These are keyboards I examined that aren’t fairly adequate 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 methodology and lengthy wait occasions for supply, I simply can’t suggest the 60HE over Keychron’s Q1 HE. Whereas I nonetheless assume it’s a implausible 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 an appropriate trade-off for customizable Corridor impact switches, however Keychron affords a full-metal, gasket-mounted keyboard for round $50 extra, and I feel the enhancements are well worth the cash until you like a 60% format or need the flexibility 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 vital. It’s a full-size mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX2A switches, a steel plate, and hardly the rest. It’s not customizable, it’s not programmable, however I can say for positive that will probably be sturdy, dependable, and at the very least considerably fulfilling to sort on for years to return.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-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 in depth group with aftermarket elements and guides on easy methods to modify them. The Professional Hybrid Sort-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 cause to switch the present format until you need a particular macro or change to the operate layer. It’s extremely straightforward to seek out on the used marketplace for round half the value, making it a way more affordable different to the Studio.
Melgeek Made68 for $119: With a extra minimal strategy to its design and a classy white-and-purple colour scheme, the Made68 has an important desk presence that stands out from the gang. Plus, in-depth customization of Melgeek’s Gateron-supplied Corridor Impact switches signifies that extremely granular changes will 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 mild diffuser on the again. The diffusers are presently obtainable in black, green, and red with every together with new silver facet panels. Nevertheless, you have to 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 strategy to keyboard design, the Cyber01 appears to be like nearly 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’s kind of 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 will be adjusted utilizing Melgeek’s Hive software program (though it took me some troubleshooting to get these options to work). My largest challenge 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 at the very least a method (together with the Made68 above), I don’t assume this keyboard is essentially all that unhealthy. For those who love the styling, this could be the keyboard for you.
