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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: Dethpirate on Sat, 15 September 2012, 20:00:08
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Hey there! You all sound so knowledgeable about mechanical keyboards! I'm a PC gamer who uses a $15 microsoft keyboard, and I have always been happy with it. Despite being what I would consider a computer nerd, I had never heard of mechanical keyboards, until my roommate purchased one last week. Like a fool, I wasted a good 10 minutes, making fun of him for spending $150 on a keyboard. But then a few days later, he let me use it and play a few games of Battlefield 3 with it. I took back everything I said, because the keyboard makes such a difference in gameplay! I'm still shocked over it!
So I have been doing a bunch of research online, because my wallet is rather empty right now, and there's no way I can spend $150 on a keyboard. I understand the difference between the blue, brown and black switches in mechanical keyboards. But the keyboard my roomate purchased (Blackhawk x9http://www.maxkeyboard.com/max-keyboard-nighthawk-x9-red-backlit-mechanical-keyboard.html (http://www.maxkeyboard.com/max-keyboard-nighthawk-x9-red-backlit-mechanical-keyboard.html)) has red switches. Can anyone explain to me what makes red switches different, please? I'm a little confused, and I'm debating if I should try settling with a cheaper Razer Blackwidow instead. I dont want a very loud keyboard, but I havent tried any other mechanicals, besides the x9. Personally, I LOVE the feel of this keyboard, I guess I am just trying to justify the thought of spending that much on one!
Sorry if this is something that comes up a lot. I couldn't find many threads about it, so I thought I'd give this a shot :) Thanks!
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Reds are a lighter version of Blacks. They are both linear switches.
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If you already know you love the red switches then I suggest buying a keyboard with the same switches.
Here are a few less expensive keyboards that use Cherry red switches:
Leopold
http://www.elitekeyboards.com/
CoolerMaster
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129006
Corsair
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823816001
The Leopold is supposed to be a very good quality keyboard. I don't know about the others (people say the CM feels cheaper). Good luck with your decision!
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I would avoid the blackwidow if possible. I have one and like it fine, no problems yet, but many people have problems with theirs. So I would go with something a different if I were in your shoes :p
Edit: And if you don't want a loud keyboard, don't get a blackwidow. As far as I know it only comes in MX Blues, which definitely don't fit that description.
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Reds are the lightest of the switches. And it lacks the tactility which you'd find on brown/blue switches and on rubber domes.
Burz has a good list of keyboards. I'd recommend CoolerMaster/Rosewill.
Welcome = )
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I would go with the Cooler Master keyboard with red switches. I have never tried reds but from what everyone says they are amazing. The Cooler Master board is cheaper and has amazing build quality only down side is the ugly logos. But I actually read on here somewhere that the logos are being removed in the newer versions so you might be in luck.
Welcome to GH. Have fun being broke. :)
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Mind you wallet - there are many keyboard-related temptations and it might never fill again ;)
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(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61075086/WelcomeWally.jpg)
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Don't get a black widow, get a CM storm because they are cheap and better quality.