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Lez talk mechanical keyboards

I need to get a new keyboard and figured I'd finally look into mechanicals. I've never tried one to test the various switches, but the thought of spending $10/16 on a sampler seems wasteful (considering you can't use it as a little hotkey hub or anything)

1) RGB (I really like the rainbow 1-key typing trails)
2) Quiet (usable close to others, no clicky)
3) Tacticle Switches (^ Definitely not Blue. Maybe Brown.)
4) Tenkeyless (I /never/ use the numpad)

Given that I never use the numpad, tenkeyless sounded like the most obvious initial filter, but I realized that having it there would just be more RGB and might limit my options too much.
I quickly stumbled onto the K70 RGB which looks amazing, but read about some LED issues. Which the newer Strafe RGB apparently solves..but the Strafe looks awful. The font looks like the Spider-Man/Early PS3 branding faunt, way too gaudy.
Then I saw the K65 RGB, the tenkeyless option which seemed perfect..until I saw it only comes with Red Switches (Unless you live in Germany or a few other areas). My tastes skew more towards MMOs than FPS, so Reds sound not great.
Looking back at the K70 RGB, I started to read a ton of the newer feedback skewing more towards the Ducky Shine 5, which I'm currently sitting on, but something I could grab off ebay/Amazon would be nice..
Is there any amazing Tenkeyless RGB Brown-switch notgaudy keyboard, or is the Ducky Shine 5 my best bet? Or is saving $45 worth grabbing a K65 instead?
 
Faith said:
Which LED issues? I already pulled the trigger :/
Click to expand...

Not knowledgeable about it myself, something about a hotfix enabling the 16.8 million color mode, but at the same time adding a flickering problem. Or maybe it's been fixed since. Definitely not a problem with the newer Strafe, which also adds a white bottom piece to better reflect the lighting. Something about an outdated LED controller they never changed..

Not something I'd lose sleep over (since I've read 16.8 million color mode doesn't make a discernable difference). But it, combined with the outdated branding of the K65 (they never revised the logo on it like they did the K70) makes me hesitant to buy one at this point. But it's definitely my favorite offering aside from the Ducky.
 
nerdstick said:
I need to get a new keyboard and figured I'd finally look into mechanicals. I've never tried one to test the various switches, but the thought of spending $10/16 on a sampler seems wasteful (considering you can't use it as a little hotkey hub or anything)

1) RGB (I really like the rainbow 1-key typing trails)
2) Quiet (usable close to others, no clicky)
3) Tacticle Switches (^ Definitely not Blue. Maybe Brown.)
4) Tenkeyless (I /never/ use the numpad)

Is there any amazing Tenkeyless RGB Brown-switch notgaudy keyboard, or is the Ducky Shine 5 my best bet? Or is saving $45 worth grabbing a K65 instead?
Click to expand...

I think the Rosewill RGB80 is your only choice if you want tenkeyless with RGB backlighting with brown switches. It has Kailh switches instead of Cherrys.
Kailh switches are clones of the Cherry MX, but they are considered to be just as reliable.

Also if you want a quiet keyboard, don't get a mechanical.

Faith said:
Which LED issues? I already pulled the trigger :/
Click to expand...

I think Corsair has two year warranty on the board, so if you end up having problems with the LEDs they will get you sorted out.
 
Aerocrane said:
I think the Rosewill RGB80 is your only choice if you want tenkeyless with RGB backlighting with brown switches. It has Kailh switches instead of Cherrys.
Kailh switches are clones of the Cherry MX, but they are considered to be just as reliable.

Also if you want a quiet keyboard, don't get a mechanical.
Click to expand...

Relatively quiet. That is, won't drive someone sitting nearby nuts like blues I feel would.

The 'MK Disco TKL RGB' comes with 'KBT Brown' switches and is 10keyless also. It even toutes a partnership with Ducky. Not the best looking keycaps though, with a very large retro looking font (I assume you don't normally replace these)
It's also pretty much the same price as a K65. Is it a good choice?

Edit: After some deliberation, and realizing how little I use the arrow keys (almost never), I think waiting until March/April for the POK3R RGB might be the best option..shame there's no MX Clear version to consider though.
 
Is the Cougar 700k good? That's been my top choice for a few months just haven't splurged yet.

I love the look of it plus I really like separate multimedia keys.

41EcnizPDtL.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Faith said:
aqulzrptzmytelbyrl7bepvjmn.jpg


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?
Click to expand...

how much did the switch tester cost you? just curious. Also check out the ganss if anything, good price unless you really REALLY want RGB
 
Hey guys, thinking of finally replacing a Logitech g110 I've been using for maybe 5-6 years now.

One issue I've come across while looking for an upgrade to a mechanical keyboard is that I would prefer having audio jacks for mic & headset as well as dedicated media buttons (though just media functionality would be fine too). The issue is it's hard to tell on a lot of pages whether or not a keyboard has the audio jacks or not.

I'm looking for one that has them on the top specifically.

Before anyone jumps on me about the audio coming through those ports being bad, it's about having my headset plugged in for programs like mumble and discord. I use my speakers for everything else.

Budget is relatively flexible as I have some Amazon credit to work with right now. Bonus would be a ten keyless (so no dedicated multimedia keys, but I never use the numpad). Thanks!

edit: Oh and in terms of switches I'm open to suggestions, though I'm leaning towards brown.
 
manfestival said:
Have you looked into the new cooler master keyboards coming out? The RGB on it looks absolutely amazing
Click to expand...
Link please?

I bought a Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Classic but the Razer green switches (basically cherry mx blue) really aren't for me so i'm trying to sell it but i don't know what keyboard i should buy to replace it. I tried my brother's K95 with red switches, which i find absolutely amazing, so i was headed towards the K70 (don't care about macro) with brown o red keys but it's a bit too expensive.

Are the new CM any cheaper?
 
Rodin said:
Link please?

I bought a Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Classic but the Razer green switches (basically cherry mx blue) really aren't for me so i'm trying to sell it but i don't know what keyboard i should buy to replace it. I tried my brother's K95 with red switches, which i find absolutely amazing, so i was headed towards the K70 (don't care about macro) with brown o red keys but it's a bit too expensive.

Are the new CM any cheaper?
Click to expand...

http://techreport.com/news/29568/cooler-master-gaming-keyboards-offer-switch-type-variety
the razer green are kaihl and they dont even feel as good as the cherry mx blue to be completely honest.
This keyboard isnt going to be any cheaper than the rest considering its going to be released soon. The bright side is that it will have some of the nicest RGB on the market. Regardless of what you do, its going to be expensive for what it is. I just dropped the cash on a second keyboard because I wanted to experience brown but there are some good deals out there for cherry mx clones that tend to do a better job than the originals. I am currently using gateron blues which many people find superior to cherry mx.
 
Hey y'all. So I have a CM Quickfire Rapid with cherry browns that I love. Yeah, the Batman keys are tacky, but the kb does the job and feels great to use.

Lately I am noticing some keys going dim (it's a fully back-lit kb.) Any advice as to what could be causing this?
 
After seeing the preview of the Cooler Master Masterkeys Pro S I think I may have to wait for that. It looks soooo nice.

I also looked at the Rantopad MXX which looks really nice too.

Both don't have the audio jack but I think the trade off of having TKL is worth it honestly.
 
manfestival said:
http://techreport.com/news/29568/cooler-master-gaming-keyboards-offer-switch-type-variety
the razer green are kaihl and they dont even feel as good as the cherry mx blue to be completely honest.
This keyboard isnt going to be any cheaper than the rest considering its going to be released soon. The bright side is that it will have some of the nicest RGB on the market. Regardless of what you do, its going to be expensive for what it is. I just dropped the cash on a second keyboard because I wanted to experience brown but there are some good deals out there for cherry mx clones that tend to do a better job than the originals. I am currently using gateron blues which many people find superior to cherry mx.
Click to expand...

That thing is sexy, i'll check it out. If it's under 200$ i might bite, otherwise if i have to spend that kind of money i'll just go with the K70.

I thought Razer ditched the kaihl to go with an in house solution but apparently i was mistaken, as they ditched cherry mx to go with rebranded kaihl. Good job Razer, you decided to lose customers and reduce the quality of your keyboards to save 2$.

Anyway i bought the Blackwidow for 79€ so it's not really a problem, i can sell it even for a low price without losing money.


EDIT: after reading the Guru3D review of the Corsair Strafe i think i'm gonna buy that, just have to decide between brown, red and silent switches.
 
AcridMeat said:
After seeing the preview of the Cooler Master Masterkeys Pro S I think I may have to wait for that. It looks soooo nice.

I also looked at the Rantopad MXX which looks really nice too.

Both don't have the audio jack but I think the trade off of having TKL is worth it honestly.
Click to expand...
I went ahead and bought the brown switch of the ganss personally because I want a TKL keyboard. However, I am absolutely in love with the pro s for its RGB. It basically is up there with the corsair strafe in apparently beauty in person. I just cant justify paying that much more for a light show of a keyboard. This will give me a blue gateron and a brown cherry switch. Cant wait to go from click clack to thock.

Rodin said:
That thing is sexy, i'll check it out. If it's under 200$ i might bite, otherwise if i have to spend that kind of money i'll just go with the K70.

I thought Razer ditched the kaihl to go with an in house solution but apparently i was mistaken, as they ditched cherry mx to go with rebranded kaihl. Good job Razer, you decided to lose customers and reduce the quality of your keyboards to save 2$.

Anyway i bought the Blackwidow for 79€ so it's not really a problem, i can sell it even for a low price without losing money.


EDIT: after reading the Guru3D review of the Corsair Strafe i think i'm gonna buy that, just have to decide between brown, red and silent switches.
Click to expand...

yeah it is rebranded and it really feels lower in quality as a switch for those razer switches.
The cherry silent is the same as the red. If you want full RGB then there are a couple other keyboards out there. It would even be worthwhile looking into a ducky shine 5 if you want a full keyboard but it seems like the corsair has the best looking rgb on the market until maybe those CM ones come out
 
Are there ANY places to get keycaps (SETS) in the EU? For a bit of a good price? (No €50 > ) Everywhere I look the sets are either 90 bucks or I have to pay loads of import. Bought a Vortex set on Massdrop once; never again.
 
MNC said:
Are there ANY places to get keycaps (SETS) in the EU?
Click to expand...
I may not understand the question, but WASDKeyborards offers a selection of MX Keycaps sets, including custom ones if you want. Unfortunately, it's ABS.
http://support.wasdkeyboards.com/

PimpMyKeyboard (the front store from Signature Plastics if I'm not mistaken) also sells a selection of keycaps sets, with different profiles and also PBT.
http://pimpmykeyboard.com/keysets/

Both should ship anywhere in EU?
 
Anyone know if there was any truth the to rumour that the new RGB K95s are coming back in the blues that the brand new Strafe got?

I need me some full size and macro keys that the strafe lacks, but otherwise the feature set is what I'm looking for.
 
Sorry if this isn't the proper place, but I'll try anyway. I bought a Corsair Strafe about a month ago, and I like it a lot so far. However, today I noticed a small bit of water between the b and v keys. I have no idea how it got there. I was using the key just fine before taking a nap, and once I woke up, I noticed that the b key kept registering itself multiple times.

I took the keycaps off and used a towel to dry the switches. That seemed to have fixed the b key, but the v key remains nonfunctional. I can't open the keyboard because I don't have a small enough screwdriver for the hidden screws, and even then, it looks like I need to get underneath the white board of the Strafe. I used compressed air to clean around the keys, and when I used it to clean underneath the white board, I could see slight movement as though there were moisture there. As of now, I don't see anymore movement, but the v key still doesn't work.

What are my options? Should I just let it sit overnight and hope it works tomorrow? It's been like this four about three hours now. If there's any water left, I can't get to it (and this was a very small amount of water). Can I take off the switch somehow? I notice there are some tabs on the switch, but pressing them doesn't seem to do anything.

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer. One more thing. I'm certain there's a way to fix this because shortly before the b key was corrected, pressing it also resulted in the v key being pressed. To be clear, when I pressed the b key, "bvvvv" would pop up.
 
Iron Badger said:
LED keyboards aren't even expensive, it's usually one crappy color. RGB boards though are what costs a lot.
Click to expand...

Yeah, usually $150 and up. I'm rocking an older RK-9100. I ended up (stupidly) spilling water so the numpad doesn't even work anymore. Before that it was rock solid.

11.JPG


Should I spend the extra $30 and go for Apollo 9100?

41r0xzl%2BXiL.jpg


Seems like its just a slightly different version of the one I got. I'd miss having usb ports if I do with the Posiden.
 
KingKong said:
Does a mechanical keyboard with media keys but without all the extra bullshit (macros, lights, extra crap on the side) exist? basically this + media keys
Click to expand...

Do you need dedicated media keys? Because there are keyboards (such as the Ducky Shine series of keyboards) where media key functionality is accessed through the function layer.
 
manfestival said:
yeah it is rebranded and it really feels lower in quality as a switch for those razer switches.
The cherry silent is the same as the red. If you want full RGB then there are a couple other keyboards out there. It would even be worthwhile looking into a ducky shine 5 if you want a full keyboard but it seems like the corsair has the best looking rgb on the market until maybe those CM ones come out
Click to expand...

I researched a bit and just wanted to post this, as some people may feel attracted to the BW Chroma because of the best lighting on the market, the Synapse software, the aesthetics of the Blackwidow, or maybe because they have a Razer mouse and want to pair it up with a Razer kb (or even a combination of all these things) but eventually decide to rule it out because of the Kailh switches.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7911/razer-blackwidow-ultimate-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-review/3

The article clearly states that, while Razer's marketing about their keys is... just marketing (you simply don't see the benefits of the lower actuation force, or the extended "life expectancy" of the switches to 60 million keystrokes), these keys don't feel in any way better or worse than the Cherry MX Blue. They are just the exact same, and feel the exact same. No difference whatsoever. It is also explained why they chose a different supplier for their switches, which (unlike what i suggested in my previous post) has actually nothing to do with price.

At this point i'd buy the Chroma Stealth, but they don't make it with layout ita so i just might end up buying the Strafe anyway.
 
Aerocrane said:
Do you need dedicated media keys? Because there are keyboards (such as the Ducky Shine series of keyboards) where media key functionality is accessed through the function layer.
Click to expand...

I'd like to, on my current keyboard I use autohotkey for sound up/down but it would be way nicer to have the full range without making 6 binds

It's funny, I'm running into the same issue I have with gaming mice where I'd like a high quality product that doesn't look completely ridiculous
 
KingKong said:
I'd like to, on my current keyboard I use autohotkey for sound up/down but it would be way nicer to have the full range without making 6 binds

It's funny, I'm running into the same issue I have with gaming mice where I'd like a high quality product that doesn't look completely ridiculous
Click to expand...

Take a look at Corsair K70 and Das Keyboard 4 Professional. Most mechanical keyboards that offer media key functionality have it available via the function layer, so no need for extra keybinding with autohotkey.

Do you have a preferred mechanical switch?
 
KingKong said:
I'd like to, on my current keyboard I use autohotkey for sound up/down but it would be way nicer to have the full range without making 6 binds

It's funny, I'm running into the same issue I have with gaming mice where I'd like a high quality product that doesn't look completely ridiculous
Click to expand...

Corsair K70 or STRAFE RGB?

And for a mouse, get a Zowie. Best quality, no bullshit tribal designs and best of all no shitty software to install! yay! I have a EC1-A but you can't go wrong with a ZA or FK series either.
 
Aerocrane said:
Take a look at Corsair K70 and Das Keyboard 4 Professional. Most mechanical keyboards that offer media key functionality have it available via the function layer, so no need for extra keybinding with autohotkey.

Do you have a preferred mechanical switch?
Click to expand...

impact said:
Corsair K70 or STRAFE RGB?

And for a mouse, get a Zowie. Best quality, no bullshit tribal designs and best of all no shitty software to install! yay! I have a EC1-A but you can't go wrong with a ZA or FK series either.
Click to expand...

Das Keyboard 4 looks perfect. I'll take a look at Zowie mice, my logitech g400 is still going strong
 
MNC said:
Are there ANY places to get keycaps (SETS) in the EU? For a bit of a good price? (No €50 > ) Everywhere I look the sets are either 90 bucks or I have to pay loads of import. Bought a Vortex set on Massdrop once; never again.
Click to expand...

I've used QWERKeys.co.uk but it's hit or miss if they have full sets in stock and they are moving their webstore at the moment so try again sometime later.

Full keysets will be expensive because they usually have 100+ keys in them and this custom stuff isn't cheap unfortunately. I've just settled with a few custom caps for now.
 
hey, can someone explain keycaps to me and what i should look for?

i don't know shit about mechanical keyboards, i just order whatever looks cool and works well and people recommend on /r/mech

first kb i bought was a 6gv2. really liked the feel of their keycaps. i decided to color it up and ordered blue keycaps from wasdkeyboards. put them on and they worked great, about the same feel as stock but with colors! i decided to upgrade to a ducky shine 3 TKL for the backlighting and to switch to blue switches. absolutely hated the feel of the stock keycaps, absolutely terrible, they were so damn slippery. i put on my waskeyboard keycaps again and it's all good.

i saw Royal Kludge Doubleshot ABS Keycaps on massdrop and they were only like 20$.

link https://www.massdrop.com/buy/royal-kludge-doubleshot-abs-keycaps (you need a massdrop account).

always wanted to try white keycaps.

did i screw up and ordered slippery ass keycaps again? how can i tell the difference? it was only 20$ so i dont care too much but yeah. i like colored keycaps so i will probably order more in the future so i need to educate myself.
 
So.. I'm a couch gamer but I want that click clack feeling of a mechanical keyboard.. So I obviously want a mechanical wireless keyboard. Are there any? Preferably with a good battery time.. Thanks in advance.
 
I bought a Corsair K65 mechanical keyboard recently. Cost £70 which I think is great. It took a while to get used to but I love it. I don't think I could ever go back to membrane keyboards again. I was using a cheap £5 keyboard I bought years ago and kept thinking if I really needed a mechanical keyboard. I was hesitant to drop £70 but now I feel like that's an amazing deal. Kinda wish I had just gone for the one with RGB backlight now. Not too bothered though.

Build quality of it feels absolutely solid. Most of it (solid) plastic but the front part is made of a nice brushed metal. I haven't tried removing the keys yet cause I'm terrified that I'll break something. I bet it's actually really simple and straight forward. Maybe one day I'll brave it. Also, this will be a lot easier to clean due to all the space it has under the keys.

Definitely would recommend it.
 
Rodin said:
I researched a bit and just wanted to post this, as some people may feel attracted to the BW Chroma because of the best lighting on the market, the Synapse software, the aesthetics of the Blackwidow, or maybe because they have a Razer mouse and want to pair it up with a Razer kb (or even a combination of all these things) but eventually decide to rule it out because of the Kailh switches.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7911/razer-blackwidow-ultimate-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-review/3

The article clearly states that, while Razer's marketing about their keys is... just marketing (you simply don't see the benefits of the lower actuation force, or the extended "life expectancy" of the switches to 60 million keystrokes), these keys don't feel in any way better or worse than the Cherry MX Blue. They are just the exact same, and feel the exact same. No difference whatsoever. It is also explained why they chose a different supplier for their switches, which (unlike what i suggested in my previous post) has actually nothing to do with price.

At this point i'd buy the Chroma Stealth, but they don't make it with layout ita so i just might end up buying the Strafe anyway.
Click to expand...

yeah it is fine. The thing is, you would probably be better off going with the corsair strafe if RGB is one of the biggest factors for you. If you are patient then the new cooler maste pro series is easily going to be the best on the market. Plus they look super sexy from that post I had earlier.

Btw I just got my ganss browns in. The keyboard feels fantastic compared to my blue keyboard but the switches of the gateron brown just feel way more satisfying to me so far. I am going to give it a give and see how I feel about it afterwards.
finally_zps3zqijg26.jpg

side%20by%20side_zps0cfhosim.jpg
 
I'm about to pull the trigger on a Razer Black Widow Ultimate, it's around €140, any reason not to or is there anything much better out there in the same price range.
 
danthefan said:
I'm about to pull the trigger on a Razer Black Widow Ultimate, it's around €140, any reason not to or is there anything much better out there in the same price range.
Click to expand...

Seems like the build quality is a bit iffy.

What's features in a board were you looking for? Full size? Ten keyless? Backlit?
 
Hands of Stone said:
Seems like the build quality is a bit iffy.

What's features in a board were you looking for? Full size? Ten keyless? Backlit?
Click to expand...

I'd like something relatively compact but I do want a number pad, so not ten keyless I guess. Backlit is definitely something I'd like too but not essential.
 
Got a nice bonus at work and thought I would potentially treat myself to a new mech keyboard. Right now I'm using a cherry mx red cm storm quickfire pro. It's good but not great. The partial backlighting is neat but I wish the whole thing was lit. I got the numpad because I thought I couldn't live without it but frankly, I can. I'd rather have the desk space. The other issue is the reds. Great for gaming but I've never quite mastered typing on it with the high degree of accuracy I used to have.

Thinking about maybe a tenkeyless brown or red. Backlighting optional but if it has it, whole thing. I'd like to keep it under $100 but I don't want to buy another so if it costs a bit more for better quality, so be it.

Kind of attracted to the new Logitech rgb keyboard but that's neither tenkeyless or under $100 lol.
 
garath said:
Got a nice bonus at work and thought I would potentially treat myself to a new mech keyboard. Right now I'm using a cherry mx red cm storm quickfire pro. It's good but not great. The partial backlighting is neat but I wish the whole thing was lit. I got the numpad because I thought I couldn't live without it but frankly, I can. I'd rather have the desk space. The other issue is the reds. Great for gaming but I've never quite mastered typing on it with the high degree of accuracy I used to have.

Thinking about maybe a tenkeyless brown or red. Backlighting optional but if it has it, whole thing. I'd like to keep it under $100 but I don't want to buy another so if it costs a bit more for better quality, so be it.

Kind of attracted to the new Logitech rgb keyboard but that's neither tenkeyless or under $100 lol.
Click to expand...


Any of of these 3 tickle your fancy?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DOWCQ0I/?tag=neogaf0e-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VDKLLM/?tag=neogaf0e-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A378L4C/?tag=neogaf0e-20
 
Hands of Stone said:
How about the K70?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JIVZUDY/
Click to expand...

WEW LAD

danthefan said:
Oh I like that. Little bit more expensive but think that'll do. Thanks for the help.

First mech keyboard, is there a go to switch? OcUK seem to have the full range of switches while Amazon just have blue.
Click to expand...

where are you from? what are your biggest concerns? my first mech was from monoprice and second one was a good deal for a limited time. rule of thumb is that red is for gaming and blue is better for those that care less about gaming.

I have used my blues for gaming and it worked just fine
 
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