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)
Not a fan of the Inky75, it's not actually QMK, it's just emulated so a lot of the VIA features won't work.
65% with a bit of a premium feel:
* [Akko YU01](https://www.amazon.com/Akko-Mechanical-Transparent-Swappable-Bluetooth/dp/B0DJ77MY6V) * ($129)
* [XVX MU68](https://www.amazon.com/XVX-FujiWave-Mechanical-Keyboard-Pre-lubed/dp/B0FTXSHRPK) * ($89 wood)
* [Yunzii AL65](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-AL65-Mechanical-Structure-Swappable/dp/B0DRHYJPCF) ($80)
* [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% similar:
* [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) * ($90 wood)
* [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * ($95 w/ coupon, wood)
* [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)
80%:
* [Weikav Stars80 v2](https://www.amazon.com/BOYI-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0F6VQ7J94) ($100)
* [Womier SK87](https://womierkeyboard.com/products/womier-sk87) * ($90, same as Stars80 v1)
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.
Rk61 probably, always buy used, there's an aula win60/68 and that's pretty cheap for me here, but I don't think that magnetic boards are worth the price, there are a ton more budget mechanical
I have a Royal Kludge RK61 just because it was cheap and i wanted a mechanical keyboard. Now i realise i cannot use it for a long period of time at work because it is to high. I know it is hot swappeble, but can i low profile switches on this keyboard. it wil be the right height then and i dont wanna buy another keyboard because it will be more expensive.
for that budget, you have some solid options. the [Redragon K552](https://featherab.com/shopit?market=am&search_keywords=Redragon+K552) is a classic starter board that is tough and feels decent. if you can stretch the budget a little, the [Royal Kludge RK61](https://featherab.com/shopit?market=am&search_keywords=RK61+keyboard) is wireless and has hot swap sockets which is huge for trying new switches later. both are great for getting into competitive gaming without breaking the bank.
Same issue here, now using the RK60 keyboard with some cheap silent switches from amazon. Works very well, though if you're literally in the same room I don't think anything will help enough lol.
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Competitive gaming king, but typing feel and sound are meh.
ArgentStonecutter
