You can get a mechanical keyboard for £45. But should you? We pulled an Aukey KM-G6 out of the bargain bin
- Reference: 1588234507
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/04/30/how_good_are_cheap_mechanical_keyboards/
- Source link:
The subject today is one such bargain-basement keyboard: the [1]Aukey KM-G6 , which currently retails on Amazon for £45, although has previously been sold for as little as £33, according to tracking site CamelCamelCamel.
Now, I know what you're thinking: £45 is an awful lot for a keyboard, considering that Brits can get basic membrane ones for a tenner in Tesco. While that's true, £45 is pretty cheap in the context of mechanical keyboards, which often cost as much as a new Chromebook. Or a phone. Or a couple of pints of flat lager in Central London.
Trust me, I know. I've got more keyboards than an army of Kraftwerk cover bands. I once spent nearly $200 on my [2]Ergodox EZ ergonomic split keyboard. A few months ago, I forked out more than £130 for a Mac-compatible clone of the iconic IBM Model M buckling-spring keyboard — the [3]Unicomp Spacesaver . And my favourite keyboard to write copy on (so far, as this is an ongoing obsession) is the [4]gorgeous Fnatic Streak , which at the time cost me about £120.
What I'm saying is that in the grand scheme of things, £45 really isn't that much. But do you get what you pay for, or is the Aukey KM-G6 a hidden bargain?
LED me show you what we're working with
At first glance, the KM-G6 feels like a robust, weighty piece of kit, tipping the scales at nearly 1.2kg. Compared to feather-weight standard keyboards, like the Apple Magic Keyboard 2, you can clearly notice the difference. But it doesn't feel bad — in fact, it helps the device stay in place on even the slipperiest of surfaces. Height-adjustable feet allow you to change the angle of the keyboard, while the included keycap-remover allows you to mix up the layout.
[5]
The KM-G6 is an absolute unit
Still, there are a few barnacles. The cabling isn't the best I've ever seen, feeling comparatively thin in comparison to other more expensive models, like the Unicomp Spacesaver. And I'm not wildly keen on the printing on the keycaps. They're not nearly as legible (or, for that matter, pretty to look at) as those found on the [6]excellent Logitech MX Keys (which is perhaps the best non-mechanical keyboard I've ever used).
The KM-G6 is a gaming keyboard. That fact is made abundantly obvious with the inclusion of RGB lighting under the keys, which may prove divisive for some users, depending on where you stand. Personally, I'm a fan, although it's worth noting that you cannot customise the lighting to the same extent as you can with, say, the Fnatic Streak and MiniStreak.
[7]
Taste the rainbow
Curiously for a "gaming keyboard", the KM-G6 uses a copy of Cherry's ultra-tactile, mega-clicky [8]MX Blue switches from a vendor called Outemu. I say "curiously", because gamers tend to use switches that are lighter to press, like the non-clicky MX Blue or MX Black. Because MX Blue switches require more actuation force in order to register a press, they're not particularly well suited for applications that require lightning-fast reflexes.
Nonetheless, Outemu's effort did a sterling job of mimicking the audibility of the genuine article. They're loud. Not quite as loud as the buckling switches found on the IBM Model M and its subsequent clones, but sufficiently noisy to earn you a formal complaint from your colleagues, if you happen to still be working in an office. Nonetheless, if you get a nice writing cadence going, you can serenade yourself with a delightful crescendo of noise that helps you sooth yourself into your work.
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They're not as consistent, though, and that's really hard to ignore. Some keys feel squishy. Others feel firm. Some sit in between. And these inconsistencies feel especially apparent when you're skiving from work to play a quick round of Counter-Strike .
Overall, though, the KM-G6 is excellent for the price, and serves as an excellent introduction to mechanical keyboards for those wanting to wet their toes without spending a fortune on a Das Keyboard 4. And I'd be happy to recommend it for an entry-level audience, particularly one that spends their days writing code and articles.
Gamers, on the other hand, would be better suited buying something like the Fnatic MiniStreak — which can be configured with more suitable brown switches, and is overall an excellent keyboard, with solid build quality and comfort, and oodles of customisation options.
And if you're a developer or writer looking for a long-term investment, I'd encourage you to see how far your budget can extend. Those with the deepest pockets should check out the Ergodox Planck, a comfortable and compact keyboard with fabulous build quality. Similarly, if you're prone to bouts of nostalgia, you might also want to consider getting one of Unicomp's Model M-inspired keyboards. They're big and bulky, but also loud and extremely fun to type on.
You don't have to spend a fortune...
I'm endlessly fascinated by the steady march of cheap mechanical keyboards. A few weeks ago, Amazon reduced the price of this [10]Outemu Blue-equipped kit to £25 — down from the usual £60. I bought one, and a couple of days later it arrived on my doorstep.
[11]
Amazon's 'Basics' effort
It's interesting to see how the two devices contrast. Amazon's surpasses the KM-G6 in a few areas: like LED programming and comfort, the latter thanks to the inclusion of a wrist rest.
But the KM-G6 had an advantage in others, including build and spacing. Despite the inconsistencies I mentioned earlier, I found the Aukey manifestly more enjoyable to type on.
So much of this comes down to personal preference, but I mention it to highlight the fact that there's a decent amount of competition at the entry level. And it's always wise to see what your options are.
But you get what you pay for
That notwithstanding, there are some compelling reasons to spend more on a mechanical keyboard, if you can.
Some pricier ones, like the Unicomp Model M-clones, are fairly serviceable, with the manufacturer selling most of the parts that degrade over time. This makes your purchase a long-term investment that can follow you throughout your career.
Other keyboards allow you to replace the key switches, mixing and matching as required. The [12]Ergodox Planck is a great example of that. You might, for example, want to use linear red switches for the WASD keys, while keeping blue switches everywhere else for when you're not gaming. It's entirely up to you.
And more expensive keyboards tend to use technologies like USB-C, which is convenient if you've got a laptop that has ditched old-school USB entirely. The latest and greatest Macs are the best example of this.
More expensive keyboards also tend to use the pricier Cherry key switches, rather than third-party clones from vendors like Gateron, Kalih and Outemu.
One of the factors that led to the explosion of cheap mechanical keyboards was the expiration of many of Cherry's key switch patents in 2014. While some of these clones come close to Cherry in terms of quality – Gateron being the best example – others aren't quite as good. There's something to be said about using the tried-and-tested genuine article.
More expensive keyboards tend to have their own ergonomic advantages. The Ergodox EZ, for example, is designed to limit wrist movement. Other keyboards have better and more comfortable wrist guards. And since you likely spend the majority of each day before a computer, ergonomics is worth considering. ®
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[1] https://www.amazon.co.uk/AUKEY-Mechanical-Keyboard-Anti-ghosting-Resistant/dp/B071HBFN2T
[2] https://ergodox-ez.com/
[3] https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/SpacesaverM
[4] https://www.amazon.co.uk/FNATIC-Streak-Mechanical-Ergonomic-UK-Layout/dp/B07CHGXGG5
[5] https://regmedia.co.uk/2020/04/29/dscf1018.jpg
[6] https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/mx-keys-wireless-keyboard
[7] https://regmedia.co.uk/2020/04/29/dscf1024.jpg
[8] https://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/08/26/top_ten_gaming_keyboard_and_mouse_combos/
[9] https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/02/19/bakker_elkhuizen_ultraboard_950_wireless/
[10] https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Programmable-Mechanical-Keyboard-Backlit/dp/B07D8X6CK8
[11] https://regmedia.co.uk/2020/04/29/dscf1034.jpg
[12] https://ergodox-ez.com/pages/planck
[13] https://go.theregister.co.uk/tl/1936/-8552/how-to-accelerate-brilliant-digital-experiences-with-low-code?td=wptl1936
Re: A decent keyboard is a decent investment
they cost a lot (which means you cry in frustration a lot, when something goes wrong and you find out that the seller / manufacturer is as shit about "customer service", as any other brand), you can't try them before you buy them, so for me they'll always remain that faintly amusing unnecessity, in league with, I dunno, h. miller chairs, and mac OS "experience".
And I do value good keyboards, cause my job depends on them. For several years now I have used a very cheap (7 - 12 quid), and very comfortable and, for some part of their lives, very quiet, MS-branded, keyboards. And, since they decided to "improve" on their design (those fuckers) a couple of years ago, I purchased, just in time, 3 - 4 spare ones, nominally used, for less than a tenner each. The only complaint I have is that they're not serviceable, i.e. you can take them to pieces (for the usual reasons), you can put them back, but sometimes they fail to work after that operation (in my case twice). But at least, being cheap, I have this option (same with my computing, I have 3 x220s and one x230, even in times of the virus and kids working on them at home, one laptop is usually spare, and if something goes wrong with it, as it did last week, you just swap sdd and carry on working, and repair the one that's failed in the meantime. I wouldn't dare to try that with my preciousssss, 120 quid a pop, cherry.
Re: A decent keyboard is a decent investment
" I wouldn't dare to try that with my preciousssss, 120 quid a pop, cherry."
I see it differently. My time is valuable. The Cherry keyboard I bought never needed "servicing". It worked flawlessly throughout it's nearly 25 year life.
Conversely if I spent £7 - £12 on a keyboard, it's not even worth my time to "service" it, even if that was possible.
As the article says you can get keyboards in Tesco for not much more than this. Ironically, that justifies buying a mechanical one even more.
Re: A decent keyboard is a decent investment
I've got a QPAD MK-80 which has been rock solid since I bought it (£20 with an AZERTY layout, but I'm a touch typer so key caps layout doesn't matter much). Only gripe is the silicone coating is looking tatty on the palm rest.
Other than that I've got a 16 year old Apple Pro Bluetooth keyboard. Which I've bought spares for because my first one died after my workplace's air-con dripped on it.
Surprisingly once you get used to how stiff the domes are in it, it's a very pleasant keyboard and each one of the domes is individual so can be replaced if required.
That said I still regret not taking home an old dell Alps keyboard from my old place. That thing was truely built to last.
Re: A decent keyboard is a decent investment
I have a feeling I'm sailing against the wind on this one, but in all fairness I've got a Microsoft branded keyboard that I bought for £12 from John Lewis somewhere between 10 and 15 years ago. I've gamed with it, written novels and done development work with it. It's still clean, doesn't have any issues (yet) and only gets minimum maintenance. Currently using it now.
Treated right (or in this case just not abused), even a halfway-decent keyboard can last a fair while.
I've got an Aukey KM-G8...
...and although I can be snobby about keyboards (with a pragmatic streak - a good £15 keyboard is always a nice surprise, thanks Logitech) it's really rather good. I've been using it constantly since working from home and now that I've become familiar with it again, it's great for typing, it's well enough built, and as it cost £40 a few years ago, if it dies in a few years time, I'll not feel as annoyed as if I'd spent £100 on a 'better' keyboard.
You still need to go drag out a spare keyboard if the fancier one shits itself, and then diagnose the problem, order the replacement parts. I'd be fine getting another £40 keyboard, honestly.
I've used better keyboards, but it's plenty close enough for the price.
Steven "clicky clacky" R
(the KM G8 is basically what was reviewed, but without the RGB stuff and a slightly more compact profile, as far as I can tell)
Whilst I understand they may be good for gaming, are these mechanical keyboards any good for actual work? Leaving aside the obvious problem of annoying your colleagues in an office, do they make your typing more precise? Is the build quality and reliability higher? Is it worth paying £45 for a wired keyboard?
Re: are these mechanical keyboards any good for actual work?
It's very subjective of course, but I like the feel of mine (IBM Model M "borrowed" from a server which ended up in a rack :-) more than any other keyboard I've tried in the last 30 years or so. It is too loud for a crowded office but is getting a lot more use now than it has in the last few years!
It's like using really good hand tools instead of cheap and cheerful - they both get the job done (usually) but one feels better than the other, and that makes the whole experience more enjoyable. I think it's well worth paying a premium for something that improves your life for eight hours a day or more.
"are these mechanical keyboards any good for actual work"
Absolutely. Nothing will make your typing more precise, but a mechanical keyboard will make your typing more comfortable. The response from the keys is entirely different, although it's hard to quantify exactly how - you really need to try one. I'm currently working from home with my company laptop hooked up to my home setup, which includes a Mionix mechanical keyboard, and compared to my keyboard in the office it's night and day.
I do a lot of coding and terminal work. These are situations where characters you enter matter - your code won't run if there's a typo. Although nothing can make your code "more accurate" I have had situations where I've used cheaper, non-mechanical keyboards which have registered what I intended as a single keypress as multiple keypresses, or vice versa.
There's something about the feedback of a mechanical keyboard which means you know when you've pressed a key, it's registered.
I've already posted about build quality earlier. Yes, they are worth the money, IMO.
For a Chinese thing? I will leave such questions to younger colleagues who have one.
I would like to simply address a couple of your questions, namely "do they make your typing more precise? Is the build quality and reliability higher? Is it worth paying £45 for a wired keyboard?"
I am typing this message on an IBM Model M Keyboard that was produced in August of 1989. It works just as typing this as it did 31 years ago when it was produced in Scotland. I challenge anybody to produce another example of a bit of IT equipment that's still in daily use 31 years later. I think this adequately answers any possible questions with relation to "reliability", and I can assure you that the build quality of an original IBM model M is utterly unassailable. The only thing modern keyboard reviewers fault it on is not having RGB backlights, which shows that it's still the standard that everything else is compared to after 35 years, and that the only improvement on has been faddy fashion statements, and not usability or ergonomics.
Is it worth paying £45 or more for a wired keyboard? Well, I 'd say that the interfaces for my PC's are as important as the PC's themselves. People don't tend to quibble before spending a couple of hundred quid of screens, high DPI mice etc, but then stick a cheap and nasty keyboard on the box that they then use intensively.
Given the amount of typing I do then personally I wouldn't even consider using a cheap and nasty keyboard and I would get myself another IBM model M if this one expired, which this shows no signs whatsoever of doing. Even if it cost me a hundred quid then over 30+ years use that's a trivial cost.
I'd also say that my colleagues haven't complained about the noise of my keyboard.
What are the chances? Just as I start my reply to say that this Model M is from *May* 1989 - it crashes.
Anyway, as I often point out: a professional builder doesn't use a five quid hammer from B&Q.
You turned the keyboard over to check the date and probably pulled it towards you. This momentarily disconnected the plug from the keyboard (it's replaceable on our models and so can disconnect and the keyboard end) because the curly cable is mostly stuck behind your the desk and the remaining bit of cable is relatively tight.
I assume that it now works again, but if you pull the curly cord further up from the PC so that it's got more cable so you don't put as much tension on the cable when you turn it over and pull it around then it won't do that next time you have cause to look at the build date & QC sticker. ;)
And there we go, good for another 30 years. ;)
I wouldn't be at all surprised if this keyboard outlasts me.
... on an IBM Model M Keyboard that was produced in August of 1989.
Hmm ...
Nice.
But isn't that a PS/2 interface?
What kit are you using it with?
O.
typing this on a 1987 model M, and also have a few 1988 & 1989 spares stashed away in case I ever manage to break this one (which is doubtful).
still on a PS2 interface but there are some usb-ps2 converters around that can handle them.
But isn't that a PS/2 interface?
What kit are you using it with?
One of these:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Active-USB-to-PS2-Adapter/dp/B008J56RVY
You can't just use any random PS/2 connector; the model M draws a little more power from the PS/2 keyboards than most modern ones do.
"Is it worth paying £45 for a wired keyboard?"
In general, yes. People can be a bit funny about things like keyboards just because it's possible to get very cheap ones, but it's important to remember that your keyboard is one of the few ways you actually interact with your computer (mouse, display and maybe speakers being the others). If you use your keyboard 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, all year, for many years, buying the cheapest thing available simply because it is available doesn't make a lot of sense. You might be spending several thousand pounds on the gubbins inside the box, but then begrudge £50 or so for the part you actually use the most, and which has by far the most bearing on your comfort and even health?
Of course this is not restricted to just computers. With cars, for example, people almost always go for cheap tyres because why bother with something expensive that does the same job, right? Except that your tyres are your only point of contact with the world and therefore pretty much the most important part of the car. Again, there's no point spending thousands on advanced safety systems, but then skimping on a few quid in tyres that actually make you less safe overall.
So yes, not only is it worth spending a bit more on a keyboard, but it's always worth having a good think about what parts of things are actually important. If you use a keyboard as a daily tool, you want something that is good quality and comfortable. That doesn't necessarily mean an expensive mechanical keyboard, but it probably means spending more than the cheapest thing you can find. Even if you think you're happy with whatever basic thing came with your PC, you might find big benefits from trying out a variety of others.
I have a Ducky Shine 2 mechanical keyboard with Cherry Brown switches. As I work from home, it is used both for personal use/gaming as well as for work during the day (connected into a KVM so I can switch it over to my laptop dock for work).
Personally I find it excellent for working on and I can type very quickly and accurately with it. The only issue at all is that you have to mute yourself if you're on a conference call and need to type anything otherwise there will be complaints from other people on the call about the loud clatter of keys.
It appears the Zoom teleconferencing software can partially remove the sound of typing on mechanical keys.
https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2018/08/21/zoom-adds-noise-cancellation-to-our-top-notch-audio/
The natural evolution of this concept might be to place microphones inside the keyboard to give the noise cancelling software more data to better do its job.
I imagine that online gamers might value this, if they wish to hear their team mates voices and at the same time listen out for a virtual twig snapping betraying the presence of a virtual assassin.
Very much so. Have used and discarded no end of 'ergonomic' keyboards. Some years ago my previous favourite died (an MS ergonomic one) and the replacement (same item just 5 years later) was much worse both quality and tactile feel. I moved to a basic one with cherry mx brown switches. Best decision ever although I would look for quieter switches next time - simplay as typing on speakerphone is no possible. Responsive and tactile, typing is much easier on the hands.
I find they are really good, except those used to a quiet office will claim you are deliberatly pressing your keys to hard.
Go Cherry or Go Home.
What is its key rollover like? Biggest problem with you asda special is you normally can't push all the keys you need to at the same time. For example with the cheap ONN keyboards you cant push w,a,shift and jump at the same time. can be a bit of a problem at times.
I've got an Outemu Brown based keyboard, a Drevo Tyrfing v2 tenkeyless keyboard. It was a discount from Amazon, very happy with it. Its a bit basic, but the action is pretty nice, keycaps are all replaceable and cherry compatible, switches are replaceable and it came with both a keycap and switch puller, and some replacement switches. Brown switches so I don't get murdered by my beloved during lockdown. NKRO, and you can configure how annoying the LEDs are, all the way to off. I currently have them lit blue, but going a random colour when pressed, which is quite nice.
Its not as good as the model M that it replaced, but its significantly cheaper than a Unicomp.
I'm always entertained that the more you spend on a keyboard, the more idiosyncratic it gets. Keys light up different colours? No thanks. With a programmable light sequence? I'll be fine without. Multi-coloured keycaps? Bit 80s retro. No key tray, so keys inexplicably stand above the board? It's a pass. No numpad? Maybe for a laptop.
By coincidence (and partly after having to stare at my home keyboard for longer than is healthy over recent weeks), I finally got around to thoroughly cleaning the keyboard that came with my 1999/2000 eMachines desktop. For, ah, the first time. This was a low end brand, and yet, mechanical keys all still clacking nicely, seemingly dye-infused keycaps (so no worries soaking them in soapy water and giving them a rub-down), every key (including spacebar) came off and went back on nicely. I can't imagine it was a particularly expensive example when it was made. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QDcKzuU-HeiZyY55kS_PbGvvojTdHSnn/view?usp=sharing is the after-cleaning shot with the keys going back on... I'm not sharing the before shot!
I wouldn't be without my mechanical keyboard. The thing is built like a battleship and the typing experience is great. It's black, it sits on my desk and just works. No stupid gaudy lighting nonsense or anything like that. It's probably hard to explain to someone who's never used one, but if you type a lot, then they are definitely worth the extra cash.
What's he opposite of a "mechanical" keyboard? On-screen? Telepathic?
That said, the best keyboard I ever used was the Atari ST. Not because of the keys, particularly, but because a small application used the ST's sound chip to replace the synthesised keyclick with the .wav files of your choice, and as a result my ST sounded like a 1933 Remington Imperial typewriter, including the whizz-bang-cling of a carriage return.
For the past twenty years I have been using IBM trackpoint keyboards, of which I have a stock, since they only last about eight to ten years.
The mechanical ones are so called because they actually have a "proper" mechanical switch in them. This explains all of the different types of technology in keyboards.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_technology
Basically, really cheap jobs have basically a rubber dome over a bit of wire. Pressing the key down pushes the wire down to make an electrical contact and then pops back up when the key is released. These are cheap and tacky, and tend to last tens of thousand key presses before you start getting "dodgy" keys that you have to bang hand to make them work before finally it stops working.
Mechanical switches are generally rated for a few million keypresses on each individual key; ie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckling_spring)
Had a Logitech G810 for a few years now. Fully programmable RGB key illumination and it's a heavy beast so it doesn't move when typing. Only issue so far is slight wear on a few keys (A, left CTRL, left arrow). A bit pricey but for my work well worth the investment.
Cheap Mechanical Keyboards
I am not convinced, basically because I got an Element Gaming keyboard from EBuyer for £50, appeared to rip off a Corsair design, enter key failed after 3 months and EBuyer were worse than useless. Its their own brand but still you have to contact them, all well and good except they never responded to support requests.
After explaining to EBuyer got no-where, hugely annoying as from what I have seen its their own company.
Replaced the switch myself with a Cherry Red switch but that died a week later.
Gave up and went for a Corsair K70, its been perfect ever since.
Previous keyboard from that was a Rokkat's Avro I did like until the paint from the letters came off.
I splashed out on a Keyboardio, and love it
When my previous split keyboard (membrane inside, although a reasonable feel) wore out from full-time use, I treated myself to a Keyboardio Model 1 (the production run has now sold out, but they're building up to a run of a new model: https://shop.keyboard.io/). The design, and the build quality, are both excellent. The layout takes a bit of getting used to, but it is very comfortable to use. The firmware is open-source (the hardware is Arduino-compatible); I haven't tweaked mine yet but I probably will sometime.
My favourite keyboard feel of all time was probably an old IBM29C cardpunch in the back room of the computer lab (in the 1980s) which I used a few times when the university computer's interactive response got too slow: shortish but decisive key travel --- and if you made an error that it could detect (I can't remember what those were) it would lock the key travel mechanically so you could feel it wasn't accepting keystrokes.
Cables usually fail at one or the other - rarely in the middle - so winding a piece of self-amalgamating tape to relieve any strain in these areas is cheap, quick and easy enough to do as a matter of course - and it may save you a fiddly soldering job.
Self-amalgamating tape comes in two flavours, butyl and the pricier high temperature resistant silicone variety - the cheaper butyl type is easier to fashion into cable glands.
I've never quite grokked how gamers specifically choose a piece of equipment that is near identical to that chosen by typists - I'd have expected that their needs would vary enough that some redesign or fine tuning would benefit them - and that devices such as Logitech's Nostromo would have a bigger slice of the market.
Edit: I know even less: Belkin made the Nostromo gaming keypad thing, Logitech's equivalent was called the G13 and had an LCD display
Well, that shows what I know! (Not a lot, evidently!)
Just checked the link on the Outemu Blue-equipped and it's back to £60, never mind, I am now seriously looking for a new keyboard, so may give the Aukey KM-G6 a try.
Current keyboard is a MS 200 wired one, which is not bad i have to say.
Thanks for the article.
A decent keyboard is a decent investment
About 25 years ago - when I was still in high school - a friend of mine suggested I buy a Cherry "Click" mechanical keyboard. They were about £80 (then).
"Why on earth would I spend that on a keyboard?" I asked.
Only got rid of it a couple of years ago. That's why.