Superior Gold Contact, MX Black Linear Keyboard, Black

I was looking for a keyboard with a decent mechanical action that wasn't marketed towards gaming or laden with garish colour schemes and LEDs and this keyboard caught my eye with its plain but elegant looks and the use of Cherry MX Black which I like the feel of (they can be easily changed if desired).

The keys have a pleasing action with no double-triggering and aren't too heavy for anyone not used to mechanical keys. They have a pleasant sound (reminiscent of a BBC Model B) and aren't as clacky and loud as a Model M (which I love) for those whose colleagues don't appreciate the rattle of fast typing!

As mentioned by another review, the case could be sturdier, but when placed on the desk, I've had no problems and the keyboard feels stable when typing.

As a final minor point, thankfully, the LEDs for the ScrollNumberCaps lock indicators are a diffused green, as opposed to the piercing blue LEDs that a lot of keyboards use!

I feel that the keyboard is absolutely worth the price and would recommend it.

Well I cannot in anyway leave such a comprehensive review as the previous person has. I am using this for the limited keyboard work I do. However I must say one week in, I love it. Nice chunky ketys that make a satisfying sound when pressed. It feels robust although having only had it just one week, I cannot offer feedback on its longevity.

The keyboard has a fairly standard, elegant case design with large bezels. Unfortunately, the case is very flimsy and creaks when handled. The thick POM keycaps feel and sound good to type on, but the infilled lettering will get dirty quickly and will not last forever. The Cherry MX Black switches are fairly stiff and will be tiring to some. They have a rough, scratchy feel that is especially noticeable if you are used to smoother switches like Gaterons, and especially contactless switches. Despite that, the top and bottom half of the switch fit together tightly and there isn't much play. That, combined with the thick POM keycaps, gives a solid typing feel. The lack of a mounting plate for the PCB-mounted switches seems to make the typing experience soft, but contributes to the keyboard's flimsiness and lack of rigidity. Still, it allows switches to be opened without desoldering. This means you can modify the switches easily with switch films, lubricant or even swap the slider, springs or top housing. Considering the stock Cherry MX switches aren't that pleasant to use, I think this ability to customise the keyboard (even if it's not marketed) does make this more attractive. It also helps that the PCB snap-in stabilisers are high quality and very easy to mod.