These are keyboards I tested that are not quite good enough for the spots above or are good across the board without standout features. They don’t do things quite as well as their competition but are still solid in their own right.
Wooting 60HE+ for $175: Between an archaic mounting method and long wait times for delivery, I just can’t recommend the 60HE over Keychron’s Q1 HE. While I still think it’s a fantastic Hall effect keyboard, it just doesn’t have the same polish and refinement as Keychron’s offering. The 60HE still uses a tray-mount system that, while modular, doesn’t sound or feel great to type on. Along with that, the plastic case is disappointing at the price; it was once an acceptable trade-off for customizable Hall effect switches, but Keychron offers a full-metal, gasket-mounted keyboard for around $50 more, and I think the improvements are worth the money unless you prefer a 60% layout or want the ability to use the 60HE’s wide range of aftermarket cases.
Cherry KC 200 MX for $90: The KC 200 MX is an incredibly simple and barebones keyboard that doesn’t add anything new, or remove anything necessary. It’s a full-size mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX2A switches, a metal plate, and hardly anything else. It’s not customizable, it’s not programmable, but I can say for sure that it will be durable, reliable, and at least somewhat enjoyable to type on for years to come.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional Hybrid Type-S for $259: While the new Studio has replaced this model as my pick for programmers, this older version is still great if you want something simpler, or with a unique typing feel. The layout is still great and the Topre switches—a kinda-membrane, kinda-mechanical switch with a deep typing sound and distinct, rounded tactility—are a joy to type on. Plus, these keyboards have an extensive community with aftermarket parts and guides on how to modify them. The Pro Hybrid Type-S model specifically has extras like Bluetooth connectivity and silencing rings. It’s also reprogrammable using HHKB’s proprietary app, although there’s not much reason to modify the existing layout unless you want a specific macro or change to the function layer. It’s incredibly easy to find on the used market for around half the price, making it a much more reasonable alternative to the Studio.
Melgeek Made68 for $119: With a more minimal approach to its design and a stylish white-and-purple color scheme, the Made68 has a great desk presence that stands out from the crowd. Plus, in-depth customization of Melgeek’s Gateron-supplied Hall Effect switches means that incredibly granular adjustments can be made to this keyboard’s typing experience, even down to the actuation distance of individual keys. The external appearance can also be customized, with removable side panels and a swappable light diffuser on the back. The diffusers are currently available in black, green, and red with each including new silver side panels. However, you will need a screwdriver set to remove any of these panels, since an Allen wrench isn’t included with the keyboard. Overall, the Made68 sounds and feels good to type on. The tray-mount isn’t ideal for typing feel, but the typical issues with typing consistency aren’t as prominent here as other similar keyboards. At this price, a slightly flawed typing experience is a worthwhile tradeoff for customizable Hall Effect switches and a satisfying typing sound.
Melgeek Cyber01 for $169: Taking a notedly maximalist approach to keyboard design, the Cyber01 looks almost straight out of Cyberpunk 2077. With a blocky, futuristic font and gritty sci-fi graphics plastered over the polycarbonate keycaps and chunky plastic case, this keyboard feels like a modern twist on the stylized gaming peripherals of the 2000s. It’s a bit gaudy, but this keyboard surprised me. The Hall Effect switches, while noticeably mushy on the bottom-out, are incredibly smooth and responsive, and the case feels pretty solid too. The switches’ actuation distances can be adjusted using Melgeek’s Hive software (although it took me some troubleshooting to get those features to work). My largest issue is the sub-par typing sound, with noticeable rattles and dead spots resulting from the tray-mount assembly and unusual design. While I feel like every other Hall Effect keyboard beats this keyboard in at least one way (including the Made68 above), I don’t think this keyboard is necessarily all that bad. If you love the styling, this might be the keyboard for you.
