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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: FKSSR on Thu, 19 February 2009, 16:37:10

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: FKSSR on Thu, 19 February 2009, 16:37:10

Hey guys,

I did try doing a search first, but I didn't see any info here about the Cherry G86-52400 keyboard (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/keyboards/Industrial/52400/index.htm).

Does anyone know what kind of switches are in it?

I'm basically looking for the cheapest mechanical tenkeyless keyboard I can find for work.  I'd prefer it to be black and not have the arrow keys, but those aren't as important.

P.S.  I'm not super cheap, but I'm just a tiny bit worried about the keyboard getting jacked, so I don't want to spend a lot of money and have that happen.

Thanks!!!

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: lal on Thu, 19 February 2009, 16:57:50

Wow, from the outside this is looking awesome! But it most likely has ATK "switches" which means rubber dome. I really wish Cherry would offer a G80 with this form factor...

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: CX23882 on Thu, 19 February 2009, 17:28:33

I believe that from the G86, it's the same keys as the Cymotion boards (by the way, don't ever Google Cherry ATK at work!), which is rubber dome with enlarged keycaps.  Having said that they're the best rubber domes I've ever used, not at all mushy.  I prefer them to the Black ML switch in fact.

I often jump between preferring the Cherry MX Blues and my Cymotion board.  I can't decide which one is the "best".  In terms of value for money, it has to be the Cymotion.  In terms of typing, I honestly can't decide.  Both can suit my mood on different days.

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: FKSSR on Thu, 19 February 2009, 17:31:00

My big concern is really for my hands and wrists.  I'm 27 now, and I'm starting to feel some pain in both those places from typing.  So, I want something at work that will help resolve that.

So, even if they are rubber domes, if they feel more like switches in the way that they won't hurt my hands/wrists, then I may just go for it...

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: CX23882 on Thu, 19 February 2009, 17:37:42

I don't know about that.  I used to think that the G86/Cymotion/ATK membrane was light (and it is compared to the mushtastic Dell) but having used a G80-3000 with Cherry Blue switches for several months, it is heavier.  But even though it's heavier than Cherry Blues, when compared to some rubber domes where you need to really mash the keys to get them to register, you can gently tap the Cymotion boards without bottoming out and the keys will still register.  

Maybe it will suit you and maybe not.  Could you perhaps pick up a cheap Cymotion Expert to try out first before splashing out on a more specialist and more expensive layout?

Having said all of that, one thing that makes a huge difference is whether or not the key stems are greased.  The Cymotion Expert has greased keys (don't know what type of grease, it's white rather than clear silicone grease) and it feels and sounds different to the Master XPress which doesn't.

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: ozar on Thu, 19 February 2009, 18:06:00

That is a very nice key layout and I'd like to have one of those as well if the switches are good enough to make it worth the price.  Maybe you could call one of the phone numbers found on the website in your link above and ask them what switches they use.

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: FKSSR on Thu, 19 February 2009, 18:11:40

I already emailed them. :)

I tried to call, but their business hours are only until 4:45pm CST.

I'll post with what I found out.

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: Eclairz on Thu, 19 February 2009, 18:37:04

That is the same layout as the G84-4100 board btw which is mechanical ML not MX, but they don't type the same way as a G80. If you are having RSI wrist strains maybe changing the way you type would be better. Try moving your elbows to move your finger down instead of using your wrists, this is supposed to alleviate pain and improve typing speed however it is really weird when you first try.

If that finger hovering over the key doesn't work or uncomfortable get a good wrist rest and learn to take breaks from the keyboard and changing the orientation of your hands to the keyboard from time to time.

A mechanical keyboard may or may not fix your pain, people over here get them because it is just more pleasurable I find and usually due to extrea pleasure and more time spent on the board it may even actually make it worse :rolleyes: but thats another discussion for another time

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: Chloe on Thu, 19 February 2009, 23:07:14

G86 range is rubber dome over membrane sheets.

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 20 February 2009, 06:39:18

I know it's not a spacesaver, but you really can't go wrong with the Dell AT101W.  It's usually around $10.  I would be sad that I lost a great keyboard, but I wouldn't be too worried about the investment.

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: FKSSR on Fri, 20 February 2009, 06:42:03

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.  The AT101W will at least be good to add to my new "arsenal." :)

Thanks guys!

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: FKSSR on Fri, 20 February 2009, 08:51:18

Just for information purposes.  Here is the email reply I got from Cherry:

The G86-52400 series uses a rubber mat technology.

Kind Regards/Mit freundlichem Gruss
Cherry Senior CID Technical Services

:)

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: CeeSA on Thu, 02 December 2010, 07:58:07

more pics:
http://en.item.rakuten.com/vshopu/209x-2702/

Title: Cherry G86-52400
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Thu, 02 December 2010, 12:30:41

The layout is similar to the SPOS minus the numberpad and extra keys. The main cluster is very similar in layout.

(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/248/3/2/spos_4_by_phaedrus2401-d2y2csx.jpg)