I have experienced far too many custom keyboards so my only bias take is the Rainy75 is too generic and foam dependant. Well I can't blame the board, since it's only 100$, I cannot expect a full Aluminum keyboard to have enthusiast-level of customization/design and sound profile lol.
I will just list the thing I like and dislike overrall:
\- QMK/VIA support which means very good keymapping capability and no need to install extra software/drivers
\- Good sound with foam (which is already pre-installed)
\- Good build quality, good dark color anodization. Their bright color coating is also fine.
\- Good stock switches, acceptable stock keycaps.
\- 3 modes variant needs some extra work because the wired-wireless switch is under the capslock key lol
\- generic 2 pieces design
\- Screws are inside, not outside. Without care you can scratch the top casing while screwing in and out the board.
The manafacturer has a 1.6mm PCB and no flex cut version. If you can find this version then I recommend this stronger than the normal 1.2mm PCB + flex cuts version because having 1.6mm PCB and no flex cuts provides better sound.
Id suggest evo75/rainy75/bridge75. Also if you have access to zoom75 or qk75 but mostly those arent available anymore unless someone is selling them. Lower budget hi75c? Hi8, hi86, inky75
Unless you're stuck on getting a full sized keyboard my suggestion is to get a Rainy 75 in a colour you like. Get one with switches and caps if you like. You can swap out the switches for something like outemu silent creams later down the line if you're not into the sound. Cheap and the best silent I've used.
Here's mine with custom keys and such in Ginko yellow.
https://preview.redd.it/bn5vftao8jvg1.jpeg?width=3968&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd27856fa90894f129729228960e648b0b78541b
HE keyboards only really benefit those playing competitive FPS games, looking for every bit of advantage they can get - even then unless you're an elite player, it's often overkill. There are plenty of 75% mechanical boards that would suit your needs just fine.
A couple "mid range" mechanical boards, for food for thought would be the Womier SK75, Wobkey Rainy 75, Bridge 75 or Evo75.
Bridge 75 plus has a bigger battery, per key RGB, an FR4 plate vs PC, and more dampening foam for better acoustics. For best out of the box, either the Rainy 75 or Evo75, listen to Youtube sound tests for both if acoustics matter to you - all the boards listed are hot swap, so you can swap switches to your liking for better type feel, actuation force, and sound. Be it linear, tactile, or clicky. In short - Evo75 is the more premium option of those listed, so if they're around the same price, I'd spring for the Evo. Easier disassembly, better internals, tons of colour options etc. There's also the Evo80 if you'd prefer an 80% layout, with slightly better build quality, and no raised front lip like on the 75.
best all around for 100-200 USD i would suggest the rainy 75 or the crush 80 both are made by wobkey. These I think most everyone would agree are the best sounding boards out of the box. they have a 1000k polling rates in wired connection mode which is good for gaming. If you are a serious gamer and need 8k and the absolute best the wooting 80 and wooting 60 seem to be the best oout there but there are probally some that are just as good and maybe alittle cheaper. Your post is a couple of months old so you probally have alread bought something. What did you get and how is it working out for you?
Top Gaming Keyboards on Reddit
1
Wooting
80HE
79% positive of 227 users
Competitive gaming king, but typing feel and sound are meh.
4xgk3
