Mechanical Keyboards - Suggestions

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Feb 2nd, 2023 7:56 pm

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Mar 22nd, 2022 2:56 pm

Detroitreds1 [OP]: Newbie; Sep 9, 2018; 4 posts; 1 upvote

Mar 22nd, 2022 2:56 pm

Mechanical Keyboards - Suggestions

I'm looking to switch to a mechanical keyboard, but I'm not very interesting in being a collector or planning on playing and changing components as a hobby.

I'm looking for a full 100% keyboard (with number pad). I don't need lights, and it doesn't really matter if it's wired or wireless.

Seeing that there are hundreds of variations, I can see that this could become an expensive venture. I'm looking to see if there would be a retail keyboard that would closely mimic the sounds on this video (the second keyboard). If not, any recommendations for something custom in a full keyboard? I'm not sure if the GMMK (non-pro version) would come to the same.

This would be an office keyboard, and not for gaming. I would prefer linear switches with somewhere in the middle for applied force. I just love the soft thock, somewhat muted sound. I'm looking for something similar.

Thanks for you time.

60 replies

Mar 22nd, 2022 3:03 pm

peteryorkuca: Deal Fanatic; Jul 26, 2007; 6812 posts; 4396 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 22nd, 2022 3:03 pm

Picked up few evga z15 and z20 when they were on sale for $60 and $90. You can pick up used ones (returns) for $60 at Amazon now. z15 is standard mechanical hot swappable keys. However, z20 is optical mechanical keys that you can swap out but costs $$.

I would pick up linear z20 used one from Amazon for $60 and forget those $20 knockoffs.

Mar 22nd, 2022 6:34 pm

sponge5307: Deal Addict; Jun 4, 2013; 1648 posts; 752 upvotes; Vancouver

Mar 22nd, 2022 6:34 pm

Co worker got a keyboard form https://www.thepnkstuff.com/en-ca/colle ... =Keyboards she seems like enjoy using it for work.

I been using a Razer Ornata Chroma mostly for work since is pretty might, the cable is long and I got it years ago. Is a bit loud for office though but since wfh is fine. Not the best keyboard out there but does the job.

Mar 22nd, 2022 6:36 pm

mebiuspower: Deal Fanatic; Oct 8, 2005; 6308 posts; 1855 upvotes

Mar 22nd, 2022 6:36 pm

I use Logitech K845 (Cherry Red) at home and at work. Works great.

Mar 22nd, 2022 10:05 pm

NickL645: Jr. Member; Jul 29, 2013; 189 posts; 278 upvotes; Calgary

Mar 22nd, 2022 10:05 pm

If you're just getting into the scene and looking for potential customization, check out keychron's lineups.

They're less gamey but good intro pricing for custom mechanical keyboard with options for full hot swappable.

Decent build quality for the price and gets you into the scene without breaking the bank. As you already know it becomes an expensive rabbit hole.

Mar 22nd, 2022 11:22 pm

leeoku: Sr. Member; Feb 5, 2007; 835 posts; 413 upvotes; Mississauga

Mar 22nd, 2022 11:22 pm

keychron would be the best bang for buck with feature. If you want some heft with thicker keycaps, look into the leopold as a good prebuilt

Mar 22nd, 2022 11:42 pm

sexyj: Deal Guru; Feb 10, 2007; 13383 posts; 4737 upvotes

Mar 22nd, 2022 11:42 pm

You can get razer keyboards for sale often at the amazon warehouse site

the razer blackwidow orange is probably their best one

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Mar 23rd, 2022 5:12 pm

VillageIdiot: Sr. Member; Aug 17, 2012; 916 posts; 942 upvotes; COQUITLAM

Mar 23rd, 2022 5:12 pm

If you're willing to wait another month or so, the Keychron Q6 or Keychron Q5 will probably be the best entry custom full sized board.

Full sized customs are rare and are going to be very expensive because customs tend to be TKL and smaller because people needing a numpad will just get a separate one to be used when needed.

If you want a decent retail board, the HyperX Alloy Origins is regarded as a decent retail board and regularly goes on sale for about $100.

If you want something more expensive, get a Leopold or Ducky board.

"This would be an office keyboard, and not for gaming. I would prefer linear switches with somewhere in the middle for applied force. I just love the soft thock, somewhat muted sound. I'm looking for something similar."

From this line I would advise Durock Silent Linear switches. You can get these off Aliexpress. You don't have to lube these switches because they come pre-lubed, but they will sound / feel better / more silent if you lube it yourself.

Note: The above sound test isn't going to be accurate in real life because it depends on the keyboard you have, but it gives you an idea how silent it is.

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Mar 23rd, 2022 8:29 pm

Detroitreds1 [OP]: Newbie; Sep 9, 2018; 4 posts; 1 upvote

Mar 23rd, 2022 8:29 pm

I was looking at the Keychron (K4 vs 2 for example). I can't seem to determine if there's a sort of indicator light for the Caps and Num Lock. I have a Chromebook and it drives me nuts that I can't tell whether the locks are on.

I was eyeing the slim version also, since it's what I'm used to, and I'm not sure if their standard height will force me to get wrist rest.

I appreciate all the responses.

Mar 23rd, 2022 10:02 pm

M1K3Z0R: Deal Fanatic; May 11, 2009; 7767 posts; 4501 upvotes; Trudostan

Mar 23rd, 2022 10:02 pm

You need to first find out what switches you want, this tends to be the most expensive phase of keyboard experimentation because everybody has different preferences, you can buy plenty of keyboards in your quest to find the ultimate one. You need to experience and feel the switches yourself to get a good idea what you prefer, unfortunately most big box stores only carry a very limited range that you can demo in person.

Since you don't care for RGB and gaming features, that broadens up your options to almost anything really.

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Mar 23rd, 2022 10:06 pm

Cheapo-Findo: Deal Expert; Mar 9, 2007; 15184 posts; 12134 upvotes; Think of the Childre…

Mar 23rd, 2022 10:06 pm

Logitech G915 Clicky

WOULD SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!

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Mar 23rd, 2022 10:20 pm

heyyahblah: Deal Addict; Dec 1, 2010; 2384 posts; 1387 upvotes; GTA

Mar 23rd, 2022 10:20 pm

peteryorkuca wrote: ↑ Picked up few evga z15 and z20 when they were on sale for $60 and $90. You can pick up used ones (returns) for $60 at Amazon now. z15 is standard mechanical hot swappable keys. However, z20 is optical mechanical keys that you can swap out but costs $$.

I would pick up linear z20 used one from Amazon for $60 and forget those $20 knockoffs.

It was really that cheap? Z20? Everywhere I look online the Z20 is over $150 BNIB. Even EVGA's website has it listed for $134.99. Did the price go up or was there a shortage? Had I known it was so cheap I would have tried it. I'm looking for a linear one (cherry RED) that has the exact same features, and the only comparison is the Corsair K95 or K100, but they only do Cherry MX speed (silver) switches or the new optical switch and I'm not sure how good that is for typing.

Mar 23rd, 2022 10:51 pm

VillageIdiot: Sr. Member; Aug 17, 2012; 916 posts; 942 upvotes; COQUITLAM

Mar 23rd, 2022 10:51 pm

M1K3Z0R wrote: ↑ You need to first find out what switches you want, this tends to be the most expensive phase of keyboard experimentation because everybody has different preferences, you can buy plenty of keyboards in your quest to find the ultimate one. You need to experience and feel the switches yourself to get a good idea what you prefer, unfortunately most big box stores only carry a very limited range that you can demo in person.

Since you don't care for RGB and gaming features, that broadens up your options to almost anything really.

Just buy a switch tester that comes with a variety of different switches. Preferably one that have more than just Cherry + Gateron.

+1

Mar 24th, 2022 12:19 pm

j3390659: Member; Jul 16, 2008; 464 posts; 213 upvotes; ON

Mar 24th, 2022 12:19 pm

VillageIdiot wrote: ↑ Just buy a switch tester that comes with a variety of different switches. Preferably one that have more than just Cherry + Gateron.

I am only able to find separate switches for Cherry and Gateron but not all-in-one.

Care to share where did you find yours?

Mar 24th, 2022 1:33 pm

VillageIdiot: Sr. Member; Aug 17, 2012; 916 posts; 942 upvotes; COQUITLAM

Mar 24th, 2022 1:33 pm

j3390659 wrote: ↑ I am only able to find separate switches for Cherry and Gateron but not all-in-one.

Care to share where did you find yours?

Aliexpress has some.

KBDFans has some with more variety

Note: KBDFans charges USD and ships by DHL so shipping will be expensive.

Ya, it's expensive, but this may actually save money down the line if you're unsure of what switch type + brand you prefer. That and well, the custom keyboard hobby is expensive. It's why most people just get retail boards.

Mar 24th, 2022 2:30 pm

Riffer: Deal Addict; Feb 6, 2003; 2033 posts; 360 upvotes; COU

Mar 24th, 2022 2:30 pm

I highly recommend Keychron.

I have a Keychron K8 V2 and a K2 V2; Both with Blue switches.

I use the K8 for office work along with a Motospeed K22 on the rare occasion I need a keypad.

The K2 is just for the entertainment centre. I don't think I could adapt to the tight spacing if I had to use it for main keyboard.

One thing. If anyone who reads this is using linux you will have to run some commands to get the F keys to work.

Another thing I didn't realize, as I had never used a xUSBx (edit I mean Blu Tooth) peripheral before - The signal isn't that strong and wouldn't pass from the motherboard of my HTPC until I dug out the antenna from the spares box.

They are clicky, but not as klicky as the Redragon's I used before.

edit: You definitely don't want blue switches. Maybe brown?

Last edited by Riffer on Apr 18th, 2022 10:43 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Mar 24th, 2022 4:01 pm

VillageIdiot: Sr. Member; Aug 17, 2012; 916 posts; 942 upvotes; COQUITLAM

Mar 24th, 2022 4:01 pm

I wouldn't buy any Keychron unless it's the new Q series. The older ones are outdated now unless you want bluetooth.

The Keychron Q series are actually pretty good entry level customs.

Mar 25th, 2022 7:20 pm

M1K3Z0R: Deal Fanatic; May 11, 2009; 7767 posts; 4501 upvotes; Trudostan

Mar 25th, 2022 7:20 pm

I was about to suggest a buckling spring keyboard from Unicomp - about as basic as it gets (Model M) but not quiet at all. Costs way too much shipped anyway.

I can personally recommend the Filco Majestouch. Also can speak for the Ducky One 2 and Hyper X Alloy origins, though they do have RGB which I love.

For that thock sound, you may need to put in some work. Thick PBT key caps, and likely some foam/coating inside the housing for sound dampening to get that desired sound. People spend stupid amounts of money in this hobby chasing the perfect sound/feel. Also keep in mind that no matter how a keyboard sounds in a video, it will likely be different in real life. Even the extension of the support feet can change the sound and feel.

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Mar 25th, 2022 7:42 pm

VillageIdiot: Sr. Member; Aug 17, 2012; 916 posts; 942 upvotes; COQUITLAM

Mar 25th, 2022 7:42 pm

M1K3Z0R wrote: ↑ I was about to suggest a buckling spring keyboard from Unicomp - about as basic as it gets (Model M) but not quiet at all. Costs way too much shipped anyway.

I can personally recommend the Filco Majestouch. Also can speak for the Ducky One 2 and Hyper X Alloy origins, though they do have RGB which I love.

For that thock sound, you may need to put in some work. Thick PBT key caps, and likely some foam/coating inside the housing for sound dampening to get that desired sound. People spend stupid amounts of money in this hobby chasing the perfect sound/feel. Also keep in mind that no matter how a keyboard sounds in a video, it will likely be different in real life. Even the extension of the support feet can change the sound and feel.

I'd get the Ducky One 3 instead, comes with hotswap.

The bad thing is that they don't seem to have a barebones model so you have to get Cherry switches, which are inferior now to even outdated basic Gateron switches.

+1

Mar 25th, 2022 9:13 pm

M1K3Z0R: Deal Fanatic; May 11, 2009; 7767 posts; 4501 upvotes; Trudostan

Mar 25th, 2022 9:13 pm

VillageIdiot wrote: ↑ I'd get the Ducky One 3 instead, comes with hotswap.

The bad thing is that they don't seem to have a barebones model so you have to get Cherry switches, which are inferior now to even outdated basic Gateron switches.

Ah yes, forgot about that one. Wish they would just come with an aluminium frame instead of those tacky colorways on the one 3.

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