Choosing the right mechanical keyboard

Hi there,

So, I'm looking to pick up a mechanical keyboard:

1. My budget is roughly $110 (around $250).
2. It'll be used for both typing and gaming.
3. I'd prefer switches that don't require an excessive amount of force, though I don't want them so light that I end up hitting the wrong keys while typing; I've been doing some research on switch types, and I suspect Cherry MX Red or Brown Brothers Harriman might be my best bet.
4. I would also like some kind of lighting—if not full RGB, then maybe just blue.
5. I don't really care much for extra features like dedicated media keys or macro keys, but I suppose I'd prefer it doesn't look like some ancient Microsoft keyboard from $10.
6. Also, having a standard US layout is pretty important to me.

What would you guys recommend? (It doesn't necessarily have to be a Cherry MX Red or Brown Brothers Harriman model).

Thanks

At that price point, I’ve only managed to find a handful of models over at ADM, and none of them even feature a standard US layout (though, let’s be honest, that doesn't actually stop anyone from typing whatever they want 😁 ). Personally, I lean toward WASD keyboards because of the sheer amount of flexibility you get; you can hand-pick your switches, customize the layout, play around with keycap colors, and even have your own custom designs laser-engraved right onto them, even if they don't come with any lighting.
The cost is just a minor detail—around $150 plus tax.

6gv2, picked this up yesterday, absolutely thrilled...

Anyone care to list a few perks of mechanical keyboards? Like, what actually makes them better than your standard membrane ones?

Hey, does anyone actually know if this GAMDIAS HERMES Lite mechanical keyboard is any good?I saw this keyboard listed online today—looks like a standard mechanical setup with Cherry MX Red switches—and I couldn't help but wonder if anyone actually finds these specific builds worth the hype. It’s got that classic layout, USB connectivity, and all the usual suspects you'd expect from a mid-range gaming board. I guess it depends on what you're looking for, really. If you just want something reliable to click away at without overthinking it, maybe it hits the mark. But then again, there are so many specialized options out there now that a basic build like this feels almost... safe? I don't know. It’s fine, I suppose, if you aren't picky about every single nuance of the keystroke. Just seems like one of those things where you either love the simplicity or find it a bit underwhelming—there isn't much middle ground.

@Andrew Murphy5:

It feels like you're typing on something alive. 😬

@ Michelle Morgan3:

The real question here is whether you actually know what a mechanical keyboard is and what you even plan to do with it.

Check out this breakdown:

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/i...board_review/5

Is it the cheapest mechanical option? Sure. Is the switch mechanism itself solid? Yeah, the Cherry MX switches handle that. But if you're looking for a keyboard meant for heavy-duty typing all day long, this isn't it—it's overkill and not designed for that purpose.

If you just want a board you can go nuts on while gaming, you're probably on the right track. 😬

Thanks for the reply—I'm looking for some switches specifically for gaming

I honestly don't see what all the hype is about regarding these mechanical keyboards—it feels like 90% of people buying them are just jumping on the bandwagon because they're "in" right now. Most of them don't even have a clue why they're making the purchase; it's just this collective mindset of, "Well, I have a mechanical keyboard now, so I guess I'm a pro gamer." To be perfectly blunt, I used a Razer mechanical keyboard for a few months, and it wasn't any better than a standard non-mechanical one, other than having a slightly different tactile feel when typing. I ended up selling it and picked up a Chimera instead, and I must say, I am quite satisfied with it! But, I digress—I shouldn't wander off-topic—my friend actually owns a Razer BlackWidow and tells me it's an excellent piece of gear.