A total of 76 reviews of this product on Reddit.
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I’m in the same boat as you. I really want to build a custom keyboard but it’s just impossible for me to justify spending $200-$300 on a keyboard.
It’s not all bad though. I purchased this keyboard off Amazon a couple months ago and it’s definitely an upgrade from my old Logitech membrane keyboard. The keycaps aren’t the best and the Outemu switches certainly aren’t as nice as some of the other options out there. But, it’s still a very pleasant keyboard for a reasonable price that will hopefully tide me over until I’m at a point in life when I can afford to build a luxurious custom keyboard.
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I just bought a Tecware Phantom for $45. Its noisy as hell, but it s nice otherwise.
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I recommend the Tecware Phantom. Pretty damn good mechanical keyboard for the price. It is strikingly similar to the GMMK from Glorious minus the detachable wire and the brand of switches used, all for 64 dollars cheaper. I suspect they are made in the same factory, even the software is the same. For the price point, it is hard to beat.
https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
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You should consider cheaping out on keyboard and mouse. You can get good ones for cheap on Amazon and other online shopping sites. And you can always upgrade them later. Especially your keyboard. It’s not even mechanical. You can get mechanical rgb keyboards like this one for the same price. Also mouse. Not as important as you might think. A 10$ gaming mouse does a great job. I’d recommend you watch LTTs vids on cheap pariprials
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[Tecware Phantom 87](www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VBGZTCR9BTJBM9Y9DNQK) $46 dollars for the TKL one and $50 for the full size, full per-key lighting with outemu switches, highly reviewed and recommended by youtubers. LEDs aren’t terrible either. You can turn them white, of course. I’d say the extra $10 is worth it
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Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard, RGB led, Outemu Brown Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_p4q1FbKT7CEQH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Heres a really cheap and really good keyboard that I use. I would reccomend getting a logitech mouse.
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Tecware Phantom this one is on the budget side but i haven’t had any problems with it so you’ll save money and have a nice board. If you don’t mind having a wired board you should be fine. Unfortunately it seems to be sold out almost everywhere so i would save it and wait till it comes back in stock
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Yeah, the Outemu hotswap sockets are designed for the somewhat thinner pins on switches like Outemu ICE, Invyr Panda and BSUN.
In looking through the questions and answers posted on the Amazon page the seller recently claimed that other Cherry switches fit but I think that’s probably incorrect.
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Is this a good starter keyboard? I like the brown switches and low price-point, and good reviews on Amazon.
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/u/Harke_KB recommended, but I’ll link it for them: tecware phantom.
I recommend this product too. I have both this and the low profile version in outemu brown and red. I’ve had it for about a year and haven’t cross any issues so far. The RGB for the linked version has a crazy variety of colors, literally the whole color spectrum’s worth. It’s part plastic and has an aluminum top which helps with the keyboard’s rigidity and build overall.
One thing I don’t like about this keyboard is that the cable isn’t removable, but besides that nothing else.
Edit: added more info
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Whenever anyone asks for a budget mech I always recommend the Tecware Phantom.
- Comes in red, blue, and brown outemu switches
- Hotswap switches
- RGB backlit with different modes (you can change it to a solid color and/or turn it off)
- And only $46
- Comes in TKL or full size
Typed this with it 🙂
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Actually, I’m a cheap-ass so I’m using Outemu browns. Tecware Phantom 80% keyboard. They’re actually not bad. Dunno how they compare to Gateron but I actually prefer them to Cherry keys.
Didn’t know about the yellows, but they’re probably not my thing. I don’t like linear switches, I prefer the tactile bump. Every linear switch I’ve used I bottom out and hurt my fingers on.
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For a keyboard I use the tecware phantom 87, it is a tkl key board that has 3 switches to choose from red, blue, or brown the keys are hotswapable meaning if one switch stops working your can just take it out and put in a new one, it also comes with 4 extra switches in case of that, it has a floating keyboard design and rgb which you can turn off or on, it also comes with a program you can download so if he does want to use rgb he can use the built in sets or make his own, it also doesn’t have that horrible “gamer” font that some key boards have, it is also only 46 bucks
Basically this keyboard looks like a regular keyboard but you can turn the rgb off or on
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I have had 4 mechanical keyboards including a nexpensive Corsair Silent Strafe. Did not like Cherry MX Reds when it came to non-gaming typing or really not that much for gaming either.
Weirdly enough, this one has been my favorite and is also super inexpensive. It has fairly customizable RGB. It has great Amazon reviews which is why I was brought onto it in the first place. Brown keys. Such a great value.
Just another option to look at. Tenkeyless.
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Not gonna say you won’t find them, but all these cheap ET boards have blue switches from Outemu or SwitchMaster.
Most affordable board I’ve seen is the MagicForce/Qisan TKL with Gateron browns (looks like it’s not currently on Amazon), which you want over Cherry MX browns. There’s also the TecWare Phantom TKL (RGB) which comes with Outemu browns.
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- Under 50 I think it’s a great keyboard in price range. I would just turn off the RGB.
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I got this one to use at work and I love it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV
Paired it with some o-rings to help keep my co-workers sane and it was a really great keyboard for the price, especially with full rgb. Their software works great for custom rgb patterns too.
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Check out Tecware Phantom 87 in browns.
Not as edgy looking, and it’s pretty clean. I like the corners on this one.
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The Tecware Phantom 87 is an interesting board.
It seems to be virtually identical to the GMMK TKL but with Outemu hotswap sockets rather than the more universal sockets used in the GMMK. The software for the Phantom even works with my GMMK TKL, so they’re apparently using the same VS11K06A microcontroller.
At only $39.99 on Amazon, that’s a really reasonable deal.
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The Phantom 87 from Tecware is really easy to upgrade to Gazzew switches like the Bobagum and the U4 family. With this, you can get a full sized keyboard for less than $100, that sounds like a $250 board. Obviously, you can also swap out keycaps and add case foam.
Upgrading a prebuilt may not be the most fun option, but it is super cheap and very easy.
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If anyone is looking for a really cheap good one check out the $45 Tecware Phantom
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Tecware Phantom 87 RGB probably one of the best budget keyboard’s i have used. Brown switches are modular and replaceable too which is a nice bonus. https://www.amazon.co.uk/TECWARE-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
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https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
Ballin on a budget. But I realized after a day that I enjoy typing on it
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Tecware phantom is a hot swap outemu board for $46 (currently on sale for $40 https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV/). Only outemu switches fit properly in it, but you can use non outemu if you bend a pin. Kind of janky, definitely a budget build.
I have one with outemu blues and a kailh box white for the spacebar, and a set of MT3 Jukebox keycaps on it that cost 3x more than the keyboard. Its my daily driver and I love it.
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV
Comes in 3 different switch options. Fully programmable RGB, heavy metal case, high quality keycaps.
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Hmm, that’s gonna be pretty barebone of a keyboard if you stick to that low, since most good keyboards are slightly above that.
https://www.amazon.ca/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV/
https://www.amazon.ca/HyperX-Tenkeyless-Mechanical-HX-KB4RD1-US-R1/dp/B074F5L8GQ/
These are decent offerings, and you can search around to see what kind of switches you want, clicky, tactile, or linear.
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These are for sale at amazon as well.
Similar in layout to the Tecware Phantom TKL (which was just delivered and is waiting for me at home)
Also looks just like the EagleTec, except I can’t find it in white/silver – but could probably search for it and find it elsewhere.
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Board: Tecware Phantom TKL
Keycaps: Some cheap PBT keycaps
Switches: Outemu browns lubed with krytox GPL 203 with O rings on them
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| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard, RGB l… | $45.99 | $45.99 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
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Pretty random:
Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanicall https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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This is also a good value: https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
Hotswap switches (specifically Oetumu) and full RGB
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https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV/
$45 now but i got it 3 years ago. the switches can be swapped without soldering and it comes with spares. i have had 2 keys die on me in that time and fixing them took less than a minute
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Tecware Phantom TKL @ $46. Best budget mech keyboard available, no contest
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_5S4GMX03P81KHMV3SQRA
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I’d be curious to see what PCB the GMMK Pro sources from.
For the original GMMK it uses a board that nearly matches the Tecware Phantom in firmware features, and which is apparently manufactured by EVision Keyboards whom you may know better for Redragon keyboards.
If it’s another random cheapo board like with the original GMMK after the price hike and drastic change in form (mostly angry about it because they wont just give me a 1.25u Rshift after i bought an older cap set from them), then man that’s disappointing. Like, I’ll still keep using my Ducky Pocket to play should I ever have enough money to even think about getting a GMMK Pro since it’s one of few new things that’s actually available right now, but I just want Glorious to actually meet their quota of “gaming peripherals” and give something that’s more viable than their commerical competition.
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the tecware phantom 87 has almost everything you listed for around $50
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got this for work
https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
i do alright?
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I’m using the Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard with these keycaps and turned off RGB-lights
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Tecware Phantom 87. I love it tbh. Very solid build/weight, good rgb capabilities if you’re into that. Fully mechanical. Under $50:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079HTZQYV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
Such a sick keyboard, I have it and no complaints so far. Spilled water on it too, works so well
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Its the Tecware Phantom 87. Its on discount right now :)))
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All keyboards should work on all consoles. It all comes down to compatibility, I can use a keyboard on Call of duty and Fortnite, But not something like Spiderman or Astrobot. I currently use this keyboard with the blue switches but it is kind of loud so I would say get the red or brown switches which should both be quiet. https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=M3XWVQYWDR0U&dchild=1&keywords=tecware+phantom+87&qid=1606749082&sprefix=tecware%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1
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Can I take the PCB, switches, and keycaps from a keyboard I got on Amazon and install them in a new case? Current keyboard
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I found this, it is worth looking into as the switches are hot-swappable, meaning if you dislike the experience of the switch you can easily replace them with the help of a quick tutorial like this one. If you do end up disliking whatever switch you bought and are looking into buying different switches ensure that they are compatible with your boards pc. All of these tips only apply to hot-swap boards. Take care buying a new keyboard!
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This board is good too. If you like the open switch design.
https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
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Must be a location thing?
On amazon, for me, the Tecware Phantom TKL is $43, the GMMK is $125
On the GMMK site, it’s regularly $97, and $70 with the %25 discount (which is working again, for me… weird.)
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I was going to recommend the tecware phantom L, but I don’t think it’s in stock right now. Give this one a look though, this is what the L was based off of and it’s a really good deal for $45 USD. (link). It has a low profile look which allows you to clean it pretty easy compared to tray-mounted keyboards.
A mid-price option that a lot of people seem to like is the Glorious GMMK-TKL. It is also hot-swappable and the site seems to give you a lot of key switch options along with the installation of o-rings which may dampen the sound of your keystrokes. I’ve read mixed reviews on how the o-rings feel though, so be aware.
You can also get keyboards such as the iqunix f96, it’s a compact keyboard with most keys on a full keyboard. A little out of your range, but something I would recommend.
Those three recommendations are hot swappable, meaning you could try other key switches. However, the tecware phantom only accepts outemu switches unless you were to modify other brands to fit the socket.
As for types of switches, I would probably recommend tactile/linear switches because they are less audible compared to clicky switches (hence ‘clicky’). The difference between them is tactile has a bumpy feel so it feels like you’re pressing on a button as opposed to linear where it’s a smooth press down and all you’ll feel is the spring’s weight.
These are all prebuilt options, but if you were planning to create a custom keyboard then that would be different story.
Some modifications you could do to make your keyboard more silent is to lube the switches and add sound-dampening foam (neoprene, sorbothane, kitchen shelf lining, packaging foam) under the pcb within your keyboard.
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Keep in mind that most of my knowledge about boards in this price range is second-hand. I have a custom mech and a Corsair K70, so there’s no real point for me to drop $50 to $100 on a factory-built keyboard.
To answer your question… Probably, honestly? Normally I would say no, except that you’re looking to get it with Cherry MX Blue switches. See, normally you can get a cheap keyboard for around $50; the Tecware Phantom https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV/ is a great example of this. This is because the brown and red Outemu switches are pretty decent knockoffs of Cherry. However, it’s my understanding that Outemu Blue switches are much, much louder than they are supposed to be. So it might be a good idea to buy the more expensive blue switches, which of course bumps up the price of the overall board and lowers the features you’re getting.
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TL;DR: If you want Blue switches, getting the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is probably an OK decision to make. If you are okay with Brown or Red switches, get the Tecware Phantom or something similar.
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Techware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard
Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iu8cFb5CWG166
Under $50 with Prime, Replaceable Otemu switches, 87 key
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Keyboard (Its on sale right now on amazon) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079HTZQYV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Keycaps – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PCJLFTF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I don’t disagree. Another option would be a cheaper mechanical keyboard from somewhere like Amazon. Have some very well reviewed units for 40-50. I myself bought this. Bought a decent mouse for $30. Mousepads for $10. $85 all in. Yeah you’re not getting the headset but I mean, how good can that unit be any way?
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G-wolves skoll for g502 sized mouse but lightweight, model o for smaller.
I use a $40 Mech keyboard from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_aw7LEbZCAMN9X
Feels just as nice as my ducky
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Hi, regarding the keyboard – if you aren’t set on having a number pad, Tecware makes great budget mechanical keyboards with RGB. Shipping from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
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Thanks! Ive been looking at ~$40 mechanical keyboards on amazon and currently have these two in my cart:
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Howdy!
BUILD: This is a rough draft build. Feel free for anyone to edit at will.
Tried to give you another option. This build also assumes a 1080p 60hz monitor will be used. Seeing as your budget $400 at the lowest, tried to accommodate as best I could without cutting any corners and finding best value.
CPU: Ryzen 5 1600 AF is new and is essentially equivalent to the 2600 for a fraction of the price. A perfect option for you. Can read the Amazon reviews that should say similar things.
CPU FAN: The stock fan should generally be okay unless you plan on overlocking.
MOBO: MicroATX is pretty much always cheaper and should house everything you need.
RAM: Chose the most appropriate speed that the motherboard and CPU allow with cost/value in mind.
PSU: Using the well accepted Linus Tech Tips PSU tier list as the primary and this as a backup, tried to find the best value PSU for your build. 450w is enough for your specific build.
GPU: Should do very well with 1080p 60hz.
CASE: The Focus G Mini is usually chosen because of its price and that it comes with stock fans.
STORAGE: If cost effective, I try to use an M.2 NVMe drive over a brick SATA SSD since it saves the hassle of dealing with the space and another chord since the M.2 stick goes right on the motherboard. The one chosen is a TLC drive AFAIK and is a super awesome price.
PERIPHERALS: Not sure if you have them or not, but my favorite peripherals are this Brown Switch Mechanical keyboard (with Customizable RGB) $46 and the G402 Hyperion Mouse at $20ish. They are awesome peripherals at super low costs. There are bundles that would suffice, but these hit my high value picks.
NOTES: It never hurts to check out PCPP’s <em>completed</em> builds. You can search by just about any parameter to seek out posted finished builds with similar budgets and components
Good luck!
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Got a decent amount of positive reviews. Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard, RGB led, Outemu Brown Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_imv.Db3AN4YMD
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Tecware Phantom isn’t bad.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=twister_B07BMQPTV1?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
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Just get him a new keyboard. You can’t go wrong with Brown, brown is all around. Or buy all three, and return what you don’t want.
get him an MX Red (linear) keyboard for gaming, and a MX Brown(tactile) or Blue(clickly) for work/typing
Outemo makes copies of Cherry MX Keys, and they are cheap and great.
TECWARE RED (Linear, for gaming, no click)
TECWARE BLUE (Full clicky, for work, typing, not for gaming [even though they say gaming])
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I found this
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i’ve been looking for a cheap keyboard with brown switches, does anybody have any comments on the tecware phantom 87?
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It’s the Tecware Phantom Keyboard. So far, it’s great, but I’m not one to really judge considering this is my first gaming keyboard so I don’t have any real comparison.
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Thanks! It’s the Tecware Phantom 87. I got the brown switches but it has red and blue options too. Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
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Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard, RGB led, Outemu Brown Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HTZQYV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_J20uCb5HCJKRZ
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You’ve gotten a couple nice options at the top of your budget. Here are two far enough below your budget to buy two, buy whatever CMX-style switches you want, get some nice keycaps, and have some $ left over.
I have been surprisingly happy with my GMMK-TKL. I ordered the barebones kit. The board is thinner and heftier than I thought it would be – undecorated and svelte, but uses a usb micro port for the disconnectable cable.
If you want to save some $ over that one, you can get this Tecware Phantom 87 off Amazon. I have no experience with it, but it’s got good composite reviews. Attached cable, though.
That Hexgear Gemini looks really nice.
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This uses Outemu blues:https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
This would be compatible with whatever MX keycaps I get right? I read OUTEMU switch’s are compatible, but I want to make sure with this keyboard.
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Why not something like this? Save some money.
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https://www.amazon.com/Tecware-Phantom-Mechanical-Keyboard-Outemu/dp/B079HTZQYV
