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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: okochainho on Thu, 06 February 2014, 15:14:46
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I'm in the process of building a new computer, and at first considered the mouse/keyboard combination to be an afterthought. However, the more I researched the more intrigued I became with mechanical keyboards, with Das Keyboard the first to catch my eye.
Anyways, I've done a bit of research and I've narrowed my choices to a Ducky Shine 3 or a Filco Majestouch 2.
My usage is around 70% for daily use, and 30% for gaming. I would in no way consider myself a hardcore gamer, and I'm looking for the enjoyment of typing by switching over to mechanical keyboards, more so then gaming. I do require a full keyboard with number pad (work related).
Backlighting is not important to me.
I went to Best Buy and tried out there G710+ and I liked the feel of the keys, but Red would work too. Blue seemed too loud (on Razer). As this is going to be an investment, I would like good build quality.
Can anyone offer suggestions or comments, also when it comes to switches (red v brown)? Also, if I decide to buy the Filco (Which I am leaning towards), any suggestions from where? I live in the US and only place I see has the brown switches (apart from Amazon)
Thanks in advance.
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one can always find surprise on ebay...
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You can get Filcos from the Keyboard Co. They're based in the UK but will ship to the United States.
http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard/filco-majestouch-2-tenkeyless-nkr-tactile-action-usa-keyboard.asp
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Thanks, would you think the Majestouch 2 with brown switches would be the best option for me, given my expected usage, as I am thinking?
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Thanks, would you think the Majestouch 2 with brown switches would be the best option for me, given my expected usage, as I am thinking?
Yes, typically the browns are considered the middle ground for typing + gaming. Reds would probably not be the right call. Personally, I like the blues better and would choose them if I planned to buy the KB mostly for typing, but honestly it's a personal choice. :thumb:
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Also, keep in mind that the Logitech you tried already has o-ring dampeners installed. Filco will probably be a little louder than that, but still not as loud as the blues.
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The Cooler Master Quickfire XT and Rapid are close to Filco quality for a lower price. You can often find them on sale, also. They are definitely worth checking out if you want to save some $ (and then spend it on replacement keycaps >_>)
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The Cooler Master Quickfire XT and Rapid are close to Filco quality for a lower price. You can often find them on sale, also. They are definitely worth checking out if you want to save some $ (and then spend it on replacement keycaps >_>)
Thanks. This is what I was looking for, also, easier to find. This or Filco, think I'm leaning towards the XT now. I'm sure the Filco is awesome, but maybe not $50+ more-ish awesome...
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Gauging from the reviews on newegg and amazon, the XT is way more popular than QFR in the gaming community, I'm guessing that's because of the back lighting.
Maybe CM reps can comment if that's true and how much (in terms of percentage, not numbers if it's confidential) XT outsell QFR. When the new QFR with back lighting coming out soon, maybe that'll change.
However, in this community most of the enthusiasts weight comfort of typing and aesthetics more than utility in gaming.
If you don't plan to mod, XT will be fine as is but finding a set of keycaps to fit the XT will be a challenge.
Also, just take advice on key switches as they are, i.e. advice.
Unless you have tried it on your own, you'll never know if you like red, brown, black, blue or topre.
Switch tester can give you an idea
http://www.cmstore-usa.com/mechanical-key-switch-demo-board/
but it still cannot replace typing on a real keyboard.
Just go to the store again and try out the rest of the switches (red, black, brown, blue)
Unfortunately, you can't find topre or clear, green in most of the BM stores.
But the common four mx switches will be a great start.
And you can't go wrong with QFR as your first mech :)
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Thanks. I am in need of the TFK for work, so unfortunately, the QFR doesn't seem to work for me (seem to come without it).
This decision is making my head hurt still! Part of me wants to go with the Filco, but the more realistic side wants to go with the XT. I think the browns are the way to go as well. Shame the G710+ was the only platform I was able to test them on.
Decisions, decisions :)
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I need some quick advice -
I recently purchased the QuickFire XT from Amazon for around $95, but today, the QuickFire Pro went on sale for 79 ($59 AR!).
Would like some advice regarding whether or not I should cancel my order on the XT for the Pro. I am leaning towards yes but would like your good advises before I go ahead...
Thanks!
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I need some quick advice -
I recently purchased the QuickFire XT from Amazon for around $95, but today, the QuickFire Pro went on sale for 79 ($59 AR!).
Would like some advice regarding whether or not I should cancel my order on the XT for the Pro. I am leaning towards yes but would like your good advises before I go ahead...
Thanks!
If you want to pay extra for a keypad, get the xt. Honestly I don't like keycaps, they take up too much room, are unergonomic and look less fancy. My first board was the pro, using it right now actually except with some new caps. It works well though my space bar makes weird sounds, but I think all space bars make weird sounds.
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So the consensus is, the XT is a better keyboard than the Pro? I'm looking for quality and the XT does seem to have better reviews, but I'm wondering I'd it warrants $30 extra...
...and yes, I do need the kepad for work.
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Have you considered any other brands that might be at a price point between CM & Filco?
Something like:
http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=403 (http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=403)
or
http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=701 (http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=701)
I have a filco, ducky, and keycool and can confirm that they are all extremely nice! I've never owned or used a CM board.. I can't get past that awful font :(
Either way, best of luck with your hunt!