Ractous RTK61P
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
- Bluetooth
- USB-C
The RTK 61P is a compact 60% form factor keyboard, making it ideal for saving space, especially if you use a large mouse pad and prefer lower DPI settings for precision. Its build quality is quite solid, with a sturdy plastic shell and a top metal plate painted white to enhance RGB lighting. The keyboard offers a variety of switch options, including gadaron Optical brown, black, blue, clear, red, silver, and yellow. The yellow switches, in particular, stand out for their faster actuation, making them great for gaming.
While the gadaron optical yellow switches may exhibit some stem wobble, they are incredibly smooth and suitable for gaming. The RTK 61P is hot-swappable, but only with other gadaron optical switches. The keyboard features pudding keycaps, making it perfect for RGB enthusiasts. The stabilizers are rattle-free and tuned well for gaming. The keyboard has a somewhat hollow sound profile, but this can be improved with modifications.
Red Dragon K530 Pro
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- Linux
- Bluetooth
- USB-C
- 2.4Ghz
Its build quality is robust, featuring a rigid plastic shell with a top metal plate painted white for enhanced RGB lighting. The keyboard offers options between Red, Brown, and Blue switches. However, it's essential to note that this keyboard is fully hot-swappable, making it a great platform for modding and customization.
I recommend pairing the K530 Pro with EPO maker Flamingo switches, which are excellent linear switches for gaming. With easy plug-and-play compatibility, you can effortlessly swap these switches, resulting in a superb keyboard for gaming and daily use. The keycaps have secondary sign printing for clean aesthetics and provide a comfortable gaming experience. Stabilizers are solid, and the spacebar may require some tuning for sound quality.
In terms of connectivity, this keyboard stands out with both Bluetooth support for two devices and a 2.4 GHz USB dongle for wireless gaming. You can also use a USB Type-C cable for a wired connection. The RGB lighting is impressive, boasting bright per-key lighting, various modes, and vibrant colors.
Tecware Phantom Plus
- Windows
- macOS
- Bluetooth
- USB-C
The keyboard features Tecware's Wraith switches, offering tactile and linear options with pre-lubing, making it a joy to use daily. The switches are a great surprise for their quality and performance, making this keyboard a fantastic budget option.
At its price point, the Techware Phantom Plus is a compelling choice, delivering excellent value for money. However, it's essential to note that due to supply chain issues, this keyboard may be challenging to find in stock on Amazon. Make sure to check the availability in the provided links below. The Phantom Plus is a hot-swappable keyboard with three-pin switches, and it boasts well-tuned stabilizers that are perfect for gaming.
The sound quality is impressive, making it possibly one of the best-sounding keyboards in its price range. The keyboard's connectivity is through a detachable USB Type-C cable, and there's also a variant with wireless connectivity, the Phantom Plus Elite, though it can be challenging to find in stock.
Royal Kludge H81
- Windows
- Bluetooth
- USB-C
The Royal Kludge H81 is priced at $79.99 and offers a unique 75% split design form factor. This form factor strikes a balance between gaming and space-saving, making it a versatile choice for those who prefer a slightly smaller layout. The build quality of the H81 is notable for its attention to detail. The case features a design with unique angles, cutouts, and intricate color combinations that set it apart from the crowd. One standout feature is the knob in the upper right corner, used to switch between different connectivity modes. It's not only incredibly convenient but also satisfying to use.
The keyboard incorporates a polycarbonate plate, which is a premium feature often found in custom keyboards. This choice impacts the keyboard's feel and sound profile. Plate and PCB dampening further enhance the overall experience, resulting in a keyboard that's enjoyable to both type on and listen to.
The H81 comes with Sky Cyan linear switches, pre-lubed and smooth, offering a higher-end switch experience. Hot-swappability is a notable feature, supporting both three-pin and five-pin switches. The keycaps are non-shine-through, which may appeal to enthusiasts looking for a more customized experience. They are of higher quality, with crisp text and no rattle in the stabilizers.
Connectivity options are extensive, including a 2.4 GHz USB dongle for wireless gaming, Bluetooth 5.1 that can connect to three different devices, and a wired USB Type-C connection. The 3750 mAh battery provides decent life, particularly with RGB turned off.
Epomaker GK75
- macOS
- Windows
- USB-C
- Bluetooth
The Epomkaer GK75 is an affordable keyboard that offers a 75% split design form factor. The build quality of this keyboard is impressive, especially given its price point. It features a two-piece semi-translucent smoky black plastic case, with three different cable channels for cable management. Dual-stage risers provide three different angles of adjustment. A standout feature is the metal knob in the upper right corner, which not only adds to the aesthetics but also provides a satisfying tactile feel and sound. The keyboard boasts a thick top metal plate, silicone plate and PCB dampeners, and foam in the case, making for an enjoyable typing experience.
The GK75 offers a variety of switch options, including EPO Maker's Optical Iceberg switches, Gateron Optical switches, and more. The Optical Iceberg switches are commended for their smoothness, quick actuation, and light bottom-out force, making them excellent for gaming. They also come with stem wobble, but it's a minor concern for gaming purposes. Hot-swappability is a feature, compatible with other Gateron Optical switches.
The keycaps on the GK75 are of high quality, significantly thicker than those of other keyboards on the list. They feature crisp lines and a unique GK5 profile, which has a rounded spherical top, offering a comfortable feel for gaming. The keyboard also comes with extra blue and darker blue keycaps, allowing for customization and a stealthy appearance. The stabilizers are excellent, with no tick or rattle, and the spacebar has a deep, thocky sound.