MisterNoisy
Member
Picked up a Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid (Cherry Blues) for use with the LAN party machine. Very nice tenkeyless/compact keyboard at a decent price.
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Lez talk mechanical keyboards
- Thread starter Scuba Steve
- Start date
blainethemono
Member
I have a Rosewill RK-9000 with cherry mx blue switches. Got it a couple years ago. Can't go back to any other keyboard now. I have a laptop with chiclet keys and I usually just plug the rosewill into it instead
I'd really like to get a tenkeyless with brown switches and maybe one with reds
I'd really like to get a tenkeyless with brown switches and maybe one with reds
Teknopathetic
Member
"Can someone explain to me exactly why you would pay $80+ for a keyboard when you can just get any old Dell or Logitech keyboard for like $15? I'm not being critical, just genuinely curious. I mean, all you do is press buttons on the thing, and as long as the thing isn't falling apart and the inputs are near instantaneous, why would you ever pay that much for a keyboard?"
Reasons why I decided to pick up a mechanical keyboard:
1) I have 4 membrane keyboards in my closet right now, all in varying states of disrepair. None were particularly abused and they've all been acquired over the past 2 or so years. I wanted something with better build quality.
2) Key Rollover. I play Tribes a lot, and that game generally requires you to hold down a few keys at a time (space + some combination of WASD) and while holding those, you also need to press keys for zooming, grenades, weapon switching, reloading, etc. Not all of the 4 cheap rubber dome keyboards I have can actually handle this. They'll block out Q or E or shift, or all of the above while I'm trying to ski. Not all mechanical keyboards are 6 KRO or NKRO, but I bought one that is capable.
3) Keys/switches in general. My ideal keyboard would actually be something like a scissor switch, but no one makes one that handles Item #2 sufficiently, so I got switches that require as little actuation force as possible (without spending 250-300$ on a Topre), though I think I'm going to buy some dampeners to shorten the throw.
If there was something cheaper that handled all 3 of those issues, I would've bought it.
Reasons why I decided to pick up a mechanical keyboard:
1) I have 4 membrane keyboards in my closet right now, all in varying states of disrepair. None were particularly abused and they've all been acquired over the past 2 or so years. I wanted something with better build quality.
2) Key Rollover. I play Tribes a lot, and that game generally requires you to hold down a few keys at a time (space + some combination of WASD) and while holding those, you also need to press keys for zooming, grenades, weapon switching, reloading, etc. Not all of the 4 cheap rubber dome keyboards I have can actually handle this. They'll block out Q or E or shift, or all of the above while I'm trying to ski. Not all mechanical keyboards are 6 KRO or NKRO, but I bought one that is capable.
3) Keys/switches in general. My ideal keyboard would actually be something like a scissor switch, but no one makes one that handles Item #2 sufficiently, so I got switches that require as little actuation force as possible (without spending 250-300$ on a Topre), though I think I'm going to buy some dampeners to shorten the throw.
If there was something cheaper that handled all 3 of those issues, I would've bought it.
MisterNoisy
Member
The Faceless Master
Member
so anyone try out the Monoprice Mechanical Keyboard yet? it uses Cherry MX Black switches. and 64 key Rollover...
JetBlackPanda
Member
For that price there are proven keyboard on the market. That alone keeps me from trying it out.
From my experience, Monoprice produces quality stuff across the board. I can't vouch for the keyboard directly, though. As others have said: there are well-known keyboards that are just as good for the same price.
ohhthegore
Member
So I won a $100 Best Buy gift card from work so I can finally jump into a mechanical keyboard. Looks like my only choices are the Razer BlackWidow, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, and Corsair K60 though. Any recommendations???
iirc the widows are blue or black switches, so I'd go with the K60 with red switches. Definitely ask to try them out if there are no display models, because there is a huge difference between the two.
Blue/black has the actuation points like you get with a rubber dome keyboard, reds are just up and down with no resistance.
Big Papa Husker
Member
I have a G11 and I am thinking about replacing it with a mechanical. Do any mechanicals have a volume nob or media keys separate from being function keys? I kinda like having a volume knob and separate media keys like the G11.
The only one I could find with media keys and a volume knob was the K60/K90 back when I was searching. I got the K60 and have been really happy with it for the last few months
I bought a K90. Loved it so much I bought another. (One for work, one for home.)
Sounds like they're both good. I really like the wrist wrest, seems like it works way better than I'd expect. Definitely looking into these.
I really like the feel of it.http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129003&Tpk=coolermaster quick fire
Really can't speak for the quality of that model (it's the newer one). Their older 10 Keyless Quickfire models are absolute steals. Literally rebadged Filco's selling for half the price. So if they're coming from the same source, they'll be recommended keyboards in the future.
My roommate has it - it feels fantastic. Only partially backlit if that matters at all to you.
Feels really, really solidly built and the MX Browns feel great for gaming.
Thanks guys. Backlit doesn't matter to me as long as it's not too bright. Can it be turned off?
I'm looking for a keyboard that is quiet and yet good for both typing and gaming, which is why I'm looking into cherry brown switches. Some of the reviews for this keyboard note that it's a little higher than normal ones. Is that an issue?
My current keyboard is literally the same model you see on desks in L4D1, so you're not alone.
Edit: Oh wow, the Rosewill Cherry Brown keyboard I had been eyeing is on sale right now:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823201042
I literally just ordered the Rosewill MX Brown keyboard from Newegg.ca since it's on sale for $80. It's a rebranded Filco Majestouch so it's not your typical Rosewill crap. A Filco typically goes for $150 up here so it seems like a great deal to me.
I've been considering a number of models but I really wanted a simple layout with Brown switches and decided to pull the trigger tonight on the Rosewill. As mentioned, the Cooler Master also has Brown switches. It's also $10 cheaper at Canada Computers if you have one near you.
WASD offers international shipping and they offer full customization, including damper rings if you're concerned about noise. Price is going to be higher than Rosewill though.
Yeah, I ended up pulling the trigger on that Rosewill as well. Maybe I'll order damper rings for it later if noise proves to be an issue.
Edit: After a week with this keyboard, I love it. The keyboard is physically smaller, the noise is perfectly fine (slightly louder than my old keyboard but nothing too intrusive), I type noticably faster, and I actually want to type at length because it just feels good to do so.
Edit: After a week with this keyboard, I love it. The keyboard is physically smaller, the noise is perfectly fine (slightly louder than my old keyboard but nothing too intrusive), I type noticably faster, and I actually want to type at length because it just feels good to do so.
TheContact
Member
I just got the Steelseries 6G v2 in the mail today. Typing on it right now. Holy crap this thing is amazing. I went from a Logitech G15 to this beast =)
It's a little loud, but for some reason I like that. It does feel like you have to put more pressure on the keys in order for them to register, so I can imagine that will increase the strain a bit more. Gotta work those finger muscles.
It's a little loud, but for some reason I like that. It does feel like you have to put more pressure on the keys in order for them to register, so I can imagine that will increase the strain a bit more. Gotta work those finger muscles.
Also got this. Pretty great, and seems on par with anything else for a super cheap price.
Picked up the Quick fire Rapid last week for $60. I wouldn't mind getting the reds but not at the cost of shipping and whatever else I'll get owned with from duty and taxes which could've doubled the price of what I paid for the blues.
I'll probably get some o-rings from home depot/wasd/braces elastics or just cut some rubber hose from a home depot.
I'll probably get some o-rings from home depot/wasd/braces elastics or just cut some rubber hose from a home depot.
ChoklitReign
Member
What are Alp mechanical keys like? What's their closest equivalent, why are they cheaper than other keys, and are they worth buying for a 1st mechanical?
Perfect Cha0s
Member
I've got a pretty urgent question if anyone could help me out.
A few days ago, a few of the switches on my blackwidow ultimate started sticking; they feel kind of deadened, sometimes take a second or two to pop back up, and have lost the click and tactility that the rest of the keys have.
I've tried cleaning them with rubbing alcohol and letting them dry out, but it has only made it marginally better, and most of the problem keys still have that "deadened" feel to them. This brought me to using some sort of lubricant on them, but I keep reading conflicting information. I have a can of DuPont teflon silicone lubricant, as well as a can of white lithium grease, but both of them have petroleum distillates in them, which I've read eats plastic.
Are there any specific cleaning tips or lubricants that any of you would recommend to fix this? It's been driving me nuts.
A few days ago, a few of the switches on my blackwidow ultimate started sticking; they feel kind of deadened, sometimes take a second or two to pop back up, and have lost the click and tactility that the rest of the keys have.
I've tried cleaning them with rubbing alcohol and letting them dry out, but it has only made it marginally better, and most of the problem keys still have that "deadened" feel to them. This brought me to using some sort of lubricant on them, but I keep reading conflicting information. I have a can of DuPont teflon silicone lubricant, as well as a can of white lithium grease, but both of them have petroleum distillates in them, which I've read eats plastic.
Are there any specific cleaning tips or lubricants that any of you would recommend to fix this? It's been driving me nuts.
I just tried the Denture Tab tip for cleaning the keycaps from my 1986 IBM Model M. Before and After pic of the same keyboard.
15 minutes and 2 denture tabs later, it's shiny and clean! Has a nice minty smell too.
Now I'm going to have to clean the rest of the plastics, which is going to be tricky as I don't have the right size socket to take it apart. Trust IBM to use bolts instead of screws... Found online that it needs to be a 5.5mm nut driver with thin walls.
15 minutes and 2 denture tabs later, it's shiny and clean! Has a nice minty smell too.
Now I'm going to have to clean the rest of the plastics, which is going to be tricky as I don't have the right size socket to take it apart. Trust IBM to use bolts instead of screws... Found online that it needs to be a 5.5mm nut driver with thin walls.
I know what you mean. I have a WASD keyboard at home but I don't think I can get work to pony up the money to buy me one for work. I'm considering just buying it on my own dime.
Magna_Mixalis
Member
Ah, this thread was just what I was looking for. Skimmed through most of the posts but didn't see anything that would answer my question, so here it is (complete with backgound exposition!):
I'm currently using a Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (Model Y-UY95) and I really like the keystroke feel, but I don't like the fact that I've worn out 2 of them in the past 2 years. I was looking at getting a WASD keyboard but am not sure which switches to go with. I was leaning towards the Cherry Reds, but some here complain about their action being too light.
So, keeping in mind my current keyboard, any recommendations on which switches I should go with?
I'm currently using a Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (Model Y-UY95) and I really like the keystroke feel, but I don't like the fact that I've worn out 2 of them in the past 2 years. I was looking at getting a WASD keyboard but am not sure which switches to go with. I was leaning towards the Cherry Reds, but some here complain about their action being too light.
So, keeping in mind my current keyboard, any recommendations on which switches I should go with?
CosmicQueso
Member
I bought a DAS on my own dime and it's been well worth the investment. Spend too long every day on it, might as well pay for some quality. But then again, I've had to bring in my own monitor and mouse too. =/
Are Blacks really that much better for gaming over Reds? I can't have a click so Blues are out of the question. Also, which keyboard seems to be the best in the sub $150 range? Don't care for extra function keys, just give me my query layout with a 10 key on the right. Backlit and extra USB ports would be bonuses, but not really required.
Ouch that is rough, but then again I'm using my own personal MacBook Pro to do iOS development.
out0v0rder
Member
do their keyboards really use a flimsy microusb connector?
nextgeneration
Member
I'm using one right now, and yes, I see a micro USB connection on my keyboard.
Big Papa Husker
Member
Well my G11 keyboard died tonight after I accidentally knocked a quarter can of coke zero onto it. I popped off all the keys and cleaned it up, but when I plugged it back in I am getting gibberish on some of the keys. The up key, for instance, cycles through Num Lock and Scroll Lock.
Anyway, are there any comparable keyboards to the G11 that you guys recommend? I think someone suggested the K60 earlier. Any others?
Anyway, are there any comparable keyboards to the G11 that you guys recommend? I think someone suggested the K60 earlier. Any others?
I ended up just bringing my WASD to work and using a cheap scissor-switch keyboard at home. I figured it was better off in the place I do the most typing. My keyboard is pretty blinged out, though, so I got a lot of comments for the first couple weeks.
Dis3ngag3d
Unconfirmed Member
Came here to post the OCN thread. Lots of great info in there.
The keyboard does have its own mini USB (mini, not micro) connector, but it's not nearly as flimsy as people make it sound. The two USB cables that came with the keyboard (one PS/2, one USB) both plug into it pretty solidly and I don't feel like it'll fall out on its own at all.
I actually rather like this design because it means I can unplug the cord right out of the keyboard and carry the keyboard/cord combination separately without worrying about wrapping the cable around the keyboard for temporary storage.
I'd suggest a DAS for your case.
If you can test them at a convention or something that is the best way, but honestly going from brown to red at a convention and having blues at home. It's not that different to me.
Blues to me are pretty light. Decide if you want a very light touch, or a slightly more resistant one to pick Reds/Blacks.