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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Mojachiee on Sat, 09 February 2013, 04:57:08
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Hi, i'm finally making the switch from membrane keyboards to mechanical keyboards, so this will be my first one.
I'm not sure what switches i would want, i've done some research i believe browns would be for me, but since I can't test any keyboards, i'm not sure.
I'm looking for a keyboard for around £90 (106 euroes and $142), I will be buying it off amazon, and a full size shift key is necessary.
Has anyone got any advice or suggestions?
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First, where are you located? What country?
Second, What would you being using the keyboard for? Gaming or typing and in what percentage ? For example 20% typing 80% gaming etc.
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First, where are you located? What country?
Second, What would you being using the keyboard for? Gaming or typing and in what percentage ? For example 20% typing 80% gaming etc.
I'm located in england, and the keyboard would mostly be used for gaming (75%) and typing for around (15%).
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Awesome!
These guys are good keyboard suppliers in England, and they probably are the people selling the keyboards you were looking at on Amazon
http://www.keyboardco.com/
It is is 75% gaming I would recommended black switches (Although some may disagree with me) and you can look through their keyboards. It also depends on weather you want the number keys on the right either?
And most keyboard on that site are a little more than your budget £110-£130 (inc VAT) so if you can stretch that would make things a lot easier.
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Blacks or reds (blacks only if you have strong fingers) might be better for you, or browns if you are not sure.
I am also given to understand that you can get keyboards here: http://www.scan.co.uk/
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Blacks or reds (blacks only if you have strong fingers) might be better for you, or browns if you are not sure.
I am also given to understand that you can get keyboards here: http://www.scan.co.uk/
What are your thoughts on this keyboard?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/qpad-mk-50-pro-gaming-mechanical-keyboard-cherry-red-mx
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For gaming, then I'd suggest either the Blacks or Reds. As for typing, go for the Browns or Blues.
I found the Blacks to be a bit too stiff to my liking (for typing), so I ended up getting another keyboard this time with Browns. I liked the Blacks for gaming though but I wanted something lighter and better for typing.
It all boils down to your priorities and preferences to the weight of the switches.
A crude way of describing the Browns would be saying they feel somewhat similar to a membrane keyboard.
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Blacks or reds (blacks only if you have strong fingers) might be better for you, or browns if you are not sure.
I am also given to understand that you can get keyboards here: http://www.scan.co.uk/
What are your thoughts on this keyboard?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/qpad-mk-50-pro-gaming-mechanical-keyboard-cherry-red-mx
That is a very cheap mech keyboard, and you may as well pay more for something which lasts longer, just my opinion.
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Welcome to Geekhack!
Blacks or reds (blacks only if you have strong fingers) might be better for you, or browns if you are not sure.
I am also given to understand that you can get keyboards here: http://www.scan.co.uk/
What are your thoughts on this keyboard?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/qpad-mk-50-pro-gaming-mechanical-keyboard-cherry-red-mx
That is a very cheap mech keyboard, and you may as well pay more for something which lasts longer, just my opinion.
What would you suggest for red keys and brown keys?
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Another question that you should ask yourself prior to anything : do you intend to customize your keyboard?
Many things can be done, from changing keycaps to switching casing.
If you do want to change keycaps — or at least plan on doing it, you should definitely aim for an ANSI layout. In this case, you most certainly want to have same-sized modifier key on the bottom row, since most of the keysets are designed for this kind of disposition.
Anyway, I'd advise you to get a tenkeyless keyboard, at least because it enables you to have your mouse closer, meaning that your arms will seat in a more natural way. Obviously, if you DO need a numeric pad, forget about it, but unless you type numbers all day long, you really don't need it.
Speaking about switch colors, sadly, it really depends on your feelings. If you really don't know what you might want, you should be fine with brown.
This last comment is merely a personnal opinion, I hope this will help you though.
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Another question that you should ask yourself prior to anything : do you intend to customize your keyboard?
Many things can be done, from changing keycaps to switching casing.
If you do want to change keycaps — or at least plan on doing it, you should definitely aim for an ANSI layout. In this case, you most certainly want to have same-sized modifier key on the bottom row, since most of the keysets are designed for this kind of disposition.
Anyway, I'd advise you to get a tenkeyless keyboard, at least because it enables you to have your mouse closer, meaning that your arms will seat in a more natural way. Obviously, if you DO need a numeric pad, forget about it, but unless you type numbers all day long, you really don't need it.
Speaking about switch colors, sadly, it really depends on your feelings. If you really don't know what you might want, you should be fine with brown.
This last comment is merely a personnal opinion, I hope this will help you though.
I do not intend to customize the keyboard in anyway, also i often use the number pad, so a tenkeyless keyboard wouldn't work for me
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Blacks.
I have blues and browns for work and reds home.
After few months it became clear to me that tactility is in the way. For serious work you'll bottom out anyway.
I absolutely love reds now (silky smooth), but they're a little soft.
When you do decide and buy, just wait for a month or so of heavy use to have an opinion. That is required for the switches to "break in".
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A crude way of describing the Browns would be saying they feel somewhat similar to a membrane keyboard.
:-X I am completely dazzled at how someone could think this
Browns to me feel great, especially with o-rings (I use the soft, thin variant.) And one thing to note about MX browns is after 1 you get used to them and 2 they kind of "break in" it gets smoother and muscle memory develops.
I think browns are great for me cause I type a lot. Since you say you're about 75% gaming, I'd go with MX reds. For long sessions of CS or any other game, I switch to my QFR with reds. For typing I like buckling springs or MX browns. Just ordered a Topre but that's a whole other ball game....
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Whatever you do get, be aware that you might not like it. Other people can offer their opinions and likes and dislikes, but ultimately it comes down to how well you like your keyboard, and you can only really tell that after using it in your situation for a couple of weeks.
If you get a better known brand, you can usually to resell it here for almost cost.
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My first mechanical in years was the CM QuickFire Storm w/ Brown Cherry Switches. Loved it, loved the price, etc. I spilled wine on it yesterday and I am probably going to buy another one exactly like it to replace.
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the keyboard would mostly be used for gaming (75%) and typing for around (15%).
What will you do with the other 10%? :D
MX browns do not feel like a membrane. They are nice and light with a subtle tactile bump. I like them and I think they are a great all round switch, but I wouldn't say they are my absolute favorite.
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My reasoning behind my "crude" description is that after typing on membrane keyboards for so long I guess the Browns just inherently reminded me of them just because of it's bump. :-X
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For the last 6 months I've been recommending the Quickfire Rapid..
It's a great board... No problems you get good replacement service if it goes down.. either from Amazon, or CM
If you plan to be "MODDING" with custom switches, LEDs etc, then Get a "filco" because that PCB will take to soldering much better..
The resin on the Quickfire peels quite easily even with a temperature controlled iron. So while you CAN mod-up a quickfire, it's just not as easy, and seem more fickle.
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In addition to tp4tissue's comments, we have two CM reps visiting Geekhack occasionally, and they are both very receptive to communication.
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In addition to tp4tissue's comments, we have two CM reps visiting Geekhack occasionally, and they are both very receptive to communication.
Why they refuse to make the GH perfect keyboard, I'll never know..
It's a SURE sell... features that the ENTIRE keyboard community "CONVERGE" with...
What more do you need to deduce...
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The GH perfect keyboard - marketed to all 20,000 GH members. Except those who are no longer active. Except those who only want Topre. Except those who cannot afford or really do not want another keyboard.
Wonder how many that would leave, and whether CM would be able to market such a keyboard globally :)
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The GH perfect keyboard - marketed to all 20,000 GH members. Except those who are no longer active. Except those who only want Topre. Except those who cannot afford or really do not want another keyboard.
Wonder how many that would leave, and whether CM would be able to market such a keyboard globally :)
You see.. WE.... are at the forefront of this hobby.... The path is well worn.... And we're pretty much all in agreement on what we want NOT due to preference, but the limits of available alternatives..
If they make our GH perfect board, it's END-GAME for all other manufacturers.
Fully Firmware Programmable
Easy access plates
Aluminum housing option
LED options
+ bundled replacement LEDs
That's pretty much it....
And they certainly won't make topre, because of the custom keycaps debacle. ;)
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Except those manufacturers who elect to pander to the unwashed masses for whom a BWU is the ultimate (hence the name).
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Except those manufacturers who elect to pander to the unwashed masses for whom a BWU is the ultimate (hence the name).
Those kids will grow up some day.. and buy the GH ultimate board.
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Those kids will grow up some day.. and buy the GH ultimate board.
By that time it will be the board that their parents used to use - perhaps it could be the next Model M.
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Is this keyboard any good?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-Trigger-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B00BG4UFLI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366446380&sr=8-2&keywords=CM+Storm+Trigger+Mechanical+Gaming+Keyboard
Sorry for bump, just didn't want to create another thread