Question Looking for TKL keyboard recommendations

[InfamousNathan]

Hey guys,

I'm just looking for some good TKL keyboard recommendations. I've watched videos on keyboards such as the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL, SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL, Corsair K70 TKL, as well as smaller brands such as Wooting and Keychron. I'm just wondering what is likely to be the best keyboard here? I know best is subjective, however I'm looking for people's opinions on this please.

 

[Lutfij]

The best? Would be to get something like a Keychron and customize it. It doesn't have to be a Keychron, mainly something that has hotswap switches sockets and layout that allows you to change keycaps. You forgot to mention the budget you've set aside for your keyboard purchase. Preferred site for purchase? Which country you're located would help a little, perhaps.

 

[punkncat]

Sitting here wondering "what is a TKL keyboard?"

I am astounded that I have never heard it that way before...

What are the features you desire on a keyboard?
Do you want clicky, or not, long/short travel, wireless....?

Personally, one of the most important features for a keyboard is to have media controls, particularly a volume knob. In addition to this I also like a keyboard that can work with multiple devices, and lesser so once that has backlight. I looked long and hard at the Das Keyboard, but opted for the Logi Craft. The major difference being mech keys vs. scissor switch (more laptop like) and multi pairing.

 

[InfamousNathan]

The best? Would be to get something like a Keychron and customize it. It doesn't have to be a Keychron, mainly something that has hotswap switches sockets and layout that allows you to change keycaps. you forgot to mention the budget you've set aside for your keyboard purchase. Preferred site for purchase? Which country you're located would help a little, perhaps.

Apologies for not adding those specifics. It doesn't matter too much which site I buy from, but Amazon is preferable, however some of the lesser known brand keyboards aren't always available on Amazon. Also I'm from the UK, and budget isn't a huge issue really, but ideally no more than £200 at the most, however most keyboards seem to be below this price point from what I've seen.

In regards to customizable keyboards, I did see the Glorious models that you can custom build from their website. Are these any good or are companies like Keychron and Wooting better for customization?

Thanks in advance!

 

[InfamousNathan]

Sitting here wondering "what is a TKL keyboard?"

I am astounded that I have never heard it that way before...

What are the features you desire on a keyboard?
Do you want clicky, or not, long/short travel, wireless....?

Personally, one of the most important features for a keyboard is to have media controls, particularly a volume knob. In addition to this I also like a keyboard that can work with multiple devices, and lesser so once that has backlight. I looked long and hard at the Das Keyboard, but opted for the Logi Craft. The major difference being mech keys vs. scissor switch (more laptop like) and multi pairing.

By TKL I mean tenkey less, so it just doesn't have the numpad. And I've previously used Cherry MX blue, Cherry MX red and SteelSeries Omnipoint switches, however I'm not really sure what key switches I'd be best with for predominantly gaming and some typing etc.

I've been trying out the Huntsman V2 TKL keyboard for about a day now, however I'm not 100% that I'm a fan of the quieter, linear optical switches, so not sure if I'd be better with something else?

 

[Lutfij]

I personally own the Keychron Q1 v2 with a knob, in the Silent Red version(G-Pro Red's) and added my own keycaps to it. Down the road I'd like to swap the key switches out for C3 Equalz Kiwi/Tangerine Switches that I'd picked up a year ago.

 

[InfamousNathan]

I personally own the Keychron Q1 v2 with a knob, in the Silent Red version(G-Pro Red's) and added my own keycaps to it. Down the road I'd like to swap the key switches out for C3 Equalz Kiwi/Tangerine Switches that I'd picked up a year ago.

Thanks for the response! In terms of customizable keyboards, what would you say would be the better choice from brands such as Keychron, Glorious, Drop and ASUS? Not sure if there are any others I've missed here.

 

[Lutfij]

I was intent on buying the Glorious option until I found out that the people behind Keychron are actually two brothers who are keyboard enthusiasts as well. Not marketing Keychron here, bought 3 keyboards(2xQ1v2's in Shell White, 1x Q5 in Grey-A option), 2 of which are going to my siblings. People who did get the Glorious thought that it was hefty and priced higher but for a little less you're not loosing much and you get a sandbox experience out of the box, meaning you can tinker with it.

At the end of the day, I don't want to sway you to any brand or design, you should look into it with aa grain of salt, since you'll be working with the keyboard day in and day out.

If you don't type with your keyboard, beyond your gaming sessions, then you should look into what's off the shelf like Corsair's gear. If you want to fine tune your experience, then a customizable keyboard by you is he route to go.

 

[InfamousNathan]

I was intent on buying the Glorious option until I found out that the people behind Keychron are actually two brothers who are keyboard enthusiasts as well. Not marketing Keychron here, bought 3 keyboards(2xQ1v2's in Shell White, 1x Q5 in Grey-A option), 2 of which are going to my siblings. People who did get the Glorious thought that it was hefty and priced higher but for a little less you're not loosing much and you get a sandbox experience out of the box, meaning you can tinker with it.

At the end of the day, I don't want to sway you to any brand or design, you should look into it with aa grain of salt, since you'll be working with the keyboard day in and day out.

If you don't type with your keyboard, beyond your gaming sessions, then you should look into what's off the shelf like Corsair's gear. If you want to fine tune your experience, then a customizable keyboard by you is he route to go.

Since you mentioned Keychron I’ve been looking quite a bit into it and a lot of people have been saying that the K8 Pro Wireless is a good board. Would you agree with that? Are there any other Keychron boards that you think would be better or are they all good buys?

 

[Lutfij]

I don't like wireless, I'm not a fan of the bottom plastic and the bezel design, to also add, I wanted a TOFU60 but then I realized I didn't want a plate mounted design, more so gasket mounted(the floating/flex typing experience).

 

[InfamousNathan]

I don't like wireless, I'm not a fan of the bottom plastic and the bezel design, to also add, I wanted a TOFU60 but then I realized I didn't want a plate mounted design, more so gasket mounted(the floating/flex typing experience).

I’ve just seen a couple of Tom’s Hardware review for different models of Keychron boards, are both were fairly negative reviews. It was the K8 Pro and the Q3 I think. Also have you seen/heard much about Xtrfy? They also have some good looking boards.