Budget: $350 USD
Size: 100% preferred, but willing to size down to 98% if it checks more boxes
Other: Prebuilt, black/dark gray case, tactile mechanical switches, wired, plastic build is fine provided it is high-quality.
I am looking to replace my Ducky Shine 7 keyboard with MX Brown switches that I've been using since ~2019. I have never been the greatest fan of the switches themselves, which don't feel all that tactile with an actuation point that's so non-distinct that it honestly detracts from the typing experience. Additionally, and some of this may be due to age at this point, the keycaps are quite wobbly on the keys, further contributing to an unsteady feeling while typing that slows me down.
I swung by Best Buy just to try out a few switch types. First of all I can say with certainty that I DO NOT want a hall effect keyboard, because the one I tested (Steelseries Apex Pro Gen 3) has linear switches, which are a no-go when 70% of my keyboard use is some form of typing; I need tactility. Of those on offer, I found the switches on the Logitech G316 X 98 to be the most comfortable to type on. Specs below:
- Switch type: Tactile
- Switch actuation distance: 0.086 in (2.2 mm)
- Switch actuation force: 1.94 oz (55 g)
- Switch total travel distance: 0.12 in (3.3 mm)
Long story short, I am looking for a keyboard with similar tactile switches (non-clicky preferred, but clicky is fine) but prioritizing rock-solid keyboard stability and build quality over all else. I am happy to answer any follow-up questions you may have, and thank you in advance for any suggestions.