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[Justinh]

Also planning on going the 10keyless route for the next keyboard that I get because while I do use the numberpad... I really would prefer to have the extra real estate on my desk

I found myself reaching for the return key on the number pad often at first, but I love my new TenKeyLess, the Das 4c. I find myself getting better with the number line now too, which is great. I didn't realize how much I'd appreciate the extra space until I got it.

(while I love my new keyboard, I am switching the Greetech blues for some Cherry Blues and one Green for the Spacebar soon.)

 

[Fleshfeast]

Would red switched be a bad idea for a first mechanical keyboard? I don't type much, really just game chat and message boards. WASD+mouse covers 99% of the PC games where I use the keyboard. (I mostly play FPS and MMOs)

 

[Justinh]

Would red switched be a bad idea for a first mechanical keyboard? I don't type much, really just game chat and message boards. WASD+mouse covers 99% of the PC games where I use the keyboard. (I mostly play FPS and MMOs)

When people used to ask me which mouse to buy, I'd usually just tell them to go to Best Buy and get a feel for them and see how you like them, since they're all just sitting out anyways.
I reckon it'd be decent advice for someone wanting to get a mechanical keyboard, too. I'm pretty sure the Corsairs use red, at least some of them.

 

[manfestival]

I found myself reaching for the return key on the number pad often at first, but I love my new TenKeyLess, the Das 4c. I find myself getting better with the number line now too, which is great. I didn't realize how much I'd appreciate the extra space until I got it.

(while I love my new keyboard, I am switching the Greetech blues for some Cherry Blues and one Green for the Spacebar soon.)

You are actually going to make those sorta modifications? I see those on the boards here and there and just wonder how much all of that cost... making the perfect board and etc. My keyboard is using gateron blue switches and its pretty great feeling.

Would red switched be a bad idea for a first mechanical keyboard? I don't type much, really just game chat and message boards. WASD+mouse covers 99% of the PC games where I use the keyboard. (I mostly play FPS and MMOs)

like said before, I would recommend going to best buy and trying those out since they have a couple of red switches there that you can try out and see if you like. the corsair is red switch. the razer keyboard uses rebranded kaihl switches which are similar to a blue switch.

 

[hateradio]

However, I do wish there was a way that I could try using a topre and cherry mx brown.

If you live in the LA/OC (mostly OC) region, you can go to the EliteKeyboards storefront and try out some keyboards.

I went there recently and tried black, blue, red, brown, green, some Topre, and HHKB.

So if anyone lives near there, it's a good place to try stuff.


I was disappointed that browns weren't as great as I thought they would be.

But I found that blue and greens suit me well.

Topre and the HHKBs are really soft and subtle, but I need a little bit of a click.

The Leopold FC660M would be another good choice if the green switch version was available outside of the Massdrop group buy that took place a year ago.

For the RGB version of the Pok3r, according to mechanicalkeyboards.com it's estimated to release in March or April. It looks to be about the same price as the white backlight LED version.

Don't like the Leopold's awkward key placement on the right.

I suppose I can wait another month to see if they release that version. :?

 

[Aerocrane]

I was disappointed that browns weren't as great as I thought they would be.

But I found that blue and greens suit me well.

I suppose I can wait another month to see if they release that version. :?

Have you tried the MX Clear switch? It has a more pronounced tactile bump than the MX Brown switch and increased resistance after tactile point can help avoid bottoming out.

If the RGB LEDs are not something you know for sure that you'd want in a Pok3r, I really don't see the point in waiting since it can take as long as late April until the RGB version is available.

 

[manfestival]

If you live in the LA/OC (mostly OC) region, you can go to the EliteKeyboards storefront and try out some keyboards.

I went there recently and tried black, blue, red, brown, green, some Topre, and HHKB.

So if anyone lives near there, it's a good place to try stuff.


I was disappointed that browns weren't as great as I thought they would be.

But I found that blue and greens suit me well.

Topre and the HHKBs are really soft and subtle, but I need a little bit of a click.

thats the nice thing about being out there is that there is literally a store for everything. Same with new york city. You can find a store that has all of the niche market items and you can test them out. I live in tampa and while it is growing, it still lacks quite a bit in that aspect.

 

[Justinh]

You are actually going to make those sorta modifications? I see those on the boards here and there and just wonder how much all of that cost... making the perfect board and etc. My keyboard is using gateron blue switches and its pretty great feeling.

Yeah, I already have the switches and everything. I'm just gonna pass it off to my mother next time I see her to do it for me since I've had some...problems with desoldering stuff in the past and she does it for a living.

At first I was like "these still feel great, I don't know what everyone's problem is with Greetech." and used it for a week or so. When I plugged in my old Das Keyboard after getting used to the new one I was like, "Oh! Those really, really don't feel as good as these" but I still want to use a TenKeyLess and I love how this one is made (really sturdy with the metal front).

 

[Fleshfeast]

When people used to ask me which mouse to buy, I'd usually just tell them to go to Best Buy and get a feel for them and see how you like them, since they're all just sitting out anyways.
I reckon it'd be decent advice for someone wanting to get a mechanical keyboard, too. I'm pretty sure the Corsairs use red, at least some of them.

like said before, I would recommend going to best buy and trying those out since they have a couple of red switches there that you can try out and see if you like. the corsair is red switch. the razer keyboard uses rebranded kaihl switches which are similar to a blue switch.

Thanks for the responses, but the nearest Best Buy is more than 50 miles away, and I don't go out that far often. There might be something closer to me, but it's probably going to be a locally owned shop, so I'll have to look around.

 

[hateradio]

Have you tried the MX Clear switch? It has a more pronounced tactile bump than the MX Brown switch and increased resistance after tactile point can help avoid bottoming out.

If the RGB LEDs are not something you know for sure that you'd want in a Pok3r, I really don't see the point in waiting since it can take as long as late April until the RGB version is available.

I don't know if I did try the clears, but I'll check it out if I can.

I'm not in a hurry right now to buy it, so I think I can wait and see.

 

[Aerocrane]

I don't know if I did try the clears, but I'll check it out if I can.

I'm not in a hurry right now to buy it, so I think I can wait and see.

One thing to keep in mind when buying a Pok3r: backlight models have ABS keycaps, non-backlight models have PBT keycaps.

 

[pislit]

Im eyeing that poker 3, is it viable for a person who uses a lot of cursor keys? Otherwise, id pick a filco majestouch.

 

[Fugu]

BUCKLING SPRING LYFE

The newer Unicomps with the small form factor are amazing. I like the bigger Unicomps as well, but these are actually an improvement over the original IBMs.

And yes, that is a CRT monitor.

 

[Fret]

Just bought a CM Storm XTI with Brown switches

Wanted something super simple and futureproof with no "gaming" shit on it, im excited to check it out

 

[Aerocrane]

Im eyeing that poker 3, is it viable for a person who uses a lot of cursor keys? Otherwise, id pick a filco majestouch.

I guess when you say Filco Majestouch you mean the TKL version?

Using the cursors on a Pok3r takes time to learn, but using the DIP switch to change caps lock into FN makes using FN+IJKL easier at least in my experience.

There are a couple 60% keyboards that have dedicated cursor keys. The Filco MiniLa and the Matias 60% are the only ones that come to mind.
There's also Leopold FC660M (Cherry MX), Leopold FC660C (Topre) and Magicforce 68 that are a bit larger and have dedicated cursor keys (called by some 65% keyboards).

 

[Koren]

Im eyeing that poker 3, is it viable for a person who uses a lot of cursor keys?

I don't have a poker, but I use cursor keys a lot and I really like having them on IJKL, even on keyboards with dedicated arrow keys.

You really need to find a layer-switch key you're confortable with, though. I use Alt-Gr (right-alt) on normal keyboards, and a thumb key on 'dox, because I want to be able to use the arrows with a single hand. You can move the Fn Key, and indeed, turning Caps-lock into Fn seems to be a popular option.

 

[GreenMonkey]

BUCKLING SPRING LYFE



The newer Unicomps with the small form factor are amazing. I like the bigger Unicomps as well, but these are actually an improvement over the original IBMs.

And yes, that is a CRT monitor.

I was using an IBM Model M and an HP brand Sony FW900 until like two years ago (no room in my new place). Miss 'em.

Kept the model M in storage but using a laptop these days.

 

[manfestival]

I dont really feel like dropping a ton of money into keyboards but I think if I was to get a second keyboard or do my initial purchase over again.... I would go TKL. I mostly do gaming and trivial things at home and have no real need for the extra keyboard real estate but man I sure do enjoy using these gateron blue switches. I have kinda warmed up to the cherry mx red switch but it is definitely a little too linear for my taste but I wouldnt turn down being offered a red switch like that

 

[eek5]

Im eyeing that poker 3, is it viable for a person who uses a lot of cursor keys? Otherwise, id pick a filco majestouch.

Yes. I do web dev and I use a pok3r at work/home. Also game at home. I mapped FN+WASD as my arrow keys (similar to Poker II) and have capslock as my FN key so I can move the cursor around fine. The only times it gets weird are when you have to add modifiers (move cursor by word/line, move cursor by word/line + select text) but I've gotten use to it by now and can do those actions as fast as I did before.

 

[Fret]

I got my Quickfire XTi. It feels real good, but even with the brown switches this thing is pretty loud. Not much of an issue but still something to think about if any potential buyers are here

 

[Osiris]

Heads up for anyone from the UK looking for a cheap Mech:

Offer from Argos, CM Storm TK (Cherry MX Blue switches, Blue Backlight) - £32.99

The picture shows an XTi, but the EAN (product code) shows it's actually a Quickfire TK on offer.

Still, a great price for someone wanting to get started with an MK.

Ordered one for myself to keep me going until my "ideal" MK shows up, i.e. a UK ISO Layout, TKL, RGB Backlit, Brown Switches, without an ugly unusable font on keycaps (Razer Chroma T.E. I'm talking about you, that font is HORRIBLE).

Blues though, love them but my wife is going to kill me!

 

[garath]

I dont really feel like dropping a ton of money into keyboards but I think if I was to get a second keyboard or do my initial purchase over again.... I would go TKL. I mostly do gaming and trivial things at home and have no real need for the extra keyboard real estate but man I sure do enjoy using these gateron blue switches. I have kinda warmed up to the cherry mx red switch but it is definitely a little too linear for my taste but I wouldnt turn down being offered a red switch like that

I feel the same. I originally thought I couldn't live without the keypad but after paying attention to my habits I realize I'd much rather have the desk real estate.

I'd also go brown for next switch type instead of red. I do like red for gaming but typing is still pretty error prone for me and it's been like two years. I think brown might be the best compromise.

I can't justify another keyboard purchase though. Especially $100+

 

[Fleshfeast]

I dont really feel like dropping a ton of money into keyboards but I think if I was to get a second keyboard or do my initial purchase over again.... I would go TKL. I mostly do gaming and trivial things at home and have no real need for the extra keyboard real estate but man I sure do enjoy using these gateron blue switches. I have kinda warmed up to the cherry mx red switch but it is definitely a little too linear for my taste but I wouldnt turn down being offered a red switch like that

In college I built a Shuttle small form factor PC, and got a small TKL keyboard that would fit in the computer's carrying case. I used to LAN a lot. It's been 15 years and I still haven't gone back to a full sized keyboard.

Is there a name, or searchable term for keyboards that shove the arrow keys and Ins, Del, PgUp, etc over into the area around the return key? I've been looking at keyboards, and limiting my searches to tenkeyless, but I'd really prefer the more compact designs like the Happy Hacking Keyboard.

 

[petethepanda]

Aw, man.

So I picked up a K70 RGB (brown) with my last year of unused Amazon Bucks. Arrived today, messed around with it for a couple hours. If I only ever typed on the letters it would be fantastic (this is my first mechanical keyboard), but man, the Shift, Enter and Backspace keys are single-handedly ruining this thing for me. Mushy and awful. Thanks to my always-frigging-typing job my hands are increasingly susceptible to fatigue, and while typing out in the middle of the keyboard feels like a dream, having to hold down shift, press Enter or reach up for backspace (ring finger on that one) just makes my pinky sore. Hitting them anywhere other than dead center requires a lot more force than the other keys on the keyboard, and even hitting them dead on still feels weird.

Really not sure if this is something I can get used to, might just return it.

(I do enjoy the insane bullshit people have made with the CUE lighting profiles, though.)

 

[manfestival]

I feel the same. I originally thought I couldn't live without the keypad but after paying attention to my habits I realize I'd much rather have the desk real estate.

I'd also go brown for next switch type instead of red. I do like red for gaming but typing is still pretty error prone for me and it's been like two years. I think brown might be the best compromise.

I can't justify another keyboard purchase though. Especially $100+

Yeah I am also interested in going with a brown switch in the future to see how it plays out. I am not willing to shell out more than the 50 I have on the one board but I would certainly be interested in getting a second board and then selling off the one I have if I really like the brown switch enough. I do hear that people like the gaterons more than the cherry mx and the gaterons tend to be cheaper as far as switches go as well

In college I built a Shuttle small form factor PC, and got a small TKL keyboard that would fit in the computer's carrying case. I used to LAN a lot. It's been 15 years and I still haven't gone back to a full sized keyboard.

Is there a name, or searchable term for keyboards that shove the arrow keys and Ins, Del, PgUp, etc over into the area around the return key? I've been looking at keyboards, and limiting my searches to tenkeyless, but I'd really prefer the more compact designs like the Happy Hacking Keyboard.

Well a part of me wants to get a second and sell this one but then I fear that I would miss this one because I really do enjoy typing and using this keyboard at the moment. Only things that would make it perfect would be full rgb and TKL.

Also what you are looking for is the 60% keyboards. There is also https://www.massdrop.com/buy/magicforce-68-key-mini-mechanical-keyboard type. I would totally be into that type of keyboard if I traveled often and used laptops.

 

[BoosterDuck]

Logitech G710's (blue and brown models) are $79.99 on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009C98NPY/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Spoiler

brown switches are better than blue ones

 

[hateradio]

Logitech G710's (blue and brown models) are $79.99 on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Mecha...3688358&sr=1-1

Spoiler

brown switches are better than blue ones

Opinions though.

 

[n0razi]

Im looking for an 87 key (no Tenkey but full arrows) mechanical keyboard with cherry brown (or equivalent) keys and red led lettering... also removable USB cable. Any recommendations?

 

[manfestival]

Im looking for an 87 key (no Tenkey but full arrows) mechanical keyboard with cherry brown (or equivalent) keys and red led lettering... also removable USB cable. Any recommendations?

so basically this?

 

[Blitzhex]

Spoiler

brown switches are better than blue ones

I'm a linear guy, but cmon son. Brown is trash.

 

[Kesali]

Im looking for an 87 key (no Tenkey but full arrows) mechanical keyboard with cherry brown (or equivalent) keys and red led lettering... also removable USB cable. Any recommendations?

If you don't mind giving up the backlighting, the CM Quickfire Rapid does everything else that you want. I use one for work and love it.

 

[shiyrley]

I got an ozone striker pro, red switches, and I love it

 

[chifanpoe]

Custom Cougar 600k came in on friday. Mix of Brown and Black, loud and lovely!

 

[Novum_Veritas]

Got me the Corsair Strafe with Cherry MX red buttons, really great keyboard.

Here is the link:
http://www.corsair.com/de-de/landing/strafe

 

[n0razi]

If you don't mind giving up the backlighting, the CM Quickfire Rapid does everything else that you want. I use one for work and love it.

Thats actually what I have right now, I want to add the backlighting

 

[manfestival]

Custom Cougar 600k came in on friday. Mix of Brown and Black, loud and lovely!

Which keys did you go black and brown? I am curious about this sorta set up because while I love my blue switches, I think the space bar and the shift keys could probably be better suited with another type of switch but my experience is pretty limited since I am started to get into this type of hobby it seems lol


While chatting with some folks I came across this
http://www.amazon.com/GANSS/b/ref=b...13201640011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=GANSS
Looks like I am gonna go ahead and dive into getting myself a cherry mx brown switch here. I wanted a TKL and well... I did want to try out the brown switch

 

[twisted89]

So I'm having an issue with my Ducky Shine 5 I'm hoping someone can help with as I'm getting no response from Ducky's support;

If i enable ERP ready in my bios (s4+s5) to stop my portable hard drive from staying active when the PC has shutdown it appears to reset my keyboard lighting settings. From the patch logs it looks like the Shine 3 has this same issue but was fixed in a firmware update - of which the Shine 5 has none.

 

[Burgess_101]

I am wondering if anyone here jumped on the Argos misprice of the Quickfire Xti (I think?) that later turned out to be the TK?

£33, hoping I get a brown switch version.

I already have a Ducky DK9008 G2 Pro blue switch that I love, going to use my Quickfire at work.

 

[Neil_J_UK]

I've just upgraded from an old Logitech G15 to a Corsair K70. Love the keyboard, but I find myself making more typing errors than usual. It feels like the keys are taller than my previous/work keyboard, and as a result I'm hitting keys unexpectedly when moving between keys. That sentence had too many keys. Keys.

 

[Burgess_101]

I've just upgraded from an old Logitech G15 to a Corsair K70. Love the keyboard, but I find myself making more typing errors than usual. It feels like the keys are taller than my previous/work keyboard, and as a result I'm hitting keys unexpectedly when moving between keys. That sentence had too many keys. Keys.

It happens, you just have to get used to it. I had a tenkeyless keyboard for a while and when I got my new normal sized one, I was always typing one key to the left.

 

[Blitzhex]

Anyone know a good wrist rest, that matches up to the dimensions (low height) and sharp corners of the varmilo tenkeyless? Any material works, but I prefer some nice wood.

 

[Faith]

I don't like green and blue because of the noise. Black and clear are a bit too heavy! I like red and brown, but I can't decide which should I buy. I will use it 90% of the time for typing and 10% for gaming with my pretty decent rig.

Would the Corsair Strafe RGB Cherry MX Brown be a wise choice?

 

[Aerocrane]

Would the Corsair Strafe RGB Cherry MX Brown be a wise choice?

The Strafe has a non-standard bottom row, so if you ever want to customize your keyboard with new keycaps you are out of luck. It seems like a good quality keyboard otherwise.

 

[Mokko]

Has anyone had any experiences with the G.Skill RipJaws KM780 Keyboard? Reviews I've seen look decent but just wondering if anyone had any real experience with this keyboard.

 

[Faith]

The Strafe has a non-standard bottom row, so if you ever want to customize your keyboard with new keycaps you are out of luck. It seems like a good quality keyboard otherwise.

And it doesn't have media keys! Damn it.

What about the K70 RGB?

 

[Aerocrane]

And it doesn't have media keys! Damn it.

What about the K70 RGB?

The K70 also has a non-standard bottom row. It seems Vortex produced some keycaps that would fit the K-series bottom row, but it seems that set hasn't been released.

I don't really know if you should be basing your purchase on if the keyboard has a standard bottom row, unless you already know that in the future you'd like to customize it with new keycaps.

What are some of the features you'd like in a mechanical keyboard? It seems that you want at least Cherry MX Brown switches, RGB backlighting and media keys. And the keyboard should be fullsize.

You might want to look at the Ducky Shine 5, it is a fullsize keyboard with RGB backlighting and standard bottom row. It also has multimedia functions available through the function layer. The problem with the Shine 5 is that it is sold out seemingly everywhere and restocking takes some time as the keyboard seems to be in high demand.

 

[Faith]

What are some of the features you'd like in a mechanical keyboard? It seems that you want at least Cherry MX Brown switches, RGB backlighting and media keys. And the keyboard should be fullsize.

Cherry MX Brown switches, RGB backlighting, media keys, wirst support and good build quality because I'm spending that much money on it even though I'm pretty satisfied with my Steelseries Apex keyboard. That's all I need. I'm not really into customizing my keyboard.

 

[Aerocrane]

Cherry MX Brown switches, RGB backlighting, media keys, wirst support and good build quality because I'm spending that much money on it even though I'm pretty satisfied with my Steelseries Apex keyboard. That's all I need. I'm not really into customizing my keyboard.

Seems like the Corsair K70 RGB would be great then.

Has anyone had any experiences with the G.Skill RipJaws KM780 Keyboard? Reviews I've seen look decent but just wondering if anyone had any real experience with this keyboard.

I got to test it out after a friend bought one with MX Brown switches. It is well built, but I really disliked how the keys are raised quite high. I'd recommend that you test it at a store if at all possible.

 

[Faith]

Seems like the Corsair K70 RGB would be great then.

Thanks for your help, really appreciate it!

 

[Aerocrane]

Thanks for your help, really appreciate it!

You basically figured it out on your own, since you asked about the K70 RGB already.


I recently sold my Ducky Shine 4 with Cherry MX Clear switches and got a Leopold FC660M with Cherry MX Blue switches as a replacement as I needed a more portable keyboard and I liked that the FC660M has separate cursor keys.

Crappy phone picture: