Consider getting a mechanical keyboard if you value better typing experience and durability.
Consider getting a mechanical keyboard if you value better typing experience and durability.
I'm currently using a Logitech K740 keyboard that has a fully nonfunctional backspace button, so it's time to explore alternatives. After about ten years, I've found a reasonable replacement in the Cherry Stream with SX switches. However, I'm considering going mechanical, which would naturally mean upgrading from my current non-mechanical model. My main concern is whether this decision is sensible given the following circumstances:
- I often have cats sleeping nearby, which makes the area dusty very quickly.
- I frequently eat sandwiches at the keyboard (sometimes with crumbs).
- I don’t need advanced features; a basic setup is sufficient.
- I’m looking for something affordable and straightforward.
For the keyboard, I don’t require high-end specifications. I’m aiming for:
- Wired connection
- Standard layout
- Low force and quiet switches (brown and red seem acceptable, though I’m not sure if brown’s feel matters much)
- Volume controls (preferably buttons, but a knob is acceptable if it allows precise settings)
- No lights (except basic indicators like num lock)
- Num Lock and Caps Lock signals
- Numeric keys
- A wrist rest (unless I’m not comfortable using the keyboard for long periods)
- Black color preferred, but another color is fine
This should meet my needs without breaking the bank.
This isn't a major issue. Most keyboards allow you to take off the keycaps and wipe away dust, hair, or debris. Keeping it upside down and shaking it out helps remove a lot of buildup. I've used mechanical keyboards for about ten years, and they've held up well.
Some models include dust covers, but it's up to the user to remember using them... I haven't.
Looking for a keyboard without lights is enjoyable nowadays... or maybe it's just a result of my search. You don't need lights on all the time... mine includes lighting, but I don't rely on it. White keys make it unnecessary. The lack of indicator lights means I won't recommend it...
Logitech doesn't appear to offer wired mechanical keyboards anymore. Razer seems unlikely to have done the same.
These aren't very costly:
https://www.keychron.com/collections/key...s-keyboard
The cheapest 100% size keyboard is $69
It seems the media keys on the 100% model are actually function keys, similar to my setup. I almost purchased one myself. They offer other options with more switch types and let you customize many features on pricier models. Most are wireless or Bluetooth, but a wired connection is still an option.
https://www.keychron.com/products/keychr...l-keyboard
I personally use a Redragon K512RGB, which is a fairly simple mechanical keyboard. I've tried a few Redragon keyboards and I prefer them. They're suitable for gaming or typing comments online.
Redragon also offers mechanical keyboards. Most of their boards feature RGB lighting, but you can usually turn them off, which seems to work for mine. Some models include a rest, though they might lack some of the features you mentioned. They're not the most advanced, but they're affordable and easy to replace. My previous model was damaged during a gaming session and I swapped it for a newer one under $50.
Redragon tends to stop backing keyboard software once they launch a new version. I've assisted several users here in searching for updated options that are compatible with keyboards.
Both Nuphy and Keychron keyboards are solid choices, particularly when they support QMK/VIA customization.
I've noticed some discussions about that problem. Based on my experience, I've consistently had seamless plug-and-play functionality with Redragon boards. Sometimes, I experience a communication loss when restarting my PC, but it usually fixes itself after reconnecting the board or rebooting. This issue also tends to occur more frequently with my Zelotes mouse, possibly due to driver-related concerns. I've always suspected it might be linked to the quality of my peripherals.
Viper V765 -
https://viper.patriotmemory.com/pro...am...iot-memory
Covers all the requirements except the aluminum grey finish. (and looks quite plain at first glance 😅)
I find red to be too loud! I don’t mind it, but I recommend checking out a physical keyboard store to try mechanical ones. They usually have some on display.
Red keys lack a tactile feel and produce loud typing sounds when I press them. Brown would be better.
I’m completely satisfied with my choice. The dimensions are ideal. Typing feels natural and precise. It’s a durable keyboard with large, solid caps. No cheap construction. Even the cable is well-made, braided and feels premium.
The wrist rest isn’t particularly impressive. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t stand out either. It connects magnetically if you need to use it.
Compared to you, I appreciate the lighting. I set a soft bluish white backlight and it looks great both during the day and at night.
However, you can turn off the lighting without installing any software. If you want more precise control over which keys light up with specific colors, you’ll need to install software—but it seems you’re not interested in that.
So if you decide to go with this model, refer to the manual for keyboard shortcuts and use them to dim the lights.
Num/Caps/Scroll lock indicators work separately from aRGB.
Viper also has other models, but I haven’t used them personally. Some are black.
Another keyboard that receives strong praise from me is the Keychron V6 -
https://www.keychron.com/products/k...om...2031744089
I don’t like the color or the keys, but I’m impressed with the rest.
Hope this is helpful.
It costs more than you think, but I just bought a MonsGeek M1 V3 from MG with silent yellow switches from Amazon for around 100 dollars, including fast FedEx delivery from MG. I only needed the keycaps, but those switches were what I really wanted. This was the best deal I could find for a keyboard with silent switches, staying under 150 dollars.
You're asking some clarifying questions about the product features. It seems you're trying to understand why certain components were included and how they relate to your needs. Let me help explain.
If I had waited six months I could have gotten a model with QMK support... I wasn't sure they would update that quickly... sigh
https://nuphy.com.au/products/nuphy-halo96-v2
The updates aren't sufficient for me to replace it so soon. They also lack the same keycap colors yet and have switched to a different type of keycap. So mine aren't quite backward compatible, they seem to have changed the height.