they're all the same...
buy based on how it looks...
there's no difference between gaming or typing...
anyone that says otherwise is just "inventing" their own reason to justify spending money...
Really, this is based on personal preference. From your preferences, I would probably say to get a Ducky Shine II.
However, if you bump up your price range a bit, you have 2 more options: A) wait for the WASD V2, or B) get a Logitech G710+. Neither one is in clears, though. I think the Shine II is your best bet at this price range.
Not in Clears, but in Blacks with a White LED, full size, and with Media Keys. A bit expensive (and shipping might be expensive) for your budget, but it fits your bill almost perfectly.
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=159
Can't comment on Canadian availability, though.
tp4tissue's our resident troll here in the general forums (I'd say TotalChaos is the troll in the Ergonomic forums), so take his opinion with a grain of salt.
And it is also true that most of us just throw money into this hobby because it simulates a sense of "progress" and movement in life... materialism that is... and that is really all that's left in the keyboarding hobby....Money makes the world go round la la la..whats that you say aah? :)
they're all the same...
buy based on how it looks...
there's no difference between gaming or typing...
anyone that says otherwise is just "inventing" their own reason to justify spending money...
I'm fairly new to the mechanical keyboard market and I've researched some up such as the Ducky Shine II, Das keyboards, WASD Keyboards, Deck, etc. I've ran into so many different specifications and all of that and I can't seem to find the right keyboard for me. I've already done the "First Mechanical Keyboard" questionnaire and still have a hard time finding out what's the right thing for me. I've went to a CanadaComputers near me and have tested out several keyboards on display. So far I've really liked the feel of the Das Keyboard w/ Blue switches and I also liked the Azio Levetron Mech4 black switches. However, the Cherry MX Blues are a tad loud as I tend to game with friends on Skype and it can get really loud. The reason I don't like the Mech4 is due to its unorthodox key layout. I've tried the Cherry MX Browns on the CM Quickfire TK (I think that's the one) and it just felt too light for me, I also didn't get a good enough feedback on the supposedly "tactile bump". In addition, I would really prefer media keys and numberpad as I own a Logitech G110 right now and can't stand typing on it but I can't use my computer w/o some sort of media controls. The reason I want the numpad is because I plan on doing some CAD work in university and I also use the numpad all the time at work and it's really handy. A backlight would also be nice as well. I've also set a budget of around ~$120. In summary this is what I am looking for:
- A keyboard for both gaming and typing (I mostly play MMOs)
- Budget is ~$120 (CAD)
- Fullsize keyboard layout
- Preferably Cherry MX Black/Clear/Blue/Maybe Brown
- White LED Backlight preferred (mostly for aesthetic purposes)
- Media Keys preferred
It's alot to ask for but I'm really critical on purchasing a keyboard this expensive. Thanks for helping me out in advance!
they're all the same...
buy based on how it looks...
there's no difference between gaming or typing...
anyone that says otherwise is just "inventing" their own reason to justify spending money...
- Put MX-Clears or something that's nice for typing under arcade pushbuttons
- Try to play something that needs accurate fast actuation or rollovers
- Realize you were wrong
All switches used in such scenarios are very low resistance, mostly linear, short travel, and that for a good reason!
For fast paced gameplay "flicking" or simply resting on the buttons instead of pushing em has to be enough...
You can get close to that with MX-Reds (tho the travel is still somewhat too long),
but they are not that easy to type on without bottoming out.
So you can throw up a niche argument.
I've narrowed my choice down to the following keyboards:
- WASD V1 (Don't know what's the difference from V2)
- Ducky Shine II (White LED)
- Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja
- Noppoo Choc pro Full Size
Also, what is the general consensus on the Cherry boards? Are they good because I see some people in my area selling some second hand.
So you can throw up a niche argument.
How is it niche? Its not about playing a certain type of game or whatever you try to imply...
Switches solely made and used for gaming differ greatly from switches that are made and used for typing, that's a fact!
I was looking for the it's in the mail forum today. I made a separate thread before finding this one..so below is a repost.
Got a limited edition race kb today. I acquired it in a trade transaction. White case, white keycaps, white leds, white PCB...looks damn sexy imo.Show Image(http://i49.tinypic.com/oi87.jpg)Show Image(http://i45.tinypic.com/1sldmo.jpg)Show Image(http://i45.tinypic.com/2l9k4dj.jpg)
I've narrowed my choice down to the following keyboards:
- WASD V1 (Don't know what's the difference from V2)
- Ducky Shine II (White LED)
- Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja
- Noppoo Choc pro Full Size
Also, what is the general consensus on the Cherry boards? Are they good because I see some people in my area selling some second hand.
Here's some WASD V2 (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/blog/v2preview/) info for you. I would highly recommend the Filco. I have that board and its really really nice. Good build quality and the plate makes it ultra solid.
I was looking for the it's in the mail forum today. I made a separate thread before finding this one..so below is a repost.
Got a limited edition race kb today. I acquired it in a trade transaction. White case, white keycaps, white leds, white PCB...looks damn sexy imo.
This is looks amazing, I'd probably be willing to give up the numpad for it... :eek:
Or even a black version with white LEDs.
I'm really digging the aluminum look on keyboards, just found the MKC GeekKey 87 and it blew me away, sadly the price did as well. Here's a link to the topic: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39592.0
Anyone know any similar keyboards or keyboards compatible with aluminum cases?
I get a chuckle out of these threads.
Like any sane shopper, the poster writes a long wish list of desired features and asks "What keyboard meets all these criteria?"
Answers often look like "Well, there are only (2 or 1 or 0) keyboards that satisfy all of your requirements, but .... "
My (completely random) path has been to keep my eyes and ears open, and grab (a ridiculous and preposterous number of) keyboards whenever I stumble across them (at yard sales and thrift stores that always means $5 or less, and bored people often give them away for the asking) and use them for a while to get a feel for them.
Yes, I have paid $50 or $100 or more a few times, but only when I felt sure that I knew what I was getting.
And I have bought a lot of filthy junk, hoping, that I could bring it back to life.
So, when threads come up asking "Are you a keyboard addict?" I reflect for a moment and decide that I am a "hobbyist" and that I am just in it for the fun.
Therefore, I have a "daily driver" (one of my heavily modded F-122s) and half a dozen keyboards that I REALLY LIKE and rotate in and out of use regularly (ie an hour or more, at least, once every 2 months) for continued updates on how I feel about them. Additionally, I have another half a dozen keyboards that I REALLY LIKE that I keep lovingly boxed in the basement, and may not have touched in a year or more.
Then I have half a dozen "crap" keyboards laying around awaiting the executioner's song, and, finally, at least another half a dozen keyboards scattered in pieces awaiting the day when I have the time and energy to bring them back to the real world.
There is also a "graveyard" of parts and a "collection" of keycaps that deserve mention, for some reason.
My advice to you, OP, is to buy one nice keyboard, full-size or without the numpad, MX brown switches, PBT keycaps, and forget that you ever saw this forum.
And why are you advising someone away from this forum? I find the information I've gotten from here invaluable.
I get a chuckle out of these threads.
Like any sane shopper, the poster writes a long wish list of desired features and asks "What keyboard meets all these criteria?"
Answers often look like "Well, there are only (2 or 1 or 0) keyboards that satisfy all of your requirements, but .... "
My (completely random) path has been to keep my eyes and ears open, and grab (a ridiculous and preposterous number of) keyboards whenever I stumble across them (at yard sales and thrift stores that always means $5 or less, and bored people often give them away for the asking) and use them for a while to get a feel for them.
Yes, I have paid $50 or $100 or more a few times, but only when I felt sure that I knew what I was getting.
And I have bought a lot of filthy junk, hoping, that I could bring it back to life.
So, when threads come up asking "Are you a keyboard addict?" I reflect for a moment and decide that I am a "hobbyist" and that I am just in it for the fun.
Therefore, I have a "daily driver" (one of my heavily modded F-122s) and half a dozen keyboards that I REALLY LIKE and rotate in and out of use regularly (ie an hour or more, at least, once every 2 months) for continued updates on how I feel about them. Additionally, I have another half a dozen keyboards that I REALLY LIKE that I keep lovingly boxed in the basement, and may not have touched in a year or more.
Then I have half a dozen "crap" keyboards laying around awaiting the executioner's song, and, finally, at least another half a dozen keyboards scattered in pieces awaiting the day when I have the time and energy to bring them back to the real world.
There is also a "graveyard" of parts and a "collection" of keycaps that deserve mention, for some reason.
My advice to you, OP, is to buy one nice keyboard, full-size or without the numpad, MX brown switches, PBT keycaps, and forget that you ever saw this forum.
Wtf? How did you turn a recommendation thread into your life story?
And why are you advising someone away from this forum? I find the information I've gotten from here invaluable.
I get a chuckle out of these threads.
Like any sane shopper, the poster writes a long wish list of desired features and asks "What keyboard meets all these criteria?"
Answers often look like "Well, there are only (2 or 1 or 0) keyboards that satisfy all of your requirements, but .... "
My (completely random) path has been to keep my eyes and ears open, and grab (a ridiculous and preposterous number of) keyboards whenever I stumble across them (at yard sales and thrift stores that always means $5 or less, and bored people often give them away for the asking) and use them for a while to get a feel for them.
Yes, I have paid $50 or $100 or more a few times, but only when I felt sure that I knew what I was getting.
And I have bought a lot of filthy junk, hoping, that I could bring it back to life.
So, when threads come up asking "Are you a keyboard addict?" I reflect for a moment and decide that I am a "hobbyist" and that I am just in it for the fun.
Therefore, I have a "daily driver" (one of my heavily modded F-122s) and half a dozen keyboards that I REALLY LIKE and rotate in and out of use regularly (ie an hour or more, at least, once every 2 months) for continued updates on how I feel about them. Additionally, I have another half a dozen keyboards that I REALLY LIKE that I keep lovingly boxed in the basement, and may not have touched in a year or more.
Then I have half a dozen "crap" keyboards laying around awaiting the executioner's song, and, finally, at least another half a dozen keyboards scattered in pieces awaiting the day when I have the time and energy to bring them back to the real world.
There is also a "graveyard" of parts and a "collection" of keycaps that deserve mention, for some reason.
My advice to you, OP, is to buy one nice keyboard, full-size or without the numpad, MX brown switches, PBT keycaps, and forget that you ever saw this forum.
Wtf? How did you turn a recommendation thread into your life story?
And why are you advising someone away from this forum? I find the information I've gotten from here invaluable.
His points are valid...
Collecting keyboards and keyboard components is kinda stupid.. most of it just sits there like Stamps and you would never bother to use it..
This is good, my first post is to try to help someone else who is new. Take it for what it's worth, Brown. :)
I started with a Happy Hacking Lite 2 more than 10 years ago. After reading at this site for a few months I ordered a Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja with browns. After using it for half a year I like it a lot, especially after recently removing the braces rubber bands that I'd put on right after getting the board. Something was bugging me, took me a while to figure out it was the mushy landing feel. Now it seems like I'm typing faster, using a softer touch rather than depending on rubber bumpers. And the sharp clack sound tells me when I bottom out.
I got the Tenkeyless Filco because I don't want to reach far for the trackball. Wouldn't want to go back to a number pad, though on the left side I keep a Logitech G13 gaming keypad whose keys can be programmed for anything. You mention needing the media keys, you can remap Filco keys and probably the other brands easily. I replaced the keys I wasn't using with Vol Up, Vol Down, Pause/Play and Mute. Used the program KeyTweak.
As was said you might want to mod the keyboard sometime. I'm about to try my first mod, some PBT keys, two sets of blanks. Having two colors might help me get used to using a blank board.
I do not think cooler master is beatable for the money. I also don't think the Quickfire TK gets enough love. I really enjoy the design. I prefer the tenkeyless form factor, but sometimes miss the convenience of the number pad. Best of both worlds. And they build quality is solid. The only thing I've not liked about it is that the keycaps don't feel as nice as my Rapid.
I do not think cooler master is beatable for the money. I also don't think the Quickfire TK gets enough love. I really enjoy the design. I prefer the tenkeyless form factor, but sometimes miss the convenience of the number pad. Best of both worlds. And they build quality is solid. The only thing I've not liked about it is that the keycaps don't feel as nice as my Rapid.
I have the opposite opinion. Their keys are trash and to change them out is going to cost as much or more than alternatives that either include PBT keys, better ABS and far less branding.
p.s. Anyone who has been previously warned or muted should think carefully before trolling this thread any further.
p.s. Anyone who has been previously warned or muted should think carefully before trolling this thread any further.
LOL'd when I read this. A real belly laugh. Not a chortle, chuckle or snicker.
I wanted to call a fool a fool, but that would be just trolling a troll, so I didn't.
@OP: My advice is that MX Browns are best all-around switch for gaming and typing. Also I would strongly recommend TKL size over Full-size. And I would recommend against LED back-lighting, because you will need painted keycaps, and the paint wears off, and the painted caps don't feel that great. So Filco with MX Browns will not disappoint.
I can't feel them, at least on a CM Storm board. I tried some in store and it didn't feel right. I'm looking for a linear switch that is lighter than black but heavier than reds. I was thinking about swapping springs out of another switch and putting them in some reds, however I don't really know which ones to do.
I do not think cooler master is beatable for the money. I also don't think the Quickfire TK gets enough love. I really enjoy the design. I prefer the tenkeyless form factor, but sometimes miss the convenience of the number pad. Best of both worlds. And they build quality is solid. The only thing I've not liked about it is that the keycaps don't feel as nice as my Rapid.
I have the opposite opinion. Their keys are trash and to change them out is going to cost as much or more than alternatives that either include PBT keys, better ABS and far less branding.
Most of the new CMQF's don't have branding. A set of PBT's can be had for $35
is going to cost as much or more than alternatives that either include PBT keys, better ABS
Or you can go for a kb with the Kailh Reds switches :D
Apparently they're in between reds and blacks.
Or you can go for a kb with the Kailh Reds switches :D
Apparently they're in between reds and blacks.
Where would I get these, or how do I make them?
I haven't seen a TK without branding.
Besides, $100 + $35 = $135 for a QF with after market PBT. $10 more expensive than a Ducky pro with PBT or the same price for a Ducky Pro full.
Either way, I don't understand your point.
I can't feel them, at least on a CM Storm board. I tried some in store and it didn't feel right. I'm looking for a linear switch that is lighter than black but heavier than reds. I was thinking about swapping springs out of another switch and putting them in some reds, however I don't really know which ones to do.
Went into store today to try out the keyboards for a second time, really liking the reds. I'll most likely use those instead, blacks just seemed too heavy and the reds didn't go down when I kept my hands on them.
Went into store today to try out the keyboards for a second time, really liking the reds. I'll most likely use those instead, blacks just seemed too heavy and the reds didn't go down when I kept my hands on them.
I think people are just exaggerating when they say how sensitive reds are. Reds are a good choice, but you can also consider browns if you need some tactility.
Went into store today to try out the keyboards for a second time, really liking the reds. I'll most likely use those instead, blacks just seemed too heavy and the reds didn't go down when I kept my hands on them.
I think people are just exaggerating when they say how sensitive reds are. Reds are a good choice, but you can also consider browns if you need some tactility.
I tried browns there too, they just felt like rubber domes (awaiting hate for that one), I just didn't feel the bump at all just a weird feeling at the bottom. However I love typing on blues, it's the noise that kills me and also for the fact that I don't want to hear the click every time I use the WASD to move when playing FPS games.
Went into store today to try out the keyboards for a second time, really liking the reds. I'll most likely use those instead, blacks just seemed too heavy and the reds didn't go down when I kept my hands on them.
I think people are just exaggerating when they say how sensitive reds are. Reds are a good choice, but you can also consider browns if you need some tactility.
I tried browns there too, they just felt like rubber domes (awaiting hate for that one), I just didn't feel the bump at all just a weird feeling at the bottom. However I love typing on blues, it's the noise that kills me and also for the fact that I don't want to hear the click every time I use the WASD to move when playing FPS games.
I don't think you were typing on browns. They honestly don't feel very different from reds when typing at speed. They have no different feeling at the bottom than reds. I sort of feel like you are mistaken about what you were typing on.