geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: JDorfler on Sat, 22 November 2014, 15:00:10

Title: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: JDorfler on Sat, 22 November 2014, 15:00:10
Okay, I'm getting curious about the Ducky series of keyboards.  Can anyone explain what the differences are between the models?  Also, is there a series that uses PS/2 connection?  I'm thinking of trying one, but I wouldn't know where to begin.  WASD is a lot easier to build and buy from their website, but I'm looking to expand out for a little bit of wow factor.  However, I'm really loving the PS/2 connection of my WASDs.  Not to mention I'm loving it so far.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Cherry1990 on Sun, 23 November 2014, 13:10:47
Probably no one will reply. Because it is very difficult to do it. I am not a Ducky expert but I am searching for a Ducky keyboard in these days, like you. Probably you have already checked their (http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/) website that is very poor. I have not even found their P/N... They make good products, probably, but they are a small company with a very poor web site... Sorry no other info. Try to search some reviews around the web. I did in that way.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: jackalope on Sun, 23 November 2014, 13:21:26
I could be wrong but the ducky zero is just a shine without the leds.
http://search.ncix.com/search/?qcatid=0&q=ducky
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sun, 23 November 2014, 14:52:22
I could be wrong but the ducky zero is just a shine without the leds.
http://search.ncix.com/search/?qcatid=0&q=ducky
I have a Zero in pieces in front of me, the PCB has all the holes/pads for LEDs and resistors and the model number on it doesn't include a Z so I think jackalope is correct.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 23 November 2014, 14:57:12
I could be wrong but the ducky zero is just a shine without the leds.
http://search.ncix.com/search/?qcatid=0&q=ducky

Nope, it's different. Shine just means backlit when it comes to Ducky, which can be affirmed by the existence of the Ducky Zero Shine
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Ngt on Sun, 23 November 2014, 17:30:07
I could be wrong but the ducky zero is just a shine without the leds.
http://search.ncix.com/search/?qcatid=0&q=ducky

Nope, it's different. Shine just means backlit when it comes to Ducky, which can be affirmed by the existence of the Ducky Zero Shine
That's pretty much what I was about to say as I am a Ducky Zero Shine owner which has blue backlight.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: jackalope on Sun, 23 November 2014, 17:41:50
perhaps you are right, i was thinking that they just had firmware differences and then i found this pic.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: jdcarpe on Sun, 23 November 2014, 18:18:59
I wish laffindude would reply to this thread. He is the resident Ducky expert.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: tbc on Sun, 23 November 2014, 18:22:32
shine has detachable cable.  zero shine does not. so i'm thinking the zero doesn't either.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: JDorfler on Sun, 23 November 2014, 19:17:21
For those that own one.  Can you use a PS/2 adapter with it?  Or is it USB only?
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Ngt on Mon, 24 November 2014, 02:45:25
For those that own one.  Can you use a PS/2 adapter with it?  Or is it USB only?


On mine I have no choice but USB.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: tbc on Mon, 24 November 2014, 03:11:58
For those that own one.  Can you use a PS/2 adapter with it?  Or is it USB only?

ya...i would test, but i don't have a ps2 port lol
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Ngt on Mon, 24 November 2014, 04:28:36
For those that own one.  Can you use a PS/2 adapter with it?  Or is it USB only?


Oh sorry I misread the question. I don't have any PS/2 adapter so I cannot test it. What I meant is that there was no adapter given with the keyboard and the only wire you get is an USB one.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: _PixelNinja on Mon, 24 November 2014, 10:00:31
In essence for the most common units:
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: JDorfler on Tue, 25 November 2014, 14:18:48
In essence for the most common units:
  • Ducky Channel Zero — non back-lit, produced in China;
  • Ducky Channel Zero Shine — back-lit, produced in China;
  • Dusky Channel Zero Shine Zone — back-lit (customizable), produced in China;
  • Ducky Channel Shine 3 — flagship model, backlit (customizable), produced in Taiwan.
So stay away from the zero series?
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Puddsy on Tue, 25 November 2014, 15:05:37
In essence for the most common units:
  • Ducky Channel Zero — non back-lit, produced in China;
  • Ducky Channel Zero Shine — back-lit, produced in China;
  • Dusky Channel Zero Shine Zone — back-lit (customizable), produced in China;
  • Ducky Channel Shine 3 — flagship model, backlit (customizable), produced in Taiwan.
So stay away from the zero series?

I've heard nothing but good things about them. They're basically QFRs with a PCB that isn't as awful AFAIK.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: _PixelNinja on Tue, 25 November 2014, 16:11:01
So stay away from the zero series?
The Ducky Zeroes are not bad keyboards per se. However the attention to detail, overall quality and QC is not as high as on their flagship units, as you can see in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5y7xzKzF_8).
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: sdiearly on Tue, 25 November 2014, 23:26:15
Since Ducky implemented simulated NKRO at USB interface, their product doesn't support PS/2 anymore.

I don't know the release schedule, just draw the sequence of their series.
Product time line:
DK9000 -> DK9008(DK1008) -> [/color=red]DK9008G2 pro[/color] -> premier
-------     null    ------> Shine1 -> S2,S3,S4 after
------------------------     null     ----------------- -> Zero series (2108)
------------------------     null     -------------------------------- -> Mini

Red ones are the last keyboards of Ducky combines PS/2 and USB
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: EvilOliv3 on Thu, 27 November 2014, 19:11:35
Since Ducky implemented simulated NKRO at USB interface, their product doesn't support PS/2 anymore.

I don't know the release schedule, just draw the sequence of their series.
Product time line:
DK9000 -> DK9008(DK1008) -> [/color=red]DK9008G2 pro[/color] -> premier
-------     null    ------> Shine1 -> S2,S3,S4 after
------------------------     null     ----------------- -> Zero series (2108)
------------------------     null     -------------------------------- -> Mini

Red ones are the last keyboards of Ducky combines PS/2 and USB
Not sure if this changes anything, but latest firmware allows you to switch between NKRO and 6-key rollover.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Dihedral on Fri, 28 November 2014, 02:58:03
I love the look of the ducky premier but I never see it around.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 28 November 2014, 04:38:43
I love the look of the ducky premier but I never see it around.

They are generally well received, and I've seen (pictures of) a few, but seems like more people prefer the Shine models.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Dihedral on Fri, 28 November 2014, 08:24:29
I love the look of the ducky premier but I never see it around.

They are generally well received, and I've seen (pictures of) a few, but seems like more people prefer the Shine models.

I guess people want the backlighting over the pbt. I would take the pbt first any day.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: tbc on Fri, 28 November 2014, 11:49:03
you don't see them around because the board is very ordinary.

the caps are sold separately.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Dihedral on Fri, 28 November 2014, 16:27:35
you don't see them around because the board is very ordinary.

the caps are sold separately.

No, im 99% sure the premier comes with ducky pbt as standard.
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: tbc on Fri, 28 November 2014, 16:48:08
no.  that's not what i'm saying.

i'm saying people only want the board because of its caps.

since the caps are sold separately, there's no reason to buy the board.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ducky-pbt-108-key-set
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: Dihedral on Fri, 28 November 2014, 17:01:13
no.  that's not what i'm saying.

i'm saying people only want the board because of its caps.

since the caps are sold separately, there's no reason to buy the board.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ducky-pbt-108-key-set

It's a solid board with a stand out feature. The cost of the keycaps and a board would be a lot higher. That is why it is such a good deal imo
Title: Re: Ducky Explanation Please?
Post by: cephelix on Fri, 28 November 2014, 20:19:43
no.  that's not what i'm saying.

i'm saying people only want the board because of its caps.

since the caps are sold separately, there's no reason to buy the board.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ducky-pbt-108-key-set

It's a solid board with a stand out feature. The cost of the keycaps and a board would be a lot higher. That is why it is such a good deal imo

someone called for me?
(http://cdn.overclock.net/6/6b/6baa1dd2_IMG_1626.jpeg) :D