Recommendation on a new Mech keyboard

[maritrunks]

Hey guys, I don't know too much about keyboards but I do like mechanical keyboards. I been using an old chinese branded keyboard from Dierya for like 5 years now, and it works great. Has brown otermu switches. It was my first mech keyboard, so budget keyboard as I didnt know if i wanted to invest into too much. Fast forward to today and my work gave me a new laptop with Windows 11 and for some reason, it doesnt work on windows 11. I confirmed this by testing on my other laptop that does have windows 11 and it doesnt work but works fine on Windows 10. Anyways, looks like I need a new mech keyboard for work and home use so good time to upgrade I guess.

What recommendations do you guys have for a keyboard with tactile brown switches (or equivilent) and that is mostly fullsize or 96% as I do like having a numpad as well.

I have seen so many on amazon from keychron and royal kludge and redragon with so many different models that I'm so confused and I would like to know what is a good recommendtion for something that has good quality and that can last while. Generally I'd like to stay under $100 budget but I can bump it up to $150 if something is really good.

 

[sswilson]

Mechanical keyboards above TKL/80% are relatively hard to come by.

Based on my own personal experience I'd have no problems recommending the Royal Kludge models I've used (RK84) but while they have both 96 and 100 key models I don't know what the build quality is like.

Maybe a Keychron in the $120 - $140 range?

There's currently a K10 pro full size on sale, or a V5 Max 96% w/ knob showing on amazon with brown switches for sub - $150.

 

[moocow]

You could try sellers similar to KPRepublic. I used them before and it's a 3.5 / 5 rating in my book. Shipping took a while since it's coming out of Hong Kong. But I wanted a hot swappable keyboard since I already had replacement switches (bad attempt at resoldering another KB).

bm980rgb bm980 rgb hot swappable Custom Mechanical Keyboard PCB progra

Pls pay attention: To avoid damaging PCB hot-swapping sockets, pls make sure your switches' pin is vertical, and you'd better not using used key switches with soldering tin. BM980 RGB PCB PCB dimension: approx. 37.4 x 12.4 cm Kit1:BM980 RGB PCB+BM980 Stabilizers Kit2:BM980 RGB PCB+Black Plastic...

kprepublic.com

 

[maritrunks]

Mechanical keyboards above TKL/80% are relatively hard to come by.

Based on my own personal experience I'd have no problems recommending the Royal Kludge models I've used (RK84) but while they have both 96 and 100 key models I don't know what the build quality is like.

Maybe a Keychron in the $120 - $140 range?

There's currently a K10 pro full size on sale, or a V5 Max 96% w/ knob showing on amazon with brown switches for sub - $150.

If I considered TKL, then what is the best bang for the buck keyboard right now? Also, I would prefer PBT keycaps if it's included

 

[sswilson]

For sub-$100 I really liked the build and feel of the RK84. Not sure I'm a huge fan of the keycaps though.... might want to look at picking up a set of double shot PBT clones.

 

[maritrunks]

For sub-$100 I really liked the build and feel of the RK84. Not sure I'm a huge fan of the keycaps though.... might want to look at picking up a set of double shot PBT clones.

I also found this one which is almost fullsize tri-mode hot swappable for $66, I just ordered this and will post on how it is.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0CMWJJXQK

Seems like it is from a company I never heard of but I can always return if I dont like it.

 

[sswilson]

It looks like it's got a full slate of sound deadening materials so it might be great. It's got reds though so you might want to consider replacing the switches if you like the feel of the main body. (A set of 110 Gateron Pros can probably be found for around $30 on aliexpress).

Let us know what you think when you get it.

edit: If you do decide to swap out the switches, it's a 3 pin socket so make sure you don't get 5 pin switches.

 

[maritrunks]

It looks like it's got a full slate of sound deadening materials so it might be great. It's got reds though so you might want to consider replacing the switches if you like the feel of the main body. (A set of 110 Gateron Pros can probably be found for around $30 on aliexpress).

Let us know what you think when you get it.

edit: If you do decide to swap out the switches, it's a 3 pin socket so make sure you don't get 5 pin switches.

I also found this one too for $50!

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0BDQWFB7L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

The only thing is I dont think this is hotswappable but not bad for $50

 

[maritrunks]

It looks like it's got a full slate of sound deadening materials so it might be great. It's got reds though so you might want to consider replacing the switches if you like the feel of the main body. (A set of 110 Gateron Pros can probably be found for around $30 on aliexpress).

Let us know what you think when you get it.

edit: If you do decide to swap out the switches, it's a 3 pin socket so make sure you don't get 5 pin switches.

It's on sale today with a $10 coupon now so $56! Mine already shipped though so I'll have to contact amazon to see if they can credit me or if I have to return and rebuy

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CMWJJXQK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[clshades]

Everest Max - Modular hotswap mechanical keyboard with displays

Sporting hotswap switches, display dial, configurable display keys, detachable numpad, media dock, per-key individual RGB illumination and so much more.

mountain.gg

I've been using this for about a year now. By far the best keyboard I've ever used or games on. When I don't need the numpad it does help with desktop space for gaming. Zero complaints and the WASD is holding up really well.