Reddit mentions of Cooler Master SGK-4040-GKCL1-US cm Storm QuickFire Rapid-i Fully Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with ActivLite Technology and Per-Key Lighting (Blue Switch Model)

I bought a mechanical keyboard (MK) about a year ago. I really, really enjoy typing on it - but that's about the only difference. Speed/accuracy/typing is about the same.

The one big thing about MK's is they're often a lot more customizable. Alternative layouts are very popular and shift layers are also very useful.

MK's are a bit of a rabbit hole. If you visit the mechanical keyboard sub-reddit, you can literally spend days trying to figure out which keyboard is right for you. At the end of the day, I've come to the conclusion that most MK's are exceptional quality compared to run-of the mill keyboards.

The biggest factor in a mechanical keyboard is the switch type (i.e. the color of the switch) and the manufacture. For the most part, Cherry Corp is considered to have the best/most reliable switches. Blue colored switches are considered the best for typing, but they can be a bit noisy for an office environment (I work from home so I can clack away). Browns are also good - they're a bit quieter (I'm currently building a keyboard with browns).

As long as you get Cherry Corp switches (Cherry MX), you can't really go wrong.

I have this keyboard: https://www.amazon.com/QuickFire-Mechanical-Keyboard-ActivLite-Technology/dp/B00M562EQU/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1479406219&sr=1-2&keywords=quickfire+rapid+i

It also comes in a version without a backlight for much less: https://www.amazon.com/Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-Tenkeyless-Mechanical/dp/B0068INSUM

Those specific models don't have the keypad (I bought a separate one to place on the left side of my keyboard), but the same series of keyboards offers several variations - including full-sized ones with number arrows and the keypad.

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One of the big things people look for in a programming keyboard is the ability to program shortcuts into it (I have symbols as a function layer on my home row - super handy for programming). While nice to have it built directly into the keyboard, I don't consider it necessary as you can do it on the computer side of things.

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I'd recommend spend some time in /r/MechanicalKeyboards to learn from other people.

Other recommendations:

• DAS Keyboard
  
• Happy Hacking Keyboard
  
• WASD Code Keyboard (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/)
  
• Ducky
  
• Vortex
  
  Honestly, there are so many high quality brands that you can't really go wrong. I would try to avoid MK's from consumer brands like Corsair, Logitech, and Razer. You have to do your research with the major brands as they have some amazing keyboards as well as some terrible duds.

A nice beginner's board is the Quickfire Rapid-i. It's backlit, has media keys, looks pretty decent and is fairly well built.
If you decide to dive deeper, you can get custom keycaps on this board (as it has a standard bottom row, unlike Corsair/Razer keyboards). There are also custom cases for this keyboard, mostly those by Norbauer.
Its' only real downside is that the LEDs apparently tend to die (note: I've had mine for 2 years now and no dead LEDs).
Regarding the switches, it really depends on what you do.
If you just play video games 24/7, go with Cherry MX Reds. If you enjoy shitposting on reddit, go with Cherry MX Blues (which I linked). If you enjoy something in between, use Cherry MX Browns.
The QFR-i is available with all 3 switches.

QFR-I?

The Quickfire Rapid-i(White back light version) is also $79.99 with a $20 rebate:

http://www.amazon.com/QuickFire-Mechanical-Keyboard-ActivLite-Technology/dp/B00M562EQU

Not 100% but it looks very similar to mine: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M562EQU

Something like this? If you meant a white body/case, they don't make them. Price is over-the-top though, there should be sellers for this (older) model that have it for 80 or less. And there is /r/mechmarket too.

CM Quickfire Rapid-i might work for you: https://www.amazon.com/QuickFire-Mechanical-Keyboard-ActivLite-Technology/dp/B00M562EQU?th=1

I have a non-backlit version of that keyboard and the build quality is good. MechanicalKeyboards.com has a big selection but they all seem to be in the $100-$150 range.

Thanks for the suggestion! I am a fan of that subreddit, but I want to post a bigger/nicer picture over there once I re-do my desk environment.

I actually replaced my blackwidow with this keyboard! haha. The keyboard I have is a CM Storm Rapid-i, Cherry Brown Switches (LED backlight, TKL version). Link here:
http://www.amazon.com/QuickFire-Mechanical-Keyboard-ActivLite-Technology/dp/B00M562EQU/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1452028973&sr=1-2&keywords=cm+storm+rapid+i

If you want a cheaper version, I suggest the non-LED version, which comes in full or TKL:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VDKLLM/ref=s9_simh_gw_g147_i1_r?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0DBQRZDHR08NPZRQ1NNH&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop

Great keyboard! Much smaller than my blackwidow which has allowed for way more space on my desk. I also inserted small o-rings to make the noise quieter, a suggestion if you want something a little less noisy. Regarding the keypad- I thought I was going to miss it, but it turns out I prefer the extra space much more. I will say though that I miss having the extra macro keys to the left as I used them in my gaming, but I quickly adapted with little difference.

Edit: The keyboard I currently own was $99 when I purchased it but it is priced right now at $120, Im sure you can find a cheaper version elsewhere if you wait/do some research

Razer's Kailh switches are sort of a knock-off of the Cherry MX switches.

Your common switches that you'll probably find in keyboards under $150 are Red, Blue, Brown, and Black.

This video actually gives you a pretty good idea of the sound, and you can almost tell how they'll feel.

This image shows the technical difference in how they feel.

Since I'm not familiar with the Kaihl switches, this is the best I can do for you: If they were clicky, they were closer to Blues. If they were bumpy, they were closer to Browns. If they were just linear and had no tactile feedback, they were probably close to Reds.

You can even try this to decide on the switch, since you probably don't want to invest so much money on a keyboard you won't completely like. It covers the 4 common switches.


Once you decide which switches you want, you need to decide what size you want. Usually Tenkeyless keyboards like the one I linked will be a little less in price, but you'd have to give up your numpad. If you're okay with that, then I recommend it since it's also more ergonomic.

This is the back lit version of the keyboard I linked you. This one comes with Blue switches.

Edit: So I just looked into the Razer Kaihl switches, and the closest thing that you'll get is MX Cherry Blues (for clicky switches) and MX Cherry Reds (for silent switches). Most people actually prefer Cherry to Kaihl.

CM Storm Quickfire Rapid is a very solid keyboard, and it's below your budget. It's available on amazon prime right now for $70, or you can get the backlit version for $100

CM storm is probably the best budget keyboard brand out there right now. Corsair are nice if you can find them on sale, but you can usually find cm storm boards cheaper. I've owned a couple of them and never had any problems with them

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M562EQU/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687502&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0068INSUM&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=173WY54XNY8ZWVKYG685

go with the red switch if you want something good for gaming, blue if you want something clicky and nice to type on, or brown for a middle ground

Honestly, the power supply can be just as important of a part to search about as a processor or a graphics card. A bad power supply can result in coil whine, poor lifespan, poor customer support via the company, or straight-up putting your entire build at risk with its poor internal parts.

As far as keyboards go, I personally love Cooler Master's TKL (tenkeyless) keyboards. I've had the Quickfire Rapid-i for around a year+ now, but they released a new line called MasterKeys Pro S that have RGB lighting and have been getting pretty great reviews (as most CM products do). I can't recommend TKL keyboards enough. Have great build quality and are super compact, which would be a plus for you since you said you were pretty limited on space.

With the money saved in this proposed build, I would suggest upgrading the 1060 to a 6GB model. You'll get better performance and a bit more sauce out of your games.

I can recommend a small keyboard, with non flat keys! <- This is really important.
If you want a mechanical keyboard make sure your environment (gf, mom, brother, etc) is fine with the click click click sound because my gf went insane after one hour of 200+ apm clicking with a mechanical keyboard back in my golden days, y, this was the reason she even moved out of my apartment cause she couldn't relax -.-, the clicking was to heavy. Small keyboard, not flat, good pressure point. I don't like the black widow but this tournament edition looks pretty pretty good.

I'm talking about something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Qisan-Keyboard-Mechanical-Backlight-keyboard/dp/B01872MCIA/ref=br_lf_m_rta6z38obncb59b_img?_encoding=UTF8&s=pc
Small, good high keys.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M562EQU?tag=cshopper-20&ascsubtag=338a40e4-ad61-438e-8a0d-f0c3412ba5da fine too,

BW Similar: https://www.amazon.com/Tt-eSPORTS-Tenkeyless-Mechanical-KB-PZX-KBBLUS-01/dp/B00RQA67YK?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAIOIL6HT4RMUFB3AA&tag=cshopper-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00RQA67YK&ascsubtag=9c3a6427-23d2-490f-815f-f5617df9ca84

Well, one has macros (there's a program that lets you use macros on LITERALLY any keyboard, any input device for that matter) with dedicated macro keys, the G710 has Cherry MX blues against Kailh blues, but it's quite a bit more expensive.

Another thing worth noting, the G710 has a non-standard bottom row, so replacing keycaps is near impossible.

IMO, if you're not wanting to spend much, get the Azio board. If you're spending more, I'd personally either get the CM Quickfire TK, which still has a non-standard bottom row, but it generally has better quality, and it also has somewhat of a unique layout, if you want a TKL layout (no numpad), there's the CM Quickfire Rapid, non-backlit but it's quite cheap, has more or less identical build quality as the TK, there's also the backlit Rapid-I, but it's $100. IMO, the price jump from the G710 is 100% worth it due to the standard layout and well, less ugly (some call it ugly, some don't mind it) design.

Is the CM Storm Rapid-I with blues at $120 via Amazon something I should jump on now or wait on?

Quickfire Rapid-i for white backlit, MK Disco for RGB Backlit. Varmilo VA68M if you want something even smaller but still with arrow keys.

https://www.amazon.com/QuickFire-Mechanical-Keyboard-ActivLite-Technology/dp/B00M562EQU

Quickfire Rapid-i is the latest model. I think it looks better and cleaner than the old CM Storm branded model. Black goes with everything, right? Kind of fancy fonts but minimalistic white backlighting.

Looking at buying a new mechanical keyboard. I've owned a Corsair K90 for many years nw and have mostly loved it, but I think I would like something a little smaller and more "clicky" when typing.

I've been looking at tenkeyless keyboards with MX blue switches in the $100 $100-150 range. I primarily want to use it as a compact keyboard for typing. I've looked through the wiki and read some reviews but many of them were outdated/for older models. Through my research I found these 3 keyboards:

• Corsair K65 $69 (Not ideal as it has red switches and is basically a compact version of my current keyboard)
  
• Happy Hacking Lite2 $73 (I don't like the non-standard layout)
  
• CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i $99
  
• MasterKey Pro S $113 (What's the difference between RGB and White versions?)
  
• Code Keyboard $140 (I read the key caps wear out quickly and become glossy.)
  
  
  Does anyone have suggestions to help convince me one way or maybe even introduce an entirely new option? Thanks!