Advice on Mechanical Keyboard

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  silverrat23 on 28/01/2020 - 21:13

  +5

  $50 budget is really pushing it - I'd say allocate at least $80 for a decent one.

  Only get Blue switches if you like asserting your dominance, whether in a quiet office or in your bedroom on your desk - they're really loud!

  Otherwise, read these threads to get a better idea:

  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/512717
  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/504168
  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/473115

  • 

    p1 ama on 28/01/2020 - 21:33

    Only get Blue switches if you like asserting your dominance, whether in a quiet office or in your bedroom on your desk - they're really loud!

    Blue is the best for general typing though. I recently switched to Brown to see if there was any real difference, but Blue just feels so much better. There's really something about that actuation and click that I like.

  • 

    Martinii on 29/01/2020 - 15:26

    i was also looking for a keyboard around the $70-80 range, what would you recommend,if my only preference is TKL?

• 

  Godric on 28/01/2020 - 21:52

  Subjective.

  For me Blues.

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  HighAndDry on 28/01/2020 - 22:02

  -1

  I liked blues originally but switched to reds because they're even lighter to press and I wanted less clicky.

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  azndraon on 28/01/2020 - 22:44

  been using reds for 8 years, they're not noisy like blues but still feel nice to type on

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  wheretobuychocettes on 28/01/2020 - 23:02

  Started my mechanical keyboard life with cherry blacks. They were great, but didn't really provide the feel (actuation wise) of a mechanical so I thought I'd get cherry brown. Eventually decided that I didn't like the actuation feeling of brown and preferred the blacks. Definitely wouldn't want the clicky clack of a blue/green switch, personally. I now have 2x Corsair Cherry MX Silent (I guess it's a black with some extra sound dampening?) one at work, one at home. I now wish I'd gone for a red/black switch type. Maybe next time!

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  SnowDragon on 29/01/2020 - 08:01

  As above, $50 is a bit rough.

  Currently at work I am using this $58 keyboard with brown switches that I've had for 2 years now.
  No complaints from co-workers. Only comments when I start typing an essay. Otherwise it's been good.

• 

  Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 29/01/2020 - 08:38

  With that budget about the only choice is Kogan.

  Here's a guide of basic switch types.
  https://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introdu…

  Note the Kogan doesn't use genuine Cherry (or any other decent brand) so they will differ slightly.

  Red will be linear. Smooth but firm. Preferred for gaming.
  Brown will have a slight bump part way down. This actuation point is generally great for typists.
  Blues tend to be quite loud and clicky and similar to Browns. Personally I'd avoid.

  My current favourite are Browns. In particular Kailh Box Brown but you'll only find them, or can install them, on premium priced keyboards.

  Hard to go wrong with the Kogan red switches for a budget beginner board. Just plan on upgrading to something decent later on. You can buy cheap key testers (google it) before you make the plunge on your next keyboard.

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  HardlyCharly on 29/01/2020 - 13:32

  Cherry Brown! It's the best of both worlds, speed and the feeling of the actuation, without the clicky noise. I use ducky key board, but even the starter ones are expensive.