Cheap Mechanical Keyboards (and More)

Q: You've covered cheap keyboards that use MX-compatible switches. But what is the CHEAPEST keyboard with genuine Cherry MX switches ?  A: Turtle Beach Impact 500 is the cheapest TKL around with genuine Cherry MX Blue switches... or cheapest ANY keyboard with genuine Cherry. The "catch" is this keyboard only has 6KRO. But for this low price, would you care? Q: Okay, how about a mechanical keyboard with genuine Cherry MX switches but also RGB? A: Ah, that would be the G.Skill KM570 and KM570RGB.

Velocifire TKL78 Velocifire TKL78 is an unique layout in that it's actually a "60% w/ arrows + function keys" rather than a "compact TKL", but due to similar number of keys it is regarded as a 75%.  You can clearly see that it has arrow keys in the lower right, but the right shift key had been shrank down to 1U and seems to be in an odd place. But otherwise, the layout is fairly standard. Before You Buy The small right shift key may be problematic for some typists. Known Variants None Review Links Coming soon Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission

Ajazz AK33 RGB Edition Ajazz AK33 is sometimes known as the Qisan 82 key due to the importer into the US. It is a 75% mechanical keyboard using "Zorro" switches or "Ajazz" blue or black switches. It also has some odd key sizes in the corners, as well as a super-short right-shift key, making it impossible to find replacement keysets. Fortunately, Ajazz realized this and made 3 replacement sets available in China. Before You Buy  Ajazz AK33 has relatively low keyset compatibility and its relatively unknown Zorro switches may give people pause. However, it is cheap, and the only RGB offering in this format, now that Noppoo Choc Mini 84 RGB seems to be out of production. Known Variants  Ajazz AK33 is also available in "ice blue" white version and "flaming red" (with flickering red backlight) version if you don't want RGB. There is a Bluetooth variant but it does not seem to be available outside of China. Review Links  Coming soo...

Obins Anne Pro, in black Obins Anne Pro, usually known just as Anne Pro, was funded via a Chinese campaign similar to KickStarter. There is actually a regular Anne as well, but it is wired only and nobody cared.  It is completely standard ANSI 61 key, with Gateron switches, Bluetooth 4.0, PBT keycaps, and RGB backlight with a launch price for well under $100 USD.  It also has a matching control app (Android or iOS) that lets you control the lighting patterns and key layouts. You can find this keyboard in either black or white editions. When initially launched, Obins launched several case bottoms of alternate colors. However, they only seem to be available in China and in the hands of some exporters. There are group buys of aluminum case bottoms periodically.  There are also "upgraded" editions where sellers upgrade the battery and replace the stabilizers for better key feel. But those are only on Taobao. It comes with a cable for charging and connectivity, a Blue...

MagicForce 68 / Pro Edition (backlit / black) MagicForce 68 is like the Play-doh (tm) of the MKB world. It has completely standard key sizes for ANSI and is affordable even by beginners so one can start customizing it right away. It is available in two editions: the "popular" edition with no backlight and only 6KRO generally about $40, and the "pro" edition that is backlit and supports NKRO about $60. Though those with rare Cherry switches can go up to $90. You can find this keyboard with black keys and a black plate, or white keys with several different plate colors, such as rose gold, gold, and silver. It is also now available with "steampunk" keys. It comes with a detachable mini-USB cable. Some packages may include an OTG USB adapter (for use on tablets) as well as a plastic keypuller (for swapping keycaps). You can also find the keyboard as a DIY kit from China so you can put in your own switches. Before You Buy Be careful which ...