A recap of my first TEN mechanical keyboards

I can't believe it. I've already done ten keyboard reviews. I started this journey officially just after New Year of 2026. It's now month eight of 2026. So many things have happened, America started another war, and the average intelligence score of the younger generation is now definitely on a downward trajectory.

But I digress. The old saying that time flies by when you're having fun is so true, because it's already August and I wonder where all the time went.

I've met so many wonderful people. So many personalities. I've gained so much knowledge and heard from so many perspectives – all of which helped me appreciate the hobby and what's involved with it so much more. I have truly enjoyed my time so far in the hobby, and I am looking forward to what the future brings!

The Recap

I think it's time for a much-needed status check. Let's do a quick recap of my keyboard journey so far:

Keyboard #1 - Epomaker RT85

It's my first keyboard, and I think I'm keeping this. It's a sort of reminder of how I started in this hobby. I like how it sounds, and I still enjoy using it. There's a kick of nostalgia that it gives when I press on the keys. The orange accent keys really clinched it for me. Waiting for the keyboard was both anxiety-inducing and exciting, but it was my first proper entry into the hobby.

Read my full review of the Epomaker RT85

Keyboard #2 - Womier WD75

I think this was going to be my first proper "thocky" keyboard. I'm a bit of a Japanophile, so the keycap sets, wooden case, and overall package made it an instant buy for me. I bought it from AliExpress, and it's an amount I don't usually spend on the site, so I was a bit apprehensive. But the keyboard came, and I was a happy camper. The switches that came with the keyboard were so light!

Read my full review of the Womier WD75

Keyboard #3 - Leobog Hi75C

The most barebones kit keyboard for the cheapest price. This keyboard nailed it. It's also my only yellow keyboard so far. Whilst I enjoyed the time I spent with it, it's also a perfect example of you getting what you pay for.

Read my full review of the Leobog Hi75C

Keyboard #4 - Epomaker Galaxy68

This was the first "wow, this is heavy, it feels premium!" moment for me. A moment that would continuously be shattered in this hobby. I love the colourway; it reminds me of my favourite band, Type O Negative.

Read my full review of the Epomaker Galaxy68

Keyboard #5 - AULA F75

Reading and watching so many reviews of this keyboard, by the time I purchased it, it held a certain notoriety in my mind. My curiosity got the better of me, and I'm glad it did. It was an inexpensive purchase, but it felt far from cheap (at the time). I was truly amazed at how far Chinese manufacturing has come, and this was a perfect example of it.

Read my full review of the AULA F75

Keyboard #6 - Weikav NUT65

My first ever "true 65% layout" keyboard. You could almost call this the next level to the Leobog Hi75C. CNC Aluminium with a loud & proud LED adorning its design, the NUT65 is a fun keyboard that hides a complete package with all the bells and whistles. This is also where I found that just because a keyboard is marketed as easily customisable, it doesn't necessarily mean that you can actually customise it positively.

Read my full review of the Weikav NUT65

Keyboard #7 - Weikav Lucky65v3

The NUT65's sibling. The less-flashy one. The "professional" one. It was my first ever red keyboard, and I like it. I purchased it because I wanted to know why Weikav would release something so similar, and I found the reason. I was afraid that I was throwing money away by buying a keyboard that had slight differences from the previous one, but I'm glad I did, as I learned a lot from the experience. A slight change can mean a world of difference to how your experience pans out.

Read my full review of the Lucky65v3

Keyboard #8 - Yunzii AL68

This was a brand that I've been watching for a while. They've been getting decent reviews, and when compared to their peers, there were few keywords that caught my attention. "More premium", "solid purchase", and "highly recommended" were synonymous across all the reviews I came across. And they were right. I was also able to buy this while it was on sale, and I love how it feels and how it sounds.

Read my full review of the Yunzii AL68

Keyboard #9 - NEO60 Core

I told myself that I wouldn't get a NEO keyboard. Not until I get an EVO keyboard at least. Yet, here I am. Making the purchase from the de facto UK keyboard hobby vendor, ProtoTypist. It's an important keyboard for me. My first ever NEO. My first BIG keyboard purchase. It's a keyboard I'll be keeping and using for a long while.

Read my full review of the NEO60 Core

Keyboard #10 - Epomaker TH87

This was my first ever silent keyboard and was a learning experience for me. I found that I didn't like my keyboards to be too silent. I also discovered what people meant when they said that most silent switches are "mushy". This keyboard is the perfect office companion, and because of that, it's also a keyboard that made me feel bored of it. The unique selling point of it being silent is both its greatest feature and biggest drawback.

Read my full review of the Epomaker TH87

Moving forward

I'm writing the review for keyboard number ten – it's another Weikav product, and this time it's a big one! Stay tuned for when I publish it!

If you're still reading this, thank you. I'd love to hear from you about how you started your keyboard journey. What keyboard are you using right now? How is it configured? Let's talk keyboards!

About Alan

Alan is the person behind FYRTEK, writing about mechanical keyboards, heavy music, technology and the rabbit holes in between.

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