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.

Royal Kludge RK-61 (sometimes sold as Lindon-Tech) Royal Kludge RK-61 dual-mode keyboard is a 60% keyboard that can work in both USB wired and Bluetooth 3.0 mode. This is actually V2.0 of the keyboard, where four keys in the lower right can work as arrow keys. The V1.0 lacks this feature. You can tell if the keyboard is V2.0 by checking if the keycaps have arrow symbols, and the FN key is way to the right. Its Bluetooth is 3.0, not the latest, but perfectly adequate for normal use. Before You Buy Bluetooth 3.0 only, there is an older V1.0 out there with no arrow key function. Known Variants Available in black or white, and there are both Kailh/Longhua and Cherry editions of this keyboard. Review Links Coming soon Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission RK-61 Cherry / Longhua on Aliexpress   (International)

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

Drevo Gramr, from official Drevo.us website Drevo Gramr is a rebadged version of Keycool 84. It is the most economical 75% keyboard in the US, often found below $50 USD on Amazon. It is available with Outemu Blac, Blue, Brown, or Red switches. Before You Buy Official info for Drevo Gramr 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 If Drevo is not upscale enough, consider its metal case cousin, Drevo Excalibur . Review Links Coming Soon Purchase Links CMKBS may earn a commission

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

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

Eagletec KG011 (White/Silver) Eagletec (no "H"!) KG010 (black) KG011 (white/silver) is a rebadged Chinese "Eastern Times" keyboard that are sold under various names. Eagletec is simply one of them. This design features a pretty large bezel and Outemu blue switches. It is a rather generic keyboard, but quite impressive for the price, given the amount of metal top. Before You Buy  This keyboard is sold under multiple names, such as E-Elements Z-77 or Mechanical Eagle Z-77. Make sure you get the right spec model.  Known Variants  No backlight, white/blue backlight, rainbow backlight, RGB backlight Sold under many different names, including E-Element Z-77 / Mechanical Eagle Z-77. May also be available as TKL under other names and vendors. Review Links  Review for /r/mk by Kschang Purchase Links CMKBS may receive a commission Also See To be added

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 ...