Best Mechanical Keyboard Under $50?

[Warren Pnigel]

Okay, I'm looking for a mechanical keyboard around preferably $50. The most I am willing to spend is $80. I need it for gaming and typing, and I don't want something that's really loud. I prefer a full sized keyboard and I don't really care about USB inputs on the keyboard. As for colors, I'd like blue or white back lights and preferably a black keyboard. I'd really appreciate any of your suggestions! Thankyou!

[Vavetti]

50$ will not cut it unfortunatly.

CM storm quickfire ulitmate is probably a little over 80$ but full size and with led backlight. 

Alternativly there's the CM storm quickfire XT, it's without backlight but I think it's in your budget range. 

As for switch type I reccomend brown's or red's as blue's are probably too loud for your liking.

[Oktyabr]

I've been looking hard for a Quickfire Ultimate, ideally with browns, reds would be my second choice.  But no one seems to have them in stock!!!  (At least in the US)

No brand loyalty really but I'm impressed by how quickly and frequently CM posts on negative reviews on Amazon.  +1 for customer service.

[Error Code:69.immaturity]

I 'd have to give it to the Quickfire ultimate for your needs, that is, if you can find the extra cash. Alternatively, there is the Zalman ZM-K500. It is not back lit, it is tenkeyless, and it comes in either Kailh (cherry clones) red (linear, not tactile), or Kailh blue (clicky, tactile). The keyboard is not to your exact asking but at such a low budget it is one of the few viable options. As for switches, it is all about personal preference, I suggest you try different switch types before choosing a keyboard

[spwath]

Get a used old clickey keyboard

[Charger]

Get a used old clickey keyboard

yes and no you can get one for that but it is unlikely to be usable for gaming.

[spwath]

yes and no you can get one for that but it is unlikely to be usable for gaming.

Right right, but not many options under 50$

[Oktyabr]

Your best option, under $50 is likely going to be the CM Storm Devastator (or similar), which is NOT a mechanical keyboard!  However the keyboard is very well made and has a very mechanical sound and action to it, and the back light is just enough.  Cost you around US$30 and as a bonus you will get an optical mouse that is "OK" (usable or keep as a spare) that even matches in LED color.

It does have only a 2KRO (more, if they are not in conflict zones) which can be a problem if you game using very specific key combinations such as pressing down A+S+X or W+E+D, all at the same time.

For me, it was the perfect solution (under $50 and in stock) until CM starts shipping the keyboard I really want.

[Falkentyne]

You won't find a mechanical keyboard for less than $50.

If you actually bought the keycaps and switches by yourself, *that* would cost you $50 already, and that's without the hardware to use it!

You can't have your cake and eat it too.  You gotta pay your dues....

[Error Code:69.immaturity]

yes and no you can get one for that but it is unlikely to be usable for gaming.

Actually, it is all about preference. You could use any functioning keyboard for gaming.

[Charger]

Actually, it is all about preference. You could use any functioning keyboard for gaming.

no the reason I said that is the newer keyboards allow for multiple keys in the gaming area(left side of the keyboard / wasd) to be hit at the same time but older keyboards will some times have key blocking or key ghosting like while W is pressed A may not work or when A and S are press it may also press z and things like that

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Rollover,_blocking_and_ghosting

[Warren Pnigel]

Okay thanks guys, I had no idea how much they costed - I'm not in any desperate need for one, but I'll keep an eye out.

[Falkentyne]

I tried to look around for you and the cheapest mechanical keyboard you are going to find new is the coolermaster storm rapid (whatever it's called) quickfire keyboard, which was around $80, but it was one of the older keyboards out there, that is only NKRO in PS/2 mode.

 

Virtually all of the current mechanical keyboards are USB and are NKRO in USB mode now (some have a dip switch or key combination for 6 key rollover for KVM compatibility or macs).

Cheapest I could find one actually in stock was here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1070664&gclid=CjwKEAjwvPepBRCoqo37teOD1XsSJAC7v6WQI8VNVUG6TGfuorQHrMecwdqYEDEjfWCc-wM1nJ5cKxoCik_w_wcB&is=REG&Q=&A=details

 

Seems to be out of stock everywhere else.

No idea what the key rollover is in USB mode.  That may or may not be a deal breaker.  You're on your own from here, if you decide you want that.

[Thony]

Okay thanks guys, I had no idea how much they costed - I'm not in any desperate need for one, but I'll keep an eye out.

Yea, they are pretty overpriced but so are mice.