Logitech G413 TKL SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Compact Backlit Keyboard with Tactile Mechanical Switches, Anti-Ghosting, Compatible with Windows, macOS - Black Aluminum

(black G413 TKL SE)No, this isn't a true budget mechanical (there are plenty of $25-$40 no-name mechanicals out there), though it's about as cheap as you'll find a true mechanical from a major brand-name maker....however, it's better made, with nicer materials, fit-n-finish and better key feel than the cheaper 'boards I've used and at a price that's still within reach for most gamers (or folks who just prefer the feel of mechanical over membrane).This "SE" version of the G413 was purchased to replace my first gen. G413, which suffered a failed W key after three years of nightly gaming use. The SE has better key action and a more solid key feel than the earlier version, it also has more texture on the key cap surface and touts a new key cap material (this is a welcome upgrade, as I was starting to see the paint wear off around letters on my WASD keys on the OG version). The "board"/deck of the keyboard is similar to the older version, which is to say it's very solid and well made, but the SE forgoes the USB port and dual cable of the original, it also doesn't show up as a recognized device on Logitech's G Hub software anymore.Key feel is a personal preference, so my 5 stars may be your 1 star... I'd call these switches a blending of a Cherry brown and blue switch as far as character: they're sprung stiffer and have a more noticeable break point than a brown switch, but aren't as firm or crisp as a blue and more importantly, are as quiet as a brown switch, overall a very pleasant compromise in my book. If anything, I'd say they have a more solid feel than even genuine Cherry switches and easily best the first gen. Logitech mechanical and Chinese Cherry-esque switches in feel and solidity.I love this keyboard for the fact that it has a solid deck, good cable, great key feel and simple LED backlighting, I feel like it's a much better value than a no-name board for $30 less, or a top of the line name-brand board at up to hundreds of dollars more.Multi-color, per key programmable, flashing, color wave LED "features" add nothing to the gaming (or typing in subdued light) experience for me and I hate paying extra for stuff that I just have to figure out how to disable... Thanks Logitech!As far as TKL 'boards in general go, they're certainly not for everyone... I like TKL better than 60% (though I still miss my num pad) and it does still reclaim a sizeable chunk of real estate on my desk for mouse over-run compared to a full sized keyboard, which in my case is a real advantage in sweaty PvP gaming situations.Having directly accessible F keys and full size style arrow, del/ins, etc. keys is definitely worth the added width for me, but smaller desks or gaming only rigs might still be better with 60%, YMMV.

This was my first mechanical keyboard, but not the first one I've typed on.After using it for several weeks I have come to the conclusion that it is worth the $45 or $50 they charge. The keys feel nice, and the switches have a noticeable "bump" in each key press. It isn't too loud, which was a necessity for me as I game and type late at night, and clicky key switches get very annoying after a short time. The plate that the switches are mounted to is made of aluminum, so the board feels very solid and has almost no flex. I bought a slightly different version of this keyboard for my mother a few years ago, and hers is still working perfectly fine. The SE version that I have, has better key switches (Longhua Browns) than hers does (Logitech Romer G) as far as feel goes, and uses the standard cherry mx style, so most keycaps will fit this keyboard if you wish to change the look of your keyboard.I did do two mods, (tape mod, lubricated stabilizers) and that significantly improved the sound, it's less clacky and has a nice pop sound to it now. Highly recommend doing that if you buy this keyboard. I will say, this keyboard is NOT hot swappable, so changing the switches would require a soldering iron and patience. I plan to install hot swap sockets from mill-max so I can try different switches in this keyboard down the line. On a side note, you do have to take all of the keys off and remove several small screws in the aluminum plate to take it apart, so a switch puller is handy to have around. The plastic base cannot be filled with foam unless you choose to dremel out the support beams. I don't recommend doing this unless you know what you are doing as it may cause the keyboard to become less sturdy.All in all, it's excellent for the price and will work for gaming and casual typing and usage.