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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: aVco on Mon, 20 March 2017, 05:16:20

Title: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Mon, 20 March 2017, 05:16:20
So, ive had the Logitech Multimedia Elite keyboard for like 10 years and i loved everything about it. its a membrane keyboard with large keys and it was the first and only keyboard that felt like (didnt sound like though) a mechanical one. it was officially a multimedia keyboard BUT it also couldve been used as a macro keyboard.
(https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?quality=100&image_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.engadget.com%2Fimg%2Fproduct%2F2%2F259%2Fmedia-keyboard-elite-3b6.jpg&client=cbc79c14efcebee57402&signature=a2728b132d70b54657f735f74efc769eece9244f)

that keyboard was awesome... up until, unfortunately, i left it apparently too close to the heater and that was it.

i started to check all kinds of keyboards, types and features. as a guy that needs the comfort of macros i eventually decided to get a macro one (checked a little bit about mechanical macro combo but wasnt for me).

so after a lot of searching ive come to a decision: Thermaltake eSports Challenger Ultimate.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JYPxJqpvmWk/maxresdefault.jpg)

it wasnt easy getting used to it, especially because it has the thinner type of keys. the things that are helping me with that issue are its feature flexibility (multiple profiles, on board usb, audio jacks and DC connectors) and the fact that it looks amazing.

here it is now:
(https://s2.postimg.org/btbj58ym1/20170320_112202.jpg)

what do you think? would you "walk the road" of changing the larger keys (either membrane or mechanical) with the thinner ones if you wanted a keyboard with desired features?

do you have any idea about how to utilize the DC connectors? (not necessarily for power purposes, as i used it for a phone holder).


Thanks for reading :)



Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: hking0036 on Mon, 20 March 2017, 06:04:11
what do you think? would you "walk the road" of changing the larger keys (either membrane or mechanical) with the thinner once if you wanted a keyboard with desired features?
That's part of the reason to get a standard MX mount board. If you want to change the caps you can buy whatever set you want. I don't know many of them with macros that are also standard thanks to corsair though, and it's probably difficult to get replacements for those.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: henz on Mon, 20 March 2017, 06:14:04
So, ive had the Logitech Multimedia Elite keyboard for like 10 years and i loved everything about it. its a membrane keyboard with large keys and it was the first and only keyboard that felt like (didnt sound like though) a mechanical one. it was officially a multimedia keyboard BUT it also couldve been used also as a macro keyboard.
Show Image
(https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?quality=100&image_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.engadget.com%2Fimg%2Fproduct%2F2%2F259%2Fmedia-keyboard-elite-3b6.jpg&client=cbc79c14efcebee57402&signature=a2728b132d70b54657f735f74efc769eece9244f)


that keyboard was awesome... up until, unfortunately, i left it apparently too close to the heater and that was it.

i started to check all kinds of keyboards, types and features. as a guy that needs the comfort of macros i eventually decided to get a macro one (checked a little bit about mechanical macro combo but wasnt for me).

so after a lot of searching ive come to a decision: Thermaltake eSports Challenger Ultimate.
Show Image
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JYPxJqpvmWk/maxresdefault.jpg)


it wasnt easy getting used to it, especially because it has the thinner type of keys. the things that are helping me with that issue are its feature flexibility (multiple profiles, on board usb, audio jacks and DC connectors) and the fact that it looks amazing.

here it is now:
Show Image
(https://s2.postimg.org/btbj58ym1/20170320_112202.jpg)


what do you think? would you "walk the road" of changing the larger keys (either membrane or mechanical) with the thinner once if you wanted a keyboard with desired features?

do you have any idea about how to utilize the DC connectors? (not necessarily for power purposes, as i used it for a phone holder).


Thanks for reading :)

well, now a days, if you read into the community a little bit you can find out people here use up to 10 virtual layers on their keyboard.

Me for example uses alot of different sizes and shapes of keyboards, but to be fair i only use about 60% of the layout. What i do instead is using function layers. For example if i hold down space it unlocks another layer of keys, if i release, its back to normal.

So ive bascially gone to great extent to get the layers as i please. I used to be in the same boat as you, loved macro keys that i could record macros with.mostly to have prepared main fucntion while coding in school :D and to make starcraft macros.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: SBJ on Mon, 20 March 2017, 06:36:52
I've had that Logitech keyboard as well.
Was very satisfied with it, I think it got tossed several years ago because it was just gross. (This was before I took care of my keyboards.)
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Mon, 20 March 2017, 06:44:13
what do you think? would you "walk the road" of changing the larger keys (either membrane or mechanical) with the thinner once if you wanted a keyboard with desired features?
That's part of the reason to get a standard MX mount board. If you want to change the caps you can buy whatever set you want. I don't know many of them with macros that are also standard thanks to corsair though, and it's probably difficult to get replacements for those.

yup... thats a big plus
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Mon, 20 March 2017, 06:48:05
well, now a days, if you read into the community a little bit you can find out people here use up to 10 virtual layers on their keyboard.

Me for example uses alot of different sizes and shapes of keyboards, but to be fair i only use about 60% of the layout. What i do instead is using function layers. For example if i hold down space it unlocks another layer of keys, if i release, its back to normal.

So ive bascially gone to great extent to get the layers as i please. I used to be in the same boat as you, loved macro keys that i could record macros with.mostly to have prepared main fucntion while coding in school :D and to make starcraft macros.

Virtual layers.... sounds very interesting! id love to learn more about it!
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Mon, 20 March 2017, 06:51:51
I've had that Logitech keyboard as well.
Was very satisfied with it, I think it got tossed several years ago because it was just gross. (This was before I took care of my keyboards.)

Lol
yeah, if you arent taking care of your keyboard they can get quite gross
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: dantan on Mon, 20 March 2017, 07:30:18
Sometimes I want to go back to a membrane keyboard. Lots of functionality. But the lack of customization keeps me loyal to mechanicals. NO such thing as simply pulling off keycaps and buying a new set.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: dantan on Mon, 20 March 2017, 07:31:50
Thought I might just add, membranes seem to be all 104+++ key items. Seems as though no membrane keyboard maker ever though of making a Poker size + a few macro keys.

The only small membranes out there, are all 100% unsuitable for gaming or typing fast due to their tiny keys and terrible feel.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: Rayoui on Mon, 20 March 2017, 08:38:43
Thought I might just add, membranes seem to be all 104+++ key items. Seems as though no membrane keyboard maker ever though of making a Poker size + a few macro keys.

The only small membranes out there, are all 100% unsuitable for gaming or typing fast due to their tiny keys and terrible feel.

How about the HHKB Lite2? It's a traditional rubber-dome membrane 60% with dedicated arrow keys. Not really a gaming keyboard but great for typing and relatively inexpensive.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Mon, 20 March 2017, 10:58:51
How about the HHKB Lite2? It's a traditional rubber-dome membrane 60% with dedicated arrow keys. Not really a gaming keyboard but great for typing and relatively inexpensive.

And looks beautiful.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Mon, 20 March 2017, 11:08:33
Thought I might just add, membranes seem to be all 104+++ key items. Seems as though no membrane keyboard maker ever though of making a Poker size + a few macro keys.

The only small membranes out there, are all 100% unsuitable for gaming or typing fast due to their tiny keys and terrible feel.

hey, how about that Monoprice one?
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3a/35/c8/3a35c863254756a1378e2d9ed196a892.jpg)
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: VGVisionary on Mon, 20 March 2017, 11:13:20
The keyboard I completely adored was a similar Logitech keyboard, the Logitech Internet Navigator SE Y-BF38 Black. Still have it, it's been loyal for almost 15 years, but my Corsair K70 took over as my first mechanical keyboard since september last year and I never looked back. My parents have the regular white Internet Navigator and I always get nostalgic when I type on it haha.

This whole discussion about 60% ones is awesome, since I'm looking for one to travel with (I travel a lot for work but my laptop keyboard is tiring for the amount of typing I have to do).
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: digi on Mon, 20 March 2017, 11:21:00
That smartphone holder increases APM by 27%, BADASS
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 20 March 2017, 12:04:46
That smartphone holder increases APM by 27%, BADASS

Also increase Tinder hot babe matches by 27%..

Double WIN. !!
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Tue, 21 March 2017, 16:31:37
The keyboard I completely adored was a similar Logitech keyboard, the Logitech Internet Navigator SE Y-BF38 Black. Still have it, it's been loyal for almost 15 years, but my Corsair K70 took over as my first mechanical keyboard since september last year and I never looked back. My parents have the regular white Internet Navigator and I always get nostalgic when I type on it haha.

This whole discussion about 60% ones is awesome, since I'm looking for one to travel with (I travel a lot for work but my laptop keyboard is tiring for the amount of typing I have to do).

i can relate to the nostalgic part :) thats awesome you still can use it.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Tue, 21 March 2017, 16:35:15
That smartphone holder increases APM by 27%, BADASS

That smartphone holder increases APM by 27%, BADASS

Also increase Tinder hot babe matches by 27%..

Double WIN. !!

LOL thanks? haha
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: OfTheWild on Wed, 22 March 2017, 02:25:25
Corsair K95 RGB, used on eBay. Thats my 2cents to get started into mech boards but also have some really comprehensive software and macro setups. Its awesome for gaming.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Sun, 26 March 2017, 14:38:57
Corsair K95 RGB, used on eBay. Thats my 2cents to get started into mech boards but also have some really comprehensive software and macro setups. Its awesome for gaming.

Looks awesome!
most of the guys here are into smaller boards as far as i can tell, whats your opinion on the matter?
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: OfTheWild on Sun, 26 March 2017, 21:33:50
I have a handful of keyboards that I use regularly. I enjoy the small form factor boards just as much as my full sized. Truth is that I tend to really like one or two keyboards for certain tasks. I rotate through keyboards at home every couple of days usually - i literally have 8 different (working) keyboards on my desk right now. But for gaming, I ended up taking it a step further and am now hand wiring a "game pad" much like this one that /u/that_canadian did https://i.imgur.com/7mqpVq1.jpg
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: aVco on Mon, 27 March 2017, 05:34:11
I have a handful of keyboards that I use regularly. I enjoy the small form factor boards just as much as my full sized. Truth is that I tend to really like one or two keyboards for certain tasks. I rotate through keyboards at home every couple of days usually - i literally have 8 different (working) keyboards on my desk right now. But for gaming, I ended up taking it a step further and am now hand wiring a "game pad" much like this one that /u/that_canadian did https://i.imgur.com/7mqpVq1.jpg

wow... good luck man!
your enthusiasm is admirable.
Title: Re: I know you are all into mechanical keyboards... this post isnt about it
Post by: justinmtype on Mon, 27 March 2017, 09:57:45
I am not a fan of that keyboard.