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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: SpartanD63 on Wed, 19 September 2012, 17:46:23

Title: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: SpartanD63 on Wed, 19 September 2012, 17:46:23: Hello!

I am considering getting a mechanical keyboard... I'm just not sure what yet.

I mostly type.
It would mostly be used at home, but I might start carrying it around daily. So durability is a plus.
Noise is a concern, but as long as it is not much louder than a mouse click, it should be fine.

I'm not sure what kind of feel I want...

My budget is about $100.

I am considering a Model M / Unicomp or a WASD, but other suggestions are appreciated.
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 17:58:31: (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61075086/WelcomeWally.jpg)

Go with the Model M / Unicomp. You will love it.
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 19 September 2012, 19:12:53: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 19 September 2012, 17:58:31
Show Image
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61075086/WelcomeWally.jpg)

Go with the Model M / Unicomp. You will love it.

wow, talk about biased opinion.. ;D

But, yea, if I were to do it all over again, I would've went the unicomp route. poured concrete into the base and sandblasted the keycaps.
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 19 September 2012, 19:34:57: My advice is to ignore the noise factor completely. With cherry mx, its all about how you strike the keys anyway.

Also, it seems everyone always ends up at reds.
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: jeroplane on Wed, 19 September 2012, 19:39:11: If noise really is a concern, I'd throw the idea of a Model M/Unicomp out the window.
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: SpartanD63 on Wed, 19 September 2012, 20:03:58: Noise is most likely not really a concern when I think about it... I always have obscure, strange music playing and kinda pound on my current 'board and that doesn't seem to cause any problems...

But I AM interested in the Cherry MXs...
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: dorkvader on Wed, 19 September 2012, 21:08:09: I'd go for unicomp if I were you. I love mine, and it's wonderful. Durability is beyond doubt. Otherwise, get a model F-122 key keyboard, and get an adapter (Soarer made some teensy code for it).

If you want to try Cherry MX, You should look into blues or clears. I prefer them to all the others for typing, though reds can be nice as well.

Obscure strange music.... tell me more! One of my favourite genres of music is "avant-garde".
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: SpartanD63 on Wed, 19 September 2012, 21:23:24: Yeah, I think I'll get the Unicomp.

I tend to listen to chiptunes and just about anything foreign... :D Nothing in particular though...
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: Mark|MD5 on Wed, 19 September 2012, 21:55:07: Try visiting your local thrift stores as you might find something decent!
I got my model M for 3$
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: SpartanD63 on Wed, 19 September 2012, 23:50:03: Quote from: Mark|MD5 on Wed, 19 September 2012, 21:55:07
Try visiting your local thrift stores as you might find something decent!
I got my model M for 3$

I might have to... because apparently, $50-80 is "too much" for a KB.* :rolleyes:

*Not my words
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 20 September 2012, 00:20:12: Welcome to Geekhack!

Always remember that if you don't like your first mechanical keyboard as much, you can always get a second one ;)
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 20 September 2012, 08:16:46: Quote from: rowdy on Thu, 20 September 2012, 00:20:12
Welcome to Geekhack!

Always remember that if you don't like your first mechanical keyboard as much, you can always get a second one ;)

No... no retry...

Hardcore mode... Activate irrational love as soon as you buy your first keyboard.
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: SpartanD63 on Fri, 21 September 2012, 10:14:56: Alright! I just got a "blue logo" Model M on EBay for $25. It should arrive next week. ;D

BTW, does anyone have suggestions for where to get a replacement Ctrl key cap?
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Fri, 21 September 2012, 10:17:59: You could email Unicomp, or you could just buy a RBG set, which comes with two Ctrl, Shift, and Alt keys.

http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/Buttons
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: SpartanD63 on Fri, 21 September 2012, 10:33:18: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Fri, 21 September 2012, 10:17:59
or you could just buy a RBG set

Those look nice!
Title: Re: Another noob asking for suggestions...
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 21 September 2012, 19:26:11: Quote from: Mark|MD5 on Wed, 19 September 2012, 21:55:07
Try visiting your local thrift stores as you might find something decent!
I got my model M for 3$
Depends on where you live. I've never seen any mechs in a thrift store, or flea market. Even RD's are uncommon where I live.

Buckling spring is the way to go! I hope you enjoy your model M. Probably best $25 you could spend an a keyboard.