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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: dv8omega on Sun, 06 July 2014, 13:25:24

Title: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Sun, 06 July 2014, 13:25:24
in the market for a tk/tkl keyboard or even a 60%. what could you guys recommend. so far i have my eyes set on ducky shine 3 tkl but its a little out of my budget. i do want something with LED backlighting. abc or pbt keys dont matter
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Pacifist on Sun, 06 July 2014, 13:26:02
ducky zero shine
qfr-i
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 06 July 2014, 13:33:49
KUL ES-87 is probably the best stock TKL right now
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Pacifist on Sun, 06 July 2014, 13:34:27
KUL ES-87 is probably the best stock TKL right now
no backlit
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: epzy on Sun, 06 July 2014, 13:37:13
Poker 2. :)
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Sun, 06 July 2014, 13:52:56
couldnt find ducky zero shine in a tk/tkl :/
do poker 2 come with LED i dont have the time or skills to solder on LEDs myself.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: epzy on Sun, 06 July 2014, 14:19:05
Yes, the Poker 2's with ABS keycaps comes with LEDs.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Sun, 06 July 2014, 14:36:02
Yes, the Poker 2's with ABS keycaps comes with LEDs.

where can i find one with abs
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: epzy on Sun, 06 July 2014, 14:57:13
Yes, the Poker 2's with ABS keycaps comes with LEDs.

where can i find one with abs

Amazon.co.uk & mechkb.com.

Idk where else they are being sold. :/
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 06 July 2014, 15:00:47
qtan?
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Sun, 06 July 2014, 20:14:38
Yes, the Poker 2's with ABS keycaps comes with LEDs.

where can i find one with abs

Amazon.co.uk & mechkb.com.

Idk where else they are being sold. :/


mechkb's shipping cost are killing me :/ and uk's conversion is killer

Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: deltuhhh on Sun, 06 July 2014, 21:22:40
I also vouch for the Ducky keyboard.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Sun, 06 July 2014, 21:43:23
I also vouch for the Ducky keyboard.

how customizeable is the ducky
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: deltuhhh on Sun, 06 July 2014, 21:44:51
I also vouch for the Ducky keyboard.

how customizeable is the ducky

What do you mean?
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Sun, 06 July 2014, 21:51:15
I also vouch for the Ducky keyboard.

how customizeable is the ducky

What do you mean?

keycaps, maybe even the case
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Smasher816 on Sun, 06 July 2014, 21:53:39
I believe it's a standard layout so you can put whatever keycap sets you want on it. Keep in mind there are not that many sets for led keyboards. However, many people can enjoy the "underglow" effect of opaque keycaps.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Sun, 06 July 2014, 21:55:02
I believe it's a standard layout so you can put whatever keycap sets you want on it. Keep in mind there are not that many sets for led keyboards. However, many people can enjoy the "underglow" effect of opaque keycaps.

noted.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: deltuhhh on Sun, 06 July 2014, 22:26:12
Yeah, customizable keycaps for sure. I'm pretty sure you can customize the case as well though I'm not sure. I haven't seen much Ducky Shines with cases.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: duzeyao on Mon, 07 July 2014, 02:20:26
I suggest Ducky 2087s and CMStorm QFR-i, too. They both were solid built and the brands have very good reputation.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Mon, 07 July 2014, 23:16:05
would you rather get a ducky 2087s or a QuickFire TK. which would last long and will allow for switching keys, and maybe a case
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: katushkin on Mon, 07 July 2014, 23:35:14
Try and find an aold(er) KC 84/87

The older ones have Cherry switches. The newer ones are Kalih. But there are still Cherry ones floating around.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Fragil1ty on Tue, 08 July 2014, 06:31:25
in the market for a tk/tkl keyboard or even a 60%. what could you guys recommend. so far i have my eyes set on ducky shine 3 tkl but its a little out of my budget. i do want something with LED backlighting. abc or pbt keys dont matter


If you're in the market for a new keyboard, I'd go for a 75% over a 60% I think a 60% is that transition after you've had a 75% for quite some time and you think, "Hm, I want something more niche/minimal/desksaver" or whatever and that's when you go for said 60% board.


I'd advise the Noppoo choc mini or the Filco TKL for start boards (tkl and 75%).
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Quardah on Tue, 08 July 2014, 07:18:46
Poker II is fully dual-layer programmable, and all ommited keys like printscreen or insert or end or arrow keys are on the FN layer already ready to use.

Poker II is 60% available in Red Black Brown Blue.

Poker II has backlite.

Poker II has standard ANSI or ISO layout.

Poker II can be customized as you wish. Has standard plate mount for easy switch swapping.

Poker II is best Poker. Poker II is king of 60%. Poker II honor famiry. Praise Poker II.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Tue, 08 July 2014, 20:54:28
i guess ive narrowed it down to 3 keyboards. switch type is between brown n blues.

which should i learn towards to?
ducky zero shine tkl
cooler master quick fire tk
noppoo lolita 87
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 08 July 2014, 21:16:24
I personally would choose the Ducky.  TK and Noppoo have ... odd layouts (to me, anyway).
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Tue, 08 July 2014, 23:31:39
going with ducky. now to decide between browns n blues. which would be good for first timers?
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: deltuhhh on Tue, 08 July 2014, 23:56:13
going with ducky. now to decide between browns n blues. which would be good for first timers?

Great choice! I'd just say Browns since many people like them. You can always return it and grab another one if you don't like the switch.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: digi on Wed, 09 July 2014, 00:02:56
KUL ES-87 is probably the best stock TKL right now

^^ For the price, it's hard to beat a kul-87 if you're looking for a tkl, good luck. :)
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Wed, 09 July 2014, 00:07:57
KUL ES-87 is probably the best stock TKL right now

^^ For the price, it's hard to beat a kul-87 if you're looking for a tkl, good luck. :)

is the kul that much better than ducky? and where is the best place to find a kul
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: digi on Wed, 09 July 2014, 00:14:18
KUL ES-87 is probably the best stock TKL right now

^^ For the price, it's hard to beat a kul-87 if you're looking for a tkl, good luck. :)

is the kul that much better than ducky? and where is the best place to find a kul

If you like MX Clears the KUL has an option to get them, it has PCB mount stabs which I'm OCD about but might not be that big of a deal to others. I believe Elite Keyboards & Mechanical Keyboards are the main North American distributors. I just received mine today.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: xuanwumen on Wed, 09 July 2014, 01:20:23
couldnt find ducky zero shine in a tk/tkl :/
do poker 2 come with LED i dont have the time or skills to solder on LEDs myself.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/ducky-2087S-TKL-tenkeyless-gaming-mechanical-keyboard-blue-backlit-cherry-mx-switches-brown-ducky-87-LED/1926011870.html

Ducky zero 2087S LED version.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 09 July 2014, 02:00:51
going with ducky. now to decide between browns n blues. which would be good for first timers?

Again personally I'd say blues.

Browns just seem gritty to me, but then a lot of people do like browns.

But the blues, with the excited little clicks, are quite different from the rubber domes you are probably accustomed to.

Just as long as you are not working somewhere near other people who might be annoyed by the high-pitched clicking.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Wed, 09 July 2014, 09:21:31
just saw Keycool II 84. soo now its between ducky zero shine tkl and Keycool II 84  D: .

still stuck on deciding between blues and browns...
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: TBone on Wed, 09 July 2014, 11:03:06
KUL ES-87 is probably the best stock TKL right now

^^ For the price, it's hard to beat a kul-87 if you're looking for a tkl, good luck. :)

is the kul that much better than ducky? and where is the best place to find a kul

If you like MX Clears the KUL has an option to get them, it has PCB mount stabs which I'm OCD about but might not be that big of a deal to others. I believe Elite Keyboards & Mechanical Keyboards are the main North American distributors. I just received mine today.

I love my KUL ES-87. I believe unless you plan on getting an aftermarket case, it is the best TKL on the market right now besides the lack of switch options. Maybe Filco rivals it in build quality and non-modded stabilizers if you prefer Costar.

But it has plate mounted stabilizers. I just modded mine yesterday. PCB mounted stabs clip on to the PCB, KUL ES-87's stabs mount to the plate. Which kind of sucks because you have to desolder the switch to do the Cherry Stabilizer mod.

Once you do the Cherry Stabilizer Mod to make the stabilizers feel more solid (like Costar stabs), I have no doubt it is my favorite board on the market right now. I prefer a few keys to have led's (CAPS, SCROLL LOCK) rather than all of them anyways. Dat underglow  :D
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Wed, 09 July 2014, 14:51:20
oh the choices D:
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Sagii on Wed, 09 July 2014, 16:47:31
oh the choices D:

Ey, tell me 'bout it. I came here one and a half month ago, looking for my ultimate gamerz keyboardsszz.. Tell you what, after a month of trying to decide, I ended up with a freakin' HHKB Pro 2. You better pull the trigger soon, or ya gonna end up spending quite the chunk of money :D :)) (not that it's a bad thing)
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Wed, 09 July 2014, 19:50:53
oh the choices D:

Ey, tell me 'bout it. I came here one and a half month ago, looking for my ultimate gamerz keyboardsszz.. Tell you what, after a month of trying to decide, I ended up with a freakin' HHKB Pro 2. You better pull the trigger soon, or ya gonna end up spending quite the chunk of money :D :)) (not that it's a bad thing)

damn :XXX im entirely broke. dropped 1k on my pc so far..... keyboard is the last thing on my list
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: EvillePanda on Wed, 09 July 2014, 20:25:36
I've bought two keyboards in the last six months and planning on at least three more purchases.  It never ends.  My first was an mx blue TECK, then an ergo dox with clears.  I can't say for sure, but I think I like the clears better.  I need more time.  I hate linears.  I can say that for sure.  Tactile is where it's at for me so far.  I still need to try Topre.  It's all about personal preference.  And I do game with blues and no problems.  Of course, I don't play FPS games with it.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Wed, 09 July 2014, 20:29:04
I've bought two keyboards in the last six months and planning on at least three more purchases.  It never ends.  My first was an mx blue TECK, then an ergo dox with clears.  I can't say for sure, but I think I like the clears better.  I need more time.  I hate linears.  I can say that for sure.  Tactile is where it's at for me so far.  I still need to try Topre.  It's all about personal preference.  And I do game with blues and no problems.  Of course, I don't play FPS games with it.

you think browns would be better for gaming? fps and rts
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 09 July 2014, 20:30:16
I've bought two keyboards in the last six months and planning on at least three more purchases.  It never ends.

Welcome to Wallethack!
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: EvillePanda on Wed, 09 July 2014, 20:35:01
I've bought two keyboards in the last six months and planning on at least three more purchases.  It never ends.  My first was an mx blue TECK, then an ergo dox with clears.  I can't say for sure, but I think I like the clears better.  I need more time.  I hate linears.  I can say that for sure.  Tactile is where it's at for me so far.  I still need to try Topre.  It's all about personal preference.  And I do game with blues and no problems.  Of course, I don't play FPS games with it.

you think browns would be better for gaming? fps and rts

Linears have the least resistance.  My boyfriend does a lot more PC gaming than I do and he finds the reds are too light.  He often presses them without meaning to.  I've never used browns, but I'm finding blues too light, so I haven't even tried browns.  If you can, test how heavy the switch is.  If you can rest your had on the key and press it, you might go with a clear or a linear black.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: EvillePanda on Wed, 09 July 2014, 20:36:05
I've bought two keyboards in the last six months and planning on at least three more purchases.  It never ends.

Welcome to Wallethack!

There are worse hobbies/ways to spend money.  Though between keyboards and my knitting, it's amazing I have any cash.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Wed, 09 July 2014, 20:39:42
i mean im pretty open to use any switch, im coming from rubber domes so... anything is a big improvement.
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 09 July 2014, 20:40:32
I've bought two keyboards in the last six months and planning on at least three more purchases.  It never ends.

Welcome to Wallethack!

There are worse hobbies/ways to spend money.  Though between keyboards and my knitting, it's amazing I have any cash.

One hobby is bearable, two is fatal!

I have three :eek:
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: dv8omega on Thu, 10 July 2014, 00:31:19
ahhh put in an order for ducky shine zero tkl brown switches :X dont change my mind anymore!
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Sagii on Thu, 10 July 2014, 03:06:20
I've bought two keyboards in the last six months and planning on at least three more purchases.  It never ends.

Welcome to Wallethack!

There are worse hobbies/ways to spend money.  Though between keyboards and my knitting, it's amazing I have any cash.

One hobby is bearable, two is fatal!

I have three :eek:
Dude, try and merge gaming (aka computer parts), playing the guitar (buying guitars), and now keyboards as well.. doesn't end up well :)) luckily all of those hobbies make you spend a large chunk of money at once, then it goes several moths before you buy something again. Scary part is that I haven't really started the keyboard hobby yet!

Okey, back on topic. When it comes to switches i found that red was too light. I thought it was because they were linear that i didn't like them,  but then I tried blacks and i really liked those. Never tried any other switches. As for topre, I'm not sure wether I like it or not, haven't decided yet!
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 10 July 2014, 03:50:31
ahhh put in an order for ducky shine zero tkl brown switches :X dont change my mind anymore!

That's a nice board :)

Browns are a good "starter" switch. Gives a good reference point for deciding the perfect switch for you (whether you want more tactility or less, stronger springs, etc).
Title: Re: recommend a new keyboard?
Post by: Novus on Fri, 29 August 2014, 21:26:11
HHKB type S