MX Reds are probably my least favorite Cherry MX switches, I would go for MX Brown instead. Also consider the FC660M as it is slightly more compact so you can keep mouse and keyboard closer together which is a bit more ergonomic.
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Lez talk mechanical keyboards
- Thread starter Scuba Steve
- Start date
MX Reds are probably my least favorite Cherry MX switches, I would go for MX Brown instead. Also consider the FC660M as it is slightly more compact so you can keep mouse and keyboard closer together which is a bit more ergonomic.
MX Brown it is then. I will use it for gaming primarily, and want to minimize noise.
I don't intend to replace the keycaps. Would the Leopold FC750R MX Brown PBT be preferable over the Filco Majestouch Ninja-2?
I have had a Filco for many years years now and it's great quality, but if I had to re-buy a similar board I'd get the Leopold for sure. Cleaner due to no logo, detachable cable, Cherry stabilizers instead of wires, and apparently also somewhat nicer plastic on the keycaps. Not that I'm bothered by the ABS on the Filco.
I prefer the blank key style over the "ninja" style, but if you see some utility in having labels, the "ninja" has the same long term benefit as blanks (stock keycaps with cheap printing won't start looking bad over time, since there's no print on the top for fingers to wear out).
I second the recommendation of MX Browns over MX Reds. The Reds are usually pitched for gaming, but I don't like their lack of feedback even in games. Can't go wrong with Browns. I did recently find a switch I like even better for gaming than Browns - the Romer-G used by Logitech in some of their gaming boards.
phantomspiker
Member
I'm torn between a Leopold FC750R MX Red or a Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 Tenkeyless MX Red for a first mechanical keyboard. They both have a nice minimalistic look to them:
I just got my Leopold FC750R with MX Browns a couple of weeks ago. Love the clean look and its built like a tank. Very pleased with my purchase.
I really prefer having the F keys for gaming personally.
*edit* The stock keycaps are terrific btw. I don't think I'll ever replace them.
After some days with my new Novatouch, I must say I'm liking Topre a lot.
Completely different feel to almost all of the other switches I've tried.
At first it was a little too heavy for my liking, even at 45g, but I have accustomed myself, and the tactility is great. Now I have to think about if it's worth the trouble disassembling the keeb and adding hyperspheres and the caps lock led.
Also, I kinda miss having a numpad, they are great when working on numerical things, but the tkl design lets me put the keyboard a lot closer to the mouse than before. Does anyone know of a cheap numpad to add to my setup?
Completely different feel to almost all of the other switches I've tried.
At first it was a little too heavy for my liking, even at 45g, but I have accustomed myself, and the tactility is great. Now I have to think about if it's worth the trouble disassembling the keeb and adding hyperspheres and the caps lock led.
Also, I kinda miss having a numpad, they are great when working on numerical things, but the tkl design lets me put the keyboard a lot closer to the mouse than before. Does anyone know of a cheap numpad to add to my setup?
D
Deleted member 22576
Unconfirmed Member
ok. this is the one. time to start saving.
Yeah, I've got my eye on ramaworks. I think they're pretty much made to order. Have you contacted him about pricing?
Thanks for the help. I ended up ordering a Leopold FC750R Cherry MX Brown PBT Black.
I also ordered a Leopold Keycap Esc PBT Red to customize it a little.
I will be upgrading from a Logitech K120..so it should be quite an upgrade.
edit: There's a Leopold FC980C PBT Black with Topre 45g switches, now I'm torn again.
I also ordered a Leopold Keycap Esc PBT Red to customize it a little.
I will be upgrading from a Logitech K120..so it should be quite an upgrade.
edit: There's a Leopold FC980C PBT Black with Topre 45g switches, now I'm torn again.
killertofu
Member
I know the 36 key was about a thousand dollars.
I just got in the group buy for the small macro pad.
D
Deleted member 22576
Unconfirmed Member
Nice!! Sadly I was caught with my pants down for that drop and can't quite swing it right this second and I think it ends in like a day.
Oh well. Next time.
I still have to complete my leopold fc660m, got a champagne anodized aluminum case a few months ago but haven't got the board yet for it.
killertofu
Member
I'm torn between a Leopold FC750R MX Red or a Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 Tenkeyless MX Red for a first mechanical keyboard. They both have a nice minimalistic look to them:
Leopold and Filco keyboards are nice, and I'd say Leopold products are a bit better than Filcos, but both cost way too much for keyboards featuring Cherry switches.
It'd be better to either get a cheaper keyboard with those switches (maybe others can help you with that), or in the case of MX Reds to increase the budget a bit and straight up get a Realforce, with Topre switches.
As for the latter, in many ways Cherry Reds are similar to Topres, but in the end Topres are softer and feel more expensive. Realforce produces the ones that have the best feeling of them all; like typing on a cloud and better than the HHKB2's, the Novatouch's and others. Getting one would be reaching the end-game with the first purchase, which is always a great thing.
Their best models are those that have 55g or 30g switches, all with uniform weight across the board. 55g is the go-to model, with 30g being quite a niche as it requires even less pressure to actuate than Cherry Reds. To me the 45g model didn't feel as nice as those two, and always quite disliked the models that have variable weights.
Source: Typing this on that very same Leopold, bought about six months ago. Two months ago I tried dozens of high end keyboards, in Japan, and actually bought a HHKB2 for a friend.
edit: The other alternative would be getting one with another MX switch, such as Cherry Blues, Browns or Blacks. If you are unsure about MX Reds then it'd be best if you could try those four, at a store or with the help of a switch tester, as they are quite common. TBH I don't like MX Blues, Browns nor Blacks, but among Cherry switches it's only a preference thing.
sixteen-bit
Member
Astral/H3X
Member
I couldn't help but laugh at that. Seems like the niche-iest of niche keyboards.
Teknopathetic
Member
"I couldn't help but laugh at that. Seems like the niche-iest of niche keyboards."
Also absurdly overpriced considering the Gaote/Outemu switches.
Also absurdly overpriced considering the Gaote/Outemu switches.
MillionStabs
Banned
I heard Reds are best for gamers, is that wrong?
TBH, it practically doesn't matter. Get what you like best, both in feel and in sound.
Remember that before mechanical keyboards got mainstream popularity, before marketing, the holy grail for gaming was a cheap Rubber Dome keyboard made by Samsung. After marketing, first the holy grail was advertised to be MX Blacks, and now it's MX Reds.
If you want to ... buy skill, then get a great mouse and a great mousepad..
Regarding the quoted text, I do like compact keyboards and think that they are better for gaming (unless using the good old "Russian Style"). The difference between the Leopold 750 and 660 models is very little, so it doesn't matter much.
Some months ago I got two 750s, for my office and for home/gaming. If you were to ask me today, out of Leopold products I think it'd be best to get a 750 for the office and a 660 for home, because I just learned on that one the Fn key replaces the Function keys. And considering the whole range (not only Leopold) and with a big enough budget, I'd Realforce all the things, even when they are larger than the 660 and than the always great looking HHKB2.
CarbonatedFalcon
Member
I got blue switches on my K70, but I had to get o-rings to dampen some of the noise.
If I bought it again (or when I buy another keyboard), brown switches are definitely the way to go. Blue is just exceptionally loud for me otherwise since I tend to bottom out keys, especially when gaming.
That's my recommendation.
If I bought it again (or when I buy another keyboard), brown switches are definitely the way to go. Blue is just exceptionally loud for me otherwise since I tend to bottom out keys, especially when gaming.
That's my recommendation.
killertofu
Member
Salivating tho
Avid Reading Horse
Member
I'm warming up to my keyboard with the reds. I'm giving it a week after giving the blues a week. I still like the sound on the blues but I'm starting to miss the lighter touch you get with the browns. I can tell I'm making more typing mistakes with the reds but it's great for games and I'm getting better. Starting to enjoy typing on them.
I'm starting to realize that there's really no way to know if you like switches unless you put in some real time using them.
I'm starting to realize that there's really no way to know if you like switches unless you put in some real time using them.
killertofu
Member
Are you just buying a lot of keyboards?
Mr_Kuschels
Member
How many keyboards do you guys own?
I really want to pick up a Vortex Pok3r 3 rgb with blue Cherry Mx switches but I cant really justify the purchase since I'm already owning a Ducky Shine 5 rgb with browns.
Do you guys own multiple keyboards and if yes, do you regret your decision to add a 2nd or 3rd keyboard to your setup?
I really want to pick up a Vortex Pok3r 3 rgb with blue Cherry Mx switches but I cant really justify the purchase since I'm already owning a Ducky Shine 5 rgb with browns.
Do you guys own multiple keyboards and if yes, do you regret your decision to add a 2nd or 3rd keyboard to your setup?
Astral/H3X
Member
I'm on my fourth keyboard...
Started with a Razer Blackwidow, got a Leopald cherry red TKL, then a Ducky Mini w/ blues, and now use an Ergodox with reds.
I guess I like fewer and fewer keys haha.
I stopped at 6 keyboards and I kinda regret because I'm mainly using only one now.
I first started with a Ducky 9008G2 (MX Black) and I still use it from time to time, depending on the games I'm playing (especially for D3) but my second board was the FC660C.. The Topre switches, the compact layout, everything is so muche better but I kinda wanted to test other MX switches.
So I went with a stiffer linear switch and bought a Varmilo VA87M with MX Dark Grey. Because there was some error in shipping, I received another one for free (??). I also bought the metal case for one but it's pinging so much it's unbearable. Also the switches are not so consistent.
I also have a Ducky YOTH, I absolutely wanted this specific edition and tried clicky switches (MX Green). It feels really good typing with it but damn it's so loud. The 60% layout itself is quite good but the addition of arrows on the FC660 make it so much better.
And finally I bought a Novatouch for a good price but in ISO layout unfortunately. Stock, the keyboard doesn't feel very good so I planned to swap one day the sliders with my FC660C but having different layouts, I will be missing 1 or 2 sliders I think.
That's it, but even though I wrote all that, I still kinda want another keyboard, to replace somewhat my first Ducky, which is full-size. Maybe going for a FC980M with Silent Red.
I have four keyboards, of which I really only use one. I have a Leopold FC660M with MX Blues which is my main keyboard. I also still have my CM Storm Quickfire TK Stealth with MX Browns which was my first mechanical keyboard. I haven't used it in years. I really should get around to selling it and my Realforce since I don't use either of them.
What kind of Realforce ?
Avid Reading Horse
Member
My earlier post went into (obscene) detail. KB w/ Browns died after many years. Got a little tester with six switches on it. Liked K65 but it's MX Red only, CM Storm not quite as nice to my eyes but had Blues that I thought I really wanted. I was willing to go up to $200 or so, and those two combined were about $130 so fuck it. I might give the one I'm not keeping to friend/family or just hold onto it as a backup.
I had to stop myself at 12.
But I have a ton of switches, keycaps and pcbs on order from groupbuys and taobao T_T
Found my perfect setup in a modded HHKB and Purple Zealio KUL ES-87 with Penumbra SA caps.
Topre Realforce 104UB-K45S. South-Korea exclusive model, 45-gram silenced Topre, 104key US ANSI layout.
sixteen-bit
Member
what's that top one?
killertofu
Member
They're both the M65-A. Top keycaps are called "SA Hacked by Geeks"
D
Deleted member 22576
Unconfirmed Member
I think if I were to get a ramaworks I'd wait until the 36key is available widely. That thing is too fresh. IDK.
I'm pretty curious/seriousabout the RS96 layout, and I don't even have a fullsized board so it will fill a hole.
I also have to admit the datamancer cherrywood case/topcover for the poker3 with the leather straps is pretty dope. Its only acceptable with actual wooden laser cut keys though, which would cost a boatload of money to get a full set of.
I'm pretty curious/seriousabout the RS96 layout, and I don't even have a fullsized board so it will fill a hole.
I also have to admit the datamancer cherrywood case/topcover for the poker3 with the leather straps is pretty dope. Its only acceptable with actual wooden laser cut keys though, which would cost a boatload of money to get a full set of.
Anyone have any suggestions for barebones Cherry Red keyboards? I've been tempted by the Gigabyte K83 for a while now and am wondering if any other good options have appeared since then.
babyshaq90
Member
Anyone ever order from corsair refurbished? I just got my k70 and apparently mine has about 8 keys that stick, the rather important ones like a, d, e, crtl and others. Any way I can fix this? I just feel like calling and asking for a replacement, the way it is right now makes it a pain to type.
super-famicom
Member
Rosewill RK-9000v2 is a barebones full size keyboard. No LED lights for the keys or anything, just a keyboard. I have the Cherry Brown version; it's my first mechanical keyboard and I really like it.
Mr_Kuschels
Member
I went ahead and ordered a white Vortex Pok3r RGB with Cherry Mx blues. I'm super excited and it should get here in a couple days.
Meanwhile I posted my Ducky Shine 5 in the BST thread to see if someone's interested in it.
Just made a fool of myself lol
Wanted into the Let's Split component GB (The trrs connectors are impossible to find in Europe), and seeing it was the last day, I bought it with some Matias QC.
And then it occurred me, I don't have a case for it. And the guy was going to have a later GB with the same components and the case...
In the end he's going to put aside my order...
Wanted into the Let's Split component GB (The trrs connectors are impossible to find in Europe), and seeing it was the last day, I bought it with some Matias QC.
And then it occurred me, I don't have a case for it. And the guy was going to have a later GB with the same components and the case...
In the end he's going to put aside my order...
Nardonicus
Member
I finally decided to take the plunge. I was having trouble justifying spending $100+ on a keyboard, but then I saw that Corsair sells refurbished keyboards:
http://www.corsair.com/en-us/certified-refurb?c=keyboards
Picked up a Strafe with Cherry MX Browns refurbished for only $55 after shipping. Just got it tonight but loving it so far. It looks and feels brand new. The only thing I am not crazy about is the textured space bar, but I might just replace it with one of these:
http://www.maxkeyboard.com/6.5x-spacebar-cherry-mx-keycap-1x6.5.html
http://www.corsair.com/en-us/certified-refurb?c=keyboards
Picked up a Strafe with Cherry MX Browns refurbished for only $55 after shipping. Just got it tonight but loving it so far. It looks and feels brand new. The only thing I am not crazy about is the textured space bar, but I might just replace it with one of these:
http://www.maxkeyboard.com/6.5x-spacebar-cherry-mx-keycap-1x6.5.html
Good buy. For $55 it is a steal.
EVen then, I don't like that the bottom row is non-standard. Some keysets are starting to offer support out of the gate, though.
You can. There's several threads about this on Geekhack and Deskthority if you're interested in trying/discussing it, and Shapeways sells keycaps.
That being said, they're cheap, but not that good. It's probably not a great idea for main keys.
mattiewheels
And then the LORD David Bowie saith to his Son, Jonny Depp: 'Go, and spread my image amongst the cosmos. For every living thing is in anguish and only the LIGHT shall give them reprieve.'
I'm looking for a Mac keyboard with the system's keys, and one that isn't black so it looks right with the setup. Anyone have a good recommendation?
Matias Keyboards are probably your best bet.
I've went mechanical crazy. Recently I've purchased the following:
1) Corsair K70 RGB Cherry MX Speed
2) Varmilo VB95 Gateron Brown
3) Rosewill Cherry MX Blue
I'm now looking to try a Topre keyboard. I can't seem to find one in any store, and the new RGB Topre keyboard is nearly $300! Does any one know any place in Seattle / PNW where they specialize in Keyboards? I don't want to drop $300 to "try" a keyboard out and find out its not for me.
1) Corsair K70 RGB Cherry MX Speed
2) Varmilo VB95 Gateron Brown
3) Rosewill Cherry MX Blue
I'm now looking to try a Topre keyboard. I can't seem to find one in any store, and the new RGB Topre keyboard is nearly $300! Does any one know any place in Seattle / PNW where they specialize in Keyboards? I don't want to drop $300 to "try" a keyboard out and find out its not for me.
Astral/H3X
Member
There's also getting a programmable one and custom keycaps, if you end up desperate enough.
mattiewheels
And then the LORD David Bowie saith to his Son, Jonny Depp: 'Go, and spread my image amongst the cosmos. For every living thing is in anguish and only the LIGHT shall give them reprieve.'
Think I found a good fit for a Mac, by Azio:
...and I also found this one by the same people. Hoo boy:
Anybody have experience with either of these? They both look pretty.
...and I also found this one by the same people. Hoo boy:
Anybody have experience with either of these? They both look pretty.
The vibe I get is they have saved a bit on the component quality and this isn't a top shelf keyboard, but the price is low enough to reflect that. Probably a decent buy unless reviews show substantial problems.
I recommend tenkeyless for superior mouse/trackpad ergonomics, but Azio only has fullsize boards. Matias ( http://matias.ca/products/ ) has boards with Mac-specific labeling in both formats. Probably a bit higher quality in some respects.
I'm not sure why you think black keyboards wouldn't fit a Mac. I'd think a matte black board is fine with an aluminum-and-black computer, and most quality mice are black as well.
QuantumSquid
Member
Got myself a Logitech G610 with MX Reds off Amazon. Should be a good replacement for the shitty $10 rubber dome keyboard I've been using since I built my PC in February.