geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: TrialandError on Wed, 29 February 2012, 13:14:50
-
So the LEDs on my old DEC RT-101 are dieing (the Num Lock is completely dead) and I'm thinking of using this as an excuse to replace my keyboard rather than simply fixing it. (Though I may yet fix it, replaced or not.) In my search for information about mechanical keyboards I've spent the last week reading this site and cross referencing with others to check prices and availability.
The switches on my DEC are the NMB space invader type and I like the feel of the keyboard, but would like some of the functionality (read extra keys) on a more modern keyboard.
Any suggestions for a board that is similar in feel, but has some of the gamer type functionality? A couple of macro keys would be nice as would back lighting, but I'll settle for a Windows key and multimedia functions. I would prefer a price tag under $100, but understand I may need to spend more for a quality keyboard. Thanks in advance.
-
NMB made some Win95 certified keyboards as well, you can probably find them new for $$$ if you look diligently on eBay and the net. FYI, most modern keyboard switches are not even remotely similar to the HiTek. You can go get some Cherry Blues if you want, and you might even like them, but don't go around spreading the FUD that the two are related in feel. A quality keyboard with Win keys and Cherry switches will run you far under $100 nowadays, but backlighting will push the price over $100.
-
Thanks for the reply. I'm sure nothing is going to feel the same as the board I have now (including another version of the board tbh.), but was thinking of finding an improved version of the feel. I'm not sure if the tactile Cherry Browns would be similar (as the keys I have aren't really noisy), or if the more linier Blacks would be closer. Mostly, I'm looking for something with a similar pressure needed that won't require me to bottom out in order to register the key. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to be more clear about it as I haven't gotten to use many mechanical KBs personally. I would like to get something that is going to improve my experiance and last a loooong time though. And I've done enough research to be fairly sure I'm not finding that in a rubber dome KB of any kind.
And yeah, the back lighting is more of a wish list kind of thing, completely unneeded but cool to find. The macros would be a bit higher on the list. Mostly I guess I'm looking for a good board with the right pressure (I'm unsure what the RT-101 had for pressure) and medium to low noise. (for a mechanical)
-
Oh, most of my time on the PC is spent in WoW and LoL type games, or typing. I don't play FPS (I get VR sick sadly) and haevn't sprung for SC2 yet. Will be playing Diablo 3 as soon as it comes out though (whenever that is). If this makes a difference in the suggestions. Thanks again.