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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Cyphus781 on Mon, 13 June 2011, 05:57:01

Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Mon, 13 June 2011, 05:57:01: Hi all.

I'm new to the world of mechanical keyboards, and only just started doing some research in the hope of buying a suitable one soon. Good information seems terribly hard to come by (apart from at this forum), but I think that Cherry MX Blue or Brown switches (or maybe clear, but they seem to be rare) would be suitable for my purposes of some typing and some gaming.

I'm quite tempted by the QPAD MK-80, but aren't sure of the keycap durability. The Xarmor also looks nice, with the added feature of a wristpad (to hopefully combat my increasing RSI). Then there's the Deck, which I gather has a good reputation among the community?

The backlighting isn't absolutely essential, but is definitely a selling point for me (worst comes to worst, I'll use a USB light with something like the Das). PS/2 is obviously most desirable for NKRO, and one-touch media keys would be a nice addition to avoid awkwardly tilting the wrist, but aren't essential. Is anyone aware of these on a backlit mechanical?
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: vun on Mon, 13 June 2011, 06:31:50: The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate has blues and backlight, might want to consider that. You do risk quality issues though.
Also, the MK-80 is just a rebranded Xarmor.

If you need a wrist rest I suggest buying a separate one as the ones that come with the keyboards often aren't very good ones.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Mon, 13 June 2011, 06:59:19: Thanks, vun. I'm a bit apprehensive about Razer's quality, especially since it only has 2KRO I think. My limited experience can't testify to the practical differences between USB and PS/2 but in theory the latter seems much better.

I figured as much with the wrist pad. Silly question I know, but is there a significant difference between the cheap ones from Asia vs the bigger-brand ergonomic designs?
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 13 June 2011, 07:38:18: How much money are you welling to spend?

XArmor and BlackWindow are similar in quality. And it's rather low for the amount of money you have to cash for them.

Apparently the new backlit Ducky might be a bit better than the two above. I haven't seen it and I have no idea about availibility in Australia. As some are saying... Can't be worst than XArmor :-)

The delayed Mionix Zibal 60 will eventually shows up if you are patient enough. But it only comes in MX Black.

Finally, the Deck Legend with MX Clear (tactile but not clicky, like the brown, just a bit heavier). If the look and size are fine by you, this is a best (overall quality/durability) backlit keyboard currently available on the market.

Now if you fade away from backlit, lots of good boards out for you. Again, how much you're welling to pay? DAS has good quality/price especially for students.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 13 June 2011, 07:44:55: For the wrist rest. I like the 3M gel pads. They just last forever. My oldest is probably 15-20 years and still look like new after a wash (I use soft dishwashing liquid soap or shampoo)
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Tony on Mon, 13 June 2011, 08:12:29: Most of quality mech keyboards are without backlight, since it complicates the circuits and increase the risk of circuit failure.

Touch typing is gradually become a necessary skill in our computer age. Here are some games you can play as you learn touch typing

Typing of the Dead RIP version (http://www.mediafire.com/?39n09opm4zqf7uo)

Typer Shark Deluxe full version (http://www.mediafire.com/?3iytml19xm9)
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: johndoe on Mon, 13 June 2011, 08:41:31: Welcome fellow Aussie!
http://mechkeyboards.com sells duckys in Australia but seeing as the backlit hasnt been released yet? probably wont appear for a while. You could try emailing them and asking them about it.
If ur looking at Qpad/Xarmor try the Qpad site and there should be a Aussie reseller/contact (link below). Assuming they're the same thing, Xarmors aren't sold in Aus so you'll end up paying $50-60 shpping like i did. So if the Qpad aussie reseller exists and responds u could save a fair bit on shipping.

http://www.corporate.qpad.se/modules/smartpartner/partner.php?id=18

No experience with Decks but they sound good if you can afford it and don't mind some of its different stuff (key rows all flat and keycap shape? etc)

edit: xarmor needs 2 button media keys. Can u autohotkey it to be one button media key? i dont use autohotkey so i dunno
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Mon, 13 June 2011, 08:55:32: Quote from: Cyphus781;359849

I'm quite tempted by the QPAD MK-80, but aren't sure of the keycap durability. The Xarmor also looks nice, with the added feature of a wristpad (to hopefully combat my increasing RSI).

You can't go wrong with both of them, maybe Qpad being newer has some further refinement.

Stay away from Deck because it's uncomfortably shaped keys, stay away from BWU because it's quality and its inexistent technical support

Keep an eye also to Zybal 60 could be a worth alternative to Xarmor/Qpad
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 13 June 2011, 13:03:07: Some things are very personal…

I've got two Decks, one MX Clear and One MX Black. I went from Black to Clear because I was missing the tactile feel. They are awesome boards.

The built quality of the XArmor I own is something you can expect from a toy you find in a Cracker Jack box.

Do your homework before you chose. Even here, some of the views are biased and can be extremely misleading.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: woody on Mon, 13 June 2011, 13:11:04: Quote from: BucklingSpring;360025
Even here, some of the views are biased and can be extremely misleading.
What better place for biased opinions/views than GH.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: noodles256 on Mon, 13 June 2011, 13:13:18: wlcm 2 gh.

backward pawn will flame you for wanting backlit keys since he is keyboard masta
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: vun on Mon, 13 June 2011, 13:58:30: Quote from: ripster;360030
Have you guys heard of Qpad?

Yeah, they're just another gamer brand making mostly mousepads, they've got a few mice and some rebranded headphones and whatnot. They're a pretty big brand amongst gamers.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Mon, 13 June 2011, 22:48:36: Quote from: ripster;360074
Oh.

Must be a foreign thing.

Filco brand comes from Idaho or Minnesota ? :usa2:

Quote
Isn't it just a Xarmor in another box?

Thanks god, yes.

BTW you can make it pinging like a Filco with some software like keyboard sounder. :becky:
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Tue, 14 June 2011, 01:28:45: Thanks for all the replies!

Quote from: BucklingSpring;359858
How much money are you welling to spend?

XArmor and BlackWindow are similar in quality. And it's rather low for the amount of money you have to cash for them.

Apparently the new backlit Ducky might be a bit better than the two above. I haven't seen it and I have no idea about availibility in Australia. As some are saying... Can't be worst than XArmor :-)

[...]

Now if you fade away from backlit, lots of good boards out for you. Again, how much you're welling to pay? DAS has good quality/price especially for students.

I'm leaning more and more away from backlits the more I hear about their build quality. DAS looks very nice, however they don't seem to discount internationally. But I would rather get a quality keyboard to last than get a backlit when it's not essential.

My budget is approximate, but I'm looking up to and around $150 (AUD/USD are still close to parity I believe).
Availability will be a factor too, since I imagine shipping a keyboard internationally can't be cheap.

Quote from: johndoe;359875
Welcome fellow Aussie!
http://mechkeyboards.com sells duckys in Australia but seeing as the backlit hasnt been released yet? probably wont appear for a while. You could try emailing them and asking them about it.

[...]

No experience with Decks but they sound good if you can afford it and don't mind some of its different stuff (key rows all flat and keycap shape? etc)

http://mechkeyboards.com/ looks promising. A couple of questions: what do people think of Ducky? (I've read mixed opinions, that's all) Also, does the fact the PS/2 is only available via an adapter effect the NKRO... essentially, my question is whether the limited KRO of USB is down to the cable or way it's received by the motherboard?

So without going for backlit, what would be your recommendations around $150? Is there anything with one-touch media/volume keys or do these simply not exist on mechanical boards?
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: noodles256 on Tue, 14 June 2011, 01:29:35: ducky not so sucky

quack
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: dreamingftw on Tue, 14 June 2011, 01:30:29: Your options are endless with $150...
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Tue, 14 June 2011, 01:32:15: Quote from: noodles256;360471
ducky not so sucky

quack

So what's the reason behind the anti-Ducky movement?
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: noodles256 on Tue, 14 June 2011, 01:33:45: I always liked ducky. ask ripster about his change of heart

or should I say hEARt
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 14 June 2011, 04:10:59: Quote
I'm leaning more and more away from backlits the more I hear about their build quality.

In this case is better to use more the the brain than the "ears", trying to understand where the noise you hear came from.

Quote
So what's the reason behind the anti-Ducky movement?

Same as above.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Xibal on Tue, 14 June 2011, 04:12:55: You can also try check out this if you reside in Australia http://www.auspcmarket.com.au/products/1838/

Unlike some here, I like to give more options then just biased bashing. After all we are dealing with electronics, prone to failure, it's what happens when you enter mass production.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: vun on Tue, 14 June 2011, 04:50:08: Quote from: Cyphus781;360473
So what's the reason behind the anti-Ducky movement?

From what I gather, people think they're somewhat ugly.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Tue, 14 June 2011, 08:07:55: Quote from: Xibal;360500
You can also try check out this if you reside in Australia http://www.auspcmarket.com.au/products/1838/

Unlike some here, I like to give more options then just biased bashing. After all we are dealing with electronics, prone to failure, it's what happens when you enter mass production.

Thanks for the link. That's really helpful.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Ducky DK9008 vs the Das Professional. The latter does look a bit better, and seems to boast slightly better build quality (e.g. gold switch contacts). The Ducky and Das are both available in Australia, it seems - the Das being slightly more expensive.

Am I correct in saying that both keyboards have ABS keycaps with laser etching and pad printing? (Just going out on a limb...)

Does anyone have first-hand experience typing on either or both of these keyboards?
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: vun on Tue, 14 June 2011, 08:18:48: Quote from: Cyphus781;360529
Thanks for the link. That's really helpful.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Ducky DK9008 vs the Das Professional. The latter does look a bit better, and seems to boast slightly better build quality (e.g. gold switch contacts). The Ducky and Das are both available in Australia, it seems - the Das being slightly more expensive.

Am I correct in saying that both keyboards have ABS keycaps with laser etching and pad printing? (Just going out on a limb...)

Does anyone have first-hand experience typing on either or both of these keyboards?

Umm... About the gold switch contacts, I believe they use pretty much the same switches, all Cherry switches are gold plated I believe.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 14 June 2011, 08:42:15: Quote from: vun;360503
From what I gather, people think they're somewhat ugly.

When my family bought the first washing machine was the AD 1972.

That washing machine was an AEG and its cost was 4.5x the one of a mainstream Philco, Indesit, Ariston, whatever (or, if you prefer, was 4.5x the monthly salary of my father at the time).

Well that washing machine is still perfectly working after 39 years of continuous service, w/o a single part replaced, while other people changed maybe 7 or 8 Philco.

This is what I call a worth investment.

Back to keyboards there is nothing that resembles this, all the differences are mainly related to details, sometime pointless details, while the core of the keyboard is not just equivalent, but built by the same company.

So do you really think that buying a filco or a leopold instead of a ducky is worth the price difference ?
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Tue, 14 June 2011, 12:24:07: Quote from: ripster;360570
BTW you really don't need PS/2 for your backlit keyboard.

See the PS/2 Versus USB Wiki. (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=USB+versus+PS+2)

Might want to wait and see what the Mionix looks like.

Would that be this Mionix (http://www.mionix.net/page.php?al=zibal60)? It looks okay, though only appears to have cherry blacks.

I probably only need 6KRO, but I still like the theoretical appeal of PS/2 even if the practical difference is negligible. :smile:
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 14 June 2011, 12:44:16: Quote from: Cyphus781;360627
but I still like the theoretical appeal of PS/2 even if the practical difference is negligible. :smile:

PS2 is still an huge benefit for a zillion of reasons, obviously a keyboard like Xarmor that can work with both the connections is better than any USB only or PS2 only keyboard.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: BucklingSpring on Tue, 14 June 2011, 12:45:35: Quote from: Cyphus781;360470
I'm leaning more and more away from backlits the more I hear about their build quality.

Again. If you don't mind the weird font on the keys and the large footprint. Deck build quality is as good as it gets.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: vun on Tue, 14 June 2011, 12:45:37: Quote from: The Solutor;360541
When my family bought the first washing machine was the AD 1972.

That washing machine was an AEG and its cost was 4.5x the one of a mainstream Philco, Indesit, Ariston, whatever (or, if you prefer, was 4.5x the monthly salary of my father at the time).

Well that washing machine is still perfectly working after 39 years of continuous service, w/o a single part replaced, while other people changed maybe 7 or 8 Philco.

This is what I call a worth investment.

Back to keyboards there is nothing that resembles this, all the differences are mainly related to details, sometime pointless details, while the core of the keyboard is not just equivalent, but built by the same company.

So do you really think that buying a filco or a leopold instead of a ducky is worth the price difference ?

Why is this directed at me?
I simply said how I interpreted the situation, I never said I didn't like the duck. I haven't seen much of it so I don't really have an opinion about it.

And yes, for me buying a Filco over a duck was a pretty easy choice as Keyboardco does not carry ducks.

Edit: While we're on the subject, you might want to have a look at this (http://www.cracked.com/article_18845_6-secret-monopolies-you-didnt-know-run-world.html).
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 14 June 2011, 12:56:59: Quote from: vun;360639
Why is this directed at me?

I just replied to your thoughts with mine, really nothing more.

Quote
Edit: While we're on the subject, you might want to have a look at this.

Yeaw I was aware of most of them, excluding the corn flakes related one as I don mind to eat them nor to drink milk.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: noodles256 on Tue, 14 June 2011, 15:43:45: frosted flakes are more than good.

they ain't keyboards
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Wed, 15 June 2011, 09:57:14: So I'm pretty set on choosing between the Das Professional and the Ducky DK9008. Now I guess the question is whether I go for blue or brown switches. Do those that have experienced both have a preference?

I may prefer browns since they require slightly less actuations force, but I guess there's no way of telling without trying them out. The browns though are $11 dearer on the Australian retailer's site for some reason.

One thing that looks like a drawback on the Ducky is the LEDs on the front of capslock, numlock etc... I imagine these could be much more visually striking than their equivalent location the Das. Other than that, the specs seem to be almost identical (minus the media keys and coloured replacement WASB + esc keycaps from Ducky).
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:00:37: blue. they make noise
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: ethics- on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:03:16: I tries blues first, then browns. After experiencing the click clack of the blues, the browns just seemed boring and squishy to me. Who knows, though? People love their browns.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:07:23: Quote from: ripster;360074
Oh.

Must be a foreign thing.

Isn't it just a Xarmor in another box?

I found the QPad first, then I was told the XArmor was a rebranded QPad and was available in North America. That's why I ended up with the XArmor instead of a QPad. (Easyier to get)
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:10:12: Quote
One thing that looks like a drawback on the Ducky is the LEDs on the front of capslock, numlock etc...

Is the place where they should be in any decent keyboard, leds on the top right corner are just a patch to reduce the production costs.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:15:46: Qpad are finally out

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-000-XM
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:18:58: are you also gonna be the qpad rep, but under xarmor name?
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:27:05: Quote from: ripster;361104
I thought Qpad was just a EU version of the chinese Xarmor clone?

Genius clone of what ?

To have a lit filco you need a tank of gasoline and a lighter.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Tony on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:30:13: I have two brown keyboards and have tried Filco blue for two weeks. I think that brown is softer, quieter and faster. I prefer browns, but I will get a blue in the future just to diversify my typing feel.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: morethanless on Wed, 15 June 2011, 10:52:32: Quote from: ripster;361074
The key to choosing Blue versus Brown is to know thyself, not what "experienced" internet forum users say.
Show Image
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5044698740_212b63c795_z.jpg)

Your graphic is missing red cherries and clear cherries ;)
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 15 June 2011, 12:09:45: Quote from: ripster;361104
I thought Qpad was just a EU version of the chinese Xarmor clone?

Is there a difference?

Oups... I thought it was the other way around. XArmor were rebranded QPad. I wonder where I got that idea?

I like QPad name better. It gives a better sense of the level of protection you get.
Since it's more like a Maxi Pad than armored.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Thu, 16 June 2011, 08:23:18: Just to give you an update , I've gone and ordered the Ducky with MX Browns... my reasoning being a) it has a couple of extra niceties that I think I'll appreciate, and b) it was $20 cheaper than the Das with browns, which is another $20 for some other gadget :smile:

I'll post again when it arrives and I've tried it out.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: noodles256 on Thu, 16 June 2011, 08:48:20: quack
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 16 June 2011, 08:52:02: Quote from: Cyphus781;361651
Just to give you an update , I've gone and ordered the Ducky with MX Browns... my reasoning being a) it has a couple of extra niceties that I think I'll appreciate, and b) it was $20 cheaper than the Das with browns, which is another $20 for some other gadget :smile:

I'll post again when it arrives and I've tried it out.

Never tried a Ducky, but ripster doesn't like them, so I assume they are good boards.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: noodles256 on Thu, 16 June 2011, 09:55:09: DgQ
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Lester on Thu, 16 June 2011, 10:39:00: Quote from: ripster;361693
Congrats! Good choice.

I like Duckys now. At least the keys. Or at least the PBT Engraved Key set.

The pad printed non coated ABS ones not so much. Look like they won't last long.
Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/5836947413_848a49d502_b.jpg)

How about Filco ABS Keycaps then? Don't think they last that long either.
Don't hate ducky for the materials they use! - If people want longer lasting ones they have PBT ;)
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Lester on Thu, 16 June 2011, 12:07:48: Quote from: ripster;361759
I don't hate Ducky anymore.
:)
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Xibal on Sat, 18 June 2011, 03:11:21: Quote from: Cyphus781;361651
Just to give you an update , I've gone and ordered the Ducky with MX Browns... my reasoning being a) it has a couple of extra niceties that I think I'll appreciate, and b) it was $20 cheaper than the Das with browns, which is another $20 for some other gadget :smile:

I'll post again when it arrives and I've tried it out.

Good on you, let us know how it goes, I assume you bought it from mechkeyboards shipped from brisbane
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Xibal on Sat, 18 June 2011, 03:12:52: Quote from: ripster;361759
I don't hate Ducky anymore.

But personally I like coated Pad printed keys because they last longer. There's a reason why the big manufacturers like Logitech/Microsoft/HP all coat their keys.

That's good for you and you only
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Sun, 19 June 2011, 01:41:47: Quote from: Xibal;362799
Good on you, let us know how it goes, I assume you bought it from mechkeyboards shipped from brisbane

Yeah, got it from mechkeyboards... accidentally chose my old shipping address though, so probably won't have it till Wednesday.

Quote from: ripster;361759
I don't hate Ducky anymore.

But personally I like coated Pad printed keys because they last longer. There's a reason why the big manufacturers like Logitech/Microsoft/HP all coat their keys.

I thought I'd give these keycaps a go, and look at replacing them down the track if they start to wear.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: Cyphus781 on Thu, 30 June 2011, 09:16:57: Well I've had my Ducky for over a week now, and must say that I'm loving it. Once Mechkeyboards.com confirmed the order, it only took a couple of days to arrive.

It's a gen 2, so that means NKRO over USB (which appears to work just fine), and PCB (not quite sure what this means yet). I believe the keycaps are still pad printed ABS, as the legends are slightly raised.

I love the MX Browns. They're brilliant for typing even though I'm still bottoming out quite a bit. And in terms of gaming, I can't find any drawbacks so far.
Physically, this keyboard is a very solid build, weighing about 4x my previous board. The keys were easy to remove with the tool provided so I substituted in the red escape and purple WASD cluster just for kicks. Everything performs as it should and I managed to reprogram a couple keys with an app called KeyTweak. This unfortunately doesn't appear to affect the 4 extra keys about the numpad so it seems you're stuck with the pre-programmed functions. The only downside so far would be the USB cable, or rather it's connection to the board. It was quite fiddly to connect and will permanently crease if directed through the right or left channels. Lastly, the 6 LEDs are a bit bright for my liking but thankfully I rarely need them on at all.

A big thank you to everyone who refined what I was looking for! I would thoroughly recommend this Ducky to anyone after a mechanical board. If you have any questions about how the board feels, I'll do my best to answer with my limited technical knowledge.
Title: Good first mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue or Brown? (preferably backlit)
Post by: taco-man on Mon, 12 March 2012, 07:12:37: Quote from: Cyphus781;370544
A big thank you to everyone who refined what I was looking for! I would thoroughly recommend this Ducky to anyone after a mechanical board. If you have any questions about how the board feels, I'll do my best to answer with my limited technical knowledge.

Now that you have had the ducky shine for a while now, is there anything you might not have mentioned before about it? Something you don't like (or do like). I Just thought I would see if I could get a response from you, since I too am heavily considering getting a ducky shine with mx browns in it. Thanks! And for those wondering, yes this will be my first mechanical keyboard.