I Tried 50 Keyboards Last Year... (So You Don't Have To)

Summary

In 2023, the mechanical keyboard market saw a significant shift towards affordable, high-quality options. Budget keyboards, like the Rainy 75, delivered excellent build quality, sound, and modding potential at lower prices. The rise of magnetic disassembly features made customizing keyboards easier, and hyper-budget models showed surprising value with minor upgrades. The year also saw the growth of DIY and modding culture, with many keyboards offering personalizable experiences. With so many options available, choosing the right keyboard now depends largely on personal preferences such as design, sound, and performance, making this an exciting year for keyboard enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The past year was a game-changer for budget keyboards, with better quality and lower prices across the board.
• 😀 Budget-friendly keyboards like the Rainy 75, ND 75, and W Meier sk75 set new standards for affordability and performance.
• 😀 Many new budget keyboards offer great build quality, keycaps, switches, and reliable software, with prices around $100 less than previous competitors.
• 😀 The modularity trend emerged, with keyboards that can be easily disassembled and customized using magnets, making the customization process faster and more user-friendly.
• 😀 The Mons Geek M1 V3 and LMO Key P1 from earlier in the year exemplified keyboards offering magnetic modularity at an affordable price.
• 😀 Hyper-budget keyboards in the $25–50 range are much better than previous years, offering solid foundations for upgrades despite sacrifices in features like keycaps and build quality.
• 😀 The best budget keyboards, like the Wiir sk71 and Kyron V series, still provide great value by performing almost as well as their more expensive counterparts, with only slight compromises.
• 😀 The speaker advises saving up a bit more money to invest in a keyboard that will meet long-term needs rather than constantly upgrading cheaper models.
• 😀 2023 saw an explosion of budget mechanical keyboards, giving people more choices than ever before in terms of layout, build material, sound profile, and modding options.
• 😀 Modding keyboards is still a popular hobby, and many budget-friendly models allow for personal tweaks and upgrades without spending a fortune.
• 😀 Ultimately, the market for affordable mechanical keyboards is booming, offering something for everyone, from hyper-budget options to high-quality, mod-friendly models.

Q & A

What was the significance of 2023 for the mechanical keyboard market?

2023 marked a major improvement in the mechanical keyboard market, especially for budget options. Keyboards became more affordable while offering better build quality, switches, keycaps, and software, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

How did the Rainy 75 set the tone for the year of budget keyboards?

The Rainy 75, priced around $140, set the tone by providing an excellent value with a 75% layout, good build quality, decent keycaps, reliable switches, and good software, making it a standout in the budget keyboard category for 2023.

What trend in keyboard design emerged in 2023 with models like the RD75?

The trend of magnetic modularity emerged in 2023, with keyboards like the RD75 allowing users to rapidly disassemble and modify their keyboards using magnets. This feature provided more flexibility for users to customize their keyboards quickly.

How did the reviewer describe the experience of using the Bridge 75 keyboard?

The Bridge 75 was praised for its high-quality magnetic modular design and overall performance. The reviewer highlighted how it combined features from other popular keyboards like the RD75, offering an exceptional experience in both customization and functionality.

What is the 'hyper-budget' keyboard category, and how did it evolve in 2023?

The 'hyper-budget' category refers to keyboards priced between $25 to $50. In 2023, these keyboards improved significantly compared to previous years. While they still had sacrifices in build quality and keycaps, they offered a solid foundation for upgrades, making them more acceptable for users on a tight budget.

What keyboard did the reviewer mention as an example of a good entry-level option in the hyper-budget category?

The reviewer mentioned the Hex Gear M2 as an example of a decent hyper-budget keyboard. With some upgrades, it became a solid entry-level choice, showing how budget keyboards can still be functional with a little effort.

What did the reviewer recommend for those on an extremely tight budget?

For users on a very tight budget, the reviewer recommended opting for inexpensive options like the Lucky 65 or GMK 67 from AliExpress. These keyboards can be paired with cheap keycaps and switches, allowing users to build a functional keyboard without spending much.

How did the Crush 80 keyboard impact the reviewer's perspective on keyboard videos?

The Crush 80, with its full aluminum build, magnetic closure, excellent switches, and customization options, impressed the reviewer so much that they temporarily lost interest in making more keyboard videos. It was seen as a near-perfect offering in terms of features and value.

Why did the reviewer emphasize personal preference when choosing a keyboard?

The reviewer stressed personal preference because, with so many high-quality options available, it ultimately comes down to individual priorities, such as layout, material, wireless performance, sound profile, and modability. Each user can select the best fit based on their specific needs and tastes.

What advice did the reviewer give to people looking for the best keyboard for their needs?

The reviewer advised users to think carefully about their preferences and possibly save up for a higher-quality keyboard that will meet their needs long-term. Rather than buying multiple cheaper keyboards, it's often better to invest in one good keyboard that lasts.