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 strong in their very own proper.
Wooting 60HE+ for $175: Between an archaic mounting methodology and lengthy wait instances for supply, I simply can’t suggest the 60HE over Keychron’s Q1 HE. Whereas I nonetheless suppose 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 a suitable 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 definitely worth the cash except you favor a 60% structure or need the power to make use of the 60HE’s wide selection of aftermarket instances.
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 the rest. It’s not customizable, it’s not programmable, however I can say for positive that it will likely be sturdy, dependable, and a minimum of considerably fulfilling to sort on for years to come back.
Comfortable Hacking Keyboard Skilled Hybrid Sort-S for $259: Whereas the brand new Studio has changed this mannequin as my choose for programmers, this older model continues to be nice if you would like one thing easier, or with a novel typing really feel. The structure continues to be nice and the Topre switches—a kinda-membrane, kinda-mechanical change 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 how you can 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 change the present structure except you need a particular macro or change to the perform layer. It’s extremely simple to search 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 method to its design and a trendy white-and-purple coloration scheme, the Made68 has a terrific desk presence that stands out from the group. Plus, in-depth customization of Melgeek’s Gateron-supplied Corridor Impact switches implies 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 may also be custom-made, with detachable aspect panels and a swappable gentle diffuser on the again. The diffusers are presently obtainable in black, inexperienced, and crimson with every together with new silver aspect panels. Nevertheless, you will have a screwdriver set to take away any of those panels, since an Allen wrench isn’t included with the keyboard. Total, the Made68 sounds and feels good to sort on. The tray-mount isn’t superb for typing really feel, however the typical points with typing consistency aren’t as distinguished right here as different related 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 seems 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 looks 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 strong 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 concern is the sub-par typing sound, with noticeable rattles and useless spots ensuing from the tray-mount meeting and strange design. Whereas I really feel like each different Corridor Impact keyboard beats this keyboard in a minimum of a method (together with the Made68 above), I don’t suppose this keyboard is essentially all that dangerous. In the event you love the styling, this is likely to be the keyboard for you.
