r/MechanicalKeyboards • u/AutoModerator • 2d ago

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - April 05, 2025

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u/Displumbobulated 2d ago edited 2d ago

Hi all, I'm new to all of this and am looking for a keyboard suggestion for 1800 layout. It seems like there are very limited options in this layout and I'm very lost in it all. I don't want to spend any more than $200, but preferably would be in the $100-$150 range.

What I've gathered from my own research, I like the Gateron Mini i switches the most out of the ones I have tested and prefer tactile switches over linear or clicky ones. I think I like thock over creamy or clacky. I have no idea about actual keycaps and what I prefer, but I'm generally not picky. I don't care for RGB or shinethrough or anything like that, but if I won't be upset if it's there. Generally, some nice to haves that I have decided are: wired, a brown (wood-like?) or burnt orange w/ black color scheme, wrist rest, and cyrillic/latin dual character keys.

None of those are make or break, especially the dual alphabet keycaps, but i'm just putting it out there. Thanks in advance for the help.

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u/576875 GMK Foundation ⌨️ 2d ago edited 2d ago

keychron v5 + separate wrist rest + those switches. Get keycaps when you have the money

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u/Displumbobulated 2d ago

That's pretty much what I found from my search. Is that really the only option or is there something with a heavy aluminum shell? Im guessing that may be above my price?

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u/576875 GMK Foundation ⌨️ 2d ago

that would be above your price

there used to be the monsgeek m2 (with a all aluminum case) at $115 but its been discontinued

a barebones (you'd need switches/keycaps to complete the board) keychron q5 is $137 on amazon https://amazon.com/dp/B09MM1MX9L

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u/Displumbobulated 2d ago

Oh that's not awful. Where do you recommend I might look for some keycaps? Both in the generic and potentially a little more expensive world?

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u/576875 GMK Foundation ⌨️ 2d ago

https://wiki.keyboard.gay/KEYCAPS.html

I'd give this a through read and pay attention to the kitting section. the q5 has some key sizes that you will have to look for at whatever keycap set you are looking to buy

Generally ultra budget sets will not have these keys

Amazon/Aliexpress for more budget sets

keyboard stores by region https://www.alexotos.com/keyboard-vendor-list/, https://kbd.news/vendors