Top 5 Budget Gaming Mechanical Keyboards for Beginners

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide for beginners seeking budget-friendly mechanical keyboards for gaming. The top five recommendations include the Kyron C3 Pro, AA f99, AO ACR Pro 68, Daru Ek7 Pro, and the top pick, the Techware Phantom Plus. Each keyboard is evaluated on factors like switch types, form factor, hot-swappability, build quality, and RGB lighting. The video provides insights on linear and tactile switches, the benefits of TKL keyboards, and the importance of stabilizers and modding potential, all aimed at helping viewers make an informed choice.

Takeaways

• 🔑 The Kyron C3 Pro is a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard priced at $46.99, suitable for beginners.
• 💡 It comes in two variants: one hot-swappable and one with red LED RGBs for $10 less.
• ⌨️ The keyboard is TKL (10-key less), which saves space and is recommended over full-size for most users.
• 🎮 Linear switches are recommended for gaming due to their precision and reduced fatigue.
• 🔩 The C3 Pro features hot-swappable switches, allowing for easy modification and personalization.
• 🎶 It has well-tuned stabilizers for a better typing and gaming experience, despite its budget price.
• 🌈 The keyboard offers RGB lighting with per-key illumination, enhancing the visual appeal.
• 🔌 It supports both wired and wireless connectivity, with the latter using a 2.4 GHz USB dongle for gaming.
• 🛠️ The C3 Pro is gasket-mounted, providing a softer typing experience and ease of modification.
• 🏆 The Techware Phantom Plus is the top recommendation for beginners, offering a refined board with excellent features at $55.99.

Q & A

What is the price of the Kyron C3 Pro mechanical keyboard?

The Kyron C3 Pro mechanical keyboard is priced at $46.99.

What are the two variants of the Kyron C3 Pro keyboard mentioned in the script?

There are two variants of the Kyron C3 Pro keyboard: one that is hot-swappable and one that is not, with the non-hot-swappable version featuring only red LED RGBs and costing $10 less.

What does TKL stand for in keyboard terminology?

TKL stands for 'Tenkeyless,' which refers to a keyboard form factor that is smaller than a full-size keyboard, missing the number pad on the right side.

Why might a beginner be advised against buying a full-size keyboard?

A beginner might be advised against buying a full-size keyboard because it can be too big for most people's desks and may cause hand strain due to the wider reach required during gameplay.

What are the three main types of mechanical keyboard switches?

The three main types of mechanical keyboard switches are linear, tactile, and clicky.

What is the recommended switch type for gaming according to the script?

Linear switches are recommended for gaming as they allow for more precision and less fatigue, especially when pressing keys like W and D repeatedly.

What does 'hot-swappable' mean in the context of mechanical keyboards?

A 'hot-swappable' keyboard has a socketed switch system that allows users to easily replace switches without soldering, facilitating customization or repair.

What is the significance of the gasket-mounted feature on the Kyron C3 Pro keyboard?

The gasket-mounted feature on the Kyron C3 Pro keyboard provides a softer typing experience and makes the keyboard easier to modify, as it allows the keyboard to move slightly when typing.

What does QMK VIA support allow users to do on their keyboards?

QMK VIA support allows users to fully modify the functionality of each key on their keyboard, enabling customization and personalization of the keyboard's layout and behavior.

What is the price of the AA f99 keyboard, and what makes it stand out among the others?

The AA f99 keyboard is priced at $70.54 and stands out for its amazing lubed linear switches and stabilizers, offering an enthusiast-level switch feel and sound.

What are the advantages of AO's in-house production of keycaps and switches for their keyboards?

AO's in-house production of keycaps and switches allows them to offer high-quality components at a lower cost in their pre-built keyboards compared to other brands that source these components externally.