other good keyboards
These keyboards are not good enough for the above locations or do not have specific features. They're still worth a visit.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% off $300, Razer's latest and highest-end keyboard does almost everything right but it's too expensive (7/10, Wired ReviewThe Pro keeps 75% the same robust tactile switches and gasket mounting system as the original BlackWidow V4 and adds wireless connectivity, a new dial on the side, and a customizable OLED screen right next to it. These upgrades don't justify the $110 price bump, but they're still incredibly well-executed and come together to make an impressive gaming keyboard if you can find it on sale.
Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 for $119, Cherry's latest entry into the gaming space is a full-sized, RGB-heavy keyboard that comes stock with New MX2A Switch And a “noise-cancelling structure” is built in to reduce typing noise. This keyboard is a solid choice with a clunky sound profile, stylish RGB, and a sturdy metal chassis. Although it's a little rough around the edges compared to some of the other keyboards on this list, it has a sturdy no-frills build, and the Cherry switches have time and again proven themselves to be long-lasting and reliable.
Rob 60HE+ for $175, Between the outdated mounting method and the long wait for delivery, I can't recommend the 60HE more than Keychron's Q1 HE. Although I still think it's a great Hall Effect keyboard, it doesn't have the same polish and refinement that the Keychron offers. The 60HE still uses a tray-mount system, which, while modular, doesn't look or feel good to type on. Also, the price of the plastic case is disappointing; Once upon a time this was an acceptable trade-off for customizable Hall Effect switches, but the Keychron offers an all-metal, gasket-mounted keyboard for about $50 more, and I think the improvements are worth the money. That you don't like or don't want the 60% layout Ability to use the 60HE's wide range of aftermarket cases.
Cherry KC 200 MX for $90, The KC 200 MX is an incredibly simple and straightforward keyboard that doesn't add anything new, or remove anything essential. This is a full size mechanical keyboard Cherry MX2A SwitchA metal plate, and hardly anything else. It's not customizable, it's not programmable, but I can definitely say that it will be durable, reliable, and at least somewhat enjoyable to type on for years to come.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-S for $360, Although newer studios have replaced this model as my choice for programmers, this older version is still great if you want something simple, or with a unique typing experience. The layout is still great and the Topray switches – a sort of membranous, sort of mechanical switch with a deep typing sound and distinctive, rounded tactility – are a joy to type on. Plus, these keyboards have an extensive community with aftermarket parts and guides on how to modify them. The Pro Hybrid Type-S model specifically has additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and a silencing ring. It's also reprogrammable using HHKB's proprietary app, though there's not much reason to modify the existing layout unless you want changes to a specific macro or function layer. It's incredibly easy to find on the used market for about half the price, making it a much more reasonable option than the Studio.
MelGeek Made68 for $149, With a more minimalist approach to its design and a stylish white and purple color scheme, the Made68 has a great desk presence that stands out from the crowd. Plus, the deep customization of Hall Effect switches provided by MelGeek's Gateron means that incredibly fine adjustments can be made to the typing experience of this keyboard, even down to the actuation distance of individual keys. The exterior look can also be customized, with removable side panels and a swappable light diffuser at the rear. diffusers currently available in black, green and red Each includes new silver side panels. However, you'll need a screwdriver set to remove any of these panels, as an Allen wrench is not included with the keyboard. Overall, the Made68 feels good to type on. The tray-mount isn't ideal for the typing experience, but the typical issues with typing stability aren't as prominent here as with other similar keyboards. At this price, the slightly flawless typing experience is a worthwhile compromise for customizable Hall effect switches and a satisfactory typing sound.
switch recommendations
Photograph: Henry Robbins
Switches are a big part of a mechanical keyboard – if you already have a board, try swapping out the switches if you want a fresh experience. I'm working on a guide to my favorite switches, but below are my recommendations if you want a silent, tactile, or linear switch.
mute switch
Most often my friends and family ask me about silent switch. For coworkers, roommates, family members or partners, the constant clicking and rattling of mechanical keyboards can be irritating. There are silent linear and silent tactile switches, but I find the silent linear to be more acceptable in terms of typing feel and actual silence. However, even the best silent linear switches will feel a little Close Compared to a non-silent switch.
The best silent switch available today Haimu Heartbeat ($11 for 36 switches)Once lubed, this switch is almost completely silent and, more importantly, has hardly any of the “mushy” or “squishy” feel that most quiet switches have. Instead, it has a clean and slightly soft bottom-out that betrays only the lack of audible feedback associated with it. In second place sits a little more silent gazyu bobagamThis switch is almost completely silent, and while it has the usual “mushy” bottom-out feel of silicone, it's not that bad when the rest of the switch is as smooth as it is. If you're a fairly light typist who doesn't bottom-out key presses, or you don't mind a slightly softer bottom-out, these are also great.
linear switch
Linear switches are often the default choice for mechanical switches. My two favorites from Gateron are: oil king switch ($49 for 70) And Cream Soda Switch ($53 for 70)The Oil Kings is one of the best linear switches available today. Out of the box, they're comfortable, look great, and don't require any modifications. You don't need to grease them, film them, replace springs or do anything else. Just put them in a keyboard, and you'll be golden. Cream Soda switches, on the other hand, are a great blend of different switch technologies. Use of long-pole stem for a more distinctive bottom-out sound, proprietary INK Plastics for a smooth and deep sound, and factory smoothness that's on par with hand-lubed, they feel incredibly smooth and sound great right out of the box, although they could still benefit from adding film.
touch switch
I've found that many people look for the wrong things when shopping for tactile switches. While ultra-tactile switches with distinct protrusions are popular online, I find that these types of switches often only look good on their own and can be difficult for the average person to adjust to. Instead, I always advocate something in between: a crisp, responsive bump that isn't so hard that it distracts from typing or feels uncomfortable after long periods of time.
The classics always last: Durock T1 ($45 for 110) The Switch are a great starting point, and I've always had a soft spot for Novelkeys Cream Tactile ($10 for $12) switches, even if you need to break them to a greater extent than other switches. of drop sacred panda ($42 for 35) Most deserve their reputation—they're a solid, heavy-touch material that feels great to type on, and I'll always prefer that. boba u4t Also for their great sound profile and wonderfully tactile percussion.
avoid these keyboards
Not every keyboard will be a winner. Here are some that I don't think are worth the price.
Satechi SM1 for $99, I don't feel forced or inspired by this keyboard in any way, and when you're spending $100 or more on a keyboard, it Needed Be inspiring, or at least enjoyable to use. The SM1's typing experience is lackluster even by the standards of low-profile keyboards. It feels hollow to type on, has a shallow and scratchy keypress, and the build quality doesn't feel solid at all. Despite the mechanicals, I would compare the user experience to a laptop's built-in keyboard in terms of build and typing satisfaction. Combining this with the lack of any customization software (meaning a completely fixed layout) and the use of proprietary tactile switches with no hot-swap capability, the Satechi SM1 is a weak keyboard, especially when compared to standard-height mechanical keyboards of similar size. price range.
Highground Opal Base 65 for $120, In my test (5/10, Wired Review), I found the Opel Base 65 to lag behind the competition in almost every way. With the tray-mount assembly, clunky software, and single-piece plastic case, I can't find any reason to choose this keyboard over anything else.
KSI Wombat Willow for $145, I wanted to like this keyboard, because it has everything I want Needed Such as: a unique layout, a metal case, PBT keycaps, and Gateron switches. But it doesn't work that well. Typing feels hollow and jarring, typing angles are either completely flat or almost flat, and for some reason, every time I enable Caps Lock, it automatically types “20 02 00” ( And after doing a factory reset, it types “01” instead of 06(07″). I couldn't find a way to fix this using KSI's WB pouch software. However, it does do some clever things: the number pad is placed so that the main keyboard's Enter key can be pressed with your thumb during use, and two rows of function keys align several keys vertically to save horizontal space. Consolidates. I wish the assembly and polish matched the great vision of this keyboard because the idea itself is brilliant.