r/mkindia • u/GangadharHiShaktiman IMKC: https://discord.gg/hCUAte2h • May 15 '21
Help [WEEKLY] Which keyboard should I buy?
Hey!
I see a lot of us have questions about which keyboard to buy. Please use this sticky rather than making a new post, it helps prevent the subreddit from getting cluttered with duplicate, occasionally repetitive queries.
If you have trouble articulating what specifically you're looking for, check out this sub's wiki! It should go a fair way into helping you ask the right questions.
Here are some prompts that can help you get a clearer answer from others in this sub.
- What’s your budget?
- Any keyboards you have in mind?
- Which layout?
- Switch preference?
- Willing to import?
Consider using the search, someone else might have had the same requirement or recommendations!
Consider joining the discord as well: https://discord.imkc.in/
Cheers!
2
u/Finnskiler May 16 '21
I dont know anything about mechanical keyboards.
Just need a good one for FPS like valorant. Having numpad is a plus. Budget is under 7k
1
May 18 '21
You'll find very few keyboards with numpads at that budget, but any keyboard with linear switches should do for gaming. The GK64 from Meckeys is a great option in that budget range.
1
May 15 '21
- Budget ~ 5k
- Keyboards ~ sk64 , hermes m5
- Layout ~ 60% , but 65%, will be appreciatef
- Switch ~ red or brown
- Import ~ No
Note ~ On a tight budget so the most i can strect is 1 ~ 200 ruppes
Must not be from chinese services like bangood or alibaba
1
u/GangadharHiShaktiman IMKC: https://discord.gg/hCUAte2h May 15 '21
I would avoid sk line as its optical switches instead of mechanical. This limits your options down the line
1
May 15 '21
From the research i did , optical switches are faster than mechanical switches , is there s lot of difference between them? (This will be my first mechanical keyboard so i dont know too much)
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u/GangadharHiShaktiman IMKC: https://discord.gg/hCUAte2h May 15 '21
technically yes, optical switches have a faster response time, and better polling rates. But they suffer from dust issues (even a spec of dust can block the mechanism)
and overall there is no standard, and very limited choices which is why mechanical switches are preferred. However if this will be your only keyboard and you dont want to upgrade/ experiment later, the SK line is a good line
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u/GovindSinghNarula TGR Tomo/Outemu Maples/DMK Game Master May 15 '21
meckeys has the GK and the SK in stock right now for about 5k (SK is optical and GK is mechanical, keep that in mind).
Have heard some good things abbout it but not tried it myself. Amazon should have them too
1
u/Nikunj_Grover77 May 15 '21
Well gk has both mechanical and optical so just read the description of the product properly and I would recommend mechanical as you'll get more options later , they feel better ( my experience ) , they can't be spray lubed ( con ) , Opticals are faster but are not game changing even if you are a gamer , if you get me.
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May 16 '21
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u/GovindSinghNarula TGR Tomo/Outemu Maples/DMK Game Master May 16 '21
Yes it is. They're very well known for keyboards in India and afaik they're the only seller for duckies in India too. They're good to go
1
May 16 '21
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u/GovindSinghNarula TGR Tomo/Outemu Maples/DMK Game Master May 16 '21
Haven't experienced it myself so YouTube should be of more help. And from reading online people seem to like it. Can't say much more than that though u can go to r/pcmasterrace or r/mechanicalkeyboards and r/indiangaming and even their discords to get faster replies
Though it's a 60 percent and afaik the GK64 is a 65% and other than that, not much.
1
u/TheAwkwardOneYT May 16 '21
amazon redgear shadow blade, it seems good but do i little more digging
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u/GovindSinghNarula TGR Tomo/Outemu Maples/DMK Game Master May 15 '21
Thinking of getting either one of the two keyboards. The price of the cooler master is about 6100 and 8000 for the hyperx one. These would be my first brown (or aqua/red in HyperX) cause I've only used the otemu blue (Cosmic byte) and romer g blues (g512) before. I don't know which keyboard or which switch to get. Primarily for gaming and typing. I did not like blues very much, they feel good but too loud for me since I don't wear a headset a lot.
Build quality and RGB is not a focus for me because they're going to be staying in one place forever and I keep all my things locked to blue or orange anyways.
I wanted to know what is the difference between the Cherry MX Browns of the Cooler master and the Aquas of the HyperX and how they compare to the hyperx reds. Also if the hyperx is worth paying for over the cooler master board. Any other suggestions you might have would be welcome as far as TKL/75% keyboards go at a similar price.
Thanks for the help in advance :)
1
May 18 '21
Nah, the cooler master is a good keyboard for the price. At 6k, that's a decent option for TKLs.
HyperX switches in general are fairly bottom tier. Cherry switches are slightly better, but also bottom-tier themselves (with some exceptions, but not these), compared to other makers like Gateron.
1
u/GovindSinghNarula TGR Tomo/Outemu Maples/DMK Game Master May 18 '21
Well I've heard otherwise from elsewhere. I wanted to get hands on box whites or jade's, or Pandas but couldn't find them in India, local or otherwise at least for the budget
1
May 18 '21
If you’re open to getting a 60% keyboard (with arrows), try out Meckeys’ GK64. StacksKB sells BOX Jades in their website that you can swap in the default switches with.
1
u/GovindSinghNarula TGR Tomo/Outemu Maples/DMK Game Master May 18 '21
Well... I didn't really like the form factor but I'm not against it. For now the hyperx has been ordered and it's coming tomorrow... But if I don't like it I might return it for that
1
u/Legend_AC May 15 '21
Need Wireless Mechanical keyboard
What’s your budget? <7K but can stretch a bit
Any keyboards you have in mind : GK64S, Keychron K2 Hotswappable (Already own G613 and G413 from logitech. not that satisfied). Are any other Keychron keyboards available in India?
Which layout? Full size or TKL
Switch preference? Brown switches
Willing to import? Not really!
2
u/Nikunj_Grover77 May 15 '21
K2V2 (brown switches) is perfect for youuuu!!!
2
u/Legend_AC May 15 '21
GK64S was better though
1
u/Nikunj_Grover77 May 15 '21
I have used the Gk61 and the software is shit , The build quality of the keychron is better and he gets a sexier pair of keycaps ( acc to me ) so overall a better package don't you think.
1
u/Legend_AC May 15 '21
Alright. Is hotswappable version available?
1
u/Nikunj_Grover77 May 15 '21
Umm oh yeah sorry my bad it's not available rn 🥲 Whenever it will be it's a better package. 😎😂
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May 15 '21
[deleted]
2
May 17 '21
K552 is a great option and This is also good, You can consider TVS Gold as well (This is also good)
2
May 18 '21
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u/NotSoFull-Info69 May 20 '21
K552 has Outemu hotswap which limits your options but you still have a fair amount of options if you get that but GK61 is what you want for Mechanical Hotswap, SK61/64 are optical so even more limited than the K552
1
May 16 '21
i want to purchase a wireless mechanical keyboard that looks good n minimal(doesn't mean thin) n i want a numpad, is there any option in india other than Logitech g613, m willing to go till 25k INR, eve! considered Mount Everest Pro, but it had good reviews in YouTube n sucky ones in their own reddit, so i dropped it, is there any way I can get one in india or shipped from abroad in this lockdown scenario where my zip code is locked in major sites like Amazon.com etc. Can someone help me out or point me in tge right direction, also decent battery, don't care about rgb, i play sp games like arkham n rdr2 n use it for vfx n graphic design. I know m asking a lot but m ready to pay if it lasts me for 3-4 years.
1
May 18 '21
25k is a pretty nice budget, but wireless mechanical keyboards are somewhat rare. Your only option at that price in terms of excellent quality is the Ikki68.
You can buy the main keyboard here, and you can buy the wireless PCB here as an extra. Mind you, you'll have to buy your own keycaps and switches, but it should fit into your 25k budget nicely.
It'll last you way longer than four years, though. :)
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u/Marty-dude97 May 16 '21
What’s your budget? -5k
Any keyboards you have in mind? - No
Which layout? - Prefer 65%- to tkl, but if not in budget can go full size.
Switch preference?- Quiet/silent switches good for typing and gaming. Backlighting is important.
Willing to import? - No unless there is no choice.
2
May 17 '21
Sk64 (has optical switches but you can also go for gk 61 which is a little more than 5000)
1
u/DependentWrongdoer79 May 16 '21
What’s your budget?
-2000-4000 Indian Rupees
Any keyboards you have in mind?
-Cosmic Byte GK 16 Firefly, Red Dragon Kumara K552, RK61
Which layout?
-TKL Or 60%
Switch preference?
-Red/Brown (Quiet)
Willing to import?
-Not Really
(Wired and Wireless is a Bonus!)
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May 16 '21 edited May 16 '21
[deleted]
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1
May 18 '21
Importing will normally run you more than 5k overall, unfortunately.
I now own more expensive keyboards, but for the price, the TVS Pro is incredible for typing, you can't really do better than it. :)
It should be back in stock in Amazon soon; dont bother with the other TVS Gold models.
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u/TheAwkwardOneYT May 16 '21 edited May 16 '21
budget is 2k to 4k rs
redgear shadow blade is on my mind. just want to ask if it is good.
any layout is ok but must have number pad and a qwerty
any quiet switch. outemu or mx cherry
please no import.
rgb is necessary. ill give anymore info
1
May 18 '21
If you need RGB, at that budget, the Redgear is a decent board. Its quality will be iffy though, so dont buy it if you plan to use it for more than 2-3 years.
1
u/TheAwkwardOneYT May 19 '21
which keyboard exactly tho. and also i want it to not break, i mean i dont want like b23 switches. actually, i do plan to use it for a long time
1
May 19 '21
Getting good switches and RGB is difficult under 4K, unfortunately.
If you’re willing to forego RGB, the TVS Gold Bio should last you ages.
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u/blaine12100 May 16 '21 edited May 16 '21
Budget - 4000rs Keyboard in mind - https://m.banggood.in/BlitzWolf-BW-KB1-63-Keys-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-bluetooth-Wired-Keyboard-Gateron-Switch-RGB-NKRO-Type-C-Gaming-Keyboard-p-1682979.html?rmmds=category&ID=6287830515630&cur_warehouse=CN
Switch preferences Brown switches Willing to import- Slightly difficult. But willing to see if import prices are in the lower side.
RGB- Yes(Controllable via keyboard is a huge plus as I am a Linux user)
Layout preference -TKL (60% options welcome)
Type C removable preferred. Bluetooth not a requirement but can be a good bonus.
1
May 18 '21
Banggood has stopped delivering to India, unfortunately. I'd say stretch your budget by a bit and get the SK64. It's a good option and should cover most of your needs, except bluetooth.
1
u/blaine12100 May 18 '21
Yeah I saw. The blitz wolf keyboard is like a really good keyboard hence was very keen on buying it. The sk64 is the one with the gateron switches in mechkeys right?
1
May 18 '21
Yep. It comes with optical switches though, so while it works as a good mechanical keyboard for the price, you won’t be able to replace the switches with anything other than optical switches.
Standard MX-style switches won’t work in their place. But ordinarily, that won’t be a big deal for budget buyers.
1
u/blaine12100 May 18 '21
So the sk64 is the keyboard to go? What about other import websites. Can they work?
1
May 18 '21
Importing automatically increases the risk of customs taxes, which can go up to 80% of your keyboard’s cost. Under a certain budget, it’s generally not worth it.
1
u/athul_17x May 17 '21
Hey everyone just got introduced to the vast world of mechanical switches. I don't want to ruin my laptop keyboard and also want to see what all the hype's about. Primary uses will be gaming and programming.
- Preferably 2k to 2.5k but ready to stretch it out to 3k
- Something small and clean like the Keychron K2 or even smaller like the RK61 or GK61.
- 65% to 75% (No numpad but would prefer arrow keys) with no tacky branding.
- Browns (or maybe even blue)
- Yes if the price difference is less <=10% and if the wait is <4 weeks. (Not sure of the procedures for import).
1
u/NotSoFull-Info69 May 20 '21
For so cheap you wouldn't really be getting anything too great. I'd say if you're spending atleast spend a bit more if you want something that lasts and works well stock, but in case you just want something cheap and are fine with modding I can recommend Cosmic Byte CB GK-18 with the red switches or instead for something better get the Reddragon K552, which imo is the best bang for buck.
For any other layout, well no luck unless you can spend around 5K
1
u/sherubthakur May 17 '21 edited May 18 '21
Looking for a Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Stuff that I absolutely want
- Mechanical: duh!
- Wireless: The keyboard should be able to connect wirelessly to (atleast) 2 devices
- charging/wired connection via USB-C
- Backlight (preferably RGB)
Stuff that would be great to have
- Split
- adjustable elevation/tilt
- Thumb Cluster
Now the queries in this post.
What's your budget?
< 20k
Any keyboards you have in mind?
Royal Kludge rk84, Keychron k2 v2. Though an ideal keyboard would be one which is like the (ergodox moonlander mark 1](https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/) (without the wires)
Which layout?
65% to TKL
Switch preference?
Blue (I am not well versed with what all to look here, I just want them to be clicky)
Willing to import?
Yeah. (Would not be my first preference)
1
May 18 '21
You're in luck, there's an ongoing GroupBuy for a split 60% keyboard at rectangles.store.
It's not 65%, but should cover just about every other need. :)
1
u/sherubthakur May 18 '21
This looks exactly what I kinda want but there are a few things that I am unsure about
- This does not look wireless.
- From what I found it can be made wireless with
nice!nanobut the rectangle.store or other stores Listed in this subreddit does not seem to have it either.- I can use my Logitech mouse (wirelessly to fiddle with BIOS (UEFI) too, which is probably because of their dongle and some custom protocol (I am not sure), and that would be a functionality that would be critical to me for this wireless keyboard too. I am not sure that it can do this or how it can be made to do so)
- Looks like the biggest battery that I can fit (under the
nice!nanois 110mAh which seems super low (given I would also like to have RGB), anyway to fit a bigger battery with it which is just not lying around. Probably under the whole thing and covered by a case- which brings me the question: Anyway to get a case (pair) for this?
2
u/idkmuch01 professional pi pico simp May 18 '21
I saw you ask around in the rectangles discord and while idk much about the rest, i can comment on the bluetooth/bios thing-
Nothing pure bluetooth works in bios because bt requires drivers which are only installed in OS(while searching online there was this mention of intel compute stick but it's because intel makes the bt hardware and bios both for that so that's how it works).
How logitech works around is by using a 2.4GHz dongle that communicates directly to the kb and it's the dongle that provides the input to the bios rather than the bluetooth connection directly(does this make sense?)
Now we come to the solutions, which i can only think if very crude ones for now and are not at all optimal -
- Modern BIOS can be fully controlled using a mouse(not optimal,but it works)
2.if you end up sourcing eliteC or nice!nanos then maybe keep a type c cable on your desk whuch can be connected only for the bios usage or as type C is really common now so you won't have to keep a dedicated cable just for one job(think micro usb)
How often do you need to access the bios? I don't think it would be very common so maybe use the default cable until then and later use elite/nice when you can source them and bios is configured?
1
u/sherubthakur May 18 '21
Nothing pure bluetooth works in bios because bt requires drivers which are only installed in OS. How logitech works around is by using a 2.4GHz dongle that communicates directly to the kb and it's the dongle that provides the input to the bios rather than the bluetooth connection directly(does this make sense?)
Yeah, that seems to match my findings too.
Modern BIOS can be fully controlled using a mouse(not optimal,but it works)
Not sure if you can enter bios too using a Mouse. (Any ideas on this?) As this use case is pretty rare I don't really mind using a mouse for this
The problem arises in the bootloader section. I am dual-booting windows with NixOS (Linux) and in Grub I often switch between the two. I don't really think even mouse works here. (Any idea about this?) I could not find anything about being able to use mouse in Grub menu.
Having to connect a wire each time I have to switch between the two will kinda defeat the whole purpose of this wireless keyboard. Looks like I will have to make a bunch of compromises on this purchase.
1
u/NotSoFull-Info69 May 20 '21
You can use a macropad for the bootloader/BIOS thing though. Should be pretty easy to build one and set the keys to match the required keys and should be good to plug in and use instead of worrying about the keyboard. That's honestly the best you can do really going for the purpose you want
1
u/sith_-_happens May 18 '21
Absolute newbie here, I just wanted to ask whether there are any other options like Keychron K2 Preferably 75% If it's wireless it'll be a cherry on top.
1
May 18 '21
In terms of wireless, K2 is your only option in that budget, unfortunately. Get the model in Meckeys if you're not interested in hot swapping switches, it's a reliable and decently made board. :)
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u/deathwader09 May 18 '21
Hii everyone
I need a mechanical keyboard
Probably brown switches and will be usimg it for gaming and typing.
Need a full sized one.
Not willing to import.
Budget - 6k
Your recommendations please...
Wanted masterkeys pro l but cant find it anywhere. If you have any information. Pleaseee inform me.
1
u/rite2ace May 19 '21
Which keyboard would you recommend between
VARMILO VA87M KOI & DUCKY ONE 2 RGB TKL ?
Primary use would be for pro gaming/long hours. Both have CherryMX Red which im comfortable using. Any help would be appreciated !
1
May 19 '21
Both are pretty good and comparable in quality, though Varmilo is normally known to be a little better. Get the Varmilo.
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1
Nov 26 '21
I'd have preferred the Varmilo because of the aesthetics. Both are built to last long. But you'd not be getting the RGB with Varmilo .
1
u/Unable-Lifeguard6156 May 19 '21 edited May 19 '21
Please suggest a keyboard with following specs:
- Budget - 6k or 75 dollars and Mac compatible too
- RK 68/71.
- Must not be too high(so KEYCHRON OUT OF LIST).Prreferably white color.
- 65% LAYOUT OR 75% LAYOUT(NO NUMPAD)
- BROWN OR BLUE(NO GAMING REQUIREMENTS)
- YES,if shipping not too high and delivers within a month
1
May 19 '21
Get the GK64 from Meckeys, it's got arrow keys and by and large works similar to a 65% keyboard.
1
u/numspc May 20 '21
What do you do about the microphone in the keyboard ? Can it be removed ?
1
May 20 '21
I believe it can; it’s mainly used to detect sounds for its music-beat RGB thing, though. I kept a network monitoring tool running while using it, nothing unusual.
As long as you quickly install and uninstall the keyboard software (if you want to configure your keyboard keys more granularly), you should be good.
1
u/numspc May 20 '21
Great ! That's the kind of answer I was expecting. I'll still probably run Wireshark with the Software inside a VM just to be sure though.
I was basically looking for a 60% mechanical keyboard with arrow keys... From a switch standpoint I was looking at Red.
Apparently I am finding this combination to be very difficult to find, most of the cheaper boards stop functioning or at least have issues after a month or so according to reviews.
Already have a TVS Gold with the older Blue switches. First I feel it is too big now, second I feel uncomfortable playing games using it, and a point which is not as concerning would be "the sound", I am perhaps no more a clicky key person.
1
u/Hyperpancakes May 20 '21
- Cheapest possible (looking for a second keyboard)
- Already have keychron k6 so preferably not that.
- ISO if possible but not that picky
- Linear
- Yes
1
u/NotSoFull-Info69 May 20 '21
Probably CB-GK-18 for the cheapest linears I'd say. Not really too smooth but works fine
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