grrsona :
canadianvice :
Well, getting mechanical basically means it will be reliable - it's practically part of the definition. If you're looking for a less expensive KB, I've got a Coolermaster Quickfire Rapid, which retails for about $90 CAD (You will be extremely unlikely to find anything below $70 CAD). It doesn't have 10-key or backlighting, but a 10-keypad costs $3 on ebay.
It uses MX cherry blue - clicky, low resistance. They're good for typing, if you want it 99% for gaming, try reds, and if sound is an issue try browns.
My only gripe with the keyboard is how quickly the paint wore and CM's terrible customer service. The thing still works though, and I've had it probably 2 years now. I also somewhat dislike the separate 10key, but that's something you'll have to evaluate for yourself.
http://www.coolermaster.com/peripheral/keyboards/quickfirerapid/
TLDR: If it's mechanical and you don't have to worry about backlighting, by definition it's basically reliable. Here's one that's cheaper and seems to work well enough. Mileage will vary.
It is 100% for gaming.
Whats the difference between a $60 and a $200 keyboard if they both have red cherry
So, red is extremely low resistance. Keep in mind if schoolwork or something is happening it's not the best typing option. Anyhow, with that said.... mostly brand and a few others:
- Software/Remap. Some keyboards support this. The CM I mentioned doesn't (it has a red variant, btw).
- Brand. Razer lieks money. Mionix, Roccat, and CM tend to be more reasonably priced.
- Lighting. Backlight, or god forbid, colour LED. That's a huge price hiker.
- Warranty. Logitech has a great warranty, others are... well, again, they'll vary.
Customer service will vary, and things like paint will as well... my CM started peeling after 3 months. However, the fundamentals, the keys, switches, and mechanism are basically bulletproof if any sort of care has gone into it.
For cables and whatnot, if they need replacing, keep in mind ebay. My CM is currently hooked up to my PC with a mini-micro adapter and a 10' microusb from ebay... $5 between them.
The core featureset is always about $90-$100. IF you want a mech, with a specific kind of switch and no bells or whistles, you'll get what you need at that price without issue. For switches, do some reading and make sure there's a return policy. Could take you a few to hit on the type you like - my first was browns. Blegh. Blue is where it's at for me.