geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: nereme on Sun, 27 May 2012, 09:35:24
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Hi there guys.
Been sent over here from Bit-tech as I am looking to get my first Mech keyboard. but with so much to chose from im at a loss and as i live in the UK its really difficult to find and try them before I buy. So I am turning to you guys and gals to help me pick something I will love.
The keyboard will be Mainly used for gaming and general internet use, as I don't do a hell of a lot of word processing at home (most of that occurs at work). From the research I have done I think either Black or Brown (most likely brown) Switches will be best for what I intend to do with this keyboard.
The other thing I am interested in your guys opinions for is, After lurking around and seeing the wide array of custom keycaps you guys get I know I will be wanting to amass a collection of these so that I can customize the keyboard and be very happy with it. So I want to know also which keyboards will be best to get from that viewpoint as im sure some of the cheaper boards out there might not be that welcoming to custom keys due to differing sizes etc.
Thanks for all advice in advanced and If you need to know any more info ask and ye shall receive
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If you are looking at getting a keyboard with a "standard" key layout to facilitate customization with aftermarket keycaps, Filco, WASD, Das would be my choices. Cherry G80-3000 is another option and in some people's mind would be *the* standard keyboard, but it has the drawbacks of not being a plate mount board (although I suspect that would really only become a noticeable issue with black or clear switches) and also it uses an off center space bar switch unlike everyone else (that can be worked around with a homemade jig, and extra keycap, and some epoxy.) I wouldn't recommend Leopold because of non-standard space bar and windowed keys, although that can be worked around. Likewise Noppoo Choc Pro is a nice board but the space bar on that is non standard as well, although it has the advantage of being NKRO over USB and is very Filco-like in appearance and feel. Those are the ones with which I have experience... there may be some others that would work well for you.
I know Filco and WASD offer ISO layout boards which may be important to you in the UK. I would assume that Cherry does as well. Not sure about the others.
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For general purpose, ie a mixture of gaming and typing, brown is the safe bet for newbies like you.
For standard layout and easy replacing keycaps when necessary, you must get a keyboard with ANSI layout like this:
(http://www.geek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/FKB104MEB_01.jpg)
Filco, Das, Ducky, Leopold, Xamor and Noppoo Choc are candidates.
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I would say go with the Leopold or Filco for your first choice, assuming you can get a Filco in your price range.
Edit: I totally forgot about the CM Storm QF keyboards. The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid is amazing for the price, but it doesn't have a 10-key pad. The Pro version is a little more expensive (same price as the Leopold in the US) because it has the 10-key pad.
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nereme, take your time. Figure out exactly what you want, then buy that and that only. You'll save a lot of money.
So saying that, go out and buy a topre and remove this site from your bookmarks. Your wallet will hurt on day one, but like tearing a plaster off, best to get it over with quickly.
http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=863 that's the end of your quest bud.
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How does this one sound to you guys?
After a bit of digging for keyboard I found this one with brown switches which I think will suit me best at this point in time
http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=646
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I think i have found one.
(http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_images/filco_majestouch_ninja_brown_us_dis_small.jpg)
What do you guys think of that. Im just pondering if i want the letters on the top of the keys or as pictured on the sides of the keys.
Is there a major difference in the 2?
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the keycaps are the only difference between a Filco "ninja" and the corresponding regular model.
If you are a touch typist or want to learn, really, the feel of the keycaps is the most important thing and then comes aesthetic appearance - but you won't be looking at them when you're actually typing anyway.