Keyboard suggestions please

My mother wants a keyboard for Christmas that has backlighting. I'd prefer to get her a mechanical with blues, browns, or similar, as she is actually accustomed to using a typewriter. Want something that is built like a tank, but won't break the budget. White lighting preferred, but RGB that doesn't require software or an extremely subtle non-offensive color would also work.
10-keyless are fine.
Doesn't need any crazy functions or macros, though a volume control and LED brightness control would be nice.

IBM Model M is closest to that
Also Model F but those are odd.
Pricing varies and you aren't going to have leds on them but.

1 Like

I'm split between Cherry MX Clear keyboards or the good ole` micro$oft PS2 ergonomic KB.

I thought about a Model M, but the LED backlighting is an absolute requirement. Main reason she wants it, actually. Can't find the J and F when shes on the computer at night.

This might do the trick.

DAS Keyboards are built quite well. They are a little expensive though.
I have a Das Pro 4 which I really enjoy.

The backlighting models are:

Das Prime 13 (white backlighting)
-> Cherry MX
-> USB Passthrough (2.0)
-> White Backlight

And

Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming
-> Red Backlight
-> Alpha-Zulu switches
-> Red Backlight
-> Changeable front plate

CODE Keyboards http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/code-keyboard.html
There are blues greens browns and clears.
Has white back lightning
Full size, TKL and 60%.

I use the CM storm quickfire rapid-i. Liked it so much I bought a second one so I could use it on my sofa.

They come in browns as mine are not sure about blues or reds.

Maybe take a look at the Logitech g710/710+ mechanic with 4 types of backlight dim and not that expensive <100$€

I'm a bit leery of CM keyboards, because the last one I had, the micro USB port for it busted off. Not trying to solder my mother's keyboard back together in a year or two. The DAS and CODE are a bit out of budget for a keyboard for my mom. Couldn't find a G710 under $140, but when I was looking at it I saw the G610. I think I've settled on that, unless someone has a better suggestion.

perhaps this would be good

$42ish and the switches are pretty nice. All the sub-$50 keyboards on eBay are pretty similar, they will last a while and are decent
may not have a ton of features but will work fine

Wow... that actually looks pretty good. Could get one for myself too for on the go with the money I'd save haha

1 Like

Just noticed they aren't Cherry switches. Can anyone attest to how Outemu blues are compared to Cherry blues? All I've ever used was Cherry and Model M switches.

I use the corsair vengeance k70 with MX red keys. Absolutely love it.

they are pretty much exactly the same
they may feel slightly different but for the most part they will be the same feel... may have slight differences in weights but thats about it
heres an idea of what they are like

Yeah, I use a K70 as well; blues though. It's a bit expensive, and she already has a wrist rest. Plus it has red LEDs and I don't want to have to cut a window into her side panel, install lighting, get her a few GTX Titans, and WC everything. You know, you give a mom an upgrade that's a little too good, shes going to want more upgrades.

Definitely going with the Drevo though, thanks for the help @Cavemanthe0ne

1 Like

CM Storm keyboards are great for the price. I usually recommend them. Also don't buy blue switches unless you are certain that she like high pitched clicky sound. I think the safest bet when you buy the keyboard for someone is to look for brown switches and white LEDs. Also look that the fonts on keycaps are easy to read, those gamery fonts can be sort of disaster sometimes.

Not sure if it consistent or depending on the batch but I heard they could be very clicky but not always in the pleasant way.

I like my Ducky Shine 3, I have browns but they come in a verity of switch kinds.

1 Like