New Member Awaiting New Boards...

[stuiees]

Sigh... In a way I wish I had never stumbled upon this forum.  Before doing so, I will admit I was a complete keyboard n00b.  Well I knew there were mech boards available and they are superior to membrane boards, but other than that I was pretty n00b.  I was pretty much set on getting the Steel Series 6gv2 but decided: "what the hell, let see what other mech boards are available" It has caused me to second guess my third guess after third guessing my fourth guess trying to decide on what board would be "best" for me.  Long story short, I now have multiple boards being sent to me because of my indecisiveness.  

All that being said, I am an avid gamer (have played counter strike 1.6 competitively / semi-professionally for 8 years and now getting into Starcraft 2).  When I buy new gaming gear, I like to have the best, and don't mind paying a premium to have it.  I had heard many good things about mechanical boards in the past, so now that I decided I wanted a new board I knew I had to have a mech baord.  That first led me to the Steel Series 6gv2 and I was about to buy it regardless of reading many reviews of people not being particularly fond of the layout (myself included).  So I decided to see what else is out there.  That led me to the Razer BW.  I was instantly turned off by the boyish led backlighting, and really didnt like the bank of macro keys (I game/have gamed HARD like 8+ hours a day 5 days a week at times and have never used a macro key in my life) on the left of my modifier keys.  So I thought again, the SS was the best although not perfect choice for me.  

It was not until I came to geekhack, and read a responce to a review (final research before pulling the trigger) on the ss 6gv2 where a user sugested / made mention of a filco board.  Now THIS is what I am talking about.  Minimalist design, industrial strength and quality, with a CHOICE of mechanical switches?  Uh-oh... ANOTHER choice to decide on?!  Jesus christ, you cant be serious?  This is where I really knew I was a KB n00b.  I had never heard of mx cherry, and had no idea the difference between brown, blue, and black switches.  Luckily, you guys had all the tools I needed (aside from having the actual board available to test) to at least make an informed decision.  

So I FINALLY decided on a Filco with brown switches after thinking black switches was the right choice (many people have said black is the BEST for gaming).  I decided on the browns because I thought it would nice to have some sort of tactile bump in the keys especially when playing sc2.  And having the keys spring back to place would be ideal while strafing in cs for the most precise movements possible (anyone who plays cs knows l33t movement is a big part of the game).

Now that I had my mind set on the Filco with brown switches, I needed to find a place to buy one.  Ebay?  No luck.  Elitekeyboards?  Out of stock.  GREAAATTT... Now that I found what I wanted I had no way to acquire it.  Luckily again you guys did the legwork for me.  I came across the thread here showcasing how PCHome has a special promo with $20 int shipping.  Score!  I ordered one Weds Dec 1st.  

Being the fanatic I am, I continue to look at different boards still second guessing my decision.  I then came across the HHKB Pro with blank keycaps (I had seen them while researching the filco but the $300 price turned me off and as a gamer I thought the lack of ctrl key on the bottom left would hamper my gaming).  But seriously, OMG!!! DROOOLLLL!!! That thing is so sexy it is redonkulous.  I knew I HAD to have one (even while researching the filco).  Only problem was I didn’t want to cough up another $300 after just dropping close to $150 for the Filco (Filco is currently in customs in Los Angeles).  LOL who am I fooling, like I said earlier in my post if I see something and I feel it may be even slightly superior I end up dropping the cash especially when I don’t really NEED the item.  So I looked around and was able to find a new HHKB pro (white w/ blanks) for an “unbeatable” $175!!  Granted its not the pro 2 but I really don’t need the usb inputs on the board anyway.  I think I got a fair price? (please let me know if you think otherwise I have no idea what the original pro goes for).  Oh well either way I don’t really care.  My HHKB I ordered yesterday is already being delivered by FedEx today (can’t wait to go home and open it up).  It may just end up in the closet if it isn’t suitable for my gaming needs, but I HAD to find out for myself.  

So long story short, I was pretty much set on buying a SS 6gv2 until my final research led me to a filco.  Then the rabbit hole just kept getting deeper and deeper.  I can see myself buying a realforce 87u sometime in the near future as well…. BLAH!!!

I will post some pics and some first impressions later this weekend once I get my grubby hands on the new gear.  

Thanks to all members for all archived post for me to read and do research on (this is really the only site with all the good info in one place).

[Orphagn]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Same thing happened to me. I couldn't see what all the fuss about these keyboards were until I finally bought one (Filco tenkeyless w/ Blacks). Then another (Filco w/ Browns). And then yet another (Cherry w/ Reds). All this happened to me in a span of a month.
But now i've figure out what kind of switch I want so i'm trying it out and liking it. It is a big money sink though. You just end up wanting more and more, even if it is just to try them out
PCHome is very reliable, I've ordered twice from them and shipping took 3-4 days (I live in California).

Good luck and have fun with your keyboards, i'm sure you'll come to like them as I have mine.

[itlnstln]

After (not) reading the first two posts, all I have to say is:

LOL.

[panda-R]

it seems the trend of 2011 is that we'll have a buttload of members that can't make up their minds and end up just buying every board possible! AWESOMES!

[Azuremen]

So I FINALLY decided on a Filco with brown switches after thinking black switches was the right choice (many people have said black is the BEST for gaming).  I decided on the browns because I thought it would nice to have some sort of tactile bump in the keys especially when playing sc2.

Sounds like you read the OCN guide too many times...

[kidchunks]

So long story short, I was pretty much set on buying a SS 6gv2 until my final research led me to a filco. Then the rabbit hole just kept getting deeper and deeper. I can see myself buying a realforce 87u sometime in the near future as well…. BLAH!!!

Another one bites the dust! I wonder how many people no longer log into ocn because of GH.

[stuiees]

Sounds like you read the OCN guide too many times...

Fruitdealer (one of the best sc2 players in the world) used a filco with brown switches at one of the biggest korean tournaments; GSL season 1.  Oh yeah, and he won like $80K doing so...

Not saying that the $150 board will turn you into fruitdealer over night, but obviously it is possible to be the best with browns.  I have tried the ss at fry's and tbh the linear switches didnt seem to be optium for gaming (imo).  

The main reason for me getting a new board was I noticed sc2 wasnt registering all my keystrokes causing unessisary spamming.  I hope one of the 2 new boards will resolve this problem.

[keyboardlover]

I can see myself buying a realforce 87u sometime in the near future as well…. BLAH!!!

Be on the lookout for deals - I got a great deal on mine on ebay. This is currently my favorite keyboard! Great for gaming!

[Azuremen]

Fruitdealer (one of the best sc2 players in the world) used a filco with brown switches at one of the biggest korean tournaments; GSL season 1.  Oh yeah, and he won like $80K doing so...

Not saying that the $150 board will turn you into fruitdealer over night, but obviously it is possible to be the best with browns.  I have tried the ss at fry's and tbh the linear switches didnt seem to be optium for gaming (imo).  

The main reason for me getting a new board was I noticed sc2 wasnt registering all my keystrokes causing unessisary spamming.  I hope one of the 2 new boards will resolve this problem.

Slayers_Boxer uses Blues. And many pros used old Samsung keyboards that are rubber domes.

The keyboard won't improve your play at all. No matter how good or bad you are (and how good are you?)

Period. And the OCN comment was more about how people think Black switches are the best for gaming.

And Fruitdealer lost to, at the time, a nobody in the Ro32 in the 2nd season...

[elbowglue]

Excellent marine micro requires cherry blues, where as mass ling macro is better with cherry browns.  You heard it here first.



[end silliness]

[stuiees]

Slayers_Boxer uses Blues. And many pros used old Samsung keyboards that are rubber domes.

The keyboard won't improve your play at all. No matter how good or bad you are (and how good are you?)

Period. And the OCN comment was more about how people think Black switches are the best for gaming.

And Fruitdealer lost to, at the time, a nobody in the Ro32 in the 2nd season...

It will improve my play because my old keyboard would not register all my keystrokes ingame which is why I went on the hunt for a new board in the first place *Reference previous post* (not so I could use the same gear as a pro).  If that were the case I would have got whatever board Nexgenius uses (my fav player and also a toss).   Besides my primary game is CS 1.6.  Like everyone says, it comes down to personal preference.  I didnt choose the browns JUST because Fruitdealer uses it.  I choose it because I felt the tactile feel would suit my PERSONAL preference best.  

BTW in GSL s2 Fruitdealer lost to Foxer who made it to the finals and eventually lost to Nestea.  Nestea had not lost a match the enitre tournament before going either 0-2 or 0-3 aginst Foxer (cant quite rememebr now).  And he basically changed the way Terran plays on the Korean servers.  But you probably already knew that right??

[Azuremen]

It will improve my play because my old keyboard would not register all my keystrokes ingame which is why I went on the hunt for a new board in the first place *Reference previous post* (not so I could use the same gear as a pro).  If that were the case I would have got whatever board Nexgenius uses (my fav player and also a toss).   Besides my primary game is CS 1.6.  Like everyone says, it comes down to personal preference.  I didnt choose the browns JUST because Fruitdealer uses it.  I choose it because I felt the tactile feel would suit my PERSONAL preference best.  

BTW in GSL s2 Fruitdealer lost to Foxer who made it to the finals and eventually lost to Nestea.  Nestea had not lost a match the enitre tournament before going either 0-2 or 0-3 aginst Foxer (cant quite rememebr now).  And he basically changed the way Terran plays on the Korean servers.  But you probably already knew that right??

Yes I am aware MarineKing changed it all.

I made the same argument you did about the keyboard not registering, etc, etc.

My APM hasn't changed at all as a result of changing keyboards. Honestly, unless you are 2700 points in Diamond, you likely will see no change in your play with a new keyboard, and even then just barely.

Nestea only gave up a single game from what I recall in the finals of Season 2.

[stuiees]

Yes I am aware MarineKing changed it all.

I made the same argument you did about the keyboard not registering, etc, etc.

My APM hasn't changed at all as a result of changing keyboards. Honestly, unless you are 2700 points in Diamond, you likely will see no change in your play with a new keyboard, and even then just barely.

Nestea only gave up a single game from what I recall in the finals of Season 2.

Nah... It went to a game 7 just any remember if nestea came back to win the last 3/4 or 4/4.

I would state the argument that phreherials can actually improve a gamers play. I can't speak as much to RTS games as sc2 is the first RTS I have played even semi competitively. But in an fps game like 1.6 I can say with confidence your gear CAN make you a better player. For example: and I understand this is extreme but an example none the less. Players with equal skill playing against eachother.  Let's say player 1 is using speakers a ball mouse and no mousepad. Player 2 on the other hand has his plantronics dsp-500 headset (noise directin to detect footsteps across the map), a mx518 (my favorite mouse and a fav of many other 1.6 players) and either their favorite cloth or gaming mat. Player 2 has a hands down advantage. Pro gamers look for that slight edge no matter how slight and often willing to shell the premium dollars to get it.  I understand my example is a bit extreme but the same concept holds true.

That being said I am not blaming my gear because I am "bad". I have a legit hardware issue and in my search for "the best" I got what I got. All the other bs reasoning may just help justify the cost. However illogical it may sound or be...

[Lanx]

please for the love of all that is holy, everyone who likes watching these starcraft tournies tell these korean sc guys to get cooler handles!

i swear they roulette wheel the worse possible names so that when they get up there, they can laugh at all the ppl saying you know fruit deal pwn'd nestea but in the finals it was starbucks and java that were the team to watch.

[stuiees]

please for the love of all that is holy, everyone who likes watching these starcraft tournies tell these korean sc guys to get cooler handles!

i swear they roulette wheel the worse possible names so that when they get up there, they can laugh at all the ppl saying you know fruit deal pwn'd nestea but in the finals it was starbucks and java that were the team to watch.

ROFL... X2... I wondered if it was just because the way the translation came out that made it that way?  Like maybe fruit in korean means drug?  Drugdealer would be way more gangster than fruitdealer LOL.

I guess they are just way tooo azn for any of us.

[stuiees]

LOL exactly!!  I guess some things get lost in translation... Or gained in this matter LOL

[stuiees]

So my hhkb pro was delivered today.  So far I love these keys.  The layout will take some getting used to but I really dont mind.  If my Filco w/ cherry browns feels anywhere near as nice is this i will be a happy camper.  I will take some pictures of both the HHKB and the Filco once the Filco is delivered.  


I tried playing 1 scrim on cs with these keys.   It wasn't a horrible experience, but cant say it was a great one either.  Not because of the way the keys felt at all, mainly because I use cnrl to crouch and having to relocate to the caps lock key is messing with my muscle memory.  That is no fault of the HHKB however.  I think with a little time, I will be able to get used to it, and if not I always have the Filco to fall back on.  So far I am really enjoying typing on this board though.  

Thanks for the great recommendation.  I am definitely not regreting this purchase.

[theferenc]

I'll be interested to see what you think of the HHKB long term for gaming. Owning one, it never struck me as a particularly good gaming board.

But I guess if you're playing an FPS, it would actually be fairly decent.

It's a joy to type on though...especially the *thock* of the space bar. Love it.

[Azuremen]

ROFL... X2... I wondered if it was just because the way the translation came out that made it that way?  Like maybe fruit in korean means drug?  Drugdealer would be way more gangster than fruitdealer LOL.

Or the fact that apparently his family sells fruit?

I guess I was thinking of the finals with FruitDealer with the single loss in those.

Crazy that you went with the HHKB with gaming in mind. Curious to see how it works out for you in the long run, and how you think it compares to the Filco with Browns.

[db_Iodine]

The HHKB does sound like an odd choice for gaming, but perhaps you can make that work out for you.
Or perhaps you can keep both of your keyboards plugged in and use the HHKB for typing and Filco for gaming.

[stuiees]

I got my Filco today, and I must say it feels very sturdy and solid.  Each key click feels very defined and precise.  I played some cs on it today, and I found my fingers confused now that the ctrl key is back where I am used to it being.  I almost feel like I was already getting used to the HHKB.  I definitely think I could get used to it if I decide to go that route.  I am really going to be torn on what to use.  


The keys on my Filco feel so much nicer to type on than the membrane board I had before.  The HHKB feels even better to me.  Those topre switches and the thonk sound the keys make just feels so satisfying for some reason.  I currently have both keyboards plugged in and I can swap back and forth with minimal effort.  

As for now I think it is too early for me to make a decision on what I will be using in the long run but I am very happy with the qualitys each board has to offer.

[Azuremen]

Congrats!!   Yeah, despite what all these uber-sensitive fingers guys say around here a Cherry Brown and Topre are more similar than they are different.

I am curious about how they feel in the tactile department.  I've heard that the Topre don't really have a noticeable tactile feel at the actuation point, when compared to the Brown switches. And I since I have a bit of trouble noticing the Browns (thanks Blues and BS)...

[stuiees]

After spending the better part of today playing cs 1.6 and some sc2 I find myself still torn between the two. I think I prefer the layout of the filco while playing cs but favor the hhkb for sc2 everything else.  Perhaps it is easier for me to adapt to the new layout playing sc2 as it isn't nearly as ingrained in my muscle memory as cs (been playing cs about 8-9 years and sc2 only a few months).  I think I favor the Topre switch compared to the mx brown which kind of upsets me because now I think I HAVE to buy a realforce too.

OMG... What have I got myself into...?

[Azuremen]

After spending the better part of today playing cs 1.6 and some sc2 I find myself still torn between the two. I think I prefer the layout of the filco while playing cs but favor the hhkb for sc2 everything else.  Perhaps it is easier for me to adapt to the new layout playing sc2 as it isn't nearly as ingrained in my muscle memory as cs (been playing cs about 8-9 years and sc2 only a few months).  I think I favor the Topre switch compared to the mx brown which kind of upsets me because now I think I HAVE to buy a realforce too.

OMG... What have I got myself into...?

You've gotten yourself into some serious business. Welcome.

Yeah I don't think I could ever get over the CTRL key placement on the HHKB for SC2. 11 years of muscle memory is hard to break for a game like that with so much always going on it. I'm curious what level you play, if you don't mind me asking.

[adRo.]

Oh wow, reading the op I was pretty much in an identical situation, except i play SC2 kind of getting into CS lmao.
I was orgianly set on the G7, but then discorvered the blackwidow was like half the price!!
I then read abit more into mechanical keyboards as i had nfi what i was buying lmao, which lead me to this site (if you look at my recent posts/threads its just all questions about mech keyboards).
I finnaly decide on the filco with cherry browns (fruitdealer was a big influence!). It arived a couple of days ago, unfortunately its a christmas present, and my parents payed for it and are keeping it until christmas.
Im afraid of reading into the HHKB Pro, i dont want to second guess aswell!

[stuiees]

After spending the weekend with my new boards I think my favorite is begning to emerge.  I still have both of them plugged in, but have been using the HHKB for EVERYTHING other than playing cs 1.6, including sc2.  I actually prefer the location of the cntl key on the HHKB for sc2, but just havnt put in the time to get used to it in cs 1.6.  I have been playing cs for so damn long I may just use the Filco exclusevly for cs to avoid getting used to new finger placement.  

Yeah I don't think I could ever get over the CTRL key placement on the HHKB for SC2. 11 years of muscle memory is hard to break for a game like that with so much always going on it. I'm curious what level you play, if you don't mind me asking.

Like I have said in earlier posts, I am brand new to RTS games.  I am platinum level player with only ~120 1v1 ladder games.  (played more 2v2, 3v3 as I learn with friends)

CS 1.6 on the other hand I am a little more accomplished, and if you played competitively in the pacific divisions between 2003-2008 you PROBABLY would have heard of me...
Many seasons Cal/Cevo with teams like:
Anon 5 (cal-premier runner-up lost to eminence, cal-invite)
Cursed (many seasons cal/cevo-main. Went invite after Jordan Gilbert aka "n0thing" rode/played on our roster)
firemarX (cal-o champs, then changed name to FEROCITY when we went Invite)
Newave (cevo-main / cevo-professional)
GlockDoctors (many seasons cal-main playoffs / cevo-main playoffs)
Detox (cal main playoffs)
rFaith (cal main playoffs)

Attended a few Click n Connect / Howies LAN tournaments:
Notably placed 3rd - pugged with eV (eliminated by gravitas top North American team at the time)

Some people have made some clips on youtube of some random online/LAN highlights but they block my youtube from work so I cant link you atm

Im afraid of reading into the HHKB Pro, i dont want to second guess aswell!

I wouldn't say the layout is optimized for gaming, but then again it really comes down to personal preference, and what you are comfortable/used to using.  For me personally I find it easier to use the cnrl key on my hhkb for sc2, but I need my Filco cntl key placement to play CS because I am so used to it (I cant even crouch hop with my HHKB becasuse I am not used to it).  To me CS is dying and I have accomplished everything that I am able to (without dedicating 8+ hours a day 7 days a week again) that was fine and dandy while I was a student with no job who didnt ALWAYS do his homework, but now that I work fulltime 5 days a week it is just not possible to be that dedicated to a team game.  That is why I am starting to get into SC2.  I do not have the same restraints because my muscle memory isnt ingrained, so it is easy for me to use the HHKB.  

Don't regret or second guess yourself for getting the Filco, it was an awesome choice.  It was the selection I made too.  This HHKB kinda fell into my lap after I ordered my Filco.  Well I guess it didnt really fall into my lap (bought on ebay for $175) but I thought it was a good enough deal not to pass up.  I only slightly prefer the Topre switch over the MX... It just feels so silky smooooooth.  I will probably eventually get a Realforce to CS with because of that personal preference but is not a priority by any means.  

/endwalloftext

[Azuremen]

Like I have said in earlier posts, I am brand new to RTS games.  I am platinum level player with only ~120 1v1 ladder games.  (played more 2v2, 3v3 as I learn with friends)

Ahh I see, not bad for a first RTS then for sure. I'd advise playing team games, as the dynamics in that are just, erm, busted for the most part. The way expanding is handled in team games just doesn't translate to 1v1 at all.

I'm thinking about trying to get some of the GeekHack SC2 players together here for some King of the Hill style games, where people obs so feedback can be given on play styles. Learn a lot in those casual atmosphere games.

[stuiees]

Ahh I see, not bad for a first RTS then for sure. I'd advise playing team games, as the dynamics in that are just, erm, busted for the most part. The way expanding is handled in team games just doesn't translate to 1v1 at all.

I'm thinking about trying to get some of the GeekHack SC2 players together here for some King of the Hill style games, where people obs so feedback can be given on play styles. Learn a lot in those casual atmosphere games.

I just had a mini 1v1 tournament with some friends over the weekend.  It was fun for sure and we decided to make it a weekly ritual with the winner claiming bragging rights for the week.  We would spectate the games we werent playing in, then at the end we would watch the replay (speed up) and create dialoge on what could/should have done in certain situations.  The team aspect of 2v2, 3v3 is certainly dramatically different for sure, but fun to play with friends.  I dont have so much difficulty with the macro aspect of the game, as I do understand the game quite well from watching many games from GSL etc.  The aspect of my game that needs dramatic work is my micro management.  Often time I know what I need to be doing, but just lack the ability to manage everything correctly.  I think I will continue to be able to work on this as I play more.  

Let me know if you do decide to create some sort of mini tourney I would certainly be intrested

[BucklingSpring]

I'm also here for maximum lulz while waiting for the Unicomp Buckling Spring Mini to ship.

I may be waiting a long time.

Oh lord, they finally re-released the Unicomp Buckling Spring Mini?
Dammit... I thought I was done buying new boards.