So I guess my first question would have to be: Is it worth it to get a keyboard, knowing that I'm going to be using it on a laptop?
It's always worth it if you want a good computing experience, with something that will last a long time. On top of that, moving to a new laptop, or desktop, the keyboard can easily stay part of the equation.
My second question would be: For gaming, I've narrowed my choices down to three types of switches that pique my interest, brown, red, and black. From the (limited) research I've done, I've read that black and red seem to be more geared towards gaming, and less towards typing, and browns are somewhere in the middle, with black having a little more resistance than red. What type of switch would be better, or is it simply a matter of preference?
The "gaming switches," as you've discovered, tend to be the red and black variety, with black having a stiffer spring. It really does come down to preference though. While I type a lot, I game a lot too, and rather than go with a linear switch (red and black), or even brown, I love the feel, sound, and general nature of blues, and use those with no trouble in any games I play.
Also, I live in Canada, so my options are a little more restricted, as I don't get access/have very limited access to American stores. Ex. Amazon listings either don't ship to Canada, or have incredibly expensive shipping fees. Luckily, I have found out about NCIX (though don't know how good they are), and they are based in a city that's a few hours away from me, so shipping fees aren't a problem, and they have quite the selection of keyboards.
I'll assume that you're in BC then based on your NCIX comment? Though they do now have GTA locations. NCIX was my go-to computer parts retailer until recently. I always used them because they didn't charge PST and with express shipping, I could usually save money. Those days are kind of past though, and I simply use the local Canada Computers to pick up my stuff.
If it is at all possible, I'd try making the 'few hours' trip to one of their stores to try out some of their keyboards because it'd go a long way to helping you make a selection.
I've looked through the recommended keyboards and NCIX has the Ducky Shine II, Filco Majestouch 2, and the CM Storm Quick fire. The Ducky Shine II is actually quite around my price range, with the TKL version only being around $100~$120 with the Filco going for around $140~$150 . How good is the Ducky Shine II, and how hard is it to get used to the TKL format, being a full size user my whole life? Also, with the Ducky Shine 3 currently on preorder, would it be a good idea to wait for that? That's about it for my questions for now, thanks if you've read this far, and are willing to answer some of my questions.
Personally haven't used a TKL as a daily driver, so I can't comment on that. I use the Num Pad fairly often, but as long as I have my 6-key and arrow keys, I think I'll be okay.
As for the difference between the Shine 2 and 3 is reportedly only in regards to some of the lighting functions and "superfluous" features, as forum-goers have mentioned; so waiting isn't really necessary unless that's your thing.
I'm still pretty new overall to the scene, but I hope I could help a bit. Everyone else here is super helpful so you should be alright.
