Budget
€0–€60
Published category bar
Mechanical Keyboards (wired and wireless, incl. hot-swap custom scene)
This is the exact versioned market bar used by the deterministic engine. It defines what is mandatory, typical and above-class for each European price class.
- Version
- 2026.07-4
- Status
- Active
- Price classes
- 4
European price classes
Mid-range
€60–€120
Upper mid-range
€120–€200
Premium
€200+
The lowest documented European price selects the class. Within ±10% of a boundary, both neighbouring classes are calculated and the better result counts.
Mandatory category features
CE marking; for wireless models (Bluetooth/2.4 GHz) radio equipment compliance (RED 2014/53/EU)
Typing works immediately when plugged in, as a standard keyboard (standard HID); software or an account is at most required for extras such as macros and lighting
Expected features by price class
Budget
- Key backlighting (usually RGB, at least single-colour with effects)
- Detachable USB-C cable (socket on the case, cable not permanently attached)
- Removable keycaps on standard MX stem (keycap swaps possible)
- FN layer for media, lighting and device controls
Mid-range
- Hot-swap sockets for 3-/5-pin MX switches (switch changes without soldering)
- Wireless operation (Bluetooth and/or 2.4 GHz dongle) in addition to USB-C wired mode
- PBT keycaps (double-shot or dye-sub, wear-resistant)
- Dampened construction (foam layers and/or gasket mount)
- Configuration software or web driver with key remapping and macros
Upper mid-range
- Aluminium case or aluminium top plate (metal build instead of an all-plastic case)
- Gasket mount with multi-layer dampening (Poron/EVA/silicone)
- Wireless operation with switching between multiple devices (approx. three paired devices)
- Hot-swap sockets plus factory tuning: factory-lubed switches and/or stabilisers
- QMK/VIA support or full-featured software with onboard profiles
Premium
- CNC-machined aluminium case or equivalent all-metal build (material stated in the data sheet)
- Documented low latency: approx. 1,000 Hz polling rate — wireless via 2.4 GHz or in wired mode
- Hot-swap plus factory tuning (lubed switches and/or stabilisers, multi-layer premium dampening)
- Multi-function rotary knob and/or display (e.g. OLED) for controls/status
- QMK/VIA or extensive onboard profiles with full macro and layer programming
Above-class bonus features
- Equipment clearly above class expectation (e.g. hot-swap + wireless + PBT in budget, aluminium case/factory lubing in mid-range)+4
- Open firmware (QMK/VIA): full local configuration, no cloud dependency, no account+4
- Hall-effect/analogue switches with rapid trigger and adjustable actuation point+4
- Polling rate well above standard (approx. 4,000-8,000 Hz, wired or wireless)+3
- ISO/QWERTZ (German) variant regularly available in EU retail+3
- Large battery (approx. 4,000 mAh or more, or approx. 100+ hours runtime with lighting off)+3
- User-replaceable battery or battery available as spare part+3
- Spare part supply in EU retail: keycaps on standard MX stems, replacement switches, stabilisers or plates regularly obtainable+3
- Full N-key rollover (NKRO) documented — all keys registered simultaneously, not just 6-key rollover+2
- Firmware updates provided publicly for download (manufacturer page or web flasher, no account)+2
- Browser-based configurator without software installation (e.g. VIA web, web driver)+2
- Mac/Windows toggle including matching extra keycaps+2
- Tools/accessories included (keycap/switch puller, spare switches or keycaps)+2
- Wrist rest included+2
Negative characteristics
- Core configuration (remapping, macros, lighting) only possible with a mandatory account or cloud registration-5
- Hardware defects documented by several independent sources (switch chattering/double inputs, LED failures, legends wearing off)-5
- Serious software/firmware defects documented by several independent sources with no available fix (input bugs, abandoned drivers)-4
- Proprietary switches or keycaps without standard MX compatibility, and the manufacturer does not offer matching replacement switches/keycaps either (manufacturer explicitly states the parts are not replaceable, or several independent tests document the missing spare part supply)-4
- Wireless issues documented by several independent sources (high latency, disconnects, wake-up delay)-3