suggestions. I have looked around and I found this one and I really like it, but I wanted to see what you guys can suggest. $100 is my threshold.

UPDATE: After going through all the suggestions, I have found 3 I like and will get one of these three.

  1. Corsair Vengeance K60 - Cherry MX Red
  2. SteelSeries 6Gv2 - Cherry MX Red
  3. CM Storm QuickFire Rapid - Cherry MX Blue (just saw the full keyboard option)

I have looked at reviews at all three and sound samples. All I have to do now is test these three at my local electronic store.

11 years ago*

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You can either buy the keyboard you linked, or make some more money and buy Razer BlackWidow Ultimate which has Cherry MX Blue switches.

11 years ago
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+1 Agree

11 years ago
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+1, have this quite a long time now and i love it.

11 years ago
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Meh, it's all personal preference but I think if OP wants to stretch their budget they should stretch in the direction of better build quality (and maybe a PS/2 connector for real n-key rollover), not more bells and whistles. If they want a blackwidow they can easily get the standard model for under a hundred (but like I mentioned in my other comment if they like the red switches in that corsair they may not care for the clatter of blues).

11 years ago
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I used a BlackWidow for a week before returning it. It's not bad as a keyboard, but for the price you will get a much better board if you get a Tesoro Durandal or the Corsair you linked.

11 years ago
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spend 50 more and buy the qpad mk85pro (with brown or blue switches)...

11 years ago
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I'm tempted to agree with you, as I'm definitely going to spend something like that total on my next keyboard (although for the moment I'm leaning towards a Das), however I don't really have any regrets about getting the modestly blackwidow I'm using now, and I can see why someone might not want to spend that much, after all what if you use it for a month and then decide this mechanical hype was really just hype? Or what if you want to stick with mech but don't like the switches in your chosen board? There are a lot of good options these days under a c-note.

11 years ago
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I've used this for a little over a year now, and it works perfectly. The Cherry MX Brown Switch is good for both typing and gaming, so it's a nice compromise. The only downside really is that the whole keyboard isn't backlit, which isn't a big deal for me. Also, it's pretty durable. My cat spilled a cup of water on it a while ago and I just let it soak for a day or two, and it was perfectly fine.

11 years ago
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Seconded. The thing is built like a tank and has lasted me through bad spills. No complaints about it

11 years ago
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I've used Ducky Shine 2 for awhile now and it's great. I have Corsair K60 also and it's is good but it doesn't have backlighting which is why I bought this one. Also, in K60 all of the keys aren't mechanical (I think the F keys aren't)...not that it matters that much I think. I'm not sure where people get the idea of recommending blue switches, I couldn't stand listening to that. Red switches ftw. Also I've read some bad reviews about Blackwidow, so I wouldn't pay more money for that.

tl;dr Go ahead and buy K60:)

11 years ago
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corsair k70 or razer blackwidow

11 years ago
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Deleted

This comment was deleted 2 years ago.

11 years ago
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razer blackwidow.

11 years ago
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Razer blackwidow ultimate the best mech keyboard! i own it and it's really amazing. The only defect is that it's really noisy when you press the keys.

11 years ago
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That's a feature, not a bug. The blackwidow uses cherry mx blue switches, which are supposed to have an audible click. Browns and reds are pretty quiet unless you really hammer them.

OP, is there a decent computer store anywhere near you? If at all possible I would recommend going and trying out a range of mechanical keyboards to at least figure out what type (color) of switches you like. I'm typing this on a blackwidow (not the ultimate, I don't need backlit keys) and I'm quite happy with it although of course the build quality isn't quite up to the standard of the pricier boutique brands. I'd generally recommend it as a starter mechanical but it's going to have a rather different feel from the board you linked, which uses red switches.

11 years ago
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Steelseries 6gv2 or 7g

11 years ago
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This topic may help

I decided to go for this and I love it.

11 years ago
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Been thinking to get a mechanical keyboard as well for quite some time, but what I dislike a lot is the loud sound such keyboards make (at least Razer keyboards do). Are there any silent mechanical keyboards at all?

11 years ago
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people generally like the sounds. There are even a couple websites to demo the typing clacking noises to see which you find most satisfying.

best I can do...try this?

11 years ago
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Lol, that is hilarious! 8)

11 years ago
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I'm repeating myself a lot here, but it all depends on the type of switches used. The Razer BlackWidow uses blues, which are supposed to be audibly "clicky," but there are several other "non-clicky" (although maybe not "silent") switches available such as reds and browns. There are a lot of comparison videos on youtube if you want to hear for yourself but really the best option is to get yourself to a big electronics store where you can actually put your hands on a range of keyboards. Even if you end up buying online you can at least get a better idea of what switches you want.

11 years ago
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Aha, now I'm finally getting something about those keyboards. Didn't know about different kinds of switches, gotta lurk moar. Thank you for the tip.

11 years ago
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mx reds and mx browns might be for you, if it's not that silent enough, you can also put o-rings in the switches to make it more ninja.

11 years ago
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I'm using mx browns, because I want the tactile feedback, which mx reds don't have.

11 years ago
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I'll definitely check those out, however I highly doubt that they are available in my country. All mechanical keyboards I saw in a local gaming store were Razers and Steelseries, having those noisy clicky sounds. Most likely I'll have to order a keyboard from ebay.

11 years ago
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not exactly a mechanical.. or currently produced anymore(hince its high price for new's, was at one point 40-50)
Logitech G11
I am not so sure about the G110, from what I understand its just a cheaper version(not as sturdy and lacks a few things)

I have had my current going on 3 years now and it still works great(heavy daily use till recently), prev lasted only 2 years before a few keys stopped working(O, P, and () ), likely due to liquid though.. I did do everything at my PC

nice and silent keys(no clicks!)

11 years ago
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buying a Corsair K60 is a waste of money, it's not Full Mechanical. get the K70 if you want the Corsair brand.
as of getting a Razer is a waste of money too, they have a hit and miss reputation. some break easily and some last up to 4 years. It's up to you if you want to play a Russian Roulette.

I suggest for you to look up to the following brands
Ducky
Filco
Das
CM

btw...test out each switch before buying, i was aiming at mx black before and ended up buying mx blues because i learned that mx black is not for me. it's different on actual.

i personally use a CM Quickfire TK MX BLUE. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4/sousaka7/P1010146_zps7f5b883b.jpg

11 years ago
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I heard Das has went downhill but everything else you said is basically what I was gonna type so kudos :-D!

11 years ago
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Don't go for the flashy, high-profile stuff with the backlights.

Get a Unicomp, or a Filco, or something with Topre switches if you like the feel.

Nothing gimmicky.

Also MX Blue switches are incredible sounding. IBM Model M also works.

11 years ago
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I tested the Blackwidow's keys before but it is way to expensive for me. So I would have to say I like blue switches. Do reds feel the same as blues? Or is there a significant difference? I also don't want to lose the keypad, but if I have to, I am willing to.

11 years ago
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Until you try all the switches and decide on one its hard to give you a suggestion, they are all different enough and its personal preference. That said I like cherry MX Browns and with that bought the Logitech g710+ and love it (I wanted brown switches, media keys and volume, white backlight . To answer your question yes blues are very different then reds. reds are a straight light switch with no feedback, blue are a very clicky feedback switch I personally do not like either, but others love them. If possible go try each switch for about 5 minutes and see which you prefer.

11 years ago
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I've been looking for a while cause my membrane keyboard is starting to die.
I like the feeling of my keyboard cause its a continuous pressure as soon as my finger hits the button. Its also very quiet which is what I like.

I have narrowed down my search to a keyboard to either Cherry MX Brown or Black switches. I haven't bought yet cause because I would prefer to try out the keys for myself, but locally no stores have any of the keyboards out for show/testing

Here are some of the videos I have used to help me narrow it down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHnMcFGkGcA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKu2Y43qDbk

I'm considering getting this item myself
Max Keyboard Keycap, Cherry MX Switch, O-Ring Sampler Tester Kit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qtr6D2TWBE
Only thing is though that its at least 15 bucks for a few second test that I want to do. It also brings up MX Cherry Green and Clear switches. The Clear one sounds more like what I want. But again without testing it I don't know for sure.

There are also sound dampeners
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6zXSFEWThU

I also do prefer keyboard with lit keys. I like being able to see them in the dark and I have had the letters wear off some of my keys with use. I'm also not a fan of having the AWSD keys different colors and/or textures. I don't use those keys for my movement keys, I use DRFG. I have big hands and that setup lets me hit more keys with minimal movement.

As you can tell I am very picky. lol

I hope this helps out some others

11 years ago
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I got my first mechanical keyboard about 1 month ago and I love it. I got the Ducky Shine 3 with Cherry Red switches link

11 years ago
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My only experience so far for mechanical keyboards is the one I'm using right now -- the Corsair Vengeance K90. It's above your budget but I've been using mine for 2 years already and it's fantastic so far. Custom bindings are very easy to set-up and allows for three custom profiles. The keys are solid and none have shown any wear-and-tear since they are laser etched. I also like its wrist rest.

11 years ago
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What exactly does "mechanical keyboard" mean? I've never heard the phrase before.

11 years ago
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11 years ago
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Technically I know what it is but I didn't really understand the point. Is it because people actually like those awful, bulky raised keys like old computers had?

Personally when I bought my first laptop, despite it taking some getting used to I absolutely loved the flatter keys. I felt they were much more comfortable for typing and I've never switched back.

11 years ago
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I think you are thinking of something different...

This

They have a longer life and are said to help people type faster, plus a nicer feel.

11 years ago
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Aaaaaand my blackwidow is getting RMAed, since the cord is coming loose and when it wiggles the keyboard dies! Yay!

11 years ago
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You must have been prepared for this.

11 years ago
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They do have a reputation.

11 years ago
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I'm typing this on a k70.

11 years ago
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I'd go with Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid because it's 10-keyless, i.e. it doesn't have numpad and takes up less space on your desk.

Use this guide to decide which switches to choose.

11 years ago
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kmac or hhkb, only keyboards I would use


didn't notice the budget threshold
you can try cooler master qr, quality is good for entry level; or you can try ducky, imho, I have no bad experience with them

11 years ago
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Excuse me for the necro ^^

But how would one go about testing different switches if no goddamn local store has any on display?
edit: i really don't want to travel to the larger cities to search for one that does and neither do i want to rely soley on other people's opinions on the internet

10 years ago
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You can buy like a switch tester for like $10 if you search for one. Hope you see this ^^^

10 years ago
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Thanks for the suggestion. I found one here for a good enough price.
Do you reckon Quickfire are good boards? because CM gives the €13,95 you pay for the switch tester back if you purchase a board from their store.

10 years ago
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Closed 10 years ago by EntrustedOne.