60% Mechanical Keyboard under $100?

YeemaiI on 21/05/2020 - 12:10
Last edited 21/05/2020 - 12:14

Hello people,

I'm looking for a mechanical keyboard with a 60% or TKL layout with arrow keys. I would prefer hot swappable switches, but if not, maybe Gateron Blue switches or any other good Cherry clone. Maybe even Kaihl Box switches? Idk

I've looked at the GK64 but thats over my budget. I've also looked at the Kogan one but don't know if Outemu switches are any good. Also want to be able to change out / lube stabs.

If you guys could help, I'd really appreciate it. Doesn't need RGB.

Thanks guys,
Justin

Gaming

Comments

  • ddhar on 21/05/2020 - 12:27
    +1

    I got a Redragon K551 (K552 for the TKL version) for about $65 off Amazon. Blue switch clone and red-only backlights. It's my first mechanical keyboard but so far I'm very very happy with it. Love the clicks and everyone notices the red theme. It's solidly heavy too so stays in place on the table.

  • Tomacco on 21/05/2020 - 12:37
    +1

    Look at the Keychron K2, wireless and starts at $69

    • Master Bates on 21/05/2020 - 12:53

      Is that $69 USD or AUD? Seems to be $129 and up in Aus.

      • Tomacco on 21/05/2020 - 13:11
        +1

        My bad, $69 USD

    • RotundPolarBear on 21/05/2020 - 14:57

      I just got the K2 myself with red switches.

      Was really hard to find stock but I managed to nab one from Mwave (out of stock again now).

      It was $129 AUD plus shipping ($14) so more than OP wants to spend.

      This is my first mechanical keyboard and it is such a contrast to typing on my Macbook Air. Not sure that I really like it tbh. Oh well, might take some getting used to.

  • s1Lence on 21/05/2020 - 12:47
    +2

    Just ordered a z88 ($50-60 delivered on amazon) to replace my full sized Razer Blackwidow Ultimate. I did a lot of research and at this price point it seems like the best options are the qisan magicforce 68, z77/z88, redragon. Linus has a video comparing cheap boards and all three are mentioned to be quite decent, which is the same concensus you will hear on reddit and other forums. If the board comes on time in 1 week I can tell you how it compares to the Razer (which was $120 when I bought it in 2013, both blue switches)

    • catbarf on 09/06/2020 - 17:20

      Thanks for the information, that's great!

  • spiritzero on 09/06/2020 - 14:42

    How is z88 then mate?

    • YeemaiI on 09/06/2020 - 15:22

      Looked at that, not too sure on how Outemu switches perform and feel, if they're scratchy, or if they're inconsistent (in terms of feel). Thanks for the suggestion though 👍

    • s1Lence on 09/06/2020 - 18:21
      +2

      My z88 just came yesterday and I have used it for a bit.
      My WPM with the blackwidow was a comfortable 100 but now with the z88 I am struggling to even get 80-90, this could just be because I am still getting used to the board though. My speed is there and I am hitting the correct keys, just for some reason I keep hitting them in different orders. For example, if I was trying to write "because" I might accidentally write "ebcause" or "becase" which is not an issue I have had with any previous keyboard. I guess I feel like I am hitting certain keys but I am not pushing down enough or something, not sure though. Seems to happen at least once a sentence!

      Scratchiness: My keyboard is the Outemu Blue switch version (black model if that makes a difference) and one thing that is annoying is that the small keys (i.e letters, nubmers, f1-f12 keys etc) are very similar to the blue switches on the razer, almost no difference. But for some reason the larger buttons (space bar, shift keys, enter etc.) feel much worse - scratchy and throw you off when you go from hitting one of those to hitting a standard switch because of the large difference in feeling when pressed. This is a fairly big issues when actually typing, especially if you're trying to type fast.

      Key caps: They feel rough and not as comfortable, perhaps this was intentional to provide extra grip but personally I don't like it very much. Might swap them for the razer ones.

      Size: This is the main reason why I went with this keyboard. It was one of the cheapest keyboards of this size at nearly half the size of the blackwidow. I like the looks, shape and the fact that it has a detachable cable that also has several routes (left, mid, right) that is great for cable management and helps tidy up the desk. Lighting features are nice and build quality feels sturdy like it won't break on you any time soon.

      Overall, I don't think I can recommend it. When random keystrokes don't seem to register and keys are of different consistency to one another that is a dealbreaker. Next time I will be forking out the extra cash for a $200-300 keyboard like a ducky or something, the mistyping issue is really annoying and not something I have experienced before.

      • YeemaiI on 10/06/2020 - 08:53

        Wow, okay. Interested about the stabilisers. How are they? Kinda rattly? Is it possible to take out and possibly replace them with genuine Cherry ones? Thanks for sharing

  • spiritzero on 09/06/2020 - 22:27

    Thanks for sharing. I am also looking for a similar style keyboard because I just use for daily typing and coding. No fancy backlit is needed. I might try Flico or Royal Kludge then. By the way I found that many of these keyboard(including Ducky you mentioned) are from China. Shipping and warranty might be the concern. Anyway enjoy your new keyboard!

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