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Cheap Mechanical Keyboards

SgtSparkles
Go to solution Solved by nhatduy1611,

First off i apologize but i cannot seem to find this forums search function post sleep medicine and this topic likely exists somewhere.  

 

Anyway, I'm looking for a (as much as possible) cost effective option for a mechanical keyboard. I'm mainly typing and not gaming at all. My only real requirements are usb and that i would prefer a 10 key but it's not 100 necessary. I don't need macros, i don't need LED's and i don't need rapid fire this or that. I'm just trying to get a more enjoyable typing experience now that my outline for my book is done.

 

Thank you.  

http://www.amazon.com/Tt-eSPORTS-Poseidon-Illuminated-KB-PIZ-KLBLUS-01/dp/B00HZE2PJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421650679&sr=8-1&keywords=poseidon+z&pebp=1421650681808&peasin=B00HZE2PJS. The Poseidon Z is one of the best budget mechanical keyboard out there right now for only 77$ it is such a steal.

First off i apologize but i cannot seem to find this forums search function post sleep medicine and this topic likely exists somewhere.  

 

Anyway, I'm looking for a (as much as possible) cost effective option for a mechanical keyboard. I'm mainly typing and not gaming at all. My only real requirements are usb and that i would prefer a 10 key but it's not 100 necessary. I don't need macros, i don't need LED's and i don't need rapid fire this or that. I'm just trying to get a more enjoyable typing experience now that my outline for my book is done.

 

Thank you.  

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First off i apologize but i cannot seem to find this forums search function post sleep medicine and this topic likely exists somewhere.  

 

Anyway, I'm looking for a (as much as possible) cost effective option for a mechanical keyboard. I'm mainly typing and not gaming at all. My only real requirements are usb and that i would prefer a 10 key but it's not 100 necessary. I don't need macros, i don't need LED's and i don't need rapid fire this or that. I'm just trying to get a more enjoyable typing experience now that my outline for my book is done.

 

Thank you.  

I highly recommend this keyboard as a cheap option if you are willing to wait until 2/5/2015 to order it since it's out of stock. I have a review of this keyboard here.

It is ~$59.15 without shipping.

† Christian Member †

For my pertinent links to guides, reviews, and anything similar, go here, and look under the spoiler labeled such. A brief history of Unix and it's relation to OS X by Builder.

 

 

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First off i apologize but i cannot seem to find this forums search function post sleep medicine and this topic likely exists somewhere.  

 

Anyway, I'm looking for a (as much as possible) cost effective option for a mechanical keyboard. I'm mainly typing and not gaming at all. My only real requirements are usb and that i would prefer a 10 key but it's not 100 necessary. I don't need macros, i don't need LED's and i don't need rapid fire this or that. I'm just trying to get a more enjoyable typing experience now that my outline for my book is done.

 

Thank you.  

http://www.amazon.com/Tt-eSPORTS-Poseidon-Illuminated-KB-PIZ-KLBLUS-01/dp/B00HZE2PJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421650679&sr=8-1&keywords=poseidon+z&pebp=1421650681808&peasin=B00HZE2PJS. The Poseidon Z is one of the best budget mechanical keyboard out there right now for only 77$ it is such a steal.

Mainboard:ROG-STRIX-B360-G-GAMING/Cpu:I5 8400 /Gpu: Galax RTX 2070 /Ram: Corsair Vengeance 16 GB DDR4/ Storage:1TB HDD 2 Corsair SSD PSU : Corsair 550W/Cooling: Silverstone Air Cooler/ / Case : Corsair/Keyboard:Razer Chroma TKL/Mouse:Mionix Castor+Steelseries Qck Mass/Headphone:V Moda M100 

Quote me if you when me to reply to something. 

 

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@SgtSparkles

 

First and foremost we need to know what switch you prefer.

If you don't know already, figuring that out is mandatory to

to get a better typing experience, mechanical keys act and 

respond differently. You shouldn't expect an improvement 

simply getting any random switch. 

 

Especially since you want a cost effective option i'd say you

probably don't want to burn yourself by buying the wrong

keyboard. You COULD make the gamble, but i would try to

avoid that if possible.

 

Blues seem to be the usual goto switch, but i wouldn't want 

a keyboard with blue switches for example, too light for me.

And i think the green just feels like it's higher quality/smoother

because of that higher resistance. But someone else would 

say that greens are too heavy for them. And a third person

couldn't stand the clicky noise at all and would want a 

linear/tactile bump switch.

 

 

@Shroomster it's amazing how my brain doesn't function 

properly when typing, typos aside. Replacing one word

with a completely foreign one is just Astounding :P

Edited by tobben
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You should test keys at some store or at your friend's house or something. Just like @tobben said, not all like the same switch. I went and bought a keyboard with MX Blues, but I found out I ahould have gotten greens.

REMEMBER TO QUOTE SO I GET A NOTIFCATION! Add me on Steam: http://steamcommunity.com/id/Shroomster/ Review(s) more to come

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You should test keys at some store or at your friend's house or something. Just like @tobben said, not all like the same switch. I went and bought a keyboard with MX Blues, but I found out I ahould have gotten greens.

I personally think you can't truly know if you like a certain switch unless you try them for an extended period of time. I know that's not viable for most people, but I think it's the best way to do it myself. 

I tried browns, blacks, & blues at a store and felt like I preferred blues. Then I bought a blue switch keyboard and used it for 6 months, then red (since I hadn't tried them yet), then brown each. I vastly prefer browns now after having a lot of experience with each. Enough that I may never get a black switch keyboard.

Just my 2 cents.

† Christian Member †

For my pertinent links to guides, reviews, and anything similar, go here, and look under the spoiler labeled such. A brief history of Unix and it's relation to OS X by Builder.

 

 

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I personally think you can't truly know if you like a certain switch unless you try them for an extended period of time. I know that's not viable for most people, but I think it's the best way to do it myself. 

I tried browns, blacks, & blues at a store and felt like I preferred blues. Then I bought a blue switch keyboard and used it for 6 months, then red (since I hadn't tried them yet), then brown each. I vastly prefer browns now after having a lot of experience with each. Enough that I may never get a black switch keyboard.

Just my 2 cents.

While this is true. Because of using the switch you might even change

your habits and preferences over those month(s), But i'd say atleast 

clicking the switch a few times will give you a decent idea of what you 

want. Though that is prone to change you are infinitely more educated

than not trying it at all.

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@SgtSparkles

 

First and foremost we need to know what switch you prefer.

If you don't know already, figuring that out is mandatory to

to get a better typing experience, mechanical keys act and 

respond differently. You shouldn't expect an improvement 

simply getting any random switch. 

 

Especially since you want a cost effective option i'd say you

probably don't want to burn yourself by buying the wrong

keyboard. You COULD make the gamble, but i would try to

avoid that if possible.

 

Blues seem to be the usual goto switch, but i wouldn't want 

a keyboard with blue switches for example, too light for me.

And i think the green just feels like it's higher quality/smoother

because of that higher resistance. But someone else would 

say that greens are too heavy for them. And a third person

couldn't stand the clicky noise at all and would want a 

linear/tactile bump switch.

 

 

@Shroomster it's amazing how my brain doesn't function 

properly when typing, typos aside. Replacing one word

with a completely foreign one is just Astounding  :P

 

I have used a couple mechanical keyboards mostly razers and one logitec. all felt great. i like a stiffer key stroke and click as i'm a pretty forceful typist. All felt like an improvement over a membrane keyboard for me

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I have used a couple mechanical keyboards mostly razers and one logitec. all felt great. i like a stiffer key stroke and click as i'm a pretty forceful typist. All felt like an improvement over a membrane keyboard for me

You might want to look into something with Cherry MX Clears or Greens then because those are tactile and heavy - yet, because they're quite rare they are quite expensive as well.

EDIT: also don't forget to A. Use the Quote button so people can actually see when you want their attention and B. To follow your own topic as well!

|PSU Tier List /80 Plus Efficiency| PSU stuff if you need it. 

My system: PCPartPicker || For Corsair support tag @Corsair Josephor @Corsair Nick || My 5MT Legacy GT Wagon ||

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You might want to look into something with Cherry MX Clears or Greens then because those are tactile and heavy - yet, because they're quite rare they are quite expensive as well.

EDIT: also don't forget to A. Use the Quote button so people can actually see when you want their attention and B. To follow your own topic as well!

Cheaper is a goal for now unfortunately 

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Cheaper is a goal for now unfortunately 

Well, you can spend less but you may not enjoy typing on the keyboard so much. I'm a heavy typist myself and I can only stand greens and nothing else. Wouldn't even think about buying a cheap keyboard with browns and trying to get accustomed to it because I just can't. 

 

You may be able to work with blues if you can gradually become a lighter typist but I suggest maybe saving up a bit more.

|PSU Tier List /80 Plus Efficiency| PSU stuff if you need it. 

My system: PCPartPicker || For Corsair support tag @Corsair Josephor @Corsair Nick || My 5MT Legacy GT Wagon ||

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Well, you can spend less but you may not enjoy typing on the keyboard so much. I'm a heavy typist myself and I can only stand greens and nothing else. Wouldn't even think about buying a cheap keyboard with browns and trying to get accustomed to it because I just can't. 

 

You may be able to work with blues if you can gradually become a lighter typist but I suggest maybe saving up a bit more.

I'm going to check out some keyboards here in a bit but i doubt there will be many options in stock

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I'm going to check out some keyboards here in a bit but i doubt there will be many options in stock

Greens and clears will have an extremely limited stock. No walk-in stores will have either I can almost guarantee you.

|PSU Tier List /80 Plus Efficiency| PSU stuff if you need it. 

My system: PCPartPicker || For Corsair support tag @Corsair Josephor @Corsair Nick || My 5MT Legacy GT Wagon ||

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Greens and clears will have an extremely limited stock. No walk-in stores will have either I can almost guarantee you.

Actually locally there wasn't anything at all. There was the razer which I don't mind but I think the price is BS especially for non cherri switches and the Logitech that was ultra mushy and poopy feeling.
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I don't really know any good mechanical keyboards for really cheap, but I was you, I would go with corsair if I had the money. As far as key switches, I recommend Cherry MX browns because the aren't that good for gaming, but fantastic for typing. If you would like cherry MX blues or blacks would work well too. Anyways, good luck!

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Made a mass drop account to check this out. DOOOODDEE. I'm in. now for switch type. They say you can choose blue, red, black, or brown, Which of those is the most tactile and stiff. 

Most tactile is Clears. Most stiff is Green. Greens are for you if you like the click.

|PSU Tier List /80 Plus Efficiency| PSU stuff if you need it. 

My system: PCPartPicker || For Corsair support tag @Corsair Josephor @Corsair Nick || My 5MT Legacy GT Wagon ||

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Made a mass drop account to check this out. DOOOODDEE. I'm in. now for switch type. They say you can choose blue, red, black, or brown, Which of those is the most tactile and stiff. 

 

Blacks will be stiffest. Blue probably most tactile, but also clicky. Browns for less noisy tactile.

 

If Kailhs run like Cherry. Guess they don't. Browns! http://deskthority.net/wiki/Kaihua_PG1511_series

 

f2e7dc2a5a.png

 

Edit2: The board @Vitalius recommended will be restocked tomorrow and has more of the features you're looking for, and actual Cherry switches to boot, might want to give that a second look.

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Blacks will be stiffest. Blue probably most tactile, but also clicky. Browns for less noisy tactile.

 

If Kailhs run like Cherry. Guess they don't. Browns! http://deskthority.net/wiki/Kaihua_PG1511_series

 

f2e7dc2a5a.png

 

Most tactile is Clears. Most stiff is Green. Greens are for you if you like the click

Clear and green aren't options, i'm torn between blue and brown, and supposedly they're quite similar to cherry. @STRMfrmXMN i checked out your mechanical keyboard post which is how i narrowed it down, I don't think the click matters too much but the very tactile (in my line of work we call it positive) feel is what i'm after, if it feels like there's a solid click i will like it. 

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Clear and green aren't options, i'm torn between blue and brown, and supposedly they're quite similar to cherry. @STRMfrmXMN i checked out your mechanical keyboard post which is how i narrowed it down, I don't think the click matters too much but the very tactile (in my line of work we call it positive) feel is what i'm after, if it feels like there's a solid click i will like it. 

 

Wait, "they're quite similar to Cherry" - are you talking about Cherry MX switches or Kailh switches? Because I cannot advocate for buying Cherry ripoff switches. Kailhs are not made to the same standard as Cherry switches and are often inconsistent and sometimes outright do not work. A Cherry switch will not give you that.

 

If yo're looking for the cheapest mechanical keyboard, save up to about $80 and buy the Monoprice with Blues or the Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid because you'll be doing much better spending that little bit more.

 

If you want someone to rant about cheap Cherry knockoffs, call up @Syntaxvgm and he'll give you a story ;)

|PSU Tier List /80 Plus Efficiency| PSU stuff if you need it. 

My system: PCPartPicker || For Corsair support tag @Corsair Josephor @Corsair Nick || My 5MT Legacy GT Wagon ||

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Wait, "they're quite similar to Cherry" - are you talking about Cherry MX switches or Kailh switches? Because I cannot advocate for buying Cherry ripoff switches. Kailhs are not made to the same standard as Cherry switches and are often inconsistent and sometimes outright do not work. A Cherry switch will not give you that.

 

If yo're looking for the cheapest mechanical keyboard, save up to about $80 and buy the Monoprice with Blues or the Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid because you'll be doing much better spending that little bit more.

 

If you want someone to rant about cheap Cherry knockoffs, call up @Syntaxvgm and he'll give you a story ;)

FirstPleasantGoldenretriever.gif

muh specs 

Gaming and HTPC (reparations)- ASUS 1080, MSI X99A SLI Plus, 5820k- 4.5GHz @ 1.25v, asetek based 360mm AIO, RM 1000x, 16GB memory, 750D with front USB 2.0 replaced with 3.0  ports, 2 250GB 850 EVOs in Raid 0 (why not, only has games on it), some hard drives

Screens- Acer preditor XB241H (1080p, 144Hz Gsync), LG 1080p ultrawide, (all mounted) directly wired to TV in other room

Stuff- k70 with reds, steel series rival, g13, full desk covering mouse mat

All parts black

Workstation(desk)- 3770k, 970 reference, 16GB of some crucial memory, a motherboard of some kind I don't remember, Micomsoft SC-512N1-L/DVI, CM Storm Trooper (It's got a handle, can you handle that?), 240mm Asetek based AIO, Crucial M550 256GB (upgrade soon), some hard drives, disc drives, and hot swap bays

Screens- 3  ASUS VN248H-P IPS 1080p screens mounted on a stand, some old tv on the wall above it. 

Stuff- Epicgear defiant (solderless swappable switches), g600, moutned mic and other stuff. 

Laptop docking area- 2 1440p korean monitors mounted, one AHVA matte, one samsung PLS gloss (very annoying, yes). Trashy Razer blackwidow chroma...I mean like the J key doesn't click anymore. I got a model M i use on it to, but its time for a new keyboard. Some edgy Utechsmart mouse similar to g600. Hooked to laptop dock for both of my dell precision laptops. (not only docking area)

Shelf- i7-2600 non-k (has vt-d), 380t, some ASUS sandy itx board, intel quad nic. Currently hosts shared files, setting up as pfsense box in VM. Also acts as spare gaming PC with a 580 or whatever someone brings. Hooked into laptop dock area via usb switch

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snip

You should cut that gif down a bit. It's really long and slow.

But hopefully that gets the point across.

Also, my Core 2 Quad is lagging because a gif is on the same page I'm typing on...

|PSU Tier List /80 Plus Efficiency| PSU stuff if you need it. 

My system: PCPartPicker || For Corsair support tag @Corsair Josephor @Corsair Nick || My 5MT Legacy GT Wagon ||

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You should cut that gif down a bit. It's really long and slow.

But hopefully that gets the point across.

Also, my Core 2 Quad is lagging because a gif is on the same page I'm typing on...

It's meant to be a gify. 

https://gfycat.com/FirstPleasantGoldenretriever#

I'm making the size smaller when I post it in the review so it loads faster, and I'll add a gify link like above

Got some audio for the review too.

Wish this forums supported webms or something.  

muh specs 

Gaming and HTPC (reparations)- ASUS 1080, MSI X99A SLI Plus, 5820k- 4.5GHz @ 1.25v, asetek based 360mm AIO, RM 1000x, 16GB memory, 750D with front USB 2.0 replaced with 3.0  ports, 2 250GB 850 EVOs in Raid 0 (why not, only has games on it), some hard drives

Screens- Acer preditor XB241H (1080p, 144Hz Gsync), LG 1080p ultrawide, (all mounted) directly wired to TV in other room

Stuff- k70 with reds, steel series rival, g13, full desk covering mouse mat

All parts black

Workstation(desk)- 3770k, 970 reference, 16GB of some crucial memory, a motherboard of some kind I don't remember, Micomsoft SC-512N1-L/DVI, CM Storm Trooper (It's got a handle, can you handle that?), 240mm Asetek based AIO, Crucial M550 256GB (upgrade soon), some hard drives, disc drives, and hot swap bays

Screens- 3  ASUS VN248H-P IPS 1080p screens mounted on a stand, some old tv on the wall above it. 

Stuff- Epicgear defiant (solderless swappable switches), g600, moutned mic and other stuff. 

Laptop docking area- 2 1440p korean monitors mounted, one AHVA matte, one samsung PLS gloss (very annoying, yes). Trashy Razer blackwidow chroma...I mean like the J key doesn't click anymore. I got a model M i use on it to, but its time for a new keyboard. Some edgy Utechsmart mouse similar to g600. Hooked to laptop dock for both of my dell precision laptops. (not only docking area)

Shelf- i7-2600 non-k (has vt-d), 380t, some ASUS sandy itx board, intel quad nic. Currently hosts shared files, setting up as pfsense box in VM. Also acts as spare gaming PC with a 580 or whatever someone brings. Hooked into laptop dock area via usb switch

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