I am pretty confident that there are better keyboards/mice available. However, a backup or emergency kit not too bad to have.
ALCATROZ (Xplorer C3300 Silent) (Grey) Wired Keyboard + Mouse Desktop Combo $6 C&C /+ Delivery @ MSY
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I keep a spare set around for troubleshooting random PC scenarios.
old price was pretty decent as it is… only $9
its amazing they can ship this crap from china, pay your import duties, your gst, add your profit and its still only $9!
Makes one think how much it costs to make one of the fancier keyboards that sell for $250 and up.
Couldn't be more than ~$20
A typical keyboard(non mechanical) will use a cheap transparent circuit board with a membrane over the top. A mechanical keyboard essentially has an individual switch for every key. You can also choose how a switch feels, sounds depending on switch choice. This may assist with typing with tactile or audible feedback. A mechanical keyboard may also have features like NKRO (Ability to register pressing every single key) whereas membrane keyboards may be limited to about 6 and have limits on which keys can be pressed together. They will also be significantly more durable.
The cheapest membrane keyboard is about $6, cheapest mech keyboard is about $30.
As price increases the following improves:
* Switch quality
* Construction quality: Cheap plastic -> milled metal
* Keycap quality: Cheap plastic to double moulded ABS or PBT plastic
* Complexity of Software/hardware of they keyboardIn my opinion, the sweet spot would be about $80-$120 for a reasonably priced decent entry level mech keyboard. I'd consider the Chery MX board to be the low end and to be a decent start for a mech keyboard.
Was looking at mechanical keyboard. Any you'd recommend at that price point?
@Equus: This really depends on what you want.
As a basic mech keyboard in my above-stated price bracket, I'd seriously consider the Ducky One. For a smaller or different form factor, I'd look at something from Keychron or maybe an Anne Pro II.
Also worth trying out different switch types, possibly in store.
* Red - Linear - no bump, quiet
* Brown - tactile - bump at the actuation point, quiet
* Blue - Loud click, tactile - bump at the actuation point, loud clickI started with a Cherry MX brown switch (tactile) and in my year of WFH have found myself liking clicky switches (Kalih Box Whites). I've also been quite enjoying a board with low profile reds(linear).
Otherwise, I'd just watch the Mechanical keyboards tag on Ozbargain and buy when something I liked came up.
My basic things to look for would be:
* decent switches. As for basic ones: (Cherry, Gateron, Kalih)
* build quality. Look at reviews of the board you're considering
* Software support and lack of bloatware@ihfree: Thanks for the response. Really appreciate it.
I was looking at mechanical keyboards for work and have been eyeing on a Ducky One 2 lately.
Might have a look at a Keychron and Anne Pro 2 as well.
Thanks again for your response.
@Equus: I looking to give the Keychron K1 low profile a try. I like how it's got both Mac and PC layouts with easy switching, and they include the keycaps for both as well. The trouble is actually finding stock of them.
It's great and all, but IMO it's why we're going to hell.
People don't realise how cheaply things can be made.
Unfortunately it also comes with a lack of quality. The two cheap sets i've seen have had frayed cables quickly and a mouse so lite a bend in the cable lifted it off the table. They're not built to last and are almost instant landfill.If you truly are on a budget, it would be well worth saving for a $10 or $20 Dell or Logitech set. Do yourself and the planet a favour.
If you compare those two you shouldn't be allowed to use a keyboard.
Woah, tough crowd!
I brought both, Corsair k100 is just a backup. This is more superior. Trust me.
It actually looks quite good for the price. The issue would be durability. At least one site has reviews indicating faulty mouse buttons.
Alcatroz really killing it… may not be the best keyboard/mouse but definitely better than Kmart's
In terms of price and quality
Good backup for wireless mechanical keyboard owners.