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Lez talk mechanical keyboards

Ergodox kit just arrived in the mail. Will be putting it together with MX Clear switches -- should be interesting. Picked the clears so that the thing will be tolerated in the office.

I find it sad that ergo layouts aren't more popular.
 
I currently have a non-mechanical Logitech K750 (the solar keyboard). Have had it for one year now, and I actually like the way it feels, and no real complaints about it for the most part. I just want more functionality.

So -- I'm looking to upgrade to something that's either silent or close to it. Would like to have some extra keys for macro or just as extra inputs since I play a lot of Dota and binding certain things to closer keys would be nice. I've found myself accidentally overlapping keys for games that I need to use for streaming, and things of the like. Needs to have the numberpad. I use it far too much.

Any particular recommendations? As I play with people that have them, I just can't stand the loud clankity keyboards I hear over mumble, lol.
 
Something with MX Black or MX Red keys and thick dampeners would probably be your best bet. Those are both linear switches that you're encouraged not to bottom out, and the dampeners would reduce the amount of noise made when/if that does happen.

Noise comparison from WASD Keyboards: http://youtu.be/lFkl1Vet1eU
 
I currently have a non-mechanical Logitech K750 (the solar keyboard).
...
So -- I'm looking to upgrade to something that's either silent or close to it. Would like to have some extra keys for macro or just as extra inputs since I play a lot of Dota and binding certain things to closer keys would be nice. I've found myself accidentally overlapping keys for games that I need to use for streaming, and things of the like. Needs to have the numberpad. I use it far too much.
You could stick with Logitech and get the G710+.
If you didn't ask for macro keys, I'd point towards full-size Topre boards.
 
You could stick with Logitech and get the G710+.
If you didn't ask for macro keys, I'd point towards full-size Topre boards.

That's what I was looking at this morning. And then I forgot to get back to it and missed the sale on Amazon. Might go that route though. Thanks
 
I finally got a Cooler Master Trigger Z, with brown switch.

The keyboard is great and everything, but i can't seem to make those damn macro keys to work.

I open the software included, i set the first key to launch a program (Musicbee in this case) but when i press the key, nothing happens.

Kind of frustrating, as my old keyboard, as shitty as it was, had a couple of programmable keys that i had tied to various programs and got used to that fuctionality.

EDIT: Whatever, i opened a ticket with CoolerMaster, see if they can shed some light on this.
 
So to take this discussion a little back in time here is my all time favorite keyboard the omnikey 101.
eSHWz18.jpg


Was stored under stuff for a few years so i will have to get it repaired but there is a guy who has been repairing them since 92. Best typing keyboard i have ever used and revered almost to the same level as the ibm m and its bucking springs. It uses alps whites which are probably closest to blues but much better

I also have this natural style version with white alps, it is a knockoff of a better keyboard which and has a plastic frame which really increases sound level. Its good for typing but not that great.
4gj4c5L.jpg
 
Odd question, but does anyone know where I could buy a Mechanical Keybaord with keys labeled with both Korean and English?
 
Odd question, but does anyone know where I could buy a Mechanical Keybaord with keys labeled with both Korean and English?

Dunno if their webshop sells internationally, but Leopold makes some of the best mech keyboards and AFAIK most of their models are available with English + Korean keys in addition to US English keys.
 
Dunno if their webshop sells internationally, but Leopold makes some of the best mech keyboards and AFAIK most of their models are available with English + Korean keys in addition to US English keys.

Yeah doesn't look like they do. Can't enter my address :/

Thanks for trying though. Only ones I can find right now are the non-mechanical keyboards on Amazon, but I don't like the feel of those.
 
How do you guys feel about this Poker II?

I want a nice keyboard for my Razer Blade laptop when I hook it up to a TV, and call me shallow but this one matches the aesthetics pretty well. I wish they would make a bluetooth version but those are super spensive.
Quality should be fine. With any board as small as this, you should carefully research that the layout and use logic of the board is the way you want; it would make me nuts in no time if e.g. access to arrow keys wasn't to my liking.

Are you intending to use this from a couch (in which case the width and mass of normal tenkeyless might be a drawback) or is it still on a desk of some sort? What will you do about mousing?

For couch-type use I'd consider Apple wireless keyboard. They aren't mechanical, obviously, but they have an unmatched combination of Bluetooth + excellent layout + good build quality + good scissor keys + reasonable price. Since they ship with Apple desktops, you can buy them quite cheaply used or new-in-box from people who immediately switch to another KB. There's also a very convenient way to add mousing capability for couch use via Apple's wireless trackpad and, optionally, a third party thingy called "Magic Wand" which ties the two together. Those are all solid products.

Another non-mechanical choice with ultra-small form factor that has a great layout and better typing feel than scissor keys is Happy Hacking Lite2. I've used one for years before going mech, and still wouldn't mind using it if it wasn't for an unfortunate drink accident.
 
Quality should be fine. With any board as small as this, you should carefully research that the layout and use logic of the board is the way you want; it would make me nuts in no time if e.g. access to arrow keys wasn't to my liking.

Are you intending to use this from a couch (in which case the width and mass of normal tenkeyless might be a drawback) or is it still on a desk of some sort? What will you do about mousing?

For couch-type use I'd consider Apple wireless keyboard. They aren't mechanical, obviously, but they have an unmatched combination of Bluetooth + excellent layout + good build quality + good scissor keys + reasonable price. Since they ship with Apple desktops, you can buy them quite cheaply used or new-in-box from people who immediately switch to another KB. There's also a very convenient way to add mousing capability for couch use via Apple's wireless trackpad and, optionally, a third party thingy called "Magic Wand" which ties the two together. Those are all solid products.

Another non-mechanical choice with ultra-small form factor that has a great layout and better typing feel than scissor keys is Happy Hacking Lite2. I've used one for years before going mech, and still wouldn't mind using it if it wasn't for an unfortunate drink accident.

Hm, I was thinking of it as a nice little travel keyboard. So wherever I land during trips I can use it. So probably random desks and on my lap on occasion when I want to play some PC games on an HDTV. Cheers for the tip on the Apple keyboard, you're right that it might be a better choice. The Razer Blade already has scissor switches that are decently satisfying.
 
I am more interested at this point in something more exotic like a Datahand, alas they are ridiculously expensive being out of production.
I've been obsessing over this thing ever since you brought it up.

If I can find one for around $500, I need it.

The layout and how most of your muscle memory transfers over is the most amazing thing.
 
Hm, I was thinking of it as a nice little travel keyboard. So wherever I land during trips I can use it. So probably random desks and on my lap on occasion when I want to play some PC games on an HDTV. Cheers for the tip on the Apple keyboard, you're right that it might be a better choice. The Razer Blade already has scissor switches that are decently satisfying.
I have to point out that I'm only suggesting the Apple KB because of the wireless aspect and TV use. It's not going to feel any better than a good laptop keyboard; for that you have to look at the mech boards or good membrane boards. It would make little sense to use the Apple KB while at a desk using a laptop.
 
I've been waiting almost a month for Corsair K70s with Brown Switches to be restocked on Amazon. I emailed them yesterday, and they told me they have no idea when they're getting more, or if they're even getting more. This keyboard is sold out everywhere. Corsair has said nothing about it. People on their forums are complaining because they are having issues with the LEDs and they can't even get replacements. I know Corsair is aware of this issue and is working on it, but I'm about to give up and get the K70 with Red Switches, or should I just keep waiting?
 
Looks like WASD let me do my own custom design. I know who I'll shop from forever when it comes to keyboards.
At that price point, I seriously recommend looking at Topre boards if you don't already have one. To me, the Realforce 87U is clearly on another level compared to my Filco with Cherry MX Browns.

I would love to replace my Filco with a WASD, but the only reasons for that are the WASD's hardware-based Colemak layout and its Ctrl-Caps Lock swap that can both be toggled with a dip switch. These features would make the WASD a perfect keyboard for me to carry around when I need to temporarily use other people's systems. As long as it's my own computers, though, the Filco is just as good. I feel you can't get a much better look than simple blank tenkeyless.
 

For any 60% compact board the lack of dedicated arrow keys is often a deciding factor. I'm currently using a Poker II (Cherry MX Reds) but only as I had adapted to the layout prior to purchase and felt comfortable with it.

The backlit version also uses ABS keys, which will shine and wear over time, whereas the non-backlit version uses higher quality PBS keycaps. I chose the non-backlit, but it's a personal preference.

The Apple compact wireless board mentioned is probably a good choice, given it has both a dedicated Fn row and arrow keys, even if it's not mechanical. The Keycool 84 is another to consider which has an LED backlit option and the extra keys.

I've been obsessing over this thing ever since you brought it up.

If I can find one for around $500, I need it.

The layout and how most of your muscle memory transfers over is the most amazing thing.

This guy is actually recreating one over on Geekhack.
 
I'm trying to decide between a SteelSeries 6g v2 and a Cm Quickfire. What do you guys think is better?
The 6g v2 has a crap layout (no left Windows key), black switches which I absolutely hate, and is full length so it causes bad mousing ergonomics. I'd take any CM model over it, but would prefer the tenkeyless Quickfire Rapid.
 
The 6g v2 has a crap layout (no left Windows key), black switches which I absolutely hate, and is full length so it causes bad mousing ergonomics. I'd take any CM model over it, but would prefer the tenkeyless Quickfire Rapid.

I have read mostly bad impressions for the 6g v2, so, yeah. Going for the CM, then.

Thanks!
 
Can anyone point me to a good manufacturer for a Cherry Brown keyboard?
There are too many options and I don't know who makes good ones.

Happy to spend between $100-$150 AUS

I'd like a full keyboard, large backspace key and backlit


thanks
 
Can anyone point me to a good manufacturer for a Cherry Brown keyboard?
...
I'd like a full keyboard, large backspace key and backlit
If I was looking for a backlit board, I'd personally look at Ducky first. Then Coolermaster and Rosewill. The latter two have at least some, maybe all, of their mech keyboards manufactured by Costar. Costar also manufactures Filco and WASD, which are pretty much the high end in Cherry-based boards.
 
May I ask what you use to light behind your monitor?

Not this one specifically but something very similar. I kept it coiled and used painters tape to tape it to the wall behind my monitor. I tried sticking it to the monitor first but the tape doesn't hold as well. I'm sure there are more elegant solutions but I already had the led string.

Edit: this one
 
Can anyone give a beginner friendly explanation of all the different cherry colours. I've tried finding it myself, but everyone goes in extreme detail that doesn't make that much sense to me.

This would be my first mechanical keyboard and don't really know what to look for
 
Can anyone give a beginner friendly explanation of all the different cherry colours. I've tried finding it myself, but everyone goes in extreme detail that doesn't make that much sense to me.

This would be my first mechanical keyboard and don't really know what to look for

The OP of this thread would be a good place to learn, visuals and concise explanations.
 
Can anyone give a beginner friendly explanation of all the different cherry colours. I've tried finding it myself, but everyone goes in extreme detail that doesn't make that much sense to me.

This would be my first mechanical keyboard and don't really know what to look for

Short summary?

MX Blue = Tactile, clicky. Has a "bump" that you can feel and hear that happens as you press the key down. Considered especially good for typing, but plenty of people game with them. Medium stiffness. (50cN to actuate)

MX Brown = Tactile, non-clicky. Has a "bump" that you can feel but there's so actual sound when it happens. Equally well liked for typing and gaming, these are also quieter than Blues and take ~10% less force to actuate. (45 cN)

MX Red, MX Black = Linear. Feels like pushing down a spring, with no bump or click to tell you when they've actuated. Somewhat less liked for typing because of this, but it's not a major problem and you can potentially learn to feel where the key actuates and lift up your finger earlier. The only difference is the springs: MX Reds are light (45 cN) and MX Blacks are stiff. (60cN)

Here's an exhaustive summary.
 
At that price point, I seriously recommend looking at Topre boards if you don't already have one. To me, the Realforce 87U is clearly on another level compared to my Filco with Cherry MX Browns.

I would love to replace my Filco with a WASD, but the only reasons for that are the WASD's hardware-based Colemak layout and its Ctrl-Caps Lock swap that can both be toggled with a dip switch. These features would make the WASD a perfect keyboard for me to carry around when I need to temporarily use other people's systems. As long as it's my own computers, though, the Filco is just as good. I feel you can't get a much better look than simple blank tenkeyless.

Would I be able to make my own custom design? I absolutely need that Korean layout, and I'd like to avoid using stickers.
 
Would I be able to make my own custom design? I absolutely need that Korean layout, and I'd like to avoid using stickers.
Sorry, I already forgot that you were after Korean key labels specifically. I'm not aware of any other company than WASD offering that kind of customization. If you go for a Cherry board, I'm sure WASD is the easiest option.

Still, I would expect it to be possible to buy Korean boards from Korea, even if Leopold's webshop was a no go. It can't be the case that the only way to get a Korean layout in the rest of the world is by ordering a custom keyboard. Someone who understands Korean would probably have more success googling than I would. The other option would be to contact a local dealer/importer who carries the brand of board you want such as Topre, and check if they could get a Korean printed board in their next shipment.
 
Sorry, I already forgot that you were after Korean key labels specifically. I'm not aware of any other company than WASD offering that kind of customization. If you go for a Cherry board, I'm sure WASD is the easiest option.

Still, I would expect it to be possible to buy Korean boards from Korea, even if Leopold's webshop was a no go. It can't be the case that the only way to get a Korean layout in the rest of the world is by ordering a custom keyboard. Someone who understands Korean would probably have more success googling than I would. The other option would be to contact a local dealer/importer who carries the brand of board you want such as Topre, and check if they could get a Korean printed board in their next shipment.

I need the full layout. Checked a bunch of options I had, but they ended up being more expensive. That and they didn't do worldwide shipping. My only option is ebay and some rather ugly keyboards.
 
The OP of this thread would be a good place to learn, visuals and concise explanations.

My bad, the one time I don't read the OP it's got all the info I want.

Seems like I'll be going for the browns.

Does anyone know if you can swap out the space bar on the ducky boards? I like the swipe 3(?) but the snake on the spacebar really ruins it for me.

Shame that WASD don't have a backlit board
 
My bad, the one time I don't read the OP it's got all the info I want.

Seems like I'll be going for the browns.

Does anyone know if you can swap out the space bar on the ducky boards? I like the swipe 3(?) but the snake on the spacebar really ruins it for me.
Shine 3. You can swap out any keycap on any keyboard that has a mechanical switch, the only question is which keycaps fit. Ducky uses very standard keycaps. Here are shots of Ducky hardware:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1278250/ducky-shine-version-2/480
WASD compatibility chart shows the Ducky is compatible with most keycaps out there:
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/keycap-compatibility
 
Shine 3. You can swap out any keycap on any keyboard that has a mechanical switch, the only question is which keycaps fit. Ducky uses very standard keycaps. Here are shots of Ducky hardware:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1278250/ducky-shine-version-2/480
WASD compatibility chart shows the Ducky is compatible with most keycaps out there:
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/keycap-compatibility

Thanks for that. I'm one step closer to buying a ducky now. Just need to figure out which colour of backlit I won't get sick of.
 
Thanks for that. I'm one step closer to buying a ducky now. Just need to figure out which colour of backlit I won't get sick of.
Pink, if they still offer that. I almost bought a Ducky just for that backlight (before coming to my senses and recognizing I have two perfectly good kb's already). Really cool and refreshing color, and stands out from a sea of garish "gaming" boards. Pure white is not bad, but a bit boring.
 
Pink, if they still offer that. I almost bought a Ducky just for that backlight (before coming to my senses and recognizing I have two perfectly good kb's already). Really cool and refreshing color, and stands out from a sea of garish "gaming" boards. Pure white is not bad, but a bit boring.

I was actually considering it. I usually have my laptop keyboard set for pink. There is something about red and blue backlight that makes it look really gamey/cheapish.
Orange is another option.
 
Does anyone know where I can get a CM Storm QuickFire Rapid with brown switches and a UK layout? I originally got mine back at the end of 2012 from scan.co.uk, but they don't seem to have any in stock these days. Would like another one for work.
 
I was actually considering it. I usually have my laptop keyboard set for pink. There is something about red and blue backlight that makes it look really gamey/cheapish.
Orange is another option.

Heh, i went for it. I have a pink Shine 3 with brown switches and i'm not bored of it yet. It's really distinctive and will stand out at LAN parties for sure! I have it set to light up when i press a key rather than being on all the time and i've set the colour of the space key to Cyan for that 80s neon blue and pink look. Miami indeed.

I can also get away with saying it's Sinclair Spectrum magenta for the old-school homage effect ;)

Here's a grotty picture from earlier in the thread.
 
Have any of you used something similar to the Logitech G13 for programming?

logitech_g13_advanced_gameboard_2.jpg


I'm thinking it would be useful.
I've heard a number of programmers rave about them. It's worth nothing that Razer does have a mechanical version with Cherry Blue and Brown switches, called the Orb Weaver.
 
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