Dis3ngag3d
Unconfirmed Member
Waiting on my Noppoo Choc Mini 84 USB NKRO with MX Reds to get here. Bought and fulfilled by Amazon. Can't wait to get that sucker and try it out.
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Lez talk mechanical keyboards
- Thread starter Scuba Steve
- Start date
CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
Saw some pictures, that looked like a gorgeous keyboard but I worried a bit about quality - Some people warned against kinda sloppy work on Noppo Choc Minis. Hope it works out well for you!
Dis3ngag3d
Unconfirmed Member
I did some forum trawling before the purchase because at first I was going to get a DAS. After reading a bit about how they changed manufacturing standards resulting in mushy spacebars I started looking for other options and saw some great reviews on this one. Very few unsatisfied people which seemed like a normal pool of bad luck to me along with some of the same warnings on build quality but it looked the instances were spread out and few. Hopefully trusting to luck I won't have that happen to me.
Thanks for the well wishes! I will definitely report back on my experience. This is my first mechanical so maybe it will have mushiness or other shortcomings I don't notice due to inexperience with these keyboards.
I disagree. My kit just came in today and I could tell right away I'll need to use red or black switches. The brown hitch I can't get used to and blue was never an option anyways due to the noise. Just going to test some more to see if red is actually heavy enough for my use or if I'll need to just use blacks.
edit: and while hitting a few keys won't give me a 100% feel on what typing/using the keyboard will be like at least I won't be stuck with something I'd never use
Apparently corsair is coming out with a K95 with all red switches
If they announce a k65 I'll be picking that up, as long as there are no issues with it this time around.
What was wrong with the 60? The K95 looks good other than the G keys to the left of the keyboard proper.
NintendoGal
Member
I'm not that experienced with PC components, but I met up with Roccat today and had them clarify something in the promotional video for the Ryos. When ordering the keyboard, you'll get to select which Cherry MX color you want.
Somebody probably already mentioned this, but I figured I'd try to contribute anyway. ;p
Somebody probably already mentioned this, but I figured I'd try to contribute anyway. ;p
Occasionally a key will get stuck and will infinitely repeat. It's very rare but it's incredibly annoying when it happens, and should not be a problem on any keyboard, let alone one that costs ~$100.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
Are Das Keyboards preferable to Filco?
No. It's rather the other way round. But Filcos are more expensive.
Not particularly, unless you really want USB ports on your keyboard. I prefer the non-glossy finish, and Filco makes many more types of keyboards so I think I'd say it is probably the other way around (but only just).
eot
Banned
I disagree. My kit just came in today and I could tell right away I'll need to use red or black switches. The brown hitch I can't get used to and blue was never an option anyways due to the noise. Just going to test some more to see if red is actually heavy enough for my use or if I'll need to just use blacks.
edit: and while hitting a few keys won't give me a 100% feel on what typing/using the keyboard will be like at least I won't be stuck with something I'd never use
I'll be curious to hear what you think when you get your keyboard and use it for a while. I mean, some people like really heavy keys but you should make sure they're comfortable to press even in situations like reaching for a key with your pinky. Blacks can also give you a bit of finger fatigue when typing a lot, as weird as that may sound. That's why I think a test board like that might be deceptive.
Thanks, I'll probably pick up the orbweaver when it gets back in stock
Pretty much the nostromo but with mech mx blues and more keys
Ooh, that's not too shabby.
Anyone know what keys the Blackwidow is?
http://www.razerzone.com/store/razer-blackwidow-2013
It says mechanical but not what type. Come on Razer, that stuff is important. It says 50g actuation force so can't be red.
edit:
Ooh, the stealth one says 45g actuation force. That might be cherry red?? If so, $50 is a fantastic price. Can anyone confirm? Razer mechanical keyboards good quality?
http://www.razerzone.com/store/razer-blackwidow-stealth-edition-2013
I loved my nostromo for many many years. Wonderful device for fps gaming. I eventually had to give it up because the thumb pad was squeaking and some of the keys were getting less responsive. I don't FPS game as seriously anymore or I'd consider the Orbweaver. That's a cool looking device.
memecomplex
Member
I don't recall Razer ever using reds... I have no idea why, reds are the best!
That's really good to hear. Reafirms it as top of my short list of keyboards to watch for a good price on.
Boo
I want red, not brown. I probably would have been in for the $50 price if they were reds. Thanks for the info though. I had trouble finding it.Yep.
BlackWidows are pretty well designed though, I'll give Razer credit where it is due. The BlackWidow Tournament edition at $40 with that discount code is pretty hard to beat, if you like Cherry Blue switches.
For me personally, reds only, though I can understand people liking browns and blacks as well. Blues are great for typing, but strange for gaming, and unbearably loud.
*edit*
Also, for folks that want a small keyboard and a tenkey, the CM Quick Fire Rapid TK drops the directional keys and insert/home section, and puts a tenkey there.
Danne-Danger
Member
Aren't BlackWidows 2KRO only? Maybe it's only the 'ultimate'-edition?
It's obvious not perfect N-key since they're USB, but it's definitely more than 2. I think they did one of those tricks where the whole left side of the keyboard is set up to support a lot of common combinations.
EDIT: Some forum tests are suggesting most 3-key combinations work over the whole board, and that is has effectively 6-key rollover in the area around WASD.
Are Filcos good?
My ö key broke on my steelseries 6GV2, so I'm thinking of either buying a new one, or one with red switches, or a filco with either brown or red switches.
How are tactile ones for fps games? CS/Quake/etc.
edit: or maybe a quick fire? they're like half the price, $120 compared to $230 here
edit2: oh nvm, doesn't seem that I can't get the nordic layout
My ö key broke on my steelseries 6GV2, so I'm thinking of either buying a new one, or one with red switches, or a filco with either brown or red switches.
How are tactile ones for fps games? CS/Quake/etc.
edit: or maybe a quick fire? they're like half the price, $120 compared to $230 here
edit2: oh nvm, doesn't seem that I can't get the nordic layout
Danne-Danger
Member
Alright, I got that from a Swedish review.
I also just found a fairly cheap Filco 2... now to decide between regular an ninja... and if I really need a keyboard and not furniture in the coming month.
Well I don't want browns so Razer is out and back to looking for a deal.
My list right now is:
1) CM Storm Quickfire Pro Cherry MX red
2) SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Red Cherry Switches Edition
3) Rosewill Cherry MX red
First one to go on sale below $60 gets my money. Any higher than that and I have to think about it.
I just want Cherry MX red, good build quality, backlight optional, w/ tenkey and no macro keys (the razer blackwidow would have gotten a pass as the macros are just a small one column thing off to the left without adding too much width).
My list right now is:
1) CM Storm Quickfire Pro Cherry MX red
2) SteelSeries 6Gv2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Red Cherry Switches Edition
3) Rosewill Cherry MX red
First one to go on sale below $60 gets my money. Any higher than that and I have to think about it.
I just want Cherry MX red, good build quality, backlight optional, w/ tenkey and no macro keys (the razer blackwidow would have gotten a pass as the macros are just a small one column thing off to the left without adding too much width).
memecomplex
Member
I'm using the CM Quick Fire Rapid TK and it is awesome. The steel base plate makes a noticeable tactile difference; a Ducky Shine without the steel plate feels slightly spongy and sloppy in comparison.
This thread was pretty interesting to read with a CM Storm rep posting.
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2609329#post2609329
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2609329#post2609329
memecomplex
Member
Interesting, that CM rep seems to know his shit. You need people like that in a company. I'm not a fan of overtly gamer branded stuff, but this Quickfire TK I'm using has won me over. It's got pretty much everything I was looking for in a mechanical keyboard and it was just released at the time I needed to get one. Not quite so lucky with a mouse though. Still on the lookout for a better one.
Apparently corsair is coming out with a K95 with all red switches
If they announce a k65 I'll be picking that up, as long as there are no issues with it this time around.
Was going to get Logitech's G710+ when I got back home from deployment. This has changed my mind. Never owned a keyboard that had a metal chassis.
I just picked up a SteelSeries Sensei RAW and am really liking it so far. Very accurate, low profile, more than enough buttons for me.
I get that on my Razer, have to press again to remove it.
I bought last year's BlackWidow Ultimate from a friend, the blues are certainly loud but they're not nearly as bad as my old Model M. I ordered a Tournament Edition for home, and I'm bringing my Ultimate to work. I kind of feel bad for my neighbors, but at least I won't be typing on this terrible keyboard anymore.
Shrike Alvaron
Member
Last year I bought a MX Brown WASD v1 and this year I'm thinking of getting a new keyboard with MX Blues (either that or a new keycap set for my current one as they're worn smooth now) and am trying to decide between the upcoming WASD v2 and the QuickFire TK. For those who've used the TK, how well does the number pad section work? Is it just like a normal number pad when numlock's on and the arrows, delete, insert, page up/down, home and end active with it off? The coloring of the numbers confuses me, since the arrow keys are blue like the rest of the numbers except for 2, 0, and 00 which makes it seem like they'd be "on" at the same time.
Edit: Was trying to link the design of my current WASD v1 in the designer but I guess the link was too long, this is my first day here so I'm learning! Here's a shortened link.
Edit: Was trying to link the design of my current WASD v1 in the designer but I guess the link was too long, this is my first day here so I'm learning! Here's a shortened link.
After this thread stoking an interest in mechanical keyboards for me, I waited awhile until I found a keyboard that had:
*Cherry MX Red Switches
*Blue Backlighting
*Volume Wheel
*No G keys on the sides of the keyboard taking up space, like me previous G110
I had considered the Nighthawk and K90 before I found this one, but they didn't meet some of those needs.
The Avia Osmium:
It feels really solid, made out of thick matte plastic. The backlighting looks really good and is adjustable via a brightness wheel, although the Aivia logo itself isn't affected, which is odd, but not a huge issue. The volume and brightness wheels feel just like a mouse scroll wheel. The lack of dedicated media keys on it isn't too bad since you can set the top G keys to function as those.
Since this is my first mech keyboard, the responsiveness and feel of the reds is an awesome step up in gaming and normal typing. I'll have to try out some of the other switch types someday to see what the tactile ones feel like.
*Cherry MX Red Switches
*Blue Backlighting
*Volume Wheel
*No G keys on the sides of the keyboard taking up space, like me previous G110
I had considered the Nighthawk and K90 before I found this one, but they didn't meet some of those needs.
The Avia Osmium:
It feels really solid, made out of thick matte plastic. The backlighting looks really good and is adjustable via a brightness wheel, although the Aivia logo itself isn't affected, which is odd, but not a huge issue. The volume and brightness wheels feel just like a mouse scroll wheel. The lack of dedicated media keys on it isn't too bad since you can set the top G keys to function as those.
Since this is my first mech keyboard, the responsiveness and feel of the reds is an awesome step up in gaming and normal typing. I'll have to try out some of the other switch types someday to see what the tactile ones feel like.
KoruptData
Member
Ok, I received my new keyboard after the last one had one defective key. This one works perfect and I couldn't be happier. I was just using a cheap wireless KB before this and the difference is unbelievable. When it comes to gaming, my hand is not missing keys, everything feels very responsive. The Brown switches with the O-rings are pretty quiet for a mechanical KB. The only other experience I have with them is the KB at work that looks like an old IBM KB and a few keys off a Razer brand at Best Buy. All the back lighting works as advertised, media controls work great, and its a joy to type on. I recommend it if you are in the market for the features and want Brown switches.
After this thread stoking an interest in mechanical keyboards for me, I waited awhile until I found a keyboard that had:
*Cherry MX Red Switches
*Blue Backlighting
*Volume Wheel
*No G keys on the sides of the keyboard taking up space, like me previous G110
I had considered the Nighthawk and K90 before I found this one, but they didn't meet some of those needs.
The Avia Osmium:
It feels really solid, made out of thick matte plastic. The backlighting looks really good and is adjustable via a brightness wheel, although the Aivia logo itself isn't affected, which is odd, but not a huge issue. The volume and brightness wheels feel just like a mouse scroll wheel. The lack of dedicated media keys on it isn't too bad since you can set the top G keys to function as those.
Since this is my first mech keyboard, the responsiveness and feel of the reds is an awesome step up in gaming and normal typing. I'll have to try out some of the other switch types someday to see what the tactile ones feel like.
That was the keyboard I'm strongly leaning towards because I'm looking for basically everything that you were and love the additional USB 3.0 port on the side. Keep us posted as you use it some more, thinking I'll make my purchase with my tax refund when I do them later this month.
I'm just wary of the reports on Amazon of the keyboard being defective.
I've been using it since Christmas and haven't had any LED's go out which is an issue I've seen some reviewers have. I did have the board stop responding and flicker one time, which was fixed by unplugging and plugging it back in. But, I had that same thing happen with my G110 Logitech board and my G500 mouse once or twice, so I don't think it's the keyboard's fault, but a USB conflict or something with my motherboard. It's something I've had happen so rarely I don't really worry about it.
memecomplex
Member
Yeah I'm considering that, but am wanting to try out the Deathadder for it's 1:1 tracking. Not sure about the shape though, the Sensei looks more comfy to me.
memecomplex
Member
Corsair coming out with the K90's mix of reds and membrane (?) switches turned me off the company. This is more like it, but the damage is done.
Nappuccino
Member
If I were do to it again, I think I would pick the Brown switches. Blues are almost too easy to hit and my fingers are used to "prepping" to hit keys. A lot of the time, I'll hit keys I don't mean to hit because my fingers are already going for the next key.
You'd think this is something that you'd just get used to and... hopefully it is, but I've had this keyboard for about 3 months now and I still run into that issue.
You'd think this is something that you'd just get used to and... hopefully it is, but I've had this keyboard for about 3 months now and I still run into that issue.
Not sure if I understand your issue correctly, but Brown switches are noticeably lighter (easier to activate) than Blue switches. I imagine you'd actually have more trouble on them if you're accidentally activating on Blue switches somehow.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
I love cherry mx blue switches so much. I have no sense of respect for others in the house I guess.
Click clack click mmm
Click clack click mmm
Nappuccino
Member
Really? Whoops, I must have my switches mixed up. I thought browns were stiffer for some reason.
No, they've actually got both lighter springs and a much less resistant mechanic for providing tactility. Where there's that sharp click in the Blue you have to increase resistance to push past, the Brown just has a small bump which hardly requires additional resistance to make contact and activate the switch.
There are Clear switches which use a similar construct to a Brown but require much more resistance than either Blue or Brown switches. They don't "click" like a Blue because that lower half of the switch isn't separated, and the resistance actually increases beyond activation. There's also Black switches, which also use much stiffer springs than a Blue but are linear so there's no form of tactility in the switch itself.
The only switch that operates exactly like a Blue but with more resistance is the Green, but I've never seen a keyboard that uses that switch anywhere but the space bar or maybe the ESC key (where the rest of the keys will use Blue switches).
I was reading up at this site about switches:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/mechanical-switch-keyboard,2955-2.html
Why do most gamers go Cherry MX Red Switches? They seem to be the most sought after yet this site talks about them like they are becoming extinct and as if their not the standard.
I mean the article IS a year and a half old... have things really changed that much since then? I'm guessing because of their low compression points and low operating force they are ideal for gamers yet not ideal for typers. I think any mechanical keyboard would be better than the crap I already have for typing.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/mechanical-switch-keyboard,2955-2.html
Why do most gamers go Cherry MX Red Switches? They seem to be the most sought after yet this site talks about them like they are becoming extinct and as if their not the standard.
I mean the article IS a year and a half old... have things really changed that much since then? I'm guessing because of their low compression points and low operating force they are ideal for gamers yet not ideal for typers. I think any mechanical keyboard would be better than the crap I already have for typing.
Red switches have definitely become more popular in the past couple years and are much more widely available now.
They're generally sought after by gamers because they are light switches that are still mechanical but are also linear like Blacks. For gaming, tactility really isn't of much use because most gaming actions either require you to hold a key down, or repeatedly mash a key. It isn't often where you need such precision to mash a key in a sequence to the point where you need to know exactly how many times you've fired a key (where tactility might prove useful); it is much more common to need to be able to hit a key rapidly, which tactility interferes with. Specifically, it is much easier to "hover" around the point of activation on a linear switch and repeatedly activate it cleanly even if you only move above and below the contact point by a very tiny amount. In a tactile switch - particularly the Blue - you need to move across the entire point of tactility on both downstroke and upstroke each time you press to reactivate the key.
Blacks were also popular earlier on because they were the only widely available linear switch, but it is a fairly stiff spring, which can be fatiguing in long gaming sessions. Since the Red switch has all the advantages of the linear switch with a much lighter spring, it's gained a lot of popularity among the gaming crowd.
I just recently bought a Sensei (had a Xai before), because it's the only mouse with a shape I like that has a good build quality and a quite good sensor.
The only problem is that there's <3% mouse accel on some soft pads, but at least there isn't any angle clipping and negative acceleration.
Even though I'm using a Steelpad Qck Heavy and very low sens in fps games (about 60cm/24" for 360 in CS), I don't feel like it's a huge problem.