Help me find my next keyboard?

[sashi]

I want to find a keyboard.. well... that I use, keep and still works for more than... 5years..?

My very first mechanical keyboard was the Das Ultimate with MX Blues. I liked it then it was a huge dust and fingerprint magnet because of the glossy finish. Since then I've owned a couple of Filco Majestouches, Leopold Otaku and the Code Keyboard.
My list of keyboards are not very long compared to most users here but it seems like I go through keyboards every year.

Right now I have a Filco Minila and I like it very much but for gaming.. I quickly found out that it isn't the right gaming keyboard. A couple of games requires to use the F keys and on the Filco the FN keys sometimes stick or don't respond at all so I sometimes the game is registering the 1 or 2 key instead of F1, F2.

I'm thinking of getting a Coolermaster Quickfire TK with the blues but how are the keycaps? I've heard they shine fast.
Should I just save up and get a topre? If I do I'm thinking of getting the Coolermaster Novatouch.

My budget would be around $100-$150 but I am willing to spend a bit more for a Topre if it will last me for years to come.

Oh right as for switches I prefer Reds and Blues. Browns are okay they feel a bit mushy. Greens are really heavy and tire my fingers really quickly. I never tried Blacks or Clears. If I can.. I would get a model M spacesaver but they are so expensive Back in highschool the IT room had one model m and it was a pleasure to type on

Edit: Oh and I'm looking for TKL versions as my desk is too small to fit a full size keyboard a huge mouse pad

[Snowdog993]

Why don't you just get a model M keyboard?

[rowdy]

Most CM keycaps are ... not that spectacular.  Including the Novatouch, unfortunately.  That's the first thing many Novatouch purchasers would do - replace the keycaps, probably with a nice PBT set.

What happened to all your other keyboard?

[demik]

where'd you put it?

[Defect]

Just go for the SSK.

[Snowdog993]

Edit: Oh and I'm looking for TKL versions as my desk is too small to fit a full size keyboard a huge mouse pad

I hear this a lot.  One thing that you can try is having a 2-tier setup.  Keyboard on desk and using the keyboard drawer underneath the keyboard for the mouse and huge mousepad.  Is that something you might consider instead?  I've done that before.

[sashi]

Edit: Oh and I'm looking for TKL versions as my desk is too small to fit a full size keyboard a huge mouse pad

I hear this a lot.  One thing that you can try is having a 2-tier setup.  Keyboard on desk and using the keyboard drawer underneath the keyboard for the mouse and huge mousepad.  Is that something you might consider instead?  I've done that before.

That seems awkward to use

Just go for the SSK.

SSK?

Why don't you just get a model M keyboard?

They are expensive for a mint one

[hwood34]

Edit: Oh and I'm looking for TKL versions as my desk is too small to fit a full size keyboard a huge mouse pad

I hear this a lot.  One thing that you can try is having a 2-tier setup.  Keyboard on desk and using the keyboard drawer underneath the keyboard for the mouse and huge mousepad.  Is that something you might consider instead?  I've done that before.

That just seems uncomfortable

[Snowdog993]

Edit: Oh and I'm looking for TKL versions as my desk is too small to fit a full size keyboard a huge mouse pad

I hear this a lot.  One thing that you can try is having a 2-tier setup.  Keyboard on desk and using the keyboard drawer underneath the keyboard for the mouse and huge mousepad.  Is that something you might consider instead?  I've done that before.

That just seems uncomfortable

Not really.  It does work nicely if you are hurting for space.  I've done that more than once.  Just try it.  If you don't like it, well, that's okay too.

Edit: Sometimes I just have my keyboard in my lap, and the mouse on the desk too.  That's what I call "kicking back".

[sashi]

Anyways... what is a good keyboard? Should I just save up and grab a Realforce or something?

[Snowdog993]

http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/Classic

Maybe you can get one of these.  I don't know how else to help you.  Get the 103 key layout if you can.

[Khers]

.

[sashi]

http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/Classic

Maybe you can get one of these.  I don't know how else to help you.  Get the 103 key layout if you can.

Hmm hows the quality on those?

They don't do tenkeyless do they?

[Defect]

Do you like the feeling of collapsing domes?  If so just get a realforce.  I have two and they're great.  A bit overpriced IMO (I think they have $150-180 build quality).  They're just smooth rubber dome keyboards (capacitive, though, not membrane)

If you prefer having upward force from springs, especially if you like Linear, go MX.  I prefer tactile Alps over Tactile MX but Tactile MX ain't bad.

However, If you like clicky, get an SSK (TKL model M) or ALPS board.

[Snowdog993]

http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/Classic

Maybe you can get one of these.  I don't know how else to help you.  Get the 103 key layout if you can.

Hmm hows the quality on those?

They don't do tenkeyless do they?

These people still make the model M keyboards.  Very good quality, I have no complaints with mine.

No, they don't do tenkeyless yet.
I suppose if that's what you're looking for, it might be some time before they do.
I think that's a fair answer.

[inanis]

Anyways... what is a good keyboard? Should I just save up and grab a Realforce or something?

I still don't understand what was wrong with all those other boards? If you like the SSK (Model M Space Saver) get one of those. They are great! If not, I don't know what to tell you. Some more trial and error I suppose. Maybe TKL just isn't for you....try a Poker! 

[sashi]

The issue with the Spacesaver is that its so expensive... its like $300 on ebay

[Defect]

The issue with the Spacesaver is that its so expensive... its like $300 on ebay

Can find decent/clean ones for 180-200

[sashi]

Where can I find one of those for that price?

How big is the 103 keyboard in terms of length? I can probably fit one on my desk. Is it similar size to a cheap fullsize keyboard? I ask this is because some full sized kbs have more plastic around the edges and spacing is different.

[DrHubblePhD]

Maybe a kul with blues or browns? That said if you have owned a couple of MJ2s than you probably arent looking for that kind of design.

[Snowdog993]

How big is the 103 keyboard in terms of length? I can probably fit one on my desk. Is it similar size to a cheap fullsize keyboard? I ask this is because some full sized kbs have more plastic around the edges and spacing is different.

The 103 key classic is 19" long and 8" deep.  It's a big keyboard.  The Ultra Classic is a bit smaller.  I don't have one to compare however.  You can get the Ultra Classic in 103 as well.  Someone here might have one.
http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/UltraClassic

Hope this helps!

[sashi]

Well I sold my filco and got myself a noppo choc mini with mx reds

The keycaps feel pretty nice