The new QMK versions of the RK61, RK R65, RK R75, and RK R87 are quite nice. All their other boards are distilled ass because of their lousy restrictive software. I had one of the old R87s and gave it away because it was so awful.
Mostly on Amazon:
75%:
* [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m1-v5-via-1980s-mechanical-keyboard/) ($95)
* [Akko 5075B VIA](https://en.akkogear.com/product/5075b-via) ($60 barebones)
* [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) ($64-$110 diy)
* [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $65 barebones, $100 prebuilt)
* [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon)
* [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon)
* [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96)
* [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon)
* [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50)
* [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) ($51 with coupon)
80%:
* [Royal Kludge RK R87 Pro QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R87-Pro/dp/B0D5B2LRB5) (hotswap knob(!), $55)
* [iLoveBee B87](https://www.amazon.com/iLovBee-Wireless-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Swappable/dp/B0D1XLXGBK) ($51)
* [ElecFox Linky87](https://www.elecfox.co/products/linky-87-tkl-customized-mechanical-keyboard-87-keys-wired-wireless-bluetooth-led-gaming-keyboard) ($40)
* [Jamesdonkey J4](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Hot-swappable-Compatible/dp/B0F62ML1BT) ($53)
* [Yunzii B87](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0DLKZ4HBW) ($70)
* [Zouya GMK87](https://www.amazon.com/Cmokifuly-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tri-Mode-Programmable/dp/B0D9WLRRG5) * ($76 NOT QMK)
96%:
* [YMDK YMD96](https://ymdkey.com/collections/96-diy) ($60-$142 diy)
* [Monsgeek M2 v5 VIA](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m2-v5-via-mechanical-keyboard) ($120)
[More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)...
Disclaimers: Avoid Epomaker or Keychron unless you enjoy abusive customer support experiences. The Keychron website is a good place to browse layouts so long as you're just windowshopping. My mention of specific boards is not a general endorsement of Royal Kludge and Redragon. Most of their boards are completely ass, they just have a few recent boards with QMK firmware that are decent. If you go with Royal Kludge or Skyloong only buy those specific boards linked because they have older proprietary boards with the same model name.
If you want a silent keyboard, and you care about also getting a decent keyboard for the money, buy a keyboard you like and replace the switches with silent tactiles yourself. There are very few prebuilts shipping with silent switches and many are overpriced.
Outemu makes decent inexpensive silent switches and you really can't get better actually silent switches... I've tried a bunch. Silent Peach v3 for linear, Silent Yellow jade for tactile.
[Notes](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/replacing_switches.md) on replacing switches.
Decent QMK/VIA 70% boards. The wooden cased boards are rather sweet:
* [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m1-v5-via-1980s-mechanical-keyboard/) ($95)
* [Akko 5075B VIA](https://en.akkogear.com/product/5075b-via) ($60 barebones)
* [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) ($64-$110 diy, wood option)
* [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $65 barebones, $100 prebuilt)
* [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon)
* [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96)
* [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon)
* [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon)
More budget options:
* [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50)
* [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) ($51 with coupon)
Some nice 75% QMK/VIA hotswap boards:
* [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.amazon.com/MONSGEEK-M1-Topographic-Hot-swappable-Side-Printed/dp/B0FH6LKTST) ($105)
This is basically the same board but in an aluminum case.
* [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) ($60 barebones)
This is what it is. Yes, it's a lovely option.
* [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy)
A family of DIY boards and parts, you can get the PCB, PCB and case, also somewhat interchangeable with some KPRepublic parts. Wired only.
* [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $40 barebones, in-store only)
An older QMK/VIA wired board like a cheaper M1, currently on clearance.
* [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon)
Another aluminum 75%, I'm not a huge fan of the blocker on the right.
* [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon)
This one has a very dashing split case, very much like the M1.
* [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96)
* [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon)
These are compact boards, no knob, but the wooden case is \*chef's kiss*. The Glencreag is wired only but you can get it from their own website for $70 right now.
* [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50)
Cheap and wired, but a surprising QMK offering from a company with a lot of lousy proprietary boards.
* [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) * ($51 with coupon)
Another surprise move, and tri-mode.
Yuck. Just no. Here's what I would recommend:
60%:
* [Redragon K717 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K717-Programmable-Mechanical-Dampening/dp/B0DL578X3K) * ($18)
* [CIDOO QK61](https://www.amazon.com/MechLands-QK61-Programmable-Swappable-Mechanical/dp/B0D8VMD3P3) * ($60)
* [Skyloong GK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/MOLGRIA-Dual-Space-Swappable-Double-Shot-Mechanical/dp/B0CZ9F8P76) * ($54)
* [Royal Kludge RK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B089GN2KBT) * ($40)
* [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($29)
* [YMDK DK61](https://ymdkey.com/products/ymdk-dk61-iso-ansi-via-vial-wired-hot-swap-hot-swappable-keyboard-kit) * ($88 barebones, wooden case)
* [KBDcraft Adam 60%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/adam) * ($70 lego case)
65%:
* [Womier VK66 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Percent-Keyboard-Mechanical-Mounted-Backlit/dp/B0CDC14PL5) * ($39)
* [Royal Kludge RK R65 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R65-Mechanical/dp/B0CNP1BG1W) * ($48 with coupon)
* [KBDCraft Lilith 65%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/lilith) ($85 lego case)
* [Akko YU01](https://www.amazon.com/Akko-Mechanical-Transparent-Swappable-Bluetooth/dp/B0DJ77MY6V) * ($129)
* [XVX M67 Jadestone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCRJPR6) * ($47)
* [XVX MU68](https://www.xvxchannel.com/products/xvx-mu68-fuji-wave-keyboard) * ($100 wood)
* [Yunzii AL68](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-AL68-Mechanical-Swappable-Structure/dp/B0DG1QZR7N) * ($75)
* [Weikav Nut65](https://www.amazon.com/Glacier-Wireless-Detachable-Swappable-Anodizing/dp/B0D5CBPPGJ) ($86)
75%:
* [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.amazon.com/MONSGEEK-M1-Topographic-Hot-swappable-Side-Printed/dp/B0FH6LKTST) ($105)
* [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) ($60 barebones)
* [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy)
* [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $40 barebones, in-store only)
* [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon)
* [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($170)
* [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96)
* [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon)
* [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50)
* [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) * ($51 with coupon)
80%:
* [Royal Kludge RK R87 Pro QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R87-Pro/dp/B0D5B2LRB5) (hotswap knob(!), $55)
* [iLoveBee B87](https://www.amazon.com/iLovBee-B87-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DFG91F96) (hotswap knob, $40)
* [ElecFox Linky87](https://www.elecfox.co/products/linky-87-tkl-customized-mechanical-keyboard-87-keys-wired-wireless-bluetooth-led-gaming-keyboard) ($40)
* [Jamesdonkey J4](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Hot-swappable-Compatible/dp/B0F62ML1BT) ($53)
* [Weikav Stars80 v2](https://www.amazon.com/BOYI-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0F6VQ7J94) ($99)
* [Womier SK87](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ6ZTBGH) * ($69, seems identical to Stars80 v1)
* [Yunzii B87](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0DLKZ4HBW) ($70)
* [Zouya GMK87](https://www.amazon.com/Cmokifuly-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tri-Mode-Programmable/dp/B0D9WLRRG5) * ($76 NOT QMK)
96%:
* [YMDK YMD96](https://ymdkey.com/collections/96-diy) ($60-$142 diy)
* [Monsgeek M2 v5 VIA](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m2-v5-via-mechanical-keyboard) ($120)
* [Redragon K742](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K742-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Swappable/dp/B0F93FMYD5) * ($56 with coupon)
* [Nuphy Halo96](https://www.amazon.com/nuphy-Halo96-V2-Mechanical-2-4GHz-White/dp/B0D8634FK6) ($140)
* [Yunzii IF99](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-IF99-Wireless-Mechanical-Programmable/dp/B0DT6MWNHP) ($100, not tested)
[More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)...
Disclaimers: Avoid Epomaker or Keychron unless you enjoy abusive customer support experiences. The Keychron website is a good place to browse layouts so long as you're just windowshopping. My mention of specific boards is not a general endorsement of Royal Kludge and Redragon. Most of their boards are completely ass, they just have a few recent boards with QMK firmware that are decent. If you go with Royal Kludge or Skyloong only buy those specific boards linked because they have older proprietary boards with the same model name.
PS: If you're in Europe these are kind of amazing:
* [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HQFGVL) (€130)
* [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S2](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HXJJG6) (€140)
* [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S4](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HVQCQM) (€120)
They also have plastic boards that are like half the price, but damn those wooden cases are sweet.
First. Any of these 60% boards can be configured with mod-tap arrows, so the four modifier keys in the lower right corner act as arrow keys when tapped or modifiers when held. It works quite well. [Notes](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/tree/main/layouts).
* [Redragon K717 Alcor](https://redragonshop.com/products/alcor-k717-pro) * ($33)
* [CIDOO QK61](https://www.amazon.com/MechLands-QK61-Programmable-Swappable-Mechanical/dp/B0D8VMD3P3) * ($60)
* [Skyloong GK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/MOLGRIA-Dual-Space-Swappable-Double-Shot-Mechanical/dp/B0CZ9F8P76) * ($54)
* [Royal Kludge RK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B0832CZNS5) * ($40)
* [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($31)
Note that there are multiple rip-offs of the GK61 (Geeky, HKGaming, etc), and older inventory still being sold (Epomaker in particular seems to have a bunch), so only get the GK61 from that link if you go that way.
Second, you can get a ["minila"](https://imgur.com/a/minila-layout-zaANnZG) layout board.
* [YMDK DK61](https://ymdkey.com/products/ymdk-dk61-iso-ansi-via-vial-wired-hot-swap-hot-swappable-keyboard-kit) * (barebones, $88 wooden case, $38.50 bare PCB, you will need an alternate plate for minila layout)
* [KBDcraft Adam 60%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/adam) * ($70 lego case)
On the other hand, some games require you to be able to use navigation keys in combination with movement keys for things like flying or crouching, so you may be better off with a 75%.
* [Inland Gaming MK Pro v2](https://www.microcenter.com/product/671236/inland-gaming-mk-pro-v2-3-modes-wireless-diy-custom-rgb-gaming-barebone-keyboard) ($45 barebones)
* [Redragon K715](https://redragonshop.com/products/finke-k715-pro) * ($30, 15% off with XMAS)
* [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) * ($51 with coupon)
* [Womier Q75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Keyboard-Topographic-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DQV22S2T) ($59)
* [Womier Era75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Wireless-Mechanical-Pre-lubed-Swappable/dp/B0FGD7HWPW) ($63)
* [Womier SK71 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Keyboard-Mechanical-Swappable-PRO-Black/dp/B0DSFWXFV7) ($65)
* [Yunzii AL80](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-AL80-Wireless-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DT73C6VP) ($84)
That's tough. The ND75 isn't QMK, the Rainy75 is at least VIA, but Wobkey is a but of a sus company.
Here's some 75% QMK boards I've tried that seem solid:
* [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/m1-v5-via-rapid-disassembly/) * ($80 barebones)
* [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) * ($60 barebones)
* [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy)
* [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $90)
* [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon)
* [Redragon K715](https://redragonshop.com/products/finke-k715-pro) * ($30)
* [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) * ($51 with coupon)
* [Keychron J2](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-j2-qmk-wireless-mechanical-keyboard) * ($70)
* [Kiiboom Phantom 81 Lite](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Mechanical-Programmable-Backlights-Hot-Swappable/dp/B0FB93MCLG) * ($91)
The M1 v5 VIA is kind of the platonic ideal of a budget aluminum board.
The wooden boards feel AMAZING and sound AMAZING.
* [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) * ($60 barebones)
* [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $90)
* [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon)
* [Redragon K715](https://redragonshop.com/products/finke-k715-pro) * ($30, 15% off with XMAS)
* [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) * ($51 with coupon)
* [Womier Q75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Keyboard-Topographic-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DQV22S2T) ($59)
* [Keychron J2](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-j2-qmk-wireless-mechanical-keyboard) ($70)
Get silent tactile switches to reduce the impact on your hands and work on your typing posture... don't rest your wrists or arms on anything when you're typing. Outemu Silent Lemon were life-changing for me but I like the Silent Yellow Jade better now.
I would strongly recommend against that specific Royal Kludge model. The QMK/VIA versions of the RK61/R75/R65/R87 are OK.
Magnetic is not going to give you better battery life. Even TMR requires more power than simple switches.
Nuphy Air75 v2 perhaps.
I have the RK R75 (practically the same thing) and I bought it on AliExpress for €50.
The best keybaord, hands down. No keybaord at this price point is better. Especially the grey switches. Man, they sound soooo good.
Idk much about latency, but it's wired only so it shouldn't have noticeable latency.
MKs are a very deep rabbit hole and your confusion is genuine, as even after having 25 MKs, 35+ switches and a lot of different Keycaps, even I haven't experienced a lot of stuff.
If you're ok with 75% check [r75](https://meckeys.com/shop/keyboard/75-keyboard/royal-kludge-rk-r75/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23015596244&gbraid=0AAAAAC4dMgNEhRc5DGzVsXw8C2u_oXFhz&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy_fOBhC6ARIsAHKFB78HOesZubpcB9SzKUbeqQDvXyQ_G2XBFW5c5NnumDTa1UF3KaRoBQUaAg0UEALw_wcB) with brown switches. There are a lot of other options which could be better but most comes with linear switches only.
This should be decent, but this doesn't have shine through Keycaps. I forget that you mentioned good rgb when I suggested r75, as it also has opaque keycaps.
But I think you should go with hive 98 v2 as it can fulfill most of your needs. Only dive deeper if you really like the mk experience and left with an itch to explore more. Hive 98 is hotswappable so you can change switches very easily and Keycaps too if you want.
ArgentStonecutter
