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Is it worth it investing $150+ on keyboard vs $80?

1K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  revoc 
#1 ·
Like the title says, are you really investing in better quality and lower latency when buying more expensive keyboards, or are you basically just paying extra for features and RGB (which I don't really bother about)?

I'm currently looking for Cherry MX Red keyboards with low latency and I can't decide if I should pay $80 or invest in a $150+ keyboard.
 
#2 ·
The decision depends on what you're comfortable with. For example, I cannot stand typing on any membrane type keyboards after I've been typing with a generation 2 DasKeyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches since college. I also have a Vortex 60% keyboard at home that was chosen for the size, the switch type (MX clears), and the handy keyboard layout that makes certain command line tasks less of a hassle.

I also have an ErgoDox keyboard that cost $200 from Massdrop, but that was because the ErgoDox is one nice keyboard, and the ergonomics help keep me from getting CTS early.

Again, the decision is based on what you're comfortable with and what features matter the most to you.
 
#3 ·
Only you can decide what is worth it for you based on your needs and financial situation. All I can suggest is read reviews and figure out what the best options are for you at various price points.

On a side note, I hate when people us the word "invest" in this context. Your keyboard will not increase in value over time or provide any sort of return on investment.
 
#4 ·
#5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RetroJangle View Post

The very best keyboard for low latentcy and effective typing is still the IBM Model M . Also great for killing Zombies in the event of a Zombie apocalypse, as these things weigh like 15 LBS and include a heavy metal back plate . This Keyboard was $200 Plus in the 1980's USA made and highest quality. Pick one up on E-Bay today for like $50 or so.
You can get brand new ones with USB and everything for around $80, instead of buying a 20+ year old keyboard too
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. https://www.pckeyboard.com/

To the question of the thread, it's not "worth" spending $150 vs $80. Around $80 will get you a decent mechanical keyboard... spending anything more is for some features (like RGB) or rarity that you don't really need.
 
#6 ·
Investment as in not having to buy another keyboard for a while in case my (soon to be) current keyboard didn't last as long as I had expected.
Thanks for the replies!
 
#8 ·
As someone who has spent over $500 on a single keyboard (this includes artisan keycaps and modding) I will honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have made. I work as an IT Coordinator, and use my keyboard for work and home use atleast 10+ hours per day.

If you find that keyboard that just fits you perfectly, feels perfect, sounds perfect, and just looks perfect you really have a much more enjoyable time.

As the creator of my favorite keyboard of all time says....

"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that's incorrect. It's in HHKB's slogan, but when America's cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada
 
#9 ·
More expensive keyboards can have higher build quality (PCB, backplate, housing, cable) than an $80 keyboard, so yes, there can be less likelihood that your keyboard will need to be replaced (though sometimes you are paying for lights).

In almost all cases you aren't getting better latency, though. That depends on the switch more than anything (I think optical wins here but I don't know much about this).
 
#10 ·
I'm not sure a $150 keyboard is going to be better than an $80 one. I'm no keyboard expert, but my experience is above $50 the price reflects demand driven pricing more than quality. For example, businesses' don't use $50+ keyboard and they last years of 8 hours a day 5 day week use with very few problems.
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by doyll View Post

I'm not sure a $150 keyboard is going to be better than an $80 one. I'm no keyboard expert, but my experience is above $50 the price reflects demand driven pricing more than quality. For example, businesses' don't use $50+ keyboard and they last years of 8 hours a day 5 day week use with very few problems.
I would say the whole "last for years" is a very subjective word. I work in an office setting and a lot of these keyboards that have been used for years should have been thrown out years ago. They hold up in the sense that they still work but they also feel like crap. But someone without any experience with a mechanical keyboard won't acknowledge that and they will just continue to use it.

I think for more of an enthusiast is where it really matters. $50-$80 range keyboards are almost always going to be a "main-stream" keyboard, and as a keyboard collector this is the range I stay away from. You can definitely find some great quality keyboards in this range but in the $100-$150 you can get an artisan keyboard that is objectively better in almost every way, it all depends if the person buying feels its worth it or not.

Some people think spending $200+ on a keyboard is absurd but for someone who basically "types" professional and will use the keyboard for 10+ hours a day, that person is going to want the best option. If you are just a gamer, you would be looking at a totally different keyboard.
 
#12 ·
I bought mine with Outemo Blues for 65$ and I'm quite happy. I used to own the Corsair K70 but didn't feel like paying that much again. This thing so far has seemed just as snappy with no issues.

to give an idea.

RGB lighting that doesn't need software and can also be set to white if desired.
Metal housing
wrist rest
media controls
programmable lighting per key
5 extra programmable keys at the top of the keyboard.

The only thing I've found it doesn't has is USB pass through but I never used it anyway. It is a good quality keyboard that is mechanical for well under 100$.

It does depend on the keyboard but you can get a very good quality one on the cheaper price range.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by drazah View Post

I would say the whole "last for years" is a very subjective word. I work in an office setting and a lot of these keyboards that have been used for years should have been thrown out years ago. They hold up in the sense that they still work but they also feel like crap. But someone without any experience with a mechanical keyboard won't acknowledge that and they will just continue to use it.

I think for more of an enthusiast is where it really matters. $50-$80 range keyboards are almost always going to be a "main-stream" keyboard, and as a keyboard collector this is the range I stay away from. You can definitely find some great quality keyboards in this range but in the $100-$150 you can get an artisan keyboard that is objectively better in almost every way, it all depends if the person buying feels its worth it or not.

Some people think spending $200+ on a keyboard is absurd but for someone who basically "types" professional and will use the keyboard for 10+ hours a day, that person is going to want the best option. If you are just a gamer, you would be looking at a totally different keyboard.
Most of the 'office keyboards' are not even close to $50. More like $20 or less .. for both mouse and keyboard.

I agree, the better keyboards, and mechanical ones have much nicer feel and action, but they are the hi-end / high tech, 6 digit sports cars and 'normal office' keyboard are the 4 digit plain Jane family compact..

I understand and can appreciate the differences, but many office users cannot .. mostly because they have never used a $50 keyboard ll let alone a $100+ model.

I think it's fare to say that someone used to a $10-50 keyboard will not notice near as much difference in a $100-150 keyboard while the $100-150 keyboard user will notice a huge difference .. similar to fine musician and their extremely expensive instruments.
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#14 ·
I wouldn't even spend more than 20 bucks on a keyboard.
 
#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by doyll View Post

Most of the 'office keyboards' are not even close to $50. More like $20 or less .. for both mouse and keyboard.

I agree, the better keyboards, and mechanical ones have much nicer feel and action, but they are the hi-end / high tech, 6 digit sports cars and 'normal office' keyboard are the 4 digit plain Jane family compact..

I understand and can appreciate the differences, but many office users cannot .. mostly because they have never used a $50 keyboard ll let alone a $100+ model.

I think it's fare to say that someone used to a $10-50 keyboard will not notice near as much difference in a $100-150 keyboard while the $100-150 keyboard user will notice a huge difference .. similar to fine musician and their extremely expensive instruments.
wink.gif
Yep you are correct. For me, its definitely more of "once used, can't un-use" so there would definitely be no way for me to go back to using a cheap membrane keyboard. I notice the little nit-pick things too much like the key wobble, mushy feelings, non-solid feel, etc etc. All that and keyboards are definitely a hobby of mine, I enjoy collecting them, building them, and using all different ones. Its a niche hobby, but it is very easy to spend a lot of money in it, but that is definitely something I don't mind doing.
 
#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crazy9000 View Post

With Cherry or similar switches, I really don't think you're getting much quality improvement spending over the $80-$100 price range, assuming you get a decent board for the price. There's Topre boards, but good ones tend to be $200+.
This pretty much sums it up also. Objective quality wise, some of the "kustom" builds that cost $200+ are cheaper than mainstream keyboards, but they are just expensive due to its low availability and "niche" fitting within the enthusiast market.

My two keyboards that are $200+ are Topre, and even then I wouldn't say they are worth it for everyone. I actually dislike stock Topre boards but with silencing rings, lube, and some other light mods it really brings out the full effect of the board and then you can start to feel and hear the difference that no other keyboard can achieve.
 
#18 ·
I have my own story...

I went from a Logitech K120 keyboard that I found used at a thrift store and used happily for a few years for $5.00 to a WASD/CODE full-size LED back lit mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Clears that cost $148 (+ S&H) through Massdrop. I never thought I would spend this much for a keyboard in my life and the thing is I would never ever in a million lifetimes go back to any type of membrane keyboard. I had to return the first CODE I bought due to a LED that went dark and I brought out my K120 (I'm glad I kept it for such an occasion) and the difference was apparent. The membrane was slow, dull and mushy. I couldn't wait to get my keyboard back and once I did I was so very happy. The force actuation is a tad harder with the MX Clears but I like the crisp button feel of the keys. I don't mind the sound either, I'm not one that needs to have a silent keyboard as I live by myself so no one to bother.

That's my two cents...

By the way the used K120 was in mint condition. I took it apart when I got home and put the parts I could into the dishwasher and let it dry for a couple of days before reassembling it. Knowing that it was now clean and didn't have any other boogers on it put my OCD at ease.
 
#19 ·
I think the choice is more important between a mechanical and membrane than between a mechanical and a mechanical. At $80 you can probably find a mechanical. At that point, the difference between that and a $150 one is not that important. Practically all mechanicals allow you to press every key at the same time and they will all register.

Between a cheap membrane and a mechanical, there's no question you should go for the latter, unless you are a casual user who would never give working on the computer a second thought. What differentiates a good tool/piece of equipment from a mediocre one is the good one doesn't get in your way. Mechanicals tend to not get in your way. Every key press is registered, the keys come back up quickly after you press them, and they register no matter which combination of keys you press at the same time which isn't the case with membranes.
 
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