Hey Geekhack, help me decide on a board?
I'm going MX Reds with 0.4mm 50A O-rings (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-cherry-mx-rubber-o-rings). I'm also replacing alphabets A to Z with KBC Semi-Clear Blanks (OEM) (http://www.ebay.com/itm/KBC-Semi-Clear-ABS-104-Keyset-Cherry-MX-Keycaps-/330853929008). I need LEDs for per-key-lighting. I prefer Ducky's on-board memory for lighting profiles. Don't really want to deal with extra software. (Is Corsair software any good?) I can live without macros, but it's only a $20 increase for this feature, as far as I'm concerned.
I'm assuming both boards have OEM keycap profiles. Can anyone confirm? I'm aware of the hard-to-replace non-standard bottom row on the K70, but that's about it. Also, can anyone speak to durability? I assume the Shine 4's build quality is better (3.00 lbs according to Mechanicalkeyboards.com). How much does the K70 weigh? Should I comfortably assume that most K70s in circulation have their flaws fixed (dying LEDs, keypress errors)?
Muchas gracias, in advance.
They changed the concept with the RGB version by putting the LEDs under the switch protecting them from electrostatic discharge (which is the reason why so many K70 LEDs have died).
Can't speak for Ducky as I've never owned one. If you go Corsair's route though, I strongly suggest spending the extra money to get an RGB version even if you weren't aiming for an RGB keyboard. Like you stated in your post, dying LEDs on the non RGB version hasn't been fixed from what I know. They changed the concept with the RGB version by putting the LEDs under the switch protecting them from electrostatic discharge (which is the reason why so many K70 LEDs have died). Very few people reported problem with their K70 RGB in that matter. So stay away from the non RGB K70 version.
QuoteCan't speak for Ducky as I've never owned one. If you go Corsair's route though, I strongly suggest spending the extra money to get an RGB version even if you weren't aiming for an RGB keyboard. Like you stated in your post, dying LEDs on the non RGB version hasn't been fixed from what I know. They changed the concept with the RGB version by putting the LEDs under the switch protecting them from electrostatic discharge (which is the reason why so many K70 LEDs have died). Very few people reported problem with their K70 RGB in that matter. So stay away from the non RGB K70 version.
Someone on their forums found out it was NOT electrostatic discharge that was killing the LED's at all. It was voltages being completely out of specification when the LED's were toggled off or the system was in standby or being rebooted, etc. There was a forum post explaining that. The LED's had a voltage range tolerance and the standby voltage was almost DOUBLE what the LEDs were rated for.
If you have anymore questions, do not hesitate to ask.
i wouldn't say either of those keyboards are a particularly great purchase
I do not own either of these keyboards but based on feedback alone I'd say go for a Ducky, by all means (although there are other good choices, for instance a WASD Code). Yes, OEM profile keycaps on both.
QuoteCan't speak for Ducky as I've never owned one. If you go Corsair's route though, I strongly suggest spending the extra money to get an RGB version even if you weren't aiming for an RGB keyboard. Like you stated in your post, dying LEDs on the non RGB version hasn't been fixed from what I know. They changed the concept with the RGB version by putting the LEDs under the switch protecting them from electrostatic discharge (which is the reason why so many K70 LEDs have died). Very few people reported problem with their K70 RGB in that matter. So stay away from the non RGB K70 version.
Someone on their forums found out it was NOT electrostatic discharge that was killing the LED's at all. It was voltages being completely out of specification when the LED's were toggled off or the system was in standby or being rebooted, etc. There was a forum post explaining that. The LED's had a voltage range tolerance and the standby voltage was almost DOUBLE what the LEDs were rated for.
Thank you for the clarification
i wouldn't say either of those keyboards are a particularly great purchase
Maybe you're in a rush, snipars, but could you share your reasons why you think that? I appreciate any criticisms on products that I will spend money on, heh.
They're both overpriced keyboards, the ducky is decent because of the good build quality and standard keycap spacing, but the k70's stock keycaps are really bad in my experience and not easily replaceable with a better set
They're both overpriced keyboards, the ducky is decent because of the good build quality and standard keycap spacing, but the k70's stock keycaps are really bad in my experience and not easily replaceable with a better set
I see your point. How do you feel about the backlighting though? Is it a core feature in your daily driver? For my intents and purposes, it's as important as getting the right switch (trying a sampler next week). When it comes to per-key lighting, I daresay there are not many better options at full-size. I can think of Leopold FC900R, CM QF Rapid-i, and well, the Shine 3 which is the same price as the 4 but one less LED color. Any others? Does the Code V2 even have per-key lighting?
Yep, ducky for pretty much all the reasons above. And I wouldn't say the Shine's are really overpriced snipar, they're pretty much on point with similar boards.Yes, also remember that Ducky has a removable USB cord, something that many manufacturers avoid to lower costs. :]
Most would agree that lighting isn't nearly as important as something with good switches and quality. my main keyboard has white LEDs and i use daydream colour changers, small plastic inserts that go over the LEDs and let me change the colour
Sometimes when I keep on using the same button while playing a game the color changer comes out of the small socket and restricts me from pressing the button, so I would have to press it a couple of times in a row for it to go back into the socket and use the key. I'm thinking about removing it because of this reason because it sucks not being able to enter a command for a game without pressing the key multiple times...
Thick, opaque PBT keyboards and such are appealing to me, but I'm not wannabe-typing-purist enough for that. Practically speaking, I just need excellent visibility of the alphabet and satisfying keypresses for my language learning endeavors.
There is nothing wrong with wanting special aesthetic features on a keyboard, but as far as practicality is concerned, getting to know your layout well enough to not have to watch where you type (there are free lessons on the web for that) may be much easier than finding a keyboard with special lighting features that are supposed to help you type.