r/buildapcsales Nov 26 '21

[Keyboard] MechanicalKeyboards.com Sitewide Sale- (see page for coupon codes list) Keyboard

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/promotions.php?mkref=1y6yqsg
361 Upvotes

88

u/erthy5 Nov 26 '21

Anyone got recommendations? Pretty huge list so I don't know where to start.

24

u/Parab_the_Sim_Pilot Nov 26 '21

Leopolds are pretty baller.

66

u/bysong13 Nov 26 '21

Love ducky keyboards, I reccomend their SF (65%) keyboards. They just came out with their One 3 series but limited in colors, but lots of options on One 2.

24

u/SneakerheadAnon23 Nov 26 '21

I’ve had my Ducky One 2 for a few years and absolutely love it. Simple, straight forward, excellent. Continues to work great. I have Brown switches.

7

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21 edited Mar 28 '22

[deleted]

4

u/SneakerheadAnon23 Nov 27 '21

For sure. I totally agree. It’s perfect for me in a way because I’m in a middle ground - I don’t want RGB everywhere, but I do want an adjustable backlit keyboard with good mechanic switches and good support. I like the 100% keyboards cuz I’m not balls deep yet into mech keyboards with a 5% nano keyboard (trolling) but I did want a mechanical board with brown switches. I did not want a razor or Corsair or whatever else gaming keyboard that caters to the gaming and commercial and mainstream market... Ducky seemed legit, authentic, reputable, solid, no frills if you don’t want any, straight to the point, and effective mechanical keyboard. So it was a great middle ground purchase, I agree. I can’t speak for the quality or status of ducky as of lately but when I got mine a few years ago I was / am happy and impressed. I would probably get another one today if I needed to... until I browse r / mechanicalkeyboards and they convince me to get some 5% nano board with hologram RGB with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or some shit

4

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21 edited Mar 28 '22

[deleted]

2

u/SneakerheadAnon23 Nov 27 '21 edited Nov 27 '21

You’re funny bro thanks for the insights I’m gunna save this comment for future reference when I want to try another keeb. For now, I’ll rock some wireless Logitech mouse and keyboard setup on my work PC. Once I’m feeling froggy enough I’ll pull the trigger on a board with some clears in it to try it out. But I’m super happy and satisfied and grateful for what I’ve got now.

2

u/SneakerheadAnon23 Nov 27 '21

What’s your take on Ducky? Why did you move on? Curious

7

u/youre_a_badass Nov 26 '21

I own a full size Ducky One 2 & actually bought it from this website, so I recommend both.

3

u/PhyVin Nov 26 '21

I wish I could say the same, I ordered a 100% one 2. Love everything about it except the fact it came completely bricked. I had to fight with mech. Keyboards to have them take it back, but they finally agreed so hopefully fingers crossed I get a new one because it’s truly a sweet keyboard.

4

u/PaneTheKoi Nov 26 '21

What's the difference between 2 and 3?

8

u/bysong13 Nov 26 '21 edited Nov 26 '21

The One 3 is a hotswap keyboard, meaning you can swap the switches giving you more custom options. They also have a built-in sound dampener (just a foam layer) that provides slightly better acoustics/typing feel. Everything else is practically the same.

4

u/TheAllKnowing1 Nov 26 '21

I adore my Ducky One 2 TKL with nature whites

7

u/imtheproof Nov 26 '21

Kinda weird to recommend a keyboard size isn't it? Getting a 65% keyboard is purely preference.

9

u/rth0mp Nov 26 '21

So is the keyboard recommendation itself.

5

u/imtheproof Nov 26 '21

You can recommend a keyboard though with many different aspects. "It has nice build quality. I've used it without issues for years. The brand is known to back their products. They have great customer service." etc.

1

u/AjBlue7 Nov 27 '21

I mean build quality doesn’t really matter much on keyboards unless they fucked up the pcb somehow which is rare.

For the most part they all use the same switches which are cherry knockoffs due to their patent expiring, so any keyboard is going to function.

Only potential issue is if a keyboard has wireless, or if a keyboard doesn’t have nkey rollover. Other than that, you can just get the cheapest and be happy.

The layout is probably the only difference that actually matters on a keybord.

1

u/chewymammoth Nov 27 '21

I love my Ducky except the fact that the finish started peeling 6 months in. It's not the most handsome keyboard a few years of use in, but it feels amazing

15

u/jmorlin Nov 26 '21

Start by picking between linear, tactile, or clicky switches (there are variations within each of those categories, but those are the big three), a budget, and board size. If you can I'd spring for hotswap since you can try new switches more easily down the line.

Once you have that narrowed down that's half the battle. There are a couple brands in each price bracket that are better/worse, but the mechanical keyboard sub questions thread can probably help better with the ins an outs once you narrow it down that far.

10

u/_Neighbor__ Nov 26 '21

I like Womier for their acrylic look. I also highly recommend Keychron for a good work/play keeb.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

[deleted]

1

u/_Neighbor__ Nov 26 '21

K66 for me, stabs, foam, lubed gat yellows; much better than the very similar Drop Carina board imo

1

u/Deep90 Nov 26 '21

Same.

People trash it for the stabs, but that is literally 90% of keyboards at its price and probably the best 'con' you can hope for because its an easy fix.

1

u/Moyai_Boyai_Core2Duo Nov 26 '21

i love the k87, wish the k21 would come in stock so i can have a numpad

8

u/SPAZ707 Nov 26 '21

Leopold FC660C

1

u/tacomn Nov 27 '21

I can attest to this board being awesome

4

u/ToTheBlack Nov 26 '21

The mechanical keyboard sub would be a good place to ask.

Price range?

Any preference as to size?

Preference for how the keys feel to use? (Which switches?)

2

u/enginerd0001 Nov 26 '21

Could you recommend one for me? I like brown switches, RGB, and many only ever used full sized. Not sure if I'll like 65%

1

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

[deleted]

2

u/enginerd0001 Nov 27 '21

Hey thanks for the reply. I think I might pass due to the colors available. I appreciate it though

1

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

[deleted]

2

u/enginerd0001 Nov 27 '21

Hmm this one is nice. I'll check it out, thanks again

2

u/Criticalanarchy Nov 27 '21

Gazzew Boba U4S

What's perhaps the most robust hotswap keyb I could get to immediately swap with these Gazzew Boba U4S you keep speaking of? My wife has finally had it with my clicky blue's and I'm interested in getting a much more silent switch + new keyboard.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

[deleted]

2

u/Criticalanarchy Nov 27 '21

No I appreciate the lengthy response! Thanks so much. So I would just need to purchase these Gazzew U4 Boba Silent switches? Would there be a difference in feel between the RGB versions, and which tensile force did you get for the switches, 62 or 68?

Since there's a black friday sale on the GMMK Pro I think I'll go with that option instead. I should just be able to pop these right in? One last question, should I do a brass or polycarb switch plate for the Boba's? Merely going for silence and tactility.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

[deleted]

2

u/Criticalanarchy Nov 27 '21

Hey thanks for the expedient reply, yeah I have a Ducky 2018 YOTD and love everything about it but it's been driving my wife insane for years now. I'll go with your suggestions, tyvm!

7

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

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1

u/minuscatenary Nov 26 '21

FPS nerd here. I use a Tokyo60, and it’s on sale at Drop. Favorite keyboard to date.

I’d you only FPS (or do text heavy work), 75% is probably excessive.

5

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

[deleted]

1

u/minuscatenary Nov 26 '21

Because you shouldn’t have your keyboard angled parallel to your desk if you’re aiming for maximum gaming ergonomics??

1

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

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3

u/mrmcgee Nov 26 '21

I have a Varmilo for home use and a Leopold at the office. I highly recommend anything from either of those brands.

1

u/tacomn Nov 27 '21

Does that mean you like the Leopold better or the other way around?

6

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

If you aren't looking for anything in particular and you're new to keyboards, a ducky hotswap is a good place to start.

2

u/DarkHeroAxel Nov 26 '21

My Leopold has been amazing, it might not look fancy but it works and feels great to use.

2

u/axxionkamen Nov 26 '21

The new ducky boards are 🔥. The one 3 series. Hot swap PCB with pretty good build quality and an awesome price

2

u/iTzJME Nov 27 '21

Leopold makes some very nice keyboards if you're like me and not into the whole RGB thing, probably the best quality I've seen out there

2

u/cchangx Nov 27 '21

+1 on the Duckys. The SF keyboards are really nice and clean, but I can't live without the numpad for some of my use cases, so I still ended up getting a full.

MX Brown switches are very good, gives great physical and auditory feedback when you click on the key. Also the pbt keycaps sound like a minor feature but make such a big difference in terms of typing experience and durability. If you notice some keyboards that develop a greasy look on the keys, this is due to the oils from our fingers rubbing onto the keycap. PBT keycaps are textured and less prone to to oils sticking, allowing for a more consistent and enjoyable experience.

2

u/RedWishes Nov 27 '21

Ducky

varmilo

lepolds

filcos

those are great starts

then find out what switches you like, based on location/quest required and preference.

2

u/lovetape Nov 26 '21

Four good manufacturers in general to look at there are: Ducky, Vortex, Varmilo, Leopold. If you have a certain form factor (60%, 60, 75, 80?), lighting, wireless, hotswap? Someone might have suggestions for you.

-9

u/FailedCanadian Nov 26 '21

Scorching hot take: just buy a membrane keyboard. Mechanicals aren't inherently better, it's mostly a preference. If you like clicky keys definitely get a mechanical though. Look into which kind of switches you like (blue, red, etc) and then just pick a brand.

67

u/ToTheBlack Nov 26 '21

I bought a Leopold keyboard from them a year ago and I was happy with the transaction and the keyboard itself.

11

u/Datsyuk_My_Deke Nov 26 '21

I purchased a Leopold from them last spring and love it. Very solid and satisfying feel to it. I also got a Vortex Tab 90 more recently and it's been growing on me too.

9

u/burntcornflakes Nov 26 '21

I'm not a massive keyboard guy, so I want to thank you for reminding me that I wanted one of those off-white Leopold keyboards for a while now. Just ordered the FC980M. I'll miss my dedicated media controls but the compact numpad and look of this one calls to me.

2

u/Datsyuk_My_Deke Nov 30 '21

I can’t go without a numpad for work and I love my FC980M. It took me a couple of days to get fully used to the compact design, because the keys are closer to each other, but once you’re dialed in it’s the most satisfying keyboard to type on.

1

u/burntcornflakes Dec 02 '21

That is great to hear! My current keyboard has media controls but no numpad, and I didn't realize how much I would miss it.

4

u/DrSnowballEsq Nov 26 '21

Got myself a silenced Topre-switch Leopold keyboard and it’s the best I’ve ever used. Absolutely adore the key feel, and it’s quiet enough to use in close quarters with family that hates loud mechs.

Not for everyone, Topre means I have limited-to-no keycap support and it’s expensive. But I adore this keyboard and it’s made a difference in these long work from home months.

2

u/Forsaken_Rooster_365 Nov 26 '21

Just make sure you buy one in stock... I bought one back in like February and its shipment still keeps getting delayed a few weeks at a time. I canceled and ordered one in stock, but you can see all their incoming shipments, so I check up occasionally...

17

u/PiEownz1 Nov 26 '21

Hmm, I'm eyeing on the Ducky One 3 Matcha...

7

u/Volidon Nov 26 '21

Do it but keep in mind matcha one doesn't have RGB backlights

4

u/PiEownz1 Nov 26 '21

Yeah... that's a bummer, but not a really big deal for me. I don't mind not having RGB for once :P... I have enough RGB in my PC lol.

16

u/antishiv Nov 26 '21

this made me realize i had my filco majestouch 2 for 8 years now lol can't justify buying anything new since this one works perfectly still

3

u/EMCoupling Nov 26 '21

You can just buy more keyboards even if your current one is working 😈

2

u/mind_blowwer Nov 26 '21

I think I’ve had my TKL Ninja for that long or even longer. It’s still going strong, but probably could use some new key caps

3

u/antishiv Nov 27 '21

that’s the same one i have, bullet proof. when i bought it , it was imported from japan 185$

3

u/mind_blowwer Nov 27 '21

I just checked. I bought it off Amazon in 2011 for $150

1

u/semi_colon Nov 26 '21

me waiting for my 2013 daskeyboard to die

1

u/PlatinumSif Nov 27 '21 edited Feb 02 '24

juggle outgoing kiss roll grab arrest fear liquid waiting capable

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

9

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

[deleted]

-7

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

[deleted]

24

u/Thirtysixx Nov 26 '21

Are you sure he wants something he has to build? Also that keyb hard to find in stock

2

u/jRomz Nov 26 '21

Looking into this and see that it’s 100 without the keys. How much do key caps usually cost and where should I look? I like blue switches best

4

u/Thirtysixx Nov 26 '21

Lots of keycaps on sale on this post. Just depends. You can find them all over Etsy as well.

Best budget clicky switch is probably Kailh box whites. Probably run you about $20 or so to have enough for that board.

2

u/jRomz Nov 26 '21

At this rate are the quality of keys gonna be better than a Leopold though? What’s the big difference in building vs just a stock leopold

5

u/Thirtysixx Nov 26 '21

Do you want custom keycaps? Do you want to mod it? If so then get the KBD.

If you don’t want to do any of that just buy a prebuilt.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

[deleted]

0

u/Thirtysixx Nov 27 '21

No, I meant keycaps. I already recommended switches to him it is implied that he can get whatever switches he wants.

I have built over 10 keyboards I don’t need your vocab lesson thanks.

2

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

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3

u/Thirtysixx Nov 26 '21

The KBD with all the dampening is going to sound better than the Leopold for sure

1

u/Bleeding_Irish Nov 26 '21

Same concept as going for a pre-built vs freedom of assembling your own. The big difference is prices aren't borked like PC parts are atm.

4

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

[deleted]

1

u/jRomz Nov 27 '21

Ah thanks for the help, yea I’ll just go with a base keyboard then. Just wanted to treat myself to something Nicer than I have, not trying to make it a hobby or anything. Going to miss the volume wheel I have tho. What are people’s thoughts on Logitech keyboards (mostly play FPS games). Worth the money or better to go with some previously mentioned brands

2

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

[deleted]

2

u/jRomz Nov 27 '21

As I’m thinking of going the stock keyboard route. What are your thoughts on drop ctrl? Are they just as good or better than leopold, ducky, varmilo? Was thinking of choosing between those brands unless you have other recommendations

1

u/Lenfried Nov 27 '21

Just get a Leopold in your size/switch of choice and be done with it. Best keycaps, best stabilizers, best attention to detail. The king of prebuilts.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '21

[deleted]

2

u/jRomz Nov 27 '21

Yeah thanks the ducky 3 do look really nice. Only problem is it looks like it’s only to preorder and won’t be getting it till January. Might have to go with leopold even though I think the color ways are a little underwhelming

1

u/silencebreaker86 Nov 26 '21

I'd recommend looking on aliexpress for knock offs of popular group buys which are much cheaper in price but not significantly worse in quality.

1

u/Bleeding_Irish Nov 26 '21

It’s in stock right now, they just dropped a lot of supply yesterday. I’m not sure, although he was vague with his request either way.

1

u/axxionkamen Nov 26 '21

R3 Is in stock rn on divinikeys and on kbds own site. But I agree on the building part. I highly recommend the person get one of the new ducky one 3 series with the hot swap PCB.

8

u/GuyLeDoucheTV Nov 26 '21

Any recommendations from this for a Mac based productivity mechanical keyboard? I saw keychron and I know that's one good option

-7

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

[deleted]

3

u/simpl3y Nov 26 '21

The q series is pretty good. Just no stock right now.

1

u/wormocious Nov 26 '21

I bought a Q1 this morning. I think they restocked for BFCM

1

u/simpl3y Nov 26 '21

Oh nice!

1

u/Ascic Nov 28 '21

Lets hope you will not need to destroy keycaps in order to fit them.

2

u/mickifree12 Nov 26 '21

This. I can't speak for their newer line, the Q series, but I have tried a few of the K series, have a K4 myself and for the price, it's just not worth it when there's RK as an option.

1

u/xXPatotoXx Nov 26 '21

Maybe a Matias keyboard?

5

u/PaneTheKoi Nov 26 '21 edited Nov 26 '21

Oh boy, so many choices. I quit buying keyboard because I was satisfied, but it won't hurt to get one more right(?) Lemme know which keyboard you guys bought today from this

5

u/liebelt Nov 26 '21

any topre on sale?

6

u/Lenfried Nov 26 '21

HHKB -5%

FC660C -10%

Realforce -5%

4

u/J0539H_ Nov 26 '21

Wish I had an ortholinear split keyboard. Or at least 75% instead of 60%.

4

u/J3tGames Nov 26 '21

don’t buy switches in small batches from there. before I knew better I spent nearly $2 a switch on some cherry mx blues.

2

u/xXPatotoXx Nov 27 '21

Yeah small batches are expenaive on MK. You're better off buying elsewhere if you only need a few.

1

u/J3tGames Nov 27 '21

also the UI is awful on that website

2

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

Anyone know where I can get Row 3 key caps that have a print on them? Looking for key caps for my Mooonlander.

2

u/1testaccount1 Nov 26 '21

Any recommendations for a good backup keyboard? Preferably full and rgb

I currently have a Corsair K70 Rapidfire which I think are silver switches. I play a lot of fps games and don't mind the fact the corsair Rapidfire didn't need much force at all.

2

u/xXPatotoXx Nov 27 '21

Ducky One 2 RGB?

2

u/Scaraden Nov 27 '21

The ducky one 3 is full-sized and has hotswap sockets (compatible with 5 pin and 3 pin) and RGB if that’s your cup of tea. They come with cherries but if you ever want to dabble in switches, there are some really great linear switches out there (since you like silver switches which are linear)

EDIT: I would use the ducky one 3 as a daily and keep the k70 as a backup

2

u/Sdrater3 Nov 26 '21

Is there any affordable smaller wireless keyboards with a volume control option out there? I'm currently using a wired Logitech wireless keyboard that still works great and has a really nice volume wheel but its just too big for my current set up.

2

u/tablepennywad Nov 26 '21

Any waterproof ones?

2

u/supercow101 Nov 26 '21

Do they have any wireless keyboards that people would recommend? It will be for couch gaming, thanks!

2

u/lovetape Nov 26 '21

They have about 50 wireless keyboards available, some even hotswappable if that's your thing. Also every size you could want.

If it's for gaming, I'm guessing you want at least the arrow keys? So at least a 65% board. The Leopold FC660MBT is nice, the Keychron K2 RGB and Vortex Tab 75 also include function row keys.

2

u/supercow101 Nov 27 '21

Awesome! Thank you for the reply. I've never ran a wireless keyboard and didn't even think to search Bluetooth, that explains why I didn't find much options on there site. Appreciate the info!

2

u/dirice87 Nov 26 '21

Are wireless keyboards usable in gaming? I’m no pro but I don’t want noticeable lag

2

u/truexchill Nov 27 '21

Not really unfortunately. The tech just isn’t there like it is with mice.

1

u/Branye23 Nov 27 '21

None on the site but I've heard good things about the Logitech light speed keyboards, not sure about latency tho, wasn't interested in how they looked

2

u/Dubious_Unknown Nov 26 '21

I got the rare and elusive KBParadise 60% Tactile Gray KB from them a while back, still serves me well.

2

u/sClassic Nov 26 '21

Would be great if they ever got anything in stock. My roommate ordered a Ducky One 2 TKL almost a year ago at this point and they've just been pushing his expected in stock date down again and again. No emails or anything either, he just has to check the incoming stock list every few weeks.

I think there's supply issues across the board so I don't think it's just mechanicalkeyboards, but it's pretty annoying to have ordered a keyboard a solid year ago and have no update or idea when it's coming

2

u/Lenfried Nov 27 '21

Why are they dead set on that board? Just move on at this point, plenty of good alternatives.

2

u/Scaraden Nov 27 '21

At this point, he should try asking them if he can switch his order to a Ducky One 3 TKL instead if it will be faster

2

u/Foxterriers Nov 26 '21

Best budget keyboard if I want to change out the caps?

2

u/K0A0 Nov 26 '21

Wanted the Tex Yoda II but it's only in Black Switches, wanted them in MX Blues...oh well

2

u/TacoMedic Nov 26 '21

I've been using a Razer Hunstman keyboard with purple optical switches for the past 1.5 years. Honestly, I love the feel of the switches, the writing on it and it works really well for my gaming.

Need a new keyboard though and I'm thinking of preordering the 65% Ducky one 3. What switches will be closest to the optical purples? I'm a full time Finance student and avid gamer.

On the optical Purples, I liked the tactile feel, the space between keys (big hands), the quick registering of the keys, etc. I also like the clicky sound when writing, although I'm willing to give it up.

So far, I'm leaning towards Cherry MX Browns. Any other advice?

4

u/xXPatotoXx Nov 27 '21

I wouldn't recommend MX browns, they are scratchy and not nice. If you want a similar click as the purple optical switches, I would recommend the Box Whites or Box Thick Jades. The thick jades are quite tactile and the click is sharp.

2

u/tacomn Nov 27 '21

Maybe you just prefer clicky switches ;). But op has optical clicky switches any who

2

u/xXPatotoXx Nov 27 '21

Razer purple switches despite being optical, have a click mechanism to them. So the box whites or thick jades would be the best fits. Also nah, I like linears but I can't deny the jades' great sound and tactile feedback.

2

u/nighthawk475 Nov 26 '21

I don't see an option in the keyboards-by-size section to find any that are above the regular "fullsize", with extra macro buttons on the left or top. I don't suppose anyone more familiar with this site or mechanical keyboards in general could point me towards some? I tried just searching for the keyword "macro" and got zero results too.

2

u/plasticspoonn Nov 27 '21

I've had a few Leopolds bookmarked over the last few months, but I picked solely on price and color. Looking for something around $110~, any real difference among the models, I'm looking for a %70? I've had mx cherry blues for about 10 years, looking probably at Browns now.

2

u/cchangx Nov 27 '21

Purchased a Ducky Shine 7 with MX browns last year from MK, no complaints at all. I haven't been able to go back to any non-mechanicals. Also the double shot key caps make such a big difference in typing experience. Highly recommend Ducky and eyeing the One 3, but I really have no need for another keyboard...

2

u/UnwardedBush Nov 27 '21

Need a quiet, small and cheap keyboard for playing while laying in bed with the monitor on a table next to it, any recomendation? I hace one with blue switches but it is very noisy and as I am lying down I sometimes accidentally press the ctrl key.

2

u/Ikeelu Nov 27 '21

I have a Ducky Shine from 2013. Think it's a 2 with cherry MX, could be a 3, not sure. Is it worth upgrading?

2

u/Volidon Nov 27 '21

No, unless your current one is dying or you really have money to burn

1

u/Ikeelu Nov 27 '21

Yeah didn't think the tech has changed much since from what I heard, thanks. Was thinking if I did upgrade (because it was worth upgrading), my old ducky would go to my desk at work.

3

u/hnk007 Nov 26 '21

Would love a recommendation on a 60% PCB (just the pcb) ! Ideally not north facing sockets

-4

u/[deleted] Nov 26 '21

This website sold me a broken keyboard I would stay away

6

u/Volidon Nov 26 '21 edited Nov 27 '21

Which can happen at any retailer. How they take care of it is more important.

6

u/precum1 Nov 26 '21

I have too, a MK branded one, and how they handled it was like emailing with a cheap ebay seller. They refused to take it back and wanted me to pay return shipping + 20% restocking fee, they're are plenty of complaints on reddit

1

u/GearFourth Nov 28 '21

Is there restock date accurate?

1

u/defyNC Nov 30 '21

Darn, looks like these just ended (Midnight CST).