The aging, cheap wireless rubber dome keyboard I'm using now is not my ideal choice of keyboard, and with 100 USD to work with, I plan to change that. I have heard good things about mechanical keyboards concerning their tactile response, and after doing some reading on various keyboard features and the different types of common switches out there I have an idea of what to look for, however I am still undecided and would like to hear from anyone that has a mechanical keyboard they would like to recommend, or alternatively, recommend that I avoid. Even if the recommendation doesn't fall within my preferences, I'll be sure to check it out for comparison. On the subject of switches, I've been fortunate to try linear Cherry Red switches on a Ducky and clicky Cherry Blue switches on a CM Storm at Micro Center (fantastic store by the way), however the switch I really want to try, the middle ground Cherry Browns, I just cannot find anywhere. I feel somewhat confident I would like Brown switches best based on my experience with the Red and Blue switches (tactile response of the Blues without the pronounced audible clicking and slightly lower actuation force) but would appreciate it if anyone in the 'Borg with experience with any of these switches offered their opinions of them, particularly if they could verify my assumptions of Cherry Browns. Here is my list of preferred features: ANSI QWERTY layout Wired with USB connectors No Back-lighting Prefer no gaming macro keys Prefer integrated numpad Prefer Cherry Brown switches Under 120 USD There are a couple keyboards out there that will fit this bill, however with no way of testing most of them out first-hand, the best method I have for narrowing down the options is through recommendations. Perhaps some of these recommendations might also help other 'Borg members considering buying a mechanical keyboard in the future.
You can get a CM Storm with MX-Browns: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129003 Here's the MX-Brown version of the keyboard I use for my main battlestation: http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Keyboard-FKBN104M-EB2/dp/B004VKUSG6 Between work and play, I use this keyboard (MX-Black switch version) Nearly 80 hrs/week and it has held up better than anything I have ever used, aside from those old IBM Model M tanks from the early 90s! The only other thing that came close was my first gen. Logitech G-15.
I splurged and got the G710+ from logitech. It's is nice and weighty, keys are backlit in white and I liked the look for long hours of mechwarrior action. If you can catch it on sale it is close to your price limit. All in all I really like it. If you have the money to spend I'd definately take a look at it but keep in mind the key backlight problem (see below) though if you don't want backlight it probly won't matter, the backlight can be turned off at the click of a button. The volume is a roller nob that I really like. It does have the gaming keys but just a few and easily ignored. In the end I only have 2 issues. It is a bit pricier than I would like and a lot of people have had problems with some of the key back lights going out. I was hopefull but had a small patch go out on my numpad after a month or two of use. I don' tknow how well they handle warantee as I have been lazy and not gotten it fixed since it's just some of the numpad keys.
I have the razor black widow. it's a little bit loud to type on but the feel is excellent and it has held up very well for me.
I had to mute mine with a good helping of o-rings. At least people on TeamSpeak stopped hating me. :O Cherry blues and backlit, though, so not within the target specifications.
He did say "preferred" not "required." I had no idea with the switches are or even that there were different types so you will have to forgive me on that one. I think the backlighting can be turned off as well.
Das Keyboard i can recommend "Das Keyboard" its a decent no nonsense mechanical keyboard There are many variants of it - labeled, unlabeled, silent and all are great ! Edit: note that the USB hub it has is a) useful and b) has its own usb connector (so you need 2) Cherry MX Blue switches Full n-key rollover Hub with 2 USB Ports 2 Meter (6.6 foot) cable Unlabeled, NON Silent Variant i use: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823830001
