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Lez talk mechanical keyboards

How many people here have keyboards without a 10-key for gaming? I already have a WASD v1 and would like a second one for work. I'd probably move my existing one to work and keep the v2 at home. I like the idea of less desk space but just not sure how I'd feel about it. Any impressions of a keyboard with the 10-key would be helpful.
 
NOOOOooooooooo!
Half the reason why the Leopold 66-key is great is that you can get it with the capacitative switches. I bet you could still switch your order! :)

(not that browns are bad)

I was going for the one that is most similar to a red switch. I was told that the topre switches have a more pronounced tactility, and I am partial to linear switches. I would like a fancy topre board at some point though.
 
Thinking about getting this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129003

CM Storm QuickFire Pro - Full Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Brown Switches and Backlit Gaming Keys

$70 with $20 rebate, making it a net $50.


Also you can get it cheaper, via slickdeals

OPTIONAL: Checkout using Newegg's Mobile Site or App, and get an additional 10% off the pre-rebate price with Promo Code: MBLMOBILE10. (Thanks alikaz!)
This brings the final price down to $42.99 AR.
 
I'm still looking for a mechanical keyboard with:

  • chiclet layout
  • short keys like on a notebook
  • background lighting
  • Mac keys would be a plus

Anyone have a tip?
 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008YRITPO/?tag=neogaf0e-20

I almost bought this one, it's pretty awesome & has the things you want but it's pricey .

You can get one without the touchscreen for cheaper I think.

It's not a mechanical keyboard though, is it?
Still looks nice and the one without the touchscreen shenanigans would be well in my price range.

Edit: I currently have a Logitech K811 and am not really satisfied with the key behavior, it feels a little cheap and unprecise. That's why I'd like to try a mechanical keyboard specifically, not another rubberdome.
 
Thinking about getting this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129003

CM Storm QuickFire Pro - Full Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX Brown Switches and Backlit Gaming Keys

$70 with $20 rebate, making it a net $50.


Also you can get it cheaper, via slickdeals

OPTIONAL: Checkout using Newegg's Mobile Site or App, and get an additional 10% off the pre-rebate price with Promo Code: MBLMOBILE10. (Thanks alikaz!)
This brings the final price down to $42.99 AR.

Have they removed all the dumb Quickfire branding on this keyboard like they have with their other models? I know they have with a lot of them and just haven't updated the pictures. If so, I might get one of these for my dad, who does a lot of typing.
 
Have they removed all the dumb Quickfire branding on this keyboard like they have with their other models? I know they have with a lot of them and just haven't updated the pictures. If so, I might get one of these for my dad, who does a lot of typing.

I dunno, I hardly know much about keyboards but I just ordered it. It seems pretty cheap, assuming the rebate comes. Make sure to buy off mobile for $7 off
 
recently got my ducky cherry mx blues, the key sounds.... SO AMAZING!
5xwKBLv.jpg
 
It's not a mechanical keyboard though, is it?
Still looks nice and the one without the touchscreen shenanigans would be well in my price range.

Edit: I currently have a Logitech K811 and am not really satisfied with the key behavior, it feels a little cheap and unprecise. That's why I'd like to try a mechanical keyboard specifically, not another rubberdome.

No it's not. It has scissor switches which are more tactile than the usual membrane ones. Check out some reviews.
 
How many people here have keyboards without a 10-key for gaming? I already have a WASD v1 and would like a second one for work. I'd probably move my existing one to work and keep the v2 at home. I like the idea of less desk space but just not sure how I'd feel about it. Any impressions of a keyboard with the 10-key would be helpful.
I only ever buy keyboards without a 10-key section. Not for the sake of having more desk space, but because it allows a much more ergonomic placement of the mouse where you have more control, your shoulder isn't permanently twisted outwards, and it's faster to go between mouse and keyboard. I know the numpad is used in some hardcore simulators, roguelikes and the occasional strategy game - at least on default mappings - but I haven't happened to play anything where I'd need one.

My work boards don't have a 10-key either even though I'm a programmer. The improved mouse ergonomics are much more important than the occasional number entry. If I really wanted a 10-key, I'd buy a separate one.
 
PC keyboards with Chiclet layouts?

Are any of them any good?

The spacing between the keys would be fantastic for people like me with gigantic hands and fingers. How's the key travel?
 
So my birthday is coming up and I decided I want to replace my $15 microsoft keyboard. I'm mostly going to use it for gaming and programming so I'm still trying to figure out which keys would be best/balanced for that. Black looks like its best for gaming but lack of tactile sounds like I'll lose the satisfaction of typing. I'm not crazy on it being super loud as I like to use mumble a lot but I still want tactile. Not sure if I want macro keys as I'm interested in a smaller keyboard.

Anyone have some insight on what would be best/balanced choice for me? Thanks.
 
So my birthday is coming up and I decided I want to replace my $15 microsoft keyboard. I'm mostly going to use it for gaming and programming so I'm still trying to figure out which keys would be best/balanced for that. Black looks like its best for gaming but lack of tactile sounds like I'll lose the satisfaction of typing. I'm not crazy on it being super loud as I like to use mumble a lot but I still want tactile. Not sure if I want macro keys as I'm interested in a smaller keyboard.

Anyone have some insight on what would be best/balanced choice for me? Thanks.

I would suggest browns. Blacks will cause fatigue over time. Reds are a little tougher to type reliably on but great for gaming. Browns are probably that nice middle ground for you.
 
So my birthday is coming up and I decided I want to replace my $15 microsoft keyboard. I'm mostly going to use it for gaming and programming so I'm still trying to figure out which keys would be best/balanced for that. Black looks like its best for gaming but lack of tactile sounds like I'll lose the satisfaction of typing. I'm not crazy on it being super loud as I like to use mumble a lot but I still want tactile. Not sure if I want macro keys as I'm interested in a smaller keyboard.

Anyone have some insight on what would be best/balanced choice for me? Thanks.

Cherry MX Red switch for you.
 
I'm not sure why everyone says the reds are harder to type on. It's easy to tell when your finger goes down on a key, and even if you can't, you basically always bottom out when typing on them so it's very obvious when you hit a key.
 
I would suggest browns. Blacks will cause fatigue over time. Reds are a little tougher to type reliably on but great for gaming. Browns are probably that nice middle ground for you.
Cool, I was kind of moving towards that as I read about them. I've looked up some more popular ones like Filco but I can't seem to find retail prices and they apparently aren't sold in the US. This one also caught my eye but they don't appear to come in brown. :( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091Q34EI/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Cherry MX Red switch for you.
Hmm time for me to reread the OP. I wish there were somewhere to try these things out. If i go with those would the above link be a good choice? Still trying to see what good brands/boards are out there. I like that one due to having a lot of functionality.

The reds info in the OP make it sound like theres no tactileness in the key. Not so sure about them
 
Cool, I was kind of moving towards that as I read about them. I've looked up some more popular ones like Filco but I can't seem to find retail prices and they apparently aren't sold in the US. This one also caught my eye but they don't appear to come in brown. :( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091Q34EI/?tag=neogaf0e-20


Hmm time for me to reread the OP. I wish there were somewhere to try these things out.

Check out youtube. I know it will never replace trying them out but it may help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj3RqrWLJx0
 
Cool, I was kind of moving towards that as I read about them. I've looked up some more popular ones like Filco but I can't seem to find retail prices and they apparently aren't sold in the US. This one also caught my eye but they don't appear to come in brown. :( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091Q34EI/?tag=neogaf0e-20


Hmm time for me to reread the OP. I wish there were somewhere to try these things out. If i go with those would the above link be a good choice? Still trying to see what good brands/boards are out there. I like that one due to having a lot of functionality.

Might I suggest a Leopold? ;)

I'm partial to red switches, but browns are also nice.
 
Might I suggest a Leopold? ;)

I'm partial to red switches, but browns are also nice.
Dang that one is crazy small, but their tenkeyless ones look really slick.

I've tested mx cherry blues before and I liked the feeling on them but hated how loud they were. Not sure if that helps with red vs brown.

Check out youtube. I know it will never replace trying them out but it may help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj3RqrWLJx0
Thanks, is is actually pretty helpful.
 
Dang that one is crazy small, but their tenkeyless ones look really slick.

I've tested mx cherry blues before and I liked the feeling on them but hated how loud they were. Not sure if that helps with red vs brown.


Thanks, is is actually pretty helpful.

I find blues to be very grating over time due to the loudness. I like reds and browns about the same. Browns might actually be quieter in use because the slight tactility makes it easier to avoid bottoming out the keys.
 
I find blues to be very grating over time due to the loudness. I like reds and browns about the same. Browns might actually be quieter in use because the slight tactility makes it easier to avoid bottoming out the keys.
Yeah I'm kind of leaning towards brown as I'm not sure I like the idea of no tactile feedback. The leopold that was linked looks pretty nice, although I'm going to try to look for more options. If anyone has any brown keyboards they like let me know. Still partial to smaller boards but full size might be okay the more I think about it.

It seems like a lot of the top end ones are not exactly easy to get from the US.

I've come to really like the print being on the side of the keys. Looks really classy. I found some filco ones sold through amazon but they are blacks :(.
 
Yeah I'm kind of leaning towards brown as I'm not sure I like the idea of no tactile feedback. The leopold that was linked looks pretty nice, although I'm going to try to look for more options. If anyone has any brown keyboards they like let me know. Still partial to smaller boards but full size might be okay the more I think about it.

It seems like a lot of the top end ones are not exactly easy to get from the US.

I've come to really like the print being on the side of the keys. Looks really classy. I found some filco ones sold through amazon but they are blacks :(.

The Leopold I linked is a mini, but they also offer tenkeyless and full-sized models. Unless you do data entry or something of that nature, I think that a company keyboard is ideal. Much more comfortable.

Edit: *compact, haha
 
The Leopold I linked is a mini, but they also offer tenkeyless and full-sized models. Unless you do data entry or something of that nature, I think that a company keyboard is ideal. Much more comfortable.
Well I originally planned on getting a smaller keyboard but now that I've gotten a new desk I have a bit more room, so I'm looking at any size now that I've thought about it for a while. Just having trouble finding something nice and clean that doesn't come from asia with crazy shipping fees. Also would like basic volume controls as well.
 
The Leopold I linked is a mini, but they also offer tenkeyless and full-sized models. Unless you do data entry or something of that nature, I think that a company keyboard is ideal. Much more comfortable.

See, it looks really awesome, but I don't know if I can deal with not having media keys.

I might compromise with a KeyCool 84.
 
I only ever buy keyboards without a 10-key section. Not for the sake of having more desk space, but because it allows a much more ergonomic placement of the mouse where you have more control, your shoulder isn't permanently twisted outwards, and it's faster to go between mouse and keyboard. I know the numpad is used in some hardcore simulators, roguelikes and the occasional strategy game - at least on default mappings - but I haven't happened to play anything where I'd need one.

My work boards don't have a 10-key either even though I'm a programmer. The improved mouse ergonomics are much more important than the occasional number entry. If I really wanted a 10-key, I'd buy a separate one.

Thank you for your input, this is very helpful!
 
Okay, so I'm trying to decide on a particular cherry brown board(any size). So far the Das Professional is the only one I like that is available. The Filco boards look fantastic but i can't find tactile ones that are sold in the US. :( Are there any brands I should check out? I don't wan't anything flashy with leds(and if there are a few i'd prefer white/blue) and want volume controls.
 
Okay, so I'm trying to decide on a particular cherry brown board(any size). So far the Das Professional is the only one I like that is available. The Filco boards look fantastic but i can't find tactile ones that are sold in the US. :( Are there any brands I should check out? I don't wan't anything flashy with leds(and if there are a few i'd prefer white/blue) and want volume controls.

If you wanted to try red switches, the Corsair K70 is quite nice and has respectable media keys.
 
So I just got the ROCCAT Ryos MK PRO (Cherry MX Blue Switches):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...sp=&AID=10446076&PID=6146846&SID=tnishbachxap

Apparently this keyboard isn't actually released yet because there's no drivers for it. I knew it was new, but didn't realize that. I had set up an alert on Newegg and got an email that it was in stock, so I ordered it. It's out of stock again.

It wasn't even working for basic functionality out of the box until I used two different USB ports (it requires two). There's nothing wrong with any of my USB ports so I don't know what's up with that. It doesn't come with a driver CD and the included pamphlet instructs you to download the drivers for their site, but there is no support page for this keyboard yet.

Pretty pissed that I can't use all of the features of this thing out of the box, but at least now I can type on it! Seems like it's an awesome keyboard although the non-detachable palm rest is a bit..gigantic. Solid build quality though and I love the feel of the keys. I was used to red switches so this is taking a bit getting used to but I think I can actually type faster with Blue switches. I really like the feedback.
 
Just an FYI, Massdrop is doing a group buy on a Ducky 9087 G2 Pro for $94. I figured some people in here wanting a TKL board would be interested to see this.
 
Just an FYI, Massdrop is doing a group buy on a Ducky 9087 G2 Pro for $94. I figured some people in here wanting a TKL board would be interested to see this.

That's a nice board. I use a Ducky Shine 3 at home and it's ace. I've a CM Storm TKL for work and it's a lovely board too. So a TKL ducky would be close to perfect for me.

Shame it'll be ANSI not ISO layout as it's a US offer, i love the big-ass enter keys on the ISO boards. Scrummy.
 
That's a nice board. I use a Ducky Shine 3 at home and it's ace. I've a CM Storm TKL for work and it's a lovely board too. So a TKL ducky would be close to perfect for me.

Couldn't agree more. I don't know what it is about the Ducky's, but they are damn good keyboards. Miles above anything CM has (I'm typing this on a CM QFR stealth, but have a
Ducky DK9087 Shine II TKL at home).
 
The Corsair Vengeance K70 with the AZERTY layout and Cherry MX Brown mechanics is available here so I've just ordered one. I can't wait. It seems like the ultimate keyboard.
 
They almost got things right with that but failed on the Return/Enter key.

What?! That big old enter key is Perfect! :) I much prefer the ISO layout to ANSI but i'm in the UK so it's what i'm more familiar with though i have used my fair share of ANSI boards on various SGI machines.
 
I had to RMA my Red K70 because the lights on the keys kept going off like they were on a Christmas tree. One day it was only one key, then two, then three... etc.

Hopefully the next one I get works well!
 
I'm thinking of getting a mechanical keyboard with decent media keys for under $100. I was thinking about the K60 from corsair but wasn't sure about anything else at that price point. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Edit: On second thought, because I can afford it I thought about moving up to the K95, but wasn't sure if there was a big enough difference in features/build quality to justify it. That would be another debate I need help with.
 
I'm looking for a quiet, wireless mechanical keyboard under $100. Mac layout preferred but not necessarily required. I don't care about backlights and macros and such, just something that feels nice and won't piss off the people around me. Is there anything that people can recommend?
 
I'm looking for a quiet, wireless mechanical keyboard under $100. Mac layout preferred but not necessarily required. I don't care about backlights and macros and such, just something that feels nice and won't piss off the people around me. Is there anything that people can recommend?

For whatever reason, in general, wireless mechanical keyboards aren't really made. I can't think of an engineering reason why not, so I'm guessing it's more likely that there's a perceived lack of a market for one.

That being said, I looked, and apparently there is one, but it's over your price point:

KBtalKing Pro
Resize-of-white-on-black.jpg

http://kbtalkingusa.com/buy-keyboards/

Apparently you can pick your keys on these, so of the three options offered, I believe the Cherry MX Browns would be the quietest. However, at $150+, it's over your price point, and honestly I've never heard of them before today. Maybe someone else has some experience with these?
 
For whatever reason, in general, wireless mechanical keyboards aren't really made. I can't think of an engineering reason why not, so I'm guessing it's more likely that there's a perceived lack of a market for one.

That being said, I looked, and apparently there is one, but it's over your price point:

KBtalKing Pro

Apparently you can pick your keys on these, so of the three options offered, I believe the Cherry MX Browns would be the quietest. However, at $150+, it's over your price point, and honestly I've never heard of them before today. Maybe someone else has some experience with these?

Yeah, that fills everything I'm looking for. If only it were a bit cheaper. The wireless is pretty essential because I'm doing the majority of my work on a laptop and if I have to deal with another cable sticking out of it then an external keyboard is probably more trouble than it's worth.
 
I'm thinking of getting a mechanical keyboard with decent media keys for under $100. I was thinking about the K60 from corsair but wasn't sure about anything else at that price point. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Edit: On second thought, because I can afford it I thought about moving up to the K95, but wasn't sure if there was a big enough difference in features/build quality to justify it. That would be another debate I need help with.

Just make sure it's full mechanical. K70 and K95 are full mechanical, but I am not sure that the K60 is. I can recommend the K70. It's the one I use for work. However, I do prefer the smaller form factors in general. I don't use the number pad as much as I thought I did.
 
Hey everyone, I've been rocking an Alienware TactX Keyboard for a while now (I like the dumb customisable backlight goddammit!) and I think I'm ready to graduate to a mechanical keyboard. Only thing is I'm struggling to find one that ticks all the boxes for me, so if anyone could offer any suggestions I'd really appreciate it.

I'm looking for a keyboard with:


  • Cherry MX Reds
  • Dedicated media buttons
  • USB passthrough
  • A matte finish all over (I'm so sick of the smooth finish on my TactX keys - they get a little greasy after a while)
  • And ideally, customisable backlighting like the AlienFX lighting (so being able to adjust colour rather than just intensity)
I've been able to find plenty of keyboards that meet all of the above minus the customisable backlighting (e.g. the Corsair K70), does anyone know of any keyboards that will fulfil that dumb requirement of mine too?
 
Hey everyone, I've been rocking an Alienware TactX Keyboard for a while now (I like the dumb customisable backlight goddammit!) and I think I'm ready to graduate to a mechanical keyboard. Only thing is I'm struggling to find one that ticks all the boxes for me, so if anyone could offer any suggestions I'd really appreciate it.

I'm looking for a keyboard with:


  • Cherry MX Reds
  • Dedicated media buttons
  • USB passthrough
  • A matte finish all over (I'm so sick of the smooth finish on my TactX keys - they get a little greasy after a while)
  • And ideally, customisable backlighting like the AlienFX lighting (so being able to adjust colour rather than just intensity)
I've been able to find plenty of keyboards that meet all of the above minus the customisable backlighting (e.g. the Corsair K70), does anyone know of any keyboards that will fulfil that dumb requirement of mine too?

If you want to customize the color of the backlighting, good luck, you won't find many such keyboards. Consider yourself happy there's even a keyboard that ticks all the other boxes and is backlit, too.
 
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