geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: TangoNovember on Sat, 18 July 2015, 18:23:32

Title: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Sat, 18 July 2015, 18:23:32

Hello everyone! I'm a new member to the keyboard community and in desperate need to start off my clicking and clacking. I am wondering what a good mechanical keyboard can be purchased around $100 USD (or less). Of course there is some wiggle room on the budget, but don't wander off too far! Thanks for your input and I apologize if there is another thread on this topic already.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: chyros on Sat, 18 July 2015, 18:46:05

Welcome to the community TN! Funny, those are also my initials ^^ .

Could you give us some pointers as to exactly what you're looking for in a keyboard? Here's a few things that would help along:

-would you prefer clicky, tactile or linear switches?
-do you have a light, medium or heavy typing hand?
-does the board have to be very sturdy or is build quality not a priority?
-does the board have to be new and/or do you have a PS/2 port?
-do you have any special requirements such as backlighting, board being very silent or exceptionally noisy, etc.?

Personally I would recommend everyone to start off with an old Alps board such as the Dell AT101W. These are very cheap (~$20), yet very well-built, and have a switch that is rather gradually tactile so between tactile and linear, and are loud enough to qualify almost as clicky, so they do everything, and should give you a good idea of what you might want in a switch. They're also common and available in American, European and Japanese layout. They do need a PS/2 port however - if you only have USB, you will need an active converter, or your computer won't understand the keyboard. Slightly more upmarket Alps boards (~$40-50) will get you more specialised, slightly higher-spec switches, though not necessarily in as sturdy a board as the AT101W.

Many people will advise you to go straight to Cherry boards, which have the advantage of being able to be bought new, and with USB connectors. Cherry switches are best enjoyed as linears however; if you prefer noticeably tactile switches, Cherry might not be ideal, or at least, not in my opinion.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Sat, 18 July 2015, 19:11:30

Okay, here we go:
- I prefer clicky switches (although I don't know what tactile means "keyboard-wise").
- I think I have a medium typing hand (again, not too sure).
- I would prefer a sturdy or good build quality.
- I can have either PS2 or USB.
- I would like backlighting, but it isn't an absolute necessity.
If I had to choose which switch I prefer, the Cherry MX Blue are it (or something similar). I have seen and was able to test the Dell AT101W and it is definitely something I liked (I was told it was the closest to a MX Blue switch in an old school keyboard). I should have included these details anyway, but I guess I forgot!  :-[

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: SpartanD63 on Sat, 18 July 2015, 19:44:09

Tactile means you can feel a "bump" or change in pressure(?) (not quite sure how to put it) to signal that you've pressed a key.

If you want a sturdy, super clicky, tactile keyboard and modern features aren't necessary, I'd go with an IBM, Lexmark, or Unicomp Model M. They work great for medium-heavy typists and are stupidly durable. (Mine's from 88 and still looks, feels, and works great!)

Of course, the keys require more pressure than MX blues and you don't get Windows keys unless you go with a Unicomp.

In terms of MX boards, I've heard good things about the CM Storm Quickfires, but I haven't tried them personally. (Not much of an MX guy myself)

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: uJalled on Sat, 18 July 2015, 20:01:19

http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-TK-Mechanical/dp/B00A378L4C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437267659&sr=8-1&keywords=coolermaster+storm+quickfire&pebp=1437267663762&perid=1P56ZFWYSZMC857RVDJ8

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Sat, 18 July 2015, 20:08:31

The Quickfire is an option, but I would like white LED backlighting. I know that might be a stretch, but I'm trying to see what options I have. I would also prefer a full keyboard, but I really don't think I have to be solid on that.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: chyros on Sat, 18 July 2015, 20:39:35

Quote from: TangoNovember on Sat, 18 July 2015, 19:11:30

Okay, here we go:
- I prefer clicky switches (although I don't know what tactile means "keyboard-wise").
- I think I have a medium typing hand (again, not too sure).
- I would prefer a sturdy or good build quality.
- I can have either PS2 or USB.
- I would like backlighting, but it isn't an absolute necessity.
If I had to choose which switch I prefer, the Cherry MX Blue are it (or something similar). I have seen and was able to test the Dell AT101W and it is definitely something I liked (I was told it was the closest to a MX Blue switch in an old school keyboard). I should have included these details anyway, but I guess I forgot!  :-[

Tactile means there is a bump in the keytravel, i.e. it is not linear. Clicky switches are tactile in which a separate clicker mechanism is added to make it louder. In other words, "tactile" keyboards are boards with a bump in the travel, but no added clicker. This is usually done so as not to cause too much noise, for instance in open offices.

From what you're telling me you can start with several boards. Personally I find typing noise to be an important factor for clicky switches. It may be a good idea to listen to some typing videos on youtube to get a feel for the kind of noise the various switches make that have been described so far. Have a listen and tell us which kind of noise you like.

Another question; do you intend to do lots of typing, lots of gaming, or a mixture of both?

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Sat, 18 July 2015, 21:16:23

As far as noise goes, I like the sound of the Blue switches, buckle springs and the tactile switches (?). I also intend to do a mixture of both gaming and typing. I hope this information isn't too confusing. One thing I like to point out is that I've tried multiple MX Switches and as stated before, I like the blues best ( the other ones not so much). As far as older stuff, the buckle spring and hybrids are also good.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Sat, 18 July 2015, 21:46:57

Well, it looks like I've fallen in love with the ten-keyless designs! More options to choose from now?

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Sun, 19 July 2015, 09:55:41

I've been constantly looking around for keyboards and I might have found a solution to my problem. Instead of looking on eBay and other sites that sell brand name keyboards for cheaper, I might just end up making a custom WASD Keyboard. I'll be spending an extra $50, but I get a custom full set of keycaps and a coloration choice of my own. I do, however, lose the backlighting aspect, but I might not even need that anyway. I guess my budget has gone up as well. Now it might be up to $200. I'm still thinking about it, though, so if you have any suggestions, recommend them! Thanks!

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: Snowdog993 on Sun, 19 July 2015, 11:17:17

Quote from: TangoNovember on Sun, 19 July 2015, 09:55:41

I've been constantly looking around for keyboards and I might have found a solution to my problem. Instead of looking on eBay and other sites that sell brand name keyboards for cheaper, I might just end up making a custom WASD Keyboard. I'll be spending an extra $50, but I get a custom full set of keycaps and a coloration choice of my own. I do, however, lose the backlighting aspect, but I might not even need that anyway. I guess my budget has gone up as well. Now it might be up to $200. I'm still thinking about it, though, so if you have any suggestions, recommend them! Thanks!

Maybe get lucky and find an IBM or Lexmark SSK for under $200.  I might be possible.  If your budget is expanded that far, I would seriously pursue something like that.  Be patient.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Sun, 19 July 2015, 16:46:24

[attachimg=1] What do you guys think of this design?

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Mon, 20 July 2015, 21:36:40

Well I just ordered a WASD Keyboard. It seemed like the cheapest option for me, especially for a custom keyboard. I just hate how there is no backlit "CODE" keyboard with MX Blue switches. I'll probably also purchase a Dell or IBM keyboard in the future, but for now I'll be using a WASD one!

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: PicklesKill on Mon, 20 July 2015, 22:02:22

Since he went with ward code does anyone know if there Vim key cap set is printed or shot?

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 21 July 2015, 05:51:55

@ TangoNovember.

What you do is..  You DON'T BUY a keyboard for another few weeks to save another $100..

And then you use the $200 to buy an --ERGODOX--....



seriously,   MOST of us around here who's stuck around has at least 5 to 15, $100 keyboards.

And in the end,  They're all --meh--..   

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: MJ45 on Tue, 21 July 2015, 11:54:45

Quote from: tp4tissue on Tue, 21 July 2015, 05:51:55

@ TangoNovember.

What you do is..  You DON'T BUY a keyboard for another few weeks to save another $100..

And then you use the $200 to buy an --ERGODOX--....



seriously,   MOST of us around here who's stuck around has at least 5 to 15, $100 keyboards.

And in the end,  They're all --meh--..

Forget about ErgoDox, add $120 and get a HHKB Pro2 from Elitekeyboards on sale for $220.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 21 July 2015, 15:12:51

Quote from: MJ45 on Tue, 21 July 2015, 11:54:45

Quote from: tp4tissue on Tue, 21 July 2015, 05:51:55

@ TangoNovember.

What you do is..  You DON'T BUY a keyboard for another few weeks to save another $100..

And then you use the $200 to buy an --ERGODOX--....



seriously,   MOST of us around here who's stuck around has at least 5 to 15, $100 keyboards.

And in the end,  They're all --meh--..

Forget about ErgoDox, add $120 and get a HHKB Pro2 from Elitekeyboards on sale for $220.

HHKB and all rectangular keyboards fall under the Meh, category. 


Split design is the 1-true-path..


 (http://www.msgking.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/onion-avatar119.gif)

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: Shaussman on Tue, 21 July 2015, 15:18:35

Nah, a nice square 75% or 10keyed 60% is where it's at

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Tue, 21 July 2015, 16:59:51

I do think the split keyboards are interesting, but I'm just not ready to split my boards.  :-[

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: Air tree on Tue, 21 July 2015, 18:35:22

Quote from: tp4tissue on Tue, 21 July 2015, 15:12:51

Quote from: MJ45 on Tue, 21 July 2015, 11:54:45

Quote from: tp4tissue on Tue, 21 July 2015, 05:51:55

@ TangoNovember.

What you do is..  You DON'T BUY a keyboard for another few weeks to save another $100..

And then you use the $200 to buy an --ERGODOX--....



seriously,   MOST of us around here who's stuck around has at least 5 to 15, $100 keyboards.

And in the end,  They're all --meh--..

Forget about ErgoDox, add $120 and get a HHKB Pro2 from Elitekeyboards on sale for $220.

HHKB and all rectangular keyboards fall under the Meh, category. 


Split design is the 1-true-path..


 

Show Image

(http://www.msgking.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/onion-avatar119.gif)

uTron or bust.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: jukaduke1184 on Wed, 22 July 2015, 21:19:36

Coolermaster has some for under $100. However, the quality can be iffy sometimes.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: jerr on Sun, 26 July 2015, 03:24:52

Check ebay, that's where I found my keyboard

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Tue, 28 July 2015, 16:45:28

Well, after about a week of unbearable waiting, its here! I received my custom WASD keyboard and I am quite impressed how my design came out. THe colors popped out more than I expected (which is a good thing) and the keys feel great. I'm glad I finally joined the mechanical keyboard community!

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: MJ45 on Tue, 28 July 2015, 17:28:19

Looks awesome welcome to the world of mechanical keyboards, nice first choice.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: TangoNovember on Wed, 29 July 2015, 22:28:57

Thanks for all the welcomes and support. I assure all of you I am enjoying this experience!  ;)

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: Dreamre on Wed, 29 July 2015, 23:23:23

Congrats on your first board! You'll be itching for another one soon...:))!

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: ynrozturk on Fri, 31 July 2015, 10:34:08

Must say I like the color scheme, looks great.

Title: Re: Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?
Post by: mikes41720 on Fri, 31 July 2015, 10:59:44

Quote from: TangoNovember on Wed, 29 July 2015, 22:28:57

Thanks for all the welcomes and support. I assure all of you I am enjoying this experience!  ;)

Welcome to the community, man! That's a great first choice. Reading all the previous replies, I would have suggested the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i. It's tenkeyless, has white LED's, has Cherry MX Blue switches and has great build quality! It's also the board I currently have, so I might be a bit biased.  :))