Looking for a 87/84K, blank & cheap keyboard

[Kalako]

Hello,

I'm not optimistic, i'd like to spend 60$ max so either i won't find one, either i'll have to sacrifice something.

Priority on money and 87/84TKL layout, i can live without blank keys (obviously).

My researches let me find that (+ the answers) :
Shipping costs are included and is for Europe only.

- Cherry Compact-Keyboard G84-4100 (From DE : ~50€)
- HPE (from CN : 72,11€, From FR : 88€)
- Keycool 87 (from CN : 76,92€, From FR : 77€)
- SGK-4000 (From DE : 83,70€)
- Noppoo Choc Mini (From FR : 89,99€)
- Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire Pro (From DE : 92,30€)
- PLU ML-87 TKL (From CN : 105.99€)
- Keycool 84 (?€)

Most of them are too expensives for me but that's the least expensive i've found, i'm ok with used keyboards.

I didn't talk about switches because i haven't researched much on it, i mostly code & play on my computer.
Edit : It seems that i would need brown/blue one.

[Djuzuh]

A used cherry G84-4100.

[Kalako]

Haha i was just editing, I'm going to dig the forum about that one then, thanks !

[Djuzuh]

It isn't a true cherry MX switch keyboard, so you won't get the " real deal".

But I think it's your best option considering your price range.

You could get one for as low as 30$ I think.

[Deekin]

You got this sexy board http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,tenkeyless&pid=fc200rrawn

Thats for $89 though, but its tenkeyless/87 keys and it got blank keys also its white so it got the sex + got reds which are my favs though might not be yours.

Also got this one which is a great choice if you are ok with MX blues: http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-QuickFire-Mechanical-SGK-4000-GKCL1-US/dp/B0068INSUM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333405522&sr=8-1&tag=tealiq-20

Costs $64 is Costar made. Its comparable to Filco in regards of quality also TKL.

[Kalako]

I have to add 50$ for the shipping of the Leopold. And the Cooler Master Quickfire is not shipable in Europe.
I'm searching european prices though, to check if it still worth it, thanks.

[davkol]

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[stingrae]

Qtan's keycool 87 is $65 +~$20 shipping...

Consider this some normal people buy rubber dome keyboards (with really useless features mostly) for $86 - well over $100.

If you are a heavy keyboard user, that is more than 5 hours a day infront of a computer. I think a mechanical keyboard is a worthy investment. Although in my case it's become a slight addiction...

[Kalako]

Considering your budget, only options appear to be (a) something used, (b) Keycool/HPE from qtan, (c) Razer BW Tournament Edition when it's released.

The Keycool/HPE look cool, here is what i found :
- HPE (from CN : 68,15€, From FR : 88€)
- Key Cool (from CN : 68,98€, From FR : 77€)

That vendio seller has some interesting things if 20$ is the actual shipping cost. I guess the risk are additional taxes.

Edit : Oh THAT'S qtan, allright.

Qtan's keycool 87 is $65 +~$20 shipping...

Consider this some normal people buy rubber dome keyboards (with really useless features mostly) for $86 - well over $100.

If you are a heavy keyboard user, that is more than 5 hours a day infront of a computer. I think a mechanical keyboard is a worthy investment. Although in my case it's become a slight addiction...

I spend all my time on my computer, my first motivation was to remove the numpad, have space for my mouse and have my back in a better position; now i have been a lurker of geekhack so i definately want a decent keyboard, i'm not sure if i'm in the decent category in that price range though.

Question : What would i really gain if i push until the Noppoo Choc Mini ?
Edit : Tsss... I really prefer the 84k layout :/

[Larken]

I wouldn't know the exact specifications and feel of the noppoo choc mini, but the difference between a rubber dome and a true mechanical keyboard is worlds apart when it comes to the feel of the keypress. Generally, your typing might become more precise and speed might increase (really varies from individual to individual) and it might even be a fun thing to type (I know its weird, but I really enjoy typing on my keyboards after I went mechanical ) I would recommend for paying a little more and getting a good one on the get go - if not, its likely you'd end up spending more later when you can't stop thinking about what a real mech keyboard would feel like.

[therecorder]

I have lots of keyboards.  Among them, are 4 KeyCools (2 87s and 2 84s) and 2 Noppoo Choc Minis.  They are all "good" boards.  The Noppoo is a step above the KeyCool 84 because of its POM keycaps.  But, both are well built and nice looking boards.  The present advantage of the KeyCools (at least in terms of buying one from Qtang) is that they are available in all four switch types.  I don't agree with first buying a "top of the line" board.  First find out if you like mechanical, and which switch you like.  Later, if you get hooked, you can invest in something more classy.

[Larken]

I ought to clarify that by 'good', I just meant any board with actual MX switches, which includes the Keycools and Noppoos, which is pretty good value for money. I was referring to the option of the Cherry G84-4100, which as Djuzuh describes, as not the 'real deal'. Nothing against the cheaper boards personally, except for maybe Duckys - mine arrived with the case flexed and pretty much shakes a little on all flat surfaces.

[IvanIvanovich]

It might not be your taste, but TG3 Data911 aka Deck BL82 keyboard on ebay. It's an ok keyboard but the keycap is not my liking and it only come with black switch. But, for such a price it might be worth a try though the shipping will probably be at least 3x the cost of the keyboard.

[dorkvader]

It isn't a true cherry MX switch keyboard, so you won't get the " real deal".

But I think it's your best option considering your price range.

You could get one for as low as 30$ I think.

Mine was $12 I believe, with dyesub PBT keycaps. If you wait and look, you can get some really good deals on G84's (though I believe the average is still up in the aforementioned $30 range). It still has really awful rollover issues: The worst I've seen. It's fine for typing (I use it for travel) but I'd never want to use it for gaming.

No: If you want cheap, and good: Try to get a used IBM model M in your country.

OHWOW! Thanks Lysol, I was looking for one of those cheap. It'll probably fit into a pretty small box, so international shipping should be WELL under $30.