FAQ

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, this FAQ assumes location is US, and currency is USD$.

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Q: Why a guide / website for cheap keyboards?

A: Not all of us are blessed with high budgets. I paid less than $100 for each of my 3 MKBs. The MagicForce 68 only cost me $40 on Amazon. And it is perfectly adequate for most uses. Some mechanical keyboards are as low as $25

Q: Wait, I can get mechanical keyboards as low as $25?

A: Yes, mechanical keyboards made in China can be that cheap.

Aukey KM-G9 87-key is $25 on Amazon (there may be coupons available too)

VelociFire TKL78 w/ Outemu Brown Switches is about $29 on Amazon


Q: So why should I pay like $130 USD for a Pok3r or Filco or Leopold?

A: Better choice of switches (you get Cherry or Gateron), better build quality, less rattle, better parts, better warranty, etc.


Q: So how do I use your guide?

A: For each size classification of MKB that are commonly available, I'll "nominate" a couple candidates that are not total crap. If you feel like contributing some opinions, please do so. :) AND if you got candidates, throw them in too. Prices are subject to change.

The Sizes covered in this guide are

• 100% (i.e. 104/108 keys) aka "full size", has function keys, numpad, cursor keys
• TKL / 80% (87 key), no numpad, yes cursor keys  (exception like 90% will be included)
• 75%, compact TKL, Noopoo Choc Mini, slightly smaller than 80%
• Mini,  anything smaller, MagicForce 68, Keycool 71, Poker Series

Consider 75% slightly narrower than 80%

NOTE: There are additional sizes, but those are very rare and thus not covered here:

Q: Why not just buy Razer / Corsair / Logitech / the "gamer" brands?

A: For the gamer brands you see in your local electronics stores with the big displays, a significant portion of the price went to advertising and sponsorships. (Yes, those displays you see in Best Buy cost the manufacturers $$$)  Plus, those keyboards often have non-standard key layout and such. You can probably get a better keyboard with standard key layout if you go with an "enthusiast" brand by Coolermaster, Ducky, and so on.

Q: What is this about standard vs. non-standard bottom row?

A: Razer and Corsair bottom row (space bar row) may have odd-sized keys that prevent it from being compatible with the most "generic" keysets. (For some examples of alternate bottom rows, see the MaxKeyboard FAQ )

Q: What are the different "switches" and switch colors about?

A: Please consult the /r/mechanicalkeyboards wiki and see which switch is right for you. Or consult the chart to your right. Generally speaking switches are "clicky" (blue), "tactile" (brown), or "linear" (red).

NOTE: Keep in mind many of the cheaper keyboards are ONLY available with blue "clicky" switches, but more choices are now available. Please make sure when you order you pick the one with the right switch (if available) And in general, you want Cherry and Gateron, the rest are tolerable to "meh". If they don't specify the brand, assume it's generic "meh" switches.

Q: What is NKRO vs. 6KRO or whatever?

A: NKRO is short for N-Key Rollover, and 6KRO is 6-Key Rollover. Windows and MacOS by default support 6KRO but game oriented keyboards can support NKRO for those who hold down more than a few keys at a time. However, some cheap keyboards may be limited in their ability to support NKRO, or perhaps are buggier in that mode.

Q: So what do you recommend? How do I choose?

A: Follow these steps:

First, decide on the size, as explained earlier. Sizes vary from 60% all the way up to full size 100%.

Second, decide on which switch you want (as explained earlier). Blue sounds more satisfying, while red supposedly is better for gaming. Brown is in the middle.

Third, decide if you want special features, like water resistance, RGB backlight, and so on. Keep in mind those are not always available.

Fourth, once you determined what you want, check this guide for some ideas, AND ask /r/mechanicalkeyboards subreddit for help in the daily questions topic to see if we have other recommendations after explaining your wants.

Q: What if I want RGB?

A: The only RGB I'd really recommend under $100 is Rantopad MXX Chroma w/ Gateron switches which is a TKL.

Else, look for a Ducky TKL RGB, Coolermaster Masterkey Pro S RGB, or IKBC F87 RGB, but all three are over $100.

Q: What if I want separate multimedia keys and a volume knob/roller?

A: The only thing in the price range is the Azio MGK L80, a full-size keyboard

Q: What if I want Bluetooth?

A: See the 60% section. There are no larger keyboards in this price range with Bluetooth.

Q: What if I want...

A: Bro, just read the list.


Onto the list!