Used Mechanical Keyboards: The Complete Guide to Buying Smart in Israel
Looking for a used mechanical keyboard? A smart buying guide for Israel: what to check, which brands to know, pricing, and where to find custom keyboards for sale.
Mechanical keyboards have become a popular hobby in recent years among gamers, programmers, professionals and tech enthusiasts. Beyond the typing experience, they offer customization options, high build quality and a wide variety of designs, switches and materials.
But a quality mechanical keyboard, and especially a custom keyboard, can be a significant investment. That's where the used mechanical keyboard market comes in: it lets you buy quality keyboards at more accessible prices, and sometimes find models that are no longer available in stores.
In this guide we'll explain what to check before buying a second-hand mechanical keyboard, which types of keyboards exist, what affects the price, and where to find mechanical keyboards for sale in Israel.
Why buy a used mechanical keyboard?
Buying a pre-owned mechanical keyboard can be especially worthwhile, as long as you check its condition carefully.
Significant savings
Quality custom keyboards can cost hundreds or even thousands of shekels, especially once you factor in international shipping and taxes.
Buying second-hand can let you enjoy a quality keyboard for less than its price new.
A chance to own premium keyboards
The second-hand market lets you discover and try keyboards with aluminum cases, advanced mounting systems, plates in different materials and customization options that basic commercial keyboards don't always offer.
Finding models that are no longer sold
Some custom keyboards are produced in limited quantities or through pre-orders (Group Buys).
Once the sale ends, the second-hand market is sometimes the only way to get a particular model.
Buying a keyboard that's already built
Many custom keyboards are sold as kits that require self-assembly. Buying an assembled keyboard can save time and effort, especially if you're just getting to know the hobby.
That said, it's important to find out which components are installed and whether the keyboard has been modified.
Custom vs. Prebuilt keyboards - what's the difference?
Before buying a used mechanical keyboard, it's worth understanding the difference between the two types of keyboards.
Prebuilt keyboards
A prebuilt keyboard comes assembled and ready to use, usually with switches and keycaps installed.
Its main advantages are convenience, simplicity and sometimes a more accessible price.
Some modern prebuilt keyboards offer advanced features such as Hot-Swap, sound-dampening materials and aluminum cases.
Custom keyboards
Custom keyboards let you choose and match components to your own preferences.
Components you can customize include:
Keep in mind that not every custom keyboard lets you replace every component, and the level of customization varies from model to model.
What should you check before buying a used mechanical keyboard?
This is one of the most important steps in the purchase.
1. The PCB and the keys
The PCB is one of the keyboard's core components. A fault in it can cause keys not to respond, double typing or connection problems.
Make sure every key works properly, including the function keys, the arrows and the Numpad, if there is one.
You can ask the seller for a test video using keyboard-testing software.
2. The condition of the case
On keyboards with an aluminum case, check for scratches, dents or damage to the finish.
Light scratches don't necessarily affect use, but they can affect the price.
Ask for clear photos of the top, the bottom and the sides.
3. The USB connection
Make sure the keyboard connects to the computer reliably and doesn't disconnect during use.
On wireless keyboards, also check the Bluetooth or 2.4GHz connection, if available, and the condition of the battery.
4. The switches and stabilizers
Working switches should respond consistently.
Watch out for chatter, where a single press registers as a double or repeated keystroke.
Also check the stabilizers on the large keys, such as the Spacebar, Enter and Shift.
Unusual noises or an uneven feel may mean they need tuning or maintenance.
5. What modifications have been made?
Keyboard enthusiasts sometimes modify their keyboards to improve the sound and typing feel, for example:
Modifications like these aren't necessarily a drawback, and sometimes they even improve the experience.
Still, it's worth asking what was changed, whether it's reversible and whether the build was done properly.
6. What's included in the price?
Custom keyboards are sometimes sold as Barebones, meaning without switches and keycaps.
Before buying, check whether the price includes:
Differences in what's included can significantly change how good a deal really is.
Which custom keyboard brands should you look for?
The mechanical keyboard market has many brands offering quality custom keyboards, at different price levels and in a wide range of designs, materials and customization options.
Well-known brands include Qwertykeys, Neo, Meletrix Zoom and Mode Designs, but these are only examples from a wide range of makers and brands.
Some makers focus on quality aluminum keyboards, others offer distinctive designs, and some emphasize a soft, flexible typing feel or a unique sound.
When choosing a used custom keyboard, look beyond the brand name: consider the build quality, the keyboard's condition, the type of PCB, the plate material and the mounting system.
A quality keyboard isn't defined by its brand or its price, but by the combination of materials, design and how well it suits your personal preferences.
What affects the sound and typing feel?
One of the main advantages of mechanical keyboards is the ability to tailor the typing experience to your personal taste.
Switch type
Switches fall into three main categories:
Each type has its own advantages, and the choice comes down to personal preference.
Plate material
The plate material can affect the sound and how much flex the typing has.
Common materials include:
Remember that the final result is also affected by the mounting system, the case structure and the other components.
Creamy vs. Thocky sound
Two common terms in the keyboard community are Creamy and Thocky.
Creamy usually describes a smooth, even and relatively soft sound, while Thocky usually refers to a deeper, lower sound.
These are subjective descriptions, not technical standards.
It's a good idea to listen to typing recordings, but remember that the microphone, the recording environment and your audio equipment all affect the sound you hear in a video.
How much does a used mechanical keyboard cost?
The price of a used mechanical keyboard depends on several factors:
A keyboard sold without switches and keycaps may be cheaper than an assembled one, but you need to factor in the cost of the missing components.
It's worth comparing prices of similar deals rather than relying only on the keyboard's original price.
And a high price doesn't necessarily guarantee a better typing experience.
Where can you buy used mechanical keyboards in Israel?
Israel has a community of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, where you can find keyboards, switches, keycaps and accessories for sale or trade.
Facebook groups and keyboard communities
Dedicated groups let enthusiasts post gear for sale, ask questions and share experiences.
One of the main communities is the Israeli mechanical keyboards group on Facebook, where enthusiasts post keyboards, keycaps, switches and accessories for sale and help each other out.
Another community is the Keyboards IL Discord server, where there are ongoing conversations about mechanical keyboards. You can get an invite to the server through the Facebook group.
Read listings carefully, ask for up-to-date photos and agree on the terms of the deal with the seller.
Dedicated keyboard sale sites
Another option is to look for keyboards on sites that present items for sale in an organized way, with photos, prices and specs.
GaliKey - mechanical keyboards from a private collection
GaliKey is a site that presents mechanical keyboards, keycaps, switches and accessories for sale from my private collection.
As a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, I build custom keyboards, experiment with different switches and match components to get a typing experience that suits my preferences.
On the site you'll find items with photos, descriptions and prices, and you can contact me directly about anything that interests you.
The site isn't an online store with a shopping cart and checkout - it's a place that brings together the items I'm offering for sale.
Keyboards currently offered on the site include the Zoom65 V3, a custom keyboard that's also available as a Barebones, and the Galaxy 100 Lite. Availability is kept up to date on the keyboards page.
See the keyboards and accessories for sale at GaliKey
FAQ: used mechanical keyboards
Is it worth buying a used mechanical keyboard?
You can definitely find good deals on the second-hand market. Just make sure to check that the keyboard works, its physical condition and the components included in the deal.
Can a used mechanical keyboard last for years?
Yes. A quality, well-maintained mechanical keyboard can last for many years. Its actual lifespan depends on the quality of its components, how it's used and how it's maintained.
Can you replace the switches on a used keyboard?
If the keyboard supports Hot-Swap, you can usually replace the switches without soldering, as long as they're compatible with the PCB.
On keyboards that don't support Hot-Swap, replacing switches usually requires soldering.
Is it better to buy an assembled custom keyboard or a Barebones?
For beginners, an assembled keyboard can be the more convenient option.
On the other hand, if you want to choose your own switches and keycaps, you may prefer a Barebones keyboard.
Should you buy a used mechanical keyboard without a warranty?
It depends on the price, the keyboard's condition and how much risk you're willing to take. Check whether there's a transferable warranty, whether spare parts are available and whether you can test the keyboard before buying.
In summary - how do you choose a used mechanical keyboard?
Buying a used mechanical keyboard can be a great way to get into the world of custom keyboards, or to upgrade your typing experience without necessarily paying the price of a new product.
Before you buy, check that the keyboard works, understand which components are included in the price and choose a model that suits your needs and personal preferences.
There's no one keyboard that suits everyone. Some people prefer soft, flexible typing, others prefer a stiff, precise feel, and for some the design or the sound is the main consideration.
Looking for used mechanical keyboards for sale in Israel?
Visit GaliKey and discover which keyboards, keycaps, switches and accessories are currently available for sale from my private collection.