Any experienced people have suggestions for a second KB?

[PythoN]

hey GH,

so i've purchased a quickfire pro with browns a month and a half ago and i'm starting to get more and more interested in mechanical keyboards. all the different switch types, layouts, everything just fascinates me. i'm getting obsessed with browsing keyboard forums even though i sometimes have no idea what i'm looking at 

the reason i got my first keyboard was to play starcraft 2, and it does a very good job at that. does anyone have a suggestion for a decently priced keyboard that is:

-sturdy, good build quality
-under $150 (preferably under $100 with my budget  )
-cherry MX switches (i assume these are the most popular/easiest to find)
-designed for gaming
-PREFERABLY 10 keyless or 60%, since my current on is full-sized

i'm looking forward to getting my hands on more of these, it really looks like quite an interesting hobby 

thanks!

[CommunistWitchDr]

-designed for gaming

This means nothing and makes no difference.


If you're looking for a fairly cheap board just go on mechanicalkeyboards.com and look through em. You can also look at filco since I don't think mechboards has them.


Oh. And before tp4 says it, look into an ergodox.

[SpAmRaY]

You could get a Quick Fire Rapid off Amazon for ~$77 ish with blues.

[JPG]

My advise is to first determine the layout that you want and the switch that you want. Those are personal choices. The best you can do is read some reviews on them and then guess what you think you would like based on your experience.

Then, you can start looking for a keyboard that is often recommended, but from what I've read on GH over the last 8-10 months, here's a list of good choices:

For TKl layout, there's: Quickfire Rapid, Filco and Ducky (and others but these have a very good reputation). I have 2 Filcos and they are both amazing, yet the other 2 keyboards have a very good reputation too

For 60%, well there's mainly the Poker or GH60 (but GB is ended and involve variable fees, but maybe you could find one in the classified once they are delivered or even before)

[TimIsABat]

Get a Black Widow Ultimate. JK.

I'm waiting on a Poker X right now with MX Reds, but I suggest getting a Poker II cause it just seems sturdier. Once I get my Poker X I will let you know if it is a good keyboard for your means (it's 60%).

eBay does wonders lol.

If you want to try out different switches I suggest finding a switch test tour or if you want to save time and money just order the WASD Keyswitch Sampler (I could probably sell you mine actually for $7.00 after I thoroughly try these switches [creating a method with the switch sampler because they aren't mounted]).

If you still want your arrows I suggest Leopold as they are readily available.

[KangarooZombies]

Poker 2. Hands down. You can get one for about 100 + shipping.

[CPTBadAss]

-designed for gaming

This means nothing and makes no difference.

Agreed. Don't believe the hype. It's one thing to want macro keys. It's another thing to believe the marketing that you'll be a better gaming if you use X switch or have LEDs.

[PythoN]

yeah, i was looking into the quickfire rapid, it seems like a pretty good deal. my friend has it and says good things about it. i don't know much about keyboard layouts, all i know that i want is an english layout in QWERTY, much like the cm storm keyboards.

i am not interested in macro keys whatsoever because i don't need them, neither do i care about backlighting

2 questions however; i'm relatively new to the different cherry MX switches, and they say that some are designed for gaming and others for typing (eg. blues are specifically for typing), i was wondering if this actually makes a huge difference. i know many pros that game on blues just fine and others that say blues are trash, so i just wanted that cleared up by someone that knows more than me

second question: why do people on these forums have so many keyboards? do you guys switch between them depending on what you're doing on your computer, or do you simply like collecting/assembling/just tinkering with keyboards in general?

thanks for the help guys

[SpAmRaY]

why do people on these forums have so many keyboards? do you guys switch between them depending on what you're doing on your computer, or do you simply like collecting/assembling/just tinkering with keyboards in general?

both!

Really I think it's a size thing sometimes, I think I will eventually use my poker at home with my laptop and I keep my full size board at work. One board I have is only for displaying novelty caps.

And of course some people just collect keyboards!

[CommunistWitchDr]

2 questions however; i'm relatively new to the different cherry MX switches, and they say that some are designed for gaming and others for typing (eg. blues are specifically for typing), i was wondering if this actually makes a huge difference. i know many pros that game on blues just fine and others that say blues are trash, so i just wanted that cleared up by someone that knows more than me

It's all opinion. At this point all the "switches are good for these uses only" stuff is just people repeating stuff they saw other people repeat. The only real way to decide is to try the switch.

[tp4tissue]

If by gaming you mean Programmable.... Then ERGODOX is the Shiznit.... Fully programmable, even down to the firmware if you're so daring.

If by gaming you mean, will give you magical skill boost without practice... ALSO Ergodox...

If by gaming you mean, you want sexy ladies to come to your house and get intimate with you FOR FREE.... Build an ergodox, clap 3 times, make the wish, bow, and it shall come true....

[CommunistWitchDr]

If by gaming you mean, you want sexy ladies to come to your house and get intimate with you FOR FREE.... Build an ergodox, clap 3 times, make the wish, bow, and it shall come true....

It's true. I was just walking down the street talking to a friend and happened to mention my ergodox. Nearly drowned.



In ****.

[SpAmRaY]

If by gaming you mean, you want sexy ladies to come to your house and get intimate with you FOR FREE.... Build an ergodox, clap 3 times, make the wish, bow, and it shall come true....

Pics or it didn't happen!!

[Leslieann]

2 questions however; i'm relatively new to the different cherry MX switches, and they say that some are designed for gaming and others for typing (eg. blues are specifically for typing), i was wondering if this actually makes a huge difference. i know many pros that game on blues just fine and others that say blues are trash, so i just wanted that cleared up by someone that knows more than me

second question: why do people on these forums have so many keyboards? do you guys switch between them depending on what you're doing on your computer, or do you simply like collecting/assembling/just tinkering with keyboards in general?

Blues work fine for everything, for many people, some people however take issue with the fact that the click you hear, actually happens after the switch has been triggered, you also cannot tell when the switch has released, and that it takes excessive travel to reset the switch, compared to other switches. If you use a light touch and need to double tap, you have very little idea of where in the travel range the switch is at. Keep in mind, many people just hammer keys while gaming, which is why it doesn't matter to them, which is why some swear by them, others swear at them.

I run blues, but only after I modify them to be one piece and shorter travel. So they aren't typical blues after I'm done. If you want a pure typing keyboard, I would recommend looking for a used IBM Model M. Some people even like them for gaming.


As for the second question,
Some is from experimentation, but also I have my desktop, a test bench for work and a rack of servers, each has a mechanical keyboard attached.

[fohat.digs]

If you are looking to solve a specific set of criteria, then attempt to "zero in" on the "perfect" keyboard for your needs.

If you are curious about the "universe" of keyboards, you will need to sample at least half a dozen of the most different switches available.

Edges of the envelope might be Cherry greens and reds, Alps blacks and blues, buckling springs (Fs are way better than Ms in every way except layout and price), light Topres, and flat chiclet scissors.

If you are into gimmicks such as backlighting, you will eliminate more than half of your search.

[tp4tissue]

If you are looking to solve a specific set of criteria, then attempt to "zero in" on the "perfect" keyboard for your needs.

If you are curious about the "universe" of keyboards, you will need to sample at least half a dozen of the most different switches available.

Edges of the envelope might be Cherry greens and reds, Alps blacks and blues, buckling springs (Fs are way better than Ms in every way except layout and price), light Topres, and flat chiclet scissors.

If you are into gimmicks such as backlighting, you will eliminate more than half of your search.

backlighting will be cool again, when it's RETRO.... 

[PythoN]

the poker looks very nice. some other boards i am looking into are the das ultimate with blues and the quickfire rapid with reds (i realize the das is not tenkeyless OR 60%, but the board itself just looks and feels so awesome that i'm in love with it  )

do you guys think these are good choices? since i don't have much money to really spend at all (being a student sucks  ), do you think that the quickfire pro and the das are 2 solid boards to own for my gaming and typing needs?

and again, i'm not interested in backlighting whatsoever i'm actually considering even selling my quickfire if i like my new board too much

[tricheboars]

for your budget i say the poker 2.  but that is kind of boring by itself.

since you already have one board you should save a little more money to get something a little cooler. you also need money for some dope caps.

ergodox is way badass but it is going to cost at least 237 bucks. but you get to build something and soldering is fun. although diodes arent fun for me.

[PythoN]

do keycaps really make that much of a difference? is it just the texture and looks that is good about them?

and the poker does look really nice, but i feel like i am leaning towards the das ultimate simply because of the already nice keycaps and amazing quality. however i hear rumors that recently das keyboards have been produce in china and many have been returned due to bad quality. is there any truth to this?

[TimIsABat]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44920.msg934699#msg934699

Here is my review of the different switches using the WASD Sampler Kit!

This is from my newbie perspective which might help you.

[PythoN]

i was just reading your review! while i appreciate the effort you put into it, i don't feel like it would be a good guide for me simply because you mention that you like browns the least whereas i find browns to feel very good. however, my lack of experience with the other switches may be a factor. who knows, maybe if i try them all browns WILL be my least favorite.

knowing myself as a typist and gamer, however, i know that i like feedback from my keys, therefore i am most interested in blue and brown switches. i also think reds may be nice because of how light people say they are, whereas blacks seem like they may not be as suitable for me.

[JPG]

do keycaps really make that much of a difference? is it just the texture and looks that is good about them?

and the poker does look really nice, but i feel like i am leaning towards the das ultimate simply because of the already nice keycaps and amazing quality. however i hear rumors that recently das keyboards have been produce in china and many have been returned due to bad quality. is there any truth to this?

Keycaps make a HUGE difference! I was sceptic until I got my vortex thick pbt set. Let me explain how they feel different compared to oem abs keycaps:

-- They make less noise (cause thick)
-- The pbt feels different (I like it much better than abs)
-- The profile (cherry for my pbt vs oem) is much lower, so the travel to bottom out is reduced

As you can see, these difference, in the end, are much of a personal choice. Personally, I my thick pbt with cherry profile to my abs oem by A LOT, but that might not be the case for you. You have to try it out.

BUT I guarantee you that the feeling is MUCH different, whatever you prefer.

[funkymeeba]

Don't worry about keycaps until you find a switch you really like. That really ought to be an afterthought.

[do_Og@n]

I would suggest buying either a Cooler Master QFR (Quick Fire Rapid) because they are cheap and there are a lot of switches available on it or a Poker 2.

But...if I were  to start all over again with my keyboard collection I would go straight into customized or Korean import keyboards. Yes they are more expensive but they will feel amazing and of course look amazing.

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to the club. To bad you are now poor.

[Techno Trousers]

I would suggest buying either a Cooler Master QFR (Quick Fire Rapid) because they are cheap and there are a lot of switches available on it or a Poker 2.

I'll just jump on the bandwagon and recommend the QuickFire series. I have an original QuickFire Rapid with blue switches, which I really like. Just got the black cover to reduce the fugliness factor a bit, but the build quality is really nice and it was cheap compared to my original Filco.

If you are a very competent touch typist, you might also consider the QuickFire Stealth series. All switches available with that line too, and the nearly blank keycaps look badass (to my eye).

I know that 60% boards are all the rage right now, but depending on what you do besides gaming, they might not be your cup of tea. For example, I do a lot of text editing, so quick access to the arrows/delete/home/end/PgUp/PgDn is very important to my work, and having them buried under a function layer would drive me up the wall.

There is another reduced form factor: 75%. This would be like the Noppo Choc Mini, where the keys are compressed together, the function keys are combined into the number row (with a function layer for the F keys), yet the arrows and some of the other keys are available as a single press. That's as small as I'd personally want to go, although having to learn the new positions of the home/end/etc. would be difficult for me.

As everyone else has said, just try out what you find interesting, and see where it takes you. I'm starting to experiment with both Cherry MX green and various flavors of ALPS switches now. Fun!

[knotra]

WASD v2

[rowdy]

Don't worry about keycaps until you find a switch you really like. That really ought to be an afterthought.

Or, you might find that a different set of keycaps will alter your perception and thus appreciation of a particular type of switch.

[tricheboars]

Don't worry about keycaps until you find a switch you really like. That really ought to be an afterthought.

Or, you might find that a different set of keycaps will alter your perception and thus appreciation of a particular type of switch.

this is true. different switches are best on different types of plastic and profiles.

for example. Blues with o-rings on POM caps are amazing. But the same setup with browns blows ****.