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[StarCreator]

So is the double-register issue I'm having with my keyboard with Cherry Blues an issue with the keyboard or the switches themselves? I'm not typing any differently than I would on any other keyboard and I don't remember the issue being there when I first got it... and it's only been five months...

 

[Iced_Eagle]

Just got my Das Keyboard 4 Professional in (Cherry MX Browns). It's so amazing to type on so far!

With the "ruler" to prop it up, it's not as angled as I would like it though. The spacebar feels pretty high up, but I'll get used to it I'm sure. It's a big change coming from a Microsoft Sidewinder X4.

 

[Schrade]

Whatever you guys do, do NOT buy the Logitech G710+.

The posts on the back side of the keys that you slot into the switches have bad plastic that after repeated use will split and crack. I need to check and see if I am still within the 1 year warranty period on mine so I can get some repleacements but damn... what a pain in the ass.

Also, the other thing I don't like about this keyboard is the macro keys are alongside the left edge of the keyboard and too close to the normal keys themselves. They should be a bit more separated as I use the edge where the normal keys are to reposition my left hand to the proper spot without having to look at the keys.

Other than that I like the responsiveness and clickyness of the switches used in it and I also like the LED lighting. It's configurable enough for me with different lighting levels and choosing which zones to light up.

 

[garath]

Just got my Das Keyboard 4 Professional in (Cherry MX Browns). It's so amazing to type on so far!

With the "ruler" to prop it up, it's not as angled as I would like it though. The spacebar feels pretty high up, but I'll get used to it I'm sure. It's a big change coming from a Microsoft Sidewinder X4.

Mechanical keyboards seem to be a lot higher profile than other keyboards. I got a wrist rest for my CM quickfire pro and have been extremely happy with it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D8PYE2/?tag=neogaf0e-20

This is the exact one I bought.

 

[r4z4]

I've decided to go for a Ducky Shine 3 TKL with Brown switches and either the Blue or White LED backlights.

However everywhere in the UK seems to be out of stock I don't really want to compromise on one with Red LEDs.

Anyone in EU know of places where I can pick one up? Thanks

 

[Airan]

So is the double-register issue I'm having with my keyboard with Cherry Blues an issue with the keyboard or the switches themselves? I'm not typing any differently than I would on any other keyboard and I don't remember the issue being there when I first got it... and it's only been five months...

Oh god, this is a thing? I thought it was just the switches being too sensitive. I think I'll need to bust out the compressed air.

 

[dhonk]

I said I'd check in if my Filco Minila Air ever acted up and I can happily report this thing has never had any issues. I've had it connected to my jailbroken iPhone, complete with BTC Mouse and Trackpad installed. (AKA using my phone with mouse and keyboard.) Also an android phone, and my main use which is with my laptop.

I can endorse this thing heartily if anyone is looking for a wireless solution.

 

[brutes]

Can't believe people use this now when we were using them 30 years ago.
Hipsters gonna hipster i guess.

 

[DiabolicalBagel]

Can't believe people use this now when we were using them 30 years ago.
Hipsters gonna hipster i guess.

Can't believe people use cars in this day and age when we were using them over 100 years ago. Hipsers gonna hipster I guess.
I imagine if we started using something inferior like hand cranked carts, those hipsters would still be using their engines.

 

[Ban Puncher]

Got a refund for my thrice returned Corsair Vengeance K70 today. A shame as I really liked the keyboard, has everything I want and decent media controls without a lot of extra buttons I'd never use. Pity the LED's break if you breathe in their general direction.

What should I blow my money on? I'm about to lop my hands off if I have to type on this back-up 14 year old Microsoft Wireless any longer.

 

[br0ken_shad0w]

Got a refund for my thrice returned Corsair Vengeance K70 today. A shame as I really liked the keyboard, has everything I want and decent media controls without a lot of extra buttons I'd never use. Pity the LED's break if you breathe in their general direction.

What should I blow my money on? I'm about to lop my hands off if I have to type on this back-up 14 year old Microsoft Wireless any longer.

Shame about the unreliable LEDs on the K70, luckily I don't turn them on with mine.

There's that DAS keyboard mentioned a few pages back. More pricey however.

 

[Ban Puncher]

Shame about the unreliable LEDs on the K70, luckily I don't turn them on with mine.

There's that DAS keyboard mentioned a few pages back. More pricey however.

Checking out the Das Keyboard 4 Professional with Cherry Brown, doesn't look too shabby.

 

[garath]

Checking out the Das Keyboard 4 Professional with Cherry Brown, doesn't look too shabby.

On my shortlist of wants, the K70 is on top, the Das 4 pro is second. I'm really sad to hear about the LEDs on the K70. Hopefully they get that sorted.

 

[Ban Puncher]

On my shortlist of wants, the K70 is on top, the Das 4 pro is second. I'm really sad to hear about the LEDs on the K70. Hopefully they get that sorted.

I might hang out for the K70 RGB but that really depends on when Corsair bring it out.

 

[ElyrionX]

Whatever you guys do, do NOT buy the Logitech G710+.

The posts on the back side of the keys that you slot into the switches have bad plastic that after repeated use will split and crack. I need to check and see if I am still within the 1 year warranty period on mine so I can get some repleacements but damn... what a pain in the ass.

Also, the other thing I don't like about this keyboard is the macro keys are alongside the left edge of the keyboard and too close to the normal keys themselves. They should be a bit more separated as I use the edge where the normal keys are to reposition my left hand to the proper spot without having to look at the keys.

Other than that I like the responsiveness and clickyness of the switches used in it and I also like the LED lighting. It's configurable enough for me with different lighting levels and choosing which zones to light up.

I have this issue with the positioning of the macro keys as well. It's a huge pain in the ass.

 

[Iced_Eagle]

Mechanical keyboards seem to be a lot higher profile than other keyboards. I got a wrist rest for my CM quickfire pro and have been extremely happy with it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D8PYE2/?tag=neogaf0e-20

This is the exact one I bought.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check those out.

 

[badb0y]

Got myself a Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth. It's one of their new keyboards that comes with their own orange switches. Surprisingly this thing seems really well built and key switches feel really good compared to the blue switches I had before.
http://www.razerzone.com/store/razer-blackwidow-ultimate-stealth

 

[SmartBase]

Recently bought my second K70, this time with Cherry blues. Don't think I'll ever go back to the mushy switches.

 

[Ezalc]

GAF, I don't think I've ever had a mechanical keyboard but now that I'm looking for a new keyboard I decided to try one out to see how it is.

Thing is that I wanted something that is as close as possible to a Logitech G110. It has all the buttons I love, headset/mic mute, music oriented stuff on the right side, and it has a usb and headset port on the back of it.

I just find all of that really convenient and was wondering if there was anything like that, but had mechanical keys.

Anybody know of anything?

 

[br0ken_shad0w]

GAF, I don't think I've ever had a mechanical keyboard but now that I'm looking for a new keyboard I decided to try one out to see how it is.

Thing is that I wanted something that is as close as possible to a Logitech G110. It has all the buttons I love, headset/mic mute, music oriented stuff on the right side, and it has a usb and headset port on the back of it.

I just find all of that really convenient and was wondering if there was anything like that, but had mechanical keys.

Anybody know of anything?

Logitech G710
Razer BlackWidow
Corsair K70/K95
Steelseries 7G

Keep in mind, will be harder to find a mechanical keyboard that has all the bells and whistles since they tend to be minimalistic.

 

[Water]

Logitech G710
Razer BlackWidow
Corsair K70/K95
Steelseries 7G

Keep in mind, will be harder to find a mechanical keyboard that has all the bells and whistles since they tend to be minimalistic.

Actually, the models you list which have the bells and whistles are common and easily available since they are from major brands.
The real downside of those requirements is that there are no top-tier keyboards with all those features, especially none with headphone passthrough. I personally have a hard time seeing it as a convenient feature, though. Unless you are using a headset designed for mobile use that has extremely short cables, seems like it'd be messier than any kind of normal setup.

As for media buttons, if a keyboard doesn't have them it's a very quick job to install Autohotkey and set it up to interpret some function keys you don't need as media keys (or combinations that are easy to activate with one hand, like Win+F1-F4). A growing number of high-quality keyboards that do not have room for dedicated media keys offer them like that, except in hardware through a Fn + function key combination.

Of the high end boards, Das 4 has most of the asked features - USB hub and a bunch of dedicated media keys.

 

[Ashhong]

Quick note about the g710 USB port. It's extremely tight. I find it hard to plug and unplug stuff in it. Don't even use it really since it's not 3.0 anyway

 

[CPCunha]

After a couple of weeks with my WASD Code, i can now name it the best keyboard i've ever used. I got the cherry Green version cus i've always felt the blues a little too lite for my taste and it feels effing perfect. The O-rings take the volume from the keys down so i'm not thinking about it late at night. Oh and a detail i never thought i'd notice but i actually LOVE... the metal board sitting under the keys is painted white and it looks great.

...i'm a very happy typist.

"=0)

 

[josecitoxnyo]

Is there any place on the US where i can get a Corsair K70 with the spanish layout??? A friend of mine is travelling there next month and could buy me one. :/

 

[br0ken_shad0w]

Actually, the models you list which have the bells and whistles are common and easily available since they are from major brands.
The real downside of those requirements is that there are no top-tier keyboards with all those features, especially none with headphone passthrough. I personally have a hard time seeing it as a convenient feature, though. Unless you are using a headset designed for mobile use that has extremely short cables, seems like it'd be messier than any kind of normal setup.

As for media buttons, if a keyboard doesn't have them it's a very quick job to install Autohotkey and set it up to interpret some function keys you don't need as media keys (or combinations that are easy to activate with one hand, like Win+F1-F4). A growing number of high-quality keyboards that do not have room for dedicated media keys offer them like that, except in hardware through a Fn + function key combination.

Of the high end boards, Das 4 has most of the asked features - USB hub and a bunch of dedicated media keys.

For me, dedicated media controls (including a volume knob/roller) is one of the features that is a must have but hard to find. As far as I know, only the Logitech, Corsair, and Das have it.

 

[Hazaro]

Whatever you guys do, do NOT buy the Logitech G710+.

The posts on the back side of the keys that you slot into the switches have bad plastic that after repeated use will split and crack. I need to check and see if I am still within the 1 year warranty period on mine so I can get some repleacements but damn... what a pain in the ass.

Also, the other thing I don't like about this keyboard is the macro keys are alongside the left edge of the keyboard and too close to the normal keys themselves. They should be a bit more separated as I use the edge where the normal keys are to reposition my left hand to the proper spot without having to look at the keys.

Other than that I like the responsiveness and clickyness of the switches used in it and I also like the LED lighting. It's configurable enough for me with different lighting levels and choosing which zones to light up.

Guess the key dampeners wear out :/
That's too bad.

I'm using a Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 TKL with MX Blues right now. Would buy again

Spoiler

but probably won't have to

.

I'd hope so!

After a couple of weeks with my WASD Code, i can now name it the best keyboard i've ever used. I got the cherry Green version cus i've always felt the blues a little too lite for my taste and it feels effing perfect. The O-rings take the volume from the keys down so i'm not thinking about it late at night. Oh and a detail i never thought i'd notice but i actually LOVE... the metal board sitting under the keys is painted white and it looks great.

...i'm a very happy typist.

"=0)

You have a very nice keyboard sir/madam.

 

[DiabolicalBagel]

I'm very tempted at the moment to pick up a Ducky Shine III TKL in reds. Currently have a Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja and the browns are great for typing up reports/dissertations (and lord knows I have to write a lot), but they're just not quite right for gaming.
Would any of you dual keyboard folk say it's worth having separate boards for typing and gaming?

 

[perfect free]

I picked up this Topre Realforce 104UB-DK when it was on Massdrop a few months ago. It's an absolute dream to type on. I like it so much I'd consider getting a second tenkeyless one for use at home.

(Yes, the keys are colored a light beige and dark tan. I just realized there's a *lot* of beige and brown in my cube, haha.)

 

[Azulsky]

Flirting with the idea of getting an ergodox from the massdrop order

Does anyone here have one of them?

 

[IcyRhythms]

I want a Ducky but the ones that interest me are always sold out

 

[Koren]

Flirting with the idea of getting an ergodox from the massdrop order

Does anyone here have one of them?

I'm seriously thinking about building my own keyboard... I've been toying with buying a truly ergonomic TECK 209 or indeed an Ergodox. There's a couple of details I don't like on both, though. And at $200+, you want a perfect solution.

I'm just reluctant to buy an Ergodox kit and tweak it, because desiging the case/switchs supports scare me. Laser cut acrylic won't probably work since I want a non-vertical key under the thumb/palm and I can't find an affordable (and not too complex) 3D printing solution that allow a smooth case.

I'm also wondering about a confortable palm rest for an Ergodox keyboard.

I guess I'm alone on this here?

 

[Azulsky]

I'm seriously thinking about building my own keyboard... I've been toying with buying a truly ergonomic TECK 209 or indeed an Ergodox. There's a couple of details I don't like on both, though. And at $200+, you want a perfect solution.

I'm just reluctant to buy an Ergodox kit and tweak it, because desiging the case/switchs supports scare me. Laser cut acrylic won't probably work since I want a non-vertical key under the thumb/palm and I can't find an affordable (and not too complex) 3D printing solution that allow a smooth case.

I'm also wondering about a confortable palm rest for an Ergodox keyboard.

I guess I'm alone on this here?

On the palm rest part they have a full sized design that extends the board.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/massdropinc/product-images/massdrop-product-ergodox-au3.jpeg

The biggest complaint seems to be that the thumb sectors are too close to the regular sectors.

The other big issue with the case that Massdrop uses is that the screws are not countersunk so whatever surface you are resting it on it going to get raped.

This is a good writeup about the kit

http://adereth.github.io/blog/2014/02/12/building-an-ergodox/

I like the thin case on that page, with some lower profile keys it would be pretty awesome.

Seems like you could take the full sized case and have a wway to insert a wrist pad in it.

 

[Avid Reading Horse]

I like my Razer BlackWidow Stealth from a couple of years ago for the most part. The construction is just a little shoddy here and there. The most annoying example, the space bar doesn't lie quite even. The left side is higher than the right. Really, if it has to tilt, would be much better the other way around. And the keys in general are a little crowded. Not sure why they did that, but it doesn't seem quite standard size.

But, I will say this, it has managed to survive tons of abuse more or less intact. Maybe 4 major spills? After a previous spill the numpad zero key's LED went out. I figured for good. But after dumping half of my root beer float onto my keyboard, and giving it a bath... the LED is back baby. Keyboard is good as new.

I picked up this Topre Realforce 104UB-DK when it was on Massdrop a few months ago. It's an absolute dream to type on. I like it so much I'd consider getting a second tenkeyless one for use at home.

(Yes, the keys are colored a light beige and dark tan. I just realized there's a *lot* of beige and brown in my cube, haha.)

I love how that keyboard looks.

 

[eot]

Three years in and the text on my WASD keys on my Filco hasn't faded yet, not bad.

 

[adamantypants]

Is there any place on the US where i can get a Corsair K70 with the spanish layout??? A friend of mine is travelling there next month and could buy me one. :/

I doubt it. Just try to find a place that sells keycaps for your layout. WASD keyboards will sell you a custom layout, but for $47 USD.

 

[MrFrankFontaine]

Love my Corsair K70 mechanical keyboard that comes with MX Cherry red switches.

Best keyboard I have ever owned.

 

[Deleted member 125677]

I want a Ducky but the ones that interest me are always sold out

I have a blue key Ducky, it's the best keyboard ever

 

[Armaros]

Love my Corsair K70 mechanical keyboard that comes with MX Cherry red switches.

Best keyboard I have ever owned.

+1 for the k70, loving mine so far, no issues from what I can see.

 

[Pand]

Just got a Ducky Zero with Cherry browns. It's my first mechanical keyboard and my God...I'm never going back.

 

[StarCreator]

Picked up a Das Keyboard when it was on Woot. MX Blues were sold out so I decided to try out MX Browns. I pretty much hate it and want my MX Blues back. Need that actuation click.

The layout difference from my old keyboard is also making me constantly hit Windows key when I mean to hit Alt. It's getting seriously annoying.

 

[EdwardTivrusky]

Picked up a Das Keyboard when it was on Woot. MX Blues were sold out so I decided to try out MX Browns. I pretty much hate it and want my MX Blues back. Need that actuation click.

The layout difference from my old keyboard is also making me constantly hit Windows key when I mean to hit Alt. It's getting seriously annoying.

Damn, that sucks. Key layout and profile are the first things i tell people to think about when they're looking for a new keyboard. I've lost count of the different keyboards i've used over the years and some of them were unusable to me purely because the keys were too high or rounded or the shift was too short. I've realised i'm an ISO guy not an ANSI guy too, love that big ass L shaped return key.

At least with mechanicals you can usually get a decent return when you sell them on to fund the next board

PerfrectTree's Topre is gorgeous, i'd love that but ISO... shit i have the bug again. Curse you all!

 

[Koren]

On the palm rest part they have a full sized design that extends the board.

I'm late, but many thanks for the reply.

I was aware that there was extended ergodox, but I'm not convinced I'll like a hard surface (be it acrylic or plastic) for extended use as a palm rest.

But I the meantime, I discovered that Noko was doing leather palm rests for ergodox keyboards (store.noko.ca)

The biggest complaint seems to be that the thumb sectors are too close to the regular sectors.

I'm leaning toward a custom version of the keyboard, anyway. Something closer to the Nexus split keyboard.

This is a good writeup about the kit

http://adereth.github.io/blog/2014/02/12/building-an-ergodox/

Thanks for the link...

I recently found the geekhack forum (in fact, that's where I discovered the Niko adress). There's a lot of interesting discussion about special mechanical keyboards, like the Nexus-split I was talking about:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44940.0

 

[Water]

Damn, that sucks. Key layout and profile are the first things i tell people to think about when they're looking for a new keyboard. I've lost count of the different keyboards i've used over the years and some of them were unusable to me purely because the keys were too high or rounded or the shift was too short. I've realised i'm an ISO guy not an ANSI guy too, love that big ass L shaped return key.

At least with mechanicals you can usually get a decent return when you sell them on to fund the next board

PerfrectTree's Topre is gorgeous, i'd love that but ISO... shit i have the bug again. Curse you all!

For me it's the opposite. I'm an ANSI guy in a country that uses 99% Nordic ISO layout, and that means when I get a keyboard or a laptop, I'm stuck with it because a US ANSI keyboard/laptop is unlikely to fetch a decent price when resold.

 

[demosthenes]

I have a Rosewill mechanical keyboard. Recently I've been having issues with it where it disconnects from my computer. It only happens during Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3. Doesn't happen during CS:Go or other games so far. I can't tell if it's just due to the way I use it in those 2 games that it only happens then and it hasn't happened in another game yet or if it's those games. Anyone have any idea?

It comes back after a 5-10 seconds but it's getting really annoying.

 

[garath]

I have a Rosewill mechanical keyboard. Recently I've been having issues with it where it disconnects from my computer. It only happens during Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3. Doesn't happen during CS:Go or other games so far. I can't tell if it's just due to the way I use it in those 2 games that it only happens then and it hasn't happened in another game yet or if it's those games. Anyone have any idea?

It comes back after a 5-10 seconds but it's getting really annoying.

Maybe it's a connection issue? Try replugging the usb port firmly on both sides?

 

[Brick]

Just bought a Thermaltake Poseidon with brown switches. Getting really good reviews over on Newegg, but has anyone here used one before?

 

[Alexalder]

Just bought a Filco Majestouch 2 Tenkeyless with blank caps. 285$. I love living in EU

 

[StarCreator]

Just bought a Thermaltake Poseidon with brown switches. Getting really good reviews over on Newegg, but has anyone here used one before?

I have a Poseidon with blue switches that I need to get around to RMAing. It developed two switches (W and O) that keep double-firing. Became pretty much unusable since I was constantly having to go back and delete the extra letters off anything I typed.

 

[Dec]

Hey folks.

I'm looking into mechanical keyboards and I've been pretty much set on a k70, I've been having trouble deciding between red/blue/brown switches, but I know the differences and I'm sure I'll be hesitant even while I hit the order button.

Though with the issues I've seen regarding the LED reliability, the k70 RGB has caught my eye for more reasons than the lights. They've merged the LED with the switch in a way that it is shielded from ESD. It's very interesting to me but it seems like one of those things that I would love to have but would never buy for myself.

What are your thoughts on it? The list price is an extra $40 over the regular k70 ($130 -> $170) and it seems to have a few extra features over the base model.

Is the light system, the improved LED reliability and the other stuff (full keyboard, all key macroing) really worth the extra money? Is the LED problem a deal breaker on the regular k70? And what other keyboards do you think I should consider if the answers to those questions are no and yes.

Thanks.

Edit: Should also mention the k70 drew my attention because of the way the keys are on a flat panel which I would love for cleaning.

mmmm

 

[bbdude]

Recently got my hands on this keyboard:

It's an IBM Model F. Replaced a $3 keyboard from Microcenter. It's my first mechanical keyboard.

It's taken a bit of getting used to, but it's very nice to type on (albeit the loudest keyboard I've ever used). The keys have super-cool action to them. Pressing each key is sort of like pressing the trigger on a quieter NES Zapper gun with less force needed. The layout's a bit wonky. The Alt key where the Ctrl key usually is. The arrow keys are missing entirely, forcing me to use the arrows on the numpad. The Caps Lock sits oddly on the lower right. I've been hunting around for a nice key remapping utility, but I've started to get used to the layout. It's not a deal-breaker for me.

In terms of build quality, this thing is a freaking TANK. By far the heaviest keyboard I've ever lifted. Also, the legs on this thing are easily the most satisfying keyboard legs I've ever used. There's two knobs on either side of the keyboard that are twisted to open the legs. Popping the legs out and pushing them back in feels really nice.

So yeah.... anyone else got an old-ass IBM keyboard they're using? Didn't see any in the previous pages