Gift Guide: a number of concepts for the mechanical keyboard followers

The world of mechanical keyboards is a really deep rabbit gap and it’s no secret that an increasing number of individuals have fallen into it in recent times. So you probably have anyone in your life who retains speaking about lubing switches, gasket mounts and the professionals and cons of ABS vs PBT keycaps, chances are high you would possibly wish to purchase them one thing associated to that for the vacations.

One bizarre factor concerning the mechanical keyboard world is that a number of objects are solely obtainable by time-limited group-buys, with delivery dates that could be 12 months or extra out from now. That’s very true for keycaps and extremely customized keyboards. For apparent causes, we’re not going to suggest these right here. This is a information for 2022, in spite of everything, not 2023. We’re going to spotlight a number of keyboards, however for probably the most half, we’ll concentrate on equipment. We’re going to imagine that you simply’ll need a keyboard that’s simply customizable, so whereas there are some pre-builts on this listing, they’re all moddable.

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Keyboards

There has by no means been extra alternative in mechanical keyboards and if you’re so inclined, there isn’t any restrict to how a lot you possibly can spend.

At the underside finish, there’s the Tester68. You can discover it for as little as $15 (Walmart), although the going value appears to be round $35 on Amazon. It’s plastic/wireless-only, however for the cash, it’s an inexpensive option to get your ft moist and begin modifying your keyboard with out worrying an excessive amount of about breakage.

Once you progress up in value, you get to the likes of Akko’s 3068B, a 65% hotswap keyboard (so you possibly can simply substitute the switches — extra about that later) that comes with Akko’s personal — and superb — switches, some respectable keycaps and each wi-fi and wired connections.

The actual candy spot for mechanical keyboards proper now, although, is within the $125 to $175 vary. Here you get higher high quality supplies and boards that sound and really feel very nice, with the flexibility to change them to your coronary heart’s want.

Image Credits: KBDFANS

I’m a giant fan of the KBDfans KBD67 lite, now in its fourth era. It’s made out of a sturdy plastic, is available in all kinds of colours and is even obtainable within the European ISO structure, if that’s your factor. It’s a pleasant step up from the lower-end boards and if you wish to improve later, KBDfans additionally sells an aluminum case ($125).

If you’re on the lookout for a bigger board, Novelkeys’ NK87 Entry Edition ($135) can also be nice, for instance, however the firm to beat proper now (at the very least on this value vary) is Keychron with its Q-series keyboards. There are wired aluminum hotswap boards that include switches and keycaps, however may be simply modified. At this level, the corporate gives each conceivable structure, starting from 60% to full-size boards, together with some uncommon types just like the excellent Q5 with its 1800 structure or the Q8 within the (semi-)ergonomic Alice model (that’s my private day by day driver proper now).

Image Credits: Mode Designs

At the upper finish, the sky is the restrict, however you probably have the cash to spend, I’m a giant fan of Mode Designs. I just lately reviewed the Sonnet and beloved the expertise, however that’s sadly not going to be obtainable in time for the vacations. But the Mode 80 is, so you probably have $400 to spend, the match, end and sound you will get from that board is a step up from the cheaper boards and it’s straightforward to see that Mode — similar to comparable higher-end keyboard producers — actually understands the market and what drives mechanical keyboard fanatics.

Accessories

Instead of a keyboard, perhaps you’re simply on the lookout for some equipment.

If you realize the form of model the particular person you might be shopping for for is into, then keycaps could also be a pleasant possibility. Drop is without doubt one of the few corporations that has a restricted set of GMK keycaps obtainable with out having to attend till late 2023 for a bunch purchase. GMK white-on-black is the traditional right here and you’ll’t actually go improper, although the worth level at $110 is probably not that straightforward to swallow, but it surely’s fairly low for a set from Germany’s GMK. But Drop’s personal and new DCX keycaps are additionally very nice and a bit extra inexpensive at $99. Like the GMK units, these are ABS keycaps and obtainable in black-on-white and white-on-black. For half the worth, Keychron’s Cherry-style PBT keycaps provide some extra colour selections and sufficient keycaps to be suitable with just about each keyboard out there in the present day. If you’re on the lookout for one thing totally different, try Cannon Key’s selection, which typically ranges from $65 to $79.

Maybe you wish to purchase some switches, too? It’s actually onerous to suggest these, since this actually depends upon desire and a number of the finest ones aren’t straightforward to seek out. But you possibly can’t actually go improper with one thing just like the justifiably hyped Gateron Oil King linear change, for instance. Or if you’d like one thing a bit bizarre, the Akko CS Sponge with its double tactile bump is a enjoyable one, too, and really inexpensive (truly, all of the Akko switches punch properly above their weight). Another traditional is the C³Equalz X TKC Tangerine linear switch. It’s as clean because it will get, however you then’re within the premium class.

Image Credits: GLORIOUS

How about some stocking stuffers? Maybe some Durock Switch Film? A cool desk mat? Or a better to make use of switch opener? Or perhaps a lube station — as a result of there’s nothing fairly as boring stress-free as lubing 100 switches.