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The idea for this article came about when my A4Tech KV-300H, which I had been using since before the COVID era, finally broke down. While waiting for a replacement, I had the chance to try out different keyboard types, including compact layouts, mechanical models, and more. Given that my use cases are quite varied, I can offer a comprehensive look at how to choose a keyboard based on format, size, and design. To illustrate these differences, I’ll compare three models: A4Tech FX60, A4Tech FS100, and Bloody AT98 Proxy Boom.
Video on choosing a keyboard
Market position
Let’s start with pricing. The A4Tech FX60 is available for $33 (€32), while the A4Tech FS100 comes in at $52 (€50). The Bloody AT98 Proxy Boom is the most expensive of the three, priced at $80 (€78). For reference, my old A4Tech KV-300H cost $32. This article is mainly aimed at users still relying on older membrane keyboards, like the decade-old Logitech K120, who are starting to notice issues with key response and overall wear. If you’re considering an upgrade but unsure where to start, this breakdown should help clarify your options.
Primary arguments
The exact model of your keyboard doesn’t matter. You might be dissatisfied with a membrane or mechanical switch setup—just as I was. You may prefer a compact layout or, on the contrary, a full-sized keyboard.
And you might want to know what potential pitfalls await if you decide to make a drastic switch to an unconventional keyboard.
Let’s start not with the format but with the main factor in choosing a keyboard—its price. In most cases, budget dictates the decision. The more you’re willing to spend, the higher your expectations will be.
Take the Bloody AT98, for example. Its price is justified by the included extras, such as spare keycaps and a keycap puller. The switches are proprietary optical models, designed for quick swapping, adjustable actuation depth, and a lifespan of up to 100 million keystrokes. The keyboard also features a silicone-dampened base to reduce vibrations, onboard memory, and durable PBT keycaps.
The A4Tech FS100 is a more utilitarian option, not designed with gaming in mind, but it still offers solid durability. It features universal hot-swap switch sockets compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, double-shot keycaps, and an aluminum base. Onboard memory and software support are also present, ensuring customization options remain available.
Compared to the previous models, the FX60 is a more basic option, which is understandable given its lower price. It comes with a minimal feature set—no hot-swap capability, no mechanical switches, and no software support. Unlike the membrane-based KV-300H, it lacks a USB hub but does include white backlighting. Some variations of the FX60 offer multi-color lighting, with around three or four different models available. As for typing sound, you can hear it in the video above.
Format
This is the traditional approach to choosing a keyboard. Now, let’s look at some nuances, like the format—standard versus low-profile. Standard keycap height still appears in 99% of the keyboards you’ll come across, while only a small handful of models, like the A4Tech FX60, feature low-profile keycaps.
Low-profile models can come in various switch types—membrane, like the KV-300H, scissor switches, like the FX60, and even mechanical ones. The latter tend to be the most expensive, especially if you’re assembling them yourself. A set of 100 switches can cost more than the FX60 and KV-300H combined.
All low-profile keyboards share one major advantage: the actuation speed is typically the fastest. This is because not only do you have to make a smaller downward movement compared to mechanical switches, but you also don’t need to lift your fingers as high, since the low-profile keycaps are completely flat.
Read also: Design vs. Features: Choosing Between the Bloody W72 Ultra and R72 Pro
This also, oddly enough, affects the accuracy of typing – when you want to move your finger from one cap to another, sometimes you touch the caps between the two. That is, you have to delete the previous character by pressing Delete and put the correct one. This obviously slows down the typing speed. I’ve also noticed that it’s harder to press keyboard shortcuts accurately because there are usually a bunch of other keys on the way to the desired button that can be easily hit.
For gamers, this isn’t much of an issue, but for those who type or process text, it’s crucial. The faster you type, the more you can earn. That’s why I can’t help but recommend low-profile models to anyone who types frequently—they’ll help you type faster and more accurately.
And they’re quieter too, by the way. Even in high-quality mechanical keyboards, the stabilization of taller keycaps isn’t perfect. As a result, sound comes not only from the switch itself but also from the movement of the keycap on the switch, even without pressing it down.
This doesn’t matter much if you’re gaming alone in a room, but even a low-profile keyboard won’t save the sleep of someone lying next to you. However, it does affect the overall typing experience. When you feel the text coming together, typing can become much more enjoyable—or not, depending on your preferences.
Dimensions
Next up, size. This comes down to ergonomics and aesthetics. The smaller the keyboard, the more seamlessly it fits into a well-thought-out workspace, whether it’s for a designer or gamer. A more compact setup looks more elegant, and you’ll likely find the overall aesthetic of your workspace more pleasing.
However, this clearly impacts comfort and versatility. I’m not even talking about games like GTA: Vice City, where a mission involving a toy helicopter required a numpad. With smaller keyboards, you’ll have to sacrifice more features and rely more on key combinations. The smaller the keyboard, the more you’ll need to depend on those combinations.
Appearance
And then there’s the design. I’ve specifically chosen three models that illustrate this category well. The A4Tech FX60 looks the least polished and most office-oriented. The A4Tech FS100, while still relatively modest in appearance, stands out a bit more. It’s fully mechanical, with full RGB backlighting, hot-swappable switches, and a range of gaming features.
However, calling its design “gaming” is a stretch, and that’s a good thing. Why? Because not everyone who wants the benefits of quality mechanical switches is looking to game. Typing on these keyboards can actually be more enjoyable than anything else, and the price is reasonable.
In contrast, I present the Bloody AT98 Proxy Boom. This is one of the brightest keyboards from Bloody—just to remind you, Bloody is A4Tech’s gaming brand. On one hand, it looks like a piece of art.
On the other hand, the versatility of this keyboard is questionable. It’s perfect for a teenager, but not so much for a grandmother, grandfather, or a website editor. While it works for typing, just like other keyboards are decent for gaming, it’s definitely more geared toward a specific audience.
So what to choose?
And this is the main point of the article. Any modern A4Tech or Bloody keyboard will work well for both gaming and typing. Their functionality matches the price. But you need to understand your own desires and needs… a bit more deeply. Do you want quick key presses, or do you want to get the most tactile feedback from every press?
Do you want to make your workspace or gaming setup aesthetically pleasing, or is functionality your main priority? Are you drawn to aggressive gaming designs, or do you prefer something more understated yet stylish? Fortunately, models like the A4Tech FX60, A4Tech FS100, and Bloody AT98 Proxy Boom can cater to any of these needs.
And that’s all from me. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever used low-profile keyboards, membrane or mechanical ones—doesn’t matter. Personally, I spent almost 5 years with the KV-300H and switched to the FX60 because I type on a laptop, and high-profile mechanical keyboards just don’t fit the format—sometimes, my fingers have trouble. But feel free to share your thoughts, don’t be shy!
Read also:
- HyperX Alloy Rise 75 Wireless Keyboard Review
- Review of YUNZII RT75 – Mechanical Keyboard with Magnetic Switches
- A4Tech Bloody B950 RGB Warrior Gray Gaming Keyboard Review
