Horse Detective
Why the long case?
Other people may recommend differently I think.
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Lez talk mechanical keyboards
- Thread starter Scuba Steve
- Start date
Rickenslacker
Banned
I'd stick to getting the tenkeyless reds. I have my own Model M but it's collecting dust to my Filco with browns. Thing's huge too.
mere_immortal
Member
Gonna be picking up a Quickfire TK on Thursday with a new build, but stuck between brown or red switches. Was going with a Steelseries 6GV2 originally but heard the blacks are pretty heavy.
Never used a mechanical before and don't really have anywhere near me that I can go to try them. Gonna be mostly for games but would like typing to be pleasurable on it too, I've seen the info for each but does anyone have any anecdotal stuff about each to help me decide?
Never used a mechanical before and don't really have anywhere near me that I can go to try them. Gonna be mostly for games but would like typing to be pleasurable on it too, I've seen the info for each but does anyone have any anecdotal stuff about each to help me decide?
mhayze
Member
As you've probably heard, the biggest difference is the 'click' you feel when using browns, letting you know that the key has registered. It undoubtedly feels slightly more accurate when typing. Reds will let you fast-tap a single key faster though, since you can hover right around the actuation point. I'm using a red-based 'board on my gaming PC. Without a side by side with the browns, there's nothing you're missing by getting a red even when typing. After getting used to typing on the browns, you might miss them a little when typing on reds. Hope that helps.
Anybody know of any mechanical keyboards that meet these requirements?
-USB port
-headphone/mic jacks
-numpad
-no extra functions like macros, just a full layout keyboard
-backlit
All the ones I've seen typically lack the USB port or headphone jacks, but these are essential for my desk setup.
-USB port
-headphone/mic jacks
-numpad
-no extra functions like macros, just a full layout keyboard
-backlit
All the ones I've seen typically lack the USB port or headphone jacks, but these are essential for my desk setup.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
Razer Black Widow Ultimate. There are five macros on the left that don't even get in the way while typing.
That actually looks nice aesthetics wise, but I have two problems. One is I heard Razer has pretty shitty quality and a lot of their products seem to break, two is the headphone jack and USB port are on the right side, which is a bit too inconvenient for my mouse placement.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
I have had mine for two years, and the only issue I have with it, is that two number keys are a bit stiff. The keyboard is not built like a tank, but it has some heft to it. In fact, of the Razer products I have tried, it feels the most durable.
I actually do not know of any alternatives with what you need. Das Keyboards have usb, but no backlight or aux. A lot of "high end" boards are really, really simple.
Well since this got bumped I'll post impressions on the Rosewill RK-9000I with Cherry Blues that I bought a couple of weeks ago. All I can say is that I "get it" now, why mechanical keyboards are so great. The build quality on this one is fantastic (dat heft), and I love typing with it. It took a couple days to get used to using it with gaming, as with my old keyboard I could just barely begin to lift off of a held key and it would stop the input, whereas with the cherry blues you have to lift quite a bit further before the input stops. This was quite noticeable when strafing in first / third person games. However, after a couple of days I got used to the change and now naturally lift further when I need to. For those who haven't tried a mechanical keyboard (might be a slim crowd in this thread, I know) I would definitely recommend giving one a shot if you get the chance.
CoolMarquis97
Banned
Logitech G710+ Mechanical Keyboard with MX Blacks. Honestly the best keyboard I've ever used. Then again this is only the second keyboard I've ever owned.
KoruptData
Member
Max Keyboard Nighthawk X8
Great board. Got one in white with Cherry Browns as my gaming board. Love it.
I linked the brown switches -- but they have blues, browns and reds available.
Psychotext
Member
So is there a reasonably definitive list anywhere of who makes / sells these things? There seems to be a hell of a lot more of them available than last time I looked.
I've got sore hands/wrists, probably from being in front of a computer more than I should. I'm looking into the Das Keyboard Professional with Cherry MX Browns. My requirements are:
I'm currently using a G15 right now.
- Fairly Quiet
- Comfortable to game/type
- Size is not really an issue
- Backlight is nice, but not mandatory
- USB not mandatory
I'm currently using a G15 right now.
toastyToast
Member
I picked up a Leopold FC700R and to replace a Razer Blackwidow. The difference in quality is astounding. The keycaps feel absolutely wonderful and I think I'm already a fan of Brown switches over the Blue ones in the Razer. Thing is so small too :3
I'm sure I'll start to miss the keypad once I head back to class but for now, I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
I'm sure I'll start to miss the keypad once I head back to class but for now, I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Got a SS 6G V2 Red some days ago, I'm really happy with it.
Feels really good in games (cs and dota mostly), and most importantly at least a bit better than the black one I used to have.
Also looks great (I don't like LEDs or anything like that though), and I really like their Nordic KB layout.
Feels really good in games (cs and dota mostly), and most importantly at least a bit better than the black one I used to have.
Also looks great (I don't like LEDs or anything like that though), and I really like their Nordic KB layout.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
I hope Amazon restocks on the Filcos when they are all gone 
This could be it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129008
CM Quickfire Pro Cherry MX red. $75 on promo right now - $60 after a $15 rebate. Best price I've seen since the holidays.
Yay or nay? The only cons I see with this board are a stubborn USB port and only half the keyboard is backlit.
I think my first choice would be a Quickfire TK red but I haven't been able to find one for a similar price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129008
CM Quickfire Pro Cherry MX red. $75 on promo right now - $60 after a $15 rebate. Best price I've seen since the holidays.
Yay or nay? The only cons I see with this board are a stubborn USB port and only half the keyboard is backlit.
I think my first choice would be a Quickfire TK red but I haven't been able to find one for a similar price.
Have CM been good with PC peripherals for long? I know my first model Storm Sentinel mouse has problems fairly often, even with updated drivers.
mere_immortal
Member
Right so looks like Quickfire TKs are not actually out in the UK yet, the only other board I can find with browns sub £100 is the Qpad, but I hate the way it looks.
Am I missing any other boards or should I just hold out for the TK?
Am I missing any other boards or should I just hold out for the TK?
The reviews seem to be on the solid side. There's issues with the USB plug being difficult to push in and gripes about only half the board being backlit and overall people have expressed concern that it's built at the iOne factory instead of Costar but for the price I'm finding it hard to pass up.
It looks like Amazon has pricematched newegg as well and has a bigger rebate. Brings the grand total down to $55.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009D8ZW3U/?tag=neogaf0e-20
I don't think I'm passing it up.
edit: Well I did it. Opted to use Amazon. $20 rebate and my free prime 2 day shipping. I'll have it on Friday. Fingers crossed I like it.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
Someone needs to talk to CM about their over branding issue on keyboards. Christ
Most of their products are gaudy looking.
CM quickfire is a solid product.
Yeah, the Quickfire pro was one of the lesser offenders that I saw and it's still pretty branded lol.
Good to hear
Amazon rocks and I'm getting it today with my free prime shipping so I'm going to find out real quick. Going to be my first mech keyboard since the old IBM days.FastRedPonyCar
Banned
I bought both this (browns) and the CM storm Quickfire pro with the reds to try out both and I ended up keeping the das.
Although the tactile feedback with the browns is minimal, it's enough that I liked typing on it more than the reds. I will say though, the Quickfire pro is built really well and for the money, is a killer board.
anyways, I'm using the DAS at work and I'm waiting on the Corsair Vengeance K95 to keep at the house for gaming.
Although the tactile feedback with the browns is minimal, it's enough that I liked typing on it more than the reds. I will say though, the Quickfire pro is built really well and for the money, is a killer board.
anyways, I'm using the DAS at work and I'm waiting on the Corsair Vengeance K95 to keep at the house for gaming.
I bought both this (browns) and the CM storm Quickfire pro with the reds to try out both and I ended up keeping the das.
Although the tactile feedback with the browns is minimal, it's enough that I liked typing on it more than the reds. I will say though, the Quickfire pro is built really well and for the money, is a killer board.
anyways, I'm using the DAS at work and I'm waiting on the Corsair Vengeance K95 to keep at the house for gaming.
Good to hear you liked the Quickfire pro itself (if not the red switches).
If I had any inkling that Corsair was going to release a K65, I'd wait for that. I generally love corsair products. I don't need or want all those macro keys anymore. I've had my Logitech G15 for 5+ years now and never once used a macro key.
I really really want a Max Nighthawk. They look incredible. But $150 vs $55.
The Lamonster
Member
even worse than Razer's Black Widow.
I still highly recommend the Max Keyboard Nighthawk. Best out there, IMO, if you're looking for one that's illuminated.
I own a Noppoo Choc mini 84 with Cherry Mx reds. I love this keyboard. The switches feel so nice.
I was really worried that i would miss my num pad, but after using it, there hasn't been a single moment when i thought to my self that i wish i had a num pad. Good riddance to it
I was really worried that i would miss my num pad, but after using it, there hasn't been a single moment when i thought to my self that i wish i had a num pad. Good riddance to it
Yes, this is the reason i didn't purchase one. I found the branding very tacky, especially the logos on the switches.
FastRedPonyCar
Banned
yeah I don't use macros at all. I just want it for the full illumination function and the bad ass looking brushed black aluminum to match my 650D. I just can't stomach spending $150 on a ducky shine or deck just to get illuminated keys and I really don't care for the look of the razer keyboards.
KBT Race or Pure.
FastRedPonyCar
Banned
do they make a full board w/numpad? I have to have that for non gaming stuff.
iirc from the show us your set up thread you were asking for a board around 30cm, so you could get one those really compact KBT boards, or a CM quickfire tenkeyless if you want a traditional layout, and then get a separate numpad. Otherwise I don't think there are really any compact boards with a full layout.
e: nvm that was someone else, damn circular car related avatars got filed together for me somehow
Went to the store today to try some boards out. After reading up I thought browns would be perfect since I wanted some feedback but I read that blues were more for typing. So they had the Logitech G710+ but I didn't really like it. They had the Meka G1 and SS 6Gv2 (both black) too and liked both of them. I also tried a BlackWidow with blues and it was great too (I love the click) which is funny because browns are supposed to be a middle thing between blues and blacks or not?
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
Where the heck are you people going that sells different kinds of mechanical keyboards? Best Buy only has the Razer Blackwidow.
Blacks are linear switches with more resistance than Reds, check the OP for gifs that show how each type of switch works
Koroviev
Member
I actually didn't really notice the excessive logos on the CM QuickFire Pro until I stumbled into this thread. Now it's bothering me. <:T
Aesthetic quibbles aside, typing on the Pro (browns) is a much, much better experience than all of the membrane keyboards I've used over the years. I was explaining the greatness to my boss and he decided to take the plunge and ordered the DAS Ultimate with blue switches
Aesthetic quibbles aside, typing on the Pro (browns) is a much, much better experience than all of the membrane keyboards I've used over the years. I was explaining the greatness to my boss and he decided to take the plunge and ordered the DAS Ultimate with blue switches
Koroviev
Member
I've read the blacks are ideal, actually.
I'd recommend reds.
Koroviev
Member
I kind of want one of each type for the hell of it. I love keyboards. Maybe try a few different brands...
memecomplex
Member
Personal preference may vary but mechanically reds are the best (competitively speaking); lowest actuation force, basically instant response and no clicking sounds (quieter than blues etc.). Think Sanwa buttons on arcade sticks, very light touch to trigger.
Reds were almost gone, and not being manufactured. Until keyboard companies bought them (b/c they were the cheapest) and started marketing them for gamers.
The difference in speed between pressing a red and brown is insignificant, and makes no difference with normal internet latency.
reds are not bad, but they are awful to type on.
The difference in speed between pressing a red and brown is insignificant, and makes no difference with normal internet latency.
reds are not bad, but they are awful to type on.
Which is kind of ironic because they are the most expensive right now. Browns and blue variations of the same keyboard are far cheaper.
Reds aren't terrible to type on unless you are making a ton of mistakes. They do double press pretty easily though. It's a learning curve. I do love the reds for gaming.
I'd like to try browns at some point but the keyboard is loud as it is. I don't think I'd like an additional click thrown in there.
Koroviev
Member
I'm using browns right now and the noise level seems to be just right. I'll get to check out the blues when my boss receives his DAS.
Browns tend to be ~$20 more expensive than blues.
Azzurri
Member
I just bought one. It feels and looks great. Really durable.