Buying_Guide_Fullsize

The full-sized 104 key keyboard is what you find that comes with a PC, and it is a popular size though not always ideal due to the rarely used cursor and number pad portion. If you don't know what to buy, you can't go wrong with a full-size. (Click on the picture to check prices and order from Amazon)

Ducky One w/ various Cherry MX switches ($$$/$$$$) -- Quality keyboard, consumer prices (CMKB Profile)

Ducky is one of the premier keyboard brands for enthusiasts, comparable to Filco and Leopold in many instances. The One line is their mainstream line and available at Mechanicalkeyboards.com and Amazon.com. It is available with various Cherry switches. With standard layout, it is very easy to customize, and latest models come with PBT keys. Make sure you get the model you want though. They also have an updated model called "Ducky One 2", but they are slightly over the $100 mark.


Coolermaster Masterkey L PBT ($$$) -- simpler keyboard, lower price (CMKB Profile)

Coolermaster Masterkey was formerly only available as the Pro White and Pro RGB version. Now the mainstream version is available with no backlight, but solid construction with PBT caps on Amazon. It has built macros, and can easily change layouts.  Also available in TKL as Masterkey S. NOTE: Do not get the Masterkey LITE L, which is actually rubber dome.


G.Skill RIPJAWS KM570 / KM570-RGB ($$$) -- cheapest Cherry and Cherry RGB (CMKB Profile)

G.Skill KM570 and KM570-RGB are currently the cheapest authentic Cherry switch equipped keyboard with full standard layout. It also has volume control (4 keys) and macro recording.


HAVIT HV-KB395L ($$$) -- low profile 104 RGB (CMKB Profile)

HV-KB395L is the larger cousin of the smaller KB390L TKL non-RGB low-profile switch, also with Choc switches. Wired version only, RGB illumination, detachable microUSB cable.


Eagletec KG010/KG011 ($$) -- cheap keyboard that doesn't look cheap (CMKB Profile)

Floating design, metal top plate, blue backlit... This keyboard comes with Outemu blue switch. KG010 is black on black, KG011 is white on silver Just beware, they can be quite loud, and the huge bezels are a turn-off to some people. You can even get it without backlight at all for a few dollars cheaper. It's also available as "Mechanical Eagle Z-77" in various sizes.


Plugable Full-size 104 ($$)-- cheap full-size floating key NKRO w/ minimum bezel (CMKB Profile)

Floating key design, minimum bezel, white backlight, this keyboard looks quite good and is economical. TKL version is also available. And it's one of the cheap keyboards that actually support NKRO for game playing. Outemu switches are not too bad, but good enough.


Magicforce 108 ($$$) -- very pretty crystal look and Gateron switches (CMKB Profile)

MagicForce 108 is the big brother of MagicForce 68 (see 60% section), with a crystal bottom (reminiscent of Apple keyboards) and Gateron switches, often regarded as equal to and sometimes, superior to genuine Cherry switches. It's also a rare white keyboard, and at price of $70 on Amazon, it is a bargain.

If you want RGB that kinda looks like this, there is something called Rottay 104.


Monoprice Mechanical Keyboards ($$) -- cheap, but quirky (CMKB Profile)

Only available in black, then in blue (Kailh or Gateron) and red (Gateron?) switches, these keyboards are available for $40 (no backlight), $60 (blue backlight), and $70 (multi-color backlight) respectively from Monoprice or a few dollars more from Amazon.  WARNING: Some versions may have a hybrid ANSI/ISO layout making replacement keys hard to get.  There are occasional sales on these keyboards on Monoprice occasionally bringing their prices down even further (at low as $35).


Nixeus Moda Pro ($$$) -- guaranteed Mac compatible (CMKB Profile)

The Nixeus Moda Pro is a 104 key mech keyboard based on Kailh switches that have an extra trick: it is Mac compatible and has Mac style keycaps included. It is very reasonably priced and fits well with any Mac. It is available with blue, brown, or red switches.  Also available as TKL as Nixeus Moda V2.


E-Element Z-88 104 ($$) -- cheap RGB, and switch swapper (CMKB Profile)

E-Element Z-88 104-key is one of the cheapest RGB keyboards on Amazon. Just don't expect fancy features like software controls and such. It, however, has an additional feature: the switches are user-changeable, as you can replace them if needed. However, compatibility seems to be limited to certain switch makers. Beware.  Also available as TKL and 75%.


Azio MGK L80 ($$$) -- multimedia buttons and volume scroller (CMKB Profile)

Azio uses Kailh switches and the recently launched L80 which has 4 macro keys and big volume scroller wheel, very rare in a keyboard at this price point. If you must have scroller/multimedia controls this is not a bad choice. Else, I'd probably recommend the G.Skill KM570 above. 

If you want a WHITE one that's Mac compatible, there is the Azio Mk Mac ($$$)



Drevo Joyeuse ($$) -- low profile 96-key BT/wired MKB (CMKB Profile)

Drevo Joyeuse is one of two low-profile keyboards in this list, being of a unique form factor (numpad AND arrow keys) as well as thin and Bluetooth. However, availability seems rather limited.