Buying_Guide_75%
If you have questions, please consult the CMKB FAQ first.
So-called 75% keyboard basically made 80% more compact by removing several of the cursor keys and pack the rest along the right side of the keyboard, making the whole thing more compact (barely wider than the 60%) without losing more keys. However, this usually means several keys will be non-standard sizes, making replacement keysets more difficult to obtain.
Noppoo Choc Mini 84 ($$) -- a classic keyboard now rarely exported out of Asia (CMKB Profile)
Noppoo is a pretty famous brand in China but little known outside of it. POM or ABT keycaps, full cursor keys and function keys, but more compact. You can now find these with Gateron switches on Newegg for about $60. Make sure you get the right switch type and keycap as there are many different variations. They are no longer on Amazon.
Qisan 82 key aka Ajazz AK33 ($$) -- cheap, reasonably well built, odd key sizes, odd switches (CMKB Profile)
Qisan imports many keyboards from China (including the MagicForce 68 in the mini category), and this 82-key MKB is actually the Chinese market Ajazz AK33. If you must have the function key row and cursor keys it is worth considering though it uses a completely unknown "Zorro" switch. Many of the keys are also non-standard size making it hard to customize later. Also available in "flame edition" (red/orange flickering backlights and even RGB version for about the same price.
Mechanical Eagle / E-Element Z-88 ($$)-- swappable switches and cheap RGB (CMKB Profile)
The Z-88 offers up very very cheap RGB effects keyboard, while being a 75% format. It is worthy of consideration despite the ugly keycaps, as it also offered swappable switches. There is a rainbow light version for a few dollars less, but why?
Drevo Gramr ($$) -- cheap plastic and backlit (CMKB Profile)
Available in both black and white, with blue, brown, red, and black Outemu switches. The keyboard is affordable, AND compact, making it an affordable intro keyboard for those who are not ready to commit more $$$ into the hobby.
Drevo Excalibur ($$/$$$)-- metal chassis, with either Gateron or Cherry switches, floating key (CMKB Profile)
This is Gramr's upscale cousin, with a floating key look and a metal case, for a bump in price. You can have it with Gateron switches, or you can spring for one with Cherry switches for a bit more. It has several non-standard keysizes, and the key font is a bit on the hideous side, but it's a better keyboard.
Velocifire TKL78 ($) -- a 60% plus function keys layout with brown switches (CMKB Profile)
Velocifire sells cheap mechanical keyboards with Outemu switches, and prefers to use brown switches rather than blue. This one is actually narrow than the other keyboards in this sublist as it has no keys to the right of ENTER key, and it is VERY affordable.
Compact / 75%
So-called 75% keyboard basically made 80% more compact by removing several of the cursor keys and pack the rest along the right side of the keyboard, making the whole thing more compact (barely wider than the 60%) without losing more keys. However, this usually means several keys will be non-standard sizes, making replacement keysets more difficult to obtain.Noppoo Choc Mini 84 ($$) -- a classic keyboard now rarely exported out of Asia (CMKB Profile)Noppoo is a pretty famous brand in China but little known outside of it. POM or ABT keycaps, full cursor keys and function keys, but more compact. You can now find these with Gateron switches on Newegg for about $60. Make sure you get the right switch type and keycap as there are many different variations. They are no longer on Amazon.
Qisan 82 key aka Ajazz AK33 ($$) -- cheap, reasonably well built, odd key sizes, odd switches (CMKB Profile)Qisan imports many keyboards from China (including the MagicForce 68 in the mini category), and this 82-key MKB is actually the Chinese market Ajazz AK33. If you must have the function key row and cursor keys it is worth considering though it uses a completely unknown "Zorro" switch. Many of the keys are also non-standard size making it hard to customize later. Also available in "flame edition" (red/orange flickering backlights and even RGB version for about the same price.
Mechanical Eagle / E-Element Z-88 ($$)-- swappable switches and cheap RGB (CMKB Profile)The Z-88 offers up very very cheap RGB effects keyboard, while being a 75% format. It is worthy of consideration despite the ugly keycaps, as it also offered swappable switches. There is a rainbow light version for a few dollars less, but why?
Drevo Gramr ($$) -- cheap plastic and backlit (CMKB Profile)Available in both black and white, with blue, brown, red, and black Outemu switches. The keyboard is affordable, AND compact, making it an affordable intro keyboard for those who are not ready to commit more $$$ into the hobby.
Drevo Excalibur ($$/$$$)-- metal chassis, with either Gateron or Cherry switches, floating key (CMKB Profile)This is Gramr's upscale cousin, with a floating key look and a metal case, for a bump in price. You can have it with Gateron switches, or you can spring for one with Cherry switches for a bit more. It has several non-standard keysizes, and the key font is a bit on the hideous side, but it's a better keyboard.
Velocifire TKL78 ($) -- a 60% plus function keys layout with brown switches (CMKB Profile)Velocifire sells cheap mechanical keyboards with Outemu switches, and prefers to use brown switches rather than blue. This one is actually narrow than the other keyboards in this sublist as it has no keys to the right of ENTER key, and it is VERY affordable.
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