Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard?

[ignito]

I've been thinking about upgrading my old membrane? keyboard that came with an HP computer several years back. I hear good things about mechanical keyboards, and I want to get one, but as nice as a K70 or any RGB mechanical keyboard may be, they cost a bit much for me. So to cut to the chase, here are some general notes/restrictions:

 

Around $130 CDN or less

Cherry MX Brown or Blue (Or any good alternative switch)

Black in colour

No overly "gaming" designs (i.e. G910)

No Ten-keyless suggestions (So it needs the number pad)

Dedicated media buttons are a nice option, though not necessary

Blue backlighting is nice if present, or the ability to turn off the lighting if its a different colour

 

I have also found some that interest me:

 

CM Storm Quickfire TK - http://www.ncix.com/detail/cooler-master-cm-storm-quickfire-79-77976-1244.htm

Corsair Strafe - http://www.ncix.com/detail/corsair-gaming-strafe-mechanical-gaming-e6-111291-2016.htm

Razer Blackwidow 2014 - http://www.ncix.com/detail/razer-blackwidow-2014-mechanical-keyboard-21-94614.htm

Logitech G710+ - http://www.amazon.ca/Logitech-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tactile-High-Speed/dp/B009C98NPY/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1448594663&sr=8-11&keywords=logitech

 

I think im leaning more towards the Quickfire TK, but any help choosing, or any suggestions for other boards are appreciated .

[Swndlr]

Corsair Strafe and the G710+ are both awesome keyboards, you'd be happy with either of them.

[Knaj]

Considered the k70?

[Kobathor]

The G710 (non plus) has MX blues in it, I would pick it up. It runs pretty cheap now.

 

 

Considered the k70?

Considered broken LED's? My friend has RMA'd his K70 RGB 3 times because of messed up LED's, and way too many people have that problem.

[KemoKa]

The Quickfire TK is my personal favourite. It's basic and small, but it has all the functionality of a full keyboard, has backlighting, and is freaking indestructible.

 

I would legitimately use this as a weapon in a zombie apocalypse.

[FixedDevice]

The Quickfire TK is my personal favourite. It's basic and small, but it has all the functionality of a full keyboard, has backlighting, and is freaking indestructible.

 

I would legitimately use this as a weapon in a zombie apocalypse.

 

The Cooler Master keyboards are my preferred lineup as well.

[KemoKa]

Unless someone makes an IBM-style buckling springs keyboard in the design of my TK, I do not see a future in which I will use any other keyboard.

Regardless of what you decide, have a good long think, because keyboards like these are long-term purchases - they'll last a looooooooooooong time.

 

Theoretically.

Unless you change your mind and want a different one.

 

or if the LEDs start dying.

[ignito]

So ive narrowed it down to the G710 (non-plus) and the Quickfire TK, but on amazon theres a difference of $20. The G710 has a lot of nice features for $100 and is full-size, but it'll will take up just about all of the remaining length on my current desk. The TK is more compact and cleaner at the expense of $20 extra, and a possibly more complicated numpad.

 

Any defining differences such as quality and build?

[CHVRCHES_M5]

I honestly prefer the Cooler Master Quickfire TK being a better option. But if budget is really your concern, you might want to consider the Thermaltake Poseidon Z. I currently use one with Kailh Brown switches and it's not too bad. Furthermore, it has a blue backlight as you wanted and you get a full sized keyboard too!

 

Link: http://www.ncix.com/detail/tt-esports-by-thermaltake-poseidon-ed-94924.htm

[CeremonialSnips]

Canada Computers has a black friday deal on the K70 with brown switches for 109 Canadian.... given our dollar and how infrequently peripherals are on sale here it is probably a good time to buy.... I bought one yesterday and love it!