I think I am going for a Cougar 200K (http://www.cougargaming.com/products/keyboards/cougar_200k.html).
How come no reply? :) Did I post in a terribly wrong way or it's just simply not interesting? I assume most people are into mechanical keyboards here?
Haha OP specifically asked for scissor switches, so... the little red nub was just icing on the cake!
How come no reply? :) Did I post in a terribly wrong way or it's just simply not interesting? I assume most people are into mechanical keyboards here?
It is a fact that there are not too many people that are into scissor switch keyboards. If you asked about other types of mechanical keyboards you would get a better response.
A good example is my response to this post. I have no clue about scissor switch keyboards. I'm sure there are some people on here that would be more than happy to provide you with the information you need. I am not even sure what category a scissor switch keyboard falls into! Is it even considered a mechanical keyboard?
Welcome to Geekhack!
A special case of the computer keyboard dome-switch is the scissor-switch. The keys are attached to the keyboard via two plastic pieces that interlock in a "scissor"-like fashion, and snap to the keyboard and the key. It still uses rubber domes, but a special plastic 'scissors' mechanism links the keycap to a plunger that depresses the rubber dome with a much shorter travel than the typical rubber dome keyboard. Typically scissor-switch keyboards also employ 3-layer membranes as the electrical component of the switch. They also usually have a shorter total key travel distance (2 mm instead of 3.5 – 4 mm for standard dome-switch keyswitches). This type of keyswitch is often found on the built-in keyboards on laptops and keyboards marketed as 'low-profile'. These keyboards are generally quiet and the keys require little force to press.
Scissor-switch keyboards are typically slightly more expensive. They are harder to clean (due to the limited movement of the keys and their multiple attachment points) but also less likely to get debris in them as the gaps between the keys are often less (as there is no need for extra room to allow for the 'wiggle' in the key as you would find on a membrane keyboard).
Nice try :PHaha OP specifically asked for scissor switches, so... the little red nub was just icing on the cake!
Yeah maybe I was trying to get them to switch to a different switch! Your post of the Thinkpad X201 really did remind me of my Trackpoint II keyboards. I just had to show there are alternatives.
See if you can find one of these used:
http://www.engadget.com/products/lenovo/thinkpad/usb-keyboard/with-trackpoint/ (http://www.engadget.com/products/lenovo/thinkpad/usb-keyboard/with-trackpoint/)
The legendary IBM ThinkPad keyboard (the best scissor switch keyboard ever made) in a USB version! It should last forever, but if the domes ever get soft, or if the keycaps get too shiny, you can just order a replacement keyboard and swap the old one out of the frame - two screws and one ribbon cable.Show Image(https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/~/media/Images/MigratedAssets/pc/support/site_wss/t/thinkpad_usb_keyboard_with_trackpoint.ashx)
The new Lenovo version unfortunately has island style keys, but it's still the best laptop keyboard being produced today: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/itemdetails/0B47190/460/60AC6A0372B14F5BA7B12F1FF88E33C7
IF you need a number pad, there is also an older version that has one: http://www.geek.com/review/review-lenovo-thinkpad-ultranav-keyboard-724321/ (http://www.geek.com/review/review-lenovo-thinkpad-ultranav-keyboard-724321/)
It uses an older version of the ThinkPad keyboard though (the same keyboard as the one on my ThinkPad X201, as opposed to the newer version above, which uses the same keyboard as my ThinkPad X220, with the enlarged Esc and Delete keys), so it might be harder to find replacements?Show Image(http://www.geek.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ultranav_keyboard_04.jpg)
See if you can find one of these used:
http://www.engadget.com/products/lenovo/thinkpad/usb-keyboard/with-trackpoint/ (http://www.engadget.com/products/lenovo/thinkpad/usb-keyboard/with-trackpoint/)
The legendary IBM ThinkPad keyboard (the best scissor switch keyboard ever made) in a USB version! It should last forever, but if the domes ever get soft, or if the keycaps get too shiny, you can just order a replacement keyboard and swap the old one out of the frame - two screws and one ribbon cable.Show Image(https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/~/media/Images/MigratedAssets/pc/support/site_wss/t/thinkpad_usb_keyboard_with_trackpoint.ashx)
The new Lenovo version unfortunately has island style keys, but it's still the best laptop keyboard being produced today: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/itemdetails/0B47190/460/60AC6A0372B14F5BA7B12F1FF88E33C7
I've never had the pleasure of using one of those, but since they're made by IBM I'm assuming they are buckling spring like the Model F and M, which means really amazing.
Nice try :P
The keyboard of my first PC, 1997, looks a lot like these, but no thanks :P
Thanks :)
I am not sure if it's a mechanical keyboard, from Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_technology#Scissor-switch_keyboard):QuoteA special case of the computer keyboard dome-switch is the scissor-switch. The keys are attached to the keyboard via two plastic pieces that interlock in a "scissor"-like fashion, and snap to the keyboard and the key. It still uses rubber domes, but a special plastic 'scissors' mechanism links the keycap to a plunger that depresses the rubber dome with a much shorter travel than the typical rubber dome keyboard. Typically scissor-switch keyboards also employ 3-layer membranes as the electrical component of the switch. They also usually have a shorter total key travel distance (2 mm instead of 3.5 – 4 mm for standard dome-switch keyswitches). This type of keyswitch is often found on the built-in keyboards on laptops and keyboards marketed as 'low-profile'. These keyboards are generally quiet and the keys require little force to press.
Scissor-switch keyboards are typically slightly more expensive. They are harder to clean (due to the limited movement of the keys and their multiple attachment points) but also less likely to get debris in them as the gaps between the keys are often less (as there is no need for extra room to allow for the 'wiggle' in the key as you would find on a membrane keyboard).
Nice try :P
The keyboard of my first PC, 1997, looks a lot like these, but no thanks :P
+1 to this.
Although it's hard to find and quite expensive usually if you do manage to find one. Have you considered trying a mechanical keyboard, perhaps something with MX Browns? ;)
I have used a lot of scissor boards in the past, some decent, some terrible. My favourites were definitely the older IBM laptop boards, but I can't stand any of the more modern scissor boards. The only other one that's come close has been the board on my 2009 MacBook Pro. That's pretty decent for a scissor board, especially considering it's also chiclet, which I didn't like at first. It grew on me.
But I now have a board with plate mounted modded MX Clears at work and another at home, which are MUCH better than scissor switches, IMHO. Especially with a nice set of thick heavy keycaps on.
Oh wow, thanks for the references. Although I guess these are to be considered collectibles? :) Would still love to get my hands on one...
Yes, I agree the Thinkpad keyboard was the best, I haven't yet had the pleasure to see how it compares to the one on the X1 Carbon, that they say it tries to reforge its glory
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by chiclet keys. I assume that means flat. Every scissor switch board I have seen has had low profile keys (to various degrees, obviously thinnest on laptops).
I have used a Logitech Illuminated K740 for 4 or 5 years and it is one of my favorite keyboards ever. I finally got rid of it when switching to a mech board. The keys are little stiff and there a sharp bump when the key is pressed, but the board is VERY quiet. I can type faster on this board than any other one, probably because of the shorter keystroke. I also think it's very good looking, although now that I've gotten used to a 60 percent board I could never go back to a full s
I really like logitech's k800 scissor switch. Its really snappy and responsive. I think its high quality. They can be found in most stores on the shelf for testing.
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by chiclet keys. I assume that means flat. Every scissor switch board I have seen has had low profile keys (to various degrees, obviously thinnest on laptops).
I have used a Logitech Illuminated K740 for 4 or 5 years and it is one of my favorite keyboards ever. I finally got rid of it when switching to a mech board. The keys are little stiff and there a sharp bump when the key is pressed, but the board is VERY quiet. I can type faster on this board than any other one, probably because of the shorter keystroke. I also think it's very good looking, although now that I've gotten used to a 60 percent board I could never go back to a full sYeah, looks good. I could use one of these, although I assume the wrists pad is not detachable?
Yeah I already tried mechanical keyboards, and a good one too. I tried both the blue and red caps, didn't work for me. Right now I prefer scissor keys, they are also less tiring on my fingersSee if you can find one of these used:
http://www.engadget.com/products/lenovo/thinkpad/usb-keyboard/with-trackpoint/ (http://www.engadget.com/products/lenovo/thinkpad/usb-keyboard/with-trackpoint/)
The legendary IBM ThinkPad keyboard (the best scissor switch keyboard ever made) in a USB version! It should last forever, but if the domes ever get soft, or if the keycaps get too shiny, you can just order a replacement keyboard and swap the old one out of the frame - two screws and one ribbon cable.Show Image(https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/~/media/Images/MigratedAssets/pc/support/site_wss/t/thinkpad_usb_keyboard_with_trackpoint.ashx)
The new Lenovo version unfortunately has island style keys, but it's still the best laptop keyboard being produced today: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/itemdetails/0B47190/460/60AC6A0372B14F5BA7B12F1FF88E33C7
+1 to this.
Although it's hard to find and quite expensive usually if you do manage to find one. Have you considered trying a mechanical keyboard, perhaps something with MX Browns? ;)
I have used a lot of scissor boards in the past, some decent, some terrible. My favourites were definitely the older IBM laptop boards, but I can't stand any of the more modern scissor boards. The only other one that's come close has been the board on my 2009 MacBook Pro. That's pretty decent for a scissor board, especially considering it's also chiclet, which I didn't like at first. It grew on me.
But I now have a board with plate mounted modded MX Clears at work and another at home, which are MUCH better than scissor switches, IMHO. Especially with a nice set of thick heavy keycaps on.
I suppose you never looked at my Imgur site:
http://snowdog993.imgur.com/
*sigh*
I really like logitech's k800 scissor switch. Its really snappy and responsive. I think its high quality. They can be found in most stores on the shelf for testing.
Logitech keyboards with their PerfectStroke keys, like the K740, are among the best rubber dome keyboards I've ever used. The tactility is amazing. The stiffness does take some getting used to, though.
I hope you find what you need mrwolf. I tried be helpful and sincere.
MoreYeah I already tried mechanical keyboards, and a good one too. I tried both the blue and red caps, didn't work for me. Right now I prefer scissor keys, they are also less tiring on my fingersSee if you can find one of these used:
http://www.engadget.com/products/lenovo/thinkpad/usb-keyboard/with-trackpoint/ (http://www.engadget.com/products/lenovo/thinkpad/usb-keyboard/with-trackpoint/)
The legendary IBM ThinkPad keyboard (the best scissor switch keyboard ever made) in a USB version! It should last forever, but if the domes ever get soft, or if the keycaps get too shiny, you can just order a replacement keyboard and swap the old one out of the frame - two screws and one ribbon cable.Show Image(https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/~/media/Images/MigratedAssets/pc/support/site_wss/t/thinkpad_usb_keyboard_with_trackpoint.ashx)
The new Lenovo version unfortunately has island style keys, but it's still the best laptop keyboard being produced today: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/itemdetails/0B47190/460/60AC6A0372B14F5BA7B12F1FF88E33C7
+1 to this.
Although it's hard to find and quite expensive usually if you do manage to find one. Have you considered trying a mechanical keyboard, perhaps something with MX Browns? ;)
I have used a lot of scissor boards in the past, some decent, some terrible. My favourites were definitely the older IBM laptop boards, but I can't stand any of the more modern scissor boards. The only other one that's come close has been the board on my 2009 MacBook Pro. That's pretty decent for a scissor board, especially considering it's also chiclet, which I didn't like at first. It grew on me.
But I now have a board with plate mounted modded MX Clears at work and another at home, which are MUCH better than scissor switches, IMHO. Especially with a nice set of thick heavy keycaps on.
MoreLogitech keyboards with their PerfectStroke keys, like the K740, are among the best rubber dome keyboards I've ever used. The tactility is amazing. The stiffness does take some getting used to, though.
You mean the K740 is a bit stiff?
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by chiclet keys. I assume that means flat. Every scissor switch board I have seen has had low profile keys (to various degrees, obviously thinnest on laptops).
I mean like this: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Macbook_keys.jpg
This is totally not my thing :PQuoteI have used a Logitech Illuminated K740 for 4 or 5 years and it is one of my favorite keyboards ever. I finally got rid of it when switching to a mech board. The keys are little stiff and there a sharp bump when the key is pressed, but the board is VERY quiet. I can type faster on this board than any other one, probably because of the shorter keystroke. I also think it's very good looking, although now that I've gotten used to a 60 percent board I could never go back to a full sYeah, looks good. I could use one of these, although I assume the wrists pad is not detachable?
Give the Kensignton Keyboard For Life a try. Yes, that is the name of the keyboard, I know stupid name. But it is a great scissor switch keyboard. The best part is that you can get one on Amazon for only $12 shipped.
I have been on the same quest to find the ultimate scissor switch keyboard ever since my Logitech Ultra-X died. I have owned many expensive keyboards, but I always go back to a scissor switch. I love the very low profile keys and shorter travel. Another good choice is the Thinkpad USB keyboard, though it has chicklet style keys, but they are not as bad as those square ones.
You have got to be kidding about the Kensington KFL! That has the most AWFUL alignment of keys I ever encountered! You can't be serious about that keyboard! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
You have got to be kidding about the Kensington KFL! That has the most AWFUL alignment of keys I ever encountered! You can't be serious about that keyboard! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Ah, your reaction reminds me of the first time I saw the keyboard of the Macbook pro. The fn key left of the Ctrl one, I was like: but why?
The K800 has served me well, however yesterday I noticed a problem with the "T" key, it wouldn't press correctly. So I said: I know scissor key, I'll just open it and fix it.You can get individual caps/stabs on eBay, I believe. $5 is a lot for that, but less than price of a full keyboard.
It's totally not like other keyboards I had. The act of opening the key sufficed to destroy/crack most of the brittle plastic that makes the switch.
Result: I am not buying Logitech again, and I need a new keyboard :(
May I ask why scissor? I'd rather use rubber dome than scissor but thats just my personal preference.Scissor "switch" is a stabilization mechanism for rubber domes, sooo…
With all honesty - 12" PowerBook G4. Who ever used one, knows that it's one of the best keyboards ever.