Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsPerfect for programming, amazing quality for the price
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2023
I've never had a mechanical keyboard before, but wanted to invest in a nicer keyboard because I spend about 1/3 of every day typing. While I considered other keyboards, I ended up picking this one because of its flexibility/modifiability while still being 100% beginner-friendly. I got a good bargain by purchasing used, so I paid only $51--at that price it really can't be beat.
It was hard to find an "entry-level" mechanical keyboard that was high-quality without ridiculous rainbow glowy lights all over it. (Sure, RGB features on those blinged-out gaming keyboards can be disabled, but then it feels like I'm paying a premium for a feature I didn't even want.) This keyboard ticks all the boxes for me and has been a delight to use so far.
Pros:
- The stock keycaps feel high quality. Of course they're replaceable too, if they ever wear out or I want a change.
- Pleasantly subtle color scheme. No rainbow glowy lights. They even include extra ESC keycaps if you don't like the orange one it comes with.
- Switches and stabilizers feel buttery smooth to me, but I am a mechanical keyboard newbie, so I'm comparing it to the cheap scissor-mechanism keyboards I'm used to.
- Wired USB-C with a replaceable cable. I hate Bluetooth keyboards and mice, and far prefer a trusty plug-n-play peripheral like this that never needs a battery or disconnects itself at inconvenient times. It Just... Works.
Info:
- Can switch between Mac and Windows/Linux layout on the fly. Extra keycaps for alt/option/command/WIN are included too so you can set it up for your preferred layout.
- I won't be using the keyboard backlight much, since even when I program in the dark I'm still touch-typing. But occasionally I gotta hunt-and-peck some special function key, so I guess it's nice to have. It has several silly/aesthetic lighting patterns that I will never use, haha.
- I chose Brown switches and am happy with them, though they are slightly louder than I was expecting. (Mechanical keyboard nerds aren't lying when they wax enthusiastic about the satisfying clackety noises.) The hot-swappable feature means a noob like me can try different switches without having to solder, if I were so inclined.
Cons:
- Keycaps are ABS plastic, which tends to be less durable than PBT and will attract finger oils over time. (Though since they are removable, can easily clean or replace them.)
- Maybe the loudness of the switches is a con if you are in an open plan office; though with some practice I think I can learn to type more quietly on these Brown switches, since they require less forceful presses and are more precise than basic cheapo keyboards I've used until now.
I never expected to feel so positively about a basic computer peripheral! Guess I'm a mech keyboard enthusiast now?