geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: bueller on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:04:56

Title: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: bueller on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:04:56: I was thinking about it earlier today and I realised my tastes have changed considerably since I bought my first mechanical a year ago. Originally started out with a Quickfire Pro with Reds, hated the linear switches so I swapped it for a Quickfire TK w/ browns that was my daily driver for about 6 months. Eventually I grew tired of the TK's unusual layout and LED's so I sold it off and bought a Filco TKL which now sports some purple GMK mods and WoB alphas.

Got a Vortex Pure for work in the mail now so I'll be trying out 60% in the future, that brings my total up to 4 keyboards in under a year (5 if you include my 65% custom). How much wallet hacking have you done and how have your tastes changed since you got your first mech/joined GH?
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Puddsy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:12:17: I used to think TKLs were the best, now I think the ergodox is the best. I'm too poor to buy one though. I've also gained a love for 60% keyboards. And clacks. Especially clacks.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:12:38: When I first joined GH, I swore I could never use anything smaller than a fullsize. Now two of my favorite keyboards are 75% and 60% boards. And I somehow have a huge collection of like 13 keyboards. Never thought I'd end up collecting.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Jocelyn on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:19:40: I've loved nothing but ergo clears since I got here, but I think I'm finally getting tired of them. Time for a change :)
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: morpheus on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:55:13: Typing: Topre
Gaming: MX Red
Browsing: MX Brown
For sheer shock value: MX Blue, and Buckling Spring

Refuse to comment on Alps because all the ones I bought were second hand items which felt like ****. Never buy used Alps boards, it's not worth it, unless it's like $5. Just buy a new Alps from Matias, it will save you the heartache.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: eth0s on Sat, 05 October 2013, 12:46:57: I spent two dark years wandering in the wilderness of Cherry MX. I was lost, starting off in Red City, moving on to Browntown, stumbling through Bluesville, with short, unhappy stays in Greenston, Clear Acres, and White Farms, along the way. Finally I found Topre, and I was saved.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 05 October 2013, 12:50:37: When I came here I loved really colourful colour schemes like raindrop, klaxon, all the other SP sets. I also really liked novelty caps. Now I only like the classic colour schemes like black on beige & dolch. I also refuse to buy any keycaps that aren't BSP/GMK/Cherry :))

I'm still exploring the different switch types.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 05 October 2013, 12:53:00: Quote from: Photekq on Sat, 05 October 2013, 12:50:37
When I came here I loved really colourful colour schemes like raindrop, klaxon, all the other SP sets. I also really liked novelty caps. Now I only like the classic colour schemes like black on beige & dolch. I also refuse to buy any keycaps that aren't BSP/GMK/Cherry :))

I'm still exploring the different switch types.

^^ I'm leaning really hard this way with the key caps. Double shot ABS or bust!

I still like stock clear switches and I've got this odd attraction to the HHKB layout.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: phetto on Sat, 05 October 2013, 12:55:53: When I joined here I had a 88UB keyboard that I really didnt like. I tried every cherry switch and fell in love with MX reds or anything linear thats lighter then that. Sold my topre keyboard and after a while I went back to HHKB and now I'm doing cherry again on top of topre! ;)

or is it thorpe?
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: C5Allroad on Sat, 05 October 2013, 13:30:51: I used to think that corsair was the best... I barely knew anything about mechanical keyboards.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: The_Beast on Sat, 05 October 2013, 14:31:10: I started with full sized boards with a ton of novelty caps and color WASD sets. Now I can't stand most novelty caps and colored WASD sets and have move to mainly 60% boards and some TKLs.

I've also gotten into older model F or M keyboards.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Thimplum on Sat, 05 October 2013, 14:35:33: I used to think that clacks would be really cool.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: MKULTRA on Sat, 05 October 2013, 14:40:06: Not much. Blues were my first switch and my favorite still. Still using TKL boards. Getting GH60's soon though!
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Game Theory on Sat, 05 October 2013, 15:12:09: Northgate ALPS -> Noppoo (MX Blues) -> Keycool (MX Reds) -> Filco (MX Blues) -> SSK -> KMAC LE (MX Greens) -> Filco (MX Blues) -> Realforce 91U -> IBM F XT -> IBM 5251 Beam Spring and Realforce 104UG Hi-Prof.

Almost need spherical caps now too.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: C5Allroad on Sat, 05 October 2013, 15:16:01: Actually I used to think that translucent keycaps were the coolest things ever... Now I see them as looking really cheap. Like the set from maxkeyboard.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 05 October 2013, 16:23:15: My tastes haven't changed at all. I still prefer tall vintage spherical double-shot (or triple-shot!) keycaps on a non-beige keyboard.

The only thing that's changed is my knowledge of different switches. I only knew of vintage linear switches before. Now I know of the uber-clickiness of beam springs.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 17:05:29: No, but my experience (and keyboard collection) has grown.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Linkbane on Sat, 05 October 2013, 17:35:07: Quote from: rowdy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 17:05:29
No, but my experience (and keyboard collection) has grown.

Pretty much this. Still love my MX Blue, but I've gotten an MX Green thanks to the short period when everyone was raving about the Green. It was okay.
Also it makes me wish that I had a PBT keycap set. =/
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Photoelectric on Sat, 05 October 2013, 17:42:30: I started out liking black traditional "gamer look" keyboards with backlight. Not those over-the-top Azio Levitron types, but like say a Razer keyboard looked attractive. I couldn't understand the allure of white/beige/gray caps and a more traditional classic look. Now, I steer immediately away from black keyboards with black keycaps and go for the classic look or light colored caps and minimal-bezel cases. Likewise, 60% keyboards looked awkward, but I've come around (though I prefer to stick with TKLs).

Having tried lots of different Cherry switches on many keyboards (stock Blacks, vintage Blacks (stock and 62g), Reds, Browns, stock Clears and ergo-Clears, Blues, and Jailhouse Blues of 2 varieties), I've learned to appreciate all of them, though I started out thinking Browns were by far the best. My favorites now are 62g lubed vintage Blacks, light Jailhouse Blues, and stock Clears. (Still don't have one single favorite, although if I had to pick, it'd be 62g Blacks with Cherry profile caps).

And of course... I now think it's totally okay to have multiple keyboards and custom novelty keycaps :) And I want a Model M SSK, which I would have just laughed out of the room before for being completely outdated.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Thimplum on Sat, 05 October 2013, 17:44:59: Quote from: Game Theory on Sat, 05 October 2013, 15:12:09
Northgate ALPS -> Noppoo (MX Blues) -> Keycool (MX Reds) -> Filco (MX Blues) -> SSK -> KMAC LE (MX Greens) -> Filco (MX Blues) -> Realforce 91U -> IBM F XT -> IBM 5251 Beam Spring and Realforce 104UG Hi-Prof.

Almost need spherical caps now too.

I've always wanted to try an IBM beam spring board. I love buckling spring switches, and I've always thought that beam springs would be the next step.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: PewMcDaddy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 19:20:09: Here is how my tastes have evolved. First, I believe it is relevant to give a short history of how I got into mechanical keyboards and why I bought the ones that I have.

When Starcraft 2 came out, I learned about the existence of mechanical keyboards. In that context what seemed most important to me was the sound of the keyboard and that it was for feedback reasons. I didn't know any more that that.

It was a chance occasion that I was walking down a hallway at my school when I heard cherry blue switches from an open office door. When I asked the guy, he surprised me by showing quite a bit of enthusiasm for his keyboard.

It was a Filco Majestouch with Cherry MX blue switches. Tenkeyless also which I had never seen but instantly liked.

So I bought one of those which in July of 2010 was not too easy, I had to e-mail Filco in Japan and do a bank transfer with lots of additionnal cost.

Before I ordered the keyboard, I had already spent many hours on geekhack and come to understand that the keyboard community values non-printed keycaps and touch typing. So that became part of my tastes.

When I finally got my Filco, it was everything I expected and more, I was super happy. Can you guys imagint that at that time I thought that that would be the only mechanical keyboard I would buy. LOL!

I eventually bought an IBM model M on e-bay. At this point, the size of the keyboard was a very high priority so I paid a very high premium to get a Spacesaver Model M.

Then, because I was going to have to work in a computer lab at my school, I decides that was a good excuse to give myself to buy a new keyboard; the filco and model M are too loud to be working with people around. So I bought a Choc Noppoo Mini with Cherry MX Brown switches.

I had an office back then because I was a grad student in mathematics. When I quit my master's degree to go do a degree in computer engineering, no more office, so I was going to have to carry my keyboard with me in my backpack. Gotta get a smaller one so that justified getting an HHKB!

Now for my tastes:

Size has always been very important. I could have gotten a Cherry MX Blue keyboard for alot less money if I had been willing to settle for a full size keyboard, but I didn't. Then I paid quite a bundle for the tenkeyless version of the model M when full size ones aren't rare at all and not expensive either. So that hasn't changed.

Feel is really important too. That's why I got the Model M in the first place; through my adventures on geekhack, I came to understand that the Model M was some sort of holy grail of keyboard feel. Here's my opinion: It absolutely is. The feeling is so righ. In terms of feel alone, it's more delicious to type on than all my other keyboards (Cherry Blue, Cherry Brown, Topre).

What I just said was more about the sensuality of the feel. As for tactile feedback vs no tactile feedback, I definitely hate linear switches. Just my opinion.

Then there is sound. Which can be devided the same way as feel.

I like keyboards with and without audio feedback. I got into mechanical keyboards for the sound feedback because of Starcraft but now I can do with or without.

As for how the keyboard sounds, I really just appreciate the sound of any good quality keyboard. Be it the music of the model M and Cherry blues or the quiet thumping of the HHKB and Cherry browns. I just like it so much. Between the time I order a keyboard and the time I get it, I spend hours on youTube just to go listen to it.

Come on guys, how many hours have you spent on YouTube listening to your future keyboards?

Also, I have gotten some different colored keycaps and that has become part of my tastes since this adventure started but I never got into the custom keycap thing.

I guess that means that the look of the keyboard is important to me. That's all because of geekhack. I mean how beautiful are all those pictures of keyboards on here. Yeah, the look of a nice otaku keyboard has a "je ne sais quoi" to it.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: PewMcDaddy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 19:26:39: And when you join geek hack you change in certain ways that non-keyboard enthusiasts don't understand. Like I would be honored if Ripster talks to me because he knows more about mechanical keyboards than me. Like a math student meeting a great mathematician.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Ch0nG on Sat, 05 October 2013, 19:30:04: Mine haven't changed much, my first-and-only Mechanical keyboard has blues. I've wanted to try all sorts of other Cherry MX switches but haven't found a reliable way to do so, aside from the switch tour (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44312.0). I'm worried it will hack my wallet, though. :p

I used to think TKL (much less 60%) keyboards were almost worthless. (I <3 having a 10-key), however, seeing some of them with removable USB (yay portability!) has made me want to dip my toe in the water. Is there an easy (and relatively inexpensive) way to do that?
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: rowie on Sat, 05 October 2013, 19:34:36: Got more model M keyboards in addition to what I have. Thanks to this site i'm now starting to like switch type keyboards as my second alternative. I have also grown to love full backlit keyboards like my new Ducky Shine 3. However, I still revert back to my model M keyboards when I have to do work related tasks.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: jonathanyu on Sat, 05 October 2013, 23:54:23: before I come to gh, I thought I won't use a TKL keyboard, but now, I only use TKL :))
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: cactux on Sat, 05 October 2013, 23:57:02: Before I used to eat lobster. Now I eat happy meals only lol
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Shadovved on Sat, 05 October 2013, 23:57:44: Quote from: cactux on Sat, 05 October 2013, 23:57:02
Before I used to eat lobster. Now I eat happy meals only lol

Well.......at least you still eat, right? :p :p
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Larken on Sun, 06 October 2013, 00:05:45: I'm at a point where I won't even consider non-lubed, non modded mx switches. 55g ergoclears are where it's at, and I occasionally go 62g to break the monotony. I don't miss any of the other mx switches at all; but I do miss buckling springs - and possibly might still want to search for boards with complicated alps.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: bueller on Sun, 06 October 2013, 00:25:26: Quote from: jonathanyu on Sat, 05 October 2013, 23:54:23
before I come to gh, I thought I won't use a TKL keyboard, but now, I only use TKL :))

Yeah when I was shopping for my first board I was like "man where are all the awesome full sized keyboards?". Now I've seen the way of the TKL.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Binge on Sun, 06 October 2013, 00:33:11: I put bear heads onto caps :-[
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: noisyturtle on Sun, 06 October 2013, 00:56:25: I'm TKL for life now. Can never go back to limos.
Soldering and wiring was never something I thought I'd appreciate.

Also, now I silently judge everyone I see using high priced non-mechanical 'gaming' boards. I judge the **** out of them :-X
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: bueller on Sun, 06 October 2013, 00:57:43: Quote from: noisyturtle on Sun, 06 October 2013, 00:56:25
I'm TKL for life now. Can never go back to limos.
Soldering and wiring was never something I thought I'd appreciate.

Also, now I silently judge everyone I see using high priced non-mechanical 'gaming' boards. I judge the **** out of them :-X

Haha yeah man. Dude at work was going on about getting a mech after seeing all my purchases and then went and bought a BlackWidow. Barf.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: bahamot on Sun, 06 October 2013, 01:11:54: Before: all keyboards are the same, whoever spent 90-100USD for keyboards are nutts
After: I'm among the nutts people, now even looking for ti key caps :-\
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Britney Spears on Sun, 06 October 2013, 02:26:20: Quite an entertaining topic.

I spent two decades using the keyboards that came with the computers I bought and never wasted a single thought on them. Then I got assigned to a project at work which happened to have two keyboard enthusiasts working on it. Initially I thought it was quite ridiculous to own so many expensive keyboards (Between the two of them they own: a HHKB, two Das, a TypeMatrix, a Realforce TKL and a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000) and could not see the point at all. I was even cracking jokes about their "obsession" now and then. Then one fateful day ;) I had put away my crappy Dell rubber dome board because our desks were cleaned after work and when I came back to work the next morning I found a Das in place of my Dell. I decided to play along and started typing on the Das. And quite embarrassingly I had to admit that it does make a difference. After a day I was hooked and purchased the Das Ultimate from my colleague.

A few weeks later I got assigned to another project where my colleagues where a bit annoyed by the sound of the MX Blues. So I was looking for a MX Brown board with a QWERTZ layout and ended with a Ducky G2Pro TKL. And yet again I was skeptical: A full size board was clearly the best and TKL could only be inferior. I decided to get the Ducky nonetheless since I found the engraved QWERTZ PBT keycaps quite appealing. And again I was proven wrong as the TKL clearly optimizes reaching for the mouse. And since I'm mainly using a Vi-style editor (WebStorm with the VIM plugin) and don't need arrow keys that often I ordered a 60% keyboard too (Ducky Mini) and can wait for it to arrive.

TLDR version: Crappy rubber domes -> full size mechanical board -> TKL board -> 60% board
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Sifo on Sun, 06 October 2013, 02:30:30: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:12:38
When I first joined GH, I swore I could never use anything smaller than a fullsize. Now two of my favorite keyboards are 75% and 60% boards. And I somehow have a huge collection of like 13 keyboards. Never thought I'd end up collecting.

Same on the fullsize thing. I still love TKL the most.

I also discovered the god switch that is 62g gold clears, when I used to like blues the most. I still like blues though. Oh and I still think MX sucks, but everything else does too.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: hashbaz on Sun, 06 October 2013, 03:01:05: Haven't so much changed as expanded. I started out with blues and buckling springs. Now I've added reds and Topre to my (semi-) regular rotation. 62g lubed linear is my godswitch, but I still love blues. Never liked browns or clears or blacks.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Jokrik on Sun, 06 October 2013, 03:05:19: Blues/green for life
but mine changed from something cheap to something nastily ripped my wallet off
just like anybody else

we should start a keyboard therapy session
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: xandr on Sun, 06 October 2013, 03:30:57: It's been only 2 months since I got my first mechs - a Matias Quiet Pro and a Tactile Pro 3 for home - and I'm already looking for other boards.

From the "fullsize or bust" camp initially, I now lust after a 60% with Cherry MX in a shiny aluminum case... Still undecided whether I want blues or ergo-clears though.

My wallet hates all of you! You and your shiny keyboard ways! *shakes fist*
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: KangarooZombies on Sun, 06 October 2013, 03:35:28: I thought blues were like hype city when i first started because click.

But then i ditched the click but kept the tactile feel, browns.

Ditched browns for reds for a very short time, went back to browns. Browns were my hype train.

Now i realize that the whole time i was striving for the oneness with cup rubber i have now achieved.

Thorpe is the only way to true typing perfection, we will all learn this in time.

Kangaroo~
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Jokrik on Sun, 06 October 2013, 10:36:11: Quote from: KangarooZombies on Sun, 06 October 2013, 03:35:28
I thought blues were like hype city when i first started because click.

But then i ditched the click but kept the tactile feel, browns.

Ditched browns for reds for a very short time, went back to browns. Browns were my hype train.

Now i realize that the whole time i was striving for the oneness with cup rubber i have now achieved.

Thorpe is the only way to true typing perfection, we will all learn this in time.

Kangaroo~

How does one learn to love topre
I tried it twice in the shop... Still came back to my lovely click
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Sun, 06 October 2013, 10:47:17: My keyboards keep shrinking, full - TKL - 60%. Will now only accept keys in Cherry profile only. Generally prefer vintage G80 to any new keyboards barring 60%.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: PadawanGeek on Sun, 06 October 2013, 11:26:42: I believe I'd gotten my first mechanical keyboard about a year back, a CM Storm Trigger Cherry Red, loved it and was 'monogamous' for 5-6 months, then I'd gotten my 2nd mech keyboard.....an Armaggeddon MKA-3 Cherry Red. Then, from April to now, it's been a frenzy of purchases till my present 19 keyboards.....soon to be 20 as I'm getting a cheap Rosewill or a used Filco to paint for my Sanctuary key set. I do admit starting out liking Red, then Blue and Brown, now my fave MX switches are Green, Black and Clear.....I have a feeling I'll like White as well. Started out with preference for full sized keyboards, then TKL, and now, I prefer 60%....doesn't matter if it's Topre or MX switches, but for MX, I'd prefer Clear, Green and Black. Love my HHKB 2's and the FC660M Clear (my fave MX keyboard). I'm not really into clacks, while I appreciate their intrinsic beauty and appeal, I can't justify the cost to myself....please note that this is simply my opinion. Having just gotten the Sanctuary set (from a local forum), and soon the Miami key sets, I don't see myself getting anymore as I've always preferred stock key caps and the look of a stock keyboard.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: dante on Sun, 06 October 2013, 12:54:02: After 3 years and 50+ keyboards I am nearing the end of my buying due to financial and emotional stress.

Here is what I am 110% sure of:

Keycaps: POM is my absolute favorite; and in a perfect world more people would demand their favorite importer (imsto, qtan, sherryton, boilermaker, nokcha) bring more options. I can't believe people would rather put up with Vortex customer service (if you want to call it that) and their bland PBT sets than import something truly unique and excellent feeling. It's true there aren't a lot of colors available for POM - with black being the most common - but you aren't staring at your keyboard all the time - you're typing/gaming on it. Do you want a difference you can see or feel? That's your call.

Cherry switches: MX Brown. I've tried all the switches in all permutations (springs, lube, stickers) and MX Browns are the perfect balance - so much so they can be considered the 'Zen' switch. This doesn't mean I don't like other switches and use them from time to time - I'm just saying that for 95% of my typing MX Browns are it.

Alps: SMK White Tactile Non-Clicky. AFAIK this has only been available in the Apple IIGS A9M0330. Feels like a Orange Alps but without the click. I like it!

Buckling Springs: After having some extended seat time there is no question - none at all - that the Model F is the greatest buckling spring ever made. The problem? No ANSI board! I do plan to ~~buy~~ finance Mkawa's SSK - and it will likely be the highest quality buckling spring made in the last 30 years. I don't doubt that somewhere in my subconscious I will be wishing it was a 'F'.

Topre: They are nice to type on but at over $225 I demand a PBT space bar. But more then that I want a 15-30 day return policy for BS manufacturing issues that still go on. For example - some Realforces have a space bar that rattles - and some don't. Space bar rattle is unforgivable in this price bracket. I've typed on $65 made in China HPE's that don't have this issue. Also the space bar should be SILENT on the silent models. Yes I know it's a larger key - make it happen anyway. Show me what "Made in Japan" is all about instead of milking the reputation earned by your ancestors.

Layout: ANSI 66, 87

Stabs: Cherry. I quite like the ~~mush~~ cush and unlike costar my space bar never rattles!

Case: I lean towards lighter plastic cases even if in some cases they look a little cheap. I never understood why people want theirs to weigh as much as CRT monitors.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: davkol on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:26:10: I just wanted a solid, silent, soft-touch keyboard with ANSI layout (and possibly some ergonomic features) before joining GH.

Then I slowly realized what I'd actually enjoy, namely PBT/POM keycaps, Cherry MX Red switches, compact layout and possibly an ergo/DIY board. I bought a Noppoo Choc Mini and it's been one of my favorite keyboards since then.

I don't think much has changed. I'm more knowledgeable, I actually own an ergodox (and few other kinda unusual keyboards), but I've also returned to rubber domes in a way (TM2030 is one of my primary keyboards). I've only given up on getting a tenkeyless, and I don't favor trackpoints that much anymore. Speaking of pointing devices, I've changed my grip and stuff like that as well.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: FoxWolf1 on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:43:28: I don't think my tastes have actually changed. I've learned a bit, and come to appreciate the good and bad points of various kinds of switches, but I don't think I'd go so far as to call any of this a change in tastes.

I seem to be immune to the keyboard shrinking effect that many people have experienced. If anything, seeing the general fondness for smaller keyboards has made me realize just how often I use the number pad.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Lastpilot on Tue, 08 October 2013, 16:38:09: I have acquired an uncontrollable taste for aluminum everything.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Reomero on Tue, 08 October 2013, 17:11:52: My first mech keyboard was a QFR w/ Blacks. The reason why I got it was because it's a TKL (I have personally never liked full-size, so I suppose it was only a matter of time I got a mech). :))
Not too long after getting my QFR, I got a set of black blanks to go on it, plus my collection of novelty keys has slowing begun to grow and entered a couple of GBs.

After that a friend of mine who was staying in Hong Kong for a few weeks told me he saw some Leopolds being sold at a store. I quickly saw this as a chance to get my second 'board. About two weeks later he arrived back in NZ with my graphite Leopold FC700R w/ Browns. This became my daily driver for the next few months before I started to miss linear switches (I'd already sold the QFR).

Now I have a Noppoo Choc Mid w/ Reds which are great. I'm also looking at tuning my Noppoo and Leopold in the near future.. And a Poker II is also in my sights..

As for my taste, I don't think it has changed. I still like linear switches, and blank white/black key caps giving a board a clean look is still my thing. I also like smaller form factors even though I don't have a 60% yet. :cool: I wish I could have a full set of zinc caps though.. 'mirin dat Full Metal Filco.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: SNF on Wed, 09 October 2013, 04:26:09: Main thing that changed when I joined GH was my bank statements :))
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Fullcream on Wed, 09 October 2013, 07:41:36: Like a few others my Keyboards are getting smaller. Never cared much for backlighting.

went through a lot of switches to finally end up very happy with MX Browns with O-rings. Then realized that the feel I am after is the RD feel, I guess that means I would like Topre. Will get around to it when I can afford one.

After a few keyboards I decided I only want to type on PBT Key caps. (would like to try POM soon)

I like colored key caps but usually only if it's paired with a neutral color in a two tone color scheme, and have started to really like blanks for that clean look.
Don't mind 1 or 2 novelty key caps but only if it compliments the rest of the board and still provides an overall clean look.

Despite that I will always have an interest in almost any vintage mechanical keyboard.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: bueller on Wed, 09 October 2013, 08:00:56: Just thought of another thing that's changed more recently. GMK and Cherry double shots have ruined me, have Klaxon and CCnG sets sitting here and I haven't even bothered putting them on because they're so thin compared to Cherry.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 09 October 2013, 08:04:32: Quote from: bueller on Wed, 09 October 2013, 08:00:56
Just thought of another thing that's changed more recently. GMK and Cherry double shots have ruined me, have Klaxon and CCnG sets sitting here and I haven't even bothered putting them on because they're so thin compared to Cherry.

^^ this 1000x ;)
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 09 October 2013, 08:26:03: I started off with the flashy Razer BWU, and then though to get a better quality full-size, so got the Ducky. To fix a problem on it, I ended up with a 100 blue switches in my hand some soldering gear. What do I do? Well, I build an ErgoDox, thinking this would be my last keyboard and here I am trying to build as many keyboards in as many form factor as possible, just to try them all!

I don't think I will ever move away from my ErgoDox, however it is cool to have all the form factors for the novelty of lecturing people on keyboards :D I love lecturing :P
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Wed, 09 October 2013, 08:36:57: Form factor: Fullsize (The only thing available back then) -> TKL (Much better, but..) -> 60% (Sticked with it since the Poker was released)
Keycaps: Printed ABS -> Blank ABS -> Blank ABS -> Printed ABS (Damn, have to replace often because they get shiny) -> PBT -> DS ABS -> PBT -> POM -> DS ABS -> PBT
Switches: MX Blue -> Brown -> Blue -> Red -> Black -> Red -> Clear -> Green -> Clear -> Grey -> Clear -> Ergo Clear -> White -> Clear -> Ergo Clear -> Variable weighted Clears
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: daerid on Wed, 09 October 2013, 11:07:01: I think I went through about 20 keyboards before I settled on the ErgoDox. As much as I love Topre, I can't go back to a staggered layout. As far as MX is concerned, browns were my fav for quite a long time. Recently, though, I've grown to love stock Clears to the exclusion of everything else.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: ynrozturk on Wed, 09 October 2013, 12:00:58: I still have a lot to experiment with. So far I've tried the standard MX switches - blue, brown, red and black. Linear switches are just not for me, I know that much. I'd have to say that brows suit me best, because I type a lot and they are quite comfortable for that.

Topre seems very, very appealing. However, they are pretty expensive and a lot of people say that it's just a glorified rubber dome. However, I don't really care what others have to say, I'll have to make up my own mind once I try them. And even if they do feel like rubber dome, that's not really a bad thing. Because still to this day, I still type fastest on a crappy Logitech than I do on my MX Browns, and I have no idea why. So maybe Topre will be beneficial, who knows.

I've never owned a full sized mech before, I started out with TKL and I still like that form factor. I also really like my Poker II so I dunno.. I just like the way the Poker looks and feels. I actually have my eye on a Race right now with MX White, so I may give that a try.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 12:55:56: Quote from: ynrozturk on Wed, 09 October 2013, 12:00:58
Because still to this day, I still type fastest on a crappy Logitech than I do on my MX Browns, and I have no idea why.

Probably because you have yet to learn proper typing technique with a mechanical and bottom out.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: ynrozturk on Wed, 09 October 2013, 14:11:34: Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 12:55:56
Quote from: ynrozturk on Wed, 09 October 2013, 12:00:58
Because still to this day, I still type fastest on a crappy Logitech than I do on my MX Browns, and I have no idea why.

Probably because you have yet to learn proper typing technique with a mechanical and bottom out.

It's true that I tend to bottom out most of the time. That's something I'm still working on. As for finger placement technique, I'm fine with my 9 finger method which works fine for me. I think it also has to do with most rubber domes just having a lower profile in general. I should experiment with some wrist rests or something.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: mr. rampage on Wed, 09 October 2013, 14:25:26: When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:09:59: Quote from: mr. rampage on Wed, 09 October 2013, 14:25:26
When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Thimplum on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:50:13: Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:09:59
Quote from: mr. rampage on Wed, 09 October 2013, 14:25:26
When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 16:54:34: Quote from: Thimplum on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:50:13
Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:09:59
Quote from: mr. rampage on Wed, 09 October 2013, 14:25:26
When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
(http://cronkitehhh.personal.asu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/obama-not-bad.jpeg)
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 09 October 2013, 17:03:01: Actually one small change - I now prefer TKL instead of full size.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: libo720 on Wed, 09 October 2013, 17:31:15: I used to be that guy that thought the only and best mechanical keyboard that existed was the Razer Black Widow ultimate, i thought OMG those LEDs are so cool! I thought only fools would get those TLK keyboards. Boy how have my opinions changed now.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Phedran on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:17:19: So far it's more of an evolution of perception for me, as I've only been in the ~~hobby~~ lifestyle for around a month.

Came into this thinking I wanted something backlit, something with MX Browns; hadn't even seen a tenkeyless nevermind a 60% before, but I'd fallen in love with the sound of the Leopold FC660C (on youtube).

Started looking into keyboards and discovered all the wild and wonderful things out there, and wanted something I could customize.

With further research I landed on Topre, totally eschewed backlighting, and tweaked my workspace to accommodate for my Leopold FC660C.

Still yearned for something I could make my own, but even with further questing and window-shopping and all the delicious options out there I'm leaning towards something sleek, something pure and slick and well designed from the start. Loving the hell out of my Leopold but tempted to get something else too.

Now I'm wavering between getting a Poker II with MX Browns and adding blank keys, to have an alternative feeling board and a project I can work on, lube, silence, and tweak to my hearts content... or just saving up / asking for a blank white HHKB Pro 2 for Christmas.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Thimplum on Thu, 10 October 2013, 15:49:37: Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 16:54:34
Quote from: Thimplum on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:50:13
Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:09:59
Quote from: mr. rampage on Wed, 09 October 2013, 14:25:26
When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
Show Image
(http://cronkitehhh.personal.asu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/obama-not-bad.jpeg)

I've always wanted to do that one. BTW, you prob already saw, but the hyperlink text is a thread about a 40% board.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: AuRinBei on Thu, 10 October 2013, 16:30:52: Quote from: Thimplum on Thu, 10 October 2013, 15:49:37
Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 16:54:34
Quote from: Thimplum on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:50:13
Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:09:59
Quote from: mr. rampage on Wed, 09 October 2013, 14:25:26
When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
Show Image
(http://cronkitehhh.personal.asu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/obama-not-bad.jpeg)

I've always wanted to do that one. BTW, you prob already saw, but the hyperlink text is a thread about a 40% board.

I don't know if you realized this or not, but that link does not lead to a thread about a 40% board. It actually links to a video of Rick Astley singing a song. I would be very interested in a 40% board though. I don't really need the number row, I can just type all of them out if I have to. Backspace is for people who make mistakes. All of those modifiers on the right side seem pretty redundant, and I'm not sure I remember the last time I had to use the letters Q or X. Are there any boards that are just a function key and maybe a couple of the more popular letters?
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Thimplum on Thu, 10 October 2013, 17:25:38: Quote from: AuRinBei on Thu, 10 October 2013, 16:30:52
Quote from: Thimplum on Thu, 10 October 2013, 15:49:37
Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 16:54:34
Quote from: Thimplum on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:50:13
Quote from: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 15:09:59
Quote from: mr. rampage on Wed, 09 October 2013, 14:25:26
When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
Show Image
(http://cronkitehhh.personal.asu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/obama-not-bad.jpeg)

I've always wanted to do that one. BTW, you prob already saw, but the hyperlink text is a thread about a 40% board.

I don't know if you realized this or not, but that link does not lead to a thread about a 40% board. It actually links to a video of Rick Astley singing a song.

The TEXT, not the URL...
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 10 October 2013, 19:39:07: Hehehe. I haven't seen anyone go for a Rickroll for awhile.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Thimplum on Thu, 10 October 2013, 20:11:07: Quote from: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 10 October 2013, 19:39:07
Hehehe. I haven't seen anyone go for a Rickroll for awhile.

I do it occasionally. If you do it too much or when it's obvious, then it doesn't work very well.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Hellmark on Fri, 11 October 2013, 07:38:51: About the only thing that has changed since I joined, is that I have a bolt modded M now. On the horizon, I do want to build my own, but that's not going to be real soon.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: zoolzoo on Fri, 11 October 2013, 08:27:39: When I joined GH i thought I wanted a fullsize board. Then I went TKL. Now I prefer 60%.

Ive realized the smaller something can be while remaining completely usable is best.....for looks and ergonomics.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Dubsgalore on Fri, 11 October 2013, 08:42:58: too much has changed...
I've discovered my preferences and loves
back in February...I was trying to learn what pbt caps were...and how to find a set for my das....

now...well..things have certainly changed
I'm a cherry fanboy and can only use thick abs anymore...
I only really like older sets and older cherry boards
60% keyboards are my favorite and my one true love for size

i kinda like julysicles... :p
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: JaccoW on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:22:22: I started out with a Déck Legend Frost with MX Clears and even after trying a couple of other switches they are still my preferred switch. A little over a year or so I wanted to try something smaller as I was deeply disappointed by the rubber domes I had at my internship so I bought a TKL with Browns. They weren't bad but I was so used to the tactile feedback the clears gave me so I sold it and bought a version of the same board with Clears. It's my daily driver and especially with some o-rings it is a dream to type on, especially since I sometimes still bottom out on them. XD
Then my recent addiction to novelty keycaps took off and I now have several boxes with keys from groupbuys and a couple of special keysets...

Never really felt the need to buy other keyboards, though some of the Korean customs look nice, since there aren't that many boards with stock Clears and I do not want to take up an soldering iron just yet.
Even though I liked the looks of the Poker I didn't completely like the layout. So when I came across the Leopold FC660M my interest was piqued. :D

Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft but I do dream of doing some modding... stickers, adding leds and a couple of other things. Maybe in the future.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Linkbane on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:55:39: Quote from: JaccoW on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:22:22
Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft
Have you ever possibly heard of an MX Green, MX/Alps Blue, Matias Clicky?
Clears might be tactile for a silent switch, but clicky switches are on a different level of tactility.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Thimplum on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:59:00: Quote from: Linkbane on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:55:39
Quote from: JaccoW on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:22:22
Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft
Have you ever possibly heard of an MX Green, MX/Alps Blue, Matias Clicky?
Clears might be tactile for a silent switch, but clicky switches are on a different level of tactility.

IMO, the tactility of blues/greens is quite artificial. Clears are know to have a huge tactile bump, whereas blues have good tactility, but not really on the same level. It you want REALLY tactile, buckling spring all the way.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Linkbane on Fri, 11 October 2013, 11:08:16: Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:59:00
Quote from: Linkbane on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:55:39
Quote from: JaccoW on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:22:22
Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft
Have you ever possibly heard of an MX Green, MX/Alps Blue, Matias Clicky?
Clears might be tactile for a silent switch, but clicky switches are on a different level of tactility.

IMO, the tactility of blues/greens is quite artificial. Clears are know to have a huge tactile bump, whereas blues have good tactility, but not really on the same level. It you want REALLY tactile, buckling spring all the way.

If a function of the keyswitch is artificial, every keyswitch is linear with an 'artificial' tactility. Blues are very tactile because they have both the bump of browns as well as the movement of the part generating the click (not sure of its name), and Greens even more so because of the stronger spring. Perhaps because there is no click, the bump of a Clear is more noticable, but it is included and magnified in the Greens.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Tarzan on Fri, 11 October 2013, 11:27:54: I've become a big fan of linear switches. When I started, I looked for switches with tactile feedback; MX Browns, MX Greens, MX Whites, etc. Then I tried a G80-1501 with vintage MX Black switches, and my eyes were opened... Now my favorite keyboard is a Ducky Pro with MX Greys.

Having said that, of course, I'm typing this on a Model M, but you've gotta show respect to the classics!
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: JaccoW on Fri, 11 October 2013, 11:34:35: Quote from: Linkbane on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:55:39
Quote from: JaccoW on Fri, 11 October 2013, 10:22:22
Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft
Have you ever possibly heard of an MX Green, MX/Alps Blue, Matias Clicky?
Clears might be tactile for a silent switch, but clicky switches are on a different level of tactility.
I have. I do not own a Mr. Interface switch try bag for nothing. ;)
The only one that could possibly interest me is the MX Green and the Matias Clicky.
But Greens are rare and I do not really care if the switch is clicky or not. The tactility of Browns disappeared when I started typing faster and I missed quite a few strokes on them. If Blues are similar then I will probably have the same problem. I was thinking of converting my touchpad to Greens and make a row with each switch.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: deazncy on Fri, 11 October 2013, 18:52:01: Went from QFR w/ blues as my first keyboard (loved it), then went to a Max Nighthawk with browns which I thought were okay, but I really wanted to try linear switches. I got mx reds first (Ducky Shine 2) which I loved so much, then later on got a Choc Mini with blacks which I didn't like as much as reds.

After restlessly searching for the perfect switches, I stumbled upon Topre switches and I was forced to buy a fc660c. I thought it felt so amazing, but I still couldn't justify paying so much for nicer feeling rubber domes; I say this because when I typed on my brother's standard Dell rubber dome keyboard, I could only tell a slight difference between the two and that made me so upset.

I eventually wanted to go back to Cherry but wanted a board I could customize, just in case I missed blues, reds, browns, etc. This led me to buy a Poker X and I modded it to ergo clears, which I fell in love with. It's still my daily driver, and the only keyboard I own at this point (I sold all the others). I'm planning on getting the new yellow Ducky Shine 3 as an addition to my Poker because I want a full sized keyboard. I've already ordered the Ducky white keycap set and I'm really excited for that keyboard's release.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: chengguo1987 on Sun, 13 October 2013, 03:28:47: Actually not much. I accepted the idea of TKL (AKA "87" Layout Keyboard in China) after reading dozens of reviews and threads. So far I only bought QFR w/browns and I'm using it.
I'm considering changing the keycaps to blank white PBT. I am not sure about next buy, maybe a full-size back-lit keyboard with black switches, NKRO under USB? Or a left-haned keyboard which looks unique?
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: spiceBar on Sun, 13 October 2013, 18:25:45: Quote from: Phedran on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:17:19
So far it's more of an evolution of perception for me, as I've only been in the ~~hobby~~ lifestyle for around a month.

Came into this thinking I wanted something backlit, something with MX Browns; hadn't even seen a tenkeyless nevermind a 60% before, but I'd fallen in love with the sound of the Leopold FC660C (on youtube).

Started looking into keyboards and discovered all the wild and wonderful things out there, and wanted something I could customize.

With further research I landed on Topre, totally eschewed backlighting, and tweaked my workspace to accommodate for my Leopold FC660C.

Still yearned for something I could make my own, but even with further questing and window-shopping and all the delicious options out there I'm leaning towards something sleek, something pure and slick and well designed from the start. Loving the hell out of my Leopold but tempted to get something else too.

Now I'm wavering between getting a Poker II with MX Browns and adding blank keys, to have an alternative feeling board and a project I can work on, lube, silence, and tweak to my hearts content... or just saving up / asking for a blank white HHKB Pro 2 for Christmas.

From a FC660C to a Poker II? I think you are going to regret purchasing the Poker.

If you want a cool project, turn your FC660C into a Type-S model (silent). The Type-S FC660C cannot be purchased, it does not exist. Type-S Realforce and HHKB can be purchased, but there is no Type-S FC660C. You can have one only if you do it yourself.

Once silenced, the keyboard is unbelievably smooth. No more "Thock Thock" (the "-ck" being the plastic against plastic noise on the upstroke). It's just a smooth "Thump Thump".

I have described the mod here:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49046.msg1056220#msg1056220

The post starts with a video with the top two rows silenced and the other ones non-silenced.

Later in the thread I show side by side a silenced FC660C and a non-silenced Realforce. Both had almost the same sound before the silencing, so it gives you an idea about how smoother your FC660C will be.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: terran5992 on Sun, 13 October 2013, 18:37:59: Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:11:51: Quote from: terran5992 on Sun, 13 October 2013, 18:37:59
Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

I'd never heard the word Thorpe until I joined here and hung around for a while, reading the wild and crazy stories that people post.

Or fourm ;)
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: unicomp_uc on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:13:52: Quote from: terran5992 on Sun, 13 October 2013, 18:37:59
Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

Same... I didn't know the difference between any of the MX switches either. I wanted a "Loud, old-school keyboard like the Model M" and bought a Unicomp forever ago. Realized that it was a little too loud and grating on early and/or hanover mornings and ordered my browns... Now I'm on to Topre and can't wait to put a feeling to the description I keep reading about.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: unicomp_uc on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:15:24: Quote from: rowdy on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:11:51
Quote from: terran5992 on Sun, 13 October 2013, 18:37:59
Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

I'd never heard the word Thorpe until I joined here and hung around for a while, reading the wild and crazy stories that people post.

Or fourm ;)

At the risk of sounding total noob; what is Thorpe? I know it's about Topre, but I don't get the reference if there is one.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:17:46: Quote from: unicomp_uc on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:15:24
Quote from: rowdy on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:11:51
Quote from: terran5992 on Sun, 13 October 2013, 18:37:59
Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

I'd never heard the word Thorpe until I joined here and hung around for a while, reading the wild and crazy stories that people post.

Or fourm ;)

At the risk of sounding total noob; what is Thorpe? I know it's about Topre, but I don't get the reference if there is one.

From the subject of this thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48447.0).
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: unicomp_uc on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:20:14: lmao... poor guy.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: keymaster on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:47:31: Before I knew about mechanical keyboards, I usually had a decent Logitech keyboard.
More
(http://i.imgur.com/AdekbKG.jpg)

After joining GeekHack...
The perfect size keyboard for my use is a TKL. I love MX Clear (62g) switches and 55g Topre the most.
Currently...

I have an itch to buy a big, vintage keyboard to use as my secondary such as this one:
(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp349/lysol8086/0e30fc6f.jpg)

Or the Reuters keyboard with the LCD screen.

It would be so cool to have a "sci-fi" type keyboard on my desk.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Tony on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:47:31: I started from a Compaq MX 11800 with brown switch, then it quickly becomes a hobby. Like others, I started to appreciate the TKL and smaller layouts (Choc mini).

After fully appreciating the brown switch, I explore other Cherry switches and now have all four of them, though I have more browns and blues.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: terrpn on Sun, 13 October 2013, 19:59:00: i am now very fond of older boards (mechanical) that are not as popular or as bling as compared to the newer boards

of course i would have never known about them if it were not for others here on GH

lots of different tastes here, which always make for good reading, which can also be entertaining as well

can be hard on the wallet sometimes though.............

typing on an apple m0116 with orange alps- which are very bouncy
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Phedran on Mon, 14 October 2013, 16:39:21: Quote from: spiceBar on Sun, 13 October 2013, 18:25:45
From a FC660C to a Poker II? I think you are going to regret purchasing the Poker.

If you want a cool project, turn your FC660C into a Type-S model (silent). The Type-S FC660C cannot be purchased, it does not exist. Type-S Realforce and HHKB can be purchased, but there is no Type-S FC660C. You can have one only if you do it yourself.

Once silenced, the keyboard is unbelievably smooth. No more "Thock Thock" (the "-ck" being the plastic against plastic noise on the upstroke). It's just a smooth "Thump Thump".

I have described the mod here:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49046.msg1056220#msg1056220

The post starts with a video with the top two rows silenced and the other ones non-silenced.

Later in the thread I show side by side a silenced FC660C and a non-silenced Realforce. Both had almost the same sound before the silencing, so it gives you an idea about how smoother your FC660C will be.

Haha well that's why I haven't done it yet, definitely leaning towards saving up for a HHKB Pro 2 at this point. I was just wondering if I'd want to have different types of switches available to alternate between like perhaps Reds or Browns for something a little lighter, or Clears since I've heard some interesting things about them. The longer I use the FC660C though the more I think I just need more Topre in my life. ;)

I've already bookmarked and been following your thread however! I haven't decided if I'll try it out yet, but it's a definite possibility that I'll attempt that mod in the future. As it is right now I actually enjoy all of the sounds the FC660C makes, but perhaps with time (I've only had it for a couple weeks!)... I just wish shipping from EK wasn't so killer and I really regret not ordering those additional supplies when I ordered the keyboard! Maybe I'll go in with someone else on an order in the future to cut down shipping.
Title: Re: How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?
Post by: Bambino on Mon, 14 October 2013, 21:56:44: I never understood how someone could want to pay $400 on a custom keyboard. Now I've considered it over and over. What is going on?! Who would have thought that I could become so picky about what I like in a keyboard?