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Lez talk mechanical keyboards
- Thread starter Scuba Steve
- Start date
First page has it right. I can wake up my roommates when I get up to my 80wpm speed but it feels great. Comes with a Mac version (although you only have a single switch choice) and also a version with no key labels so you can freak anyone out that tries to use your computer.
The route forward is to ditch the similar layout entirely, prolly: http://www.frogpad2.com
I remember reading about this back in the mid 2000s in Macworld so there must be a market that likes their approach.
Buggy Loop
Gold Member
Alright, i'll write here in case anyone experienced something similar.
I bought a CM Quickfire Stealth about 10 months ago. I love the thing, i love how it looks, i love the touch of the keys (cherry MX brown). I've been satisfied until i noticed something.
I dont know if it was there since the beginning because in my old apartment i didnt study on my PC desk. Now in my new apartment thats pretty much what i do most of my time. If i move the keyboard on the desk, 90% chance that it'll disconnect. As in lose USB connection. It takes a freaking long time to find the good alignment that will make it work again, its completely silly. Its fully in the connector before you ask.. And its not the USB end to the PC, but the mini-USB to the keyboard that screws up.
These fucking sale gimmicks like "removable" braided mini-USB cables are wrecking havoc in failure rates apparently. I've found a video of my problem. It affects the Quickfire series in general, if it as a removable mini-USB..
Here's the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoYpXoGPcr4
EVEN at CES 2014 Coolermaster demonstrated the problem by themselves! WOW QUALITY. Their new Stealth shuts down soon as he lifts it up and of course the dreaded mini-usb screws up. With the lights down, now it is truly stealth har har har.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt4TvdGt4i4&t=82
Now, after contacting CM support, i got presented with the usual tech bullshit of "did you try to connect it on another computer?" /sigh
It'll probably end up in RMA but why do i think that it'll end up the same anyway? Doesnt look like costar or CM even came up with a solution.
I know there's a few quickfire rapid/stealth owners here, anyone else experienced this?
I bought a CM Quickfire Stealth about 10 months ago. I love the thing, i love how it looks, i love the touch of the keys (cherry MX brown). I've been satisfied until i noticed something.
I dont know if it was there since the beginning because in my old apartment i didnt study on my PC desk. Now in my new apartment thats pretty much what i do most of my time. If i move the keyboard on the desk, 90% chance that it'll disconnect. As in lose USB connection. It takes a freaking long time to find the good alignment that will make it work again, its completely silly. Its fully in the connector before you ask.. And its not the USB end to the PC, but the mini-USB to the keyboard that screws up.
These fucking sale gimmicks like "removable" braided mini-USB cables are wrecking havoc in failure rates apparently. I've found a video of my problem. It affects the Quickfire series in general, if it as a removable mini-USB..
Here's the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoYpXoGPcr4
EVEN at CES 2014 Coolermaster demonstrated the problem by themselves! WOW QUALITY. Their new Stealth shuts down soon as he lifts it up and of course the dreaded mini-usb screws up. With the lights down, now it is truly stealth har har har.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt4TvdGt4i4&t=82
Now, after contacting CM support, i got presented with the usual tech bullshit of "did you try to connect it on another computer?" /sigh
It'll probably end up in RMA but why do i think that it'll end up the same anyway? Doesnt look like costar or CM even came up with a solution.
I know there's a few quickfire rapid/stealth owners here, anyone else experienced this?
ComputerMKII
Banned
Fuck you Corsair
br0ken_shad0w
Member
Dat Enter key. Do Not Want.
That being said, you could always do worse:
http://www.custompcreview.com/reviews/azio-levetron-clicker-review/13331/
Those reliability red flags though....
I need to replace my cheapo "microsoft comfort curve keyboard 2000" because of a short in the wire. When I bought this cheapo keyboard it had the unexpected feature of being able to start and stop itunes with the play button WHILE PLAYING A GAME.
I can no longer live without this feature. Any under $50 mechanical keyboards with this feature? I'll pay more than that if it's really worth it in quality.
I can no longer live without this feature. Any under $50 mechanical keyboards with this feature? I'll pay more than that if it's really worth it in quality.
They're not dedicated, but the Quickfire series have media keys that control iTunes perfectly.
Alot of times the F5 key is quicksave in game. So how will that work? Is it a 2 button input like with the shift key?
Most boards are the same way I believe. I know corsair boards have dedicated media controls (play, next etc + a volume scroller), but I can't think of any others that do.
As for being worth it above $50, absolutely if you use it for many hours a day. I've got a corsair K60, it's fantastically easy to take care of since the keys aren't inset in a shell you can just pry them off to sanitize them, and easily wipe down the aluminum plate of the board itself while they're off. Mine's also survived two drink spills already. Makes me feel like I will never need to buy a keyboard again.
Perfect Cha0s
Member
From the looks of it, you use the dedicated function key beside the right Control Key.
Yeah you hold down the function key. On the TK models (the ones with the numpad) you can hold down the function key for five seconds to lock it to secondary functions, if you want. Don't remember if the other QuickFire models have the same feature.
zephervack
Member
Not knowing much about Mechanical keyboards and bought a CM Storm Quickfire Stealth with Browns, Im in love with this thing, hopefully I dont get the issues mentioned above.
br0ken_shad0w
Member
Logitech G710+ has media controls, but that's the only other brand I know of. Loving the K70 as well. I would have preferred Browns over Reds, but Corsair doesn't have an all-black K70 keyboard with Brown switches.
Fuck you Corsair
13 of my LEDs are now dead on my K95. Apparently, this is a very common Corsair keyboard problem.
Related to the turning on and off of the LED switches. And the problem appears to cascade.
So yeah really, fuck you Corsair.
Nice look and feel, but the shit balls reliability.
okay GAF need your help.
Finally got enough money to get a mechanical keyboard.
Habits: Do quite alot of typing/writing/research, but also game a fair bit.
Problem 1: Cherry MX Red or Blue?
- I've tried out quickly RED before but not blue, and I do like the Red. Just not sure if I'm missing out on the blues, if they'll be much better. Also, I like the clicky sounds, although the RED already seems to have those clicks, just not as loud as the blues <- am I right to say this?
- Also worried that if I get the blues, I would have problems with double tapping...even though I don't really do it that much. for BLUE keys, are you able to release slightly after activating a key, and press down to reactivate again? or can that only be done with liner RED switched?
Problem 2: I've settled on Corsair K70 as the choice of kb. Chose this over the Razer Blackwidow whatever edition. Wise choice?
THANKS GAF. <3
Finally got enough money to get a mechanical keyboard.
Habits: Do quite alot of typing/writing/research, but also game a fair bit.
Problem 1: Cherry MX Red or Blue?
- I've tried out quickly RED before but not blue, and I do like the Red. Just not sure if I'm missing out on the blues, if they'll be much better. Also, I like the clicky sounds, although the RED already seems to have those clicks, just not as loud as the blues <- am I right to say this?
- Also worried that if I get the blues, I would have problems with double tapping...even though I don't really do it that much. for BLUE keys, are you able to release slightly after activating a key, and press down to reactivate again? or can that only be done with liner RED switched?
Problem 2: I've settled on Corsair K70 as the choice of kb. Chose this over the Razer Blackwidow whatever edition. Wise choice?
THANKS GAF. <3
Word for word exactly what I came into this topic to say.
+1 for the Max Nighthawk. Absolutely solid, quality piece of hardware. No led problems like the Corsair. No cheap weird gaudy lighting or nonstandard buttons like many "gaming" boards. Has a standard numpad on the right side, a feature I never thought I'd have to go hunting for. An elegant, classic looking keyboard that types beautifully.
Very happy I bought it. I was not buying into the mechanical keyboard hype, but it really is a joy to type on, and now that I have one I can never go back. I only wish there was a good, affordable "ergonomic" style mechanical, sort of like the Microsoft 4000 or Microsoft Sculpt.
The Incredible Muffin
Member
Red Cherry for me all the way!
I do not get how people wouldnt get sore fingers after long gaming with heavy switches like the blue ones (I had a Razer with blue switches) Also not a fan of the loud clickey sound.
No I have the corsair with red swtiches,,, my god are they nice
I do not get how people wouldnt get sore fingers after long gaming with heavy switches like the blue ones (I had a Razer with blue switches) Also not a fan of the loud clickey sound.
No I have the corsair with red swtiches,,, my god are they nice
Wow that sucks I'm still using the OG K90 keyboard and have no issues with LEDs yet. Then again I don't turn off the lights or mess with their brightness much but I also don't leave my PC on 24/7 so each day the lights go off and on at least once if not 3-4 times.
I own an older (first-gen?) Razer Blackwidow with cherry blues, but it's kind of getting old. I don't love Razer's stuff, but at the time (3+ years ago) it was good value for a mechanical keyboard. Now it's dusty as hell and just kind of ugly overall.
Not that I'm thinking of replacing it any time soon, but what's regarded as the best cherry blue mechanical keyboard? One that isn't all G4M3R-ish and glossy. I don't care about LEDs at all.
Not that I'm thinking of replacing it any time soon, but what's regarded as the best cherry blue mechanical keyboard? One that isn't all G4M3R-ish and glossy. I don't care about LEDs at all.
Asked and answered in the thread already.
The best you can do is keyboards with Topre switches. There are extra-silent models (which I haven't heard) but the normal Topres are already quieter than any Cherry switch. Cheapest Topre boards are "Type Heaven" at $150ish, cheapest extra-silent ones are above $200.
If you go with Cherry switches, you probably want a board with brown switches and then add dampening rings underneath. I haven't used dampeners so I can't say how much they reduce the noise, but at least without them I guarantee a Cherry board is too loud for the bedroom.
DJ_Lae
Member
Had me worried for a second there but then I realize that my CM Storm uses a full size USB and is maybe (probably?) immune to this.
Shitty issue, though, and completely defeats the point of having a removable cable in the first place. I wonder why they went with mini USB given how big a keyboard is anyway.
Koroviev
Member
Word for word exactly what I came into this topic to say.
+1 for the Max Nighthawk. Absolutely solid, quality piece of hardware. No led problems like the Corsair. No cheap weird gaudy lighting or nonstandard buttons like many "gaming" boards. Has a standard numpad on the right side, a feature I never thought I'd have to go hunting for. An elegant, classic looking keyboard that types beautifully.
Very happy I bought it. I was not buying into the mechanical keyboard hype, but it really is a joy to type on, and now that I have one I can never go back. I only wish there was a good, affordable "ergonomic" style mechanical, sort of like the Microsoft 4000 or Microsoft Sculpt.
I can't help you on the affordable part, but Kinesis keyboards are mechanical.
Alright, i'll write here in case anyone experienced something similar.
I bought a CM Quickfire Stealth about 10 months ago. I love the thing, i love how it looks, i love the touch of the keys (cherry MX brown). I've been satisfied until i noticed something.
I dont know if it was there since the beginning because in my old apartment i didnt study on my PC desk. Now in my new apartment thats pretty much what i do most of my time. If i move the keyboard on the desk, 90% chance that it'll disconnect. As in lose USB connection. It takes a freaking long time to find the good alignment that will make it work again, its completely silly. Its fully in the connector before you ask.. And its not the USB end to the PC, but the mini-USB to the keyboard that screws up.
These fucking sale gimmicks like "removable" braided mini-USB cables are wrecking havoc in failure rates apparently. I've found a video of my problem. It affects the Quickfire series in general, if it as a removable mini-USB..
Here's the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoYpXoGPcr4
EVEN at CES 2014 Coolermaster demonstrated the problem by themselves! WOW QUALITY. Their new Stealth shuts down soon as he lifts it up and of course the dreaded mini-usb screws up. With the lights down, now it is truly stealth har har har.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt4TvdGt4i4&t=82
Now, after contacting CM support, i got presented with the usual tech bullshit of "did you try to connect it on another computer?" /sigh
It'll probably end up in RMA but why do i think that it'll end up the same anyway? Doesnt look like costar or CM even came up with a solution.
I know there's a few quickfire rapid/stealth owners here, anyone else experienced this?
I have a CM quickfire pro and I understand where you are coming from. That mini-usb port is a BITCH. I haven't had any issues with it though. I had read about this problem beforehand so when I got it, I put that thing in with a huge amount of force. It would connect but wasn't completely seated until I laid into it. Once I did that, I've moved it around a lot (every time I work from home I have to move it aside to put my laptop down) and I've never had a problem with it.
The port and angle really make it tough to get it seated properly.
I have 23 dead LEDs now. lol...
Rickenslacker
Banned
When I got my Filco with browns, red switches were fairly rare and difficult to come by but the ones I ultimately wanted. I think I might pick up a board with reds this year, but the question I've been tossing around in my head for a while is choosing between a full or tenkeyless board.
My current board is full, just because I was just so used to having a numpad there and the niche minor purposes I use it for would be enough justification. But going forward I think I'm coming to my senses and will just go for tenkeyless; every time I accidentally slam my mouse into my keyboard because they're too close together just makes me realize it's time to let go.
Sorry Diablo 2, I won't be able to spam your silly voice commands anymore. Sorry Pokémon, I won't be able to type out your acute accent with an alt code and will need to resort to copy pasting from elsewhere. But I must let go.
My current board is full, just because I was just so used to having a numpad there and the niche minor purposes I use it for would be enough justification. But going forward I think I'm coming to my senses and will just go for tenkeyless; every time I accidentally slam my mouse into my keyboard because they're too close together just makes me realize it's time to let go.
Sorry Diablo 2, I won't be able to spam your silly voice commands anymore. Sorry Pokémon, I won't be able to type out your acute accent with an alt code and will need to resort to copy pasting from elsewhere. But I must let go.
EdwardTivrusky
Member
Have a look at the Quickfire TK. I use a brown switch model with white LEDs at work. You use the Numlock key to toggle between the number pad being used for numbers or cursor controls. It will drive you mad until you get used to it but i found it worth it as the smaller size at my desk at work means my vertical mouse fits more naturally and i have to say that any twinges i used to get in my arms have gone now.
The plastic in the keys is thinner than my Shine 3 at home but for work i prefer the lighter touch and it was much cheaper than the Shine 3 too.
Have a look at the TK layout keyboards, i think there's a couple of models out there these days.
The plastic in the keys is thinner than my Shine 3 at home but for work i prefer the lighter touch and it was much cheaper than the Shine 3 too.
Have a look at the TK layout keyboards, i think there's a couple of models out there these days.
Rickenslacker
Banned
Thank you for the suggestion but I'm dead set set on another Filco for when I take that plunge. I like my keyboards being as plain as possible.
I think Tenkeyless is the right compromise.
I have a 66-key layout(KBT Poker 2) and having to hit the Fn key to get to WASD is too much.
Its more a fault of current software not being amenable to kb only operation than it is the keyboards fault. I navigate *nix terminals fine its just modern GUI software that is the kicker.
I am more interested at this point in something more exotic like a Datahand, alas they are ridiculously expensive being out of production.
StarCreator
Member
A couple months ago I got my first mechanical keyboard, a Tt eSPORTS something or other with Cherry Blue switches, after using a MS Digital Media Pro keyboard for nearly a decade. The only complaints I have are that there's no Calculator button and that work won't buy me one to use in the office.
I bought my KBT on my own dime. Leagues better than the laptop kb, but when we go out into the field i dont bring it.
They are very interesting. On YT you can see demos of them with users typing.
The impressive thing is how little your fingers need to move.
Alright, i'll write here in case anyone experienced something similar.
I bought a CM Quickfire Stealth about 10 months ago. I love the thing, i love how it looks, i love the touch of the keys (cherry MX brown). I've been satisfied until i noticed something.
I dont know if it was there since the beginning because in my old apartment i didnt study on my PC desk. Now in my new apartment thats pretty much what i do most of my time. If i move the keyboard on the desk, 90% chance that it'll disconnect. As in lose USB connection. It takes a freaking long time to find the good alignment that will make it work again, its completely silly. Its fully in the connector before you ask.. And its not the USB end to the PC, but the mini-USB to the keyboard that screws up.
These fucking sale gimmicks like "removable" braided mini-USB cables are wrecking havoc in failure rates apparently. I've found a video of my problem. It affects the Quickfire series in general, if it as a removable mini-USB..
Here's the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoYpXoGPcr4
EVEN at CES 2014 Coolermaster demonstrated the problem by themselves! WOW QUALITY. Their new Stealth shuts down soon as he lifts it up and of course the dreaded mini-usb screws up. With the lights down, now it is truly stealth har har har.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt4TvdGt4i4&t=82
Now, after contacting CM support, i got presented with the usual tech bullshit of "did you try to connect it on another computer?" /sigh
It'll probably end up in RMA but why do i think that it'll end up the same anyway? Doesnt look like costar or CM even came up with a solution.
I know there's a few quickfire rapid/stealth owners here, anyone else experienced this?
I guess I will avoid the Quickfire series recommendation. This keyboard will be resting on my lap and will be moved around a lot. When I tested it at the store I didn't like the high profile of the keys. Too much travel time to press.
I saw that this morning $41.99 for Corsair Vengeance K65 after rebate. I could still cancel my SteelSeries Apex RAW purchase but I think I prefer the benefits of it (Low profile keys, Macro keys, bigger keyboard size for my lap) even though it is not mechanical.
LiquidMetal14
hide your water-based mammals
Pretty happy with the Vengeance k70 I picked up last week. No problems.
I own a DK9008 Shine 2 with Blue Led cherry MX reds switches. Had it for about 14 months now. Working perfectly. Built a computer for my boss and she wanted the same keyboard so I got her one and its still perfectly as well. Love the feel of reds myself. She got hers with blues cause she likes the extra clicky noise. The symbol on the space bar is awesome- I love it!
This is harder than i thought.
I'm tired of this stupid Microsoft comfort 5000 with UK layout, i want a new keyboard, a mechanical one.
My only 3 requests being:
1. blue or at least brown switch.
2. Italian layout (i'm tired of guessing which is which)
3. back lighting (i don't care about fancy illumination patterns, but typing in the dark is a pain in the ass atm)
--
The only mecha keyboards i can find with an Italian layout are the Filco Majestouch 2, that are not retro lit, and the CM quickfire, which you guys were dissing a couple of posts above, for the shitty micro usb connection.
I've also seen a razer ultimate something something 2013 on Amazon that SHOULD have an Italian layout, but i've also seen the Razer shat on a bit here plus i'm not sure what switch they mount... what's your take, guys? I'd be using this mostly for typing, btw, so the layout is a must for me.
I'm tired of this stupid Microsoft comfort 5000 with UK layout, i want a new keyboard, a mechanical one.
My only 3 requests being:
1. blue or at least brown switch.
2. Italian layout (i'm tired of guessing which is which)
3. back lighting (i don't care about fancy illumination patterns, but typing in the dark is a pain in the ass atm)
--
The only mecha keyboards i can find with an Italian layout are the Filco Majestouch 2, that are not retro lit, and the CM quickfire, which you guys were dissing a couple of posts above, for the shitty micro usb connection.
I've also seen a razer ultimate something something 2013 on Amazon that SHOULD have an Italian layout, but i've also seen the Razer shat on a bit here plus i'm not sure what switch they mount... what's your take, guys? I'd be using this mostly for typing, btw, so the layout is a must for me.
Saw this pop up on slickdeals today
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GSPUES4/?tag=neogaf0e-20
It looks almost exactly like my CM Quickfire Pro, probably same mfg. But it's fully backlit and a great price. Don't know much more about it but it should be worth a look.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GSPUES4/?tag=neogaf0e-20
It looks almost exactly like my CM Quickfire Pro, probably same mfg. But it's fully backlit and a great price. Don't know much more about it but it should be worth a look.
Do the different mechanical keyboard switch types vary by the manufacturer? The closest electronic store in my area is Best Buy and the only mechanical keyboard I could try was the Logitech G710+ and I'm not sure if I like its Brown switches. I am heavy-handed, and the keys felt really soft to me. From my web searching, brown switches should be ideal for me since I do gaming and typing on my computer. Is that something I could get used to, or should I look at keyboards with Blue or Black switches instead? I have a $40 gift card for Amazon, so I would like to buy a keyboard there if I can.
Here's some of the keyboards I'm considering:
Black Switches
Monoprice Mechanical Keyboard Is this one the same as the Rosewill Apollo? It looks identical.
Perixx PX500 This looks similar to the tT Esports Poseidon, but with a white backlit instead of a blue one.
Blue Switches
Corsair Vengeance K70 This is also available in Brown and Red switches.
Brown Switches
Tt eSports MEKA G1 Prime Edition. I really like the large palm rest on this one. The reviews stating how solid it is make me interested as well. A slightly different version is available in White or Black on Amazon.
Max Keyboard Nighthawk X8 I think this is another keyboard like the Rosewill Apollo.
Tesoro Durandal Ultimate G1NL Is there a big difference between the G1NL and the G1N? I think the only difference is the G1NL has on-board memory for profiles.
Here's some of the keyboards I'm considering:
Black Switches
Monoprice Mechanical Keyboard Is this one the same as the Rosewill Apollo? It looks identical.
Perixx PX500 This looks similar to the tT Esports Poseidon, but with a white backlit instead of a blue one.
Blue Switches
Corsair Vengeance K70 This is also available in Brown and Red switches.
Brown Switches
Tt eSports MEKA G1 Prime Edition. I really like the large palm rest on this one. The reviews stating how solid it is make me interested as well. A slightly different version is available in White or Black on Amazon.
Max Keyboard Nighthawk X8 I think this is another keyboard like the Rosewill Apollo.
Tesoro Durandal Ultimate G1NL Is there a big difference between the G1NL and the G1N? I think the only difference is the G1NL has on-board memory for profiles.
Board manufacturers don't make the keys.
I just bought a Logitech G710. I was using a Rosewill with brown switches previously so I wasn't expecting this to be much different. Unfortunately, right out of the box, the keyboard was terrible. The rubber pads that Logitech put in to make it quieter sounds good in theory but it makes the keyboard feel like a cheap membrane keyboard. After pulling out all the keycaps and removing the rubber pads, the keyboard feels a lot better. It's still doesn't feel the same as the Rosewill even though they both use brown switches. The keys on the G710 feel like they have a bit more resistance. The larger key caps feel a lot better though, especially the space bar. Not sure if I prefer this over the Rosewill. Will probably have to give this a bit more time.
TheFNEffecT
Member
My K90 LEDs are still going strong, I don't really adjust them/turn them on and off.
I really wanna try an XTRFY keyboard, but...sigh..only in Sweden. Has anyone tried it? I'm a sucker for how their LED system works.
I really wanna try an XTRFY keyboard, but...sigh..only in Sweden. Has anyone tried it? I'm a sucker for how their LED system works.
So I've been using a Black Widow for a couple years, and I liked it quite a bit but it's started to break down. More specifically the "1" key doesn't register all my clicks (probably due to thousands of Dota hours).
I need to replace it with another mechanical keyboard. What I want to know is, which switches would feel similar to the Black Widow's, but be more quiet? I could do without the clicking at this point but I love the feel of the switches.
And are there any similar priced models I should be looking at?
Thanks
I need to replace it with another mechanical keyboard. What I want to know is, which switches would feel similar to the Black Widow's, but be more quiet? I could do without the clicking at this point but I love the feel of the switches.
And are there any similar priced models I should be looking at?
Thanks
Blackwidow uses MX Blue switches. The closest widely available switch without clicking sound is MX Brown; it's a bit lighter. MX Clear is also tactile/non-clicky, heavier, pretty rare.
There are plenty of good manufacturers; don't buy Razer. Leopold would be my mid-price pick, especially the tenkeyless models:
https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php
but it depends on what form factor and features you want. Logitech and Corsair offer extra buttons, macros etc. if that's your thing.