These are keyboards I examined that aren’t fairly ok for the spots above or are good throughout the board with out standout options. They don’t do issues fairly in addition to their competitors however are nonetheless stable in their very own proper.
Wooting 60HE+ for $175: Between an archaic mounting technique and lengthy wait instances for supply, I simply can’t suggest the 60HE over Keychron’s Q1 HE. Whereas I nonetheless assume it’s a unbelievable Corridor impact keyboard, it simply doesn’t have the identical polish and refinement as Keychron’s providing. The 60HE nonetheless makes use of a tray-mount system that, whereas modular, doesn’t sound or really feel nice to sort on. Together with that, the plastic case is disappointing on the worth; it was as soon as a suitable trade-off for customizable Corridor impact switches, however Keychron affords a full-metal, gasket-mounted keyboard for round $50 extra, and I believe the enhancements are well worth the cash until you favor a 60% format or need the power to make use of the 60HE’s wide selection of aftermarket circumstances.
Cherry KC 200 MX for $90: The KC 200 MX is an extremely easy and barebones keyboard that doesn’t add something new, or take away something needed. It’s a full-size mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX2A switches, a steel plate, and hardly anything. It’s not customizable, it’s not programmable, however I can say for certain that it will likely be sturdy, dependable, and not less than considerably gratifying to sort on for years to return.
Joyful Hacking Keyboard Skilled Hybrid Kind-S for $259: Whereas the brand new Studio has changed this mannequin as my decide for programmers, this older model continues to be nice if you would like one thing easier, or with a novel typing really feel. The format continues to be nice and the Topre switches—a kinda-membrane, kinda-mechanical swap with a deep typing sound and distinct, rounded tactility—are a pleasure to sort on. Plus, these keyboards have an intensive group with aftermarket elements and guides on tips on how to modify them. The Professional Hybrid Kind-S mannequin particularly has extras like Bluetooth connectivity and silencing rings. It’s additionally reprogrammable utilizing HHKB’s proprietary app, though there’s not a lot purpose to switch the present format until you desire a particular macro or change to the operate layer. It’s extremely simple to seek out on the used marketplace for round half the value, making it a way more cheap different to the Studio.
Melgeek Made68 for $119: With a extra minimal method to its design and a classy white-and-purple coloration scheme, the Made68 has an amazing desk presence that stands out from the group. Plus, in-depth customization of Melgeek’s Gateron-supplied Corridor Impact switches signifies that extremely granular changes might be made to this keyboard’s typing expertise, even right down to the actuation distance of particular person keys. The exterior look will also be custom-made, with detachable facet panels and a swappable gentle diffuser on the again. The diffusers are at the moment accessible in black, inexperienced, and pink with every together with new silver facet panels. Nevertheless, you will want a screwdriver set to take away any of those panels, since an Allen wrench isn’t included with the keyboard. General, the Made68 sounds and feels good to sort on. The tray-mount isn’t very best for typing really feel, however the typical points with typing consistency aren’t as distinguished right here as different comparable keyboards. At this worth, a barely flawed typing expertise is a worthwhile tradeoff for customizable Corridor Impact switches and a satisfying typing sound.
Melgeek Cyber01 for $169: Taking a notedly maximalist method to keyboard design, the Cyber01 appears virtually straight out of Cyberpunk 2077. With a blocky, futuristic font and gritty sci-fi graphics plastered over the polycarbonate keycaps and chunky plastic case, this keyboard appears like a contemporary twist on the stylized gaming peripherals of the 2000s. It is a bit gaudy, however this keyboard stunned me. The Corridor Impact switches, whereas noticeably mushy on the bottom-out, are extremely easy and responsive, and the case feels fairly stable too. The switches’ actuation distances might be adjusted utilizing Melgeek’s Hive software program (though it took me some troubleshooting to get these options to work). My largest problem is the sub-par typing sound, with noticeable rattles and lifeless spots ensuing from the tray-mount meeting and strange design. Whereas I really feel like each different Corridor Impact keyboard beats this keyboard in not less than a technique (together with the Made68 above), I don’t assume this keyboard is essentially all that dangerous. In case you love the styling, this is perhaps the keyboard for you.