After lurking for the better part of this week, I find myself just too overwhelmed by all the possibilities. When it comes to computers I'm normally the kind of person who wants do do his own research and reach a conclusion from that, but I just can't manage to wrap my head around things this time...
So, here we go. My experience with mechanical keyboards until now consists of a Dell keyboard and one of those famous IBM model M's (one with a silver/gray/brown-is IBM logo on it). I still have the IBM but I don't like the excessive loudness of the keys and I also feel that it takes too much force for some of the keys, though this may be due to the fact that it's an age old keyboard that hasn't been cleaned for some time. Currently I use a Razer Tarantula keyboard, from what I read this one has silicon domes. I like it well enough but I'm looking to get a bit more out of my typing experience.
I'm actually looking for two keyboards, one for at home and one for at work, for which I will have slightly different wishes.
Firstly, the 'home' keyboard:
- Since I use it for gaming a lot and spend most of my time with my hand resting on WASD, I'll need something that won't be pressed TOO easily.
- Ideally, I'd like the keys to be (back)lit since I frequently play in a dark environment. At the same time, those 'ninja' keycaps look fairly bloody awesome to me so I might be willing to forego lighting if it means I can get those keycaps (especially white ones with some red ones...<3). Having both options on the same board would be ideal but I hardly think
- Noise isn't a big issue for the home board as long as it's not as deafening as the loud clunk on the ol' M.
- From what I've researched, I find that I probably won't like browns. I've had experience in the past with boards that I think have had a similar response on the keypress, and I didn't like that bit of extra resistance before the keypress. Research so far shows Blacks may be my best bet.
- I'm not sure if this matters, but I'm pretty sure I bottom out whenever I'm typing, especially when I start to type fast.
- N-key rollover will probably be fine on most mechanical boards from what I read, but since I occasionally like to do stuff like Stepmania and old-school emulation, the board will need to be able to handle at least 4-5 simultanious keypresses, 3 of which simultanious arrow keypresses
- I don't really care between USB and PS/2 although USB would be a plus since then I can use the board with my Macbook Pro as well.
- I use the numpad area keys fairly often, especially since I like to use it for keybinds in games. Tenkeyless not an option.
- Media keys would be a plus but I don't make extensive use of them
For the 'work' keyboard:
- Must be fairly silent. We currently have Cherry brand boards with those thin flat caps and scissor switches, this is about the maximum noise level that will be tolerated here (I currently work at a callcenter and need to be able to type while I speak).
- Must be USB interface (though I could work with a convertor if needed but that would complicate matters)
- Once again, the ability to use ninja caps would be a plus.
- Again, must have a numpad, I really use it a lot at work
Complicating matters is the fact that I live in Belgium and don't have easy access to a creditcard for the time being so I'd have to be able to buy using either paypal or good old bank transfer. That's a care for later though, if I find a board I like I can always start digging for a shop to buy it in.
