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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: redLiMe on Sat, 26 June 2010, 01:35:47

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: redLiMe on Sat, 26 June 2010, 01:35:47

Hello,

After reading many reviews about mechanical keyboards, I've finally decided to get one of my own. I've read about different kinds of switches and I've decided to go for a red switch keyboard.

I was wondering if you guys can suggest a good red switch keyboard for first time buyers. I've searched around so many websites selling a red switch but can't seem to find any. Is it that impossible to get one?

P.S. I don't exactly know how much mechanical keyboards usually cost but my budget is around $120 so I am not sure if that would be enough.

Thanks!

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: Brodie337 on Sat, 26 June 2010, 01:57:45

As said by Ripster, Reds are gonna be near impossible to find. How about you tell us what you'll be using this keyboard for, and what your preferences are in a keyboard and we can find you some good alternatives?

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: redLiMe on Sat, 26 June 2010, 02:17:21

Thanks for the replies :)

I kind of figured it must be that rare that no one seems to be selling it.

Anyway, I'll mostly be using it for RTS gaming specifically Starcraft 2. The reason I wanted reds was because it supposedly has a weaker spring and requires less force. Since I would usually be doing multiple keypresses, I figured it would be benificial that my fingers will get tired less.

I guess I would just have to go for any alternative. Any suggestions would be very appreciated?

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: Brodie337 on Sat, 26 June 2010, 02:35:46

If you're going to be doing any typing at all, I suggest the Cherry Browns. they're silent, and t tiny bit heavier than the reds, although they do have a tactile bump. However, the tactile bump is VERY subtle, and I don't even notice it in games.

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: washuai on Sat, 26 June 2010, 04:18:06

Yea, I don't think $120, is gonna net you a keyboard with reds from China.  
You could purposefully pursue getting a used board with cherry browns, so that you feel the tactile bump, even less.  
Or you could buy a board with black switches and a board with browns and swap the brown springs onto the black switches, to have "poor man reds".
For RTS games, some GeekHackers even prefer cherry blues, though they would require more force, than browns.

I haven't had any fatigue issues using browns versus silicone or scissors, where even though I didn't have to stop, I could feel some fatigue after heavy use.  Even though I still want a board with reds, I'm starting to think that I really like 45.  So much so, I'm starting to think when it comes to Topre, I'd prefer a 91UDK-G (all 45g) to a Realforce 108UDK All30g, although I expect I wouldn't have any issues with a variable 87U.  I don't think I'd have a problem with lighter than browns, but I really don't feel like I need lighter, than browns.

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: trievalot on Sat, 26 June 2010, 07:51:53

i have the answer.....HaaTa

Canadian boy, and has a G80-3600 with reds.
He might rent to you for a month for $120.....

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: redLiMe on Sat, 26 June 2010, 17:05:24

I looked around and I've decided to just go for the filco browns. I see a lot of good feedbacks from and I can't wait to get my hands on one.

Thanks guys! :D

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: Brodie337 on Sat, 26 June 2010, 18:05:49

The Browns are a lovely switch, and coming straight from a rubber dome, I fear the reds may be too light. I found the Browns uncomfortable light at first, and they're a bit heavier than th.e Reds

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: elbowglue on Sat, 26 June 2010, 20:58:44

Perfect starcraft keyboards should be clicky such as buckling springs or blue cherries or white / blue alps.  Just my 2 cents.  Although cherry browns are awesome and would be a great choice as well.

Title: Would like a first mechanical keyboard...
Post by: aegrotatio on Sat, 26 June 2010, 22:39:14

DSI has a discount going on for the ASK-6600 for $50.  This is a clicky ALPS keyboard that can give you a good starting point.  http://www.notestation.com/fullsizealpsmechanicalswitchkeyboardask-6600.htm

Another to look for on eBay is the ABS M1, a non-clicky but loud ALPS keyboard which has unfortunately been discontinued due to too many people *****ing that you can't hold down 12 keys at the same time causing the well-meaning company to throw up their hands and give up.  I got two for $50 new and I'm sure you can see lots of them on eBay from those of us who took advantage of the clearance.  I'm typing on it now.

Finally, don't bother trawling thrift stores looking for IBM buckling-spring keyboards.  We already scoured them in the late 1990s and people sell them on eBay for $150 but you can get the modern equivalent for $69 at http://pckeyboards.com/

Enjoy.