These popular mechanical keyboards from Kogan are back on sale. Blue and Brown switch keyboards are priced a little higher.
Brown Switch - $35.99
Blue Switch - $39.99
Kogan First sweetens the deal with free shipping. If you haven't previously signed up, you can get a 14 day free trial. More info here.
Got one a while ago. Great for the money. Space key stopped working. They sent me a new replacement so cannot complain.
Gotoneawhileago.Greatforthemoney.Spacekeystoppedworking.Theysentmeanewreplacementsocannotcomplain.
FTFY.
He is typing on the replacement keyboard..
so you didn't need to fix anything
He was making a joke, so you didn't need to correct anything
Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?
More upvotes than the post itself…
The Gods Must Be Crazy
Worth for purchasing? More users' feedback will be appreciated. Thanks
Hi, lots of feedback on previous posts for the same model.
See:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/544373
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/504168
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/490856
Deals history:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/kogan-rgb-mechanical-ga…
Yes. I was reading the previous deal back to June. It has mixed reviews.
Thanks for the links.
This comment is interesting with a 50% failure rate over 8 keyboards in an office and a comparison to a Ducky keyboard.
It's worth noting these are not all the same keyboards.
Kogan sells a Full RGB Keyboard and an RGB Keyboard. I'm not entirely sure on the differences (I only have the Full RGB one) but my understanding is the RGB is worse somehow on the non-Full version. No idea if they differ otherwise.
From what I figure, with the standard RGB keyboard the colours of the keys are static so basically you only get to turn the LEDS On/Off in different modes, but with the Full RGB you can customize the colours as you like.
i bought both and the cheaper one feels predictably cheaper.
the "full rgb" also uses outemu switches while the basic rgb is….they don't even want to tell us.
Anyone else have any ideas/recommendations about which of the two is better value for money?
My first one had a key that double pressed but they replaced it without issue. They keyboard itself is ok, it has a silver bezel at the bottom which can reflect light straight into your eyeballs.
My first one had a key that double pressed but they replaced it without issue.
I had the ssame issssue. SStill waiting for them to sship it.
your reply is too late and not original
someone already did the same joke/comment in the first reply
your reply is too late and not original
Is that a new posting rule?
If not, why should I care?
Is that a new posting rule?
Never said it was a new posting rule but just to be sure, you should check..
If not, why should I care?
You seem to care since your whole identify is trying to be the witty/funny one on this site
and keep constantly posting on here in as many new bargains post as you can..and using the same corny bold text joke.
I doubt you really care about any actual bargains…
Also it isn't funny/witty when someone just told a joke
You come on stage and basically tell the same joke..
Lacks any originality, but I guess you are used to that..
Liesss, you're jussst a sssnake.
i hate that silver bezel! tempted to put some black cloth tape over it lol
i suppose it's their attempt at making it look premium but instead makes it worse. and the caps, scroll and num key indicators are next to useless unless you're hovering right above it.
I use the blue switch version, it has an annoying ringing during each switch press which would drive me nuts if I used it all the time.
Still, for the money it's hard to beat. But I think you get much more than double or triple quality/useability if you spend two or three times as much on another KB.
Ditto! I've got one with blue switches which "rings" when you hit most keys. In saying that, I use it almost daily and it doesn't bother me too much. Doesn't compare to my SteelSeries with Cherry Blues in build quality, sound or feel but costs a fraction of the price.
I have two of these, one blue switch wired, and one red switch wireless.
You get what you pay for, $30 keyboard.
If you want something decent, go for something more upmarket like Razer.
Razer is not a good value option.
It is when you find a good deal.
Agreed. Razer are shit.
@bdl: I mean, there are definitely better options for the price, but they are not terrible.
Huge market share including a disproportionate number of teenage gamers meaning bad reviews are going to be common, but not always fair.
My Blackwidow from 2011 is still going. My other BlackWidow at work is only 3 years old but is also fine.
By all means, shop around and go for Ducky/Filco/etc if you can, but Razer/Corsair/Logitech aren't bad.
Upmarket…? Razer in my experiance has never outlasted Kogan products. Kogan itself has abysmal lifetimes to begin with.
Ducky? $200 for a keyboard
Don't get me wrong, I used to have a Filco Majestouch brown switch and loved it. Guess what? it broke 3 yrs later. Been using my Kogan for the last year and a half now. Filco and Ducky is worth more? Defiantly. worth $150 more? Hell no.
I have a Filco Majestouch 2 brown that I ordered 7 years ago. It still functions like new and doesn't have too many signs of wear other than WASD being slightly faded. It was my primary keyboard up until I swapped to a 65% when I started working from home. Though, I did just install FS2020 so i'll be going back to a full sized keyboard.
Having used a Kogan keyboard at a friends place, there's a very noticeable difference with build quality.
I'd go the other way and say that a better keyboard is worth the extra money, especially when averaged out over multiple years.
I have one with Browns. I like it, solid board.
I've got one with red switches - its okay, not great, can't beat the price though. A decent mechanical is usually $100 plus so this could be a good way to try one without spending big.
I use the brown switch version for work, got a ducky shine 5 brown at home. I am happy with the purchase and can't complain with that price. I had originally thought that it was a proper RGB keyboard, when it is actually a different colour each row of keys.
You're going to have to fork out $50 for their proper RGB version.
You're not going to find another mech for $29 AUD anywhere near this quality. I've been using a TKL version for over a year.
Wish this was wireless!
Cut the cable. Wish granted!
He should have said working & wireless, gotta be specific with your wishes or you always end up screwed
I have the wireless TLK version. Very nice price but the wireless is buggy.
USB dongle has a lot of interference and cuts in and out in a crowded environment. i.e. in the office
For those who don't have Kogan First, it's cheaper via ebay
$33.32 delivered for red switches (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kogan-RGB-Mechanical-Keyboard-Re…)
$39.99 delivered for brown switches (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kogan-RGB-Mechanical-Keyboard-Br…)
$44.43 delivered for blue switches (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kogan-RGB-Mechanical-Keyboard-Bl…)
That's better if you already did the free trial for Kogan First as well, can make another account like I did for one of the kettles but I think an extra $3 is better option.
Thanks bought a brown for work.
Damn - prices up now. :(
I've got the wireless one of these, I can't stand the keys /switches
I bought it 2 years ago and now the Esc key is broken. Quality wise I am unsure now.
no escape from you
Did you contact kogan for a replacement?
I hate the lock LEDs on these. They're too bright. And since my num lock is always on, they're always shining in my eyes.
I agree with this. I have put a translucent tape on those lights to dim them. :)
Otherwise the keyboard has been great so far. bought the brown wired version more than a year ago and typing on it right now. I would recommend it for the price.
Yep, I did basically the same thing; put black electrical tape over 3/4 of the LED. Dims the LED and you don't notice the tape.
I had the same issue with another keyboard I had. If you're handy, can open up and place an opaque sheet of plastic over the lights to dim them. It's not very difficult but may void warranty if there are stickers.
I've covered it totally with a sticky note
are these cherry mx red keys? i don't want to waste my money if they aren't.
No they are not Cherry MX, All of my keyboards are red/blue of other manufacturers and they are great.
Reviews on YouTube will show that other brands of switches are now mostly the same for a fraction of the cost, Cherry MX is just the premo brand now.
They wouldn't be. You won't see Cherrys in anything less than about $100AUD. Even Gateron and Kailh boards are a few tiers up from the Kogan.
That said, other switch brands shouldn't put you off. Gateron linears (reds,blacks) and Kailh clickies are generally preferred over their Cherry counterparts. Outemu switches are a level below them (not sure if the Kogan uses them), but they are still considered to be alright and the cost difference is massive.
Unless you have some really specific reason (outside of general quality and feel), I'd say don't limit yourself to Cherry MX.
Outemu switches are a level below them (not sure if the Kogan uses them)
The "Full RGB" $50 ones from Kogan Are Outemu switches.
Thanks for the info!
Well, I got one from a brand called irocks from mwave 2 or so years back, it houses cherry browns for 75 bucks.
Oh I-rocks, I'm so glad I found you. I will never let you go.
Wow that sounds like a great deal!
I've worn out a new brown-switched on since March. I'm used to a model M so maybe I'm a little heavy handed.
What exactly happened to it? Switches started dying?
Cheers
Yeah, switches are double registering, plus enter key and page up and down keys seem to be lower than the others. My first mechanical keyboard, not sure if they are all like this, as I've been using buckling spring for 10+ years now…
A good mechanical keyboard should last you a lifetime.
I had a modern Unicomp keyboard which is exactly the same build as the original Model M (Unicomp bought the keyboard biz from IBM) and I loved it. Sadly, other people in the office didn’t share my enthusiasm for it and I was told to take it home. :(
I went through a few other mechanical keyboards (Steel Series, Hyper-X), including a Kogan full RGB with brown (probably Otemu) switches. It worked perfectly fine but for some reason I found my accuracy was terrible with it. All I can think of is the spacing of the keys was slightly off to suit my fingers. Apart from that it was a solid ‘board that performed well and was reasonably quiet after I’d stuck a set of O-ring dampeners on it. I agree that these keyboards are best viewed as a gateway to higher build quality models and are a great way to see if mechanical switches are for you or not.
I’m now using a Roccat Vulcan 100 and it’s brilliant! The short-travel switches really do help to increase my typing speed and spacing & key shape are spot-on so I don’t make anywhere near as many errors. I don’t see me giving it up anytime soon, unless it stops working.
I got this RGB E-element mechanical keyboard for $59. It's very decent with fast Australian shipping. Very satisfied for what I paid. Initially I was going to get the Kogan one but after seeing the reviews decided on this model instead.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Backlit…
I have the Kogan keyboard, the photos of the the E-element looks like it came out from the same factory.
I bought 2 of these (home and work). After a while one had a late responsive key, for which Kogan sent me a new keyboard without asking for the faulty one back!
Now my 2nd one also has a non responsive key (intermittently). Guess the quality control of these isn't great on the whole. RGB effects are cool though.
Did you get this version or the Full RGB version. The effects didn't seem that interesting so I left it on the default. The photo icon mentioning "RGB LEDS" made me expect it to exhibit LEDs where you can have the entire keyboard running red, green or blue.
kogan are misleading with the rgb thing.
this basic one just has fixed colour leds for each row. you can change the lighting effect (flashing, swirling, ripple etc), the brightness and the speed but that's it.
the "full rgb" version comes with software where you can change the lighting colour of each key. it's fun for a while ;)
the "full rgb" version comes with software where you can change the lighting colour of each key. it's fun for a while ;)
I have the full one, while it has a lot of options, I don't see anywhere where you can change the lighting colour of each key?
@CVonC: did you download this software called Gaming_Setup_V1.6.6.exe
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-full-rgb-mechanical-keybo…
under User Manuals
There's only those presets, no assignment of individual keys (but you can edit certain keys to a specific single colour in game mode). Also the "Rainbow" preset doesn't work the same as the animation (it shows the full keyboard cycling through one colour at a time but in reality each key has random colours cycling through it)
I believe I got the full RGB version and wasn't aware of the basic one. It can do the crossfading rainbow effect so each individual key colour gradually transitions its colour. I've also used the software editor the others mentioned.
I had similar issues with intermittent non-responsiveness. Googled and found a solution on YouTube. It worked for me: remove the non-responsive keycap, blow forcefully while clicking/depressing rapidly on the key (maybe 10-20 times while blowing at it). It should become responsive again. I'm guessing it could be dust blocking the contact points but don't know the real reason for it.
thanks mate I will try that out!
I think that worked at least for now! Thanks again for your advice
Currently using the blue switch, which is fit for purpose. Brow switch would be the best.
Excuse my naivety, what’s amazing about this compared to a normal wired keyboard? Is it the ‘red’ keys?
Mechanical keyboards are generally better across the board. They'll feel better, they'll sound better, they'll let you press the whole keyboard at once and you won't drop input (important for gaming and shortcuts). They'll also have a range of key types that will suit your need better.
The blue keys are keys that have a bouncy button kind of feeling when you click the keys, and will have a very clicky clacky sound. If you ever heard of keyboard sounds in movies, those are what blue sounds like. They are satisfying to the monkey brain side of you, making you feel "ahhhh, this must be what being civilised feel like," even though everyone around you will think you're an obnoxious deaf person.
Red are keys that just melts into the board, makes them super easy to press, and they won't make much sound (still louder than the 10 dollar microsoft keyboards though). They are loved by gamers cause of the extra microsecond they can save when pressing the keyboard, but press it down too hard and watch as your textbox scream in pain. So you'll need to treat the red keys like a princess.
Then, the rest are somewhere in between these two.
RGB is probably the best thing about them
makes typing in the dark much more easier
the novelty wore off for me pretty quick.
for typing in the dark (which i do a lot), my eyes would prefer a solid red/orange backlight. maybe one i can sync with f.lux, if i'm feeling super fancy!
@tdw: Why the novelty wore of with RGB?
is the changing rgb colors not good/easy to see the keys when typing vs a solid red/orange color backlight keyboard
how do you sync with f.lux?
and what you mean like in changing the color to red/orange when f.lux changes?
do you know of any keyboards that can do this?
also sync with night light instead of f.lux?
I stopped running f.lux (unnecessary tray app) when windows 10 had the same thing with night light.
@pinkybrain: i just settled on the solid light and that was it lol.
there's a custom mode where you can choose which keys light up; had a play with that too but i realised i wanted all my keys lit.
i'm running win 7 still so don't have that nightlight feature. i love how f.lux can get the screen super red. don't know of any keyboards that can sync with f.lux; it's just a pipe dream of mine ;)
@tdw: which RGB keyboard do you own?
so you can pick on solid light on yours?
wow win 7 in 2020?
why you not upgrade to 10 if not for the features, then security updates..
you can even install windows 10 without activating it or just crack it
@pinkybrain: my wireless kogan board has a solid blue light.
full rgb kogan can be set with a solid light of whatever colour you want through the software.
keep in mind this laptop i'm on is 6 years old. prior to that i was still using XP on another laptop while everyone else had moved to win 7 :D
i use win 10 on a workshop computer and [very seldom] on my hp stream laptop. just not keen on it.
@tdw: you got a link for your keyboard?
I want to get RGB mechanical keyboard, mainly for lights typing at night
not sure how good the quality of kogan brand though…
someone on here said they had a 50% failure rate
@pinkybrain: it's been out of stock on kogan for a while. but this was the deal posted here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/523584
Thanks. I currently have a Microsoft Keyboard 5000. Works well, I just find it's noisy when I type and with little ones it sometimes wakes them when I work at night.
I'm thinking a Kogan Red may then be enough for me to type quietly. I'm happy with corded, it's for a desktop anyway.
Brown keys are considered the best of both worlds, they’re silent* like reds, because they don’t click-clack during travel, but they have a tactile actuation point just before the key press is registered by the computer. Have you ever idly rested your fingers on the keys and suddenly found you were typing a whole row of one character? That’s usually because your fingers are just heavy enough to push a key down to the actuation point, and on the cheap non-mechanical keyboards it’s almost impossible to feel where this is. Tactile switches like blues and browns are less prone to doing this because you can subtly feel when they get to that point, and as they go past it you’ll get a slight ‘click’ sensation. Gamers like this because they can push a key and hold it until the best time to actuate it. Typists, like me, enjoy tactile keys because they give great feedback during long sessions of text. I personally find this less tiring, too, because I don’t feel like I have to bash the keys to get them to work.
*Note that ‘silent’ is a real active term. All mechanical keyboards are noisier than those with membrane switches because they give varying levels of clackiness when they keys bottom out. Blue switches (and other similar variants) are even noisier because they also produce an audible click at actuation. I always recommend that for most mechanical ‘boards which use Cherry MX switches, or their clones (Otemu, Kaliah, etc), then get a set of O-rings off eBay for about $2 shipped, plus a keycap puller for another $1 if your ‘board didn’t come with one. Pop the keys off and slip an O-ring over the stem, then reinsert the keycap. Press down firmly so the O-ring is seated properly. You’ll find they help to dampen the sound when bottoming out and will make the sounds a bit quieter.
Thanks for the detail - it helps.
You're welcome. BTW, I wrote that on my phone and even though I re-read it twice I see the dumb auto-correct still caught me out. The first sentence of the second paragraph is meant to read:
Note that ‘silent’ is a relative term.
…but I'm hoping you, and other readers, got the gist of it.
found a review here. Looks very cheapy made but at $29 price point can't really complain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDANUJ-WRg4
Looks very cheapy made
..
You linked the Full RGB: https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-full-rgb-mechanical-keybo…
The one that I bought off Kogan for $29.99 only had different colours for each row
I think for an extra $20 I’d get the Full RGB model - https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-full-rgb-mechanical-keybo…
Someone said this key has bad failure rate
"This comment is interesting with a 50% failure rate over 8 keyboards in an office and a comparison to a Ducky keyboard."
Got one a while ago. Great for the money. Space key stopped working. They sent me a new replacement so cannot complain.