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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Invertex on Mon, 01 April 2013, 20:46:13

Title: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: Invertex on Mon, 01 April 2013, 20:46:13
I haven't been able to find much info on a keyboard that would fit my needs. I am new to mechanical keyboards. Never had one.
I am looking for one to try out at my job. I work as a developer in a cubicle office.

I was thinking of getting a Cherry MX Brown keyboard like the Ducky Zero DK2108 as a cheaper introduction, but am getting more unsure if that is the right choice noise wise. Everything seems to be focused on gaming and backlit and I haven't seen many good recommendations for a cubicle office.
I don't care about backlit, headphones, or extra USB ports. I can't use most of that stuff anyway.

Could I get a recommendation(s)?

Thanks
Title: Re: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: Sifo on Mon, 01 April 2013, 20:58:07
WASD keyboard, if you're super worried about noise then they have an option to install o-rings for you which dampens the noise even further. Browns is a good starter switch for you, if you like tactility.

WASDkeyboards.com
Title: Re: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: BlindAssassin111 on Mon, 01 April 2013, 21:02:58
For your needs go with a WASD keyboard V1, because the V2 won't be available for a couple months. Get it in either browns w/o-rings, browns do not click, only a bump that you feel in your fingers.

The WASD V1 is really, really good quality and priced nicely. If you get one get it really soon, because they will be slowly disappearing until V2 is launched.

If not go with a filco or ducky both are really nice and well built, filco's cost more money but you get better quality, but debatable if worth the extra money, ducky is nice, the ducky shine II is a very good keyboard, it does have backlighting, but just don't use it, great keyboard so don't let the led's change your mind.

Hope this helps!!
Title: Re: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 01 April 2013, 21:18:02
Another option, if price isn't a big concern, would be a Topre switch... Realforce keyboard if you want a tenkey.  http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rf104  Certainly pricey, but many swear by them and it would address your noise concern most likely.  (They're mechanical, but a different kind... and in my experience much quieter than MX.)  You may be able to find one used in the classifieds or you could sell a new one (after 60 posts) and get most of your money back if you didn't like it.

Personally I prefer MX switches mainly because I like to play with caps and such... you can get replacement caps for Topre too, but just not as widespread or cheap.
Title: Re: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: Invertex on Mon, 01 April 2013, 21:22:02
I had seen the WASD v1 and was thinking about that one also.
I'll take another look at the Ducky Shine II

The Topre certainly is a bit more of an investment than the others.
Title: Re: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: Psybin on Mon, 01 April 2013, 21:35:11
For work I bought a  - Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switch (RK-9000)

Ironic because we have a TON of normal keyboards we cant issue fast enough.

I had a Filco Ninja Majestouch-2, NKR, Linear Action, Keyboard FKBN104ML/EFB2  that I got off Amazon as my first home mechanical board but I didn't really like the blacks but it feels and looks almost the same as the Rosewill (sans the switches)

Great board for under $100 and if its too loud grab a set of red-orings. If its for work, meh, dont spend the $$ on the super l33t boards.

Brown version - Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Brown Switch (RK-9000BR)

I've got a Ducky shine II at home but the caps are meh (due to being LED'able) for typing the Rosewill is better IMO.

Title: Re: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: Invertex on Mon, 01 April 2013, 21:45:16
Quote from: Psybin on Mon, 01 April 2013, 21:35:11
For work I bought a  - Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switch (RK-9000)

Ironic because we have a TON of normal keyboards we cant issue fast enough.

I had a Filco Ninja Majestouch-2, NKR, Linear Action, Keyboard FKBN104ML/EFB2  that I got off Amazon as my first home mechanical board but I didn't really like the blacks but it feels and looks almost the same as the Rosewill (sans the switches)

Great board for under $100 and if its too loud grab a set of red-orings. If its for work, meh, dont spend the $$ on the super l33t boards.

Brown version - Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Brown Switch (RK-9000BR)

I've got a Ducky shine II at home but the caps are meh (due to being LED'able) for typing the Rosewill is better IMO.
While I normally agree that I shouldn't spend money on products for my work, I do spend 8+ hours a day using it so I figure I should use something nicer than the standard Dell I have now.
Title: Re: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: Sifo on Mon, 01 April 2013, 21:52:53
Yep, that's perfectly reasonable. ^^ Good luck finding something you like.

Title: Re: Need keyboard recommendation
Post by: omgFiRE on Tue, 02 April 2013, 01:44:39
Quote from: Invertex on Mon, 01 April 2013, 20:46:13
Could I get a recommendation(s)?

WASD (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com) V1 with MX Browns and o-rings (sound dampeners).