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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: The_Beast on Thu, 17 May 2012, 03:41:58

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 17 May 2012, 03:41:58

So I have this friend, he's looking for a keyboard.  I'd like to convert him to the mech. side.


In order of importance:
Backlit
Black switches
Full sized


All that with a budget under $100USD. I can't think of any off the top of my head so I'll ask you guys. Thanks in advance

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: MMB on Thu, 17 May 2012, 04:08:19

http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Keyboard-FKBN104ML-EB2/dp/B0053U3Z8G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337246100&sr=8-1

or

http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Linear-Keyboard-FKBN104ML/dp/B0060J3W1E/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337246166&sr=1-8

Been looking for a full-sized around $100, no luck. Better off looking for a TKL if you want a new one in that price range. Even this one, which is kinda generic was around 120:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Skydigital-nKeyboard-Mechanic-mechanical-game-keyboard-Cherry-MX-Switch-Black-/170786895060?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item27c3b134d4#ht_7820wt_1163

But if you want to go with a TKL, the Keycools arent bad, and around $75:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Key-Cool-87-Mechanical-Gaming-keyboard-Cherry-MX-Black-W-Black-body-/290671058103?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item43ad585cb7#ht_3042wt_1220

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: mr626 on Thu, 17 May 2012, 05:45:28

Hmm, backlit and fullsize for that price may be tricky. Ducky Shine comes to mind, but that is closer to $150USD from memory.

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: cactux on Thu, 17 May 2012, 05:47:29

^ +1

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: Djuzuh on Thu, 17 May 2012, 05:48:10

Deck is also more pricey, and ugly too xD.

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: Wolf3188 on Thu, 17 May 2012, 06:15:00

What about the Cooler Master Storm Trigger? Fullsize, MX Blacks, Red backlighting, seems solid enough. About $120.

http://www.cmstorm.com/en/products/keyboards/Trigger/

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 17 May 2012, 11:45:50

I've seen Noppoo Pro closer to their budget, but will need to still add a little, around $110. I haven't seen much about it, so I am unsure if it would be a good choice. But it is one of the lower priced boards that fit backlight and blacks, otherwise you might get lucky on a lower price on the Mionix Zibal, I have seen some go for under $100 on ebay. But once again, they don't seem to be regarded very well overall.

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: laffindude on Thu, 17 May 2012, 12:04:47

Well, there is the CM Storm Quickfire Pro...

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 17 May 2012, 14:29:17

Quote from: laffindude;594685

Well, there is the CM Storm Quickfire Pro...

This about the only one that comes close, I'll try to find one with black switches. BTW if I can't, what is the best backlit rubber domed (ewww, I know but deal with it)?

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: MMB on Thu, 17 May 2012, 15:55:26

Forget the full-sized. And definitely forget the rubber dome. Go with this dude.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TG3-Electronics-BL82-Series-82-key-LED-Backlit-KeyboaRD-/230718950737?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item35b7ebcd51#ht_1510wt_1163

Best bet for the money.

EDIT: Also, why would you want someone new to mechanical switches to use MX blacks? Someone who isn't used to them, would have some pretty sore fingers using blacks for the first time. I would suggest reds or browns, imo.

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: whiteduck on Thu, 17 May 2012, 16:01:52

I will sell you said above keyboard for 55$ shipped.  I am not a fan of the layout and you get the added bonus of me already removing the pesky plastic between the switches and the keys.  Keep in mind you will have to add some sort of pad on the bottom of the board as the screws stick out from the plate on the bottom.

Edit: I only have used the keyboard for like an hour after removing the plastic and realized I was not a fan.  So it shouldn't have any wear at all.

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 17 May 2012, 16:25:04

Quote from: MagicMeatball;594867

Forget the full-sized. And definitely forget the rubber dome. Go with this dude.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TG3-Electronics-BL82-Series-82-key-LED-Backlit-KeyboaRD-/230718950737?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item35b7ebcd51#ht_1510wt_1163

Best bet for the money.

EDIT: Also, why would you want someone new to mechanical switches to use MX blacks? Someone who isn't used to them, would have some pretty sore fingers using blacks for the first time. I would suggest reds or browns, imo.

I'll show it to him, but he might not like it


Thanks for the help :) (BTW I told him to start with browns but he wants blacks {I'm sure he'd go for reds too tho})

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: smknjoe on Thu, 17 May 2012, 16:53:15

Quote from: MagicMeatball;594867

Forget the full-sized. And definitely forget the rubber dome. Go with this dude.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TG3-Electronics-BL82-Series-82-key-LED-Backlit-KeyboaRD-/230718950737?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item35b7ebcd51#ht_1510wt_1163

Best bet for the money.

EDIT: Also, why would you want someone new to mechanical switches to use MX blacks? Someone who isn't used to them, would have some pretty sore fingers using blacks for the first time. I would suggest reds or browns, imo.

Is that a Deck for 1/3 the price?

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: foEs on Thu, 17 May 2012, 17:13:58

That is what I was gonna ask looks like a cheap deck 82? What kind of switches does it have?

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: MMB on Thu, 17 May 2012, 17:18:55

Yes, it is a Deck 82. TG3 is the manufacturer of the boards. Deck re-brands/re-sells them.

Title: Keyboard for a friend - need help finding
Post by: urbanus on Thu, 17 May 2012, 19:58:13

Quote from: The_Beast;594466

So I have this friend, he's looking for a keyboard.

Ah, I understand now.

When I read the title, I thought you needed help finding a friend.