I had been using a Logitech K480 since 2019, and lately it had started to feel like a real chore. Typing on it meant pressing the keys with noticeable force, and after a while my fingers would actually feel tired. I finally got fed up with it and ordered a Philips mechanical keyboard from JD.
First impressions
The one I bought uses red switches. My wife made it very clear that I was not allowed to buy anything too loud, or the keyboard would be thrown out. Otherwise, I probably would have gone straight for a blue-switch mechanical keyboard.
In terms of key noise, the usual order from quietest to loudest is red, black, brown, and then blue. Red switches are the quietest among these common mechanical switch types. That said, they are not completely silent, just quiet enough to be acceptable at home. The feel is light and smooth, which makes typing much easier than on my old keyboard. I have not personally used a blue-switch keyboard, but from what I have read, blue switches have a stronger clicky feel and a more obvious tactile rhythm when typing.
This Philips keyboard comes in quite a few versions and styles. The overall design is fairly standard, which is actually what I wanted. I chose the 104-key layout because it is more convenient when using shortcuts in different software. The keys feel refined, and the spacing and layout are comfortable enough for daily use. It also includes 18 different RGB lighting effects, which are more fun than I expected.
Worth it for the price
When buying something like a mechanical keyboard, brand still matters. There are so many keyboard brands out there now that it is hard to know what to choose, so I went with a familiar name instead of overthinking it. Philips’ manufacturing quality feels solid here, and the overall quality control seems well handled.
Some of the small details are nicely done too, including the cable, the manual, and the general materials. Nothing feels thrown together. For around 130 yuan, getting a keyboard like this feels like a very worthwhile purchase.
I even asked customer service whether they offered cashback for positive reviews. They said no, so I did not bother writing one on the shopping platform. Instead, I might as well record my thoughts here.