I finally decided on a mechanical keyboard and purchased the Thermaltake Meka G1 Mechanical Keyboard. It has Cherry MX Black switches. Originally I tried a Filco Majestouch-2 (Cherry MX Brown switches) keyboard, and the switches were far too light. In fact, IMO though the Majestouch-2 has excellent build quality, the Cherry MX Brown switches on it were so light that the keys felt flimsy. The Meka G1 also has excellent build quality, but IMO the Cherry MX Black switches on the Meka G1 feel light years better than the Cherry MX Brown switches on the Majestouch-2.
There seems to be some criticism on these forums for the Meka G1 just because it has a thick braided cable. Instead of focusing on the awesomeness of the Meka G1, it seems that some people on these forums have decided to criticize a very trivial aspect such as the cable (which IMO is nothing but an extremely well-made durable cable). However, almost every review I have read on the net comparing the Meka G1 to the SteelSeries keyboards has stated that the Meka G1 is better built and has a better feel than the SteelSeries 6Gv2 and SteelSeries 7G (two highly regarded Cherry MX Black keyboards). Filco doesn't really count because they don't make a full-size Cherry MX Black keyboard (or if they do, it’s not available in the USA).
Also, I can't believe the stuff I have read on these forums and on the net in general about Cherry Black switches being "too heavy" for typing. IMO, to call them “too heavy” is just ridiculous. IMO, they are extremely easy to press and very smooth with just the right amount of firmness, and not heavy at all.
I think these geekhack forums are great. However, even though these are probably the largest mechanical keyboard forums in the world, I think it's unfortunate that I didn't get an accurate review of the Meka G1 on these forums, and instead had to rely on other internet reviews to get reliable opinions on this keyboard. No offense.
I did a ton a research on different mechanical keyboard switches and different brands of mechanical keyboards before purchasing the Meka G1, and I am extremely happy with my decision. The Thermaltake Meka G1 is an awesome mechanical keyboard!
Quote from: Viper2;356632
I think these geekhack forums are great. However, even though these are probably the largest mechanical keyboard forums in the world, I think it's unfortunate that I didn't get an accurate review of the Meka G1 on these forums, and instead had to rely on other internet reviews to get reliable opinions on this keyboard. No offense.
Too much elitarism here, G1 is probably considered a "proletarian" keyboard.QuoteI did a ton a research on different mechanical keyboard switches and different brands of mechanical keyboards before purchasing the Meka G1
Mionix Z60 should be out in the next month, it's "just" a backlit G1
Don't think so. According to Amazon.com, the Thermaltake Meka G1 Mechanical Keyboard has a list price of $120.99. It's definitely in the elite category.
Don't think so. According to Amazon.com, the Thermaltake Meka G1 Mechanical Keyboard has a list price of $120.99. It's definitely in the elite category.
Just saying that price =\= quality.
Umm.....no. The Meka G1 is high priced for the same reason Filcos are high-priced, because it has excellent build quality.
I know many of you might not like the fact that the Thermaltake company caters to PC gamers, but this time you have to face the fact that they made an outstanding keyboard, thick cable or not. Just because a keyboard doesn't say Filco, Das, Realforce, or IBM on it, doesn't mean it's not a top-of-the-line keyboard.
Anyways, good discussion, but I am done discussing this topic.
Also, I can't believe the stuff I have read on these forums and on the net in general about Cherry Black switches being "too heavy" for typing. IMO, to call them “too heavy” is just ridiculous.
Mind showing us some pics? I'm curious now. I've seen a couple blurbs here and there, but no in-depth reviews. We all appreciate a good review, even if its a board we likely won't buy ;)
There are plenty of us here that like MX blacks, myself included. Cherry's heavy switches (black and clear) are much more satisfying and have a more "solid" feel, giving the impression of a higher quality board overall.
I had a filco with reds that felt cheap and flimsy, and made me appreciate an inexpensive Cherry MX11900 even more. I know there was nothing wrong with the filco, but switch preference can make that much of a difference.
Congrats on your purchase, and keep us posted on how the Meka holds up :)
What do you mean by "for the first mechanical keyboard"? Are you trying to belittle the keyboard as though it is a newbie keyboard? If so, I got news for you, it's a top-of-the-line Cherry MX Black Mechanical Keyboard, not just some sort of entry-level mechanical keyboard. However, if you didn't mean it that way, then forgive my sharp retort. BTW, what is the "SS" for? The Meka G1 has nothing to do with SteelSeries keyboards.
Again, this sounds belittling, as though you are insulting the keyboard and passive-aggressively criticizing my choice. Again, maybe I am just reading this wrong, but it sounds that way.
Just so you know, I had a $350 budget to buy almost any keyboard I wanted, and I still chose the Thermaltake Meka G1 after doing a lot of research. So obviously I wouldn't have bought it and kept it unless it was an outstanding keyboard. Remember, I already returned a Filco Majestouch-2 (a keyboard which people on these forums rave about).
I can vouch for the Meka G1. I don't like the thick cable but other than that it's a very good keyboard. I did about 2 weeks of research on cherry blacks before decided on Meka G1. Keystrokes feel nice & smooth. It's slightly stiffer than browns but I think it's less stiff than rubber dome. Here's a good review for Meka G1.
[video=youtube;MC1XWE3Cses]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC1XWE3Cses&t=10m23s[/video]
Don't know but I want to be Iceman. Oqsy is Viper. You can be Maverick. Don't be Goose, he died.
And no gay stuff in the locker room.
Nice video. Never heard of the OCN Mechanical Keyboard Guide though.
If somebody takes some key pics like this I'll add it to the wiki.
Home row keys please.Show Image(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16635&stc=1&d=1301957363)
Actually that's a leopold pic.
This is a Filco.
Don't know but I want to be Iceman. Oqsy is Viper. You can be Maverick. Don't be Goose, he died.
And no gay stuff in the locker room.
keyboardlover!
Don't know but I want to be Iceman. Oqsy is Viper. You can be Maverick. Don't be Goose, he died.
And no gay stuff in the locker room.
I think Solutor is butthurt.
I don't get the whole key stem being off thing.