Difference between a 100$ keyboard and a 200$?

[Nikos_]

Is there any difference in the quality and performance between this price on the keyboards? Or the fush is about the backlighting?

 

[basroil]

Of course there are differences. Is there as much of a difference as between a $50 keyboard and $100? Likely not. Rather than price, look at the specs you need, like a certain type of mechanical switch, certain extra buttons, etc.

 

[Gallarian]

Is there any difference in the quality and performance between this price on the keyboards? Or the fush is about the backlighting?

Without knowing what specific keyboards you're referring to, it's very hard to say.

The difference between most 'cheap' and 'expensive' boards are:

- RGB Backlighting
- Mechanical switches for every key
- Dedicated media keys
- Build quality
- Material quality
- Warranty
- Software support
- 'Gaming keys' such as windows key lock, alt-tab lock etc
- Dedicated Macro keys
- USB pass through port
- Polling switches
- Headphone/audio inputs
- Phone stand/input
- Touch screens

The list goes on... as I say, very hard to give you a proper answer without specific boards.

 

[Nikos_]

I dont have any specific keyboards in mind, im asking in general mostly.. i cant decide what keyboard to buy thats why im asking..


But it seems everyone will suggest me to go for backlit mechanical keyboard no matter what, i just think a keyboard of 100$ with no backlit with a keyboard of 180$ with backlit have the same quality, and the only difference is the lights.. i just want a keyboard with no backlit that is top quality and have good performance for gaming.. :C but it seems there isnt many choices for non backlit keyboards

 

[basroil]

If you don't have a preference for mechanical or not, why not try something like the Steelseries Apex [raw] ? It's got macro keys, back lights, and it should last a good deal of time. Under $75 bucks too!

 

[Nikos_]

So all the good keyboards come with the backlighting? i cant find something with no backlighting that have supreme build and material quality and performance?

 

[ssddx]

i think gallarian has a nice list of the differences commonly seen. i'll add that type of printing/sublimation for key letters, individual leds for keys and other such features can also be different.

no, not all keyboards come with backlighting. also, on most of them which have drivers or software you can disable backlighting if you do not like it.

some keyboards such as ones made by deck tend towards heavier built construction. it should be noted however that the switches are the same as cheaper models (generally cherry switches). there are other switch types out there (topre, etcetera..) but they are less common.

i've owned a $150 wasd keyboard and quality was no better than (actually it was less than) a cheaper corsair k70 or similar. sometimes you end up paying just for name or features you dont want or need. the wasd did not have backlighting.

as far as utter build quality and longevity is concerned, its hard to beat the old model m design (now sold as unicomp customizers). old buckling spring keyswitches which (in my opinion) are much more substantially built and better feeling than cherry switches, drain pan in case of minor spills, and they weigh at least 6 pounds or more. the downsides are that they are very loud, at minimum are 2kro and large. generally only popular with nerds or people who break keyboards too often.

 

[Nikos_]

So which keyboards or brands you would suggest me to look into? i hear about led failures in many forums thats why i dont trust the backlit keyboards.. Like "the software makes the keyboard too complicated and can lead to issues"
or

"my led isnt working"

and stuff like that..

 

[basroil]

Like "the software makes the keyboard too complicated and can lead to issues"

Been reading the AARP forums? That software is set and forget, if you use it more than once a month you're doing something wrong (or buying too many games)


If it's from Corsair, Steelseries, Razer, Logitech, or Microsoft (Sidewinder series), it's usually good enough.

 

[Gallarian]

So all the good keyboards come with the backlighting? i cant find something with no backlighting that have supreme build and material quality and performance?

If you want a solid mechanical keyboard with no frills, then Id suggest something from Ducky, such as the Ducky Zero DK2087.

Its a simple professional mechanical keyboard with no back-lighting or gimmicky extras.

 

[Nikos_]

Thanks a lot mr gallarian, when ssddx mentioned your name i thought its a keyboard and i was googling "gallarian keyboard" but i got no results xDD a friend of mine just told me he is selling he's ducky shine 3 100 euro, its brand new and untouched.. should i buy it? i wont even pay the 40euro shipping that i would have to from an online shop..

of course saying that is like everything i said about "no backlighting" was just nosense or lies, but if 100 euro is good price for ducky shine 3 i think it might be worth it.. whats your opinion?

 

[ssddx]

the ducky zero is a good fairly cheap no frills keyboard. you might want to check local prices but the ducky shine 3 for that price seems fair for europe.

do check what type of keyswitches it has vs what your requirements are. blue are tactile and audible feedback, browns are tactile only. red and blacks are linear so are just like keys on a spring. blue/brown are best for typing though double-tapping is a bit harder than on red/black. however, typing on gaming switches is harder and may feel strange compared with typing mechanical switches. your choice.

 

[Nikos_]

okay 👍 i will probably get ducky 3 then! thanks a lot