Considering how expensive most mechanical keyboards today, I had to give this one a shot. If I had ever used a mechanical keyboard before, this would be the first one I'm using where I was made aware of the tech. Overall, this is a great buy for its price and build quality.

After using it for around two weeks, I can say that I'm not so sensitive to the change in how I type, or if I'm able to truly gauge how superior mechanical keys are to membrane keys; perhaps, I need more time with it, but so far, I'd have to say that I'm comfortable with using this keyboard. Considering that I'm using it in an open-floor office, I was sure I didn't want to get red switches, so I went for brown instead. I think the clunky sound of the keys are quiet enough, with the exception of the space bar.

Admittedly, I had something to do with the overall noise level of the space bar. When I had first received the keyboard, the space bar squeaked really loudly. I had done some research to find out that a squeaky space bar was somewhat common in a mechanical keyboard, and I had eventually identified the problem as the stabilizer mechanism being the culprit. I had pulled apart the offending mechanism (I believed the plastic stabilizing post on the right was rubbing up against its casing), but was unsuccessful and putting it back together. After many attempts to put it back together, I ultimately resorted to removing the post. It's now difficult to hit the space bar with my left thumb, but at least the squeaking has stopped! I also regularly hit the space bar with my right thumb, so all is well.

Ultimately, I learned not to be a hero and try fixing something I don't quite understand. I was aware that a little plastic-safe grease would have fixed the problem just fine, but that is apparently something that is difficult to find in the vicinity of my workplace in downtown NYC, and I didn't want to wait a whole week for some grease to ship from Amazon.

Anyway, I would recommend this to anyone that wants to try a good mechanical keyboard for cheap. And if any of the keys squeak, don't try to pull it apart and fix it! Put the keyboard aside and wait for the grease to ship and fix it properly!

Monoprice's Workstream mechanical keyboard may have be the best keyboard for typing I have ever used. The cherry brown compatible keys are top knotch. Originally, I purchased the backlit version only to send it back for this white non-backlit one. The lighting effects were cool, but ended up being distracting. With the backlit off, the lettering on the black keys was hard to see. Plenty quiet as long as you don't bang on the keys too hard. ha

The white keycaps on this keyboard are transluscent for backlighting, but this keyboard is not backlit. That doesn't bother me at all. The lettering is gray on a white keycap. Easy to read. No backlight required.

Another thing I like about the white version of this keyboard are the status lights. I can see them. lol. The white plastic around the status LED window acts as a diffuser, so you can actually see which LED is on without taking a closer look.

Lastly, the white keyboard I received didn't sit flat on my desk. Weird. I twisted and bent it slightly, and it sits perfectly flat now. The keyboard is heavy, and I can see the metal plate below the keys. Seems very strong and solid.

Overall, I am very pleased and am looking forward to experimenting with different sets of keycaps.