Suggestions for budget mechanical keyboard?

[Nimz]

Can you guys please tell me what mechanical keyboards at this time are considered to be the best bang for the buck. I am looking for a nice mechanical keyboard for gaming that will last me a good amount of time. I am not looking for anything amazing, just decent build quality and good key precision. Figured I would ask you guys since you know what you're talking about, and I didn't want to end up with something that falls apart in a week. :<

So far, I've found the ione scorpius m10, but have read that the quality is hit or miss? Another one I saw that I liked is the Adesso mkb-125b for ~$55 on bhphotovideo. The fact that it's compact only cuts down on the right side of the keyboard right? It doesn't effect the actual lettering, correct?

Thanks for any help guys, I'm a noob.

[wellington1869]

The adesso mkb-125b looks really interesting (should not affect basic lettering, you can see a closeup of the keyboard layout and decide for yourself of course). It has blue cherries, and claims N-key, and is "compact".  All of which should make it quite good for gaming (cue Deck fans). Good price point too.

specs from adesso site:
http://www.adesso.com/en/home/keyboards/mechanical-keyboard/306-mkb-125b.html

bhphotovideo page on it:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/696849-REG/Adesso_MKB_125B_Compact_Mechanical_Keyboard.html#specifications.

At $55 its a screaming blue cherry deal, by the way. Does not get much cheaper than $55-60 range (unless you happen to have a drunken indian cousin).

As for quality, at this range it will always be hit or miss - but you know what? $130 blue cherry boards are - guess what - hit or miss too.  I can give you links if you doubt that.

If you're paranoid (and you shouldnt be), I notice bh offers a 2 year protection plan for a mere $10, which is like two cups of coffee at starbucks. Get it and get peace of mind if you want.

Since you're buying it new, you will have some price protection as most vendors will have decent return policies. I say go for it. If you're looking for a bargain on a gaming mechanical, this is a good one -- its a good bargain at $55, has n-key (they say, you can test it when it arrives),  nice and compact (your mouse will be closer to the keyboard cuz the board is compact), and bhphotovideo has excellent service (I shop there all the time in person in manhattan, its a really fun store by the way).

[wellington1869]

(as an aside, there are only two boards I would unqualifyingly recommend as consistent in 'quality' - one is the M (of nearly any age, yea rivets blah blah blah), and the other is topre (if you have $300 bucks lying around). Everything else will always be hit or miss, and thats okay so long as you have good return policy from vendor. You have to assume that trial-error is going to be part of the process of finding a board that works for you. This is a niche industry with niche boards for niche people.)

[ironman31]

well it seems like the razor black widdow is a decent price for cherry blues. Not sure about the quality though. And you can always pick up a cherry corp. keyboard from ebay. The model numbers to look for have "g80" in the full model number if you want mx switches (i.e. brown, blue, black, red). There are some other model numbers, but they get kind of complicated, pretty sure we have a wiki on it.

And most keyboards won't mess with the spacing of the alpha section of the keyboard.

[KillerBee]

I'm a noob.

Try and buy a cheap M and start from there. I dont know if I could be quoted on this but the majority of us started with an M or managed to use one in some point in our life.

[kill will]

I would also suggest a Model M or Unicomp.

[washuai]

I'd definitely agree that IBM Model Ms are probably the most consistent product for a certain standard of quality and price.  You can try Alps and ebay cherry roulette, but if you like clicky, just get IBM Model M if you're being cheap (cost wise).

Yea, I touched Apple and Dell Alps and IBM M, before I finally owned my first Filco.  My ebay adventures came after that trying to get a cheap board for work and I finally ended up with Topre, so far from cheap.  

That said if you're after browns, ebay used or long time in that box NIB can be had around $40.

[Pylon]

I'd also regularly check out yard sales. A lot of the people may be offering decent mechanicals, and they may not know how much they're worth, so they'd let say an Omnikey or an M go for a buck or two since "well, that's just some old beige keyboard".

[keyboardlover]

The adesso mkb-125b looks really interesting (should not affect basic lettering, you can see a closeup of the keyboard layout and decide for yourself of course). It has blue cherries, and claims N-key, and is "compact".  All of which should make it quite good for gaming (cue Deck fans). Good price point too.

The 125B is NOT NKRO. Only the 135B (fullsize) is.

For gaming I reccomend Cherry browns if you'll be typing as much as gaming and cherry blacks if you'll only be gaming. You'll also probably need 6 key rollover for gaming. Check this wiki:

[keyboardlover]

And if you are OK with a full sized Blue Cherry and that gawdawful logo the Rosewill is the Filco/Das killer.

Does that make it a Ducky killer too? =)

[NewbieOneKenobi]

If you want bargains, I think you'll need to scout the Classifieds here and auctions on E-Bay, going with what you find, without much planning ahead. When you find something that offers a good quality to price ratio and the shipment cost is low to boot, then you move in for the kill during the last minute of the auction, putting in already the max amount you'd be willing to bet. Unless it's Buy Now.

[KillerBee]

I completely forgot about the Omnikey that would be a killer beginner board! Heck I know if I would have found an Omnikey before the M I would have Omnikey Madness

collectors here that like to look at labels really notice that much of a typing difference.

I know you where thinking of me when you said that...
MUST FIND EARLIER M'S ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Nimz]

Thanks for all the info guys!

Can you guys tell me about this board? I was wondering about this one as I can get it in person. It's always a plus to not have to wait for shipping.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0318832

They also have the MKB-135b in stock but its $100 :<

[WhiteRice]

microcenter pisses me off. Every week they list an open box version of that keyboard, I've tried to reserve it like five times and they cancel morning of, every time. Just some stupid gimmick they use to get people to the store.

[washuai]

I don't consider IBM Model Ms necessarily the best starter keyboard if it's consistency you want.  Generally you'll be buying a used one, not a NIB one, so it's hit and miss.  

And Topres are too damn expensive for a first mechanical.

This is what I list in the "Geekhack Mechanical Keyboard Guide" as the "sweet spot" right now.



I'm tempted to take the Scorpius off the list because earlier this year it STILL had soldering problems and like I said the Model M is the classic but becoming less and less of a "deal" every year.   Unicomp's are fine and only the collectors here that like to look at labels really notice that much of a typing difference.  And if you are OK with a full sized Blue Cherry and that gawdawful logo the Rosewill is the Filco/Das killer.

Who recommended Topre?  I mentioned I ended up there, but clearly it wasn't my first mechanical, nor my cheapest, either.  Maybe not so clearly it involved special circumstances (tenkeyless not clicky, no Ricercar SPOS availability, etc.).  
I was recommending IBM Model M (which you did, as well) and compaq/Cherry browns from ebay.  Blues generally cost more and Alps or cherry blacks often involve more acquired tastes.

What I meant is a more consistent ratio of money to quality with IBMs.  Sure the lesser specimens aren't as enjoyable, but working is still kickin' domes off the top of the hill.  For the $30 or less bargains, the alps are likely to be scratchy and there aren't cherry MX options.

[Lanx]

both the siig and addesso you mentioned have the inverted enter L and short/small backspace, don't know if that'd be an issue for you.

[Nimz]

That's not a huge deal to me. The one thing that I don't like is the fact that the compact adesso's esc and F keys are moved over to the right. I would like to stay away from that if possible. The little backspace would be annoying, but I think I would get used to it.

[Voixdelion]

They also have the MKB-135b in stock but its $100 :<

Better price on the MKB-135b (My current daily driver  <3)

Amazon.com $74.88 + Free Shipping = but listed as "Pro Mechanical gaming kyb"

http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-MKB-135B-Pro-Mechanical-Gaming/dp/B0038KN6GO
     
 
$70.30 + S/H  (about $5-$6 to Los Angeles, CA) from BH Photo:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/696851-REG/Adesso_MKB_135B_MECH_TACTL_USB_KEYBRD_2.html

or $81.34  (Free Shipping) from Buy.com @ ebAY

[aegrotatio]

SIIG mechanical is allegedly the same as DSI ASK-6600.  Save your money and get the DSI version.

[TexasFlood]

Thanks for all the info guys!

Can you guys tell me about this board? I was wondering about this one as I can get it in person. It's always a plus to not have to wait for shipping.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0318832

They also have the MKB-135b in stock but its $100 :<

I just checked it, $79.99 right now.  Oops, wasn't paying attention.  It's the SIIG USB Desktop Keyboard that is $79.99, the MKB-135b is $99.99.

[muchadoaboutnothing]

I'd spend $5 over the Adesso to get an NKRO Cherry Blue Rosewill RK-9000.

Chiefvalue will ship tomorrow with UPS 3 Day Select. Even if you're on the other coast you'll get it no later than Friday.

[TexasFlood]

I'd spend $5 over the Adesso to get an NKRO Cherry Blue Rosewill RK-9000.

Chiefvalue will ship tomorrow with UPS 3 Day Select. Even if you're on the other coast you'll get it no later than Friday.

I got one and really like it.  Shipped fast to.

[vann]

This is what I list in the "Geekhack Mechanical Keyboard Guide" as the "sweet spot" right now.

I'm tempted to take the Scorpius off the list because earlier this year it STILL had soldering problems ...

I face the same dilemma as the OP. As my budget can't afford much for a keyboard, in foreseeable time... I thought IOne Scorpius M10 USB Mechanical Keyswitch Keyboard fits my needs.

Reasons for the choice.
Cheapest keyboard with cherry blue switches. And I'm no stranger to a soldering iron... I'm aware of poor assembly problems, but none of those shouldn't be too much of a problem to repair myself.
Only 2 NKRO, but than again I don't think cherry blues will suit me for gaming (which I do less and less in last few years). Maybe a separate cherry blacks keyboard will fit that requirement in some latter time.
Rosewill RK-9000 is tempting but the difference between cheapest (keyboard+shipping) Scorpius M10 and Rosewill is more than $30. NKRO aside, is the Rosewill RK-9000 that better than Scorpius M10?

What I'd also like to ask is... I've heard rumors (at some forums, but I couldn't find it again to link it) that IOne started to use other switches in Scorpius M10. Can somebody confirm this?
Has somebody here bought Scorpius M10 lately?

[muchadoaboutnothing]

What I'd also like to ask is... I've heard rumors (at some forums, but I couldn't find it again to link it) that IOne started to use other switches in Scorpius M10. Can somebody confirm this?
Has somebody here bought Scorpius M10 lately?

We had a discussion on someone getting an M10 with simplified alps here.

I'd go for the RK-9000 - from what I understand the M10 had some build quality issues (I've also heard from others that they were resolved).

[vann]

Rosewill RK-9000's price is same as non-iluminated Razer BlackWidow's...
Razer BlackWidow is only 2NKRO, according to Ripster's Wiki entry. Rosewill (and it's logo) looks awful but has NKRO. Which one is a better quality... more and more to consider, I guess nothing is easy to decide on. :decision:
And going upper and upper in price, takes it closer to illuminated mechanical models and brands like Das, Filco... I have to resist that itching in my wallet.

Damn, I was almost resolved to go with the Scorpius M10... I might try to ask some of the resellers to check the switch type.

[Nimz]

This IBM doessn't  look like anything special to you guys, does it?

[WhiteRice]

This IBM doessn't  look like anything special to you guys, does it?

Show Image

I think I saw that same one in the modification section. Should be rubber dome.

[muchadoaboutnothing]

This IBM doessn't  look like anything special to you guys, does it?

I had one of those at work and it lead me to buy myself a Filco to use a work out of pocket.

[NewbieOneKenobi]

I think I saw that same one in the modification section. Should be rubber dome.

Yes, it was mine. It's the IBM SK-8820 rubber dome.

But it's certainly special for a rubber dome. I bought 3 of them for $3 each some time ago and broke my typing speed record the first or second time I tried, immediately after changing from using flat scissors boards for a year. Gave one to my friend, who used to have a Labtec (i.e. cheaper Logitech) and he loves it.

The mod I was pulling off there was putting a spring in the rod under the key. If you take a key off, you will notice that it has a rod underneath. That rod is what pushes down until it hits the rubber dimple below. This is different from how some other rubber keyboards are done, as far as I can tell.

If you find a dead Model M somewhere or otherwise acquire 105 tiny springs of the same size, you can have some fun with it. Otherwise you can still have fun for as much as a rubber keyboard is worth. This one enables very fast typing.

Thanks for all the info guys!

Can you guys tell me about this board? I was wondering about this one as I can get it in person. It's always a plus to not have to wait for shipping.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0318832

They also have the MKB-135b in stock but its $100 :<

Dude, I think that's the Solidtek ASK 6600 (simplified white Alps), although it could be something similar, the look is still pretty generic. If it really is ASK 6600, you can have it for $44 off DSI:

http://www.notestation.com/fullsizealpsmechanicalswitchkeyboardask-6600.htm

[NewbieOneKenobi]

Thanks for all the info guys!

Can you guys tell me about this board? I was wondering about this one as I can get it in person. It's always a plus to not have to wait for shipping.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0318832

They also have the MKB-135b in stock but its $100 :<

Dude, I think that's the Solidtek ASK 6600 (simplified white Alps), although it could be something similar, the look is still pretty generic. If it really is ASK 6600, you can have it for $44 off DSI:

http://www.notestation.com/fullsizealpsmechanicalswitchkeyboardask-6600.htm

[Voixdelion]

I think the best answer requires further clarification - main 2  things:

1- where is it going to be shipped and  

2- define "budget"


additional minor details include: do you need frills, tenkeyless, NKRO, bling, etc.

(and re the Adesso: full size (BUT NOT THE 125)  135b =NKRO cherry blue +USB hubs and audio Jacks. I would like to know how it compares directly to the Rosewill myself in terms of typing but since they are in direct competition I don't know that anyone has tried both of these two to compare...)

[zefrer]

Any suggestions for a brown cherry board under 100 euro in Europe?

[steeef]

So the MK-135B is the cheapest option for cherry blues? I'd like to try that particular switch out, but not for $70. Still haven't seen anything on Ebay worth picking up.

[keyb_gr]

Any suggestions for a brown cherry board under 100 euro in Europe?

Nope. (Well, you could do a special order @Cherry, or rather keybo.de - but that may have to be like 50 pieces.)

[zefrer]

Was afraid of that.

Any suggestions for a good/decent mechanical keyboard for under 100 euro in Europe that doesn't use cherry blues?

[twn2]

So the MK-135B is the cheapest option for cherry blues? I'd like to try that particular switch out, but not for $70. Still haven't seen anything on Ebay worth picking up.

So you think $70 for MKB-135B is too high? I don't have any idea that how much should this one be, but I don't see any MKB-135B lower than $70 including shipping.

I think Ione Scorpius M10 is a cheaper cherry blue than MKB-135B, but it seems that there are some problems on soldering.

[steeef]

If I decided that I liked blues over other switches and wanted something permanent, no it's not too high. I'm still undecided on switches, but I managed to find a Compaq 11800 on Ebay for $25 so I could try out brown switches. No such luck on the blue front.

[keyb_gr]

Any suggestions for a good/decent mechanical keyboard for under 100 euro in Europe that doesn't use cherry blues?

New? You can get G80-3000s with clears in a few layouts and blacks in all of them, plus G84s with ML switches (these are usually compact layouts though, otherwise those MLs aren't too far from browns except they're lower travel and not that fond of off-center presses). Then there's the Steelseries 6G v2 (blacks).

That's about it, I think.

[aegrotatio]

So the MK-135B is the cheapest option for cherry blues? I'd like to try that particular switch out, but not for $70. Still haven't seen anything on Ebay worth picking up.

I've been seeing the smaller MKB-125B on the eBay and in fact picked one up from the post office today.

I find the sound of the Cherry Blues rather obnoxious and unnecessary.  On the same token I really enjoy clicky ALPS and Model M buckling spring to be quite pleasant, so it's a matter of taste.  Buy one of each!!!  Something about the Cherry Blue sound makes me not like them too much which led me to buy my prized Das Keyboard Pro "Silent" with silent Cherry Brown switches, instead.  I think the high-pitched Cherry Blue "hear me everybody" click is a little over the top for my taste.

[maxlugar]

For a first mechancial keyboard, get a sealed NIB Chicony KB-5181 with so called blue Monterey key switches.  The 5181 is ugly, but superior to most of the recommendations so far.

You can still find sealed NIB Chicony KB-5181 keyboards for sale (like the ones in my stash)  :-)

[aegrotatio]

Yes, Maxlugar has a great suggestion.  I got one and it's a pleasant, but quaint, rare keyboard that is still very affordable.

[zefrer]

Thanks for the suggestions guys

The Chicony I've been looking for but they are not readily available in europe and work out to about $130 with shipping + tax after that. It would come up to 120 euro in all I think. I see didja selling one on ebay US btw

I don't like cherry blacks either so the steelseries is out also.

What I'm looking for is a keyboard for typing to introduce mechanical keyboards to a friend, not for me, so has to not look like the Chicony . No blacks, no blues. Bit of a vain quest I think, might go get a filco with browns.

[arc2]

Can anyone advise if the following keyboard is mechanical ?

Chicony Model: KB-5312

Many thanks.

[steeef]

You mean this one?:
http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=108187&postcount=1301
Rubber dome, non-mechanical. Sorry.

[keyb_gr]

Believe it or not, I sold this one recently. Yes, sold - not for anything close to a fortune, of course, but still. The matrix routing seems to be rather cursor-key-gaming-friendly, and the proud new owner's previous sample had developed some problems so he was happy to obtain a replacement.

Not bad considering that originally I wasn't sure whether to toss it. One man's trash...

[arc2]

My own approach to getting a cheap mechanical keyboard has been to ask my work colleagues to keep a look out for older keyboards with the promise of me buying them a few pints if they find me a mechanical one.

I now have a compaq mx 11800 which one of the guys found in a cupboard in work lol. I believe it uses cherry brown switches and I do like the feel a lot. I miss the windows key though.

Also I have a viglen 6312-tw keyboard which although not fully mechanical still produces a clicky type noise on typing.

Similar to the board in the below article I believe.

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:4411&&highlight=6312

If anyone from the uk is interested I found this on ebay. (I am not the seller btw)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230541195243&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

As I said this keyboard is described as  clicky hammer on membrane switches, and although quite nice to type on, I find it awkward to use as the keys will only depress easily when pressed in the centre of the key, requiring a lot of pressure when pressed off-centre. (I am sure there is a technical term for this)

I also may be able to get my hands on a Cherry Electrical (G84-4100) board, is this worth looking at ?

[8_INCH_FLOPPY]

The keyboard that is the "best bang for your buck" is the one you find at a garage sale/swap meet/ thrift store, decide you like the feel of, spend <$5 for , and don't have to clean up.  So far, I've only found 2 AT/usb/ps2 keyboards that I didn't have to spend 1+ hour(s) cleaning out, but they do exist.

[keyb_gr]

Also I have a viglen tw-6312 keyboard which although not fully mechanical still produces a clicky type noise on typing.

Similar to the board in the below article I believe.

Could easily be a rebrand.

As I said this keyboard is described as  clicky hammer on membrane switches, and although quite nice to type on, I find it awkward to use as the keys will only depress easily when pressed in the centre of the key, requiring a lot of pressure when pressed off-centre. (I am sure there is a technical term for this)

My Alcatel Acer with the older black mechanisms does not do that. If they are anything like real Alps, the most likely reason would be dust inside that causes increased friction.

I also may be able to get my hands on a Cherry Electrical (G84-4100) board, is this worth looking at ?

ML switches aren't bad, similar to browns but a bit rougher, with less travel and increased friction upon off-center presses. Their biggest problem is the kind of boards they are used in, typically compact layouts like the G84-4100 which tend to feel cramped.