Best Mechanical Keyboard under £55/$80

[overlordofdoom]

I would like the keyboard to be 10 key less and preferably illuminated for night time work. Thanks.

 

[Ralston18]

Well you have specific requirements so that is a good start. And a budget - also good.

However, I find that "best" is too subjective in many ways.

My suggestion is to visit a few stores and look at any keyboards that match your stated requirements.

Feel the keys, feel the weight, get a sense of how solid the keyboard is - many are light and flimsy now. You may be able to do the same "hands on" with keyboards owned by friends and family. Or at school or work perhaps.

Make a couple of initial choices. Go online and look for reviews. Visit the manufacturer's website. Check the FAQs and Forums to read what people are saying about the keyboard. Read the User Guide/Manual.

Should lead you to a suitable choice.

 

[Jackson413]

Is it important for you to have MX Cherry switches? If so, I would pick up a Coolermaster QuickFire Most keyboard enthusiasts love them and they're a great buy usually. Their only downside is that they aren't backlit. I don't like to recommend Razer products as their newer stuff doesn't tend to last and their drivers are awful.

There are a few different Cherry switch clones out there, I've had great experiences with Gateron switches only, but they seem to be great and are cheaper. I've had a few friends use Kailh switches and they don't seem to last quite long with use, but they're another cheaper and more available switch brand.

There are always group buys on Massdrop where you may be able to pick up a CODE mechanical keyboard for a decent price.

Tt is a great keyboard brand that you should definitely look into. They're well reviewed and have a couple different models that you may be interested in.

Lastly, Max Keyboard is another great brand that you should check out. I have yet to buy an actual keyboard, but I did build a keyboard and bought parts from them. They are a little pricier though.