Realforce keyboards have (kinda) standard layout but I don't know much about OSX support.
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Lez talk mechanical keyboards
- Thread starter Scuba Steve
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Realforce keyboards have (kinda) standard layout but I don't know much about OSX support.
These keyboards look good. You seem to really know your stuff for this region. Are you in Japan?
I'm curious how these switches feel compared to Cherry * MX switches?
Well, the Realforce and HHKB are from Japan so you'll find them mainly there but no I'm not living there. There's nothing where I live so I have to import pretty much everything.
I purchased my first mechanical keyboard in 2008 IIRC, a Ducky with MX Black switches. Today I have 7 boards but my everyday keyboard is a Leopold FC660C (Topre switches).
I don't have any tactile MX switches keyboard so I can't really compare, but typing on Topre feels much better (imho). It also makes less noise (stock) than most MX switches, but it also depends on how you're typing.
In a working environment, you'll have to avoid clicky switches (blue, green, milky white) but if you want to keep the tactile feedback, you have brown/clear/grey switches, the brown being the lightest and much more common.
Thanks for the info about Realforce. I'll have a look at Yodobashi Camera this evening to see if they have any demo units.
From this link, it seems there are a lot of Realforce models, as well as a lot of lower-cost alternatives to Realforce. Being new to this world, it leaves me a little confused about where to start. I don't necessarily need the numpad, since I'm so used to typing on the regular MacBook Pro keyboard. I don't want to break the bank since I am new to the company, so I don't know how they'd feel about a 20,000¥ keyboard, but they have asked me to pick my own being aware that it might be a little more expensive than a standard keyboard.
I am also picking up a Magic Trackpad 2 which will make the cost of the keyboard look a bit lower proportionately, fortunately.
If you were in the same position and could narrow it down to a few boards from that link, which would you personally shortlist?
I really appreciate your advice!
Yes, you'll be able to test a lot of keyboards at Yodobashi, Cherry MX and Topre.
There's indeed quite a lot of different Realforce models. If we only look at the tenkeyless models (without dedicated numpad), there's the 87U and 91U. The first being ANSI layout and the other JIS layout.
After that you have different models for the switches weight. Some are «ergonomically weighted», ranging from 30gr to 55gr.
(picture taken from elitekeyboards)You also have uniform boards, with the same weight everywhere (30, 45 or 55gr). I'd recommend the 45gr because the 55gr can be tiring for extended session. 30gr may be too light, maybe you'll be able to test one at Yodobashi. Same for the variable keyboards, I don't really know how they feel.
There's also a silenced version (S), generally in 30 or 45gr but there's not a lot of them (and are more expensive).
I was planning to search for every reference from the Amazon page, but here's a breakdown of all the existing models if you want to know more about it : https://deskthority.net/wiki/Topre_Realforce#Tenkeyless
After looking at the list, there's not a lot of uniform 45gr boards, but here's my shortlist:
- Realforce91UDK-G (45gr uniform, JIS layout, Black on black keycaps -> can be difficult to read) Looks like it's the only 45gr board in JIS layout.
- Realforce87UB (30/45/55gr variable, AINSI layout, black on black keycaps too // white version)
- Any uniform 55gr, if you feel comfortable with it
If you come across a Type Heaven, these are essentially the same Topre keyboards but with cheaper case and keycaps (ABS plastic instead of PBT).
EDIT: also wanted to add, it's good that you have the opportunity to test the keyboards because Topre switches are not for everyone. You either like or dislike it.
PhillipCostigan
Member
Ordered everything. Went for the K70 LUX, the Novatouch and my WASD keys with Mac modifiers
hype \o/
hype \o/
Sounds like the Ducky One might be for you.
http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/page-en/ducky-one/
They offer exactly the combo you want (full size, blue switches, white backlight LEDs).
The only downside is that it only comes with volume keys and no play/pause button. But I'm sure you can reconfigure the calculator button to do exactly that.
I saw this but on the site the LED color seems to be blue, where can I get the white LEDs?
And aren't those volume keys above the numpad? It's just missing forward and back media keys......debating how much I really need that
edit: ah, I see they sell the white LED on other sites like Amazon but not from Amazon. Where is the best place to buy Ducky?
Haloid1177
Banned
So is there a company that makes good quality replacement keys? I'd really love for my k70 to have white keys, but all the ones I can find seem to be cheap quality.
I really like them too, this is from years of using browns/reds. I don't think they are 'squishy' though. The travel is more consistent to me over non-tactile cherries. There is also significantly less slop on the keys vs just about any other mechanical switch. Which is my primary beef with cherries.
Squishy might have been the wrong word. I couldn't describe it. It's just shorter, softer, and quieter I think. I felt it was too short actually. Kind of reminded me of the new Macbook keys but obviously not as short
What is slop?
I have several Topre switched keyboards (Realforce 87U 55g, Leopold FC660C, Novatouch, Happy Hacking Pro2) and I have the good array of MX keyboards as well as a Zealious switched Planck coming in soon (awaiting my order from Massdrop for months).
Topre switches are not like MX blues or greens and its not like the linear bottoming out of the MX blacks. Instead of the plastic-on-plastic hollow feeling you get from MX switches, the Topre was substantive and I could feel the larger variety of materials in each keystroke. Not to mention the more nuanced and variable tactility that the conical spring afforded over the small constant pitch compression springs in the MX. It feels, to me at least, that there is more texture underneath your finger tips.
If you are getting a Topre keyboard, pick carefully as they have very different characteristics. HHKB2's layout took me a very long time to get used to, and I still have to mentally switch my mind when I begin using it, but I love the touch and feel of it (its my goto when working in Linux or VIM); FC660C's layout by comparison is easy to pickup, and the 87U has easily one of the best PBT keycaps on the market in terms of feel.
If you are getting a Realforce I would recommend getting one with uniform actuation force if you plan on using it for gaming. Having different resistance on each of the WASD keys can be a little distracting. Also as most topre keyboards have PBT keycaps and an ABS space bar; I would considering finding a PBT spacebar.
brotkasten
Member
I'm probably getting the Filco over the Ducky, because I prefer the case/frame. It sounds weird, but I like the rounded edges on the Filco over the chamfered edges on the Ducky. It's a minor detail, but I know it would annoy me a lot. It sucks not having any media keys, though.
I'd check the Ducky Channel site for their distribution partners in your country.
http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/partners.html
I'd check the Ducky Channel site for their distribution partners in your country.
http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/partners.html
Any experience with Max Keyboard, guys? http://www.maxkeyboard.com/
I haven't seen many others who do custom keycaps for backlit boards. What I'd like is a backlit Colemak layout, but no one sells that out of the box. Fortunately one just needs 12 (or was it 13? can't remember) custom keycaps to transform a QWERTY layout fully into Colemak.
(I touch type fine and use a 100% blank keyboard; I just want backlighting to make gaming a tiny bit better and because it would look cool.)
I haven't seen many others who do custom keycaps for backlit boards. What I'd like is a backlit Colemak layout, but no one sells that out of the box. Fortunately one just needs 12 (or was it 13? can't remember) custom keycaps to transform a QWERTY layout fully into Colemak.
(I touch type fine and use a 100% blank keyboard; I just want backlighting to make gaming a tiny bit better and because it would look cool.)
What do you guys think of the Das Keyboard 5Q that was just announced on Kickstarter?
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1229573443/das-keyboard-5q-the-cloud-connected-keyboard
Looks kind of cool, basically using the RGB to show notification type information.
Seems they've developed their own switches with Omron. Will those be any good?
Also no mention of aluminum construction which I always thought was one of the best things about their old keyboards.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1229573443/das-keyboard-5q-the-cloud-connected-keyboard
Looks kind of cool, basically using the RGB to show notification type information.
Seems they've developed their own switches with Omron. Will those be any good?
Also no mention of aluminum construction which I always thought was one of the best things about their old keyboards.
Astral/H3X
Member
Why the fuck would I want to cloud connect my keyboard just to change colors?
That Kickstarter seems like a bad idea.
Omron have already produced switches for mechanical keyboards, Logitech uses them and markets them under the Romer-G name. I assume that these "Gamma Zulu" switches would be pretty much identical.
A internet connected keyboard is just asking to be hacked. Displaying notifications and customizable keybindings are neat features, but you shouldn't need to connect your keyboard to the internet for such features.
In my opinion Das Keyboard's greatest strength has been their sleek design, which is really missing from this keyboard. It seems like they looked at Corsair's keyboards and decided to copy elements of their design. The design and RGB lighting really go against the Kickstarter's marketing spiel about using the keyboard in a professional environment.
Why does Das Keyboard even need to use Kickstarter? Surely they can afford the R&D costs?
That is a gimmick if I've ever seen one. Look at a key to see the light color to see an update on your work? No thank you. I can't imagine many apps or sites supporting this kind of feedback.
And selling it with custom keys seems risky, since the feel of the typing is so important with mechanical keyboards. Won't people be weary? Although maybe it will just feel like the romer g as mentioned above. That one does indeed feel like Cherry Browns. Funny that they mention working on them for two years
And selling it with custom keys seems risky, since the feel of the typing is so important with mechanical keyboards. Won't people be weary? Although maybe it will just feel like the romer g as mentioned above. That one does indeed feel like Cherry Browns. Funny that they mention working on them for two years
Please help me out GAF!
I have a shit ton of stuff to write for my graduation and my current keyboard sucks. It's a Logitech G110 and the keys are stiff and "mushy" to the point that I can hardly work with it anymore. That might be because I'm used to my Surface Pro 3 keyboard, which is light as a feather.
Anyway I don't want to write my paper on my Surface and I wanted to get a better keyboard for my gaming pc anyway, so I'm looking for a good, affordable mechanical keyboard.
I did some searching and found the Logitech G610 Orion. It's a bit on the expensive side (109) but I can get it tomorrow which is a HUGE plus because I have to hand in some stuff on Monday (and getting a shiny new keyboard will motivate me to write
)
Thing is, I can't decide between Brown or Red. I love the light keys of the Surface so I'm looking for a similar experience for my desktop keyboard. I've never tried a mechnical keyboard in my life though so I have no idea which of the two comes closer.
The keyboard will be used a LOT for typing and I also want to game on it, but nothing crazy. Just the occasional FPS, nothing competitive. Also no MOBAs or RTS or whatever.
Anyone who can help me out? I need to decide by midnight.
I have a shit ton of stuff to write for my graduation and my current keyboard sucks. It's a Logitech G110 and the keys are stiff and "mushy" to the point that I can hardly work with it anymore. That might be because I'm used to my Surface Pro 3 keyboard, which is light as a feather.
Anyway I don't want to write my paper on my Surface and I wanted to get a better keyboard for my gaming pc anyway, so I'm looking for a good, affordable mechanical keyboard.
I did some searching and found the Logitech G610 Orion. It's a bit on the expensive side (109) but I can get it tomorrow which is a HUGE plus because I have to hand in some stuff on Monday (and getting a shiny new keyboard will motivate me to write
)Thing is, I can't decide between Brown or Red. I love the light keys of the Surface so I'm looking for a similar experience for my desktop keyboard. I've never tried a mechnical keyboard in my life though so I have no idea which of the two comes closer.
The keyboard will be used a LOT for typing and I also want to game on it, but nothing crazy. Just the occasional FPS, nothing competitive. Also no MOBAs or RTS or whatever.
Anyone who can help me out? I need to decide by midnight.
Please help me out GAF!
I have a shit ton of stuff to write for my graduation and my current keyboard sucks. It's a Logitech G110 and the keys are stiff and "mushy" to the point that I can hardly work with it anymore. That might be because I'm used to my Surface Pro 3 keyboard, which is light as a feather.
Anyway I don't want to write my paper on my Surface and I wanted to get a better keyboard for my gaming pc anyway, so I'm looking for a good, affordable mechanical keyboard.
I did some searching and found the Logitech G610 Orion. It's a bit on the expensive side (109) but I can get it tomorrow which is a HUGE plus because I have to hand in some stuff on Monday (and getting a shiny new keyboard will motivate me to write
Thing is, I can't decide between Brown or Red. I love the light keys of the Surface so I'm looking for a similar experience for my desktop keyboard. I've never tried a mechnical keyboard in my life though so I have no idea which of the two comes closer.
The keyboard will be used a LOT for typing and I also want to game on it, but nothing crazy. Just the occasional FPS, nothing competitive. Also no MOBAs or RTS or whatever.
Anyone who can help me out? I need to decide by midnight.
I have 3 mechanical keyboards (brown, blue, red switches). Blue provides the best feedback but is pretty loud, but red is a happy medium between blue and brown. I've been using my K65 keyboard for months now, and have retired the Logitech (brown keys) to the closet. Just doesn't provide that same feedback that I enjoy when typing, but they are good if you have a ton of people in your space and don't want to annoy them with keys.
longdi
Banned
I am liking red more than brown too.
brown has a slight tactile bump, but not enough feedback as blue to be considered imo.
Using this Cherry MX6 now, i like its lower height and closer spaced keys. It allows me to glide my fingers across like a membrane keyboard. Most mechanical keyboard key-to-key spacing is a bit wide for me to fast type. Aluminium exterior and large wrist pad too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBPKAF4/?tag=neogaf0e-20
brown has a slight tactile bump, but not enough feedback as blue to be considered imo.
Using this Cherry MX6 now, i like its lower height and closer spaced keys. It allows me to glide my fingers across like a membrane keyboard. Most mechanical keyboard key-to-key spacing is a bit wide for me to fast type. Aluminium exterior and large wrist pad too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBPKAF4/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Astral/H3X
Member
You have this mixed up, it's Brown that is in between Blue and Red. Reds are no click, blues are hyper click, and browns are soft click. Just to prevent any confusion.
That being said I'm not even sure I'd call Brown between either, since Red is just straight up "non click". It's an entirely different feel.
Deaf Spacker
Memb
I'm now the proud owner of a K70 Rapidfire, I think I'm in love.
D
Deleted member 102362
Unconfirmed Member
EDIT: Nevermind, circumstances changed for now.
Got my two G610 Orion keyboards today and I've decided to keep the Cherry Brown one 
. It's wonderful.
I was skeptical, but everyone that said "once you've used a mechanical keyboard you don't go back", is right. I wish I could bring it with me to work but I would annoy everyone with the sound.
. It's wonderful.I was skeptical, but everyone that said "once you've used a mechanical keyboard you don't go back", is right. I wish I could bring it with me to work but I would annoy everyone with the sound
.There's a Shine 6 coming out. And a Ducky Air.
Also, the Ducky One does have play and pause binded to the fn key layer.
http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/page-en/Ducky-One-TKL-non-backlit/
If backlight isn't important for you, look for one with PBT keycaps, you won't regret it. There are several combinations (black or white case, w/ grey & blue/blue/grey & white/white keycaps).
brotkasten
Member
Ducky has a One model without the backlight coming. I assume it would be cheaper, so if you're not into backlight, you might want to wait for that.
Yeah, ABS keycaps will eventually wear down and get shiny, it's just the nature of the material. If you want a rougher surface for longer, go PBT or POM.
I want DSA Dolch, but tossing down as much money as I spent on the keyboard on caps is a bit... much for me right now.
shiftplusone
Member
I currently have a steelseries 6GV2 as my mechanical keyboard which is still functional but I kinda want something new
That has cherry mx BLACK in them which most keyboards seem to have red and I dunno how i feel about changing switches.
That said, my wife has a blackwidow keyboard and I have a middle of the road opinion on the keys on that. It's like bootleg reds isn't it? I do type faster than I do on my own keyboard though (was hitting 128 wpm on the blackwidow when I do about 100 on my black switches)
I also REALLY like that it has mic and speaker connections on the side of it. I'd love that for mine since I have short microphone cords.
Is there a good option that has stuff like that, or should I just get the razer?
I also like the corsair k65 which is at best buy and I have store credit, and can switch to a USB mic if I had to. I also like that it has a built in wrist rest and 10keyless isn't an issue.
That has cherry mx BLACK in them which most keyboards seem to have red and I dunno how i feel about changing switches.
That said, my wife has a blackwidow keyboard and I have a middle of the road opinion on the keys on that. It's like bootleg reds isn't it? I do type faster than I do on my own keyboard though (was hitting 128 wpm on the blackwidow when I do about 100 on my black switches)
I also REALLY like that it has mic and speaker connections on the side of it. I'd love that for mine since I have short microphone cords.
Is there a good option that has stuff like that, or should I just get the razer?
I also like the corsair k65 which is at best buy and I have store credit, and can switch to a USB mic if I had to. I also like that it has a built in wrist rest and 10keyless isn't an issue.
momshotdad
Member
Just picked up the Corsair K65 and it's amazing.
Steelseries G7 has MX Black switches, mic and headphone jacks and two-port usb hub. There are a bunch of keyboards that are rebrands of the Chinese iOne XArmor U9. They all feature mic and headphone jacks and a two-port usb hub. Some of the rebrands are Rosewill Apollo RK 9100x, Max Keyboard Nighthawk X series and the Qpad MK-85.
Just got one of these, my first Ducky keyboard. Chose blue switches. Build quality is good on first impression.
Was using the Corsair Strafe RGB Silent, and while it was fine, I prefer the clicky tactile blue switches. It's been a long and expensive journey for me. Started with cherry mx brown switches, switched to clicky blue knockoffs (Kailh, I think?), switched to cherry mx silent (similar to reds, I think?), and now with the Ducky One I'm with cherry mx blues. I need to stop looking into this thread because it is a deep and dark rabbit hole.
Looks like Corsair's exclusivity period of the Cherry MX Silent Red switches has ended, as Diatec now offers the Filco Majestouch 2 with Cherry MX Silent Red switches. I think they are the first manufacturer other than Corsair to use the MX Silent switches.
Diatec English Website - Filco Majestouch 2 S
Diatec English Website - Filco Majestouch 2 S
Sparrowhawk
Member
Just picked up a K65 Lux and it's very nice. The lack of a number pad gives me more extra room than I thought it would.
Now with the Ducky you can easily change the keycaps. : D
Got a CM Storm Quickfire TK half a year ago and I want to spice it up with some custom keycaps.
Someone knows a good seller in europe? All i could find were stores in the US with expensive shipping.
I don't necessary want to change the whole keyboard because I know the bottom row of this keyboard isn't really the standard.
edit: forgot to mention I have MX switches.
Someone knows a good seller in europe? All i could find were stores in the US with expensive shipping.
I don't necessary want to change the whole keyboard because I know the bottom row of this keyboard isn't really the standard.
edit: forgot to mention I have MX switches.
I bought that one (Brown as well) about two weeks ago and I'm loving it. Typing feels great.
ukkeycaps.com, massdrop.com, ebay.com
banggood has white pbt keycaps for under 20$ with free shipping, but they won't fit the entirety of your keyboard, since it's a TKL set
http://www.banggood.com/PBT-87-Blank-White-Key-Caps-for-Cherry-MX-Keyboard-p-84084.html
if you want nice keycap sets you'll have to shell out for shipping costs
It's an OK keyboard, way overpriced, and it has a non-standard bottom row meaning most keycap sets won't be compatible with it.
Way overpriced? It's like 80$ on sale. Isn't that about the going rate for MX keyboards? There are certainly some that are way more. Any reason as to why it is just OK?
yeah, I'm considering it since I think the price is really good right now and it looks nice. I used a G710+ for some time and liked it a lot, I want something looking more simple and classy, so I'm not getting that one. I like how G610 looks like and don't really care about replacing caps. I can get it for about $90, I looked around and there are some Corsair keyboards around this range but look gaudy, are there really much better options at this range? I like how it has white lighting rather than red or blue or whatever. I have a Logitech G400 mouse and they share the same software, it's an added bonus to me to get a logitech keyboard and avoid installing yet another application, logitech software is pretty good too.