That's a crazy good price for a board. If the quality is good enough, it can probably become an entry 104 board. Like Vesper said, it'd be cool to see it in TKL.
What does dual layered PCB provide, functionality wise?
Operating System Compatibility
Windows XP Yes
Windows Vista Yes
Windows 7 Yes
Mac No
I wonder why not compatible with Mac?
So these are, what, just like other Duckys but without any backlighting?
Might give CoolerMaster a run for theirm oney.
I think MechanicalKeyboards has reported keyboards not being Mac compatible while they actually are.
There are different levels of compatibility: having all the function keys present, and that NKRO hack which doesn't work well with non-Windows systems. I don't think Ducky has the NKRO hack enabled on this keyboard though (unlike the Choc Mini).
What is this NKRO hack you mention? I don't know how the USB NKRO works but I have tested it on Aquakey Test and the NKRO really works. You and I own the Ducky DK9008 G2 Pro Limited with the USB NKRO as long as the Shine II's. Do these have this hack or are they different? Intradasting.The hack is where the keyboard acts as a USB hub and connects multiple keyboard "devices" to achieve NKRO. Ducky has the NKRO vs. 6KRO as a DIP Switch option on their higher end boards (not sure about the Zero); that is where the hack is enabled/disabled. The Noppoo Choc Mini doesn't have a means to disable the hack, so it is completely incompatible when used with some BIOSes and Mac OSes.
Two big downsides I see to this keyboard. One, it's ABS keycaps. I hate ABS. I destroy ABS. Took me less than 3 days to develop an insane amount of shine on my QF Rapid's spacebar. (It's like a damn mirror. Grrgh. I demand more PBT.)
Number two is the big one that's going to bite everyone. Those LED windows are hawt, oh yes. But they indicate two things. One, the LED's external to the switch. No big. Two, there are no existing molds with that type of windowing. Meaning any replacement keycap set is going to require two new molds to handle caps lock and num/scroll lock. And that's presuming they aren't using light pipe - now that would be an expensive keycap.
Otherwise looks pretty solid. Especially when you consider it's essentially an improved Vortex ONE ($110) with ABS instead of PBT.
What is this NKRO hack you mention? I don't know how the USB NKRO works but I have tested it on Aquakey Test and the NKRO really works. You and I own the Ducky DK9008 G2 Pro Limited with the USB NKRO as long as the Shine II's. Do these have this hack or are they different? Intradasting.The hack is where the keyboard acts as a USB hub and connects multiple keyboard "devices" to achieve NKRO. Ducky has the NKRO vs. 6KRO as a DIP Switch option on their higher end boards (not sure about the Zero); that is where the hack is enabled/disabled. The Noppoo Choc Mini doesn't have a means to disable the hack, so it is completely incompatible when used with some BIOSes and Mac OSes.
NKRO over USB is doable without such a hack but will require more bandwidth, which is trivial as USB are high speed ports.
For my DK9008G2Pro, I have it set on 6KRO and use a passive PS/2 adapter to get NKRO.
Number two is the big one that's going to bite everyone. Those LED windows are hawt, oh yes. But they indicate two things. One, the LED's external to the switch. No big. Two, there are no existing molds with that type of windowing. Meaning any replacement keycap set is going to require two new molds to handle caps lock and num/scroll lock. And that's presuming they aren't using light pipe - now that would be an expensive keycap.
Two big downsides I see to this keyboard. One, it's ABS keycaps. I hate ABS. I destroy ABS. Took me less than 3 days to develop an insane amount of shine on my QF Rapid's spacebar. (It's like a damn mirror. Grrgh. I demand more PBT.)
Number two is the big one that's going to bite everyone. Those LED windows are hawt, oh yes. But they indicate two things. One, the LED's external to the switch. No big. Two, there are no existing molds with that type of windowing. Meaning any replacement keycap set is going to require two new molds to handle caps lock and num/scroll lock. And that's presuming they aren't using light pipe - now that would be an expensive keycap.
Otherwise looks pretty solid. Especially when you consider it's essentially an improved Vortex ONE ($110) with ABS instead of PBT.
I don't really think they intended for this keyboard line to be on the high end but more so for the entry level, which is why they didn't include PBT keycaps. They have the DK9008 G2 Pro series for that, but being Ducky, I woudn't be surprised if they did eventually provide this line with PBT keycaps for a slightly higher price like they did with the standard DK9008's. I can understand your hate for the shining on an ABS spacebar though. I don't mind the feel but man does it look ugly when it does that.
The whole LED windowed keycaps thing you talk about, standard OEM/Cherry profile keycaps wouldn't fit? I'm confused (sorry). Are you saying that the replacement keycaps from Ducky will be expensive or that standard keycaps won't fit? If you're saying standard keycaps won't fit, that'd be an issue, for sure.
So much I don't know about keyboards :S Learning something new everyday.
This isn't a keyboard meant for swapping keycaps or doing anything drastic other than typing. Even Filcos which sell for close to $150 use ABS keycaps; virtually every keyboard company with the exception of the premium Topre boards, Leopold (very good) and Vortex (QC inconsistent) uses ABS.
Vesper, as for the windowed keycaps, rootwyrm means that no other compatible windowed keycaps are available for what Ducky did here. Again, not a problem as it's an entry board.
I am curious though to compare the Chinese-made Zero series with the older, Taiwanese-manufactured (I think) DK1087 boards. Those supposedly had some QC issues.
Number two is the big one that's going to bite everyone. Those LED windows are hawt, oh yes. But they indicate two things. One, the LED's external to the switch. No big. Two, there are no existing molds with that type of windowing. Meaning any replacement keycap set is going to require two new molds to handle caps lock and num/scroll lock. And that's presuming they aren't using light pipe - now that would be an expensive keycap.
Are you sure you'd need special windowed replacement caps?Show Image(http://cdn.overclock.net/f/f2/500x1000px-LL-f243499b_27.jpeg)
Looks like normal LED placement to me...
Dude. Look at that picture again. Notice something off? Specifically, notice that the key switch is mounted UPSIDE DOWN.Upside down mounting is pretty common; I'd venture a guess that most backlit keyboards do the same. Yes, Ducky did reinvent the wheel for those windowed keycaps, but again not something I'd worry about for the target user of the Zero.
Number two is the big one that's going to bite everyone. Those LED windows are hawt, oh yes. But they indicate two things. One, the LED's external to the switch. No big. Two, there are no existing molds with that type of windowing. Meaning any replacement keycap set is going to require two new molds to handle caps lock and num/scroll lock. And that's presuming they aren't using light pipe - now that would be an expensive keycap.
Are you sure you'd need special windowed replacement caps?Show Image(http://cdn.overclock.net/f/f2/500x1000px-LL-f243499b_27.jpeg)
Looks like normal LED placement to me...
Ha ha! Ducky you tricksy bastards!
Dude. Look at that picture again. Notice something off? Specifically, notice that the key switch is mounted UPSIDE DOWN.
Does anybody still have molds for top positioned windowed keycaps? Hells, I've only seen one keyboard ever use them.
Are you sure you'd need special windowed replacement caps?Show Image(http://cdn.overclock.net/f/f2/500x1000px-LL-f243499b_27.jpeg)
Looks like normal LED placement to me...
That's the confusing thing - the DK9008G2 is available with PBT. But the Zero is pretty clearly higher end in terms of appearance and function. So commence epic confusion as everyone looks and goes "wait, the 9008G2 has old style LED windows and the Zero has these really nice LEDs, 9008G2 is single layer while Zero is two layer. And they both have about the same layout but the Zero is way cheaper?"
Seriously. Do the comparison. The Zero is ahead of the 9008G2 in many regards. (It also appears to have a significantly more ergonomic Fn layer, depending where the track control buttons are.)
Would standard keycaps fit? Yes. Would the LEDs be visible? No. Would standard windowed keycaps work? No - they wouldn't show the LED. You need keycaps that match that specific window layout. So this would make truly compatible keycaps more expensive because it requires a new mold to be made. Otherwise, you would basically lose the LED functionality.
My greater fear is that Ducky is using a light pipe (basically specially shaped optical plastic) as part of the keycap, which would make replacement keycaps extremely expensive - seriously, just the light pipe would probably cost near half a dollar in qty 1000+ - but could mean the LED's in front so windowed keycaps would work.
Heh, I think most folks missed that little caveat. Still it looks like a very solid keyboard overall. I'm certainly giving some consideration - just want more information on the Fn layer. I can live without volume controls, but I cannot live without my track controls.
rootwyrm does bring up a pretty valid point: Why would Ducky release the Zero when they have oodles of G2Pro keyboards sitting around? There are only a few advantages the G2Pro keyboard offers:
* TKL and 104 options
* PBT (but not always)
* backlit WASD cluster + media control, +WASD backlit keycaps
* Made in Taiwan
Still, I can't see how the Chinese-made Zero isn't a good value over an ABS G2Pro keyboard unless backlit WASD cluster is absolutely critical and worth the $35 difference!
Here's the comparison:
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=214
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=218
vs.
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=263
If it were MX Green, I'd buy one right now.
The problem is, the improvements over the 1008 I have now in Blue are not enough to justify another 85 dollars delivered.
Which boards are MX Greens?only the Ducky DK9008G2Pro board: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=199
Which boards are MX Greens?only the Ducky DK9008G2Pro board: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=199
and the Cooler Master Quick Fire Rapid and CM Storm Trigger.
Ducky said they will be releasing more rarer switch boards later this year.
well... it's not like they can really innovate a keyboard much further.They could get rid of the media keys, USB NKRO and Win-lock. Could get rid of all LEDs too.
well... it's not like they can really innovate a keyboard much further.
I think the Ducky Shine II already has this feature as an option, if I'm not mistaken.
- lighting effects, have each pressed key GLOW for a period after pressing and then fade out.
:) i can think of several ways keyboards can be innovated.Buncha crap ba-leeted.
I'm sure i can think of lots more things
:) i can think of several ways keyboards can be innovated.Buncha crap ba-leeted.QuoteI'm sure i can think of lots more things
I'm sorry, you seem to be confusing "stupid gimmicky trash" with innovation. Product designers would appreciate it if you would please stop doing this. Forever. No, seriously.
Not to mention, other than the unworkable 'skirt' and heated USB crap? THAT'S ALL BEEN DONE.
:) i can think of several ways keyboards can be innovated.I'm sure i can think of lots more things
- lighting effects, have each pressed key GLOW for a period after pressing and then fade out.
I'm sorry, you seem to be confusing "stupid gimmicky trash" with innovation. Product designers would appreciate it if you would please stop doing this. Forever. No, seriously.
too bad they look so ricer
I keep getting excited that Filco and Ducky had a baby, called it the Ducky Zero, but had the build quality of the Filco. damn..
Leopold? With the universal spacebars on the F200 series, I wouldn't be worried about finding caps anymore.
- lighting effects, have each pressed key GLOW for a period after pressing and then fade out.
Light tunnels? ... did you look at all the pictures?
Other caps; cant see LED? it will still underglow. although my qfr has a red plate which probably helps.Show Image(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/HeartagramBMXR/IMG_3942.jpg)
Light tunnels? ... did you look at all the pictures?
Other caps; cant see LED? it will still underglow. although my qfr has a red plate which probably helps.
Two big downsides I see to this keyboard. One, it's ABS keycaps. I hate ABS. I destroy ABS. Took me less than 3 days to develop an insane amount of shine on my QF Rapid's spacebar. (It's like a damn mirror. Grrgh. I demand more PBT.)
Number two is the big one that's going to bite everyone. Those LED windows are hawt, oh yes. But they indicate two things. One, the LED's external to the switch. No big. Two, there are no existing molds with that type of windowing. Meaning any replacement keycap set is going to require two new molds to handle caps lock and num/scroll lock. And that's presuming they aren't using light pipe - now that would be an expensive keycap.
Otherwise looks pretty solid. Especially when you consider it's essentially an improved Vortex ONE ($110) with ABS instead of PBT.
what are your fingers made of?
Well and I generally run around 450 keystrokes per minute, 12-16 hours per day, 7 days a week.Damn, what do you do?
Well and I generally run around 450 keystrokes per minute, 12-16 hours per day, 7 days a week.Damn, what do you do?
Light tunnels? ... did you look at all the pictures?
Other caps; cant see LED? it will still underglow. although my qfr has a red plate which probably helps.
Uh, no, it won't.
Do you know why the CM Storm looks like that? Because they use an insanely high mcd lamp with about a 120deg spread. In fact, it's so bright, it shines through the stock keycaps.
By comparison, the photos of the Ducky Zero appear to show that it is a narrow angle, low mcd green - the visible 'bleed' appears to be point reflection and not direct illumination. It's most definitely nowhere near bright enough to be reasonably visible sans window. Low mcd green with narrow angle's also the cheapest choice. Figure CM Storm's reds in the QFR are red clear T1's at we'll say probably around 100mcd and a 90-120 angle so probably OSRAMs which are around $0.80/ea as I recall. Even going with lower mcd, clear means around $0.50/ea. Greens with low mcd narrow angle? $0.34 each (http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/LTL-4236N/160-1144-ND/214443) for the expensive ones.
Well and I generally run around 450 keystrokes per minute, 12-16 hours per day, 7 days a week.Damn, what do you do?
Have you tried MX Greens? Those are tough to consistently bottom out on.
I wish MX Greens were an option on more keyboards... Seems to be a very hard thing to come by.I have a feeling at least another Ducky MX Green board might show up in the classifieds...
I spent a while trying to hunt down a Ducky 9008 g2 pro with MX Greens but they were sold out everywhere :(.
I wish this Ducky Zero was available with MX greens :'( I guess there's always the QFR..
Have you tried MX Greens? Those are tough to consistently bottom out on.
Still trying to find Fn layer info on the Ducky Zero but no luck.. looks like it doesn't have media controls at all other than mute and volume. I am a sad panda. :(I think the Fn key only toggles NKRO mode and the winkey lock. No other media functions that I've seen across promotional materials.
Got my Zero i today.. I can confirm only Fn-F10 (win key lock) & Fn-12 (NK toggle)..Have you tried MX Greens? Those are tough to consistently bottom out on.Still trying to find Fn layer info on the Ducky Zero but no luck.. looks like it doesn't have media controls at all other than mute and volume. I am a sad panda. :(
Ey guys. Anyone that could do a quick comparison between the Ducky Zero and Ducky Shine 2?
Thank you kindly :)
I think MechanicalKeyboards has reported keyboards not being Mac compatible while they actually are.
There are different levels of compatibility: having all the function keys present, and that NKRO hack which doesn't work well with non-Windows systems. I don't think Ducky has the NKRO hack enabled on this keyboard though (unlike the Choc Mini).
Ey guys. Anyone that could do a quick comparison between the Ducky Zero and Ducky Shine 2?
Thank you kindly :)
Thanks for all the replies. Is there anyone here that owns one these Zeros and can give us a word or two about the experience? :)
I think I read somewhere that they keys on a Zero might not be interchangeable. Could that be true?
I hate to yank my own chain, but the reason I'm turning to Ducky after Filco has been the very loud keyboard pinging on some keys.. if anyone has a point about the Ducky Zero not sharing this "phenomenon", it would ease my mind (and my wallet of 100$).