Mechanical Keyboard Thoughts and Input

tebbybabes on 08/10/2020 - 11:47
Last edited 08/10/2020 - 11:58

TL;DR
Searching for a good quality backlit mech keyboard

Apologies for the long post.
I've been wanting a good mechanical keyboard for more than two years now but the cheapskate in me was making it difficult to pull the trigger since my existing keyboard was still working just fine. The wishful thinker in me had zeroed in on a Ducky One as a possible contender because of it's reputation and combination of characteristics.

Fast forward to a few months ago, and my trusty Logitech G110 starts acting up and randomly acts like a key is permanently depressed which I can only fix by unplugging and replugging the keyboard. I figure it's a great reason to shop for that mech keyboard that I've always wanted. Obviously my previous research is outdated but have settled on Ducky One 2 White LED Brown switches full size layout. Unfortunately, it appears that this particular one is always out of stock!

Thankfully, these two threads have been incredibly helpful reading :
Please find me/recommend me a mechanical keyboard
Gaming Keyboard advice

I was tempted to append my post to either one of these but ultimately thought a new thread might be a better fit.

I'm looking for a:
-premium feeling full size mechanical keyboard that's backlit white. RGB not required or even wanted for that matter.
-double shot PBT keycaps.
-Hopefully something that will last as long as the Model M's I was using way back then.
-When I first started looking other requirements were USB ports to plug my mouse dongle in as well as a volume roller were part of it, but I'm increasingly convinced that we're moving away from these? So I guess now, they're just nice to have.

After reading the aforementioned threads, Durgod seems like a perfect match and looks pretty darn good too. Quite a bit more affordable than Ducky as well. Should I be considering anything else?

Other keyboards that I particularly like the look of are the Logitech k845 and the G413 and the Hyper X Alloy. Unfortunately, I don't think the Logitech's come with PBT caps and I don't know much about the Hyper X alloy.

I'd be very very grateful for any thoughts on this search.

Computing Computer Peripheral Keyboard Mechanical Keyboard

Comments

  • iridiumstem on 08/10/2020 - 11:54

    I don't think keyboards nowadays can last as long as Model M. Not saying they are bad, but rather, things back in the days were built to last.
    Like with metals, and metals and more metals.

    If you don't care about fancy stuff and just one something that's cheap, and reliable, I don't think you can do any cheaper than Deck Hassium Pro from PCByte.
    I am getting the feeling that they are left over stock when MechKB closed down, since the price is almost too good to be true.

    They don't have white LED though. It's single colour LED, if that makes it any better.
    The keycap is ABS, but even getting keycaps from Australia will only set you back about 50 bucks + shipping (it'd be bit difficult to grab something for the 4 special keys, I'd just grab something like clear)

    https://www.pcbyte.com.au/store/product/deck-hassium-pro-cbl…

    I got the Cherry MX Red version (with orange LED), and I liked the value and how solid it is so much that I bought the tenkeyless version in MX Blue.

    • tebbybabes on 08/10/2020 - 12:00

      Thanks for that! I've never heard of it, but it looks like it ticks so many boxes and has such an attractive price to it too.

      • iridiumstem on 08/10/2020 - 12:01
        +1

        I think when MechKB was around, there were a few deal posted by them on these.
        From what they are talking about, it is a solid keyboard for a reason.

  • cray on 08/10/2020 - 13:00

    I'm also in the market for a mech keyboard and have been doing a lot of research for many days..

    If you haven't already considered, look into the iKBC range as well. I was initially interested in full size keyboards, but later on changed my mind into a TKL. The iKBC MF108 (M = metal) is very well built, full size, but no macros and a bit hard to find/expensive in Australia.

    I'm now tossing up between the iKBC MF87 (TKL) and the GMMK TKL. GMMK is more customisable, allowing hot swapping of switches but they're not as well built as the iKBC..

    To make life more difficult there's also the Cooler Master MK730/750 which ticks all the boxes including a wrist rest, but this isn't really the same territory as the others I mentioned.

    Or just go cheap and get the Kogan ones lol..

    If you haven't already checked out mech keyboard threads in reddit, I'm here to warn you that it's a huge rabbit hole…

    • tebbybabes on 08/10/2020 - 14:07
      +1

      Thanks. Of all the ones you mentioned, I'm only familiar with Coolermaster and GMMK. I've seen a few threads on reddit but was slightly alarmed and concerned about joining in because it seemed pretty high level stuff. :)

  • bumheadboi on 08/10/2020 - 14:37
    +1

    I dont know if it ticks all your boxes but i have a razer elite one with volume and transport controlls RGB but you can set it to just be one colour and audio and USB passthrough on the side.

    also lots dont seem to be full with the numpad but this is which is great.

  • ihavok on 08/10/2020 - 14:39
    +1

    It sounds like you are after a keyboard primarily for typing/working on rather than gaming. Ducky has a pretty good reputation in terms of value and build quality, worth keeping on your shortlist. If you google around you might find an international retailer with it in stock. Looks like mechanicalkeyboards.com and TobyDeals may have stock (have never bought from them tho).

    There's been more of a push lately towards hot swappable keyboards, if that interests you. As @cray pointed out, Glorious GMMK is one popular option. These let you swap out switches to easily try out other keyboard switches until you find one that you like (no soldering / desoldering required). I find myself using this feature more than I expected to (I don't own a Glorious keyboard though).

    Drop Shift may be another to consider. Though the layout is slightly different from your standard full-size keyboard. Drop keyboards are popular but are a little on the pricey side.

    In terms of other value brands that haven't been spoken about as much, maybe look at Epomaker? Though they're more known for their compact keyboards.
    There's also Filco and DAS Keyboard which used to be really popular. But they don't get talked about nearly as much any more with all the new competition these days.

    • tebbybabes on 08/10/2020 - 21:30
      +1

      Yep, the only luck I've had with Ducky is from an international seller. I remember DAS, and I recall they have stuff built like bricks. I also seem to recall that they're also on the pricey side.

      And yeah, you're right, I'm certainly looking for a keyboard that doesn't scream gaming at me and yet gives me that ridiculously good typing experience. :)

      • hammerandtong on 12/10/2020 - 01:13

        pccasegear have a very large Ducky range

        Having said that about 50% of whats available is on backorder so it probably doesn't sell well enough to carry a lot of stock on hand

        (typing this on a full size Ducky that I'm pretty happy with)

        • tebbybabes on 12/10/2020 - 11:08

          Yep, that's where I initially wanted to buy it from, but the One 2 that I initially wanted has been out for ages!

          • ihavok on 12/10/2020 - 11:40
            +1

            @tebbybabes: Looks like PCCG has a shipment of Ducky boards coming in this week (https://www.pccasegear.com/category/113_1361/keyboards/ducky…) - check out the ETAs on the individual boards.

            One of them looks like a One 2, but no per-key backlighting. They also have Shine 7 boards (RGB + zinc alloy top, etc) coming in but these are much more premium and expensive.

            If you're still considering Durgod, I think Amazon Prime Day starts at midnight. You could have a look to see if any promos come up for it too.

  • YeemaiI on 08/10/2020 - 23:52

    Build your own!

  • simplexion on 10/10/2020 - 08:14

    Check out the Womier k66.

    • tebbybabes on 10/10/2020 - 14:14

      Thanks for that… I don't think they carry 140 key layouts though?

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