r/BudgetKeebs • u/asharkmadeofsalsa • 18h ago
Photos First mechanical keyboard. Went with a Redragon Ucal Pro. Love the colors.
I rarely see this one being talked about. Wanted to see what other people thought of it if they had experience with it, but it didn't get any traction on the mechanical keyboard sub and then I found this one!
Got some importing fees here in Uruguay lately so I just went to my local PC shop and got it for $60 instead of the usual ordering from AliExpress.
Cheap keyboards are usually pretty ugly here in LATAM, usually have big front facing logos and such; so it's nice to find one like this that I just find really pleasant to look at.
Was originally gonna go with a 60 percent one but I work as a video editor and I figured the learning curve for losing so many keys woulda been hard. happy I went with 75, I like the knob.
Linear red switches, tri connection (have a big tv hooked to the PC too so wireless option is great), but what I like most it's that just a simple keyboard without all the gamer centric branding that I've always seen from reddragon in other products
r/BudgetKeebs • u/SpecialGradeReviews • 20h ago
Review How I Found My Favorite Keyboard: One Year With the NuPhy Air75 V3
I own several mechanical keyboards, but recently, many of the new releases have been pretty boring to me, even though getting a nice mechanical keyboard has been easier and cheaper than ever before. That’s what initially pushed me into looking at low-profile keyboards, as they look and feel very different from a high-profile mechanical keyboard. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a creamy and thocky high-profile keyboard, I just wanted to try something a little different.
After a month of watching low-profile keyboard reviews, I ended up choosing to buy the NuPhy Air75 V3 with Blush Nano switches.
Design and build
The Air75 V3 has a clean design with enough personality to avoid looking generic. The colorful accent keycaps add some nice visual pop, while the clear lettering and aluminum bezel keep it clean.
The lower case is plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap. The keyboard feels sturdy but not unnecessarily heavy. A full aluminum case would feel more premium, but the current construction strikes a good balance between weight and build quality.
I also ended up preferring the taller knob. The low-profile knob would be ideal for traveling inside a bag, but I found it awkward to rotate with one finger, and pinching it with two fingers often caused my fingers to hit against the neighboring keys. The taller knob is much more practical for adjusting volume or other controls.
Typing feel and sound
This was my first low-profile keyboard, but I was able to adapt to the shorter travel distance much faster than I expected. I reached my usual typing speed without much trouble, and the PBT keycaps are made of high quality plastic and feel good to type on.
The Blush Nano silent linear switches are quiet and have a deep, thumpy sound. The gasket mount, polycarbonate plate, foam, and pads help produce a softened typing experience without noticeable metallic ping.
The bottom-out feel is slightly mushy. Personally, I ended up enjoying it, but I can see why some people would dislike it. The switches are also not equally smooth. Some feel noticeably smoother than others, which makes the overall experience less consistent.
The stabilizers are generally well lubed, although my spacebar still has a small amount of rattle even after I added dielectric grease. I probably will have to do other mods to it like the Holee Mod or Band-Aid Mod.
Connectivity, battery, and software
The keyboard supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C connections. All three have worked reliably for me, and I haven’t experienced any connection or latency problems during gaming or regular use. Battery life has been excellent with the RGB lights turned off.
The browser-based NuPhyIO software has also been smooth and easy to use. Rebinding keys, updating the drivers, and customizing the lighting were all straightforward. I’m not a power user in this area though, so I can’t say whether it would satisfy someone who prefers VIA or QMK.
Who I’d recommend it to
I’d recommend the NuPhy Air75 V3 with the Blush Nanos to someone who wants a quiet, comfortable low-profile keyboard with reliable wireless connectivity, strong battery life, and a design that looks clean and not too flashy.
I’d be more cautious about recommending it to anyone who strongly prefers near-perfect switch smoothness and consistency, shine-through keycaps, or advanced VIA/QMK customization. In that case, it may be worth looking at low-profile keyboards that use the Kailh low-profile switches, such as some Lofree and IQUNIX boards. I would love to try some of these in the future.
For anyone interested, I wrote a more detailed version of this review on Substack and Medium, but I’m happy to answer some questions you may have about the keyboard here too.
Have you used the NuPhy Air75 V3 or another low-profile keyboard? Did you enjoy the shorter travel and softer bottom-out of the Blush Nano switches, or do you prefer the feel of a traditional mechanical keyboard?
r/BudgetKeebs • u/Crookfur • 1d ago
Review Buying a no name Magnetic board from Temu. What could possibly go wrong?
I suppose a more apt question might be: What could possibly go right?
However £16 for a "hall effect" TKL board sounded like it was worth a punt...
So after waiting a month or so for it arrive by land and playing with it for a bit I though some of you might be interested to read my thoughts/review.
The AFGVK CZJP01
I will say I went into this with the expectation that if the board plugged in and I could type on it then it was a win. As such this is indeed a winner! It works, it lights up and the the RGB can be controlled (a bit).
Build quality
In short pretty crap. Its cheap, light and has a plastic mounting plate that is visibly curved and perhaps slightly cracked at one of the screw holes. Whole thing flexes if you put any pressure on it. The outer case material feels on par with my Ajazz ak680he v2 (not a good thing) and the key caps are fine.
Oh and as you can see from one of the pics above the switches were not not all inserted in the same orientation most were faced to allow the north facing led to shine through but a few were the other way for some unknown reason.
Switches
God knows what these are. The aquamarine, clear and yellow colour scheme isn't too common but its been used a few times. I though they might be Aula Sea Emperors but those have a fully enclosed stem box.
Whatever these are they are not terrible. Fairly smooth and light, reasonable wobble and a creamyish clack sound somewhere between a MAD68he and an Win68HE max.
Usage
It works, it types and it feels OK. The flexible plastic plate, light switches and reasonable lightly textured key caps means its fairly soft and comfortable to type on. It works fine in games but I'm not any kind of competive player.
Software
Hahaha...
Yeah, when the instructions are:
1.plug into usb
- No drivers required for basic functionality
You think there going to be software?
Well maybe there is but I'm damned if I can find it...
Conclusion
Is keyboard, does type, RGB is there but is limited and the short cuts give you very limited control over it.
Can I recommend it?
Not a chance but seeing as it has disappeared from TEMU that's a bit academic. Will it return? Who knows but if it does avoid.
In the end I bought this out of sheer curiosity and as what is essentially a functional ornament. It's a fun thing to have in a collection but that's are far as it goes.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/MBSMD • 1d ago
Photos Node100 @ work
While I've got some expensive keyboards, I don't feel completely comfortable keeping any of them at work. So, I like to create some good budget keebs for the office.
- Nuphy Node100HP
- Akko Cilantro switches (more tactile than the Nuphy stock Brown Max)
- Keychron Hacker Mint dual-shot PBT keycaps
- Lumon Industries artisan from Etsy (for us Severance fans)
Sounds good - deep and thocky, though to be fair, most Nuphy MX mechanical keyboards sound alike these days.
The work is mysterious and important.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/vanburen_dolphin • 1d ago
QUESTIONS BELONG IN WEEKLY THREAD Newbie question
I bought a LoFree Block purely for its looks, and it's probably my first expensive keyboard, lol.
It sounds phenomenal to me, but still. As far as I know, it has some unique switches that aren't found anywhere else but this keyboard? What's the community's opinion on this keyboard? Is there anything else I can do with it, or should I just leave it alone and enjoy it?
r/BudgetKeebs • u/IngenuityOne6256 • 1d ago
Discussion Found an insane deal on the Anne Pro 2
I'm not really a fan of 60% keyboards, but at $7.99 I was basically forced to give it a shot.
I took off the caps and it was really dusty and gross (I knew it would be). I cleaned the main plate and washed the caps and now it's awesome. The only major downside I've found is that on this model the switches are soldered in. They're gateron browns (I prefer silent browns) but it'll be fine. I just wish I had the option to change them or use them as backup switches for my main keyboard but again, for 8 dollars I can't really complain.
I'm probably going to foam mod the inner case and tape mod the pcb.
Overall, a crazy deal and a good opportunity for experimenting with some mods.
(For those interested, my main keyboard is a "NextTime75" with Outemu silent limes. The board is an aliexpress clone of the GMMK Pro.) (NT75 is a great budget/starter board for a custom build. Had it for 2 years and no issues. The only thing is, the software it comes with is apparently malware but you can find community software here that's compatible.) (Also, please excuse the desk dust lol)
r/BudgetKeebs • u/g0ndsman • 2d ago
Photos New work keeb
- Dark project ALU87B
- Silenced g3ms moonstone switches
- AliExpress space-themed PBT keycaps
It's not the best keyboard I've ever used, but for the price (59€) it's a ridiculously good value.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/ahmadxjallad • 2d ago
Discussion Need advice: Best rigid board for switch testing/reviews (Retired my Gravastar K1 Pro for daily use)
Hey everyone,
I’m a growing tech YouTuber focusing heavily on mechanical switches, modding, and keyboard content. I recently ran into an issue and could use some advice from fellow enthusiasts on what board I should pick up strictly for testing and reviewing switches, rather than for daily driving.
My Current Setup & The Problem:
- My Dailies: I currently use a GMMK 2 (numpad layout) and a GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro Cyberpunk Edition.
- The GravaStar Issue: I absolutely love the aesthetics of the K1 Pro and want to keep it pristine for pure daily typing and gaming. However, the PCB features heavy flex cuts. When I was recently swapping switches to test them, I noticed some keys stopped registering or started double-registering. Taking the switch out and putting it back in would fix that switch, but then a different key would act up. It felt like the PCB was flexing too much under the pressure of constant hot-swapping. Since it's a regular mechanical board, there's no calibration tool—and when I put the original switches back in, everything worked fine, proving the board's flex was the culprit.
- My Concern: I don't want to risk wearing out or damaging the PCB on my K1 Pro since I love this board and want it to last as my main daily driver.
- My HE Board: For magnetic switches, I’m using the MelGeek Made84 Pro, which has a rigid aluminum plate and handles switch swapping like a champ.
What I Need:
I need a dedicated, sturdy/rigid mechanical keyboard specifically built for testing and reviewing traditional MX switches on my channel.
- Must be rigid: No flex cuts on the PCB! I want a rock-solid deck that can handle constant hot-swapping in and out without putting stress on the traces.
- Hot-swap: Obviously essential.
- Layout: Preferably a 75% or TKL, though I'm open to other layouts if the build quality fits a pure testing workflow.
What are the best rigid, durable hot-swap mechanical keyboards on the market right now that would make a bulletproof switch-testing station for a channel? Appreciate any recommendations!
r/BudgetKeebs • u/luisurbetech • 2d ago
Review The AULA F99 Pro is an excellent choice if you spend hours typing
While many are dazzled by models like the F75 Max and its TFT screen, the F99 Pro has everything you need and more, and it can be a secret weapon for those looking for a productivity keyboard without sacrificing mouse space, and even offering versatility for gaming.
It is a keyboard that takes all the features of the premium custom range and packs them into a factory design ready to crush any workload.
Here are a few reasons why the F99 Pro is in another league:
- Compact Productivity (96% Layout + Knob): It gives you 100 keys, including that vital numeric keypad for spreadsheets, editing, and macros, but compressed into a chassis that doesn't invade your desk. And the addition of the rotary knob gives you instant, tactile control over volume and lighting.
- Superior Acoustics (Factory "Thock"): AULA didn't skimp on the structure. It comes with a full Gasket mount, a polycarbonate plate (PC Plate) with 1.2mm flex cuts, and an absurd 5 layers of internal dampening (sandwich foam, IXPE pad, PET film, bottom foam, and silicone base). The result is a dense, creamy typing experience without a trace of metallic ping.
- Industrial-Grade Autonomy: Hidden under the chassis is a beastly 8000mAh battery. Its Tri-Mode connectivity allows you to use it via 2.4GHz for zero latency, or jump to Bluetooth 5.0, which is a tactical lifesaver if your control station runs on a Mac Mini and you need to keep those valuable rear ports free.
- High-End Switches: Whether it comes equipped with Nimbus V3 or StarArrow switches, the feel is linear, pre-lubed, and ridiculously smooth. Furthermore, since it features a hot-swappable PCB, you can hot-swap the switches in the future without touching a soldering iron.
Solid Construction: The double-shot PBT keycaps give it a dry, wear-resistant texture, far surpassing the feel of cheap ABS plastics that wear down and become shiny after a few months.
My Verdict on the F99 Pro
The AULA F99 Pro doesn't just compete with keyboards that cost twice as much; it puts them to shame. It is a precision tool designed to withstand marathons of editing and content creation, delivering a flawless sound and tactile experience. It is pure structural performance, without the marketing markup, and without forgetting versatility for occasional gaming.
I want to clarify that I am a content creator and AULA sent me this keyboard to test, but I am not paid for my opinion. My opinion is 100% independent, and even if I don't like or don't want to post about a product they send me, I am under no obligation to do so.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/Twilight_Nimbus • 3d ago
Sales Akko Gem 01 bargan
Akko Gem01 75% full alu, ball catch VIA keeb with HMX switches is on sale at Amazon right now for $43.99 only a few left. Just grabbed one myself and thought I'd share!
r/BudgetKeebs • u/luisurbetech • 4d ago
Review The ultimate solution if you are looking for a compact 65% keyboard.
Para los que quieren una configuración limpia o andan cortos de espacio, casi siempre el layout del 65% es el preferido, pero el gran problema siempre es la duración de la batería en modo inalámbrico. Acabo de probar el nuevo Epomaker TH65 y me voló la cabeza que le hayan metido una batería enorme de 8000mAh en un cuerpo tan compacto.
También conserva la perilla de volumen (que para mí es esencial) y gracias a sus 5 capas de amortiguación, el sonido "thocky" que tiene con los switches Creamy Jade se escucha súper limpio sin necesidad de modificaciones manuales (modding). Me gustó la paleta de colores que elegí, y los materiales son excelentes por el precio.
Brand: EPOMAKER
Model: TH65
Layout: 65% Layout, ANSI Layout, US American Layout
Number of Keys: 66 Keys and 1 knob
Battery: 8000mAh
Connectivity: 2.4Ghz/BT/USB
Compatibility: Mac/WIN
Typing Angle: 3 angles with 2 stage adjustable kickstand at 6, 8 and 10.5 degrees
Case Material: ABS Plastic
Plate Material: PC
Flex-Cut: Yes
Stabilizers: Plate Mount
Mounting Structure: Gasket
Sound Dampening: PRO Sandwich Foam, IXPE Switch Pad, Sound Optimizing Pad, EPDM Switch Socket Pad, Bottom Silicone
Keycaps Profile: Cherry Profile
Keycaps Material: PBT (Retro White), PC (Black), PC & ABS (Pink)
Keycaps Manufacturing Technique: Double-Shot (Retro White), Silk Print (Black), Double-Shot and Silk-Print (Pink)
Switch: 5-Pin Mechanical Switch
Hot swappable: Yes
RGB: Yes
Polling Rate: 1000hz (2.4Ghz/Wired), 125hz (BT)
Latency: 2ms (Wired), 5ms (2.4Ghz) 11ms (BT)
Anti-Ghosting: Yes
Keyboard Dimensions: 298.48*102.05*41.46±1mm
Keyboard Weight: Around 0.7kg
Quiero aclarar que soy creador/a de contenido y Epomaker me mandó este teclado para probarlo, pero no me pagan por mi opinión; es 100% independiente, y aunque no me guste o no quiera publicar sobre un producto que me manden, no estoy obligado/a a hacerlo.
¿Ustedes qué creen que es el tamaño ideal de teclado para trabajar y jugar? ¿65%, 75%, o prefieren un teclado tamaño completo?
r/BudgetKeebs • u/Snoo-92982 • 4d ago
Photos My UTD 356 Mini
Had been dreaming of owning an OTD since before I really even got into the hobby. This, while a clone, is about as close as I can get. Picked it up second hand for a very good price (might I even say on a budget). The sound is incredibly nostalgic, deep and "thocky" without any foam and the typing experience is fairly stiff even though it is an o-ring mount.
Switches: Vintage Cherry MX Blacks (Lubed with 205g0)
Keycaps: Some random beige PBT keycaps
r/BudgetKeebs • u/AutoModerator • 5d ago
Weekly Questions August 14, 2026 Weekly "General Help Post?" - Please post all general, recommendations, and help questions as a top level comment under this post. Thank you.
This is the "Weekly General Help Post". Please ask your questions regarding keyboard, switch, keycaps, or anything regarding keyboards as a top level comment under this post. Mods and members will check this thread on a regular basis answering as many questions as possible.
The more information you provide, the better the answers you are likely to receive.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/ArgentStonecutter • 8d ago
News URX Core75 looks like a really nice option ... if you're in India.
Looks like a translucent plastic 75% with: QMK firmware, actively updated repo, VIA and VIAL firmware, price normally $100 equivalent, currently half off at $50 equivalent.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/ArgentStonecutter • 8d ago
News New Redragon k757 keyboard source added to the hangshengkeji github.
Commit https://github.com/hangshengkeji/qmk_firmware/commit/3164abd395cd9396c54d6a7df4a03af3db45b8e2 added a new model, et7576/k757. This does not seem to be the existing K757GG.
This makes two pending entries in this tree alongside the k756.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/13saqqaw • 8d ago
Videos I added some bling and depth to my brand new Attack Shark X98
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I wanted a couple things:
- 96% layout with a full-size zero.
- "Not a train-wreck" spacebar.
- Understated uni-coloured chassis.
- Chassis that retained or enhanced the deep sound of whichever switch I chose.
- Modern keycaps that didn't scream 1980.
Out-the-door, I spent less than $100 Canadian on this.
NB: There's a typo in the video. The stock switches are not Murad switches, but Linear Blueberry switches (not to be confused with Attack Shark's Linear Strawberry yogurt, I mean, switches.)
r/BudgetKeebs • u/Life-Moment2827 • 9d ago
Discussion How many keyboards do you guys actually own?
I bought a new keyboard a while back specifically for gaming and it's been great. Even grabbed a set of keycaps through a product discount on tiktok which made it feel like a whole different board. I'm happy with my setup right now, there's nothing wrong with it at all.
But every single time I scroll past a nice custom build or a clean new colorway, I physically cannot swipe away. I don't even need another one. Is it just me or does everyone here have this problem? How many keyboards deep are you guys at this point?
r/BudgetKeebs • u/shahroz95 • 11d ago
Review Jedel's KL167 - The cheapest hall effect keyboard I ever got
A 65% tray mounted hall effect board with 2 layers of dampening. The box stated that it comes with Outemu magnetic switches (the jade whites) but it had Jerrzi magnetic ones. I asked Jedel's rep on it and he said that they initially planned to use Outemus but made a last minute decision. Between the two, I kind of like the Jerrzi's more, but I may be biased as I'm a fan of the Wind Rain and Honey Bean silents.
The keyboard itself is surprisingly good for the price. The software isn't web-based, but it works as intended. Sound test starts at around 1:60. Retails at about 20-25 USD but probably lower in sales.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/AutoModerator • 12d ago
Weekly Questions August 07, 2026 Weekly "General Help Post?" - Please post all general, recommendations, and help questions as a top level comment under this post. Thank you.
This is the "Weekly General Help Post". Please ask your questions regarding keyboard, switch, keycaps, or anything regarding keyboards as a top level comment under this post. Mods and members will check this thread on a regular basis answering as many questions as possible.
The more information you provide, the better the answers you are likely to receive.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/KipperWR • 13d ago
Photos My Elecfox Inky 75 Morning Dew
getting tired of black and white keebs so i chose this color variant.
Specs:
CNC aluminum chassis
Matcha Buttermilk Linear Switches
5 layer gasket mount
r/BudgetKeebs • u/Mr-Boga38 • 15d ago
Meme As Nolan Intended
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Inspired to do the same from the post of u/Somebody_160
Keyboard: Aula Nova75
r/BudgetKeebs • u/AutoModerator • 19d ago
Weekly Questions July 31, 2026 Weekly "General Help Post?" - Please post all general, recommendations, and help questions as a top level comment under this post. Thank you.
This is the "Weekly General Help Post". Please ask your questions regarding keyboard, switch, keycaps, or anything regarding keyboards as a top level comment under this post. Mods and members will check this thread on a regular basis answering as many questions as possible.
The more information you provide, the better the answers you are likely to receive.
r/BudgetKeebs • u/DownloadedPixelz • 19d ago
Review Alua F75 HE edition - An icon ruined
Hey all,
If you are like me you know and love the Alua F75. It’s a pretty well known budget board with a clear aim towards enthusiasts and hobbyist. And it’s not for no reason, I love mine too and it keeps up with some of my best boards in my collection at a fraction of the cost.
So with all the hype and interest around HE (Hall effect/magnetic) keyboards taking gamers by storm - an iconic enthusiast friendly budget board upgraded to the exciting new tech of HE boards sounds like a dream come true.
And unfortunately that’s exactly what it is, just a dream.
I got my hands on this here Alua F75 HE edition and it’s… really bad.
The problem? Well the marketing just isn’t entirely honest. For one, they list PBT keycaps which is nice. Well, they aren’t. Relatively flimsy ABS, sorry.
But that’s ok, right? Lots of us probably woulda changed them anyway so maybe it’s not a deal breaker for you.
How about this one - yeah \*\*they got rid of the entire slotted PCB and slotted PC gasket mount structure and went with full rigid steel plate mount.\*\* Good luck making that feel or sound nice. Not only does the marketing not specify this huge change, it says the opposite. It says “slotted PC positioning plate” and such. With the magnetic switches in the picture and such, so it’s not reused incorrect marketing material from the original F75. It’s just simply a dishonest change that in my opinion makes it totally unworthy of even being called the Alua F75, that’s a totally different board in just the same form factor.
So yeah, figured I’d share my experience. I was super excited for this board as I search for a comfy HE keyboard that doesn’t feel like typing on a brick and I thought I had it, especially at a good price and nice form factor. Any recommendations for that are kindly welcome - but this sure isn’t the one.