Cheap Mechanical Keyboards (and More)

Seems Amazon just got a new stock of KUL ES-87, making it the most affordable and available keyboard on Amazon with MX Clears! And it's not even on sale! No telling how long this price will last. If you always wanted a MX Clear keyboard, and did not want to order a Ganss from China, this may be your best option yet.

Drevo Joyeuse is a 96-key BT3 low-profile backlit mechanical keyboard that will be available on 11/30/2017  for an introductory price of merely $70.  It has a numpad AND arrow keys, and will be available with Choc low profile switches in red, blue, or black.  The best part... It's dual-mode Bluetooth 3.0 and wired. Before You Buy Nothing at this time. Know Variants This is a rebadged Royal Kludge "Shorthand" . Review Links Nothing yet, but it should be similar to other Purchase Links Drevo Joyeuse @ ArmYourDesk

G.Skill RIPJAW KM570 RGB G.Skill RIPJAWS KM570 RGB is a 108 key full-size mechanical keyboard featured genuine Cherry RGB switches as well as dedicated 4 buttons for volume control and macro recording. It is also fully RGB. It is quite competitive price-wise to the closest equivalent: Corsair Strafe RGB being about 10% cheaper, while offering standard bottom row. Before You Buy  Known Variants  There is a red backlight only version as well. Semi-related to the much gaudier KM780/KM780R series. Review Links Coming soon Purchase Links  CMKBS may receive a commission Please note that Amazon may not always provide the lowest prices. Always shop around.

G.Skill KM570 RGB with Cherry Red switch is $85 at Newegg , which is $15 BELOW that of Amazon.

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.

Drevo Calibur, 72 key version Drevo Calibur is basically a TKL with the function key row chopped off. It is available in 71 key (US) or 72 key version (a semi-ISO layout available with keycaps of DE, UK, FR, or IT layouts), and black vs. white version. It is based on Outemu switches and available in black, blue, brown, or red. Before You Buy Official Drevo link for Drevo Calibur Does not come in a true ISO version, remember to flash the latest firmware Known Variants Also sold as Keycool 71 and KC71. Review Links Coming soon Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Drevo Calibur 72-key German version on Aliexpress

Drevo Excalibur White (Gateron) Drevo Excalibur is an upgraded version of Drevo Gramr , featuring floating key design, metal case, and either Gateron switches (white edition) or Cherry switches (black edition). Before You Buy The 75% layout in general requires several odd size keys. If you plan to swap keycaps, you may want to consider either something smaller or bigger. Known Variants There are two major versions: white (with Gateron switches) and black (with Cherry switches). If these are too expensive, consider the more plebian cousin, Drevo Gramr . 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...

Noppoo Choc Mini Noppoo Choc Mini was not the first to launch a product with the 75% format (that would be KBT Race) but it had the Noppoo Choc Mini on the market for a long time and almost dominated the segment until other manufacturers came along. Now they are extremely rare. Before You Buy The default keycaps have both front and top legends, and 75% in general requires several odd size keys. If you plan to swap keycaps, you may want to consider either something smaller or bigger. Known Variants There was an RGB version, but it doesn't seem to be made any more. Keys are either white PBT or black POM. Review Links Coming soon Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Newegg Link for Noppoo Choc Mini 84s (Gateron) and Mini 84 (Cherry) Also See Other 75% keyboards

Ganss GS-87, old logo Ganss is a premium brand in China that only uses Cherry switches in its keyboards, unlike many others that have started using Chinese clones. GS is the full-size version, while GS-87 is the TKL version. It has the honor of being the cheapest keyboard available with Cherry MX Clears, right about $90-100 for GS-87 from Aliexpress. Before You Buy Nothing at this time Known Variants Full-size version is called simply "Ganss GS", available in black or white. GS-87 is available in white or black. There's a version with RGB underlights called GS-87 Pro, that's technically a very different model with a different PCB. Review Links Coming soon Purchase Links  CMKBS may receive a commission Aliexpress Link to Ganss GS-87 w/ MX Clears  (and other switches) -- International ArmYourDesk link to Ganss GS-87 -- International

James Donkey 619 / 87 key / Black edition James Donkey is a quirky Chinese keyboard maker that has only a few but very distinct product lines. The 619 is the one using Gateron switches. (They also have a 612 which used Kailh switches) Before You Buy Official James Donkey 619 104 Info Official James Donkey 619 87 Info Known Variants The keyboard is available in 87 or 104 versions, and both are available in black/black or white/silver colors. Each model is available with Gateron black, red, or blue switches. Your local availability may vary. Note the James Donkey 612 is a completely different keyboard and uses Kailh switches. Review Links Review of James Donkey 619 by Mechanicalkeyboardinfo.com Mr.Baz Reviews James Donkey 619 (Youtube) Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission James Donkey 619 on Aliexpress -- International James Donkey 619 on Gearbest -- International James Donkey 619 on MechanicalKeyboards.com

Rantopad MXX Chroma / Gateron Brown Rantopad MXX is an aluminum framed floating key keyboard with Gateron switches and a definite bargain at under $50 USD.  If you are a Cherry MX diehard they can sell you a Cherry version as well but it'd cost a little more. They also have an RGB "Chroma" version available. Before You Buy Coming soon Known Variants Keyboard is available with white backlight in variety of colors, and either Gateron or Cherry switches.  RGB/Gateron version is also available. Review Links Coming Soon Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission

AZIO MGK L80 Red AZIO MGK L80 is the lowest-priced fullsize keyboard with a "volume knob". It is available with Kailh Brown (red backlight) and Kailh Blue (blue backlight). It also claims 4 different macros you can set without drivers. Before You Buy  This is not a full set of media controls, but it may be programmable via drivers. Known Variants  There is an RGB version of this, but its US price is almost $150. Review Links  Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Also See

E-Element Z-88 RGB This keyboard is sold under variety of names in the US, including E-Elements Z-88 and Mechanical Eagle Z-88. It is related to the heavily-bezeled model Z-77, but this latest version features the ability to swap the switches yourself if you can source some extra switches from the maker. Before You Buy  Make sure you get the size and version you want. This model is sold under different names, colors, and lighting configs, from no backlight, mono backlight, rainbow backlight, to true RGB backlight. Some may or may not have the switch swapping capability. Known Variants  Can be purchased as 100%, 80%, or 75%, sold under several different names, including E-Element, Mechanical Eagle, and Eagletec Review Links  Pending Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Z-88 ISO version for QWERTZ layout on Aliexpress Also See

Nixeus Moda Pro Nixeus Moda V2 Nixeus keyboards claim to be Mac compatible, and even comes with Mac keycaps if you want to swap them. They however are NOT backlit, and appears to be rebadged version of Noppoo Lolita Spyder series.  Before You Buy  Pick the right switch, as it's available in blue, red, or brown Known Variants  Appears to be rebadged version of Noppoo Lolita Spyder Review Links  Pending Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Also See

Monoprice Select Mechanical Keyboard Series Monoprice Select Mechanical Keyboard series are imported exclusively by Monoprice. It has low prices, but have several quirks. Before You Buy  Make sure you pick the right version: no backlight, mono backlight, rainbow backlight (called RGB backlight but it's rainbow lights) Also, keep in mind some versions have a strange "mixed" ANSI/ISO layout (ISO enter, but still only 104 keys). Choose between red or blue switches. Known Variants  N/A Review Links  Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Link on Monoprice.com Also See

MagicForce 108 w/ Gateron switches, white only MagicForce 108 is a full-size keyboard from the company that brought us MagicForce 68, even though the two looked nothing alike. The MF108 has a transparent bottom shell similar to some classic Apple keyboard designs and is equipped with Gateron switches. Before You Buy  Known Variants  None, MF108 is a unique product, not available as TKL. There is a MF82, but it's a 75% keyboard that does not have a crystal bottom. Review Links  Pending Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Also See

Plugable 104 (also available as 87) Plugable is a peripheral company that is best known for USB hubs and docking stations and such. These keyboards are rebadged Eastern Times from China sold also under multiple names. You can find it almost identical to Mechanical Eagle Z-88 or one of the ReDragon boards. Before You Buy  Only available as white backlit model. Known Variants  Also available as 87-key TKL Sold under variety of brands and models. Review Links  Pending Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Also See Pending

Cooler Master Masterkey L (with PBT Keys) Cooler Master Masterkey L PBT is the next evolution from its QuickFire XT. In fact, it's called QuickFire XT II in China.  It still has the Cherry switches (red, brown, blue, silver, green), but also has 1.5mm thick PBT keys. It has DVORAK and WORKMAN built into the keyboard in addition to the standard QWERTY. It also has instant macros and four profiles to be stored onboard.  The cable is detachable with MicroUSB . It also comes with some red color keys for gamers to replace WASD and QER. Masterkey S PBT is the TKL version of the same keyboard. Before You Buy  This version has no backlight. If you want the backlit version, you need Masterkey Pro L White or Masterkey Pro L RGB. Known Variants  Masterkey S, the TKL version vs Masterkey L, the full size version Masterkey Pro series, White and RGB versions, in S, M, or L sizes. Review Links  Kotaku Review of Masterkeys L PBT Deskthority review o...

Ducky One, Blue Backlight Ducky One is the mainstream product line of Ducky. It has relatively minimal bezels, detachable microUSB cable, ABS doubleshot keycaps, Cherry switches , and dual layer PCB design. It has available with almost any Cherry switch available, but obviously the more exotic ones may not be available locally to you. It is also available with new PBT keycaps launched in 2017 Before You Buy  You may want to look for the 2017 "PBT keycaps" version. Also, there's a newer model, called " Ducky One 2 " which is a second generation Ducky One, though the original model will stay in production. Ducky keycaps come in all sorts of versions: ABS Doubleshot, PBT Pad Print, PBT Dye Sub, and different color combinations rather than plain white or black or such. Most models are just over $100, though one or two models may be just under $100. Known Variants  Ducky One Ducky One TKL Ducky One White Case Ducky One Translucent Pink ...