Brown seems like a happy medium. I don't think you can go wrong with that. Blue might be a little less appropriate for gaming and loud.
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Lez talk mechanical keyboards
- Thread starter Scuba Steve
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Brown seems like a happy medium. I don't think you can go wrong with that. Blue might be a little less appropriate for gaming and loud.
Koroviev
Member
I'm happy with the Browns, but my boss tried them today and said "what is this? It doesn't click
" I convinced him to get the Das Ultimate with blues a few weeks ago 
I do like buckling springs, and I'd consider them except they're just way too loud for my primary use case (in the office). For the same reason, I'm not really considering Cherry Blues, which I have used before with a friend's DAS Pro.
In any case, I was impatient and kept looking at more videos. Found this one reviewing the Realforce 87u, which is way longer than it needs to be, but is pretty damned thorough. Between that and a ton of videos comparing HHKs and Realforces to various Cherry Blue/Brown models, I think I'm just going to take the plunge on one of the two Topre options.
I'm not a traditional home row typist, so I don't think the variable key weights in the Realforce matter to me. So, now I have to decide if I want a more normal sized keyboard (Realforce), or if I want the smaller, more portable HHK.
I won't be getting the money I'm going to use until at least Monday, so I still have a few days to torment myself and maybe change my mind again.
Well, it only matters in the sense that they are very different feeling switches. It doesn't matter in the sense that they're both high quality and will work for whatever purposes you'll generally need out of a keyboard.
I do think that if you're going to be doing heavy gaming on it that I'd lean towards brown or red switches, unless maybe the only heavy gaming you do is RTS or other types of turn/tile-based stuff. Basically games where the actual keystrokes aren't used as a primary movement function. When you're doing normal WASD movement type stuff, I don't think sharp tactility is of any benefit and the wider activation of the switch can be a hindrance. Still, I've done plenty of WASD gaming on my Das with blues and it's not a big deal; you might find the difference in typing feel to be of much more importance.
If you really can't decide in the end, I would say that browns are ultimately the "safer" purchase in terms of being satisfied for whatever tasks you put the keyboard to.
Koroviev
Member
I'm seeing the potential ergonomic benefit of the tenkeyless form factor and thinking about picking up a second board for home. I currently use a CM QuickFire Pro with browns at home and a full-size Leopold with browns at work. While the number pad is useful for network admin tasks, I hardly ever use it at home.
So, I'd like to try a tenkeyless, but I'm not sure which brand or which switches. I'm thinking it might be a good opportunity to give reds a try.
Edit: hmm, and I'm not sure if I'd want it to be an otaku board or not. The Leopold is an otaku board...cool, but sometimes inconvenient at work. I don't think it would be a detriment for home use though.
So, I'd like to try a tenkeyless, but I'm not sure which brand or which switches. I'm thinking it might be a good opportunity to give reds a try.
Edit: hmm, and I'm not sure if I'd want it to be an otaku board or not. The Leopold is an otaku board...cool, but sometimes inconvenient at work. I don't think it would be a detriment for home use though.
Duxxy3
Member
I like where the tenkeyless keyboard leaves my hands. With a full size keyboard my left hand was in a somewhat natural position, but my right hand was just out place enough to be uncomfortable and bad for my wrist.
chixdiggit
Member
Logitech G710 seems to be on sale for $99 US. Any reason not to get it?
So the CM Quickfire TK has a good reputation? It seems to be one of the cheapest backlit mechanical keyboard out there, but I haven't read any negative reviews on it. The Cherry Blue model is $95 at NCIX before taxes and shipping. If I bought keycap sets from WASD, would they fit/be the same size as the caps on the keyboard?
Koroviev
Member
If you're looking for an LED board, I would go with a Ducky Shine. Otherwise, the QuickFire Rapid is really the best value on the market given that it has the same OEM as $150+ Filco boards. I'm not familiar with the OEM of the QuickFire TK, but I don't think Costar (Filco, QFR OEM) makes LED boards.
Thanks for the recs! Ducky Shine keyboards look amazing and I love how you can customize LED patterns, but they unfortunately cost more than I can afford right now. I will probably be buying the QF Rapid if the QF TK has negative reviews though. I would prefer an LED board, but I can live without it if it comes down to it. Do you know if the wasd keycaps fit on the Rapid and/or TK?
Koroviev
Member
Here's WASD's FAQ on model compatibility:
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/keycap-compatibility
And I would go with the QFR. It's pretty unbeatable for the price since you're essentially getting a Filco for ~$65. In other words, go with the cheaper board now, then perhaps pick up a Ducky Shine a bit later. I mean, it's not like you can have too many mechs...
Edit: Only downside of the QFR is the branding on some models. CM has since switched to unbranded top panels and you can buy unbranded top panels directly from them, but you will still find QFRs with branding new in the wild. It's not the worst I've seen, but I am looking to replace the key caps on mine.
Perfect, thanks! Didn't even think to look for a FAQ. I will blame that on the fact I'm on my phone at work right now, heh.
I have heard great things about Filco. Hmm, I think I will just get the QFR then. The branding doesn't bother me too much, it's about $20 cheaper here in Canada, and the wasd keycaps won't interfere with the backlights lol. Thanks a lot for the help!
Filco Ninja Tenkeyless is a seriously nice baord. I had a Das Ultimate before this, but now after having gone Tenkeyless I don't want to go back. So much more room for activities!
I also went from blue to browns. I think I actually like the browns better. The blues are fun for the clicking but once the novelty wears off I think I like the brown a lot better in overall use, especially considering all the gaming. Just feels a little better, and it's less obnoxiously loud.
I also went from blue to browns. I think I actually like the browns better. The blues are fun for the clicking but once the novelty wears off I think I like the brown a lot better in overall use, especially considering all the gaming. Just feels a little better, and it's less obnoxiously loud.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
Buy it.
mhayze
Member
Now that I got my WASD V1 cherry mx brown (custom caps) - I have to agree. The build quality is fantastic. I like it better than the DAS professional S, and the Coolermaster with Browns that I've used. No direct experience with a Filco, but I would be interested in doing a direct comparison sometime. I still prefer reds in a straight up gaming keyboard (quieter too), but the WASD is the best keyboard for typing that I've used to date.
Dis3ngag3d
Unconfirmed Member
I am now reporting back. After using it for a few months I can say that I like it alot. Tenkeyless is the way to go if you want to free up some desk space. I thought I would miss the numpad but surprisingly don't. The MX Reds were a good choice for me but I was afraid they would be too sensitive. After getting used to the sensitivity of the keys I am flying over this thing while typing. I was skeptical about it being less tiring to type with but I can honestly say that isn't bullshit. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good mid-range(price wise) mech keyboard. Great build quality with a bit of weight to it so it "feels" sturdy. If anyone has specific questions let me know.
I'm liking the reds the more I use it as well. It was a bit of a learning curve but now that I'm used to the sensitivity, I type MUCH better than I do on my laptop and gaming is of course awesome.
Koroviev
Member
I almost picked up this board, but reading about the QFR being very similar to a Filco meant I had to try it. Tenkeyless is perfect for home use.
And I still plan on getting one of these. Can't have too many mechs
Looks like mechanicalkeyboards.com just got a huge new range of stock:
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?switch_id=ALL&size=Tenkeyless&keyword=&in_stock=on
Lots of Ducky Shine TKLs.
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?switch_id=ALL&size=Tenkeyless&keyword=&in_stock=on
Lots of Ducky Shine TKLs.
Wow, that Ducky Shine Red MX with Blue leds is sweet.
Big Papa Husker
Member
EDIT: It's ALIVEEEEE!
I tried using it again after letting it sit overnight and now its working again. Looks like I don't have to buy a keyboard at the moment. Wow. Great price for a CM Storm Trigger
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...EMC-032613-Index-_-Keyboards-_-23129004-L015B
+ $20 off w/ promo code EMCXTVP68, ends 4/1
Final price after rebate - $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...EMC-032613-Index-_-Keyboards-_-23129004-L015B
+ $20 off w/ promo code EMCXTVP68, ends 4/1
Final price after rebate - $59.99
Felix Lighter
Member
I was considering that keyboard. Does anyone have any experience with it?
A few days ago I grabbed one of these:
Leopold FC700R with red switches. My first mechanical board, so I have no frame of reference to other boards, but I quite like it. I was deciding between this and a CM Storm Quick Fire TK, but I opted for this because of my dislike of backlighting which can't be completely turned off and the because something about the shape of the keys on the CM seemed slightly off to me.
I haven't fully adjusted to using it yet, so the low profile keys along with the red switches make for accidental inputs every now and then. This keyboard also comes with PBT caps which I quite like. Ran me about $120 USD, would recommend to anyone looking for a well constructed 10-keyless.
Leopold FC700R with red switches. My first mechanical board, so I have no frame of reference to other boards, but I quite like it. I was deciding between this and a CM Storm Quick Fire TK, but I opted for this because of my dislike of backlighting which can't be completely turned off and the because something about the shape of the keys on the CM seemed slightly off to me.
I haven't fully adjusted to using it yet, so the low profile keys along with the red switches make for accidental inputs every now and then. This keyboard also comes with PBT caps which I quite like. Ran me about $120 USD, would recommend to anyone looking for a well constructed 10-keyless.
Koroviev
Member
For a second I thought that was a Filco...I was going to say $120 is a steal!
Nevertheless, I really like the Leopold boards. Use a full-sized board with browns at work.
CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
Still loving my leopold fullsize with mx browns, they're pretty quality stuff even if they aren't quite as big of a name as Filco. Excellent choice my man! Well, besides those reds. We gotta talk about that communist shit.
Laurentius
Member
ePLiT
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Piercedveil
Member
Cooler Master Quickfire Pro $60 on Newegg for Cherry MX browns. Go for it?
Koroviev
Member
If you need the number pad. I prefer tenkeyless for home use.
Piercedveil
Member
That would be nice but I play a lot of DayZ which makes good use of the num pad. Otherwise, I don't really need it. I'm just not sure where I'd bind those keys unfortunately.
I have a Quickfire (Rapid) with blues and a Truly Ergonomic with browns, so I feel safe in saying YES GET IT. That's a great price for what you're getting.
Koroviev
Member
QuickFire Pro and QuickFire Rapid don't have the same OEM, just fyi. The QFR is very probably manufactured by Costar, who does not manufacture LED boards.
Felix Lighter
Member
I just bought the Cooler Master Quickfire Pro.
Ah... the LED thing didn't occur to me but should have been obvious in retrospect. It looks like the Pros were made by iOne: http://www.overclock.net/t/1316851/new-cooler-master-quickfire-tk-keyboard/60
I have that keyboard. I love it. The half backlighting is a little weird but it's kind of cool in that it's the gaming keys. If you need a quick reference point, glancing down at the highlighted keys help (I have trouble touch hitting the 5 and 6 keys consistently. I sneak peeks lol).
Compared to my old logitech membrane keyboard, the quickfire pro's profile is MUCH higher. I found I really wanted a wrist rest for it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D8PYE2/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Picked up that one. It's perfect. Almost the exact length of the keyboard and tall/wide enough to support my wrist so it's level with the keyboard. Love it.
Well the Mionix Zibal is backlit and is a Costar model.
Koroviev
Member
* Generally speaking. I hadn't heard of this board, but it's the only example of a backlit Costar board I've seen so far.
Felix Lighter
Member
Thanks, I hope it works out. I like the form factor of the ten-keyless models but I actually use the numpad quite a bit.
Laurentius
Member
zuccy
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I've tried out a friend's. Felt very akin to the Rosewill RK-9000, which also feels like the CM Storm ones. Not quite Leopold, but very good.
I use Reds exclusively as a matter of preference. Hard to go wrong with any cherry red keyboard, outside of the Corsair ones of course.
Felix Lighter
Member
My keyboard was delivered today. Feels good but I think I'll need a wrist rest. This thing is surprisingly thick.
Laurentius
Member
qojSq
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Felix Lighter
Member
Just ordered the same one.
Laurentius
Member
vXXJF
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