Help needed: Cheap no frills mechanical keyboard

[somethin295]

Hi,

I'm completely new to the world of mechanical keyboards. I have done some research, and now I know just a little bit more. I'm thinking of getting one, however, being a student studying in the UK (not UK citizen), I have a budget, so I can't go around purchasing high-end keyboards (oh how I wish I could).

I've done some looking around, and this is what I found to be the cheapest (1st hand), name is 'Classic 104 Keys Mechanical Gaming Typing USB Keyboard for Windows XP/Vista/7' which has some sort of Alps switch or something.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005IKWI52/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_g147_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=150Z5KCBTQP2B2Z0RY2P&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294

and the TVS Gold on e-bay.co.uk for 14 (it's second hand) and I saw a post about it the keys don't exactly feel like real Cherry MX Blues.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVS-Gold-Keyboard-key-cap-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Blue-PS2-connector-/270945620083?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item3f159e1073#ht_635wt_1396

The next step was the Cherry G80-3000LSCGB-2 on amazon as well for £60 (cherry blue), which is almost double of the 'next step down'.

So, to the point, is there actually a decent, simple, cheap, no frills mechanical keyboard (preferably Cherry MX Blue but I can't really be choosy here) for sale anywhere? Price the cheaper the better.

Thanks guys really appreciate the help!

PS: Not all cherry keyboards are mechanical right?

[hazeluff]

Do not get the TVS Gold. It's a very very old board and the switches are all grimy and mushy. I mean the price is ideal, but it will be no better than a new rubber dome.

The first one has ALPs switches, which aren't as popular as the MX ones, but they are still mechanical (I don't know much abuot them).

Try asking in the classifieds, maybe someone in the EU has something.

Have you tried looking for a razer black widow, those have become pretty cheap.

Also, welcome to geekhack. hope we find you something.

[somethin295]

You're the one who posted in that thread right? You ordered it and it was mushy and all but you were happy about the keycaps? Which I still don't understand why people sell boards without keycaps and the keycaps are so expensive.. D:

I also found out this thread, but again I'm not sure if it's mechanical or not.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WYSE-901867-01-Keyboard-/251012800133?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item3a71875e85#ht_500wt_1413

A brief search indicated that it's not because of the features but the weight of 1.45 kgs suggests otherwise? Or am I mistaken?

[hazeluff]

You're the one who posted in that thread right? You ordered it and it was mushy and all but you were happy about the keycaps? Which I still don't understand why people sell boards without keycaps and the keycaps are so expensive.. D:

Yeah I was the one who ordered a board, definitely not worth even for trying the feel.

Keycaps are expensive because ones like old cherry ones aren't made anymore, but look amazing and the font can't be reproduced (tho we just finished the legends for a replica font for group buys).

Keyboads sometimes come without keycaps because they are just for harvesting parts such as the stem and spring from the switches.

Also, not all cherry boards are mechanical, IIRC. But a ton are.

It starts with the series, classic ones being:
G80 (MX ...): These use Cherry's MX crosspoint individual mechanical keyswitches.
G81 (MY ...): These employ MY linear actuation mechanics over a membrane.
G83 (RS ...): Rubber dome over membrane keyboards.
G84 (ML ...): Usually compact / portable keyboards equipped with Cherry's low-travel ML keyswitches.

[hazeluff]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WYSE-90186...#ht_500wt_1413 Are cherry MX. But I dont' think you can connect them to normal computers at all without an custom adapter (not standard one you find anywhere).

[somethin295]

So all Cherry keyboards starting with G80 are mechanical and use any of one of the MX switches? Sorry for the 'blurness', but the one of amazon doesn't have any MX labels on them (G80-3000LSCGB-2 as quoted on amazon). So far the cheapest cherry that I've seen goes for £55 (that I saw used mechanical switches in that particular product webpage), and I'm not sure if there is a cheaper one than that. I don't really feel the need for anything fancy. Just a good ol 104 (I think thats the standard number of keys?) keyboard that is mechanical.

[Hak Foo]

Another choice is the DSI/Solidtek ASK-6600.  It has among the better quality of the ALPS switches.  (there are a galaxy of types of ALPS switches, some rather nasty).

[mich]

If you want really cheap, go hunting for vintage stuff. This is not guaranteed to succeed and will require some time and learning, but in terms of price/performance nothing beats a sub-$10 Model M or a decent genuine ALPS.

On ebay it's quite hard to find something in good condition without lots of people bidding on it, but nice deals can sometimes be found in less known local adverts, flea markets, shops with used hardware or even dumpsters. People find this stuff in attics and believe that it's crap, sometimes they don't even know how to connect it (e.g. AT boards with DIN plug or terminal Ms).

[Tony]

If you're lucky, you can get a Compaq MX11800 brown switch with under 40USD.
I got mine with 20 USD.

[somethin295]

Ahhh, thanks!

I just bought a IBM Model M from one of the forum members! Excited and can't wait. The keyboard is in very good condition (cleaned and all) and all keys work properly. The guy had 2 so he thought he'd sell one! 45pounds for it! Seems about right..