Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
Here's what's going on: at my university, the chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department loves The Lord of the Rings. So, when the matt3o Nerd keycap set (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/71042) dropped a few days ago, I started a campaign to rally the ECE department, and we've raised enough money to buy him the keycap set and a keyboard. As the caps won't ship until January, I'm trying to shop around and figure out what keyboard to put the keycaps on.
The problem is twofold. First off, I've got a limited budget. So I'm looking for something under $60ish, preferably under $50. Secondly, this professor has probably never used a mechanical keyboard. As such, I don't really know what he'll like or dislike. He uses a Dell XPS 15 for classes, so I suppose maybe a Cherry Brown or something similar. (I have no issues with using Gateron or Outemu switches, I have to save money somewhere.)
So I'm looking for some recommendations. I need something nice enough that I won't feel bad about giving it as a gift. It also has to look pretty good with those keycaps (white alphas, purple mods) so if I can find a white case that would be awesome, but if I have to settle for black or grey to stay in budget, that's fine too. First and foremost it has to be within budget because I'm a poor college student :).
TLDR: Looking for a keyboard under $60 that looks good with the matt3o Nerd keycap set and will last a good long time.
EDIT: Probably also looking for something TKL as I only have the caps to cover that layout. 60% would save money, but I don't think the matt3o Nerd set will properly cover many 60% boards.
Thanks in advance!