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Some Good Keyboards
These keyboards aren’t good enough for the above positions or they don’t have a good look. They are still worth a look.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% off $300: Razer’s newest and latest keyboard does everything right but is very expensive (7/10, WRED Review). The Pro keeps the same power switches and gasket system of the original BlackWidow V4 75% and adds wireless connectivity, a new dial on the side, and a customizable OLED screen next to it. These upgrades don’t justify the $110 price drop, but they are very well done and come together to make an impressive keyboard if you can find it on sale.
Cherry XTRFY MX 3.1 for $119: Cherry’s latest entry into the gaming arena is a large, RGB-heavy keyboard that comes with its own. new version of MX2A and “noise reduction design” to reduce typing noise. This keyboard is a solid option with great sound, bright RGB, and a solid metal chassis. Although it’s a bit rough around the edges compared to other keyboards in this series, it has a solid build, and Cherry switches have proven themselves time and time again to be durable and reliable.
Vooting 60HE + for $175: Between the outdated installation process and the long wait for delivery, I can’t recommend the 60HE over Keychron’s Q1 HE. While I think it’s a great Hall keyboard, it lacks the polish and refinement that the Keychron offers. The 60HE still uses a tray mount system that, while modular, doesn’t feel or feel comfortable to type on. Along with that, the plastic case is disappointing for the price; it was a legitimate time to sell Hall custom switches, but Keychron offers an all-metal keyboard, with a gasket for about $50 more, and I think this switch is worth the money unless you like the 60% layout or want the ability to use a variety of 60HE cases.
Cherry KC 200 MX for $90: The KC 200 MX is a simple and barebones keyboard that doesn’t add anything new, or take away anything important. It’s a mechanical mechanical keyboard complete with Cherry MX2A switchmetal plate, and almost everything. It’s not customizable, it’s not customizable, but I can confidently say that it will be strong, reliable, and fun to write with for years to come.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-S for $360: Although the new studio has replaced this model as my choice for developers, the old version is still good if you want something simple, or a unique design. The interface is still good and the Topre switches – a kinda-membrane, kinda-mechanical switch with a deep typing sound and a nice, rounded feel – are fun to type on. In addition, these keyboards have a large panel with market segments and tips on how to customize them. The Pro Hybrid Type-S has extras like Bluetooth connectivity and locking rings. It can also be configured using HHKB’s proprietary software, although there is no need to modify the existing interface unless you need a macro or change a function. It’s easy to find on the used market for about half the price, making it a reasonable option for the Studio.
Melgeek Made68 for $149: With a minimalistic approach to its design and a striking white and purple color scheme, Made68 has a large table that stands out from the crowd. Additionally, the depth adjustment of Melgeek’s Gateron-Supplied Hall Effect switches means that significant changes can be made to the typing of this keyboard, even down to the distance of the same keys. The exterior can also be customized, with removable side panels and a rear light switch. Diffusers are available here in black, green, and red each has new silver panels. However, you will need a screwdriver set to remove any of these panels, as an Allen wrench is not included with the keyboard. Overall, Made68 sounds and feels good to type. The tray mount isn’t ideal for typing, but typing difficulties aren’t as prominent here as other similar keyboards. At this price, writing a few mistakes is a good way to customize the Hall Effect with a satisfying loose sound.
Changing Instructions
Photo: Henry Robbins
Switches are a big part of a mechanical keyboard – if you already have a keyboard, try swapping out the switches if you need a new one. I’m working on listing my favorite switches, but below are my suggestions if you want a silent, tactile, or linear switch.
Silent Change
One of the things that my friends and family often ask me about is silent switches. For co-workers, roommates, family members, or friends, the constant clicks and punches of a mechanical keyboard can be overwhelming. There are silent and silent versions, but I find the silent lines to be the most acceptable in terms of feel and quietness. However, even the best silent switches can be heard a little turn it off compared to the non-silent transition.
The best converter available today is Haimu Heartbeat ($11 for 36 changes). When heated, this switch is silent and, best of all, it can do this without the “mushy” or “squishy” feeling that comes with being silent. Instead, it has a clean and slightly soft bottom-out that is only given away by the lack of a clear response to follow. In the second place they are a little quieter Gazzew Bobagum. The switch is almost dead-quiet, and although it has a “mushy” feel to the bottom-out silicone, it’s not bad if the other switch is as smooth as this one. If you’re a light photographer who doesn’t press down on the keys, or don’t mind going down a bit, this is great too.
Linear Switch
System updates are usually a system update option. My two favorites are from Gateron: Oil King change ($49 for 70) and Cream Soda Variations ($53 for 70). Oil Kings are one of the best switches available today. Out of the box, it’s smooth, clear, and requires zero adjustments. You don’t need to paint them, paint them, replace the springs, or anything else. Just put them in the keyboard, and you’re golden. Cream Soda variations, on the other hand, are a great mix of different technologies. Using a long stem to get the most out of the ground, the owner Ink plastic for a smooth and deep sound, and the factory oil that is similar to the flavors in the hand, feels very good and sounds good out of the box, although it can still benefit from adding a film.
Tactile Change
I find that many people look for the wrong things when shopping for tactile switches. While fancy switches with prominent bumps are popular on the internet, I find these types of switches often have a poor feel to them and are difficult for the average person to adjust. Instead, I always recommend something in the middle: a nice, responsive stroke that isn’t so loud that it interferes with typing or feels uncomfortable over long periods of time.
The classics always help: Durock T1 ($45 for 110) Switches are a great starting point, and I’ve always had a soft spot for them Novelkeys’ Cream Tactile ($12 for 10) switches, although you may need to break them a little more than other switches. Drop’s Holy Pandas ($42 for 35) they often deserve to be popular – they’re solid, heavy that feels good to write, and I always like them Bomb U4T for their excellent record and massive hits.
Avoid These Keyboards
Not every keyboard is perfect. Here are a few that I don’t think are worth the price.
Satechi SM1 for $99: I don’t feel pressured or inspired by this keyboard in any way, and when you spend $100 or more on a keyboard, it does. they should be inspiring, or at least fun to use. Typing on the SM1 is difficult even on a low-end keyboard. It feels clumsy to write on, has a shallow and scratchy press, and the texture doesn’t feel solid at all. Even though I’m a mechanic, I would compare the user experience to a built-in laptop keyboard in terms of design and style. Combine this with the lack of any customization software (which means a fixed setting) and the use of color switches with no heat transfer capabilities, the Satechi SM1 is an all-around amazing keyboard, especially compared to other high-end keyboards in the same price range.
HiGround Opal Base 65 for $120: In my tests (5/10, WRED Review), I found the Opal Base 65 fell behind the competition in almost every way. With a tray assembly, solid software, and a one-piece plastic case, I can’t find any reason to choose this keyboard over any other.
KSI Wombat Willow for $145: I wanted to like this keyboard, because it has everything for me they should such as: unique layouts, metal case, PBT keycaps, and Gateron switches. But it doesn’t go that well. Typing sounds dull and noisy, the typing angles are flat or almost flat, and for some reason, every time I turn on Caps Lock, it just says “20 02 00” (and after a factory reset, it says “01 06 07” instead) . I haven’t found a solution to this problem using KSI’s WB Pouch software. However, it does some smart things: The number pad is positioned so that the Enter key is pressed with the thumb while using it, and the two rows of Function keys align most of the keys vertically to save horizontal space. I wish the assembly and polishing matched the good vision of the keyboard because the idea itself is interesting.
