geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: icedogg on Tue, 18 June 2013, 12:24:35
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Afternoon!
After doing some of my own research (/r/mechanicalkeyboards) I came across geekhack. Must say I'm really impressed, but overwhelmed since I'm just starting to learn the basic slang and everything about mechanical keyboards. More of a hardware geek myself. Last month I purchased the sampler set form WASD to see what switch I preferred the best. After trying them out I heavily favorite the blue switch. Having that nice "click" with just the right amount of force for myself to type on.
I've never owned or used a mechanical keyboard before, but I'd like to purchase my first one. First purchase I'm looking for:
TKL or Standard
Cherry MX Blue (must)
Non-LED Backlit (like to order custom keycaps to geek it out)
$150 max budget
I figured I'd like to have a basic (non backlit) to I can customize it with cool keycaps (unicorn vomit as I've heard). The Ducky Shine III offerings looks very tempting, so I'll probably look into one of those for my 2nd keyboard. My knowledge right now is very limited when it comes to mechanical keyboards, so I'd rather ask the experts here.
Once again, looking forward to being around the forums and soaking in all the information I can :) Thanks!
-IceDogg
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Where are you located? USA? Or somewhere around the world?
If you in the USA,
Amazon has a CM QFR which is a TKL non-backlit board with blues for ~$77
http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-Mechanical/dp/B0068INSUM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371576421&sr=8-3&keywords=cherry+blue+mx (http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-Mechanical/dp/B0068INSUM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371576421&sr=8-3&keywords=cherry+blue+mx)
they also have a rosewill full size for ~$75
http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cherry-RK-9000I/dp/B008SVJH16/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1371576421&sr=8-7&keywords=cherry+blue+mx (http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cherry-RK-9000I/dp/B008SVJH16/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1371576421&sr=8-7&keywords=cherry+blue+mx)
If you keep an eye out newegg often has sales where you can get boars for a little cheaper after rebate.
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I'm in the USA. Sorry about that, probably should have filled out my profile and everything, I'll try to do that later tonight. Did come across a basic keycool, heard some good things but wondering if it's a solid option as well?
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=383
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Amazon has also got MX Blue Filco TKLs in stock
http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-FKBN87MC-EB2/dp/B004WOF7S0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371577321&sr=8-2&keywords=filco
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I'm in the USA. Sorry about that, probably should have filled out my profile and everything, I'll try to do that later tonight. Did come across a basic keycool, heard some good things but wondering if it's a solid option as well?
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=383 (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=383)
JD posted a review of a keycool with blacks but it might be helpful to you
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43143.msg887500#msg887500 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43143.msg887500#msg887500)
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I havent tried CM or Rosewill but I can attest to Filco's quality (I think they are all from the same OEM if I'm not mistaken). TKL is the way to go unless you really need the numpad otherwise its better to have that space for your mouse.
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Nothing wrong with backlit - you can still swap the keycaps around, and have the choice of backlighting on or off, depending on how well the keycaps show the light through.
Ducky Shine 3 (soon) or Ducky Zero perhaps?
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Where are you located? USA? Or somewhere around the world?
If you in the USA,
Amazon has a CM QFR which is a TKL non-backlit board with blues for ~$77
http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-Mechanical/dp/B0068INSUM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371576421&sr=8-3&keywords=cherry+blue+mx (http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-Mechanical/dp/B0068INSUM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371576421&sr=8-3&keywords=cherry+blue+mx)
they also have a rosewill full size for ~$75
http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cherry-RK-9000I/dp/B008SVJH16/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1371576421&sr=8-7&keywords=cherry+blue+mx (http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cherry-RK-9000I/dp/B008SVJH16/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1371576421&sr=8-7&keywords=cherry+blue+mx)
If you keep an eye out newegg often has sales where you can get boars for a little cheaper after rebate.
Thank you everyone for your input! After nearly getting a headache with all the options and mulling over what I'd like. I finally went with CM QFR TKL Blues:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068INSUM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now time to research some keycaps and geek it out a bit! ;D ;D ;D
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Thank you everyone for your input! After nearly getting a headache with all the options and mulling over what I'd like. I finally went with CM QFR TKL Blues:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068INSUM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now time to research some keycaps and geek it out a bit! ;D ;D ;D
Good choice. Surely the best value around, brand new, with warranty, for under $80 delivered to your door.
Now, however, you can easily spend more on caps than you did on the board. Does that make sense?
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Thank you everyone for your input! After nearly getting a headache with all the options and mulling over what I'd like. I finally went with CM QFR TKL Blues:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068INSUM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now time to research some keycaps and geek it out a bit! ;D ;D ;D
Good choice. Surely the best value around, brand new, with warranty, for under $80 delivered to your door.
Now, however, you can easily spend more on caps than you did on the board. Does that make sense?
Oh yes...browsing for caps in various places it seems like it'll add up for sure. Assuming I love the CM QFR, I plan on getting a Shine III. My poor wallet :-X
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Thank you everyone for your input! After nearly getting a headache with all the options and mulling over what I'd like. I finally went with CM QFR TKL Blues:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068INSUM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now time to research some keycaps and geek it out a bit! ;D ;D ;D
Good choice. Surely the best value around, brand new, with warranty, for under $80 delivered to your door.
Now, however, you can easily spend more on caps than you did on the board. Does that make sense?
Oh yes...browsing for caps in various places it seems like it'll add up for sure. Assuming I love the CM QFR, I plan on getting a Shine III. My poor wallet :-X
Welcome to the rabbit hole ;)
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check this out! = http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=458
I have been thinking about getting one when they are restocked. (which is supposed to be sometime this week)
-$110
-PBT keycaps
-blue switch
-Vortex brand
-60% board.
Don't know if you will be using the function keys. If you are, then don't get this board.
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Wow you actually came to Geekhack after ripster bashes us constantly?
Welcome.
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I don't recommend getting into keyboards if you are worried about your wallet...
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check this out! = http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=458
I have been thinking about getting one when they are restocked. (which is supposed to be sometime this week)
-$110
-PBT keycaps
-blue switch
-Vortex brand
-60% board.
Don't know if you will be using the function keys. If you are, then don't get this board.
I've seen the 60/75% I believe boards, they do look very cool. Don't really use the function keys that much, usually just for BIOS/Startup issues. More of a standard user and average gamer really.
Wow you actually came to Geekhack after ripster bashes us constantly?
Welcome.
Who's ripster? o.OI don't recommend getting into keyboards if you are worried about your wallet...
Well, I'm all for spending money on quality products. Wouldn't hurt to get another hobby. Plus I'm not married yet...so I have an excuse if my girlfriend makes any comments. I showed her the coffee keycap set on keypop and she kinda flipped out...haha
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Who's ripster? o.O
How quickly we pack up and move on.
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Amazon has also got MX Blue Filco TKLs in stock
http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-FKBN87MC-EB2/dp/B004WOF7S0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371577321&sr=8-2&keywords=filco
What makes that one so much more than the QuickFire Rapid?
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I've been toying around with MKBs for a little while now and here's my experience so far:
Leopold Brown (from EliteKeyboards.com): still my keyboard of choice. I didn't really like the Cherry MX Stabilizers at first so I ripped them out and I'm happier with this keyboard than I have been with anything else so far. I removed those stabilizers because I felt that they were slowing down the action of those keys. But if I had to do it again, and I would definitely buy a leopold again, I would buy the stabilizer lube that EliteKeyboards sells and give that a go first.
Rosewill Blue. If you haven't bought an MKB yet give this a go first. If you buy it from NewEgg you can definitely return it (minus return shipping). But here's why you should buy this one first: after trying out Filcos and Leopolds this one feels much cheaper. If you have nothing to compare it to then it might make you happy enough. Warning though: I had a PM conversation with WhiteFireDragon (who mods a lot of keyboards and posts a bunch of youtube reviews) and he's noticed that these are getting more and more cheaply made as time goes on. YMMV. I returned mine though: I didn't like the fit and finish and I felt that the keyboard just pinged too much.
Filco: I have tried two of these about a year apart. I ate the purchase of the red but I returned the blue. Both ping quite loudly. Otherwise the quality is fantastic. I disassembled the red and I have to say that the manufacturing quality is absolutely top notch. Except the ping. I hate ping (that's why I returned the blue through Amazon).
Some people say that you should just deal with ping. I agree to a certain extent. Even my leopold pings a bit. But nothing like the Filco or the Rosewill. Here's how to test for ping: hold the key down firmly and while still pressing down, slide your finger off the key. This should make it snap back up as quickly as possible. Listen carefully and if that key is going to ping then it will after performing that procedure.
And here's a thought: I check GH pretty frequently. People are always selling and trading and buying MX boards. But notice how few people are selling and trading Topre keyboards. Sure the Topres cost more, but it certainly seems to me that Topre owners are much more satisfied with their purchases than MX people are. I mean, sure, the audience for MX boards is larger, but check Ebay and Craigslist: there are very few used Topres for sale anywhere. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably have started with a Topre: seems to me like those don't sit around for very long.
I just wish that Topre would make a Normal-looking, white on black keyboard (or at the very least something with a little more contrast than the DarkGrey on Black that they have been making).
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Here she is...
[attach=1]
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I think there are just fewer Topre boards around (both in variety and how many you will see in the wild).
And perhaps yes, those who have them tend to keep them (he said, typing on his newly acquired HHKB2Pro).
There are also considerably fewer retailers selling Topre boards.
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Here she is...
(Attachment Link)
Who's ripster? o.O
You have already been touched by him!
Welcome to Geekhack.
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Here she is...
(Attachment Link)
Nice hair!!
Really though let us know how you end up liking the board.
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Here she is...
(Attachment Link)
Nice hair!!
Really though let us know how you end up liking the board.
Haha thanks, just cleaned up my table and first time using it at home, didn't even realize that >.< I'm LOVING it so far. The blues are perfect for me, love the click and it's a nice response. Just got my kepcaps from techkeys in today...
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Here she is...
(Attachment Link)
Nice hair!!
Really though let us know how you end up liking the board.
Haha thanks, just cleaned up my table and first time using it at home, didn't even realize that >.< I'm LOVING it so far. The blues are perfect for me, love the click and it's a nice response. Just got my kepcaps from techkeys in today...
Nice!
Here is a thread you can get some inspiration from and even post your new board in!
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40937.0
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Nice hair!!
Hahaha thx man, ymmd :D
sorry for OT, but that had to be said ;)
Congratz at starter :)
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I've been toying around with MKBs for a little while now and here's my experience so far:
Leopold Brown (from EliteKeyboards.com): still my keyboard of choice. I didn't really like the Cherry MX Stabilizers at first so I ripped them out and I'm happier with this keyboard than I have been with anything else so far. I removed those stabilizers because I felt that they were slowing down the action of those keys. But if I had to do it again, and I would definitely buy a leopold again, I would buy the stabilizer lube that EliteKeyboards sells and give that a go first.
Rosewill Blue. If you haven't bought an MKB yet give this a go first. If you buy it from NewEgg you can definitely return it (minus return shipping). But here's why you should buy this one first: after trying out Filcos and Leopolds this one feels much cheaper. If you have nothing to compare it to then it might make you happy enough. Warning though: I had a PM conversation with WhiteFireDragon (who mods a lot of keyboards and posts a bunch of youtube reviews) and he's noticed that these are getting more and more cheaply made as time goes on. YMMV. I returned mine though: I didn't like the fit and finish and I felt that the keyboard just pinged too much.
Filco: I have tried two of these about a year apart. I ate the purchase of the red but I returned the blue. Both ping quite loudly. Otherwise the quality is fantastic. I disassembled the red and I have to say that the manufacturing quality is absolutely top notch. Except the ping. I hate ping (that's why I returned the blue through Amazon).
Some people say that you should just deal with ping. I agree to a certain extent. Even my leopold pings a bit. But nothing like the Filco or the Rosewill. Here's how to test for ping: hold the key down firmly and while still pressing down, slide your finger off the key. This should make it snap back up as quickly as possible. Listen carefully and if that key is going to ping then it will after performing that procedure.
And here's a thought: I check GH pretty frequently. People are always selling and trading and buying MX boards. But notice how few people are selling and trading Topre keyboards. Sure the Topres cost more, but it certainly seems to me that Topre owners are much more satisfied with their purchases than MX people are. I mean, sure, the audience for MX boards is larger, but check Ebay and Craigslist: there are very few used Topres for sale anywhere. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably have started with a Topre: seems to me like those don't sit around for very long.
I just wish that Topre would make a Normal-looking, white on black keyboard (or at the very least something with a little more contrast than the DarkGrey on Black that they have been making).
Topre's next keyboard will be a red bluetooth 60% keyboard.
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Afternoon!
After doing some of my own research (/r/mechanicalkeyboards) I came across geekhack. Must say I'm really impressed, but overwhelmed since I'm just starting to learn the basic slang and everything about mechanical keyboards. More of a hardware geek myself. Last month I purchased the sampler set form WASD to see what switch I preferred the best. After trying them out I heavily favorite the blue switch. Having that nice "click" with just the right amount of force for myself to type on.
I've never owned or used a mechanical keyboard before, but I'd like to purchase my first one. First purchase I'm looking for:
TKL or Standard
Cherry MX Blue (must)
Non-LED Backlit (like to order custom keycaps to geek it out)
$150 max budget
I figured I'd like to have a basic (non backlit) to I can customize it with cool keycaps (unicorn vomit as I've heard). The Ducky Shine III offerings looks very tempting, so I'll probably look into one of those for my 2nd keyboard. My knowledge right now is very limited when it comes to mechanical keyboards, so I'd rather ask the experts here.
Once again, looking forward to being around the forums and soaking in all the information I can :) Thanks!
-IceDogg
easiest & cheapest call would be razer blackwidow, blue cherry mx + easy to modd ... ISHING;) -> only ultimate edition comes with backlight
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Afternoon!
After doing some of my own research (/r/mechanicalkeyboards) I came across geekhack. Must say I'm really impressed, but overwhelmed since I'm just starting to learn the basic slang and everything about mechanical keyboards. More of a hardware geek myself. Last month I purchased the sampler set form WASD to see what switch I preferred the best. After trying them out I heavily favorite the blue switch. Having that nice "click" with just the right amount of force for myself to type on.
I've never owned or used a mechanical keyboard before, but I'd like to purchase my first one. First purchase I'm looking for:
TKL or Standard
Cherry MX Blue (must)
Non-LED Backlit (like to order custom keycaps to geek it out)
$150 max budget
I figured I'd like to have a basic (non backlit) to I can customize it with cool keycaps (unicorn vomit as I've heard). The Ducky Shine III offerings looks very tempting, so I'll probably look into one of those for my 2nd keyboard. My knowledge right now is very limited when it comes to mechanical keyboards, so I'd rather ask the experts here.
Once again, looking forward to being around the forums and soaking in all the information I can :) Thanks!
-IceDogg
easiest & cheapest call would be razer blackwidow, blue cherry mx + easy to modd ... ISHING;) -> only ultimate edition comes with backlight
And also most disappointing - the BWU could lead to disillusionment about mechanical keyboards.