Hi I am a noob at mechanical keyboards! I've read a little on the topic, but there are so many choices and so much information to consider that I'm not sure where to begin. Found a post with this questionnaire and decided to request help finding the right keyboard.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Under $100, I have very limited funds and price will be the main deal breaker.
2) Where (country) will you be buying this keyboard and keyboard language layout?
USA, and I will be switching the layout to Colemak
3) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you don’t really like?
Do not know any brands which is why I need recommendations
4) Would you consider keyboards that are used?
Yes, they are often cheaper
5) What are the primary tasks you will be performing with this keyboard?
Gaming, some typing, interneting, general computer stuff
6) Will you be playing games on your keyboard? What type of games?
Yes. Mostly old school games, I play a lot of rpg single player games. WASD (or WARS in colemak) are my most used keys. I'm not a competitive MMO gamer so I don't need high end "gaming" keyboards. Adding the word gaming to a description seems to make the price go up.
7) Would you prefer to see the keyboard you’re considering before purchasing it or buying a keyboard online without seeing it is OK?
That would be nice so I can test out the feel of the keys, but online usually has better prices and more options
Will the keyboard be used for Windows, Mac, Linux, etc...?
Windows
9) What other keyboard(s) have you used before and why are you not using it/them anymore?
Still using the crappy keyboard someone gave me for free when my old one broke. Its time I actually bought one that's decent, and I've been hearing a lot about how awesome mechanical keys are compared to the cheap membranes I've been using.
Build Quality and Design
10) What size keyboard would you prefer?
a.Full-Size (with number pad)
11) Are the keyboard’s looks and stylishness important to you? If so, describe any physical features such as color, material appearance, etc...
Yes, I would like something other than standard solid black plastic, different colors or materials are a plus. An interesting or unique keyboard would appeal to me, but they are hard to find at a reasonable price so if needed I can just mod black plastic into something else using my creativity. Grey or white are easier to paint.
12) When are you buying the keyboard?
soon as I find the right one
13) How long do you want this keyboard to last?
As long as possible, don't like things that fall apart and break easily, particularly if I'm spending money on it.
Switch Questions
14) What key sound do you want?
b.Medium
15) Do you want tactile feel?
not sure
16) Do you want clickiness?
no
17) How strong are your fingers?
c. Medium?
Keyboard Components
18) PS/2 preferred
19) Media keys? Macro Keys? Backlight? USB Hub?
Don't need extra keys that I would never use, my current keyboard is full of media keys, the only one that's been touched is the sleep key.
Want a backlight, but if it goes over budget will have to do without. May actually look into installing my own lights, not sure how difficult that is.
