First Mechanical Keyboard

[AWayne]

Hey LTT community!

 

Looking for some input from those who have owned mechanical keyboards on my first purchase. First off, I currently own a laptop and am looking for a mechanical keyboard to complement a deal I got on a HP 22cwa display. I am thinking of MX browns as I would be using it around roommates and I think I'd prefer some tactile feedback. I was also thinking of just getting a budget keyboard for my first keyboard as well as possibly TKL, but It's not a big factor if it is TKL or not.

 

Here is what I have found so far:

Velocifire VM01 $39.99 - I chose this one as the reviews are good, and at that price it is not a big loss if I end up not liking it or it dies quickly, I presume its great for a beginning MKB

Corsair Strafe $79.99 - Also I have seen and heard good things about this one, I like the USB passthrough for my mouse, although it looks a bit too "gamery" for my liking. I could get used to it however.

CoolerMaster MasterKeys Pro S $89.38 - Also looks like a solid keyboard, trying the TKL version here, I know there are many other versions. Doesn't look "gamery" like the strafe as well.

 

Any and all feedback on these models or any others that you guys may suggest would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[vanished]

First of all, that $40 one isn't real Cherry MX browns, they're some cheap copy

 

What features are you looking for specifically, other than brown switches, and maybe TKL and maybe USB passthrough?  RGB lighting?  Or just one colour?  Or none at all / doesn't matter?  Macros?

 

I have a G610 and the prices are pretty decent.  It has media controls and white lighting, and looks very clean and simple even though it's technically their gamer brand.

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Backlit-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B01CDYB8F6/

[AWayne]

14 minutes ago, Ryan_Vickers said:

First of all, that $40 one isn't real Cherry MX browns, they're some cheap copy

 

What features are you looking for specifically, other than brown switches, and maybe TKL and maybe USB passthrough?  RGB lighting?  Or just one colour?  Or none at all / doesn't matter?  Macros?

 

I have a G610 and the prices are pretty decent.  It has media controls and white lighting, and looks very clean and simple even though it's technically their gamer brand.

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Backlit-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B01CDYB8F6/

Yea, so i'm looking for TKL as a possibility, but not necessity, same with usb passthrough. No need for RGB, but backlight is preferred. Black keyboard is what I like as well. I really like that g610 too! Thanks!

[rogueone]

I have the corsair strafe with cherry reds and like it a lot. I moved up from a steel series 6gv2 with blacks. It was built like a brick outhouse and sensational. I like the strafe but I still think the basic and without bells 6gv2 was a great starting point!

[dizmo]

K65.

[geo3]

Coolermaster. Go for the Coolermaster.

[AWayne]

13 hours ago, dizmo said:

K65.

Looks very similar to the strafe, except no usb passthrough or rgb. I mean they're not must haves but If im paying the same price, why would you recommend this keyboard over the strafe?

[AWayne]

2 hours ago, geo3 said:

Coolermaster. Go for the Coolermaster.

That is where i'm currently leaning, why do you say this? Personal experience? 

[dizmo]

2 minutes ago, AWayne said:

Looks very similar to the strafe, except no usb passthrough or rgb. I mean they're not must haves but If im paying the same price, why would you recommend this keyboard over the strafe?

They make an RGB variant. You mentioned TKL so I thought I'd throw it in there as an option.

[AWayne]

1 minute ago, dizmo said:

They make an RGB variant. You mentioned TKL so I thought I'd throw it in there as an option.

Oh alright, I didn't notice that it was TKL, thanks!

[geo3]

21 minutes ago, AWayne said:

That is where i'm currently leaning, why do you say this? Personal experience? 

They're regarded as higher than average quality (at least for a commercially produced board) among enthusiasts. Also they have a standard layout so replacing keycaps will be easy.

[AWayne]

26 minutes ago, geo3 said:

They're regarded as higher than average quality (at least for a commercially produced board) among enthusiasts. Also they have a standard layout so replacing keycaps will be easy.

Wow, alright I think I might go with CM then! Thanks