What is the BEST fully programmable backlit keyboard for around $100

[Spitfire7]

This has been a long journey of trying to find the best backlit programmable keyboard. I have really been able to narrow down what I need from looking at hundreds of options. One cool thing I stated finding were top of the line keyboards that had a low end name or a knockoff version of it. This way some are getting a cool keyboard without paying the triple digits such as the Redragon Karura which is the MSI or Razer Death Stalker. I am open to that. Maybe you guys can help me with your experience.

Here is what I am looking for in order:

-I want to be able to custom program individual LED backlit key to custom map the LED layout according to each different game. I know several top leading keyboards offer this usually under the title Chroma, but is there one under $100 that meets my other requirements? This would also mean I would like multiple color options for the backlight. I have found several that do this under $100, but haven't found one that meets all the other requirements below just yet. I am hoping it exists, but if not, then I will go with the closest option.

-The next thing I am looking for is the low profile keys. I have seen many and now even looking into the chicklet style which can be seen on the Razer Death Stalker series.
---Low profile: https://www.amazon.com/Generic-920-002478-Logitech-Keyboard-K120/dp/B003ELVLKU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471147524&sr=8-2&keywords=logitech+low+profile+backlit+keyboard

---Chicklet style: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LSGKEC4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=119R8NEM49PXL&coliid=IGO0LJNQAPM8D

-Next thing, I definitely need Volume, media, calculator shortcut keys as well.

-I would like the board to be on the slimmer size with the number pad such as this layout.
http://compass.microsoft.com/assets/14/fe/14fe36d9-456e-494f-907e-83bed0524858.jpg?n=pop1.jpg

-The backlight must be bright. Many complain that the backlight on their board is barely visible.

-I need the ENTER key to be long horizontal style instead of the tall vertical style that I am seeing every once in a while.

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Here are just a few options that I have found so far that get close to what I am looking for. They all have their pros and cons and some meet my criteria and some miss it in a few areas. I hope this helps you to understand what I am searching for. Can you help?

E-Element
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QeEWZ0kpgA

https://www.amazon.com/MechanicalEagle-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboard-Switches/dp/B01DBVGXJ6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1471146535&sr=8-4&keywords=e-element+rgb+keyboard

Tesoro Gram Spectrum Chroma
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENC6VAI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=119R8NEM49PXL&coliid=IWSB2JKMC085T&psc=1

Redagon Karura
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LSGKEC4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=119R8NEM49PXL&coliid=IGO0LJNQAPM8D

Razer Death Stalker Chroma
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZTRW020/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=119R8NEM49PXL&coliid=I2EPHKFFLG9SER&psc=1

UTechSmart Saturn
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MULE6KW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=119R8NEM49PXL&coliid=I2NA3IAT90ZM0X

UTechSmart Mercury
https://www.amazon.com/Keyboard-UtechSmart-Mercury-Illuminated-Mechanical/dp/B0109XJT40/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471147094&sr=8-1&keywords=UTechsmart+Mercury


So like I said, all of these options here share parts of what I am looking for in my new hypothetical super keyboard, but I haven't found one that has all my requirements just yet. The more I look, the closer I get. When starting out I just wanted a backlit keyboard with low profile keys. That was almost unheard of. Due to late nights and long time searching I have found many, not a lot, but several possible options as you saw.

Now is there a multi colored, backlit, programmable individual LED key, low profile keyboard out there with the media controls and the enter key in the best position? There has got to be and I ask for your help. If you have seen one, willing to help me search, or know of a great option that gets me really close and under $100 please let me know. I really appreciate it guys. Thank you.

 

[basroil]

Take a look at the Steelseries APEX lne, they have some great customization options, as well as any Logitech G series keyboard

 

[Spitfire7]

Take a look at the Steelseries APEX lne, they have some great customization options, as well as any Logitech G series keyboard

Wow, really good find and almost just about everything I am looking for in the Steelseries Apex. I will have to take a look at the Logitech G series soon. In the Apex, is there a way to individually customize the color per key or just segment ? It appears to be only per segment. I will have to look into the Apex M800 which is definitely individual keys.

Thank you for those options. Anyone else and any other options?

 

[Spitfire7]

Okay, so is there a low profile keyboard that has customizable for each specific LED key that is right at the $100 range. Those choices you gave that have the customizable LED keys go for $170-80

 

[basroil]

Okay, so is there a low profile keyboard that has customizable for each specific LED key that is right at the $100 range. Those choices you gave that have the customizable LED keys go for $170-80

You must be looking at the new mechanical version rather than the older apex (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIABB74AK2666&cm_re=steelseries_apex-_-23-239-024-_-Product)

 

[Spitfire7]

Okay, so is there a low profile keyboard that has customizable for each specific LED key that is right at the $100 range. Those choices you gave that have the customizable LED keys go for $170-80

You must be looking at the new mechanical version rather than the older apex (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIABB74AK2666&cm_re=steelseries_apex-_-23-239-024-_-Product)

Oh yeah, I saw that one, very cool and possibly even the one I might go with, but the only thing that one doesn't have is the separate individual customizable key LED features. This board only has the full sections which is cool, but I would love to have each individual key for each game. The M800 has this, but a little more than I wanted to spend. So is there a cheaper keyboard that has the individual keys option?

 

[basroil]

Oh yeah, I saw that one, very cool and possibly even the one I might go with, but the only thing that one doesn't have is the separate individual customizable key LED features. This board only has the full sections which is cool, but I would love to have each individual key for each game. The M800 has this, but a little more than I wanted to spend. So is there a cheaper keyboard that has the individual keys option?

You're asking for too much at that price range. For $150 you can probably find a few that fit all your needs, but per-key LED control is actually a really hard thing to do! You need all keys to be independently controlled, usually using a fairly expensive ARM chip at it's core and a whole bunch of PWM controllers attached to it. There's a minimum of 103 keys on a full sized keyboard after all! Between the LEDs and controllers it's a huge expense even at bulk rates

 

[Spitfire7]

Oh yeah, I saw that one, very cool and possibly even the one I might go with, but the only thing that one doesn't have is the separate individual customizable key LED features. This board only has the full sections which is cool, but I would love to have each individual key for each game. The M800 has this, but a little more than I wanted to spend. So is there a cheaper keyboard that has the individual keys option?

You're asking for too much at that price range. For $150 you can probably find a few that fit all your needs, but per-key LED control is actually a really hard thing to do! You need all keys to be independently controlled, usually using a fairly expensive ARM chip at it's core and a whole bunch of PWM controllers attached to it. There's a minimum of 103 keys on a full sized keyboard after all! Between the LEDs and controllers it's a huge expense even at bulk rates

Completely understand and yeah I was assuming my dream keyboard was too good to be true, but in the end I will probably go with the closest to my requirements at the lowest best price. You have shown me some great options. I have never seen those before, so it was nice to see them and had lead me in a new direction. Do you know of a few more brands, companies, keyboards that get close to my specification? I have even seen some Chinese brands that have pretty much the same board with a different name. I am open to an off brand version if the price is right. Know of anything?

 

[basroil]

Completely understand and yeah I was assuming my dream keyboard was too good to be true, but in the end I will probably go with the closest to my requirements at the lowest best price. You have shown me some great options. I have never seen those before, so it was nice to see them and had lead me in a new direction. Do you know of a few more brands, companies, keyboards that get close to my specification? I have even seen some Chinese brands that have pretty much the same board with a different name. I am open to an off brand version if the price is right. Know of anything?

Stick to brand names if for nothing else than warranty and software support. I personally have used the APEX (old version I linked to), two razer boards, an a few older ones that are now discontinued including my absolute favorite, the Microsoft X4. Why is the X4 my favorite? Great software that is very light weight. Razer and Steelseries software is also decent, as well as logitech.

 

[Spitfire7]

What do you think about this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DBVGXJ6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=119R8NEM49PXL&coliid=I2WUM8DRR72CYZ&psc=1

 

[basroil]

Looks like a cheap chinese ripoff company, definitely not something I would ever use or recommend. Doesn't even have close to the backlighting you want either, no drivers mean no LED control at all!

 

[Spitfire7]

Looks like a cheap chinese ripoff company, definitely not something I would ever use or recommend. Doesn't even have close to the backlighting you want either, no drivers mean no LED control at all!

Ah shoot they changed the item on me. The one I linked to used to be the Chroma version. Okay, good to know. I am still undecided at this point, but the closest would be the APEX ones. Thanks for all your help. If you think of another, please let me know.

 

[Spitfire7]

Okay, I think I have decided. I think I am going to go with the Steelseries M800. This one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SB6DO6M/ref=s9_simh_gw_g147_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=AXYTJPJ6Q7PG83NG40XF&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=6aad23bd-3035-4a40-b691-0eefb1a18396&pf_rd_i=desktop

Is there any reason why I shouldn't or I should go with something else? This seems to have just about everything that meets my criteria. Please let me know.

One question. I don't see a calculator on this keyboard. I know I can map any key to what I want, but it seems I can map things from a drop down menu and I am not sure if the windows calculator is an option. Do you or does anyone know if I can map the windows calculator to this keyboard?

Thank you.

 

[Spitfire7]

Oh wow! Moments before I was going to purchase the Steelseries Apex M800 directly from their site, I checked Amazon. From $163 it dropped to $109 for only one day. Yeah, that is the deal I was looking for and am now a proud owner of one of the best gaming RGB keyboards on the market for only $109. You gotta be kidding me. Prayers really do work people.

 

[basroil]

Oh wow! Moments before I was going to purchase the Steelseries Apex M800 directly from their site, I checked Amazon. From $163 it dropped to $109 for only one day. Yeah, that is the deal I was looking for and am now a proud owner of one of the best gaming RGB keyboards on the market for only $109. You gotta be kidding me. Prayers really do work people.

That's a great price there!

And yes, you can set any programmable button to be an application if you want, including calc

 

[Spitfire7]

Oh wow! Moments before I was going to purchase the Steelseries Apex M800 directly from their site, I checked Amazon. From $163 it dropped to $109 for only one day. Yeah, that is the deal I was looking for and am now a proud owner of one of the best gaming RGB keyboards on the market for only $109. You gotta be kidding me. Prayers really do work people.

That's a great price there!

And yes, you can set any programmable button to be an application if you want, including calc

Oh nice. I have contacted Steelseries and they are not sure about the calculator and are having to do some research. So can you 100% confirm that you have done the calculator or know for a fact that this is possible. We both know this keyboard is stated for being able to be completely programmable, but what both Steelseries and I are wondering, are we only limited to program only what is already on the board or can we literally implement something completely knew that is not already within the Engine 3 software?

 

[basroil]

Oh nice. I have contacted Steelseries and they are not sure about the calculator and are having to do some research. So can you 100% confirm that you have done the calculator or know for a fact that this is possible. We both know this keyboard is stated for being able to be completely programmable, but what both Steelseries and I are wondering, are we only limited to program only what is already on the board or can we literally implement something completely knew that is not already within the Engine 3 software?

There's macro support, so it's 100% possible to do, if the software doesn't support direct calling (like razer and logitech) you can always use [ windows+r , calc.exe , enter ] and that will open the calc

The older Engine 2 software definitely had "launch application" bindings though.

According to http://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/118601.pdf , Engine 3 should also have "launch application" support as well

 

[Spitfire7]

Oh nice. I have contacted Steelseries and they are not sure about the calculator and are having to do some research. So can you 100% confirm that you have done the calculator or know for a fact that this is possible. We both know this keyboard is stated for being able to be completely programmable, but what both Steelseries and I are wondering, are we only limited to program only what is already on the board or can we literally implement something completely knew that is not already within the Engine 3 software?

There's macro support, so it's 100% possible to do, if the software doesn't support direct calling (like razer and logitech) you can always use [ windows+r , calc.exe , enter ] and that will open the calc

The older Engine 2 software definitely had "launch application" bindings though.

That's really great news. Thanks again. I am looking forward to this new keyboard arriving Monday. Thanks for leading me in the right direction and thank you for your knowledge. After all you were the one who led me to the Steelseries Apex line. You won the best answer award lol.