Advice needed

[Kilauea]

Hi,

I am sort of new here, discovered the website at the end of 2011, been reading a bit, learning a lot.

I just got back a new Logitech Illuminated back from RMA and I like it quite a bit, but while it was out for RMA, I started considering a mechanical keyboard. Now, I know most of you probably sleep with your mech keyboard, but I wondering if I should make the jump. And if I do, I just can't seem to figure out which cherry MX switch I'd like. I do not have access to any switch at all to try on.

I know a few things I like and want. I want a backlit keyboard. I do not want macro keys on the lefthand side of the keyboard. I want a numeric pad(whatever its called). Aside from that I am pretty open. The keyboard is mostly used to navigate and play RTS (never FPS)... And from time to time, it is also used to work on, but I never type for hours, usually no more than 15-20 minutes of consecutive typing. Having a USB port and specially mic and headphone jack is something interesting (but not a deal breaker).

My budget is pretty loose for something I truly want, but I am also pretty cheap for myself (as in, I need to try to convince myself really hard to open my wallet).

I have considered the
Razer Blackwidow Ultimate, but the macro keys are too distracting for me on the left hand side.
Mionix Zibal 60, I really like the simple look of it, but I am hearing mixed feelings about the durability of the key caps. Mionix seems to be adressing the issue tho.

I also looked at some Ducky and another brand which I can't seem to remember.

Can someone recommend me something or direct me towards something ?
Thank you

[bazemk1979]

There is only one recomendation currently on the market thats simple, good looking, LED keys  ( blue,red,green,white), offers stiff MX cherry switches tactile/non clicky (clears) and linear (blacks) and has keycaps with legends that will last forever... It comes at heft price around 190-200 bucks but its buy and forget sort of keyboard and its the Deck Legend which is 104 keys,they also have a smaller version of this board called Deck 82 and its cheaper at 150 shipped and only comes in blue color.

The maker of Deck boards is TG3 and if you really want to get this sort of amazing board for a real cheap price is getting  currently trough this vendor http://www.globaltekoutlet.com/TG3-Electronics-BL82-Series-Backlit-Keyboard-p/bl82.htm and will cost you $58 with shipping. Its the same as the Deck 82 but more commercial build because it has steel plate on the back painted black than Deck 82 aluminum plate being silver...the ones on the link are PS/2 but for 15 bucks you can pair the board with BlueCube and male to female USB extension cable and your good to go for years and years to come.

Reason I will always recomend TG3/Deck boards is of the high quality, high quality in every aspect, keycaps are double shots where outer black shell is PBT and inner shell is ABS that is Dytsublimates and this is the most amazing process I have ever seen keycaps ever been made for backlight keyboards. I got the TG3 BL82, but seriosly thinking of shelling big bucks in near future and getting the Deck Legend :-)

[Encryptor]

I also recommend Deck.  It doesn't have any ports built in, but that’s something you could possibly DIY.

I bought the Deck Legend after doing like ~months~ of research.  I also considered the Mionix Zibal and Ducky Shine.  I like the way the casings on those keyboards look, compared to the one on the Deck.  But I ended up getting the Deck because I already had a Deck 82 and I love how the keycaps feel, and I wanted to try the mx clear switches.  

Also, Deck keyboards are manufactured in Kenosha, WI, and as a displaced Midwesterner, “Kenosha” causes me to conjure up mental images of the “Mars Cheese Castle” sign.  And so by transitive property, Deck keyboard = Mars Cheese Castle.

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[Kilauea]

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the color of the switches ?

Edit: and btw it was Deck keyboards I looked at before.

[Bertross]

if your just starting imo you need to try tactile MX keys. Blue is an audible click. Brown is a silent tactile bump. If you like quiet or quieter go the browns. Im using a TKL Filco mj2 brown at works and i love it. Blues are good for home.

[boredgunner]

I'm actually looking for a keyboard that fits all of your requirements, and the one I'm considering the most is the Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Pro.  It isn't out yet, but will show up soon for $99.  It is being discussed here.  It's only partially backlit though.  But if you want to buy right now, I say go with a Deck keyboard.  But as for key switch type, any mechanical switch is better than rubber domes for typing and gaming in my opinion.  I just got my first mechanical keyboard and it has Cherry MX Red switches, and the feel is much better for typing.  Would you want the noticeable click of Blue switches?  They might take some getting used to.  Browns might be good for you.

[Kilauea]

I'm actually looking for a keyboard that fits all of your requirements, and the one I'm considering the most is the Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Pro.  It isn't out yet, but will show up soon for $99.  It is being discussed here.  It's only partially backlit though.  But if you want to buy right now, I say go with a Deck keyboard.  But as for key switch type, any mechanical switch is better than rubber domes for typing and gaming in my opinion.  I just got my first mechanical keyboard and it has Cherry MX Red switches, and the feel is much better for typing.  Would you want the noticeable click of Blue switches?  They might take some getting used to.  Browns might be good for you.

I am actually using scissor (forgot what) keyboard in the form of my logitech illuminated. I will definitively take a look at the CM storm quickfire Pro.

[Tony]

For a newbie I'd suggest Filco or WASD keyboard with brown switches, cost around 160USD.

For cheaper mech keyboard you may try Choc mini or Rosewill keyboard, also with brown switches.