Best Mechanical Keyboard for ~$100?

[Anonymuse]

UPDATE: I THINK I MIGHT AS WELL FOCUS SPECIFICALLY ON MX REDS. COME AND SUGGEST SOME GREAT AND WELL RESPECTED KEYBOARDS WITH REDS. I'LL HAVE A LIST OF WHAT I THINK ARE GOOD CANDIDATES!

List of possible reds keyboards:
1. CM Storm Quickfire Pro/Rapid
2. Corsair Vengeance K60/K90
3. Rosewill RK-9000RE
4. Ducky DK1008L
5. Leopold Tenkeyless Linear Touch Keyboard

I've been lurking the forums for quite a while trying to trudge through the onslaught of information and still I can't decide which kind of keyboard I should be getting. I've read quite a bunch of articles on different types of switches and I don't want to go for all those exotic ones (topre, buckling spring, etc.), I just want a nice affordable mechanical keyboard that would suit me in games as well as it would suit me in typing.

I don't want to be someone who just makes an account to get help, but I honestly just can't decide (and I'm hoping that some of you enjoy helping me out because keyboards are your passion). Here is a list of things that I would like to see on the suggested keyboard.

1. Cherry MX Reds (I'm partial to these switches, although if someone can convince me otherwise I would love to hear their reasoning for such)
2. Must have reasonable shipping in or to Canada (no point in buying a keyboard and paying like $50+ shipping overseas)
3. Standard layout (no small backspaces or rearranged keys, just standard layout)
4. The numpad isn't really necessary (if I can save some money here I don't mind)
5. NKRO in PS/2 (this would be great, I'd rather use my PS/2 ports if I can. If it's less than this like 10+ that isn't a problem too)
6. Anti-ghosting (full anti-ghosting is pretty important, this is mostly because I play FPS games like CoD4 (Promod) and better games once I get my gaming PC)
7. Some kind of wrist-rest? (this really isn't needed but my hands do get sore from extended periods of gaming, if someone could elaborate on keyboards with these or maybe buying a separate one and attaching it that would be great)

That's pretty much it. I really hope this isn't a hassle for you I just need to get some expert opinions from a great community. If you can take time out of your day to help me I'd greatly appreciate it!

[funxion]

The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid with Reds seems to fit every preference you've listed and if I'm not mistaken (don't take my word for it) they retail for about $90 new. I personally haven't used it, but those who have used it as well as Filcos (the $150-ranged "high-end" mechanical keyboard) say they're both very comparable. Some argue they're exactly the same aside from the unfavorable branding all over the QuickFire, but if you're willing to sacrifice that (a non-factor to the average typist), you have a fairly solid keyboard for just under $100!

[Anonymuse]

The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid with Reds seems to fit every preference you've listed and if I'm not mistaken (don't take my word for it) they retail for about $90 new. I personally haven't used it, but those who have used it as well as Filcos (the $150-ranged "high-end" mechanical keyboard) say they're both very comparable. Some argue they're exactly the same aside from the unfavorable branding all over the QuickFire, but if you're willing to sacrifice that (a non-factor to the average typist), you have a fairly solid keyboard for just under $100!

I've looking into this one and it seems to have a removable USB cable. I've heard terrible things about the RK-9000 series and their removable USB cords, if this isn't a problem this keyboard is pretty great for the price. Another thing is that it says "anti-ghosting" but doesn't really tell you the specifics. I guess I could look around and see what anti-ghosting features this keyboard has. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Anonymuse]

I will forewarn you that I've never typed on one but a Ducky 1087 (or 1008) XM with Black Linear Alps might be an economical choice.  Mechanicalkeyboards should be getting more tenkeyless in within the next two weeks; and they run $49USD.

Maybe someone will chime in?

My main problem is that I don't know what Alps feel like. Are they mushy like a rubber dome or are they similar to the MX line? How long do these keys last usually? Which one would be the linear version of the Alps? I've found three models that are similar to what you suggest. One is green alps, one is black, and the last is black TKL. Maybe we can get an Alps pro in here?

[Anonymuse]

They are not mushy; more like MX but with ever so slightly less travel.

Someone else can confirm but I think Alps are around 10m presses, maybe 20m?

The Ducky XM Black Alps is the one that is Linear.  The Green is clicky.

I did have a Green one at one point and loved the keyboard; been eyeing the black ever since.

I've just read that Black Alps are really stiff and that seems like a problem to me. I know there are different models like the whites, blacks and greens, but I think the blacks are the only linear ones that are really produced anymore unless someone can correct me.

[Anonymuse]

They are not mushy; more like MX but with ever so slightly less travel.

Someone else can confirm but I think Alps are around 10m presses, maybe 20m?

The Ducky XM Black Alps is the one that is Linear.  The Green is clicky.

I did have a Green one at one point and loved the keyboard; been eyeing the black ever since.

I've just read that Black Alps are really stiff and that seems like a problem to me. I know there are different models like the whites, blacks and greens, but I think the blacks are the only linear ones that are really produced anymore unless someone can correct me.

[TexasFlood]

Alps vary widely depending on what color and vintage you get.  I love my old Northgate Ultra complicated white clicky and tactile switches, and blues are supposed to be great but I've never been lucky or rich enough to try them.

Suggest reading the wiki articles like the ALPS switches default wiki page & Ripster And Chloe All About ALPS Guide

[Anonymuse]

@TexasFlood

I'll give those articles a read, I'm mainly focused on linear switches that a fairly easy to press. I don't want any interference pressing the switch, and minimum amounts of sound as well.

@dante

So stiffness is just based on the actuation force? 55g and under is pretty light isn't it?

Edit: So it seems that Alps is a really confusing switch type. There are tons of models and tons of "fakes". I really could not decide on any specific one other then to listen to what people who own them think and if they are worth skipping out on Cherry MXs. This makes me want to stick to Cherry MXs because I know what they're supposed to feel like and I understand which model is which. If someone can convince me that a keyboard they own that uses Alps is wonderful I think I'll avoid them for now.

[TexasFlood]

That sounds like a cherry red which I haven't actually tried yet but sound good or a cherry brown which I do own one of and liked but prefer my original Rosewill RK-9000 with cherry blues for work which is sadly most of what I do with a keyboard.  I've actually considered getting a CM Storm QuickFire Rapid with Reds but held off so far.  I'm happy with what I have but curious, just not quite enough to bite, yet. We'll see how long I hold out, :wink:

[Anonymuse]

@TexasFlood

I've just read a ****-ton more guides and it looks like MX Reds are the best candidate for me. Blacks are too stiff but reds are nice and don't give any type of additional feedback. Do you know what would the best store be for shipping internationally to Canada? Or a store that stocks foreign keyboards but is located in Canada and has cheap shipping? I don't care how long it takes to arrive really, just want it to be cheap.

[funxion]

NCIX has a nice selection of mechanical keyboards and is Canadian-based. They just started carrying Filcos if you're interested in spending a little more money!

[Anonymuse]

NCIX has a nice selection of mechanical keyboards and is Canadian-based. They just started carrying Filcos if you're interested in spending a little more money!

I'll check them out too see if they're in my price range. I don't want to hop onto a too expensive keyboard for my first mechanical keyboard and be disappointed or anything. I know Filco is a great brand though. Aren't they set to release a new line like right around now?

[czarek]

I'd suggest any Unicomp. For less than $100 you get arguably best switches ever, 100% PBT dye sublimated keycaps, black or white case and any color key tops you want. For this price you can't even get PBT set of keys for Topre!

[Anonymuse]

I'd suggest any Unicomp. For less than $100 you get arguably best switches ever, 100% PBT dye sublimated keycaps, black or white case and any color key tops you want. For this price you can't even get PBT set of keys for Topre!

I'll check these out, any hands-on reviews of some of their products you own or is this from what you hear around the forum? Are these available in Canada for a low shipping cost? Could you suggest a store to order from?

Edit: It seems that these are very loud and that is a problem. They also give a "tactile bump" which I also don't like. I think I'll still stick to my reds. Thanks for the suggestion though!

[czarek]

I've got 3 Unicomps and 2 IBMs at home. Had more but I've sold some.
With Cherry MX I have Cherry G80s with blues and blacks, had Filcos with blues and browns before but I've sold/traded them (IMHO they were inferior to Cherry Corp boards).
I also have handful of Dells and AEKs with white and black Alps.
Recently got myself HHKB which I like for the layout but switches, while better than Cherry are far from best.
Of all those boards I like Buckling Springs the most. Quality wise Unicomps are not as perfectly put together as lets say Topre or Filco but I wouldn't say they are worse than old IBMs and they feel almost the same - probably like brand new IBM (I never touched brand new IBM, only NIB SSK, but that was stored for almost 20 years). They also use same manufacturing technology (even same machinery) and materials as IBMs, only their QC sucks.

BTW. while I can't negate their noise (love or hate thing), the bump should be called "cliff" in case of BS. Bump is something you get on Cherry MX or Topre.

[Anonymuse]

@czarek
These seem like they would be better suited for typists, while I play lots of FPS games so I'll stick to reds. Thanks for the suggestion though, I might get a board like this in the future though just to try it.

[kalrykh]

A year ago, I would have told you to get anything but a Leopold.  The Leopold tenkeyless I got when EliteKeyboards started carrying them really disappointed me.  I recently bought a new tenkeyless Leopold from EK again, as I've been trying to find a tenkeyless with clears forever.  I don't know if the board I got at the beginning was a one off and just a piece of ****, or if Leopold has actively made improvements in their quality since then, but I'm rather pleased.  The key caps feel much better.  The keys with stabilizers don't squeak or rattle in the slightest.  The windows on the Scroll Lock and Caps lock keys are flush, and I can't even tell they are windowed by feeling them.  My first Leopold also had a little flex to it, which this one does not.  BTW, EK is trying to clear out their stock at the moment to make way for new models and your tenkeyless boards have just dropped to $90.  They don't have the black keyboard with reds in stock, but they are showing the white board with reds in stock.  If you decide to go Leo, I'd pick it up soon.  As far as wrists rests, I'm satisfied with the 15 dollar gel one I got from some office store.  However, it likes munching on skin cells and after a while it looks nasty.  A good leather wrist rest might be a better investment.

[Anonymuse]

@kalrykh
I really do like the idea of getting a Leopold, the only thing is that the shipping is around the $30 range and that's ridiculous. Maybe someone on the forums distributes these inside of Canada or knows a cheaper place to buy them off. If I get a mainstream keyboard off of Amazon for example I get free shipping automatically. Thanks for the information though, I'll check their website out again.

[kalrykh]

EliteKeyboards.com has the North American distribution rights, as far as I know.

[bc2208]

Elite keyboards has a sale this weekend - all in-stock Leopolds for $90. Should help with the shipping.

[Anonymuse]

I'll check out that sale, although I'm pretty determined  on finding a keyboard that's going to cost me $100 on the spot or lower. I don't want to get a bad mechanical keyboard for my first time and I'm really liking the K60 so far.