Hi OzB, I'm in the market for a new keyboard, my $1.80 Microsoft wireless fellow is starting to lose his mind and miss key presses all the time. I gave him some grace to begin with, but he's almost ready to cark it, I think.
I'm after suggestions for a quality wireless keyboard, don't really care if "clicky" or not, a few media buttons would be nice that's about it. There are SO many options, it's really hard to know what I'm looking at..
TIA!
I deliberately left out a budget, because I don't know what to expect to pay for a decent quality but still affordable and reasonable item. Thanks for your help!
The more you pay, generally around the $120~150 mark, you can expect some top-tier keyboards with Cherry Mx switches. It's a good idea to read the reviews, possibly searching on Amazon and see if you can something that is generally regarded as good or popular.
Cherry MX is the "original brand" for mechanical switches and are generally regarded as the industry benchmark (i.e overall the best).
The downside is the fairly high price, and sometimes, you might find other replacements that feel just as good but are much cheaper.
Other companies have their own copy cat switches. Some good, some average, some below average, but always best to read or watch the reviews first.
Aparts from brands of switches, there are also types of switches to consider to consider. If you're a typist, clicky switches give you a satisfying feel but a very loud and audible 'click', which could annoy others.
If you're gamer, linear switches are most popular and they don't make much sound either.
Tactile switches are in-between and are good for typing and gaming, but still make a bit of clicking sound.
Once you go mech you never go bech.
Do you need wireless? Mechanical keyboards are tough as nails and will literally last you decades but there are few wireless ones. You will pay for wireless functionality too.
Hmm, my last wireless keyboard was a Microsoft $20 combo that came with an ~$18 rebate so something tells me wireless technology shouldn't add too much to the price… There seems to be a few recommendations for a mechanical keyboard, it's something i'll look into. It's hard to get past the flashy advertising to know what you're really getting for a novice…
Best to start with a budget.
Mechanicals start around $60 dollars and up. Price depends on whether you want a 'branded' keyboard or a Chinese OEM one.
Linus also did a round up of a bunch of cheap backlit KB's, although most of these brands are not something anyone here has heard of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUCzVP7ykpk