Looking for a new mechanical keyboard

I'm looking to get a new keyboard since my current board (Cooler Master K653) is in rough shape, spilled some coffee on it a while back and it's started to not register inputs randomly and sometimes doubletyping instead.

I want 96% or 100%, wired, hotswap, with a budget ~200€. Will mostly be used for casual gaming and some schoolwork.

I've considered Keychron Q6 Pro with K Pro Banana switches, but I've read a few scathing reviews about Keychron from 2024 and 2025, have their quality decreased during the latest years?

EDIT: Thank you all for your replies! I ended up buying a Keychron V6 Max since it was on sale, and Keychron was one of the few manufacturers which came with nordic keycaps as stock.

27 points · 27 comments · view on lemmy.world

27 Comments

thesohoriots@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 1y (2 replies)

Not to say there may not be overall issues recently, but I’m happy with the K3 version 2 I purchased in late 2024.

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 1y (1 reply)

That is good to hear, so you've had it for about a year soon I take it?

thesohoriots@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y

Correct! No issues.

alsaaas@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 4 pts · 1y

I bought my Keychron V1 Max with Gateron Jupiter Banana switches in late Q3 or early Q4 2024 and couldn't be happier with it.

It works flawlessly and I was able to swap out the switches to Otemu Silent Lime v3s (lightest silent tactile I could find, thought the TTC Silent Blueish Whites were in a close 2nd but were more expensive so I chose the Otemus in the end).

scottmeme@sh.itjust.works · 4 pts · 1y (3 replies)

I actually have a Keychron Q6, it's hands down my favorite keyboard. The thing is very heavy.

Not sure about the quality of the Pro.

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 1y (2 replies)

Most of the places I've seen the regular Q6 is sold out, the only difference that I can see is that the Pro version has a volume knob. I like a bit of weight to a keyboard, my current one is mostly metal and very solid.

How long have you had yours?

scottmeme@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 1y (1 reply)

Mine does have the volume knob, got the special edition purple.

If you like weight this one has it, I'm almost certain if there is a earthquake it won't even move.

Had it for almost 2 years.

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 1y

Thanks for your reply! I'm going to give the V6 max a try, but if I don't like the weight on that one I might just get the Q6 instead.

thenetnetofthenet@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y (1 reply)

I've had trouble with the battery in a wireless Keychron.

Have you looked into building your own keyboard or finding keyboards with replaceable mechanical switches?

I know you said 100%, but for example, in a quick search I found the Razer BlackWidow V4 75 has replaceable switches.

What I ended up getting was an ErgoDox EZ split keyboard. Before deciding on switches I bought a pack of switch samples from Amazon to see what I wanted. It was great to be able to configure the keyboard with the exact feel I wanted, and have the options of swapping if a switch breaks down or I want a different feel.

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 1y

I did look into building my own keyboard, but I don't really feel like I have the time to research it that I'd like to. I would like to dip my toes into it when I have more time, and my friend said that it'd be easier to repair a keyboard if it was hotswapable, either way I'd like the option to swap switches easily if I wanted to.

bladerunnerspider@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1y (2 replies)

Bought a Keychron and have trouble with connectivity and imthe clicky sounds shitty and cheap. I much prefer the Ducky I bought. Basically I think Keychron is over hyped and not good.

bladerunnerspider@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1y

This was the K2

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 1y

Basically I think Keychron is over hyped and not good.

Yeah, I've read that a worrying amount, though I suppose that could also be the popularity of the brand causing more people to get them.

serpineslair@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1y (4 replies)

I have a Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate. I like that comes with the option of fully blank keycaps (again, this is optional). It has large media keys and a volume knob which is essential for me. Has built in usb hub and the foot bar doubles as a detachable magnetic ruler which is pretty neat. Not sure if it is hotswappable or not, you might have to look that up. I reckon it's in your price range though, and I believe they still make em despite me having mine a few years. Likely to last me a while longer, build quality is excellent. It is weighty and made partially of aluminium. I think they came out with a newer version now. No rgb or anything silly or unnecessary. Comes out the box with either Cherry MX Browns or Blues.

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 1y (3 replies)

From what I've seen it's not hotswappable, otherwise I really like the look of the 6 Professional, but only for the cleaner look over the 4 Professional. It's definitely an option.

serpineslair@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y (2 replies)

I think it looks best with the blank keycaps ;)

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 1y (1 reply)

Oh yeah, super clean look! I was referring to the little logo in the upper right corner, which I think gives it an overall less clean look than the 6 version.

serpineslair@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y

Ah right, gotcha!

not_that_guy05@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1y (3 replies)

Go for Keychron k pro.

I've had:

razer

Steeleseries

Logitech

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 1y (2 replies)

The K4 Pro is on sale for around 90€, how long have you had yours? Any issues to speak of?

not_that_guy05@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y (1 reply)

3 years used both BT and cable.

I have used the keyboard about 12-14 hours a day for the past years. I love that I can switch from 1 device to another by just pressing two keys for BT. (Laptop for work, PC for fun) Use it for fps shooters and I have had no issues with it.

K 10 pro which was on sale for $90 at microcenter.

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 1y

Thanks for your info, I've also looked into the V series, which seems to be similar to the K series.

hal_5700X@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 1y (1 reply)

I have a Varmilo Minilo 75 Pro. It's great.

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 1y

Looks good, but I utilise the numpad whenever I type numbers, but I'll keep the brand in mind since they actually have layouts in Swedish!

blackris@discuss.tchncs.de · 2 pts · 1y (2 replies)

I have a Keychron K7 Pro with Bananas. It is a very nice keyboard to use it with my tablet on the go.

I also have a Mist Grey Ducky One 3 with Baby Kangaroos. It is sooooooo much nicer. Perfect for a work and gaming mix, also.

OhShitSon@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 1y (1 reply)

I ended up ordering a Keychron V6 Max on sale for around 120€, as it turns out, not a lot of manufacturers have nordic keycaps as an alternative. I could order custom keycaps for some, but that would end up going over my budget.

blackris@discuss.tchncs.de · 2 pts · 1y

That one looks great. Have a good time with it!

not_that_guy05@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 1y
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