A total of 79 reviews of this product on Reddit.
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E-Element z88. I’ve had it for about a year, it’s great. Not sure of the switches but I’m pretty sure they come in Outemu blues, reds or browns. Great keyboard for about 40 bucks. It comes with rgb so that’s a bonus, and on top of that you don’t have to solder to change the switches. You can find it here
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I am the same. Arrows and Function row are a must. This one below is really good. Swapped for cherry reds and love it.
HUO JI E-Yooso Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Metal Panel, Blue Switches – Clicky, Compact 81 Keys Hot Swappable for Mac, PC, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_61PVFY1E3JXBP54A0ANC
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as others have said, it’s this but in white
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Cheapo
HUO JI E-Yooso Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Metal Panel, Blue Switches – Clicky, Compact 81 Keys Hot Swappable for Mac, PC, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_E6YN7TTYRCAPJG1HE98N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
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Edit: Both use the US layout!!
Flashy modes and 7 different solid colors (“single color backlighting”) are available.
Amazon US (Blue switches)
Judging by the few YouTube videos I looked at and the Amazon reviews, I think I made a good purchase. Still waiting for it to arrive — exciting! 🙂
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You may not know that there are tiny keyboards with good features that aren’t overpriced. We’re going to see more and more pop up as time goes by, because a lot more manufacturers have access to higher quality switches and designs. I think that the real brand of this one is Mechanical Eagle, anyways here they are on Amazon (US layout):
This one in particular has got a bunch of flashy modes and 7 different solid colors for backlighting.
I really don’t see overpaying for something that is basically the same as other keyboards, as long as you don’t need induvidual color on keys or macros.
Just food for though, I do believe this one is a very attracting option though.
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I have an Ultra Classic as my office board – similar to OP’s, with blanks.
Best board I’ve used (been through several). I like heavy switches (all my boards have had blues), and I have yet to find something that feels as good as buckling springs.
I have a cheapo Z-88 from Amazon that I’m going to dissect and swap some 120g springs. I’ll let you know if that’s better. 🙂
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Do the Anne Pro 2 and Ducky Keyboards I’ve smaller and/or closer keys than most standard keyboards? The keys always looks smaller and/or closer together when I see pics of them, idk if that’s how it really is or if it’s just the image.
I use an Element Z 88 Keyboard keyboard from Amazon, got it for $40 and I really like it. It’s my first mechanical and gaming keyboard so I don’t have much experience for comparisons sake. Do you know if it has the same key dimensions, spacing, and setup as Anne Pro 2 and Ducky?
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Thank you. It costs like 40 dollars on amazon and then I put hyperx pbt keycaps on
Link to the keyboard: https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=z88&qid=1560651144&s=gateway&sr=8-1
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Thanks for explaining, I learned something new thanks to you.
I got this MK to experiment with, it’s my first and I can see now it’s downhill from here to endless pursuit of MK.
E-Element RGB MK, Brown Switch, LED Backlit, 81 Keys.
Because it’s has different lighting mods with individual let keys, it might have some sort of program to interface with the MK.
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1stplayer makes pretty good keyboards, depends on what you’re looking for really. The only complain i would have on either of those keyboards is the fact that they don’t use a standard key cap set. As far as the switches go, Outemu is just a Cherry MX knockoff, they are pretty good quality but for the similar price i would go for the Corsair, Cherry MX is still king when it comes to switches. Also the one you linked has blue switches while the corsair has reds so that’s something to also take into consideration. If you just want fancy lights on a mechanical keyboard, the E-Element Z88 is pretty good quality, same switches as the one you linked.
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I have been using my keyboard since Februrary of 2017.. It had worked fantastically for the first 6 months but has been getting worse over the past month. It very regularly types extra characters sso myy ssenntenccees wwindd upp llookkinnnng llikee thhhisss. Is this possible to fix?
using: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FXF7HFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I have been using my keyboard since Februrary of 2017.. It had worked fantastically for the first 6 months but has been getting worse over the past month. It very regularly types extra characters sso myy ssenntenccees wwindd upp llookkinnnng llikee thhhisss. Is this possible to fix?
using: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FXF7HFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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It depends pretty heavily on what you want the board for and/or what specs you want, given the switch differences. I’ve got the E-Element Z-88 (which is a bit cheaper at amazon assuming you’re in the US), and while I’ve had one (possible two) of the outemu switches fail, it comes with enough switches to compensate (5 I believe) and it’s hot-swappable. That being said, it’s a loud enough board that I can’t use it for gaming with an open mic–that’s all anyone hears. So far I’ve been happy with it, but without specific goals/desires, I can’t really pin down much more than that.
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There’s the 81-key E-Element Z-88 RGB
Its hot-swap sockets work best with Outemu ICE, Invyr Panda or BSUN switches, but other switches like Cherry and Gateron also fit if you reshape the pins slightly.
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if ur looking for new a headset, SteelSeries Arctis 5 are awesome. Super comfortable, long cable with detachable ends, really sleek and minimal design. Would recommend over Logitech, Kingston offerings. Mouse i always go with logitech, my G203 is a budget gaming mouse that works fine. Finally E-Element has some really nice budget mech keyboards that have worked great for me. I sold my full size to stick with my tenkeyless and i love it.
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the /r/mechanicalkeyboards go a little nuts. check their wiki to figure out the form factor (ie li prefer a 75% keyboard, which has the arrow keys but no numeric keypad) and the switch type (clicky? no clicky?
etc) and then go to amazon and search for “<switch type> keyboard”. I ended up getting a 75% with cherry MX-Blue clone 75%: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FXF7HFC
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I love my E-Elements Z-88 75%, great RGB keyboard with (mostly) standard keycaps. Get it with the blue switches (Outemu) and you’ll be in clicky heaven. Great entry level price, 2 day shipping via Amazon, and smaller form factor. Trust me, you won’t miss the numpad.
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Thanks. It’s a cheap but great mechanical keyboard.
Ever since the patents for mechanical keyboards went into public domain, there have been a lot of great priced ones coming out on amazon.
I live in PA. So it’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s been fine for winter use. The material doesn’t seem like it would soak up much sweat as far as summer goes (it’s more silky feeling on the skin side).
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Possibly an unpopular option, but if you want a cheap board that you don’t want to risk messing up with soldering, the Z-88 81-key is a solid option that you may have luck with. Comes stock with outemu blues/blacks, but you can “CIY” with the swappable-sockets (no-solder) using your own plate-mounted green switches.
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I used the Roost laptop stand with this keyboard https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FXF7HFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 i highly recommend both! and i’m otherwise in pretty fantastic shape – certainly of a healthy weight. I don’t think that’s the problem
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What i-5 specifically? Try getting the 1060 6GB and for keyboard I’d recommend this one
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Looking for a mechanical keyboard with around 81 keys like this one E-Element Z-88 RGB LED Backlit Water-Proof Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with 81 Keys Anti-Ghost keys, Blue Switches, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Y5QxybAQAA5R8
Are there any you would recommend?
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No, my hands are pretty normal except they are a lot smaller. So I do use a smaller keyboard. This one actually.
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https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC
This one. I can only compare with CM Storm QuickFire Rapid, which I tried at store, and it’s pretty decent.
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I think you need heavier tactile switches. A board with outemu purples would be perfect for you in my opinon
mx browns aren’t that tactile and they’re just overall bad scratchy switches
here’s what you can do if you want something cheap: Get this board off amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521265056&sr=8-3&keywords=z-88
and buy these switches: https://mehkee.com/collections/switches-and-parts/products/outemu-switches-purple-teal?variant=48787280079
overall the cost will be around $71 and you’ll have to replace the switches yourself (which is really easy, you just pull them out with the included puller tool and replace them with the switches you buy)
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That’s one of the ones recommended in the guide that’s always posted here. It’s a Z-88, it’s also available on Amazon btw. I’ve never actually spilled anything on a keyboard, but being waterproof is kind of a cool feature.
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This is not a custom made, this is it if you’re interested
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there aren’t many 75% options out there, you could get a crappy 75% off amazon and snag the PCB from it: https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=75%25+keyboard&qid=1595443362&sr=8-2
or go with this which doesnt say if you need to solder or not https://www.ebay.com/itm/YMDK-84-75-Kit-ANSI-ISO-CNC-Acrylic-Case-Plate-Underglow-RGB-Programmable-PCB/184316001855?hash=item2aea16fe3f:g:7JwAAOSwKONfDY-L
https://kbdfans.com/collections/75-layout-case/products/kbd75v2-custom-keyboard-diy-kit-1
https://kbdfans.com/collections/keyboard-foam/products/kbd75-case-foam
and the usb cable: https://spaceholdings.net/collections/all or https://noblecables.com/cables/
https://kbdfans.com/collections/plate/products/kbdfans75-aluminum-plate
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| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUO JI E-Yooso Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboar… | $39.99 | $39.99 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item&nbsp;Info | Bot&nbsp;Info | Trigger
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| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUO JI E-Yooso Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboar… | $39.99 | $39.99 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item&nbsp;Info | Bot&nbsp;Info | Trigger
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I had used a chinese brand KB similar to the ones you are looking at, albeit lower end
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC
and upgraded everything I could on it, and was wonderful. Yes, long term, some of the keys would be faulty and wouldn’t register once in a blue moon, which was really bad for certain games I played. That might be the fault of the PCB or the switches (Outemu is often used with these) HOWEVER! The one I bought came with several spares, and they’re so disposably cheap to buy I tested out other types of switches on certain keys so I always had spares. Fixing it was just a matter of pulling out the switch and putting in a new one, and bam. Good as gold. Whenever it happened again, just rinse and repeat. It wasn’t often, but I’d notice it down the road once in a blue moon. Your choice if you don’t mind doing that!
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those are the ugliest keycaps I have ever seen, but its mechanical, a similar layout, in stock and hot swap. do with it what you wish lmao.
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This is what I use for a very similar setup: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FXF7HFC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
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That’s the thing I am on a PC so there are not to my knowledge any Mini keyboard options as good as the mac keyboards (not in my experience) for PCs.
And Yes I am looking for a mini keyboard without the number pad. Here is a good example in size :
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC
This is the one I use. If it was non mechanical it would be perfect.
Anyway I doubt I will find what I am looking for.. that’s just too bad I would pay well for it if it existed.
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E-Element Z-88 RGB (Amazon Canada link). Actual RGB, but lacks the ability to show specific colors.
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Current version is $45:
E-element Z-88 (Amazon)
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it’s a work in progress, thanks! and yeah just found it on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_69CJCbBQDEB55
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I’ve got that exact keyboard, e-element z88 this the one
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unfortunately this group buy ended today if you didn’t need all the keys on the far right: https://www.idobao.net/products/idobao-id80v2-75-hot-swappable-mechanical-keyboard-kit
Otherwise, there’s cheap 75% pre-builts like this: https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=vortex+75%25+keyboard&qid=1598072522&s=electronics&sr=1-11
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Since this is by far my FAVORITE keyboard layout, I’d thought I would add a quick list of keyboards that I know of that have this layout:
https://switchandclick.com/2020/03/23/top-5-75-mechanical-keyboards-of-2020/
Missing from that list is:
Vortex Tab 75
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=4556
E-Element Z-88 RGB (as seen in the photo)
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC
Ajazz AK33 (which I just bought (lol) because of this search and that it has “unique” black switches.)
And because it wouldn’t be on any other list:
RK Royal KLUDGE RK71 70% RGB keyboard w/ bluetooth (not exactly 75%)
Super unique is a HOTSWAPPABLE (swap the switches without soldering) 75% keyboard, that is just being released by Keycool.
https://drop.com/buy/keycool-kc84-wireless-rgb-hotswap-mechanical-keyboard
My favorite that I own is the Niz Plum because of the electro-capacitor switches (same idea as in the Topre switches made famous in Happy Hacking Keyboards).
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Mech keyboard is called the scholar Z-88 here’s a link to it https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6lE9EbMK4B75Z
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It’s called the scholar Z-88 here’s a link to it https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6lE9EbMK4B75Z
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e-element z88 kb on amazon, got mine for ~$30 and i love it, btw, they say its a 60%, its more of a 75%
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It’s hip to be square, for $0.60 extra and only in black with blue switches at regular price
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What about this one? Everything looks normal as far as I can tell.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WC9tDbMJT28V6
Glad you pointed out the keys on the first one, didn’t even notice!
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It’s the Z-88. had it since 2016 and still going strong.
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The E-Element Z88 Super Scholar has been good to me. Cherry MX keycap-compatible Outemu blue switches, 7-colour RGB.
If you don’t like the compact version, there’s the Tenkeyless version, as well as the full keyboard version.
Comes in white as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXF7HFC
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EJ0ZHS6/
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Switch/dp/B01FXBZXFC/
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I’ve had this one for maybe a year and i love it. I believe there’s a brown switch alternative. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=psdc_12879431_t1_B01M3UQX1Y?th=1
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So this is the second time I’ve tried delving into your subreddit and wikis. Last time I couldn’t make a decision and gave up. This time I’m determined to join the club. I’ve managed to make some decisions to narrow things down:
75% or TKL. I want my F keys but I don’t want a numpad.
Cherry MX Blue. I want the tactile and noisy click. I also want the option to buy some of those sweet custom keycaps I’ve been seeing.
Backlighting. Preferably blue
I’d like to stay under $150, but I’d spend up to $200 if someone can convince me it’s worth it.
From there I’ve narrowed it down to a couple options:
The first one is obviously much cheaper, I’m worried that means poor build quality. I’d rather spend the money on something that will last. Should I just go with the Ducky? Is there another keyboard I missed that I should be considering?
(Bonus Points: I really like my trackpoint, if there’s a board I’ve missed that meets all my other criteria, plus a trackpoint I’d be eternally grateful)
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I have this keyboard with Outemu Blue switches. Love the form factor. Gives me more space for my mouse. Inexpensive. Looks great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FXF7HFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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https://www.amazon.com/Element-Mechanical-Keyboard-Waterproof-Anti-Ghosting/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1516491435&sr=1-3&keywords=e-element+z-77 with some custom keycaps for the wasd, f5-8, and escape
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I think I got it for around 50 or so but it’s on sale now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i337zbA154W5J
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I paid $35 (on feebay) with free shipping for this keyboard:
[https://www.amazon.com/Element-Water-Proof-Mechanical-Keyboard-Anti-Ghost/dp/B01FXF7HFC]
After a year of heavy use this keyboard still functions perfectly. Love it.
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Here you go! There’s also a white version and a version with the number pad for $10 more.
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I’ve read good things about this one considering the price.
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This one is a little small, and quite rgb. It also might be a little loud for a work setting, but I like it.
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Water-Proof-Mechanical-Keyboard-Anti-Ghost/dp/B01FXF7HFC
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I have this one I’d let go for $30 + shipping
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This one, I think. I really like this keyboard.
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this is the keyboard that I use and I have no complaints.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FXF7HFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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E-Element Z-88 RGB LED Backlit Water-Proof Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with 81 Keys Anti-Ghost keys, DIY Blue Switches, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0nf2ybKMY8MA4
Here you go! When I bought it it was $35.
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It was cheaper when I bought. I got it for around $35.
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If you like loud clicky blue switches and small keyboards
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I love it.
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Not Exactly TKL but closest you can get. It’s 81 Key Keyboard but it’s RGB and has removable switches. Price is very reasonable at $45 USD. Or if you’re willing to open up a keyboard, you can buy an 87 Key RGB Keyboard and de-solder the switches and install these things called Holtites. They will make your keyboard Hotswappable. You can purchase Holtites here:
http://www.digikey.ca/catalog/en/partgroup/holtite-series/26789
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$45 RGB Keyboard with 81 Keys:
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Water-Proof-Mechanical-Keyboard-Anti-Ghost/dp/B01FXF7HFC
$52 RGB Bluetooth Keyboard with 71 Keys:
https://www.amazon.com/Calibur-Mechanical-Keyboard-Bluetooth-Connection/dp/B01H6DTUYU/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1487722508&sr=8-2&keywords=drevo+calibur+71-key+mechanical+keyboard
RGB Keyboard with 104 Keys:
https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-High-Speed-Ergonomics-Anti-Ghosting-Professional/dp/B01MRKAQD6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487722561&sr=8-3&keywords=motospeed+ck104
Hope this helps! I can also list more if you’d like.
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Here’s an 81 Key with RGB. Costs around $45:
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Water-Proof-Mechanical-Keyboard-Anti-Ghost/dp/B01FXF7HFC
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E-Element Z-88 RGB LED Backlit Water-Proof Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with 81 Keys Anti-Ghost keys, Blue Switches, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXF7HFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JSTvyb5JRBZX9
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/122240233042
You’ll save some money on eBay, but wait a lot longer for shipping.
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