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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Gytax on Sat, 02 October 2010, 08:32:22

Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Sat, 02 October 2010, 08:32:22: Hello guys!

I've been reading this forum for a while. I needed a new keyboard and found out about mechanical keyboards here. I dislike the 'soft' touch of regular keyboards. Had the Logitech G110 before this one and I really disliked the touch. I don't know how to explain but it felt like there was some kind of cushion underneath the keys. I personally think this types like crap.
I decided to go for a Steelseries 6Gv2.

I've read that the 6Gv2 uses Cherry MX Black switches and that most people don't think that these switches are very good for typing. I kinda have a hard time typing on this board because of the high actuation force of these switches. It just takes some time to get used to I guess but here is my problem:

I suffer from mild RSI (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repetitive_strain_injury). Since I got this keyboard, things have gone from bad to worse. Everytime I am typing/gaming (just using the keyboard) my fingers and wrists hurt. I'm thinking it's this keyboard but I figured I'd check here before coming to that conclusion.
I think it's the keyboard, so I have been reading up on the alternatives.
I'm thinking of the Razer Black Widow. This has Cherry MX Blue switches and have way less actuation force than the MX Blacks.

What do you guys think: Will the blues help lessen my RSI issues? (spending less time at the computer is not an option! After all, we are all geeks here ;) )
Please, if you find the time, give me some advice =)
I'm open to all suggestions.

Thanks in advance for the effort,

Gytax.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: darkblader on Sat, 02 October 2010, 08:41:39: i got the same problem with Cherry Blacks.
Blues are clearly softer.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Sat, 02 October 2010, 08:46:02: That's what I have read, indeed.
I posted here to find someone who was used both and could tell me the difference =)

Also, with this 6Gv2 the keys are a bit tall. I would love my keys to be a little flatter and less tall.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: darkblader on Sat, 02 October 2010, 08:49:15: then u should go with a cherry g80 3000
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Sat, 02 October 2010, 08:51:34: Why is that? Because the keys are less tall?
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: darkblader on Sat, 02 October 2010, 08:54:29: yep less tall but same size
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Sat, 02 October 2010, 09:12:12: Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into it. Although I think they are not really an eye catcher..
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Brodie337 on Sat, 02 October 2010, 09:28:06: The low profile cherry switches generally feel pretty rubbish... For a general purpose keyboard, consider something with Cherry Browns instead. The main complaint with them seems to be that their tactile bump is too small, but coming from a linear switch with none at all, that shouldn't be a problem.

Some say that the fact that the activation point of the Cherry Blue is different to the deactivation point (if that makes sense?) can be a problem while gaming, though I haven't heard too many people complain about it. More important is the sound, if that's an issue for you.

You said you don't like soft touch keyboards, so thats a mark against the Brown, the blues having a very crisp tactile break, so that would have to be my recommendation.

P.S. Excuse the rant, its waaaaaaayyyyyy past my bed time :P
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Sat, 02 October 2010, 09:31:00: Haha no problem! It's actually helpful!

What do you mean with low profile cherry switches?

Well, I've seen some video's on the blues. The sound doesn't seem that much more than my current 6Gv2 with blacks. Or am I mistaken and is the sound way more?
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Brodie337 on Sat, 02 October 2010, 09:45:11: Woops! In my weekend moment I confused G80-3000 with another keyboard...

As for the blues, they are definitely louder, and they make a definite click, a more in your face sound than the SteelSeries.

There's two sources of the noise with the Cherry Blues, the click as it actuates, and the clack as you bottom out. On your SS, you'll hear the clack, but not the more in-your-face click.

It could definitely be annoying to anyone in the same room I'd think.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Sat, 02 October 2010, 09:47:49: Well, I'm mostly alone in my room. I like the clacky sound, though.
I think I'll just have to try a Cherry blue.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Brodie337 on Sat, 02 October 2010, 10:14:37: Well, you will probably get a good chance to try one as Razer's BlackWidow starts showing up in stores.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Sat, 02 October 2010, 10:51:00: Quote from: Brodie337;228938
Well, you will probably get a good chance to try one as Razer's BlackWidow starts showing up in stores.

My thoughts exactly. Just need to hold out for a long time with this one, then.
Or just maybe use my old one if things get really bad.

Quote from: ripster;228941
This came out sad. I'm hoping the Cherry Blues help you to attract women.
Show Image
(http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/mar2010/7/1/image-1-for-celebrities-who-were-geeky-before-they-got-famous-top-10-gallery-573891431.jpg)

Hahahaha, nice one ;)
Who knows, maybe the ladies like the clicky sound!
But when I have a lady here, I have better things to do than play with my computer...
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Lanx on Sun, 03 October 2010, 20:54:13: i like my cherry browns, feel like it uses the same amount of activation as a membrane but has the tactile feel. (plus ppl say browns are the ergo switches)
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Mon, 04 October 2010, 02:56:43: It seems that I have to try the browns aswell then, any recommendations for a keyboard using brown switches?
Prefferrably with an wrist-rest.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: SirClickAlot on Mon, 04 October 2010, 04:24:03: My Filco Majestouch Cherry Brown is an excellent keyboard. You can also buy a wristrest for it. I like it so much, I gave it a 9/10.

By the way : this (http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com) site has omnikeys evolutions for sale ( New In Box ). I own one and I must say they are superb to type on. I have (http://www.mrinterface.com/reviews/Keyboard%20%3A%20Omnikey%20Evolution) one myself . That could also help you in your quest to find a good suitable keyboard.

By the way 2 : Gytax, from the Netherlands? You might want to attend the second keyboard party ( Somewhere end november ) in Holland. I'll be the host this time. A good opportunity to try-out many boards ;-)

Regards.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: Gytax on Mon, 04 October 2010, 04:39:28: Yes, a true dutchman!
Those Filco's are quite expensive. I'd have to try one first before I spend that amount of money on a keyboard =)
The second keyboard party? Any info available on that? Sounds interesting.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: SirClickAlot on Mon, 04 October 2010, 05:11:44: Quote from: Gytax;229488
Yes, a true dutchman!
Those Filco's are quite expensive. I'd have to try one first before I spend that amount of money on a keyboard =)
The second keyboard party? Any info available on that? Sounds interesting.

Second keyboard 'tupperware' party will be somewhere at the end of november. One happened (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=11340&highlight=keyboard+party) earlier this year with only 2 participants... Me and Superfluous Partenthesis. For the next one we hope to have more ( including WebWit ) :-)

Regards.
Title: Question about my new mechanical keyboard
Post by: chrs on Mon, 04 October 2010, 16:47:41: I also have RSI and have found that the specific key type is absolutely critical. High force is bad, and Lenovo laptops are in that category for me. Cherry brown is very good. I suspect that red would be better, and am considering modifying my brown to be red-like by buying a bunch of black keys and swapping in their stems. Meantime I find my ALPS boards better for reasons I don't understand. The other keyboard I use is a Goldtouch portable which is rubber dome/scissors, and very light force (39-42 g spec). It works almost as well as the ALPS for me, probably about the same as the Cherry Brown.

A great solution would likely be a datahand but they cost $1000 and one just went for $595 used on ebay, so that's not easy to swallow.

Another trick that I use is to use a large trackball (Kensignton "expert mouse") with my feet. You can then do non-keyboard tasks with your arms 100% relaxed, and not have any issues with mouse placement.