Reddit mentions of Plugable Mechanical Keyboard - Professional Office Clicky Style - Wired USB, Full-Size 104 Key, Adjustable White LEDs, Replaceable Blue Switches, Durable Doubleshot ABS Keycaps

EDIT: EXTENDED THROUGH CYBER MONDAY!

Plugable will have both of our keyboards $10 off on Amazon for Black Friday!

Links to both models on Amazon:

TKL $39.95: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M301Q50

104 $49.95: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA6O13L

Information about our keyboards:

http://plugable.com/2016/11/02/plugables-new-mechanical-keyboards-for-typing-enthusiasts-and-gamers/

Feel free to ask me any questions.

You should check out the Plugable TKL. I have one I'm working on a review for right now. It's quite possibly the best board in the $50> range. Steel plate, doubleshot keycaps, white backlighting. It's hard to find all of that at this price range. There is also a full-sized version for $10 more.

The one downside is, because this line of boards is new, it only comes with Outemu Blue switches currently, which are okay, assuming you don't mind clicky switches.

The Magicforce is also a decent choice. Doesn't have as many features or as nice of build quality, but it's $5 cheaper for the basic model with Outemu switches. Comes in Blue, Black or Brown switches, with more options on the more expensive models.

Like another user suggested, you can head on over to a secondhand market like /r/mechmarket, eBay, etc and hunt down something "nicer" like a Cooler Master Quickfire for $50 or so, assuming you don't mind used items.

1. No, you should not wait. There is no reason to assume the next gpus will have a better price performance than the RX 5700, that already beat Nvidia in that category. Crossfire is dead though.
   

• Performance wise maybe. You also pay for it. DDR4 3200 is your alternative
  
• No, never.
  
  Be sure to get a RX 5700 or RX 5700 XT in a partner version with a proper cooler.
  
  > After scraping a savings together the past couple years where I could, I settled on a budget of $3,500. ... . When I build, I build with longevity in mind and I'll pack a little more oomph to keep the power curve as level as I can while the tech keeps slipping further into the future at faster than my wallet can handle acutely.
  
  I have to warn you about two things:
  
  

1. Your core hardware is not ahead of the curve. 3700X and RX 5700 XT are the current good components.
   

2. Which is actually good. Ahead of the curve => overpriced. It's way better to stay in a price performance bucket and to regularly upgrade than to overpay when buying the first iteration of the build. Which would be an argument for Ryzen 5 3600 and a cheaper gpu, but since you do more than just gaming and are aiming higher than 1080p the 3700X and RX 5700 XT are okay.
   

   
   

   In this build you are using a lot of money on the Headphones and the keyboard, the expensive power supply and fans and the case. All of these might be nice to have, but they won't make the performance of the build any better and give it a longer lifetime. Move those down a notch and you will pay signifantly less:
   

   
   

   pc-kombo shared list
   

   
   

   Type|Item|Price
   

   ----|:----|:----
   CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | $329.00 @ B&H
   Motherboard | Gigabyte X570 Gaming X | $169.99 @ Amazon.com
   Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX Series white, DDR4-3200, CL 16 - 32 GB Dual-Kit (32 GB) | $159.99 @ Amazon.com
   Storage | Western Digital Blue (4 TB) | $92.99 @ Amazon.com
   SSD | Samsung 970 EVO NVMe Solid State Drive (1 TB) | $169.99 @ Amazon.com
   Video Card | Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 5700 XT | $419.99 @ Amazon.com
   Case | PHANTEKS Eclipse P400S Midi-Tower, Tempered Glass, white - isolated | $90.85 @ Amazon.com
   Power Supply | EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G3 (750 W) | $128.99 @ superbiiz
   CPU Cooler | be quiet! Dark Rock 4 - 135mm | $74.90 @ B&H
   Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit EN | $109.99 @ Amazon.com
   Monitor | AOC AGON AG273QCX (27", 1440p@144, FreeSync) | $279.99 @ Amazon.com
   | Total | $2036.66
   | Generated by pc-kombo 22.08.2019 |
   
   Add to this like 1 case fan, a cheaper keyboard like https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Mechanical-Enthusiasts-Backlighting-Double-shot/dp/B01MA6O13L and a cheaper headset like https://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-Void-Wireless-Gaming-Headset/dp/B0748N6796/ (you don't need no DAC) and you save more than $1000 without reducing the lifetime of the build at all.

MK's bulk pricing drops to $0.50 a switch if buy 100+. Cheaper if you go with a different manufacture other than Cherry.

But for the cost of the switches, you could just buy a Plugable if you just want Blues. It will be a real PITA to desolder those RGB LEDs.

Amazon, steel backplate, nkro, outemu blue's. They have a tkl for $10 cheaper too. Quekemz is a mod around here if you don't know so his recommendation should be valid.

If you want cheap probably this but I’m not sure: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MA6O13L/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520361013&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mechanical+keyboard+white+backlit&dpPl=1&dpID=41N9ZbBxBoL&ref=plSrch

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/46x3gs/guide_the_bottomfeeder_guide_to_mkb_shopping_ie/

This post is a great starting point for anyone buying a dirt cheap mech.

There are no perfect keyboards in this price range though. Like someone said before, you seem a bit too concerned about quality for someone looking at the absolute low end of the market. No 35$ keyboard will ever compare to something like a Filco. If you're buying litteraly the cheapest board, you will have to live with some compromises.

Fortunately, there are very few truly bad or unreliable mechanical keyboards out there.
Just choose a keyboard that:

• fits in your price range
  
  
• is the right form factor for you
  
  
• has the right switch type (generally you're looking at blue for clicky, brown for tactile, red/black for linear) - don't worry about switch brands too much, you won't really notice differences between the MX clone manufacturers on these budget keyboards, all switches are good enough, really
  
  
• has the features you want or need (such as NKRO, removable cable, backlighting...) - only you know what your priorities are, so make a choice accordingly
  
  
• is regarded as "not bad for the price" (most cheap mechs are) - this subreddit is a great source of information and should always be searched before making a decision, to see if people had any major issues or gripes with the board you're currently looking at
  
  If a keyboard fits these criteria it's probably a safe buy. Worst case scenario you don't like the keyboard, return it and buy something different.
  
  Also, don't forget about the used market! Buying a second hand mech is usually a pretty safe bet, if you can test it out before buying. If the keyboard is relatively clean and all switches work, it's often nearly as safe as buying new.
  
  While you can definitely be happy with a 40$ mech, I'd try and save up some more if I were you. I know from personal experience that might not be easy as a broke student, but buying a mid-range product can often be cheaper in the long run than buying a low-end one. If you can save up to 60$ your choices widen considerably. For that price you can get past most of the compromises you're forced to make on the very low end and can buy a keyboard that you'll be happy to use for a very long time and won't be looking to upgrade as soon as possible. Something like the Plugable 104 will, if the clicky blues are to your taste, provide an experience that matches and in some ways exceeds keyboards from popular gaming brands that cost twice or three times as much and should, if you take care of it, last you pretty much a lifetime.
  
  I know this might sound preachy, but I've been in a similar situation and firmly believe it's the right thing to do:
  
  rather than spending hours scouring the web for the best deals on a perfect 40$ mech that doesn't exist, go out and try to earn that extra 20$ or more, so you can buy something you'll be happy to own and use for years to come. It might sound hard, but is in fact very simple if you're committed and not afraid to ask around.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA6O13L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pldnSite=1&th=1

gearbest doesn't seem to do hotswappable keyboards. I found a plugable keyboard on amazon within your budget which is single colour backlit, and the later version with the small logo is hotswappable. I haven't found cheap rgb keyboards to be reliable in general, but single colour type are usually ok.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA6O13L/

I do think you should buy second hand if you can, because you can get a quality brand.

Full size: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Mechanical-Enthusiasts-Backlighting-Double-shot/dp/B01MA6O13L

TKL: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Mechanical-Enthusiasts-Backlighting-Double-shot/dp/B01M301Q50

I'd pass on it honestly, the description is sketchy since their describing what sounds like blues yet what their selling is a red switch, it uses the new style outemu red switches that have a boxed design that's supposed to keep dust out of the switch, honestly I have never had that problem though... outemu switches are not the best though, well their blues are amazing but all of their other switches are on the "meh" side, if you want a better switch experience you should go for something that has Gateron Switches, since Gateron has by far the smoothest linear switches (Assuming your looking for linear switches as you say in the op)

Also the board you linked seems to require software to drive the leds and other features, that is generally annoying since there's another thing that needs to be constantly opened in the background and if the app breaks or something and the devs don't want to update it your board is as good as dead and your down to a basic keyboard.

Honestly you would have more options if you where willing to go TKL, like the Drevo Calibur 71 or the Magicforce 68, best I could find you for basic backlit full size boards are as follows :

1. Magicforce 108 (Fullsize 108 key, Gateron Red, White Backlighting, Media Controls) - https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Keyboard-Backlight-Magicforce-Qisan/dp/B01HGI7YN4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1492312737&sr=8-3&keywords=magicforce+108
   
   
2. Plugable Mechanical Keyboard (Fullsize 104 key, Outemu Blue, White Backlighting) - https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Mechanical-Enthusiasts-Backlighting-Double-shot/dp/B01MA6O13L/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492313246&sr=8-1&keywords=plugable+mechanical+keyboard
   
   
3. E-Element Z88 (Fullsize 104 key, Outemu Blue, Swappable Switches, RGB Backlighting) - https://www.amazon.com/E-Element-Water-Proof-Mechanical-Keyboard-Anti-Ghost/dp/B01FXBZXFC/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1492313383&sr=8-21&keywords=mechanical+keyboard+rgb
   
   Basically the last one was my "if all else fails" since you can swap them easily without having to solder.
   
   Edit: All of the above are $50+, your probably not going to find a higher quality fullsize board with RGB for less than that, if your still constricted to your budget you should consider buying a second hand mechanical keyboard.

This is nothing too fancy:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Mechanical-Enthusiasts-Backlighting-Double-shot/dp/B01MA6O13L/

Blue Switches, white backlit, full size, exactly $50.

If you don't need the num pad, there is a slightly cheaper option.,

I would highly suggest a Plugable keyboard.

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Mechanical-Enthusiasts-Backlighting-Double-shot/dp/B01MA6O13L/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511044314&sr=8-1&keywords=plugable+keyboard

I asked for advice a while back & purchased the full size (w/10-key) backlight keyboard. It had blue switches. Its too loud for me, other than that, I liked the feel. I'm looking for the same thing, but with browns & in same price range. (I do not game- just have a desk job & type like a fiend)
Is this a good option for me? https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MQO8D3F/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1499871821&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=full+keyboard+with+10+key+backlit+brown+keys

Or maybe this brand? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M0QEYR4/ref=mp_s_a_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1499874990&sr=8-31&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=EagleTec&dpPl=1&dpID=519y8fyYH1L&ref=plSrch


If.not, what would you guys suggest?
(here is the other comment/post I refrenced above:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/6ax3cl/rmechanicalkeyboards_ask_any_question_get_an/dhivnma/ )

Edit to add: I prior one I purchased was the Plugable https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MA6O13L/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Try the Plugable 104, it's cheap and it seems to get good reviews.

I just bought this on recommendation from the wiki: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA6O13L/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These keycaps have me interested, I'd love to find out how to make them

Is Plugable a good brand?
I hear this is on sale tomorrow and I'm thinking of buying it as a first mechanical keyboard.

I want a full keyboard that is backlit and has media keys. I'm willing to surrender the media keys if it really limits my choices but back lit is almost necessary.

What i've liked so far:

http://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard-4-professional/ (Isn't back lit so might be a deal breaker)

https://www.pcgamingrace.com/products/glorious-modular-rgb-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-barebones This one by far is my favorite.

This one has some merits:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Mechanical-Enthusiasts-Backlighting-Double-shot/dp/B01MA6O13L/?tag=b3J7sB2xVOf2-20


I really don't understand the difference between the super expensive keyboards and the cheaper one. Can someone give me a better rundown?

edit: looking for brown switches.

Just my two cents, but this one has hotswappable switches Plugable 104 key - https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Performance-Full-Size-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B01MA6O13L . I am currently using this one and has been great so far for me. They also make a tkl as well.

Well, without going past $130 you're not gonna get something flashy looking, especially factoring in a wrist rest on top of it. Tell you what - I've got an extra wrist rest I never use, I can send it over to you. Go ahead and PM me your address and I'll shoot it over to you. It's not as long as a fullsize is, but it'll work for putting your left forearm on it for gaming. That'll take a considerable amount of the cost out.

Then, if you can swing it, go for a Ducky Shine or Cooler Master Masterkeys Pro L. They're both full size, RGB, and great quality - very commonly recommended in this sub. If you don't want to spring for the quality, you can find something cheaper like the Plugable keyboard - very cheap, but has clicky keys (cherry mx Blue, not Brown). Got this one for a buddy's birthday and he's loved it for over a year. As far as non-cherry/gateron switches go, Outemus are trustworthy for sure and that's what this one's got.

I've had a Corsair Strafe RGB for a few years and have liked it, but am realizing I don't really use any of the extra features (the software to set custom lighting is a major pain, and keeping lights on seems to produce a light buzzing noise in my headphones so I've just been keeping it off). Also, for the first time in 20+ years, I spilled a little onto the keyboard - was working fine until I removed the spacebar to wipe it up and replaced it, then it had a problem spamming space for a while (unplugged and left it for the night), then briefly holding another key, but seems like it works fine now.

 

ANYWAY: Magicforce 68 or Plugable from the buying guide, any suggestions? I don't care at all about a backlight and realistically I don't think I need the tenkey. The Magicforce one does look a bit silly but pictures with replaced keycaps look pretty nice. Open to pretty much anything, those two just looked like great value

I suggest this one. I use it on my desktop and its been rock solid for a while now. I went with that one because I didn't want to pay for a fullsize version of my TKL Cooler Master Pro S but still wanted the tactile feel and click of the Cherry Blues in my CM. I took a chance and am really glad that I did.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Performance-Full-Size-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B01MA6O13L

Plugable Full Size mechanical keyboard with Outemu blues.
Also, Prime shipping.