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Whats a good non-expensive mechanical keyboard?

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Kelfryn

I have never used a mechanical keyboard before and I don't want to invest a lot of money into one without trying one first. I need to replace my current keyboard anyway's since it is shit. So what is a good mechanical keyboard without having to break the bank.

(Also, I refuse to get anything by razer)

12 years ago*

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16 Comments
wotgamer

You're still looking at $80-100? I don't think there is a mechanical keyboard beneath those prices.

12 years ago
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Kelfryn

Yeah I was looking at the 6080 range. I have seen some for as low as 45 but I don't trust those at all

12 years ago
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DavidJerk

I don't know of any good cheap ones, but I've heard many good things about Das Keyboard. I would love to try one, if and when I can afford it.

12 years ago
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CheezyMintz

What kind of switches are you looking for (Cherry MX Red, Blue etc)? I think at that price range you might have to be getting some ALPS switch ones.
I've heard good things about Ducky keyboards (though I don't own one personally), and I know they have some 50ish ALPS keyboards. You should check them out.

EDIT: Here is a guide to the switches for mechanical keyboards in case you didn't know much about them. Here is an $80, blue switch, Ducky keyboard.

12 years ago
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Kelfryn

Blue would be the kind I am looking for, (I didn't even know there were so many different kinds of switches.)

12 years ago
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MattyMatt

Where in the world are you? See, Filco is on the more expensive side in Canada, but that is not the case everywhere. CM makes some cheaper models, but more important than anything else is the switch type you want. Everyone has their preference. See the overclock.net guide linked by Cheezy for the differences. I use brown myself, but many like blue. Pick one and try it. Hell, if you can, go to a local computer store! Memory Express has some on display now since they are becoming more popular again. Ive seen them at other retailers as well.

Once you know the switch type you think you will like, literally grab the cheapest one with that type. Even if it is a "knock-off" brand like Rosewill. The switches themselves come from the same company (Cherry) they just cheap out elsewhere. For example the lettering will come off much quicker. The plastic they use isnt as durable. They typically only support USB and have the same input limitations as other keyboards (i.e. not all keys can be pressed at once, keyboard has zones with three to four max simultaneous in each zone, etc)

I love Filco. I do not recommend most other brands, but they are cheaper short term and a good way to get a feel for the switches if you do not have a local store that carries and displays them!

12 years ago
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Kelfryn

I might try them, the only "computer/electronics" store we have around here is best buy and the only mechanical keyboard they sell is razers. The only thing you can even try on it is the arrow key's but from that I felt it was much more suited to my typing style.

12 years ago
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MattyMatt

So return that god awful KNUCKER thing as 40 is the regular price and does not simulate a mech kb at all. Get either of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129012 OR http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129002

They will deliver a much better experience and with their promo codes, are cheap too!

12 years ago
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Kelfryn

I did just do a cancel on it, however I won't be able to get that thing while it's still on sale since I would need slightly more funds for that and pay day is on the day after the promo ends on that

12 years ago
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Kelfryn

Edited

12 years ago
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Kelfryn

I decided on the Thermaltake eSports KNUCKER Plunger Gaming Keyboard, it is and isn't a mechanical keyboard. It was fairly cheap, and I enjoy everything I have boughted from Thermaltake so far.

12 years ago
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CheezyMintz

I respect your choice, but personally I feel that buying a gaming keyboard that isn't mechanical a bit of a waste. What's the main reason you went with the Thermaltake anyway (other than the fact that you had a good experience with previous Thermaltake products)? All I see is an enhanced anti-ghosting feature (in my experience 6 key anti-ghosting is really as much as you require) and a plunger switch.

12 years ago
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Kelfryn

It isn't either a mechanical or a membrane keyboard. It lean's more toward mechanical though. I paid $40 for the one I got so it was super cheap. Plus it seemed interesting overall its a new type of switch the plunger switch

12 years ago
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CheezyMintz

But all I see is a gaming keyboard with a slightly different switch (which isn't a big leap from rubber-dome switches), anti-ghosting and a pretty look. No re-bindable macros, extra keys or anything of the sort. I would still recommend an ALPS switch keyboard which are better than the plunger switches (if not as good as Cherry switched), and you'll probably be look at $5 extra dollars. I mean the only downside I see to buying an ALPS switch keyboard opposed to buying the one you're looking at, is that it might not be as nice looking.

12 years ago
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Kelfryn

Plus this was it isn't a huge jump, since again it is more of a mix between mechanical and membrane, It will help me ease into the motion of things. I plan on replacing the keyboard within 2 months or so

12 years ago
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kangarooster

Non-expensive mechanical keyboard? OBVIOUS TROLL IS OBVIOUS.

12 years ago
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Closed 12 years ago by Kelfryn.