Do I Need to Lube My Keyboard Switches?
Figure 1: Sometime around here is a good time to ask that question... If you’re new to the mechanical keyboard hobby, I have no doubt that planning your first keyboard build is a bit of a daunting task. To be entirely honest with you, it’s only a tiny bit less daunting for your second or even third keyboard builds should you stay around a little while longer. You’ve got the keyboard itself to worry about, stabilizers, keycaps, and even switches on top of all of the intangible marks you want your dream keyboard to hit. Switches are especially daunting right out of the gate as there’s just so many options out there to pick from – each with their own unique specifications, manufacturers, and more. Yet, in spite of all of these differences between switches, time and time again I find people always asking about lubing switches as one of their chief concerns when it comes to picking some up. With countless numbers of content creators talking about lubing switches, its no...
Apr 17, 2024
Also their keyboards have non-standard layouts, so you won't be able to find replacement key cap sets for them that easy. This means you'll spend more when your key caps begin to fade. And they will fade in 6 months, since they are made from very poor quality plastics. This won't be covered by the warranty.
The software for the RGB keyboards is terrible. And you need the Windows ONLY software to do anything with that range of keyboards. I would stay away from a keyboard that requires additional software, other then the standard drivers.
Taking into consideration their high retail prices things just don't add up. That Corsair Gaming logo, subjective as it may be, I think it's horrible.
Yes, reviews look awesome for them, but what do you expect from someone that uses a product for one or two weeks. The usual problems won't arise until you pass the 6 month mark.
Other options, KBP, Varmilo, Noppoo, Topre if you're going for a 60% layout or if you can live with other switch options then Cherry MX. If you get other switches that are not Cherry MX compatible then make sure it comes with good quality key caps (PBT, doubleshots or dye subs are the best options).
Of course there are other good keyboards around, but you won't find them in any top fives of the average consumer website or mag. Corsair, Razer, even Das Keyboard lately, have been making keyboards that tick 'flavor of the month' boxes, like pretty RGB lights that look good on YouTube, but in real life, you get bored of after the first week. And then, what you're left with, is a built for a quick profit keyboard. Or maybe I'm just crazy and see conspiracies everywhere.
I would go for a 87/104 key standard US layout keyboard with Cherry MX switches (or at least Cherry MX compatible), because it's so much simpler to find your favorite key cap sets. If you're feeling adventurous you can go for a 61 key layout (60%).