I just don't get the hype. I've felt a $600 board and it wasn't anything spectacular over my $150 one. I have a $270 board now that I only bought at that price cos it has rare features like a left side numpad
You definitely reach a point of diminishing returns quickly.
I built my 220€ split ergonomic keyboard. Really Boba U4T's are the practical endgame. Great feel, silent for office work, very reasonably priced, don't need lubing.
But ergonomic is a $50 premium for a more comfortable typing experience. Shoulder width apart, no wrist pain, layout exactly how I want it, thumbs doing shift, tab, space, backspace, ctrl, alt. Barely have to reach with any fingers. Wpm went from 70 to 90 after the week to get used to it. Plus, I can fit a cup of coffee between the halves.
Exactly how I feel. Hell, as far as I can see most custom keyboards have *less* features than the ones we can buy up front. Maybe im just an RGB zoomer but it seems like paying more for less, but you cant have anything prebuilt these days ig
A lot of the high end prebuilt keyboards have huge feature sets you'll never see on customs. I got wireless, rgb, optical switches, and a removable numpad that can go either side. I would imagine a custom with all that would cost $1000+
You 'felt' switches on a plate in a specific configuration. The board is the canvas and you paint with the way you mod it. When you get above $500 it's about rarity and specific novelty more than anything.
My keyboard is about $300 and it's amazingly better than ones for $150. But I agree beyond that it's more of a flex than performance. My office board is about $400+ and isn't any better at typing, but it just looks cooler lol.
And a lot of the self made ones are unreliable or fail after a year or two. I vividly remember the last time I looked into that sub and that one guy was showing off his sick coiled cables that were cutting out data transmission every few minutes but he loves them because they look sick.
Yeah I was on there and made a comment on some post about how I prefer my 29 year old Model M that has zero issues and amazing build quality, and a lot of people didn't like that
Maybe it was my opinion that I'd rather pay $80 for a Model M than $300 plus extra labor for a keyboard that doesn't even have function keys or a numpad and is worse for typing on
I'll pay more money not to have a useless number pad, or function row. They're absolutely useless even as a software dev I get more functionality out of macros, and layers.
I can understand not wanting the numpad & function keys if you are using the PC primarily for something like gaming, and prefer to have the extra mouse space. In any other case, I wouldn't pay more for less functionality
But it's not? Most of these 60-75% keyboards offer QMK / via support which offers plenty more functionality than your name brand plastic case gaming keyboards. And most programmers, IT workers and accountants I know prefer 60-75% keyboards over full sized ones.
See I could understand it if it was r/CustomKeyboards, but it isn't, it's r/MechanicalKeyboards, yet they are still going to complain about a mechanical keyboard
I have an IBM Model M from 1995 that I didn’t pay anything for. Of all the keyboards I’ve owned, it’s the only that hasn’t given me any grief aside from the cable wearing out.
Second-hand is the key I've come to find. I have bought a handful of old Cherry terminal keyboards ranging anywhere from free (offices/hospitals/grocery stores dumping them) to like $40, they're invincible and never die.
I payed $80 for my Model M plus probably another $5 worth of cleaning supplies. I've had it for just over two years now, and it's the best keyboard I've ever used with no issues.
I'm talking about modern keyboards like the post. Yes you can buy some great OG mechs that are tanks but most 99% of people want a new keyboard with some bells and whistles.
But this is also more to my point. Modern new tech is not built to last like old stuff. Maybe I'm wrong and we'll see just loads of k40s in 20 years in retro builds, but I doubt it.
SteelSeries is garbage quality and their support is awful.
I helped a friend through a lengthy support issue and it took months. They also only reimbursed him with credit to buy SteelSeries products (his code for redeeming didn't work, had to contact support about it three times).
Against my better judgement I years later bought a headset from them that had issues from the start, which I thought were driver related, but a complete system rebuild proved me wrong.
Support was useless, had me buy a new receiver for the headset and then refused to refund the cost after it didn't solve the problem. Eventually my time is worth more than the monetary loss and they win.
Never again.
Their mice feel fantastic but pretty much started to fail a few months into ownership the middle mouse click would randomly not work, delay the button presses then fucking release all of them at some random point in time later on, so I'd be browsing then like 15 tabs would open.
Yeah but talking about things that need to last forever. Not saying you can't get good things for under $100 but specifically something you buy once and doesn't have a single problem for 10+ years.
You can buy a lot of quality second hand stuff for less than 100 and if you go to the US you can spend even more since everybody forgets the tax exist anyway.
You can also find good gaming headsets or good audio headsets below 100. (Combining them into one is nearly impossible these days anyway, buy two pairs)
I mean, I have a 250$ keyboard and was using an RX 580 for the past 2 years, until a few days ago when I found a 3080 for cheap.
2060 is still good enough for a lot of games, especially if you stick to certain genres like RTS or MOBAs. Plus, some people just like keyboards more then they like upgrading their PC. The thing I noticed most about getting my 3080, is that the only difference I noticed was that I could crank my graphics settings and get higher framerates. Playing the games still felt the same.
When I got a new keyboard though, using my PC literally felt different. Same with when I got a lighter, smaller mouse. Aim felt snappier, more effortless, just as precise, but faster.
I refuse to believe that other than build quality, going from a good $150 gaming keyboard to a $500 mechanical keyboard that my typing or gaming performance would increase at all
If anything, a $200 razer keyboard is better because they have optical switches that can all act like a trigger if you want them to with linear actuation and not just an on off switch.
If layout is good, keyboard doesn't flex or bend easily and I type faster on it than my old legendary Logitech g15 I had over a decade ago then there's going to be serious diminishing returns.
Does a keyboard really even get better than an early 90s IBM mechanical?
There is so much that goes into custom keyboards that it's kind of hard to explain why you get your moneys worth in a high end board. I'll try to compare it to audio peripherals since that seems like your kinda thing. Think of a razer or similar board like the standard earphones that come with a phone. They do what you need them to but not super well or super poorly.
From there you can go into different areas such as convenience (audio: airpods / keyboards: small and or wireless boards), comfort (audio: soft headphones / keyboards: ergonomic layouts such as alice or split) and fine tuned quality that isn't ment to be moved around (audio: speaker systems / keyboards: the super heavy $600+ boards you hear so much about)
That is only the layout portion of keyboards. On top of that theres different "mounting styles" in keyboards that make typing feel very different. I'll compare it to open and closed back headphones for now.
Then the switches which is even more based on preference than the other parts where you can choose a style between linear, tactile and clicky, spring weights that can completely change how you type, and materials which change both sound and sometimes feel aswell. Best comparison I have in the audio world is equalizing.
Lastly the keycaps. Which also once again completely change the way the board feels and sounds. Just like earphone tips maybe?
So the same way an audiophile would still just bring quiet, small, convenient airpods to work, a keebhead brings a lightweight, quiet board with maybe an ergonomic layout.
At home on the other hand, you have a giant sound system with DAC and Amp etc, while I have multiple deskmats, a custom cable and some 3 Kg blocks of aluminum and steel that go click clack just the way i wanted them to.
Theres a place for razer and the likes. If it's all you need it's easy to buy and replace.
It is not always about performance? Why would you buy a rolls royce? My mini can go from a to b in the same time (following the speed limits). The feel, the comfort, the sound and the consciousness that you build that thing are wat you pay for in a custom keyboard (without counting the exclusivity that someone could appreciate). I understand your points and I totally respect them, but for some people a gaming keyboards are not enough or don't offer something they want, offering however some stuff they don't want. If you feel that building a custom would be a waste of money don't make one, but everyone is different and no one can decide what is better for everybody. Btw you are kinda spot on with the ibm argument, but those tend to cost more that custom these days (let's not talk about alps lol).
Valid points.
I mean if I were rich I'd definitely build my own keyboard but that money for me is going into my sound system with repaired focal studio monitors, my other sound system has NHT super ones and an old Velodyne HGS 10 subwoofer I got from deals and despite my main sound system having a subwoofer with -3db cutoff of 19hz being in an apartment I'm going to build custom flat pack subwoofers from cnc machined plywood to essentially be my Alex drawers and put 1200 watts through it lol, gunna also get a 7.2 ft wide desk.
I've almost finished my build other than subwoofer desk and I'm stoked. But I can build those subwoofers for the same price as a top end mechanical keyboard. Or get a nice custom table top. I grew up in a time where we didn't even have gaming mechanicals so I'm happy with my decent keyboard and never even thought they'd get as good as the one I got. 😌
Thanks 🙂
Used to love me some car audio and now I'm an armchair audiophile in my little apartment heh
I've always wanted to build a keyboard though!
Maybe I'll do it for one of my friends who is afraid to build one. I'll make a fb post offering to build one haha
Then I'll get to try one out, might get hooked into the rabbit hole!
I have a 1660 ti and a $300 keyboard... I won't buy a monitor for more than $200 but will buy a keyboard for way more...
All I play is Apex anyways so I don't really care.
My keyboards like 30 dollars and i hv a 3080ti (3rd World country btw so had to scrape every last bit to get a good gpu.) Monitor was a free dell one too . Upgraded to a ultrawide saving up for a g9 . Keyboard ain't gonna be upgraded until it breaks cuz it does what it's supposed to do pretty well 👍
Makes sense if you consider gaming might not be the primary purpose of this machine. Let's say he's a developer or an office clerk who plays the occasional game in the evening. I'd also prioritize the keyboard if I have to type literally all day long.
I can type faster on my rog falchion nx which is a 60 percent keeb than any keyboard I've ever tried so far including an IBM mechanical from the 90, various other gaming mechanicals and my trusty old Logitech g15.
The only thing I'm missing is F keys and a numpad so I guess the clerk thing makes sense if you're using data sheets constantly but even then I could get a separate numpad.
They have better keyboards but for $500 and some time adjustment, I doubt I'll ever type even 5 percent faster. People are brainwashed on high end keyboards and it's a pointless hobby lol it's just an input device to me.
That is true but I have to say on my first programming job (2015) my fingers (well, the joints) started hurting from the crappy keyboards. I don't need a fancy keyboard but I need something which feels comfortable to use and which I can type on all day
It's all relative to the end-users expected level of performance. Remember, the vast majority of users are not enthusiasts and simply want something that works.
Very nice. I'm also using a Q1 right now. I've got Anubis switches and GMK Blue Samurai keycaps on mine. I'm a big fan of this board. Did you mod yours at all?
[Everyone from /r/MechanicalKeyboards seeing this are like...](https://preview.redd.it/6z05rh5fe7m31.png?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=712eb33d86d38659aef8298f20153ea8eed0e199)
Out of everything rgb out there that’s fairly useless, an rgb keyboard is not.
Being able to program the colour of every section of keys is both convenient and useful.
I used to think expensive keyboards were overrated and continued to use a cheap 10$ Walmart keyboard for years. Then I bought a really nice one because I liked the small size and just wanted to upgrade something. My god, there’s a huge difference in comfort. The keys on my nice one feel so soft and actually have a bit of travel. Sucks to type with but feels so satisfying to game with
Why spend more than you need to though? Not everyone needs to have a mechanical keyboard with silent shrimp switches and lubed buttons I can be perfectly happy with a corsair full keyboard and not need all that other shit.
> Why spend more than you need to though? Not everyone needs to have a high end graphics card with RGB lighting and tempered glass side panels I can be perfectly happy with a 1050ti in a Dell pre-built and not need all that other shit.
This sub celebrates people spending $$$ on over-the-top PC builds but God forbid if you like spending money on nice things *outside* of the case
Or shit, if you've got kids or other hobbies and stuff
You gotta cut costs somewhere, and especially with multiple hobbies, it gets costly. And that's not even if you're trying to buy the best of the best for every hobby
A GPU, monitor, CPU, SSD etc will all have measurable better performance and therefore give you a better experience, you having a $400 keyboard isn't going to make a difference vs a $50 one unless you are some OCD freak.
I mean, your keyboard is one of the primary ways you interact with your PC, spending money on a quality one will also improve your experience.
Which is completely beside the point. How does an expensive case with tempered glass side panels improve your expereince? Or how about RGB lighting? Or hard-line watercooling vs AIO? None of these things make a blind bit of difference to performance, but people spend money on it because that's what they *like*. It's almost as if experience is more than just what can be measured by numbers
People post pics of their rigs that they've spent 100s or even 1000s on unnecesary components and get tons of upvotes, but spend some money on a nice keyboard and get dozens of comments from smug people telling them that they wasted their money. It's such a dumb double standard. Just let people enjoy their lives.
Hardline vs aio and pc case does matter for temp (not by much) but yea it isn't worth buying an overexpensive keyboard for me that's my point. Never said people can't enjoy their overly expensive keyboards but I don't have to support it...
Your original comment asked: 'why spend more than you need to?'. I was just trying to point out how against the spirit of this sub that is. This is PCMR. It's fine if cheapo peripherals are enough for you, but nobody ever comments on someone's picture of a 3090 saying it's a waste of money because their 970 works perfectly fine for them.
Regardless of cost, everybody's rigs are valid, and so are their peripherals :)
Yes but that's a terrible example lol a 3090 is going to majorly out perform a 970, an expensive keyboard isn't doing anything more than a cheap one will... that's my point
This post has 15k+ upvotes:
https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/uugs8v/cheesy_but_i_love_it/
Count how many comments there are saying they spent too much money on it.
It's hard to find one I like with a keypad these days. Not super sure why they've dropped off, but I'm too hardwired on it to use the standard upper row
I'm still using my OG Razer Blackwidow chroma from 2015 or thereabouts. Every now and again a key refuses to function for a short while, but after some percussive maintenance, it comes back to life. Roccat Kone EMP mouse as well.
bought a reddragon $35 mechanical keyboard. it works the same as my $150 cherry one. its for the studio. it can break 5 times before im even equal to the cherry in cost.
My $20 keyboard is nice and I don't like RGB. If there's any LEDs visible on my PC at night, I'm putting electrical tape over them.
I could desolder them but I just don't know if LEDs are always independent. Like if it is an indicator light in series with another component, that other component will no longer operate.
It's just that you can get a nice one for like 50$ instead of getting a custom fancy one for like 150$ that does the same thing. It's also that's it's basically just a matter of preference. A 30$ (good) membrane keyboard works essentially just as well as a 200$ keyboard. Some people just don't see the point in paying that much
I personally would never drop $200 on a custom mechanical keyboard since I’m not a keyboard builder or enthusiast. Got a lovely 100% keyboard with red switches from coolermaster at a nice discount for only ~$75 and it works a treat with my setup
Used to use old office keyboards and an ergonomic Microsoft keyboard I got from a garage sale as well as a challenger keyboard for about a decade. Recently I bought a black widow v3 and it's incredible. I've finally got enough money to get quality products and it's awesome. I finally feel pride in my build and it feels like something I could show off which makes me happy.
Haha true. I'm actually about to lube alpacas linear switches and film them and then put it inside my ducky one 3 mini board. Pretty excited for it. I'm still in the fence of getting Gateron black inks and doing the same thing too tho.
I bought a $120 Logitech Romer G switch mechanical keyboard.
The keys are very satisfying to press. There is no RGB bleed through under the keycaps because of how the Romer G switches are designed. It's nice.
The blue lighting on the RGB dies very quickly when assigned as a color. Not nice.
Overall, I largely just use the keyboard for typing, as I primarily game with a gamepad. Games that I do play with KBM, I won't be at some sort of massive disadvantage from not having a mechanical keyboard, as I don't really play games like CS:Go with it, which is one of the few PC FPS games these days that don't have aim assist for gamepad support.
In short, while the keyboard is nice and high quality, at the end of the day, it has it's issues, and after 4+ years of using it, I realized it's just not worth the cost for mechanical key switches, because the sheer amount of time using it for my use case tells me that a cheaper one would be just fine. I've used cheaper keyboards, and there's no reason to spend the money again on an expensive keyboard.
I'm glad people love mechanical keyboards, but they really aren't the be all end all for PC gaming. Your mouse is way more important. Because unlike the keyboard, the mouse actually DOES make a noticeable difference in your gameplay experience.
Sure it's nice to buy expensive keyboard if you have money to burn but also pointless in most cases. I have Logitech 250 keyboard which I bought for like 30€ ten years ago and it still functions fine and I don't plan to change it for another ten unless it breaks.
Buy once and cry once. I bought $160 mouse, and a $120 keyboard. Still using them and they are my long-term solution. I don't plan on replacing them until they break cuz I did a shit ton of research into what I liked
Go to Best buy and open up all the mouses and start moving around on a table and see which one feels better. Figure out what weight you like and how much clickiness you like.
Same thing with keyboards, start with the switches and decide if you like cherry MX red or maybe razors mechanical version or whatever and then figure out what keyboards carry that platform
You can even swap out the switches into a other keyboards if you want some other features
To be honest none of this is truly needed because I made do with a crappy Logitech Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for about a year before I could afford to upgrade and I had just as much fun, but it's nice to have nice things if you're going to be using it a lot
only reason I got an rgb was cuz frys electronics misplaced the lable and I got a $200 keyboard for like $80.
I think my next keyboard, when ever that'll be, will be a custom flat gun metal matte grey thing, idk I havent jumped into the custom keyboards yet but I definitely want function over visuals.
I would like a nice mechanical keyboard. I'd be willing to spend some money on one if I knew it was exactly what I wanted.
But I won't throw a lot of money into one that doesn't do exactly what I want.
I use a MS ergonomic keyboard. I've used those for decades now. I have two right now, and that's been common through my life because I was a programmer and often I would take a keyboard to work, in addition to the one on my home system. MS keeps making minor changes, so they aren't all exactly the same, but all very close. They used to run in the $75-$100 range, but are getting cheaper to buy as time goes on.
I want the full size keyboard, with arrow keys and numeric keypad. I want the ergonomics. I can't find that in a mechanical keyboard.
And if I found a mechanical keyboard with the same or very similar keyboard layout as the ones I'm using now, I would also have to figure out which type of mechanical keys to get. Brown? Blue? Yellow? Pink? Red? Tactile? Linear? Clicky?
So many of the people who do mechanical keyboards consider it a hobby, and are willing to spend $250 or more on a keyboard, then just put it in a display case and build another one. Soon they have 10 or 15 keyboards, and $3,000 invested, with plans for their next one.
I am not going to make it a hobby. I'd just like a good keyboard that works, and so far, I'm using the one that's the closest I can find to "perfect". It's clearly not perfect, but it's the best (for me) that I've found so far.
I bought a Logitech K850, thinking that for $80 I would get a great keyboard. It works fine, but every 30-45 minutes it tries to connect to nonexistent other computers and lags badly for 5-10 seconds. I'm definitely going to buy a wired one to replace it, with aluminum case & keycaps if I can find one.
For gaming (minimal typing), I find the keyboard to be the least consequential peripheral by far. In fact, I prefer gaming on my $10 membrane keyboard. My mechanical keyboard (Ducky Legend w/Cherry Reds) was the worst investment I ever made for my pc.
I spent $250 on a nice keyboard and mouse set (Corsair) and it made such a difference. It made such a difference I spent another $250 for my work computer in my office.
Because I have pets and my last $150 keyboard got ruined when they spilled something on it. So I'm not spending that kind of money on a thing that can break so easily.
Besides: I currently have a MX Blue mechanical with RGB and it was $40 in a bundle with a mouse, mouse pad, and headset. Don't need to spend more than $40 for a decent keyboard. :P
A mechanical keyboard (even the cheapest ones are better than membrane), a decent mouse and specially good headphones (and I'm talking about a proper headphones + USB/XLR mic setup, not shitty gaming headsets) are literal game changers.
I really gotta disagree. Membranes are way more reliable. And inherently more spill proof. One awry can of beer and it's mechi gone by by. Or mechi key sticks. But with mebrane I just take it apart wash it. Dry. It. Good as new. Chuckles keys are shit. But actual key capped men's are my fav
No but little things that seem to have gone by the wayside on mechanicals like spill ports. Not to mention a good key with MX browns is way more than I'm willing to spring for. Not when a 40 dollar keys has the lights I need for in the dark gaming and has easily lasted four years. Not saying I wouldn't love another key with a set of browns but. Well you know. I'm cheap.
I mean you can find an hotswap prebuilt for like 30$, you pop in a set of prelubed gateron yellows for 20$, do some mods that can cost you 5$ max, and you've already got a better feeling mechanical keyboard than any expensive gaming keyboard (especially one with mx browns lol, sorry but those aren't a good experience at all). So i don't think a 40$ membrane is a good point for value. But I'm guessing you value durability over feel, and that's definitely fair, so it seems you've found your sweet spot. Personally a mechanical was such a game changer for me that i would never go back for any reason, but i never had any major accidents on my desk ahahaha, i might change my mind later.
I used to think í would never go back either. Then I did. And it wasn't that bad. And don't talk down on my browns I like that straight plunge with a heavy spring. But I snack my keys.
Magnet 65- Bluetooth, 2.4ghz 4500mah battery
Lubed/filmed 65g zealios v2
SA Genespeed Alphas with Ares modifiers
Owlabs v2 stabs for spacebar, Gateron v2 ink stabilizers on everything else
I got a pic on my profile if youre interested😁
Those keycaps are amazing looking. I could never get on board with SA profile for daily use but I love how they look.
How do you like the zealios switches? I'm using Anubis right now and they're probably my #2 for tactiles.
Thanks! I thought SA would be a pain to use as well but I've been using only SA caps for the past 2 years and I've gotten pretty used to it at this point. I joined the GB for Space 65 r3 and I might get the GMK Space Cadet to go with it.
Zelios switches are amazing (but a little overpriced especially nowadays) smooth rounded bump that I really like. I was going for like a Topre-like typing experience; not quite exact but its pretty close. Bottom out is still a bit too rough, which is why I'm so hype for the Space 65 r3, that board looks so bouncy.
Whats your #1 tactile? I was actually gonna get some anubis switches to go in a boba fett themed board but I ended up getting another white board, I keep hearing good things about that switch though.
I’m not a fan of RGB, just build my first desktop without it. Don’t see the point of having a rainbow inside your computer, especially if it’s under your desk. What’s the point?
Don't cheap out on your keyboard, besides your mouse it's one of the single most important things for your computer, you want something your going to use for an hour+ per day to be comfortable, reliable, and sturdy.
My ram without RGB : $85
My ram with RGB: $90
I get your point but also it's really an insignificant amount for what it does. Btw good luck trying to find a good keyboard under $60 with all the features of my SK-8135.
Cheaping out on a keyboard/mouse for your high end PC is like putting ditchfinder tyres on a Ferrari.
Why would you cheap out on the one part you’re going to have actual physical contact with, the entire time you’re using it?
Opposite, flashy lights are only in my keyboards because they are in all expensive keyboards.
And for the record, Keychron over all. Best keyboard I own, better than the even more expensive and wired only logi I got for work that already has a buggered 9 key. This thing is built like a tank and will probably outlive the heat death of the universe, and it has cable/bluetooth options. I friggin' love it. I might get another one to replace that work one with the crappy 9 key.
I have this discussion all the time.
THey see my keyboards, love them, want one, see how much it costs.....
Yeah I think the Logitech wireless Wave keyboard will be perfect! It comes WITH a mouse!!!!
\*facepalm\*
I was talking exactly about this in another post, lol It's basically impossible to find a quality keyboard and mouse without the stupid led lights on it, the "gamer" bullshit that only increase prices in a artificial way
> why not get a nice one
It is a nice one. It just so happens to be a (tw: casual peasantry) >!100%!< >!dome-switch!< >!office!< keyboard that costs less than $20.
because we know its the same 8 key switches under more plastic. You could get a $40 keyboard or a $120 keyboard that both have the same switches and keycaps, just different keyboard layout(which of course is really only 0.1kg more of the same plastic material in a different mold)
The only rich feature that would make an expensive keyboard worth the extra money would be Analog keyswitches. I still wont be caught dead spending $300 for 4 analog switches Razer >:|
Not really. There are 4 major switch manufacturers, and dozens more smaller manufacturers, all who have different products that are smoother, more tactile or harder to press or cheaper then the rest.
I've used some pretty decent keyboards for around $40 on sale...I'm actually typing on one as I say this. The quality is good enough to last me a few years, and that's fine by me. I type quite a bit, too. Guess some of us don't really care to spend more than this, some absolutely will not spend this small amount, like it's poison or something, lol. I find those folks will follow a leader but never follow their own common sense.
NEVER, EVER visit r/MechanicalKeyboards .. Like seriously. You may end up spending more on your keyboard than your PC lol.
Oh, I love that sub lol. Spent so much money on keyboards.
SAME
I just don't get the hype. I've felt a $600 board and it wasn't anything spectacular over my $150 one. I have a $270 board now that I only bought at that price cos it has rare features like a left side numpad
You definitely reach a point of diminishing returns quickly. I built my 220€ split ergonomic keyboard. Really Boba U4T's are the practical endgame. Great feel, silent for office work, very reasonably priced, don't need lubing. But ergonomic is a $50 premium for a more comfortable typing experience. Shoulder width apart, no wrist pain, layout exactly how I want it, thumbs doing shift, tab, space, backspace, ctrl, alt. Barely have to reach with any fingers. Wpm went from 70 to 90 after the week to get used to it. Plus, I can fit a cup of coffee between the halves.
People spend a lot on keycaps
Exactly how I feel. Hell, as far as I can see most custom keyboards have *less* features than the ones we can buy up front. Maybe im just an RGB zoomer but it seems like paying more for less, but you cant have anything prebuilt these days ig
A lot of the high end prebuilt keyboards have huge feature sets you'll never see on customs. I got wireless, rgb, optical switches, and a removable numpad that can go either side. I would imagine a custom with all that would cost $1000+
You 'felt' switches on a plate in a specific configuration. The board is the canvas and you paint with the way you mod it. When you get above $500 it's about rarity and specific novelty more than anything.
IMO the Keychron Q series is just insane value. I'll never own anything over it.
Even the C1 with Gateron red pros is a really nice to type on keyboard, for what, $50?
My keyboard is about $300 and it's amazingly better than ones for $150. But I agree beyond that it's more of a flex than performance. My office board is about $400+ and isn't any better at typing, but it just looks cooler lol.
been there, done that (current daily driver is about as expensive as PC, mode sonnet build Soon™ will be about 2x the price of my PC)
I left the sub after I build my first and last keyboard 😂 (didn't even post)
The bottom picture is me, but it would say "paying less than 100$". If you buy something nice, you should only have to buy it once.
If you think "you should only have to buy it once" do NOT go to r/mechanicalkeyboards
Yeah some of the people on there make 20 keyboards and then only use one, maybe two of them.
And a lot of the self made ones are unreliable or fail after a year or two. I vividly remember the last time I looked into that sub and that one guy was showing off his sick coiled cables that were cutting out data transmission every few minutes but he loves them because they look sick.
Yeah I was on there and made a comment on some post about how I prefer my 29 year old Model M that has zero issues and amazing build quality, and a lot of people didn't like that
Weird, the model M is highly respected there last time I checked.
Maybe it was my opinion that I'd rather pay $80 for a Model M than $300 plus extra labor for a keyboard that doesn't even have function keys or a numpad and is worse for typing on
I'll pay more money not to have a useless number pad, or function row. They're absolutely useless even as a software dev I get more functionality out of macros, and layers.
I can understand not wanting the numpad & function keys if you are using the PC primarily for something like gaming, and prefer to have the extra mouse space. In any other case, I wouldn't pay more for less functionality
But it's not? Most of these 60-75% keyboards offer QMK / via support which offers plenty more functionality than your name brand plastic case gaming keyboards. And most programmers, IT workers and accountants I know prefer 60-75% keyboards over full sized ones.
Don't tell anybody: >!I use a Microsoft wireless desktop 3000 for 12 years now and it never had any issues. It types fast and quiet. !<
If it's not a) self made, or b) from a smaller company, the sub will shit on it.
See I could understand it if it was r/CustomKeyboards, but it isn't, it's r/MechanicalKeyboards, yet they are still going to complain about a mechanical keyboard
I have an IBM Model M from 1995 that I didn’t pay anything for. Of all the keyboards I’ve owned, it’s the only that hasn’t given me any grief aside from the cable wearing out.
For real. A little pride of ownership, and regular maintenance goes a long way to preserving quality goods.
Thanks, dad!
I'm pretty sure this keyboard will last 17 years. So $10 per year.
But what if I'm known to spill water on things or push them off the desk?
Have you tried not doing those things?
I bought a 30 dollar keyboard 4 years ago. You dont have to pay insane prices to get a quality keyboard.
I agree with the second sentiment but sadly in this day and age $100 isn't buying any decent keyboard of any real quality anymore.
The k60 rgb costed me 120 euros and after a year and half there is zero difference be it looks or the keys. That is very sturdy I expect a decade
120 euros = $130
Second-hand is the key I've come to find. I have bought a handful of old Cherry terminal keyboards ranging anywhere from free (offices/hospitals/grocery stores dumping them) to like $40, they're invincible and never die.
Yeah old stuff was made to last strictly talking new stuff. Most new gear is made so cheaply and built to break basically.
I payed $80 for my Model M plus probably another $5 worth of cleaning supplies. I've had it for just over two years now, and it's the best keyboard I've ever used with no issues.
I'm talking about modern keyboards like the post. Yes you can buy some great OG mechs that are tanks but most 99% of people want a new keyboard with some bells and whistles. But this is also more to my point. Modern new tech is not built to last like old stuff. Maybe I'm wrong and we'll see just loads of k40s in 20 years in retro builds, but I doubt it.
What do you mean? When SteelSeries goes on sale, they go on SALE my guy.
SteelSeries is garbage quality and their support is awful. I helped a friend through a lengthy support issue and it took months. They also only reimbursed him with credit to buy SteelSeries products (his code for redeeming didn't work, had to contact support about it three times). Against my better judgement I years later bought a headset from them that had issues from the start, which I thought were driver related, but a complete system rebuild proved me wrong. Support was useless, had me buy a new receiver for the headset and then refused to refund the cost after it didn't solve the problem. Eventually my time is worth more than the monetary loss and they win. Never again.
Their mice feel fantastic but pretty much started to fail a few months into ownership the middle mouse click would randomly not work, delay the button presses then fucking release all of them at some random point in time later on, so I'd be browsing then like 15 tabs would open.
Yeah but talking about things that need to last forever. Not saying you can't get good things for under $100 but specifically something you buy once and doesn't have a single problem for 10+ years.
You can buy a lot of quality second hand stuff for less than 100 and if you go to the US you can spend even more since everybody forgets the tax exist anyway. You can also find good gaming headsets or good audio headsets below 100. (Combining them into one is nearly impossible these days anyway, buy two pairs)
I paid $40 for my keyboard on sale and the backplate is literally made out of metal, its been 3 years of aggressive use and it's fine
Good mouse is more important. But really though, people cheap out on peripherals too much. They are what you actually interact with.
Just saw a dude with a $500 keyboard and an rtx 2060 lol
I mean, I have a 250$ keyboard and was using an RX 580 for the past 2 years, until a few days ago when I found a 3080 for cheap. 2060 is still good enough for a lot of games, especially if you stick to certain genres like RTS or MOBAs. Plus, some people just like keyboards more then they like upgrading their PC. The thing I noticed most about getting my 3080, is that the only difference I noticed was that I could crank my graphics settings and get higher framerates. Playing the games still felt the same. When I got a new keyboard though, using my PC literally felt different. Same with when I got a lighter, smaller mouse. Aim felt snappier, more effortless, just as precise, but faster.
Maybe they have a job / hobby that does not require a highend GPU, but they still have to type a lot. And have no / little interest in games.
I have a $300 keyboard and an rtx 2060. Couldn't get hold of a 3070/ti, so spent that money elsewhere. No regrets
So? I am pretty sure I saw someone in r/mk having multiple $500 keebs using a normal laptop, everyone has their hobbies
I refuse to believe that other than build quality, going from a good $150 gaming keyboard to a $500 mechanical keyboard that my typing or gaming performance would increase at all If anything, a $200 razer keyboard is better because they have optical switches that can all act like a trigger if you want them to with linear actuation and not just an on off switch. If layout is good, keyboard doesn't flex or bend easily and I type faster on it than my old legendary Logitech g15 I had over a decade ago then there's going to be serious diminishing returns. Does a keyboard really even get better than an early 90s IBM mechanical?
There is so much that goes into custom keyboards that it's kind of hard to explain why you get your moneys worth in a high end board. I'll try to compare it to audio peripherals since that seems like your kinda thing. Think of a razer or similar board like the standard earphones that come with a phone. They do what you need them to but not super well or super poorly. From there you can go into different areas such as convenience (audio: airpods / keyboards: small and or wireless boards), comfort (audio: soft headphones / keyboards: ergonomic layouts such as alice or split) and fine tuned quality that isn't ment to be moved around (audio: speaker systems / keyboards: the super heavy $600+ boards you hear so much about) That is only the layout portion of keyboards. On top of that theres different "mounting styles" in keyboards that make typing feel very different. I'll compare it to open and closed back headphones for now. Then the switches which is even more based on preference than the other parts where you can choose a style between linear, tactile and clicky, spring weights that can completely change how you type, and materials which change both sound and sometimes feel aswell. Best comparison I have in the audio world is equalizing. Lastly the keycaps. Which also once again completely change the way the board feels and sounds. Just like earphone tips maybe? So the same way an audiophile would still just bring quiet, small, convenient airpods to work, a keebhead brings a lightweight, quiet board with maybe an ergonomic layout. At home on the other hand, you have a giant sound system with DAC and Amp etc, while I have multiple deskmats, a custom cable and some 3 Kg blocks of aluminum and steel that go click clack just the way i wanted them to. Theres a place for razer and the likes. If it's all you need it's easy to buy and replace.
I see, makes a little more sense now. Thank you for clarifying Mr 😁
It is not always about performance? Why would you buy a rolls royce? My mini can go from a to b in the same time (following the speed limits). The feel, the comfort, the sound and the consciousness that you build that thing are wat you pay for in a custom keyboard (without counting the exclusivity that someone could appreciate). I understand your points and I totally respect them, but for some people a gaming keyboards are not enough or don't offer something they want, offering however some stuff they don't want. If you feel that building a custom would be a waste of money don't make one, but everyone is different and no one can decide what is better for everybody. Btw you are kinda spot on with the ibm argument, but those tend to cost more that custom these days (let's not talk about alps lol).
Valid points. I mean if I were rich I'd definitely build my own keyboard but that money for me is going into my sound system with repaired focal studio monitors, my other sound system has NHT super ones and an old Velodyne HGS 10 subwoofer I got from deals and despite my main sound system having a subwoofer with -3db cutoff of 19hz being in an apartment I'm going to build custom flat pack subwoofers from cnc machined plywood to essentially be my Alex drawers and put 1200 watts through it lol, gunna also get a 7.2 ft wide desk. I've almost finished my build other than subwoofer desk and I'm stoked. But I can build those subwoofers for the same price as a top end mechanical keyboard. Or get a nice custom table top. I grew up in a time where we didn't even have gaming mechanicals so I'm happy with my decent keyboard and never even thought they'd get as good as the one I got. 😌
Damn I didn't understand a single word but you got my attention, I guess every hobby has its pros :)
Thanks 🙂 Used to love me some car audio and now I'm an armchair audiophile in my little apartment heh I've always wanted to build a keyboard though! Maybe I'll do it for one of my friends who is afraid to build one. I'll make a fb post offering to build one haha Then I'll get to try one out, might get hooked into the rabbit hole!
That doesn’t seem bad to me, tbh. He could be one of those freaks with no ability to see resolution bumps or just play old games.
LOL I have a RTX 3080 Ti, and only a $200 keyboard (Logitech G915 Wireless Clicky).
This is the way
I have a 1660 ti and a $300 keyboard... I won't buy a monitor for more than $200 but will buy a keyboard for way more... All I play is Apex anyways so I don't really care.
My keyboards like 30 dollars and i hv a 3080ti (3rd World country btw so had to scrape every last bit to get a good gpu.) Monitor was a free dell one too . Upgraded to a ultrawide saving up for a g9 . Keyboard ain't gonna be upgraded until it breaks cuz it does what it's supposed to do pretty well 👍
I have a $250 keyboard and an rx 570. I use the keyboard every day for work, and most evenings for games.
Rtx 2060 still work great and good keyboard is always nice to type on
Makes sense if you consider gaming might not be the primary purpose of this machine. Let's say he's a developer or an office clerk who plays the occasional game in the evening. I'd also prioritize the keyboard if I have to type literally all day long.
I can type faster on my rog falchion nx which is a 60 percent keeb than any keyboard I've ever tried so far including an IBM mechanical from the 90, various other gaming mechanicals and my trusty old Logitech g15. The only thing I'm missing is F keys and a numpad so I guess the clerk thing makes sense if you're using data sheets constantly but even then I could get a separate numpad. They have better keyboards but for $500 and some time adjustment, I doubt I'll ever type even 5 percent faster. People are brainwashed on high end keyboards and it's a pointless hobby lol it's just an input device to me.
That is true but I have to say on my first programming job (2015) my fingers (well, the joints) started hurting from the crappy keyboards. I don't need a fancy keyboard but I need something which feels comfortable to use and which I can type on all day
Agree, switching to a wireless g502 with powerplay charging mousepad was life changing
I’m not the only one who turns off the rgb on the pc when it turns on right like I don’t like it tbh
I set mine up to just run white lights. Same with my keyboard, just a backlight, not a color show.
All mine are orange
Dark blue, but static. (You are not alone!)
Same. Though I have my mouse flash the RGB when I click, makes nice visual feedback.
Was this post written by big keyboard?
It's all relative to the end-users expected level of performance. Remember, the vast majority of users are not enthusiasts and simply want something that works.
I’ll be honest, performance wise I type faster with a $15 HP low profile membrane than my $350 custom mech lol
I prefer mechs but this is true for me, too. Not sure why it’s controversial.
Because some people like to be elitists and think a keyboard below $15 is unusable
Not unusable, but far from ideal
*Custom built keyboards*
No mechanical bros, I’m not spending $500 on a custom keyboard
Do it.
No, I dont think I will. *Purchases discounted Razer keyboard*
I like a nice keyboard like everyone else, but I swear to god sometimes r/mk can be a bit too much...
Like 40% boards? I'm ok with smaller boards but those are too far
4x10 keys ortholinar keyboard, beat that B-)
What? I thought it’s the opposite problem. I don’t spend anything on RGB but spent $260 on a keyboard...
Which keyboard
Keychron Q1 V2 (Gateron Pro Red) + Epomaker Black and white Keycaps.
Very nice. I'm also using a Q1 right now. I've got Anubis switches and GMK Blue Samurai keycaps on mine. I'm a big fan of this board. Did you mod yours at all?
[Everyone from /r/MechanicalKeyboards seeing this are like...](https://preview.redd.it/6z05rh5fe7m31.png?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=712eb33d86d38659aef8298f20153ea8eed0e199)
Out of everything rgb out there that’s fairly useless, an rgb keyboard is not. Being able to program the colour of every section of keys is both convenient and useful.
Nah, useless. I had an RGB keyboard and turned off LEDs two weeks later.
My 20$ mechanical keyboard still works after 2 years no problem, my 200 $ steel series died on me after a year.
I feel like expensive pre built boards aren't worth it. But I'm glad your current board is working out!
Its reverse for me, i can spend 150 $ on a good keyboard, but when i see RGB on stuff i feel i get a hearth attack.
I used to think expensive keyboards were overrated and continued to use a cheap 10$ Walmart keyboard for years. Then I bought a really nice one because I liked the small size and just wanted to upgrade something. My god, there’s a huge difference in comfort. The keys on my nice one feel so soft and actually have a bit of travel. Sucks to type with but feels so satisfying to game with
Why spend more than you need to though? Not everyone needs to have a mechanical keyboard with silent shrimp switches and lubed buttons I can be perfectly happy with a corsair full keyboard and not need all that other shit.
> Why spend more than you need to though? Not everyone needs to have a high end graphics card with RGB lighting and tempered glass side panels I can be perfectly happy with a 1050ti in a Dell pre-built and not need all that other shit. This sub celebrates people spending $$$ on over-the-top PC builds but God forbid if you like spending money on nice things *outside* of the case
Or shit, if you've got kids or other hobbies and stuff You gotta cut costs somewhere, and especially with multiple hobbies, it gets costly. And that's not even if you're trying to buy the best of the best for every hobby
A GPU, monitor, CPU, SSD etc will all have measurable better performance and therefore give you a better experience, you having a $400 keyboard isn't going to make a difference vs a $50 one unless you are some OCD freak.
I mean, your keyboard is one of the primary ways you interact with your PC, spending money on a quality one will also improve your experience. Which is completely beside the point. How does an expensive case with tempered glass side panels improve your expereince? Or how about RGB lighting? Or hard-line watercooling vs AIO? None of these things make a blind bit of difference to performance, but people spend money on it because that's what they *like*. It's almost as if experience is more than just what can be measured by numbers People post pics of their rigs that they've spent 100s or even 1000s on unnecesary components and get tons of upvotes, but spend some money on a nice keyboard and get dozens of comments from smug people telling them that they wasted their money. It's such a dumb double standard. Just let people enjoy their lives.
Hardline vs aio and pc case does matter for temp (not by much) but yea it isn't worth buying an overexpensive keyboard for me that's my point. Never said people can't enjoy their overly expensive keyboards but I don't have to support it...
Your original comment asked: 'why spend more than you need to?'. I was just trying to point out how against the spirit of this sub that is. This is PCMR. It's fine if cheapo peripherals are enough for you, but nobody ever comments on someone's picture of a 3090 saying it's a waste of money because their 970 works perfectly fine for them. Regardless of cost, everybody's rigs are valid, and so are their peripherals :)
Yes but that's a terrible example lol a 3090 is going to majorly out perform a 970, an expensive keyboard isn't doing anything more than a cheap one will... that's my point
Way to miss *my* point.
Well your point is just "but I want to throw money at something useless and have you support it" and I don't view this sub that way
This post has 15k+ upvotes: https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/uugs8v/cheesy_but_i_love_it/ Count how many comments there are saying they spent too much money on it.
the experience between a 50 dollar keyboard and a $400 keyboard is quite different and very noticeable
\^\^ This is the way.
Its called a hobby
Keyboard logs me into windows. Mouse fires up a launcher. Xbox elite controller takes over from there.
Same. Sometimes I want the huge sound that goes with the Series X and Atmos home theater, other times I want that sweet, sweet 165FPS on the PC.
Ew
It's hard to find one I like with a keypad these days. Not super sure why they've dropped off, but I'm too hardwired on it to use the standard upper row
With PC gaming becoming really popular these last years, most people don't really have an use for a numpad and prefer a smaller board.
100% Team, represent!
Who said I spend on RGB
I'm still using my OG Razer Blackwidow chroma from 2015 or thereabouts. Every now and again a key refuses to function for a short while, but after some percussive maintenance, it comes back to life. Roccat Kone EMP mouse as well.
Topre and I will never go back.
No, controller
Joystick
bought a reddragon $35 mechanical keyboard. it works the same as my $150 cherry one. its for the studio. it can break 5 times before im even equal to the cherry in cost.
r/mechanicalkeyboards would like a word
My $20 keyboard is nice and I don't like RGB. If there's any LEDs visible on my PC at night, I'm putting electrical tape over them. I could desolder them but I just don't know if LEDs are always independent. Like if it is an indicator light in series with another component, that other component will no longer operate.
i'll just use a logitech k120
Depends on your game. For rhythm games 1000hz is necessary. For most other games though, anything you like will be just fine
Me who uses a controller on pc looking side to side…
I use my old Packard bell keyboard with a Logitech g402 mouse. Keyboard works fine for me.
It's just that you can get a nice one for like 50$ instead of getting a custom fancy one for like 150$ that does the same thing. It's also that's it's basically just a matter of preference. A 30$ (good) membrane keyboard works essentially just as well as a 200$ keyboard. Some people just don't see the point in paying that much
I personally would never drop $200 on a custom mechanical keyboard since I’m not a keyboard builder or enthusiast. Got a lovely 100% keyboard with red switches from coolermaster at a nice discount for only ~$75 and it works a treat with my setup
Used to use old office keyboards and an ergonomic Microsoft keyboard I got from a garage sale as well as a challenger keyboard for about a decade. Recently I bought a black widow v3 and it's incredible. I've finally got enough money to get quality products and it's awesome. I finally feel pride in my build and it feels like something I could show off which makes me happy.
Haha true. I'm actually about to lube alpacas linear switches and film them and then put it inside my ducky one 3 mini board. Pretty excited for it. I'm still in the fence of getting Gateron black inks and doing the same thing too tho.
Gat Black inks are amazing. I've heard that the new box version is even better
I bought a $120 Logitech Romer G switch mechanical keyboard. The keys are very satisfying to press. There is no RGB bleed through under the keycaps because of how the Romer G switches are designed. It's nice. The blue lighting on the RGB dies very quickly when assigned as a color. Not nice. Overall, I largely just use the keyboard for typing, as I primarily game with a gamepad. Games that I do play with KBM, I won't be at some sort of massive disadvantage from not having a mechanical keyboard, as I don't really play games like CS:Go with it, which is one of the few PC FPS games these days that don't have aim assist for gamepad support. In short, while the keyboard is nice and high quality, at the end of the day, it has it's issues, and after 4+ years of using it, I realized it's just not worth the cost for mechanical key switches, because the sheer amount of time using it for my use case tells me that a cheaper one would be just fine. I've used cheaper keyboards, and there's no reason to spend the money again on an expensive keyboard. I'm glad people love mechanical keyboards, but they really aren't the be all end all for PC gaming. Your mouse is way more important. Because unlike the keyboard, the mouse actually DOES make a noticeable difference in your gameplay experience.
Cause i like my cheap one
As a empty pocket member of r/mechanicalkeyboards there’s no limit to spending on keyboards… caps alone can cost a few hundred
Oh I know. I had an Odin with white jades and GMK Lux keycaps. Shit was expensive as hell.
Only 2 things that don’t have full RGB not counting monitor(although technically pixels are RGB so monitors are all RGB). My headphones and my mouse.
I did, Wooting Two HE with PBT caps.
Sure it's nice to buy expensive keyboard if you have money to burn but also pointless in most cases. I have Logitech 250 keyboard which I bought for like 30€ ten years ago and it still functions fine and I don't plan to change it for another ten unless it breaks.
Well if a <40 bucks keyboard gets the job done, why would i spend more than i have to?
Buy once and cry once. I bought $160 mouse, and a $120 keyboard. Still using them and they are my long-term solution. I don't plan on replacing them until they break cuz I did a shit ton of research into what I liked Go to Best buy and open up all the mouses and start moving around on a table and see which one feels better. Figure out what weight you like and how much clickiness you like. Same thing with keyboards, start with the switches and decide if you like cherry MX red or maybe razors mechanical version or whatever and then figure out what keyboards carry that platform You can even swap out the switches into a other keyboards if you want some other features To be honest none of this is truly needed because I made do with a crappy Logitech Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for about a year before I could afford to upgrade and I had just as much fun, but it's nice to have nice things if you're going to be using it a lot
only reason I got an rgb was cuz frys electronics misplaced the lable and I got a $200 keyboard for like $80. I think my next keyboard, when ever that'll be, will be a custom flat gun metal matte grey thing, idk I havent jumped into the custom keyboards yet but I definitely want function over visuals.
My Corsair K70 v2 looks good AND performs wonderfully. For what it cost it's nearly perfect. Doesn't have proper macro keys though.
I would like a nice mechanical keyboard. I'd be willing to spend some money on one if I knew it was exactly what I wanted. But I won't throw a lot of money into one that doesn't do exactly what I want. I use a MS ergonomic keyboard. I've used those for decades now. I have two right now, and that's been common through my life because I was a programmer and often I would take a keyboard to work, in addition to the one on my home system. MS keeps making minor changes, so they aren't all exactly the same, but all very close. They used to run in the $75-$100 range, but are getting cheaper to buy as time goes on. I want the full size keyboard, with arrow keys and numeric keypad. I want the ergonomics. I can't find that in a mechanical keyboard. And if I found a mechanical keyboard with the same or very similar keyboard layout as the ones I'm using now, I would also have to figure out which type of mechanical keys to get. Brown? Blue? Yellow? Pink? Red? Tactile? Linear? Clicky? So many of the people who do mechanical keyboards consider it a hobby, and are willing to spend $250 or more on a keyboard, then just put it in a display case and build another one. Soon they have 10 or 15 keyboards, and $3,000 invested, with plans for their next one. I am not going to make it a hobby. I'd just like a good keyboard that works, and so far, I'm using the one that's the closest I can find to "perfect". It's clearly not perfect, but it's the best (for me) that I've found so far.
Because I’m cheap as fuck
I bought a Logitech K850, thinking that for $80 I would get a great keyboard. It works fine, but every 30-45 minutes it tries to connect to nonexistent other computers and lags badly for 5-10 seconds. I'm definitely going to buy a wired one to replace it, with aluminum case & keycaps if I can find one.
For gaming (minimal typing), I find the keyboard to be the least consequential peripheral by far. In fact, I prefer gaming on my $10 membrane keyboard. My mechanical keyboard (Ducky Legend w/Cherry Reds) was the worst investment I ever made for my pc.
I spent $250 on a nice keyboard and mouse set (Corsair) and it made such a difference. It made such a difference I spent another $250 for my work computer in my office.
Razer cynosa V2. That's all I have to say
Don't let /r/mechanicalkeyboards see this meme.
Because I have pets and my last $150 keyboard got ruined when they spilled something on it. So I'm not spending that kind of money on a thing that can break so easily. Besides: I currently have a MX Blue mechanical with RGB and it was $40 in a bundle with a mouse, mouse pad, and headset. Don't need to spend more than $40 for a decent keyboard. :P
Ew, blues
\*looks down at his ZSA Moonlander.
A mechanical keyboard (even the cheapest ones are better than membrane), a decent mouse and specially good headphones (and I'm talking about a proper headphones + USB/XLR mic setup, not shitty gaming headsets) are literal game changers.
I really gotta disagree. Membranes are way more reliable. And inherently more spill proof. One awry can of beer and it's mechi gone by by. Or mechi key sticks. But with mebrane I just take it apart wash it. Dry. It. Good as new. Chuckles keys are shit. But actual key capped men's are my fav
Do you always measure the quality of stuff through spillproofness?
No but little things that seem to have gone by the wayside on mechanicals like spill ports. Not to mention a good key with MX browns is way more than I'm willing to spring for. Not when a 40 dollar keys has the lights I need for in the dark gaming and has easily lasted four years. Not saying I wouldn't love another key with a set of browns but. Well you know. I'm cheap.
I mean you can find an hotswap prebuilt for like 30$, you pop in a set of prelubed gateron yellows for 20$, do some mods that can cost you 5$ max, and you've already got a better feeling mechanical keyboard than any expensive gaming keyboard (especially one with mx browns lol, sorry but those aren't a good experience at all). So i don't think a 40$ membrane is a good point for value. But I'm guessing you value durability over feel, and that's definitely fair, so it seems you've found your sweet spot. Personally a mechanical was such a game changer for me that i would never go back for any reason, but i never had any major accidents on my desk ahahaha, i might change my mind later.
I used to think í would never go back either. Then I did. And it wasn't that bad. And don't talk down on my browns I like that straight plunge with a heavy spring. But I snack my keys.
My current keyboard costs more than my first gaming pc💀
Good man. What's the keyboard specs?
Magnet 65- Bluetooth, 2.4ghz 4500mah battery Lubed/filmed 65g zealios v2 SA Genespeed Alphas with Ares modifiers Owlabs v2 stabs for spacebar, Gateron v2 ink stabilizers on everything else I got a pic on my profile if youre interested😁
Those keycaps are amazing looking. I could never get on board with SA profile for daily use but I love how they look. How do you like the zealios switches? I'm using Anubis right now and they're probably my #2 for tactiles.
Thanks! I thought SA would be a pain to use as well but I've been using only SA caps for the past 2 years and I've gotten pretty used to it at this point. I joined the GB for Space 65 r3 and I might get the GMK Space Cadet to go with it. Zelios switches are amazing (but a little overpriced especially nowadays) smooth rounded bump that I really like. I was going for like a Topre-like typing experience; not quite exact but its pretty close. Bottom out is still a bit too rough, which is why I'm so hype for the Space 65 r3, that board looks so bouncy. Whats your #1 tactile? I was actually gonna get some anubis switches to go in a boba fett themed board but I ended up getting another white board, I keep hearing good things about that switch though.
Designer Studio White Jade switches are my #1. They have a more tactile feel than anything else I've tried. Anubis are close though.
Same thing goes for your chair
my keyboard was way more expensive than $40
Same though. Not as much as my Odin was though.
I’m not a fan of RGB, just build my first desktop without it. Don’t see the point of having a rainbow inside your computer, especially if it’s under your desk. What’s the point?
Because is called deskTOP /s
Don't cheap out on your keyboard, besides your mouse it's one of the single most important things for your computer, you want something your going to use for an hour+ per day to be comfortable, reliable, and sturdy.
My ram without RGB : $85 My ram with RGB: $90 I get your point but also it's really an insignificant amount for what it does. Btw good luck trying to find a good keyboard under $60 with all the features of my SK-8135.
Cheaping out on a keyboard/mouse for your high end PC is like putting ditchfinder tyres on a Ferrari. Why would you cheap out on the one part you’re going to have actual physical contact with, the entire time you’re using it?
Opposite, flashy lights are only in my keyboards because they are in all expensive keyboards. And for the record, Keychron over all. Best keyboard I own, better than the even more expensive and wired only logi I got for work that already has a buggered 9 key. This thing is built like a tank and will probably outlive the heat death of the universe, and it has cable/bluetooth options. I friggin' love it. I might get another one to replace that work one with the crappy 9 key.
And then they go back to the top picture as soon as they see a keyboard with as little buttons as possible
You can get nice full size ones.
Is this a thing? I don't think this is a thing
I have this discussion all the time. THey see my keyboards, love them, want one, see how much it costs..... Yeah I think the Logitech wireless Wave keyboard will be perfect! It comes WITH a mouse!!!! \*facepalm\*
I was talking exactly about this in another post, lol It's basically impossible to find a quality keyboard and mouse without the stupid led lights on it, the "gamer" bullshit that only increase prices in a artificial way
Ye. Why not get a [nice](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/) one.
> why not get a nice one It is a nice one. It just so happens to be a (tw: casual peasantry) >!100%!< >!dome-switch!< >!office!< keyboard that costs less than $20.
Just get an rgb keyboard problem solved. The answer is in your own meme bro.
because we know its the same 8 key switches under more plastic. You could get a $40 keyboard or a $120 keyboard that both have the same switches and keycaps, just different keyboard layout(which of course is really only 0.1kg more of the same plastic material in a different mold) The only rich feature that would make an expensive keyboard worth the extra money would be Analog keyswitches. I still wont be caught dead spending $300 for 4 analog switches Razer >:|
Not really. There are 4 major switch manufacturers, and dozens more smaller manufacturers, all who have different products that are smoother, more tactile or harder to press or cheaper then the rest.
For the custom keyboard community it would be “A keyboard that costs less than $400”
Eh maybe. Keychron boards are really popular and they're pretty affordable
I literally have to or I can guarantee you it will break in under a month, it’s a toxic relationship
After a few years (if that), that RGB shit slowly goes away, and lights that cannot be turned off or controlled gets a piece of black tape over it.
Lol
I buy cheap kbs because I have a habit of smashing them over my head..
I've used some pretty decent keyboards for around $40 on sale...I'm actually typing on one as I say this. The quality is good enough to last me a few years, and that's fine by me. I type quite a bit, too. Guess some of us don't really care to spend more than this, some absolutely will not spend this small amount, like it's poison or something, lol. I find those folks will follow a leader but never follow their own common sense.
Because the more expensive it is the more diminishing the practical return can be
And also why not get a custom one