Will I like Blues?

[mesmer]

I love my Model M. I've used a Dell AT101 for a while as well and have found it acceptable, just had to get used to the lighter force required.

I want to get a tenkeyless keyboard for ergonomic reasons (missing the arrows would be ok too). Would I be ok with Cherry blues? Should I seek simplified alps?

[tp4tissue]

I love my Model M. I've used a Dell AT101 for a while as well and have found it acceptable, just had to get used to the lighter force required.

I want to get a tenkeyless keyboard for ergonomic reasons (missing the arrows would be ok too). Would I be ok with Cherry blues? Should I seek simplified alps?

sign up for the Ultimate Switch Tester, American tour 2013

OR, buy the sample pack from WASD keyboard that includes one of each ofblue/red/brown/black... It is however not nearly as comprehensive as the UST which is "ultimate"

[1391406]

In my experience, Blues require far less force to actuate than a Model M, but slightly more than a Dell. The tactile bump and audible click of Blues isn't as pronounced as Buckling Springs. If that sounds desirable, then you might like Blues.

[tp4tissue]

In my experience, Blues require far less force to actuate than a Model M, but slightly more than a Dell. The tactile bump and audible click of Blues isn't as pronounced as Buckling Springs. If that sounds desirable, then you might like Blues.

When you're beasting on MX blue the sound is like "biting" into a wafer cookie. I can't really describe the sound of a model m..

Model m sounds like a "b" on the down stroke, and "b-flat" on the upstroke... um... i'm doing this from memory.. haha.. no longer have a model m.

I'm remembering from an original model m, the NEW unicomps would have a diff sound

[linuxid10t]

I love my Model M. I've used a Dell AT101 for a while as well and have found it acceptable, just had to get used to the lighter force required.

I want to get a tenkeyless keyboard for ergonomic reasons (missing the arrows would be ok too). Would I be ok with Cherry blues? Should I seek simplified alps?

Personally, I find it nearly impossible to not like Cherry Blues.  They do feel different from a the Model M, but IMO, in a good way.  They are a lot lighter, and the actuation point is closer to the top.  If you want something closer to the Model M, you could always consider getting a board with Greens.

[nsrexler]

Go for a Matias Tactile Pro or Quiet Pro. As a former Model M user, I've been very happy with the feel of my Quiet Pro.

[rowdy]

Blues might seem light in comparison, but you can hammer the keys and get a nice thunk sound from bottoming out.

Or you can tap them lightly and enjoy the soothing tick tick tick

[mesmer]

Thanks for the input, now can you all provide some recommendations? For Blue tenkeyless I've found:

Leopold Tenkeyless Tactile Click (ABS?)
Vortex KBT ONI Keyboard (PBT)
Vortex KBT RACE Keyboard (small, PBT)
Ducky DK9087G2 PRO TKL Keyboard (ABS)

Any input on those? Thanks.

[rowdy]

What about a CoolerMaster Quickfire Rapid?

[Leslieann]

Thanks for the input, now can you all provide some recommendations? For Blue tenkeyless I've found:

Leopold Tenkeyless Tactile Click (ABS?)
Vortex KBT ONI Keyboard (PBT)
Vortex KBT RACE Keyboard (small, PBT)
Ducky DK9087G2 PRO TKL Keyboard (ABS)

Any input on those? Thanks.

At least half of those use special shape/sized keys, that isn't to say it's bad, just that if you need or decide to swap keycaps out, it's not as easy.

The best TKL for the money right now (particularly one that uses standard keys) has to be the Cooler Master QFR. It's inexpensive, well made, and easy to get with a variety of switches and colors. You also shouldn't count out Filco either if you can afford it.

[TheQsanity]

QFR~!

[mesmer]

At least half of those use special shape/sized keys, that isn't to say it's bad, just that if you need or decide to swap keycaps out, it's not as easy.

Which ones, and in what way? By shape/size do you mean the layout? or the way the key top is sculpted?

The best TKL for the money right now (particularly one that uses standard keys) has to be the Cooler Master QFR. It's inexpensive, well made, and easy to get with a variety of switches and colors. You also shouldn't count out Filco either if you can afford it.

Yes, I saw the Cooler Master, it looked a little 'gamey' for me, I am going to use it at work. I'll consider it more given the recommendation.

Where do you buy the Filcos these days?

[deazncy]

Using a QFR with mx blues atm. Love the feeling, build quality, and the clicky goodness. A bit on the louder side, though. Planning to sell it and buy mx reds.

[Leslieann]

Which ones, and in what way? By shape/size do you mean the layout? or the way the key top is sculpted?

Yes, I saw the Cooler Master, it looked a little 'gamey' for me, I am going to use it at work. I'll consider it more given the recommendation.

Where do you buy the Filcos these days?

I believe the Leo mounting points on the spacebar are a bit different from others, the Race uses extra tall keys up top, as well as extra wide esc and delete, as well as arrows. Anything with backlighting risks worn out keys and a difficult time finding replacements.

The QFR has been redesigned to have fewer logos and such, you just need to get the newer version. If you look at the model with greens, you can see the newer design.

Filcos can be bought on Amazon from Keyboard Co. UK, or direct from them. If yuo live in the U.S., I would recommend Amazon, as it will ship from an Amazon warehouse in the U.S.

[Saturn]

blues are the switch you're most likely to find in the wild.  why not visit a comp store / best buy / whatever and give them a try?

[tp4tissue]

Using a QFR with mx blues atm. Love the feeling, build quality, and the clicky goodness. A bit on the louder side, though. Planning to sell it and buy mx reds.

WRONG..... Buy the MXRED first, then if you LIKE the MXRED, sell the BLUE

[Saturn]

WRONG..... Buy the MXRED first, then if you LIKE the MXRED, sell the BLUE

wrong also
buy mx red, blue, black, brown, and topre simultaneously
you're bound to like one of them!
if it turns out you like all of them, you'll have not one or two keyboards you like, but FIVE.  that means you'll be five times as happy as you are now.

[tp4tissue]

WRONG..... Buy the MXRED first, then if you LIKE the MXRED, sell the BLUE

wrong also
buy mx red, blue, black, brown, and topre simultaneously
you're bound to like one of them!
if it turns out you like all of them, you'll have not one or two keyboards you like, but FIVE.  that means you'll be five times as happy as you are now.

I stand corrected... Hats off to you my deranged idol...

[iri]

buy mx red, blue, black, brown, and topre simultaneously

also clears, clicky alps and dampened cream alps.

[rowdy]

And greens - they are probably even closer to your beloved buckling springs.

[mesmer]

And greens - they are probably even closer to your beloved buckling springs.

Ok, new question, blues or greens?
Greens are just heavier blues, or is there more to it?

[rowdy]

No, that's pretty much it.

[demik]

And greens - they are probably even closer to your beloved buckling springs.

Ok, new question, blues or greens?
Greens are just heavier blues, or is there more to it?

greens

[SmallFry]

Well... that was quick. Heh.