Quite often, when you want to buy a new keyboard, you stick to what the brand names have to offer. However, if you like black switches (linear, harder), the number of keyboards available is greatly reduced… Even more so if you’re looking for a particular format. That’s why Sharkoon offers us its SGK50 S4, a basic keyboard that can be customized. You choose your switches and keycaps separately, and you’re ready to roll.
SGK50 S4: a customizable keyboard from Sharkoon!
This base is available in ISO or ANSI format for American-standard keyboards. As for colors, we have black or white. In all cases, a white reflector is present to better diffuse the aRGB lighting.
Nevertheless, the aim here is customization, and overall, a huge number of switches can be fitted. Via a system of sockets, the switches will be hot swappable, while being compatible with both three- and five-pin models. So, not only Cherry models, but also Gaterons, Kailhs, what-have-yous are compatible. To put it simply, anything that even remotely resembles a Cherry MX is compatible. The choice of the latter is free, so you can, if you like, install a different type of switch for each zone.
Of course, this base features a 1000 Hz polling rate with N-Key rollover and anti-ghosting. Macro recording is software-free, but limited in number: 2 with a maximum of 16 actions. Lighting is managed at the touch of a button. It’s important to remember that RGB is diffused by diodes mounted on the PCB. To get the best out of it, choose translucent switches with keycaps that let the light through.
Last but not least, its 60% format, 62 keys in ISO, 61 in ANSI. Dimensions: 293 (W) x 102.55 (D) x 27 (H) mm. Weight: 413g excluding cable.
The price is €49.90, but don’t forget to add the switches and keycaps, which can add up very quickly.
Here are the Sharkoon product sheets!