60% Size

Switches: Outemu

Keycaps: Laser Etched ABS

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: Backlit

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Also has bluetooth (3.0), if that's something you require this is likely one of the better options in this price range. This keyboard is Wired/Wireless which is a plus if you want to game with it, as wired is a faster connection.

Switches: Outemu, Kailh, Gateron, Cherry MX

Keycaps: Laser Etched ABS

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: Backlit

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Often recommended. The $40 mark is for Outemu switches, different models have different prices, and that changes the price quite a bit. Keep that in mind.

Switches: Outemu

Keycaps: Laser Etched ABS

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: Backlit

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Looks pretty decent for the money, but I'd recommend looking into the magicforce that I also have listed before you decide on this.

Switches: Kailh ML (Low Profile)

Keycaps: Laser Etched ABS

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: RGB

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: They keyboard is special for multiple reasons. The keyboard includes arrow keys, but remains to keep the ~60% size, so it'd be hard for me to call it a 65% keyboard, but it's also hard to call a 60%. For the sake of this guide I'm going to call it a 62.5% keyboard :) . Also, the switches it uses are Kailh ML switches, which are low profile switches. Essentially think about a laptop keyswitch, except that they are mechanical. Note that with that kind of switch there probably aren't too many keycap options. Definitely not anywhere near as many as there would be with the standard switches.

Switches: Gateron

Keycaps: Double-Shot PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: RGB

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Pretty good if you require RGB for the price. The nice keycaps are definitely a plus. Gateron switches are often considered to be quite smooth, thought I'd note that. This board is often recommended.

This keyboard has bluetooth as well, so that could be a plus.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Laser Etched PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: None

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Pretty nice keyboard with a 65% layout rather than 60%.

Switches: Gateron, Cherry MX, Zeal, Kailh

Keycaps: Laser Etched PBT

Case Material: 2 aluminum plates with an acrylic midlayer

Backlighting/RGB: RGB

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes:

This board can be purchased from KBDfans.cn

As a side note, there is an option to select GMK Stabilizers, these stabilizers are superior to the ones that come with the board otherwise, but are not necessary. They are something to consider though.

I would recommend that you request for them to clip and lube the stabilizers.

Depending on the switches/stabilizers you get, this board can be as cheap as $100. Note that the board uses an HHKB layout, which would take some getting used to. More information on layouts can be found on the home page.

Switches: Gateron, Zeal

Keycaps: Dye Sublimated PBT (For the model I am looking at and that is pictured.)

Case Material: Plastic or Aluminum (optional)

Backlighting/RGB: (Optionally Backlit)

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This board can be purchased from KBDfans.cn

As a side note, there is an option to select GMK Stabilizers, these stabilizers are superior to the ones that come with the board otherwise, but are not necessary. They are something to consider though.

LED's can be added by adding LEDs to your cart and then requesting in the comments for them to install them. Also, I would recommend that you also request for them to clip and lube the stabilizers.

This keyboard can be selected as Fully-Assembled, or as a DIY kit. The DIY kit will require you to solder all of the switches onto the PCB. Note that if you go the DIY route, it will not include keycaps, so you will have to purchase some. Also, don't forget switches if you go the DIY route.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Laser Etched ABS

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: Red/Blue Backlighting

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: One of the better "budget" backlit 60% options. By budget I don't mean this is low quality, because it isn't. I am purely talking about the price.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Laser Etched PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: None

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Pretty standard 60%

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Laser Etched ABS with clear legends

Case Material: Aluminum

Backlighting/RGB: Orange/Purple LEDs

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Very similar to the Ducky Mini. I believe MechanicalKeyboards actually worked with Ducky on this one, I believe the case is the exact same.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Double-Shot PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: None

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Pretty great option imo. Simple but clean looking with nice keycaps. This is a 65% keyboard.

As a side note, there is a topre version of this board as well. It is listed below (FC660C)

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Laser Etched PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: None

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Pretty solid option.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Laser Etched ABS

Case Material: Plastic with an aluminum Plate

Backlighting/RGB: None

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This keyboard is a 65% keyboard. Note that for some reason the listing that I found for this keyboard labeled it as a TKL. This is incorrect, please ignore that.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Dye Sublimated PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: Pink Backlighting

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Wow, if pink is your thing, this board would be beautiful. Hell it isn't mine and it looks damn nice. They also make a panda version that is green black and white. That model is $135 though.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Double-Shot ABS

Case Material: Aluminum

Backlighting/RGB: RGB

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Pretty great option if RGB is something you desire.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Dye Sublimated PBT

Case Material: Aluminum

Backlighting/RGB: None

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Great option if you are a person who wants something more compact than a full sized keyboard but couldn't handle losing the numpad. Obviously you could buy a separate numpad, but this eliminates the need for that.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Dye Sublimated PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: RGB

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This is a variant of the 65% layout. It appears that they used standard keycaps, which is great for anyone who wants to replace the caps later on.

Switches: Cherry MX

Keycaps: Dye Sublimated PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: Backlit

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: Seems like it might be a tad overpriced, but I do not own this board so I cannot confirm that. Note that this layout utilizes a split spacebar.

Switches: Aliaz, Zeal, Gateron, Kailh, Cherry MX

Keycaps: NOT INCLUDED (depending on the model selected)

Case Material: Aluminum

Backlighting/RGB: (Optionally Backlit)

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This board can be purchased from KBDfans.cn

As a side note, there is an option to select GMK Stabilizers, these stabilizers are superior to the ones that come with the board otherwise, but are not necessary. They are something to consider though.

LED's can be added by adding LEDs to your cart and then requesting in the comments for them to install them. Also, I would recommend that you also request for them to clip and lube the stabilizers.

This keyboard can be selected as Fully-Assembled, or as a DIY kit. The DIY kit will require you to solder all of the switches onto the PCB. If you go the DIY route, make sure to purchase switches as well.

Also note, some fully assembled models come with keycaps.

Switches: Aliaz, Zeal, Gateron, Kailh, Cherry MX

Keycaps: NOT INCLUDED

Case Material: Aluminum

Backlighting/RGB: (Optionally Backlit)

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This board can be purchased from KBDfans.cn

As a side note, there is an option to select GMK Stabilizers, these stabilizers are superior to the ones that come with the board otherwise, but are not necessary. They are something to consider though.

LED's can be added by adding LEDs to your cart and then requesting in the comments for them to install them. Also, I would recommend that you also request for them to clip and lube the stabilizers.

This keyboard can be selected as Fully-Assembled, or as a DIY kit. The DIY kit will require you to solder all of the switches onto the PCB. If you go the DIY route, make sure to order switches as well.

Switches: Aliaz, Zeal, Kailh, Gateron, Cherry MX

Keycaps: PBT (Blank)

Case Material: Aluminum

Backlighting/RGB: (Optional Backlighting), Underglow

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This board can be purchased from KBDfans.cn

As a side note, there is an option to select GMK Stabilizers, these stabilizers are superior to the ones that come with the board otherwise, but are not necessary. They are something to consider though.

LED's can be added by adding LEDs to your cart and then requesting in the comments for them to install them. Also, I would recommend that you also request for them to clip and lube the stabilizers.

This keyboard can be selected as Fully-Assembled, or as a DIY kit. The DIY kit will require you to solder all of the switches onto the PCB.

I also want to note that the model under the fully assembled section (the one pictured) is in an hhkb layout, but if you go into the DIY Kit section you can choose between 3 different layouts (A, B, or C), and then if you go into the assembly service section you can choose for it to be fully assembled like this one. Remember though that if you go this route you will have to order keycaps as well. Also, don't forget to order switches if you go the DIY route.

Switches: Gateron, Zeal

Keycaps: Dye Sublimated PBT (For the model I am looking at and that is pictured.)

Case Material: Plastic or Aluminum (optional)

Backlighting/RGB: (Optionally Backlit)

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This board can be purchased from KBDfans.cn

I included this board twice in the list because you have the option to purcase one with either a plastic or aluminum case. It didn't seem fair to only have it posted in the lower price range, as some people looking for more expensive boards might have missed it.

As a side note, there is an option to select GMK Stabilizers, these stabilizers are superior to the ones that come with the board otherwise, but are not necessary. They are something to consider though.

LED's can be added by adding LEDs to your cart and then requesting in the comments for them to install them. Also, I would recommend that you also request for them to clip and lube the stabilizers.

This keyboard can be selected as Fully-Assembled, or as a DIY kit. The DIY kit will require you to solder all of the switches onto the PCB. If you do go the DIY route, it will come without keycaps, so you will have to purchase them. Also, don't forget to order switches if you go the DIY route.

Switches: Topre

Keycaps: Dye Sublimated PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: None

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This keyboard along with some others use Topre switches, and that is the general reason for the price tag. These switches are technically not mechanical, and are essentially very premium rubber dome switches. Don't let that scare you off though, the keyswitches are very pleasant to type on for most. They are not for everyone though. You can find more information regarding Topre and other Topre keyboards here: Link

If you do decide on topre, make sure to check out the FC660C as well. Also, there are other options in different layouts as well, like Realforce TKL/Full boards and the FC980C.

There are multiple models, some are silent, and there is even a bluetooth model.

Switches: Topre

Keycaps: Dye Sublimated PBT

Case Material: Plastic

Backlighting/RGB: None

Detachable Cable: Yes

Other Notes: This keyboard along with some others use Topre switches, and that is the general reason for the price tag. These switches are technically not mechanical, and are essentially very premium rubber dome switches. Don't let that scare you off though, the keyswitches are very pleasant to type on for most. They are not for everyone though. You can find more information regarding Topre and other Topre keyboards here: Link

This is one of the two portable options for Topre switches, along with the HHKB. Both would be great boards, this one is more of a standard layout however, keep that in mind. this is a 65% board. Also, there are other options in different layouts as well, like Realforce TKL/Full boards and the FC980C.

This board is extremely similar to the FC660M, however like stated already, it utilizes Topre switches instead of Cherry MX.

Switches:

Keycaps:

Case Material:

Backlighting/RGB:

Detachable Cable:

Other Notes: