Buying_Guide_Other

Other / Honorable mentions

Here are some other nominees that have something about them that made them special, even though they didn't stand out.


TeamWolf Zhuque CIY TKL -- switch swapper

This is the first switch-swapper to hit the US market, and it shows. It has the odd "rainbow lights" backlight. It requires SMD compatible plate-mount type switch, but those are readily available should you ever want to try different switches. Also available as 104 key full-size keyboard called "Vod Ray".


Rosewill RK-9000v2 -- plainest full-size Cherry switch keyboard

Rosewill is Newegg's house brand and they have a whole series of keyboards, often relabelled Chinese stuff for US market. 9000V2 is a very plain looking MKB w/ authentic cherry MX switches. Some models may be cheaper on Newegg.


Glorious RGB Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard V2

Technically this falls outside the parameter of this guide as it is about $110 USD with switches and keycaps (or $125 on Amazon), but this is full RGB switch-swapper that lets you put in any SMD compatible MX switch, be it from Cherry, Kailh, Gateron, or other makers. The TKL version should be available now.


TVS Gold India-only 104 w/ authorized Cherry clone?

According to a local MKB enthusiast, this board is made locally in India with switches made by Indian branch of ZF/Cherry. While it's not like "authentic German Cherry", can we call this "authorized Cherry clone"? And it comes out to less than $35 USD.


Other Interesting Keyboards

Royal Kludge keyboards like Side 108 and Pro 104 would have deserved a mention if they have a more permanent presence in the US other than minor importers and occasional Massdrop group buys.

Also keep in mind that a lot of the cheaper mechanical keyboards use generic switches (no-name maker) or may not be mechanical at all (some of the cheaper keyboards you see are "mechanical feel" only)

There are so many other MKBs that sort of deserves a mention. If you spot one that you think is worthy of mention, feel free to add it in the comments below. The requirement is it has to be mechanical (doesn't matter by who), and it has to be under $100 USD (or local equivalent using current exchange rate).