Looking for a suitable contemporary alternative to my gaming keyboard from 2012.
Looking for a suitable contemporary alternative to my gaming keyboard from 2012.
I’m searching for a contemporary alternative to my old Cherry MX Red gaming keyboard (Cooler Master CM Storm Trigger, 2012). It’s becoming increasingly difficult to open or replace parts, so I’m trying to find something that meets my needs without gaming features. Non-gaming keyboards usually don’t offer the same gaming capabilities, and most modern ones lack a removable USB cable. I’m hoping for a full 101-key layout, backlighting per key (RGB would be ideal), and a detachable USB port. While dedicated media or macro keys are nice to have, they aren’t essential. Most gaming keyboards seem to skip the removable cable option, and those with removable cables often miss out on backlighting or per-RGB programmability.
I’m also curious about whether new switch technologies—like optical or hall effect—are worth considering. I prefer the Cherry MX Red design for its tactile feel and lack of force required before actuation. It seems rare to find keyboards using hall effect except for the SteelSeries Apex Pro, which unfortunately lacks other features like a removable cable and backlighting. It also has a high price tag, and the software is quite complex, requiring an account to configure.
The Corsair K75 was another option I explored, but its software is unfamiliar and it uses a mechanical design rather than optical or hall effect. It also doesn’t offer a removable USB or special keys. I’m wondering if there are other suggestions, especially for Cherry MX Red alternatives or similar switches, and whether any models are more user-friendly for repairs. I also want to know if there are any newer options that balance durability, features, and ease of maintenance.
You could create your own keyboard or explore some semi-custom pre-built options.
DIY KIT
Start making your own mechanical keyboard here!
kbdfans.com
There are many Cherry-compatible mechanical switches available, along with other standards.
Feel free to search Amazon and eBay for unique mechanical keyboards, many of which are affordable, often under $100, and suitable for your needs.
The DIY choices appear to be among the priciest, most minimalist options with no backlighting, while the ones that do are surprisingly costly—around $400.
This has definitely become the pattern, particularly because it helps reduce expenses.
It won’t be possible to locate reviews for all these options.
However, perhaps it’s worth trying something similar? I’m skeptical it has the A-RGB keys, but it seems to satisfy most of your needs.
Amazon.com
There are also numerous alternatives in the 100+ category that could be either superior or not.
With more options available than Cherry switches currently, you’ll need to thoroughly research to find what suits you best.
I realize my lack of understanding here, and I apologize. Yet I remain intrigued. Is the RGB backlighting intended merely for appearance, or does it fulfill a more practical function? I’m not making judgments in either direction, just wanting to be clear. It seems likely you use a gaming keyboard during your leisure time, and I can understand why something, even if simply decorative, could add value to your experience during the limited moments you have. However, I’m open to the idea that it might also serve a productivity or functional role I’m not aware of. Since the purpose depends on how and why you use it, I thought I’d share a suggestion that might help. I found a link suggesting replacement key switches that could address your issue: Cherry Launches MX Experience Box Keyswitch Sampler They also offer individual MX Switch kits, each containing 23 switches, in the same design. It appears these kits are available at reasonable prices, with sets of 23 switches or sample packs containing one of each type. Prices typically range from $10 to $30 depending on the configuration. Creating one of these would likely require some effort, but it could be worthwhile if you only need to switch backlight colors for specific tasks. For example, when playing emulators of classic games where different keys represent various controls or joysticks, you’d want to highlight the correct ones using color codes to avoid confusion. Or if you need quick access to hot key combinations in an office setting that you rarely use, it could save time. If you’re considering this, you might also explore options like finding translucent or transparent keys (e.g., from a recycled keyboard on eBay), or sourcing small LEDs to illuminate each key under a mechanical keyboard with detachable switches. This could allow you to customize the look and function of your keyboard, perhaps even adding a custom case or integrating programmable function keys. This approach could be beneficial even if nothing else is needed, as there have been discussions about similar ideas on platforms like crowdsupply.com and CNC software sites. If you’re a developer, you might also consider embedding a small controller or single-board computer inside the keyboard to manage RGB lighting via software, enhancing usability. Overall, it’s a potentially valuable project if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.
Usually aesthetics but it can be both. It aids visibility of the keyboard if the room is dim and programmable ones, based on the level of control you have, can act as a kind of functional feedback depending on what it offers. (For example, some hall effect keyboards allow you to adjust key behavior—like setting WASD keys to change character movement when pressed harder, with the key color changing to show this.)
The issue arises if the keyboard isn<|pad|>, you’ll need to desolder and re-solder each switch individually. Many have managed it, but I lack the soldering expertise... and honestly, the patience required to rework over 100 switches. Even with socketed ones, cheaper knock-off models often don’t match official Cherry MX switches in fit.
There are numerous DIY keyboard kits available, letting you assemble your own with the desired case, backplate, switches, keycaps, etc. However, these often lack features and are typically tenkeyless, sometimes costing more if you aim for a fully gaming-style setup.
The GMK offers a complete size with hot-swap connectors and is typically available near $100. Many users have successfully modified budget keyboards found on Amazon and comparable sites, such as Royal Kludge.
GMK is likely a standard or generic term, not a specific brand.