Are there any decent mechanical keyboards in the $40 range?
Nope. The only mechanical keyboards I would consider are $100+
the only mechanical keyboards I consider are the oldest, most yellowed ones at goodwill, old ones are mechanical and damn near impossible to break, if you don't like the color then make some Retr0Brite
My PS/2 port is dead, otherwise I'd be using the old Model M I found in the attic. Anyway, if there aren't any good mechanical keyboard around 40 bucks, how is the Microsoft Sidewinder X4? Does anyone know?
The sidewinder X4 is generally a good keyboard but rather long because of the 10keypad (19.7"). I have used it for a while but recently switched to a smaller Razer Tournament Edition (15.7") for $70.
go buy a ps2 to usb adapter Dapper Gentleman . and keep using you model m. http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Adapter-connects-connectors-ADP-PU21/dp/B00008ZPED
Why aren't there any low profile mechanical keyboards? Never used a mechanical keyboard but i love low profile keyboards.
That's not how mechanical keyswitches work.
Got a cheap $60 CoolMaster Cherry MX Blue... Because it's the only damn Blue I can find locally. No Numpad. Looks a lot like this for some reason.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129002
Keys wobble a bit but like I said, $60.... Not $249.95 + shipping.