geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: PRISONER 24601 on Mon, 09 April 2012, 23:44:31
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I will try to keep this brief.
First off, I am a heavy typist and a light gamer-so that's the perspective you'll be getting.
Some of you know me, most of you probably don't.
When I first joined geekhack, my goal was to find "the perfect keyboard". That's easy, right? Little did I know... wow.
Needless to say, three years have passed since my foray into the growing world of modern mechanical keyboards; what a journey it's been!
After extensively testing hundreds of keyboards--both mechanical and rubberdome--through millions and millions of keystrokes, I have come to a few simple conclusions:
1. And this has to do with plate-mounted, Chinese made Cherry MX 'boards: performance-wise, Most all of these 'boards are imho created equal. Base your purchase decision on whatever you want, but don't expect a Filco with browns to perform any better than a Leopold model with browns and similar specs. It all comes down to personal taste (or if you're like me, you value customer service and favor merchants who are knowledgeable and responsive).
2. The IBM Buckling Spring is timeless, and the Model M2 could have been a world-beater.
3. Simplified ALPS (specifically fukka/xm/strongman clones) are leagues better than most complicated ALPS (save for the Apple/SGI 'boards with rubber dampers. Those were boss). Why? They're CRAZY tactile and actuate right at the top of the keystroke. Crisp.
4. Cherry MX BLACK is the best all-around switch. Blue comes in a close second. If you're unsure about what type of features you're looking for, go with the old standby: Black MX with NKRO. Don't be surprised when it doesn't "click"- your keyboard is a TOOL, and the Black MX switch is the best tool for the job.
5. Unicomp is working on a USB version of the classic M space saving keyboard. It will be out in a few months. Email them for details, because I don't know much.
6. Keyboard nerds are WAY ahead of their time.
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"4." How about red
"6." Can you explain this further?
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5. I just bought one of these from them. Not sure if that is relevant.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]47952[/ATTACH]
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Solanin-
4. Reds are great, but they're not for everyone. I wouldn't venture into Clears or Reds unless I had tried all the most popular varieties (blue, black, brown). Only buy reds if you KNOW that you want a LIGHTER switch.
6. In the future, only content CREATORS will have a real need for keyboards. In the future, those who use keyboards will use them a LOT. The demand for (and general interest in) quality professional-grade keyboards should continue to increase as more "casuals" switch to touchpads and voice command.
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5. I just bought one of these from them. Not sure if that is relevant.
(Attachment) 47952[/ATTACH]
Seriously? Is that USB?
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It's just the frame (as Unicomp calls it). I bought it for an SSK that was in serious need, but I ended up repairing the old frame instead. I wrote an article here:
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:29842
I don't know if it is NOS or a new piece. It has drain channels, which my SSK does not.
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4. I guess it is a matter of personal reference then. Personally I think that a keyboard with red, black switches combination is quite good. Red will be the best with keys that are pressed with pinkies and ring fingers, numpad also.
6. Agree.
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I still am amazed by 'drain holes'. Somebody designed a keyboard with actual channels and drain holes.
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YAY!!!!
Guess I'll have to buy one, then...
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eiiih.....
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Oh good just what we need another x is better than y thread. Wouldn't it be easier if there was a single thread where everyone could add their opinion on what was best especially as it's rubbish anyway as it's down to personal preference.
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Oh good just what we need another x is better than y thread.
There better than. I have read everything but am stupid so I need someone to tell me what switch/keyboard I need.
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Nostradamus up in this shizz
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4. Why blacks? Stiff spring? Linear? What about MX greens - combination of blacks and blues?
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Why the bump? Unicomp hasn't said anything regarding the SSK
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Hey I can state opinion as if it's a fact too: Cherry MX blacks are the worst switch.
That's fun