Mechanical Keyboard $200

SimpleRoger on 29/08/2017 - 19:10

Hi all

I'm willing to spend $200 dollars on a mechanical keyboard, wondering what to do? I mainly prefer Cherry Mx Blues, but i heard gateron switches are pretty good as well.

Thanks all

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 29/08/2017 - 19:42

    https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/australia_…

    Mech keyboard thread
    http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=972039

    keyboards are very much a personal thing, you will get lots of recommendations from lots of reputable manufacturers. At end of the day, there are lots of "good" kbs and a few "bad" ones, so if you have done some research yourself you should be able to avoid the duds.

    Razer is a controversial one for example, some swear by it and but others say they make sub-par Kb's.

    • SimpleRoger on 29/08/2017 - 19:47

      What keyboard would you recommend?

      • scrimshaw on 29/08/2017 - 19:50
        +2

        If I had money I would buy a Corsair K70, but you have to also consider the types of switches that they come in, either Red, blue or brown.

        Blue is loud
        Red makes the least noise
        Brown is in between

        Now I use a Thermaltake Meka G that I bought a very long time ago, Cherry Mx black switch. It fairs poorly for typing but it's decent for games.

        • SimpleRoger on 29/08/2017 - 19:52

          Have you seen the font on it, not very appealing, although everything else is nice, i can get keycaps for it but keycaps are pretty expensive

        • scrimshaw on 29/08/2017 - 19:53

          @SimpleRoger:

          I have seen worse, but yes, if you want something plainer there is Das Keyboard (Prime or Pro) or Ducky Kb's to consider.

          Less aggressive fonts and less bling, but pricey.

        • SimpleRoger on 29/08/2017 - 19:59

          @scrimshaw: Doesn't seem to have many features, Ducky KB's are bloddy expensive.

        • AMDneverdies on 06/09/2017 - 23:00

          @SimpleRoger: You might want to try this deal Blackwidow X chroma TE
          It has green switch, which is similar to Cherry blue.

          Try go to Capitol Computers on Haymarket, some stores might let you try the keyboards.
          And also I noticed that Harvey Norman on Broadway Shopping Centre has a Blackwidow Chroma V2 on display. Try go there for testing Razer switch.

  • asian23 on 29/08/2017 - 20:26

    i just got myself a Anne Pro for $85 from ebay, for my HTPC. Gateron brown switches. If you are ok with 60% keyboards its an exceptional deal with all the RGBs and bluetooth.

    • SimpleRoger on 29/08/2017 - 21:02

      what's it like typing on one of those, compared to a big full sized keyboard, looks uncomfortable to type on

      • brnaodn on 04/09/2017 - 01:32

        I mean, for typing its the same. The keys are all standard, it's fine. If you work a lot with numbers it's not for you.

  • Opulentus on 29/08/2017 - 21:02

    For $200, you can get most Ducky keyboards (e.g from PCCG) or a keyboard from the Cooler Master Masterkeys series or a Das keyboard as suggested above.

    When looking at keyboards, also consider the type of plastic the keycaps are made from. Most of the time they are either ABS or PBT. Some of the thinner ABS keycaps may show signs of wear (i.e. look shiny) as they are used over time, while this is less significant on the PBT keycaps. Keycaps can also be replaced if you want a new look; keyboards with a standard bottom row are easier to find so keep this in mind if you decide to go down this path (it can get expensive!)

  • [Deactivated] on 29/08/2017 - 21:37
    -5

    MX Cherry blue only

    • SimpleRoger on 29/08/2017 - 21:38

      How helpful

      • [Deactivated] on 29/08/2017 - 21:38
        -3

        great neg there, give me another one.

  • Diji1 on 29/08/2017 - 22:36

    Well if I was you I'd buy a Logitech G Pro although they only have "gamer" type switches that mimic/improve Cherry Red (but I may be incorrect!) and you may not want a TKL.

    They use their own switch on which doesn't leak light from behind switches - which looks stunning IMO.

    http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/product/pro-gaming-keyboard

    But that's probably not that helpful.

  • belongsinforums on 29/08/2017 - 22:49

    I have a Rosewill (no brand). $85 ish a few years back and am very happy with it. Sometimes keys get stuck but it's no big issue. Blues are great but they're so fn loud. Wish I went with browns honestly. $200 is arguably overkill. Maybe buy from a store that allows no questions asked returns so you can try before buying

  • currentfad on 29/08/2017 - 23:07

    I personally use this, but if you are a gamer you may be interested in the aesthetics of the Corsair K70 or CM Masterkeys Pro L. I've used those 2 and they're quite nice within your budget.

    • SimpleRoger on 30/08/2017 - 12:33

      Do you find the CM MasterKeys Pro L good for typing or nah, I use mainly for typing.

      • loke on 30/08/2017 - 17:29

        I'd say the switch type will affect typing the most, I'd recommend browns ;

        I've used MX clears (most fatiguing) I like to mash stuff

        Blues for extended use also fatigues my pinkies.

        Also I do have a CM Masterkeys Pro L somewhere (if this is the fullsized iirc) and it's pretty chunky heightwise- you'll most likely have to use a wrist rest (same applies to most mechkbs anyway). (lighting mostly handled keyboard side like ducky's, limited lighting software also same like ducky's)

        Corsair K70 / K95 etc have a sweet volume wheel and their own plastic wristrest. EDIT: oh yeah goes without saying that Corsair has great lighting software. first gen was gimped at 256 colours, make sure you get a recent version with better lighting controller

        Ducky has calc button shortcut (useful if you do need a calc button but you can always authotkey or macro software something up anyway) - I use the Year of the Goat (a white Ducky One RGB) daily at work (apparently the yellow if you put it to the wave/spectrum lighting one doesn't show up so well - this was a complaint of mine in an old comment where I mentioned it's rgb is kinda bad)

      • currentfad on 31/08/2017 - 18:38

        It was a nice keyboard. Unlike the HyperX/K70 which have metal boards, however, the Masterkeys has a matte plastic board. You can get it for $141.53 today at Warehouse1 using code Pearler.

        • SimpleRoger on 31/08/2017 - 20:04

          For the price is that good value?

        • currentfad on 31/08/2017 - 20:09

          @SimpleRoger: Never seen this keyboard for that cheap delivered. Usually starts around $160 mark + shipping on top. I'd say it's a decent price if you want RGB, given that the K70 RGB is around the $180 mark.

          Here's one of the better youtube reviewers on this keyboard (blue switches): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5btajG8cJpA

          The thing about the CM KB is that it has a really nice RGB reflection under the keycaps which most other keyboards don't.

  • ash on 30/08/2017 - 03:00

    I know it's out of your budget range, but if you can spend or save up for a Topre Realforce keyboard, I would highly recommend it.
    https://www.pccasegear.com/products/37175/topre-realforce-rg…

    I have the original version (without all the fancy customizations and LEDs) the capacitive switch are just a totally different beast to Cherry MX's and the quality of build is also amazing. I went through about 10 various keyboards (original IMB, Cherry, Ducky etc, with MX red, blue, brown etc..) before I bought the Topre (which were on special at less than $200 at the time) and I have never thought about buying another keyboard since…Its just the best in terms of feel , noise and feedback out of all the keyboards I have used.

    It seems they have improved the new version to suit the gaming market, check the review video in the page.

    • SimpleRoger on 30/08/2017 - 12:33

      Is topre really that good, i use mainly for typing.

      • ash on 30/08/2017 - 14:20

        Yes, I have to say its that good. I have had mine for over 5 years and I am very happy with it. I only wished i had bought it sooner so I didn't waste money buying and testing all the other type of MX switches. Overall quality is much better than the Ducky's - by all means they are not bad, but just not in the same league IMO…. I have kept mine and gave to my wife to use. ;)

        There is a white version that's on PC.byte ebay store , after 20% off its around $250. I have the black keyboard with black prints version which is unfortunately not avaialable

        • SimpleRoger on 30/08/2017 - 16:18

          But there's no click and clack, also is there rgb on the 250 one.

        • ash on 30/08/2017 - 20:19

          @SimpleRoger:

          There is still the clicking sound of mechanical switches.. just not as loud. watch the review video in the PCCG website , the reviewer compared the sounds with a cherry mx .

          no RGB lights on the ebay one…

  • Zippy7 on 05/09/2017 - 20:41

    I bought a Das Keyboard a few years ago - still going strong.
    I have the blank key edition, no fading keys, but some keys appear more polished from wear.

    It's one of the better tech purchases I've made (almost call it an investment!).
    My kids stopped using my computer as soon as I made the change…

    No one likes to use my computer now :)

    • SimpleRoger on 06/09/2017 - 08:51

      Das Keyboard is so expensive right? What about ducky? And it's pretty old as well. IKMBC I heard is really good as well. Das just seems too old

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