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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: Ky-Keys on Tue, 02 September 2014, 22:55:39

Title: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: Ky-Keys on Tue, 02 September 2014, 22:55:39
Hi all,

I am a 30ish year old IT professional who finally had enough with squishy junky keyboards that I see day in and day out.  I spend the majority of my work day at a keyboard, and then a few hours of gaming at night (mostly MMO's).  Up until now, I have used a decent logitech wireless keyboard, but I have worn down the keys and etchings, and this is the 3rd keyboard I have done this to.

So, after hours of searching and lurking this very forum, I decided to go for it.  I went to my local best buy and picked up a Logitech 710+, which uses the browns.  I used it for a few days, and returned it.  I found I was craving the tactile and audible feedback. The only other in-store option was a Razer Black Widow, with their "green" keys (which to me seemed similar to blues).  The feel was better, but while I do game, the retina searing green was too bright, the keys a bit too sensitive, and I could not stand the font they used for the R on the keyboard.  So, back that went.

I finally gave in after research and the urging of a friend who owns one, and picked up a DasKeyboard 4 Ultimate.  It is due to arrive tomorrow.  I also needed to replace my logitech G19 game pad, which had also worn down to a nub, so I picked up the Razer Orbweaver.  I am not terribly thrilled about the razer software, but I got it on sale, and some gift cards brought it down to around $60, so I figured what the heck.

All of this is leading up to what brings me here; I am hooked.  Now that my eyes have been opened to the world of mechanicals, I cannot look at a standard keyboard without disgust.  I see this being the first of many purchases.  I am an ebay junkie, and anticipate seeking out old mechanical treasures.  I'm already looking at getting some custom keycaps for the Das (I am thinking blank red for the "Esc" key and a red spacebar").  A quick question while I am at it; does anyone know offhand if the keys on the Razer Orbweaver can be replaced?  I saw some posts on here but did not find a definitive answer.  They do look a bit off from standard, though I don't get it until tomorrow so I will have to give a closer look then.

Anyway, after all of the great advice given on these forums, I figured what better place to nurture and feed a new addiction!
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 02 September 2014, 23:02:15
Welcome to Geekhack!

There are so many keyboards you haven't tried yet ... ;)

The Orbweaver seems to use the new Razer switches aka Kailh, which are compatible with Cherry MX switches.  Profile aside, most MX-compatible keycaps would fit on to it.
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: Hundrakia on Tue, 02 September 2014, 23:02:57
Welcome!
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: CSCoder4ever on Tue, 02 September 2014, 23:15:02
You'll never want to go back! >:D

Welcome!
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: Sent on Tue, 02 September 2014, 23:35:43
Get ready to empty your wallet.
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: RED-404 on Tue, 02 September 2014, 23:37:06
You'll never want to go back! >:D
But from time to time you may find yourself wishing you never started due to the lack of money.
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: jorgenslee on Wed, 03 September 2014, 00:30:39
Brace yourself, it's gonna be a deep ride to an empty wallet.

Welcome.
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: cherpalla on Wed, 03 September 2014, 10:27:41
Get ready to empty your wallet.

This :cool:
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: Altis on Wed, 03 September 2014, 11:37:34
Welcome!

The Blackwidow (older with MX Blue) and Das Keyboard (MX Brown) were my first two mechanical boards, which I purchased around the same time.

Before you know it, you'll be learning what you like and dislike and always searching for a slightly better experience. Basically, you'll be fiending like an addict. I suspect class II drugs may even be cheaper...

Post back once you use your new board!
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: Lurch on Wed, 03 September 2014, 11:41:33
Welcome!

Nice introduction. :)

Enjoy your stay!
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: Ky-Keys on Fri, 05 September 2014, 09:09:06
Hi All!

Thanks for the warm welcome.  Your comments confirmed what I already suspected; this is gonna hurt right in the wallet.  Luckily, my girlfriend thinks all keyboards cost around $10, so I am in the clear for at least awhile.

Thinking back, in my career in IT, I have recycled or otherwise trashed many old mechanical keyboards... I shudder now thinking about it.

So I got the Das and the Orbweaver and have had a few days with them.  I love the feel and look of both.  The Orbweaver has what seem to be about 1/3 height keys; this means you are always bottoming out, but they are also extremely quick, which I feel is perfect for gaming.  The audible feedback is very pronounced, and feels great under the finger as well.

The Das is a pleasure to type on.  I had a bit of concern going with the ultimate, as I often need to type in complex passwords for work, but have not had any issues as of yet, and have increased confidence in my typing abilities.  I did a bunch of WPM tests, and average out at about 95 with the Das, which I think is pretty darn good.

My only concern is that it seems a few of the keys (specifically the "A" and right arrow) don't click like the rest.  I did some side by side testing with my ear to the board, and it almost sounds like they are only half clicking.  I haven't taken off the keys yet to see if perhaps some grit got in.  I do live in a refurbished mill building, and while it's lovely, there is always a fine brick dust everywhere, so I am constantly using compressed air to stay ahead.  Hopefully this is the case... I don't want to be exchanging this thing already!  Anyone have an issue like this before? 
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: cherpalla on Fri, 05 September 2014, 13:50:57
Luckily, my girlfriend thinks all keyboards cost around $10, so I am in the clear for at least awhile.

Hahaha. My favorite response to "I collect keyboards": "Oh, what an inexpensive hobby. Lucky, you!"

.... Yea.... Um.... yea.......
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: cherpalla on Fri, 05 September 2014, 13:51:59
Luckily, my girlfriend thinks all keyboards cost around $10, so I am in the clear for at least awhile.

Hahaha. My favorite response to "I collect keyboards": "Oh, what an inexpensive hobby. Lucky you!"

.... Yea.... Um.... yea.......
Title: Re: New to the mechanical keyboard world, and diving in!
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 07 September 2014, 02:43:48
Luckily, my girlfriend thinks all keyboards cost around $10, so I am in the clear for at least awhile.

Hahaha. My favorite response to "I collect keyboards": "Oh, what an inexpensive hobby. Lucky you!"

.... Yea.... Um.... yea.......

Is quoting yourself similar to talking to yourself?