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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Moneyless on Thu, 04 November 2010, 09:22:01

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: Moneyless on Thu, 04 November 2010, 09:22:01

Hello. :biggrin:

This is my first post here on geekhack, but I've been lurking for a bit and just made an account a few days ago. Nice forum you have here.

I got interested in mechanical keyboards two(ish) years ago, when I read about Model Ms and remembered that we had a dusty one in the closet; but alas it was a rubber dome one (so not exactly a model M, but it looks like one anyway). At the time I was looking at buying a Unicomp board or similar, but I was flat broke. However, about a year and a half ago or so I finally got some money together, but by that time I had done some more research and settled on the Filco Tenkeyless with Cherry browns from elitekeyboards.

Don't get me wrong, I love my widdle Filco; but like many of you must know I've gotten the itch. :tongue: The itch to buy and try out some more mechanical keyboards... but I can't make up my mind! There's just too many I want. (Which ends up happening with any new hobby/interest really.)

I was mainly looking at getting either a SIIG Minitouch or the TG3 "Police Edition" from 5k177, but then I saw ripster's thread about his black (with blank black keycaps) Unicomp SpaceSaver... and I'd want one of those too. The problem is, I only have the disposable income (disposable income? what's that haha) for one right now.

What do you guys think? As a mechanical keyboard neophyte wanting something different from my Filco with Cherry browns right now, which should I go for (if I want them all and will probably end up getting all of them in the long run anyway)? Since they are more limited stock, should I first get either the TG3 or SIIG from 5k177 since those are rarer keyboards and I might not get the chance to find others for sale in the same condition in the future?


Thanks.


Edit/P.S.: Is there a general "Forum Guidelines/TOS" thread here? I would like to use a picture in my sig but am not sure what the allowed size(s) is/are. :redface:

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: SirClickAlot on Thu, 04 November 2010, 09:28:00

Ow ow ow, I know that itch! *grin*

That SIIG from 5k177 is an excellent choice if you don't mind the clickyness of the Alps switches inside. I own (http://www.mrinterface.com/reviews/Keyboard%20%3A%20Siig%20minitouch) one myself and it is being used as an alternative laptop keyboard ( Mainly because of its handy size )

Also : you might want to look into one of the sinklist (http://www.mrinterface.com/sinklists) items which could help you decide which keyboard first ( since you know yourself to buy them all in the long run anyway )


Regards.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: SirClickAlot on Thu, 04 November 2010, 09:43:39

Quote from: ripster;242490

Welcome to Geekhack!

There is a TOS but it is cleverly hidden and only visible before you register or logon up on the top bar.  This is because senior members can't read.

If you like stiffer/louder keyboards I'd get a Unicomp next.  If you like softer/quieter keyboards I'd keep saving up for a RealForce.

Good thing Ripster keeps the etiquette alive because I 4got : Welcome to Geekhack moneyless!

DON'T BUY A REALFORCE YET!

Because if you do, your itch will seriously go away.......
There is nothing like scratching a good itch that's what I always say. So keep that itch! It will cost money ( a lot actually ) but don't shortcut the keyboard ride by buying a topre keyboard....

Ah, just my two euro cents.

Regards.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: keyboardlover on Thu, 04 November 2010, 09:48:00

Lol, as soon as I bought my first Realforce I became spoiled and hooked. Bought a Filco with browns after that, used it for a week then immediately sold it. I'm curious to try other switches but can't find myself to purchase anything other than Realforce now. HELP!!!

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: theferenc on Thu, 04 November 2010, 09:59:42

Quote from: keyboardlover;242497

Lol, as soon as I bought my first Realforce I became spoiled and hooked. Bought a Filco with browns after that, used it for a week then immediately sold it. I'm curious to try other switches but can't find myself to purchase anything other than Realforce now. HELP!!!

You could try the HHKB, if you want a nice smaller board. I love mine. And I admit, I did the same thing as you, went straight to the topre boards, but for me it was more the size and layout that brought me there, as I'd never heard of topre before then.

I'm surprised you didn't like the browns. Using one of the filco tenkeyless  browns (and wearing out 4 "normal" keyboards in less than a year) was what convinced me to spend the money on a better board.


In response to the original question, as a general rule, I like to get the harder to find items first, if you have the chance. Since you don't know when they will be available again.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: Moneyless on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:20:15

Thanks for all the quick replies guys.

Quote from: SirClickAlot;242489

Ow ow ow, I know that itch! *grin*

That SIIG from 5k177 is an excellent choice if you don't mind the clickyness of the Alps switches inside. I own (http://www.mrinterface.com/reviews/Keyboard%20%3A%20Siig%20minitouch) one myself and it is being used as an alternative laptop keyboard ( Mainly because of its handy size )

Also : you might want to look into one of the sinklist (http://www.mrinterface.com/sinklists) items which could help you decide which keyboard first ( since you know yourself to buy them all in the long run anyway )


Regards.

Yes I was "trying out" all the different keyboards on your simulators, and so far just from the sound anyway I think I would definitely like the SIIG. My co-dwellers might get irritated from the loud clacketty clack, though.

Guess I can just keep my door shut and tell them to stuff it. :behindsofa:

Quote from: ripster;242490

Welcome to Geekhack!

There is a TOS but it is cleverly hidden and only visible before you register or logon up on the top bar.  This is because senior members can't read.

If you like stiffer/louder keyboards I'd get a Unicomp next.  If you like softer/quieter keyboards I'd keep saving up for a RealForce.

While I definitely want one in the near future, assuming Unicomp stays in business for at least the next year or two I think I would rather make it my third or fourth keyboard purchase. :redface:

And I was looking at the Realforce keyboards as well, but man are they expensive... I can do $100-150 shipped for a keyboard, sure... but $250 not even counting shipping/postage is stretching it until I finish college and get a steady income (i.e. job "in the industry").

And (#2) thanks, I logged out and quickly gave the FAQ/Rules a once-over, but it does not seem to specify anything about appropriate signature pic size limits. I guess this means it is up to common sense? i.e. not having a sig pic the size of a desktop wallpaper. I am a mod on a forum myself, so I thought it would be more prudent to ask beforehand... I know how annoying it can be to enforce certain overlooked rules on every new member... :doh:

Quote from: SirClickAlot;242496

Good thing Ripster keeps the etiquette alive because I 4got : Welcome to Geekhack moneyless!

DON'T BUY A REALFORCE YET!

Because if you do, your itch will seriously go away.......
There is nothing like scratching a good itch that's what I always say. So keep that itch! It will cost money ( a lot actually ) but don't shortcut the keyboard ride by buying a topre keyboard....

Ah, just my two euro cents.

Regards.

I'll keep that in mind, wouldn't want to spoil myself and not get the chance to try other keyboards if I end up falling in love with Topre's switch tech.

Quote from: keyboardlover;242497

Lol, as soon as I bought my first Realforce I became spoiled and hooked. Bought a Filco with browns after that, used it for a week then immediately sold it. I'm curious to try other switches but can't find myself to purchase anything other than Realforce now. HELP!!!

Without having tried a Realforce keyboard (or any other using Topre's switches), I can't really know what you did not like about the Filco with Cherry browns... how come you got rid of it so fast?

Quote from: theferenc;242500

You could try the HHKB, if you want a nice smaller board. I love mine. And I admit, I did the same thing as you, went straight to the topre boards, but for me it was more the size and layout that brought me there, as I'd never heard of topre before then.

I'm surprised you didn't like the browns. Using one of the filco tenkeyless  browns (and wearing out 4 "normal" keyboards in less than a year) was what convinced me to spend the money on a better board.


In response to the original question, as a general rule, I like to get the harder to find items first, if you have the chance. Since you don't know when they will be available again.

Yeah, since the SIIG and TG3 seem to be more rare than IBM/Unicomp BS boards I think I might go for one of them first (or second, as is the case).



:canada:

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: keyboardlover on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:21:50

Quote from: theferenc

You could try the HHKB, if you want a nice smaller board. I love mine. And I admit, I did the same thing as you, went straight to the topre boards, but for me it was more the size and layout that brought me there, as I'd never heard of topre before then.

I had an HHKB Lite 2 before and couldn't stand the layout. I don't think I'd like an HHKB Pro, plus they are much more expensive than Realforce. Also I've heard that the switch and keyfeel is actually much different.

Quote from: theferenc

I'm surprised you didn't like the browns. Using one of the filco tenkeyless  browns (and wearing out 4 "normal" keyboards in less than a year) was what convinced me to spend the money on a better board.

Actually I do like Cherry Browns - my favorite cherry brown board thus far was the Compaq MX11800. Although, I didn't love the format and I need 6kro. I found the Filco to be very noisy in comparison and I didn't like that. Plus, it just wasn't a Realforce. Realforces really do spoil you.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: sapht on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:41:59

I see some of you mention Realforce is an "itch killer". To whom it may apply, would you say "queue skipping" and going straight for the Topre is something that has influenced your keyboard purchase desires?

I'm in about the same situation as OP, having used Blues and Browns for about a year, and ML switches should be arriving this week. I got them cheap and just wanna try them out. I might chip in for an AEKII soon as well, but it's got a yucky L shaped enter so I won't be using it for production.

I'm definitely getting a new keyboard soon, and the HHKB has been pretty high on the list (as a vi user, that ESC key looks so tasty). I never thought about it like I was going to get spoiled... But wouldn't that be a good thing, anyway? It would save some money, which I think is necessary to justify the high price.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: SirClickAlot on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:48:59

First of all : welcome to the GH community Sapht as I can see you are new... ( I even beat Ripster with this welcome :-) )
 
You will be very very happy with a HHKB, I've not yet seen people around who were discontent with it. So, it's all up to you -> jump the queue and dive straight into Topre heaven or stay in line and first try cheaper alternatives. If you can spare the cash it's an excellent ride...

Regards.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:57:30

Quote from: ripster;242490

Welcome to Geekhack!

There is a TOS but it is cleverly hidden and only visible before you register or logon up on the top bar.  This is because senior members can't read.

If you like stiffer/louder keyboards I'd get a Unicomp next.  If you like softer/quieter keyboards I'd keep saving up for a RealForce.

No Canadian joke Ripster?

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Thu, 04 November 2010, 10:58:38

Quote from: Moneyless;242487

What do you guys think? As a mechanical keyboard neophyte wanting something different from my Filco with Cherry browns right now, which should I go for (if I want them all and will probably end up getting all of them in the long run anyway)? Since they are more limited stock, should I first get either the TG3 or SIIG from 5k177 since those are rarer keyboards and I might not get the chance to find others for sale in the same condition in the future?

Do you come to the KW area? If you do, maybe I can let you try some of my keyboards.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: BlueRain on Thu, 04 November 2010, 11:37:05

What keyboard is he holding there? Can't tell... o.O

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: Moneyless on Thu, 04 November 2010, 11:44:44

Quote from: patrickgeekhack;242536

Do you come to the KW area? If you do, maybe I can let you try some of my keyboards.

The KW Area?... :confused:

Quote from: BlueRain;242550

What keyboard is he holding there? Can't tell... o.O

What he is holding does not look like any keyboard I've seen. :tongue:

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Thu, 04 November 2010, 12:11:34

Quote from: ripster;242553

Canada is  following KBDtalking with their Squirrel and the Duckys with their Trojan Duck by introducing the Beaver Keyboard.  

Even my mighty Datavac can't remove the hairs. Supposedly Canadian Women are similar.

Show Image

(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5841/hkkkbbb.jpg)

Thank God my wife was not born in Canada.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Thu, 04 November 2010, 12:12:21

Quote from: Moneyless;242554

The KW Area?... :confused:

Kitchener/Waterloo area.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: RickyJ on Thu, 04 November 2010, 13:19:25

Another Canadian, welcome!  If we get more Canadians interested in mechanical boards then maybe the big retailers like NCIX will carry more than Steelseries!

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Thu, 04 November 2010, 14:08:28

Quote from: RickyJ;242583

Another Canadian, welcome!  If we get more Canadians interested in mechanical boards then maybe the big retailers like NCIX will carry more than Steelseries!

I wonder how much they really care about us though. They don't seem to carry Das Keyboard anymore, although they have sold quite a bit. I've watched the stock a few times. They were out of stock and had to get some more on a few occasions. Myself, I had to wait for re-stocking before buying mine.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: Moneyless on Thu, 04 November 2010, 14:32:21

Quote from: patrickgeekhack;242563

Kitchener/Waterloo area.

Ah I see, no that is kind of far. I am in Toronto itself, Don Mills & Lawrence area.

Quote from: RickyJ;242583

Another Canadian, welcome!  [...]

(http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w204/moneyless27/Smilies/canadianwave.gif)

Quote from: RickyJ;242583

[...]  If we get more Canadians interested in mechanical boards then maybe the big retailers like NCIX will carry more than Steelseries!

Quote from: patrickgeekhack;242608

I wonder how much they really care about us though. They don't seem to carry Das Keyboard anymore, although they have sold quite a bit. I've watched the stock a few times. They were out of stock and had to get some more on a few occasions. Myself, I had to wait for re-stocking before buying mine.

NCIX used to carry the Das keyboards? I never noticed... I know they've carried the Steelseries keyboards for a while, and for a bit there they had that compact iRocks (I think it was) with the Cherry browns... also they have one of those Matias boards, don't they? I hear those aren't the greatest, though.

Even though I wouldn't be interested in one, I wonder if they will get the Razer BlackWidow/BW Pro in stock.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Thu, 04 November 2010, 14:44:40

Quote from: Moneyless;242615

Ah I see, no that is kind of far. I am in Toronto itself, Don Mills & Lawrence area.

I used to go to Scarborough from time to time. In fact, I was there in August. I don't know if I will be going there again this year.

Title: Picking second mechanical keyboard, can't decide!
Post by: Moneyless on Sat, 06 November 2010, 20:57:59

Alright well I bought the TG3 on 5k177. :biggrin:

With the Cherry blacks it should be pretty good for gaming. In a while if there are any left I guess the SIIG Minitouch will be next. :typing: