Looking to invest in a mech keyboard (an admitted newbie here)

[JakeStarr]

Wow, talk about decisions decisions!  I really thought it would be a, "well these are your best options, and go!" type, but the response from everyone has been absolutely wonderful.

From what I have looked at thus far, the Unicomp boards definitely give me that "sound" that I was looking for, but like I said, have the dated look.  One question I have, is there any way to mod/customize those boards?

On the Cherry MX side, I like the look of the Rosewill (that red backplate is pretty slick) and the BlackWidow (only for the backlighting/glow effects), but the negatives about the Ultimate have me definitely cautious about even thinking of dropping an extra 40 bucks for some pretty lights.

[Lighthouse1]

I am pretty new to having mechanical keyboards so my opinion is a little less valuable than other peoples in this regard but I have recently moved from a Razer Blackwidow (blues) to a Filco (browns) and the difference is palpable. The Filco feels more solid and easier to use (I have to say I used to hit the LHS keys for setting the macros a lot while touch typing) and just a much better experience.

I bidded for two keyboards at once and won both (wasn't expecting it as I got the Filco for £50 which is a lot lower than the RRP new and it is as good as new) and also have a CM storm quick fire to try which I am putting some new caps on. Haven't tried it out yet plugged in but out of the box it feels as solid and pleasant as the Filco.

As a result I'd say that unless you want all the back lighting and the macros etc I wouldn't get the Razer. It doesn't feel as good to use (and in terms of looks although it has the backlighting the key font and the size are actually a bit jarring once you put a classic board like the Filco on your desk.

As I said I am new to this indeed the Filco has only been here for a couple of days! But it's so good to use and I have cracked through a lot of work on it this weekend.

[JakeStarr]

Where are you doing your bidding at?  If I could maybe score my first mech for a bit cheaper to really feel one out, it might be a better idea for me.

[Lighthouse1]

Just Ebay UK, got the storm and the Filco that way.

[IvanIvanovich]

If you're interested in buckling, you can get them for really cheap IBM model M on ebay. Also a few G80-3000LSCEU-2 on ebay for $60 which should be blues, I would still try to get seller to verify it though as I have seen same model number be blacks too.

[JakeStarr]

Not to repeat myself, I just don't know if it was missed, but can you get custom keycaps and do self-customizing to the buckling boards?

[IvanIvanovich]

Yes there are some aftermarket colored keycaps and things available for BS, just not quite so much as MX which is generally more popular.

[JakeStarr]

I guess another question I have... If I wanted to customize whatever keyboard I got, where would I go to look at keycaps?

[rknize]

Depends on the type.  Most of the cool custom caps you see being sold here are for Cherry MX key stems.  There are some offerings around for Topre switches, but I don't see them for Alps very often.

The Model M's are pretty much restricted to what Unicomp offers.  It's possible to dye those keys yourself, since they are PBT.

[JakeStarr]

K... So say I went with a Cherry switched board, be it Rosewill, Filco, Das, or similar, from what I'm reading they all use the same style of key, where would I go to find some good keys to really customize it up?

[rknize]

Right here!  Take a look around the group buy section.  You can also have a set made by WASD, custom laser etched however you want!

[cleeoo]

You can also check out Signature Plastics' website. They have some novelty keys for sale now (Panic, Any, X@$#!) if you want to get a headstart

Basically, for the greatest customisation, Cherry is the way to go. There are always plenty of group buys here for keycaps.

[dbdynsty25]

If you need the ten key...just get the Rosewill with the switches you want from newegg. It's a very good board that shares a majority of its comments with companies like filco which makes it easy to get new key caps if you want to start doing some modifications. Best 70-80 you will ever spend. I found out that spending the extra fifty bucks is not even close to worth it.

I've got a filco tkl w blacks and I like my cm storm rapid just as much...in fact I already bought a second cm storm rapid for work purposes and I'll sell the filco. And I'll still have money left over! I cannot tell the difference at all between the two boards except for the excessive branding on the Rapid. Most of that can be remedied with new key caps. Got some pbt engraved black on blacks so I can essentially black out my board. It's gonna be sweet!

To quote myself now that I got my PBT engraved keys:

PBT Engraved on the bottom one (for work) and then awaiting my custom set from WASD for my gaming board on top.  

[JakeStarr]

That red board behind the black keys looks amazing!  On those Rosewill boards, with the red decks, does it give a similar perception?

[dbdynsty25]

That red board behind the black keys looks amazing!  On those Rosewill boards, with the red decks, does it give a similar perception?

It seems like it would but I've heard it isn't quite as pronounced. I haven't seen one in person yet but I would assume if looks similar at least. I love the look of it.