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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: linziyi on Wed, 24 April 2013, 01:48:30
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Hi everyone, newbie here!
I started researching about mechanical keyboard couple days ago, and "determined" that I should use blue switches because they have a high resistance and a good reputation. But now after reading some review I am confused again and don't know what type of switches should I use.
I play piano a lot so my fingers are super strong, definitely looking for switches with high resistance. But then I come across the Black switches, which has the same resistance as the blues, and green switches which according to the reviews has super high resistance... and I became indecisive.
Right now I use a $3 rubber dome keyboard and "bottom out" every stroke, don't know if it is a good habit or not but I feel quite comfortable. I type a lot and do some gaming (RTS), what switch should I get??
Best
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Although I do not own a mechanical keyboard, I have a few resources that may help you out.
1) This website explains the differences between the colors of switches (you've probably already read it): http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide#post_6009482 (http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide#post_6009482)
2) This company (WASD) allows you to purchase a "sampler kit" plus they offer customizable mechanical keyboards. Apparently their "version 2" is coming out soon so I am waiting until then to purchase one of the keyboards. In the mean time, I am probably going to pick up one of these sampler kits: http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/sampler-kit-1.html (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/sampler-kit-1.html)
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The different switches are classified as such -
blue - tactile feedback and makes clicking noises.
brown - tactile feedback - no click.
red - light, linear (meaning no tactile feedback to your fingers)
black - heavier reds.
These are the four common switches that are available in most production boards at the moment. The other more exotic switches (clears, whites, greens, greys) are a little more complicated to explain, so ignore them for a first board.
You'll have to ask yourself a few questions -
namely, does the clicking noise annoy you? if yes, eliminate blues. If you like it, then blues it is.
if blues are eliminated, then move on to browns - do you want tactile feedback to your fingers after a key is actuated - the point where the keypress is registered - keep in mind that this occurs about 2mm of key travel downwards - while bottoming out (hitting the key all the way) involves about 4mm of travel. If you're able to feel for that tactile bump, you would be able to type without bottoming out your keys much, which I imagine isn't going to be too hard for a piano player.
The reds and blacks are simply linear switches - they actuate at the same point as browns, but they don't give any tactile response like browns and blues does. Some love it, some don't.
Keep in mind that even though you may have super strong fingers, it is still possible to like the lighter switches if you have a light touch. bottoming out every keystroke actually doesn't really play much of a part on whether you would like a particular switch, unless you're looking to correct that.
Personally, I'll go for either browns or blues if you type alot, depending on the preference for audible feedback. But remember no one can actually tell you what switch you should get as it's largely personal preference.
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Probably no one can tell you what kind of switch you'll like.
If you're familiar with pp/ppp though you should be do fine with even brown switches :) Only a matter of habit / practice.
My current keyboard is so light I press keys even when I don't want to (it's a cheap ducky with alps). Used to think blue is sort of light but not anymore. But one thing I know for a fact, I prefer tactile anyway.
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I play piano a lot so my fingers are super strong, definitely looking for switches with high resistance.
You should probably get cherry greens then, because cherry blues aren't high resistance... I don't know where you heard that from.
Right now I use a $3 rubber dome keyboard and "bottom out" every stroke, don't know if it is a good habit or not but I feel quite comfortable.
You HAVE to bottom out rubber domes except in very specific keyboards that have switches w/ rubber dome like Topres ( which is being shipped to me right now :) )
Honestly, I think the best bet for your first keyboard would be greens, a lot of people like the cherry clicky stems, it seems. The CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid should fit the bill quite nice, they're on amazon and about $100 for greens (make sure you're ordering greens because they do 5 options for switches in this keyboard.)
P.S. In a few days I can tell you what Topre feels like, if you don't have a budget.
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You can check out my reviews the links in my signature. I wrote them specifically for newer members who wanted my thoughts. I currently love Blues and Whites.
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I play piano a lot so my fingers are super strong, definitely looking for switches with high resistance. But then I come across the Black switches, which has the same resistance as the blues, and green switches which according to the reviews has super high resistance... and I became indecisive.
You seem confused; MX Black actually has a higher resistance than MX blue. MX blue is light but tactile, while black is heavy and linear.