I’m coming from a Logitech G815.

What I liked:

  • low profile keycaps and body;
  • aluminum body;
  • USB port to plug my mouse into it instead of into the PC;
  • backlit;

What I disliked:

  • switches (presses would register way before feedback);
  • proprietary app for macros, and other configs;

What I’m looking for:

  • mechanical tactile/clicky;
  • backlighting (through the keycap, as I need to see the keys I’m pressing);
  • smaller form factor but with tenkey;
  • shipped to and from EU;
  • wired;
  • US international layout;

What I’d like on top, but I can compromise:

  • low profile keycaps and body;
  • RGB backlighting;
  • aluminum body;
  • adult/sleek design;

Usage will be gaming (no competitive) and a lot of typing. Budget is the main problem, as I’d like to spend no more than 100-125€ but can stretch it to 150€ if it means having more criteria met.

What I looked at so far: Logitech, but the prices aren’t quite there and I wasn’t happy with the G815’s switches; Keychron, but most of them don’t seem to have lighting that goes through the keycaps?; Akko, seem to have the same “issue”; Monsgeek, seems to be more niche stuff and I can’t find a small + 10key form factor.

Thanks in advance!

  • rescue_toaster@lemmy.zipEnglish
    5·
    9 days ago

    Nuphy? I don’t know if it meets all your needs but maybe nuphy air 96. Works with VIA and they sell shine through keycaps.

    • Glitchvid@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      9 days ago

      This was also my thought, though worth mentioning their air series low-profile boards also use LP switches which have less options for swapping in the future.

      OP said they want clicky, and there’s some neat clicky options for MX style switches, like the Zeal Clickiez, and Kailh BOX Navy/Jade/Blue.

    • mumei@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      9 days ago

      Thanks, very pretty but they seem to serve only North America and a few SEA locations. Appreciated nonetheless!

      • daddybutter@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        9 days ago

        What makes you think that? Nuphy has been known to ship to quite a few countries all over the world. Their “where do we ship” page still lists pretty much all of the major countries in Europe. Unless something changed very recently I would still expect that to be the case.

        • mumei@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          2·
          9 days ago

          I worded it poorly, I meant they only have local stores in those locations. I’m wary of ordering from the USA at the moment because of the tariff war going on, wouldn’t want to get caught with my pants down

          • daddybutter@lemmy.worldEnglish
            4·
            9 days ago

            I’m pretty sure they still ship directly from China. It’s been a minute since I ordered from them but all of my orders took several weeks due to overseas snail mail.

  • Maul535@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    9 days ago

    Check out ducky keyboards, they have a bunch of different options. When I ordered mine a couple years ago I could choose between a couple different types of switches but not sure if that’s still an option

  • Contramuffin@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    9 days ago

    I’m unsure what you mean by switches, since all mechanical keyboards use switches.

    Regardless, if you’re looking for a relatively cheap, good quality mechanical keyboard, I’d probably recommend you check out Keychron. They’ve got a lot of options and they’re all decent quality for a decent price, so you could probably find something you want in their catalog

    • mumei@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      9 days ago

      I meant that I disliked the switches on the G815 (GL, clicky) that would register the input before I could feel and hear the click.

      As I added at the end, I looked at many KB from Keychron but none of them seem to have backlight that shines through the keycap. I don’t know how to explain, but if you look up any image of the G815 you see what I mean

      • borari@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
        4·
        9 days ago

        I have a keychron. Idk if all their keyboards have hot swappable switches but get one that does, and get the barebones version. They have a section on their store where you can order switches separately, so just place an order for the barebones keyboard and whatever switches you want.

        Then also buy a set of keycaps that are printed with symbols that allow the backlight to be seen through them from wherever you want.

        • mumei@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          3·
          9 days ago

          thanks, that could work! I missed that section, I went straight for the ready-to-use KB!

          • Eyedust@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
            2·
            8 days ago

            I’ll second Keychron. Almost every keebs enthusiast starts there. I got the Q1 v2. Be aware that if you get any metal version, you may want to open the keyboard and put tiny little pieces of masking tape around where the bottom and top lips meet.

            This is called the “force break” mod. I did this and the tempest tape mod to mine and it sounds amazing even with stock gateron brown switches. Tempest tape has the possibility of starting fires if you don’t do it right, though. Basically you cover the whole bottom of the PCB with masking tape.

            The break mod alone should do wonders though.