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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Lain1911 on Mon, 24 March 2014, 17:43:23

Title: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Mon, 24 March 2014, 17:43:23: As you may already know, I'm new here and I own a rubber dome keyboard. Don't facepalm yet as this will all change in April. I'm looking for cherry blues so cherry lovers rejoice and topre lovers give mutual happiness that I at least acknowledge that mechanical is better. I will be taking opinions and advice here as well as giving updates on the new board. (So feel free to say "get a topre" to get some self-satisfaction) Some of the basics I have figured out so far are: Razor is lulz, QFR is for noobs, Ducky and Filco are probably better, and anything under $250 is not worthy of the fingertips of the leetz. I have a led keyboard now which I think I'm getting used to enough that I'm not sure if I could go with non-led. However it might can be forfeited. I value quality and keep my boards in good shape but I'm not ready to dive in with the elitist with a $250 board. For now I'm probably not going to mod it in any way. Just looking to jump on board with the clicky's :)
I'll be sure to post pics when I get something. All advice is welcomed and personal opinions, but I'm pretty stuck on cherry blues so keep that in mind.

Thanks a lot :)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Pacifist on Mon, 24 March 2014, 17:46:05: filco
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: esoomenona on Mon, 24 March 2014, 17:57:05: Who said QFR is for noobs? Don't fall victim to the ridiculousness. First of all, if you're like most of us here, this won't be your only keyboard. A QFR has good enough quality. If you read most opinions here, there isn't much reason these days to get a Filco over a QFR. The ONLY reason to get a Ducky is LED lighting. Get the QFR and save yourself the money.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: CK Briefs on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:03:13: Quote from: esoomenona on Mon, 24 March 2014, 17:57:05
Who said QFR is for noobs? Don't fall victim to the ridiculousness. First of all, if you're like most of us here, this won't be your only keyboard. A QFR has good enough quality. If you read most opinions here, there isn't much reason these days to get a Filco over a QFR. The ONLY reason to get a Ducky is LED lighting. Get the QFR and save yourself the money.

And if you want LEDs and QFR, you might as well wait for the QF Rapid i (intelligent?) that could be coming onto shelves beginning of Q2 (i.e. around April)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: neunelfer on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:04:51: QFRs have a rubber coating on the case, Filcos do not. This is one of the main reasons why I chose Filco.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: hwood34 on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:13:22: If it's your first board, you'll really be fine with whatever. QFRs are perfectly acceptable, and I can attest to Ducky build quality.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:21:45: If you're looking at spending more than $250 then do consider Topre :D
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Sifo on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:23:01: just get an hhkb and quit whiel u can
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Novus on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:28:11: Get a realforce 55G.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Xowie on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:31:04: I also really like my QFR. While it does have some flaws (not a fan of the keycaps), for the price it is great.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: SonOfSonOfSpock on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:34:31: I'd recommend getting something smaller than a full size board if you can give up the numpad. It feels a lot better to have the board more centered on your body and to not have to stretch to your mouse. I've been using a Matias quiet mini pro for a couple weeks and the difference is really nice. Also, if you think you're into clicky switches, there are some options other than Cherry MX. Matias makes some boards with clicky switches.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zig_ziglar on Mon, 24 March 2014, 19:02:00: Being your first mech board, I second the opinions on starting as cheap as you can get away with, as the chances are you will purchase another board at some stage - probably to experience a different switch. There's nothing worse than spending up big on your first board only to discover that you're not a huge fan of that switch type, so you buy another board (but cut back on the outlay) and end up boxing the expensive board in preference of the second or third (or fourth etc) cheaper board.

The QFR or Ducky Zero are solid first time options. Both manufacturers have numpadless form factor options.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Roibhilin on Mon, 24 March 2014, 19:26:37: the fact that like basically 75% of the QFRs on GH are heavily modded really shouldn't be sending the message "nooby keyboard"
you shouldn't be applying the term "noob" to a keyboard at all
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zig_ziglar on Mon, 24 March 2014, 19:36:08: Quote from: Roibhilin on Mon, 24 March 2014, 19:26:37
the fact that like basically 75% of the QFRs on GH are heavily modded really shouldn't be sending the message "nooby keyboard"
you shouldn't be applying the term "noob" to a keyboard at all

I think price is the distinction. Someone who hasn't thoroughly tried a variety of mechanical switches has no way of knowing what switch they should invest in. Financial intelligence would lead anyone to strongly advise against spending $200 on a keyboard that may end up collecting dust. But hey, if you have a high disposable income, you might not mind spending $1k on keyboards until you're completely happy with one (or maybe you're like me and like changing things up from time to time.

There is nothing wrong with the QFR or Ducky Zero that suggests one could not or should not be fully satisfied with either, but if you are geek enough (or obsessive enough, perhaps), you will probably end up wanting a Rols Royce or Ferrari instead of the VW or Honda one day. Maybe you'll try 3 Hondas before finally deciding to get a Ferrari, maybe the first Honda was exactly what you were looking for. Who knows. I could go on all day with useless analogiesl :D
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zoolzoo on Tue, 25 March 2014, 13:21:55: dude what are you even saying?
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 25 March 2014, 13:38:25: Quote from: Sifo on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:23:01
just get an hhkb and quit whiel u can

Best advice in the thread, will save you money long term. I started on mechs 4 years ago with a 6gv2 and have since owned an X-Armor, DAS, Ducky Shine, QFR and now a Topre 60%. With the benefit of hindsight you come to realize that one $300 purchase is a lot less than $150 incremental buys. hahaha.

For serious advice though, no board will be bad, but if you want to buy one and not feel the constant desire to switch up I'd probably buy a switch tester to determine your preference and then snag a Filco TKL if I was going to buy one cherry board, or a Ducky Shine TKL if backlight is important.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: tricheboars on Tue, 25 March 2014, 13:40:42: just get an acidfire custom and quite while you can.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: hcry4 on Tue, 25 March 2014, 13:55:31: Quote from: Sifo on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:23:01
just get an hhkb and quit whiel u can

There's no quitting...
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: QuadGMoto on Tue, 25 March 2014, 14:50:40: Quote from: Dyslexic on Tue, 25 March 2014, 13:38:25
For serious advice though … I'd probably buy a switch tester to determine your preference…

This! Seriously! Spending $20 or $30 bucks can save a lot more down the road.

I used mine to settle on blues for the keyboard I'm currently using (TECK), and ergo clears for AcidFire's project when it's ready. It's also been helpful in general experimentation without messing up an actual keyboard.

Quote from: tricheboars on Tue, 25 March 2014, 13:40:42
just get an acidfire custom and quite while you can.

He's creating some serious pent up demand!
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zoolzoo on Tue, 25 March 2014, 14:51:44: Quote from: Dyslexic on Tue, 25 March 2014, 13:38:25
Quote from: Sifo on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:23:01
just get an hhkb and quit whiel u can

Best advice in the thread, will save you money long term. I started on mechs 4 years ago with a 6gv2 and have since owned an X-Armor, DAS, Ducky Shine, QFR and now a Topre 60%. With the benefit of hindsight you come to realize that one $300 purchase is a lot less than $150 incremental buys. hahaha.

For serious advice though, no board will be bad, but if you want to buy one and not feel the constant desire to switch up I'd probably buy a switch tester to determine your preference and then snag a Filco TKL if I was going to buy one cherry board, or a Ducky Shine TKL if backlight is important.

yah but pcb mounted browns are better than topre
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: QuadGMoto on Tue, 25 March 2014, 14:55:22: Quote from: zoolzoo on Tue, 25 March 2014, 14:51:44
yah but pcb mounted browns are better than topre

Incoming!! :: ducks for cover :: :o

Unfortunately, Topres don't seem to available for switch tester setups, custom keyboards, or ergonomic keyboards.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Dyslexic on Tue, 25 March 2014, 15:01:41: Quote from: QuadGMoto on Tue, 25 March 2014, 14:55:22
Quote from: zoolzoo on Tue, 25 March 2014, 14:51:44
yah but pcb mounted browns are better than topre

Incoming!! :: ducks for cover :: :o

Unfortunately, Topres don't seem to available for switch tester setups, custom keyboards, or ergonomic keyboards.

Hah, I'm so not taking that bait. :) I enjoy my topres, much like I enjoyed my keyboards with MX Reds and Browns. I just enjoy my topre more. As someone who bottoms out no matter what switch I use, the thock is incredibly satisfying.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Tue, 25 March 2014, 15:29:34: Clicky Matias.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Macsmasher on Thu, 27 March 2014, 05:03:13: Quote from: Dyslexic on Tue, 25 March 2014, 15:01:41
Quote from: QuadGMoto on Tue, 25 March 2014, 14:55:22
Quote from: zoolzoo on Tue, 25 March 2014, 14:51:44
yah but pcb mounted browns are better than topre

Incoming!! :: ducks for cover :: :o

Unfortunately, Topres don't seem to available for switch tester setups, custom keyboards, or ergonomic keyboards.

Hah, I'm so not taking that bait. :) I enjoy my topres, much like I enjoyed my keyboards with MX Reds and Browns. I just enjoy my topre more. As someone who bottoms out no matter what switch I use, the thock is incredibly satisfying.

Amen. I heard lofty, majestic music in my head while reading this.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: skuko on Thu, 27 March 2014, 05:33:18: Quote from: neunelfer on Mon, 24 March 2014, 18:04:51
QFRs have a rubber coating on the case, Filcos do not. This is one of the main reasons why I chose Filco.

another reason (for me) is that filcos actually have the "menu" button next to right CTRL instead of the FN (yeah i'm used to use the menu button instead of right clicking in many cases)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: margo baggins on Thu, 27 March 2014, 08:28:22: Quote from: Lain1911 on Mon, 24 March 2014, 17:43:23
Some of the basics I have figured out so far are: Razor is lulz, QFR is for noobs, Ducky and Filco are probably better, and anything under $250 is not worthy of the fingertips of the leetz.

Say less silly things, try more keyboards, form your own opinions.

I like topre, I like MX, i like ALPs, I like BS - I like them all :) I have CM keyboards, I have sold all the filco's I've ever owned, likewise with Ducky's. Different strokes for different folks, but it's best to make your own opinions on such as you are the only one that has to type with your hands on your keyboards, and as long as your hands are having a great time, then, doesn't really matter what old matey said on the internet.

I think my favourite keyboard to actually do lots of typing on is my Dell AT101w, it's just a shame it barely fits on my desk. (black alps board)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: davkol on Thu, 27 March 2014, 11:59:23: QFRs are for heavy modders of the /r/MechanicalKeyboards realm, heh.

I recommend to get an used Cherry G80-something keyboard for cheap, experience the PBT/POM/doubleshot goodness out of the box, play a bit with PCB-mounted switches... and as soon as you realize your preferences, get your end-game board: recover something vintage or build a custom keyboard of your choice.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Fri, 28 March 2014, 08:05:35: I think I should make a comment about when I say things like "razor is lulz". I'm being a bit sarcastic and a little lighthearted so don't take it as cold fact. I will let people know that I am looking into a TKL but I am also keeping the CM quickfire TK as an option because it's only 1 inch longer. I have noticed myself using the numpad enter key as much if not more then the normal one although I barely use the numpad at all lol so I would be kinda sad to see it go. I'm looking to wait until the QFR-I comes out and check out the price between it and the TK. I'm also keeping the Ducky Zero and Filco Majestouch-2 on heavy consideration since I have "heard"(not to be confused with fact :) ) it's like a level up from CM. So from what I have seen so far it will be one of these boards.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: badman5 on Fri, 28 March 2014, 23:08:25: I am kinda in the same boat. I looking for a keyboard to replace my stock slim Dell keyboard (great kb btw for a stock, nice media buttons and all). I probably won't mod it either thou i may get some custom key caps. So far im thinking on the RGB Corsair but i'm very picky just like you guys so i know you'l help me out. I have much to learn thou.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Melvang on Sat, 29 March 2014, 00:20:03: I would have to agree with the QFR. Start cheap-ish. Unless it is from Razor or is an iOne OEM build for the most part you are not going to get a crap keyboard once you get into the realm of mech boards. I know some people here do have Razers and have had good luck with them. They just seem to have a higher/quicker failure rate than others that are bought and sold here in the classifieds. I currently own a Costar built Das (before the media key fiasco), bought my aunt and uncle a ducky non backlit with reds and a Unicomp buckling spring, bought my wife a Filco TKL with blacks, and am currently working on a custom keyboard of my own design and layout. The Das was not the cheapest but I didn't know any better or I would have bought a QFR for my first board. I then worked my way up the price chain and have learned what I like in a board.

For me it is a very heavy solid feeling. If you want to see how far I am going with that check the M-64 link in my signature. For the record I am at almost $400 into this thing and I haven't had plates cut yet (almost $200 for switch plate quote), and I am milling the case myself. I have also changed my switch of choice a couple times.

So I will say start cheaper with a QFR and work your way up from there. When you are done with a board if it is still in good condition you can most likely resell it here for a very good portion of what you bought it for as it seems that most boards don't lose much value especially if you have clear switches as those are a bit tougher to find in a store bought keyboard.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Sat, 29 March 2014, 03:37:14: Get the one with the TK only. If I wanted something with cherry, that would be it. I think that's how saving space should be done in the first place, because it still retains all functionality. IIRC even the arrows are inverse T at the bottom.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Mon, 31 March 2014, 15:16:08: Updated news! I got a quickfire rapid cherry reds for 2 hours drive time and $35. Used for about a day and brand new. The bad news: He "was" selling a cm quickfire pro with cherry browns for $30 and he didn't tell me that until I drove an hour to meet him. He may be a con artist but I figured $35 for a QFR come on still nice. I can tell you I don't really like the reds for typing (I bottom out every time like a Plymouth Duster going 45 in a turn.) and I'm still in the market for blues but this was a good opportunity to test the quality of the CM brand and hey maybe I would like reds? Considering the key caps I don't like the way the lettering is raised. It makes me want to scratch it off like it's a piece of dirt. Are the stock caps for Ducky or Filco like this? I'm definitely going to need stronger resistance than the reds. But hey, It is at least a temporary back up mech keyboard for $35 O.o The quality and heaviness of the keyboard is well enough and I'm definitely getting a
TKL unless I got with the CM TK. But now since I have a CM board I kinda want to "Upgrayedd". Thoughts?

(http://i59.tinypic.com/eaigk2.jpg)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 31 March 2014, 15:55:35: Quote from: Lain1911 on Mon, 24 March 2014, 17:43:23
All advice is welcomed and personal opinions, but I'm pretty stuck on cherry blues so keep that in mind.

Does size matter? -> Full Size, TKL, 60%

If you like MX Blue, you might also want to have a look at the Matias lineups. Their switches are similar to MX Blue in a better way and also quieter :-)

So in Blue, I'd go with Filco, Ducky, Deck (Best backlit keycaps on the market) or even Cherry themselves.

Non MX Blue but worth looking: Topre, Matias, Unicomp
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: geniekid on Mon, 31 March 2014, 16:14:23: Quote from: Lain1911 on Mon, 31 March 2014, 15:16:08
Updated news! I got a quickfire rapid cherry reds for 2 hours drive time and $35. Used for about a day and brand new. The bad news: He "was" selling a cm quickfire pro with cherry browns for $30 and he didn't tell me that until I drove an hour to meet him. He may be a con artist but I figured $35 for a QFR come on still nice. I can tell you I don't really like the reds for typing (I bottom out every time like a Plymouth Duster going 45 in a turn.) and I'm still in the market for blues but this was a good opportunity to test the quality of the CM brand and hey maybe I would like reds? Considering the key caps I don't like the way the lettering is raised. It makes me want to scratch it off like it's a piece of dirt. Are the stock caps for Ducky or Filco like this? I'm definitely going to need stronger resistance than the reds. But hey, It is at least a temporary back up mech keyboard for $35 O.o The quality and heaviness of the keyboard is well enough and I'm definitely getting a
TKL unless I got with the CM TK. But now since I have a CM board I kinda want to "Upgrayedd". Thoughts?

Show Image
(http://i59.tinypic.com/eaigk2.jpg)

Grats on your new board. The first thing I did with my QFR was get new keycaps. The second thing was to install O-rings. The third thing was to install a programmable controller. Other possible mods include sanding the rubber case top and spray painting it, replacing the plate (which is an amazing plate to begin with) with one that allows for switch top removal, and modding the switches themselves with stickers/lube/springs/tops.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zig_ziglar on Mon, 31 March 2014, 16:25:55: Bottoming out is not as bad a thing as made out, especially not on linear switches. You can avoid bottoming out on reds if you really want to - the easiest way being to download a key click emulator so you can hear the switch activate.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 31 March 2014, 19:46:26: Quote from: Lain1911 on Mon, 31 March 2014, 15:16:08
Updated news! I got a quickfire rapid cherry reds for 2 hours drive time and $35. Used for about a day and brand new. The bad news: He "was" selling a cm quickfire pro with cherry browns for $30 and he didn't tell me that until I drove an hour to meet him. He may be a con artist but I figured $35 for a QFR come on still nice. I can tell you I don't really like the reds for typing (I bottom out every time like a Plymouth Duster going 45 in a turn.) and I'm still in the market for blues but this was a good opportunity to test the quality of the CM brand and hey maybe I would like reds? Considering the key caps I don't like the way the lettering is raised. It makes me want to scratch it off like it's a piece of dirt. Are the stock caps for Ducky or Filco like this? I'm definitely going to need stronger resistance than the reds. But hey, It is at least a temporary back up mech keyboard for $35 O.o The quality and heaviness of the keyboard is well enough and I'm definitely getting a
TKL unless I got with the CM TK. But now since I have a CM board I kinda want to "Upgrayedd". Thoughts?

Show Image
(http://i59.tinypic.com/eaigk2.jpg)

Congratulations - good price too!

Reds are way too light for me, I prefer blacks or greens.

Some manufacturers skim on keycaps because so many people just replace them when they get the keyboard. I haven't seen many QRF around here with the standard keycaps.

You could replace the springs in the switches you have, but you'd have to desolder all of them and so might as well swap switches at the same time. Or keep the QFR as it is, and offer it as part trade for something else.

Or even just keep it as a display board for spare keycap sets.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Mon, 31 March 2014, 21:58:58: I am not a keyboard pro. As far as modding goes and desoldering that's something I don't know enough about to go through with it right now. TBH it was more about testing cherry reds and checking the quality of the CM brand. I've really narrowed it down to 3 different boards for now and I'll give some links:

http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-FKBN87MC-EB2/dp/B004WOF7S0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1396320662&sr=8-3&keywords=filco

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129012

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=664

I'm sure there are better but for now this is where I want to start. I don't miss my numpad but I sure miss my return key on it :) I've already hit my right arrow a few times waiting for something to happen :o Want do you guys things about these boards in comparison to each other?
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: eth0s on Mon, 31 March 2014, 22:13:22: Quote from: Lain1911 on Mon, 31 March 2014, 21:58:58
I am not a keyboard pro. As far as modding goes and desoldering that's something I don't know enough about to go through with it right now. TBH it was more about testing cherry reds and checking the quality of the CM brand. I've really narrowed it down to 3 different boards for now and I'll give some links:

http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-FKBN87MC-EB2/dp/B004WOF7S0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1396320662&sr=8-3&keywords=filco

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129012

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=664

I'm sure there are better but for now this is where I want to start. I don't miss my numpad but I sure miss my return key on it :) I've already hit my right arrow a few times waiting for something to happen :o Want do you guys things about these boards in comparison to each other?

zomg. I can see your future. wait for it . . . You will end up with all three. And a Poker X. And a Cherry G80-1800. And a dozen sets of double-shot ABS keycaps.

Just get a Topre now. Stop the madness. I know you can't hear me anymore. But I tried.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: demik on Mon, 31 March 2014, 22:27:34: disregard cherry

acquire hhkb
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: dgreekstallion on Mon, 31 March 2014, 22:40:44: IBM Model F 122. :)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Tue, 01 April 2014, 02:08:01: If I was forced to choose between those three, then it would be the CM TK. But I'd certainly choose other things over that. I rotate a bunch of older stuff though.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Wed, 16 April 2014, 21:17:05: Update* I have decided since having some time with my QFR reds that I don't really need LEDs. I actually take off certain keycaps because I don't use them and it's just easier for me not to use them that way. So having an individual LED on each switch would blind my eyes if the cap was permanently off. So taking a step back and continuing my search some more options Ex: Ducky Zero. I am still wanting TKL and cherry blues however. So all bets are off the table if you want to chime in. (No Topre's yet I know I haven't seen the light yet.) I'm looking for a $130 budget if I can spare it. (And I know there is a possibility of custom LED profiles on certain models so that's a plus too.) Thanks.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Thu, 17 April 2014, 00:27:55: Quote from: False_Dmitry_II on Tue, 25 March 2014, 15:29:34
Clicky Matias.

Still has NKRO and everything.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: katushkin on Thu, 17 April 2014, 00:32:14: We need more Keycools!

Get a Keycool!

Everyone should get a Keycool and do what the international economy is doing and embrace the presence of China :)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Pacifist on Thu, 17 April 2014, 00:32:49: Quote from: katushkin on Thu, 17 April 2014, 00:32:14
We need more Keycools!

Get a Keycool!

Everyone should get a Keycool and do what the international economy is doing and embrace the presence of China :)

get an older model keycool

newer ones are **** compared to their older gen products
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 April 2014, 00:42:21: Guys..... You know what keyboard is Totally NOT--N00b ?

Errrrrrrggggggg......... ssssssssssssssssssssss

(http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/23200000/Onion-onion-head-emoticon-23254850-1024-768.jpg)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: mouse.the.lucky.dog on Thu, 17 April 2014, 06:45:02: Quote from: Lain1911 on Wed, 16 April 2014, 21:17:05
Update* I have decided since having some time with my QFR reds that I don't really need LEDs. I actually take off certain keycaps because I don't use them and it's just easier for me not to use them that way. So having an individual LED on each switch would blind my eyes if the cap was permanently off.
You do not say whether you are a hard core gamer, which can affect your switch choices.
I would be careful buying any keyboard right now ( and I will be shopping soon ) . Cherry's patents have expired and there is at least one clone maker Kailh out there. The story for now is that the stems are made of cheaper plastic, more prone to breakage. In the future Kailhs and other clones maybe considered better or as good (but less expensive), but for now they are are untested.

This has significance because Razer has announced they are now using "their own" switches. In reality these are probably Kailhs. CM is listed as a partner. One keyboard that is quiet confusing is the TT eSport Poseiden /Poseidon Z. The Poseidon comes with Cherry and the Z comes with Kaiths.

If you stick with Cherry's though, I see no reason a plain keyboard should be more then $150. For more then that you really need some fancy gimicks, like the Corsair RGB.

You can even find a good keyboard for less then $100. If you can find a Poseidon it is backlit with Cherry and selss for around $99.
Rosewill makes a non back lit keyboard for around $90 often even less. The RK-9000. Though there are problems with the miniUSB port. If you're handy with a soldering iron you should be able to put in a replacement. Better yet, use the solution suggested by "he who cannot be named on this forum" in a post: http://imgur.com/a/V1itR/noscript
and use an L adaptor taped to the keyboard like: http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Right-Charger-Adapter-Mini-USB/dp/B000FHBEFS/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397703273&sr=8-1-spell

I would also say do not pull the keycaps, that leaves big holes that can be disoriented as I learned. Instead just remap the key to something else.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: mouse.the.lucky.dog on Thu, 17 April 2014, 06:47:32: Quote from: katushkin on Thu, 17 April 2014, 00:32:14
We need more Keycools!

Get a Keycool!

Everyone should get a Keycool and do what the international economy is doing and embrace the presence of China :)
Why not a Monoprice?
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Thu, 17 April 2014, 12:36:16: Quote from: katushkin on Thu, 17 April 2014, 00:32:14
We need more Keycools!

Get a Keycool!

Everyone should get a Keycool and do what the international economy is doing and embrace the presence of China :)

Your post on Keycool interests me. I looked into the Keycool 84, now to just find it in stock with cherry blues...
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: katushkin on Thu, 17 April 2014, 13:50:55: Quote from: Lain1911 on Thu, 17 April 2014, 12:36:16

Your post on Keycool interests me. I looked into the Keycool 84, now to just find it in stock with cherry blues...

Yeees, give in :D

Try aliexpress or PM user xuanwumen
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Fri, 18 April 2014, 21:47:43: Xuanwumen didn't have cherry blues.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zig_ziglar on Sat, 19 April 2014, 23:35:06: Quote from: katushkin on Thu, 17 April 2014, 13:50:55
Quote from: Lain1911 on Thu, 17 April 2014, 12:36:16

Your post on Keycool interests me. I looked into the Keycool 84, now to just find it in stock with cherry blues...

Yeees, give in :D

Try aliexpress or PM user xuanwumen

You can get them pretty cheap on taobao and other Chinese versions of eBay. Just use translate page. Plenty of reasonable shipping vendors.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Sun, 20 April 2014, 00:17:17: Quote from: zig_ziglar on Sat, 19 April 2014, 23:35:06
Quote from: katushkin on Thu, 17 April 2014, 13:50:55
Quote from: Lain1911 on Thu, 17 April 2014, 12:36:16

Your post on Keycool interests me. I looked into the Keycool 84, now to just find it in stock with cherry blues...

Yeees, give in :D

Try aliexpress or PM user xuanwumen

You can get them pretty cheap on taobao and other Chinese versions of eBay. Just use translate page. Plenty of reasonable shipping vendors.

Thanks, Am I right in seeing this for $77?
http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.93.hs3SUR&id=21575119510
I'll also ask qtan I hear he is good with Tao Bao?
*edit* Ah I saw qtan stopped with Keycool for now :| The search continues. I just really liked the options keycool gave on the 84. I'm biding my time. I know I'll find something good If I keep hanging around here :)
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zig_ziglar on Mon, 21 April 2014, 19:52:53: $77 sounds about right. You can also get iKBC boards for a similar price, which have PBT keys too. I can't personally attest to their quality, but they are plate mounted and "look" decent.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Mon, 21 April 2014, 20:57:10: Quote from: zig_ziglar on Mon, 21 April 2014, 19:52:53
$77 sounds about right. You can also get iKBC boards for a similar price, which have PBT keys too. I can't personally attest to their quality, but they are plate mounted and "look" decent.

I was thinking about getting one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Keycool-84-LED-backlit-USB-NKRO-Cherry-MX-Blue-Switch-Mechanical-gaming-Keyboard-/230885706353?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item35c1dc4a71

But if I can manage the Chinese site 77$ sounds better even with 10-20$ shipping if it came to that.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zig_ziglar on Mon, 21 April 2014, 21:18:32: You can find vendors that charge 10 units of their Chinese currency for shipping, which is essentially free haha Usually they charge around $25 though.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: demik on Mon, 21 April 2014, 21:19:36: change? yes!
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: pbtforever on Mon, 21 April 2014, 21:38:24: Quote from: zig_ziglar on Mon, 21 April 2014, 21:18:32
You can find vendors that charge 10 units of their Chinese currency for shipping, which is essentially free haha Usually they charge around $25 though.

That has a good rep
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: yuktsi on Tue, 22 April 2014, 00:04:11: Great
now you should get a set of keycap which probably cost more than your keyboard :thumb:
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: Lain1911 on Tue, 22 April 2014, 00:26:37: Quote from: yuktsi on Tue, 22 April 2014, 00:04:11
Great
now you should get a set of keycap which probably cost more than your keyboard :thumb:

Need to find someone first :p So far the people that I have talked to say they don't have it.
Title: Re: Witness the Birth of Change
Post by: zig_ziglar on Tue, 22 April 2014, 00:35:39: I recently ordered a 104 set of PBT laser etched SIDE print keycaps from TaoBao for $30 shipped. The seller had a lot of good feedback. Wonder how long they'll take to arrive. If they don't arrive soon, I'll end up buying a Filco Ninja lol

I really want a Leopold FC700R too ... I think I have the fever!