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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 03:41:19

Title: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 03:41:19: so im looking at buying the poker 2 but cant decide if i want the backlit version or not.

ive never had a backlit version so its not like i would be missing it if i go for non-backlit.

from what ive read the non backlit version has PBT caps and the backlit version has ABS keycaps.

which would you go for?
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: Tony on Mon, 02 December 2013, 03:54:42: Non-back lit + pbt keycaps.

For typing in the dark I can buy a lamp
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: pichu23 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 03:59:27: I think the PBT keycaps are more worth it. Even if you get the non led one, you can always mod it later if you like.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:01:35: thanks for the replys folks.

now is the question of whether to switch to the ansi layout or go with the ISO version?
im from the UK so am used to ISO but i think the ANSI looks better due to the non huge enter key.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:01:57: Although I like both my backlit keyboards, I would suggest that PBT keycaps have the edge.

Unless you really want backlit.

In which case, have you considered Ducky? Range of switches, range of backlight colours.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: BlackWidowMan777 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:07:59: qtan doesn't sell the backlit Poker 2 or does he?

So where can you get it in ANSI US version?
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:13:39: they are for sale on Amazon

they are slighty more expensive that qtan but delivery would be alot quicker (my current keyboard died on the weekend so i am without until i can get a new one)
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: BlackWidowMan777 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:15:47: wow, thanks! I'm heading straight there now!
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:24:32: Quote from: BlackWidowMan777 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:15:47
wow, thanks! I'm heading straight there now!

no probs buddy,
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:40:56: Quote from: rowdy on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:01:57
Although I like both my backlit keyboards, I would suggest that PBT keycaps have the edge.

Unless you really want backlit.

In which case, have you considered Ducky? Range of switches, range of backlight colours.

i did look at the ducky keyboards but couldnt find the ducky mini for sale anywhere (or where i could get it rather quick)

im quite liking the idea of a 60% - my current board is a QFR but i want to go smaller.

shoot me down but i have no replacement boards at home to use (not even a cheap or free one) which made playing battlefield on the weekend awkward.

tried xbox pad only but its shocking and how anyone can use that only alludes me. ended up going hybrid and using the xbox pad in my left hand and the mouse in the right hand. (remapped the keys on the mouse/pad so i could actually do anything)
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: n0rdlad on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:44:00: Im a big fan of the US look and agree that the big enter is a bit lame lookin.. Unless it was a retro board :)
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:51:47: Quote from: BlackWidowMan777 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:07:59
qtan doesn't sell the backlit Poker 2 or does he?

So where can you get it in ANSI US version?

oooh, ive just realised the ansi version isnt a poker 2 just a poker.

it was the kbt pure that has the ansi version.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:52:21: Quote from: n0rdlad on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:44:00
Im a big fan of the US look and agree that the big enter is a bit lame lookin.. Unless it was a retro board :)

so it looks like ill have to go for the ISO version.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: tuxsavvy on Mon, 02 December 2013, 05:23:18: Quote from: n0rdlad on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:44:00
Im a big fan of the US look and agree that the big enter is a bit lame lookin.. Unless it was a retro board :)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TGcSoqbEdE/Upw0EoBaBrI/AAAAAAAAAMs/W_6FDUSVibM/s1600/20131202_037.jpg)
:))

*ahem* PBT keys are definitely well worth it if you are also going for a non dark coloured keyboard as they will shine and turn yellow over time. PBT isn't immune but for it to go shiny and yellow is not easy if one is a non smoker. Also PBT imo are signs of what quality keyboards are using. Notably most Topre based boards for instance.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 05:32:25: Quote from: tuxsavvy on Mon, 02 December 2013, 05:23:18
Quote from: n0rdlad on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:44:00
Im a big fan of the US look and agree that the big enter is a bit lame lookin.. Unless it was a retro board :)

Show Image
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TGcSoqbEdE/Upw0EoBaBrI/AAAAAAAAAMs/W_6FDUSVibM/s1600/20131202_037.jpg)

:))

*ahem* PBT keys are definitely well worth it if you are also going for a non dark coloured keyboard as they will shine and turn yellow over time. PBT isn't immune but for it to go shiny and yellow is not easy if one is a non smoker. Also PBT imo are signs of what quality keyboards are using. Notably most Topre based boards for instance.

now thats a big enter key. haha

pbt are the ones to go for then.

If leds are added to it im guessing with pbt it means nothing will shine through??

ive actually ordered a 37 key white set of pbt's so will add them once they arrive.

now looking at it i reckon ill want a white alu case at somepoint soo too.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: tuxsavvy on Mon, 02 December 2013, 06:11:10: Quote from: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 05:32:25
Quote from: tuxsavvy on Mon, 02 December 2013, 05:23:18
Quote from: n0rdlad on Mon, 02 December 2013, 04:44:00
Im a big fan of the US look and agree that the big enter is a bit lame lookin.. Unless it was a retro board :)

Show Image
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TGcSoqbEdE/Upw0EoBaBrI/AAAAAAAAAMs/W_6FDUSVibM/s1600/20131202_037.jpg)

:))

*ahem* PBT keys are definitely well worth it if you are also going for a non dark coloured keyboard as they will shine and turn yellow over time. PBT isn't immune but for it to go shiny and yellow is not easy if one is a non smoker. Also PBT imo are signs of what quality keyboards are using. Notably most Topre based boards for instance.

now thats a big enter key. haha

pbt are the ones to go for then.

If leds are added to it im guessing with pbt it means nothing will shine through??

ive actually ordered a 37 key white set of pbt's so will add them once they arrive.

now looking at it i reckon ill want a white alu case at somepoint soo too.

Old school keyboard as well, There's no manufacturer that is producing this large sort of enter key anymore according to laffin (IRC). Speaking of which I am typing on the said keyboard as we speak.

Yeah apparently PBT don't come with LED so presumably even if one retrofits a LED light it will not shine through unless one starts modifying the key cap though.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: PointyFox on Mon, 02 December 2013, 06:22:00: It depends on the thickness and color of the keycaps.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 06:26:35: thanks all.

sorry for a noob question but whats the difference between the poker and the poker 2?
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: pichu23 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 07:02:51: Quote from: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 06:26:35
thanks all.

sorry for a noob question but whats the difference between the poker and the poker 2?

poker is pcb mounted, arrows are on the bottom right.
poker 2 is plate mounted, arrows are on wasd, programmable.
that's what i can think of atm.. ^-^
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 07:17:39: Quote from: pichu23 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 07:02:51
Quote from: joelk2 on Mon, 02 December 2013, 06:26:35
thanks all.

sorry for a noob question but whats the difference between the poker and the poker 2?

poker is pcb mounted, arrows are on the bottom right.
poker 2 is plate mounted, arrows are on wasd, programmable.
that's what i can think of atm.. ^-^

cool thanks,

can only find the ansi layout with the poker 1 on amazon
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: n0rdlad on Mon, 02 December 2013, 14:48:57: Regular pbt works with backlight.. Just doesnt feel and sound as quality as the thicker brethren

feature=youtube_gdata_player
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: joelk2 on Tue, 03 December 2013, 02:54:34: Quote from: n0rdlad on Mon, 02 December 2013, 14:48:57
Regular pbt works with backlight.. Just doesnt feel and sound as quality as the thicker brethren

feature=youtube_gdata_player

thanks.

a bit of a turn up for the books. Coolermaster got back in touch with me and offered to replace my keyboard for free (no receipt & well over a year old)

its good news in one way as i don't have to buy another keyboard now but bad in another as i was really looking forward to getting the poker 2.

they haven't asked me to send the old keyboard back so i can crack it open and have a play around with it and hopefully get it working again for a spare or to take to work with me.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: vztrx200 on Tue, 03 December 2013, 12:02:17: Hi guys!

Just a bit of a warning really. After "ummming" and "ahhhing" for what seemed like an eternity over a Poker Vs a Filco Minila I opted for a Poker II and put an order in through Amazon UK at the end of last week for a Blue Switch, no backlight, PBT version.

So, it turns up today and everything is present and correct with the label on the box confirming that it is indeed a blue switch PBT however upon opening and plugging it in I found that it was in fact a backlit version with Green LED's!!!

Not only that but also a handful of the bottom right hand corner LED's didn't even work. I'm not sure as to whether this is a cock up by the Amazon seller combined with damage in transit, or just poor quality control, but I'm definitely sending it back. Which is a bit of a shame because in what little time I had to test it out it was an absolute pleasure to type on.

Consequently while I'd definitely recommend the Poker II in terms of looks and pure typing or gaming experience, (the cheery MX blues and PBT caps combination were fantastic) you might wanna try to get your hands on one and test it out for similar issues before taking the plunge.
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: pichu23 on Tue, 03 December 2013, 12:50:40: Win led on the bottom left is not meant to lit up with the rest. ^
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: osi on Tue, 03 December 2013, 14:58:16: Non-back lit!
Title: Re: Poker 2 - Backlight or no
Post by: vztrx200 on Tue, 03 December 2013, 17:46:23: Quote from: pichu23 on Tue, 03 December 2013, 12:50:40
Win led on the bottom left is not meant to lit up with the rest. ^

Not just the Win LED unfortunately, seems to have taken a bash or something as it's 5 or 6 different keys in the bottom right corner that don't work. Shame really because all in all the board was awesome apart from this, unfortunately it's just not what I specifically ordered. Still it's got me seriously considering a blue backlit as a replacement now.