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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: DarLuzi0n on Tue, 28 August 2012, 10:31:00

Title: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: DarLuzi0n on Tue, 28 August 2012, 10:31:00
I would like recommendations for mechanical keyboards with the following criteria

-All Cherry red switches
-Full size layout
-Keys that don't prematurely fade
-Media keys (not necessary but preferred)

I'll be buying my keyboard at my local store http://bit.ly/SNF6k2
From a quick search I narrowed down my choices to these

-CoolerMaster QuickFire Pro
-Leopold FC500R
-Ducky DK9008 Shine II Red
-Max Nighthawk X9 Red

I've read the CM Rapids have a key fading problem but I'm not sure if it's the same with the CM Pro (different producers? iOne vs Costar)

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 28 August 2012, 11:09:39
Firstly:
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61075086/Welcome.jpg)

Secondly:

Personally, I would go with the Ducky.  Only reason being that I have both a Ducky and a CM Rapid, and I prefer the feel of the Ducky over that of the CM Rapid.
Title: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: Sinzz on Tue, 28 August 2012, 12:24:27
Ducky shine! I have one and the build quality is good and contains all the features you need.
Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: DarLuzi0n on Tue, 28 August 2012, 12:57:21
Thanks for the replies!

I was thinking of choosing the Ducky Shine as well but there are a few things putting me off...
The four week wait (maybe more) for preorders and the extra $40AU.
Is it worth the wait and the extra money when compared to a CM QuickFire Pro?
Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: boredgunner on Tue, 28 August 2012, 21:20:43
I vote for the QuickFire Pro.  Generally speaking the price is very hard to beat, and the quality is excellent.  I never had key fading on my QF Rapid, I had it since Feb or March of this year.  I didn't own the Pro for long enough, but I don't think it will be a problem.  The only problem I see with the Pro is people claiming they can't enter the BIOS with it...
Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 28 August 2012, 21:28:58
The CM QuickFire Pro seems to have backlighting only around WASD, whereas the Ducky Shine II has full backlighting.

Might explain part of the price difference.

I have two Ducky Shines, both bought from PCCG.  The purchasing experience was smooth, next day delivery for the first one, and two day delivery for the second.
Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: boredgunner on Wed, 29 August 2012, 12:34:52
The CM QuickFire Pro seems to have backlighting only around WASD, whereas the Ducky Shine II has full backlighting.

Might explain part of the price difference.

I have two Ducky Shines, both bought from PCCG.  The purchasing experience was smooth, next day delivery for the first one, and two day delivery for the second.

Yeah the QF Pro is only partially backlit, which can easily be a deal breaker.  To be more specific, here's the backlight modes.

(http://www.gnd-tech.com/image/i/IAjR9.jpg)

(http://www.gnd-tech.com/image/i/FqpQT.jpg)

And of course you can turn it off.  There's five brightness levels as expected.
Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: Deekin on Thu, 30 August 2012, 14:04:46
Superfail to make a partly lit keyboard if you ask me. Either its fully backlit (or like the new Duckys) or not!

Who wants to have some backlight on wasd????? I mean its not like you will "navigate" wasd with some god damn light. And to just have wasd lit is either ugly or just nerdy.
Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: PointyFox on Thu, 30 August 2012, 14:22:20
The quickfire pro has problems being recognized in the BIOS when in NKRO mode. Also the one I got was wobbly. Ended up returning it.
Title: Re: First mechanical keyboard help
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 30 August 2012, 17:09:56
Superfail to make a partly lit keyboard if you ask me. Either its fully backlit (or like the new Duckys) or not!

Who wants to have some backlight on wasd????? I mean its not like you will "navigate" wasd with some god damn light. And to just have wasd lit is either ugly or just nerdy.


The Ducky has various backlighting modes, including one that lights just Esc, WASD and the arrow keys.  I don't use that mode much.