I'm new but also not new

[saturnotaku]

Greetings Geekhack community,

I'll dispense with the long-time lurker, first-time poster malarkey and get right to it. I'm not a stranger to mechanical keyboards, having most recently used a CM Storm Rapid and a Deck Ice 82 before that. While the Cherry MX Black switches were good, after test driving some other models, I've found I actually prefer the MX Browns instead. This is where I'd like to solicit some advice from the community.

I'm looking for a 60% board that I can use everyday at home, work, and on the road. Aside from MX Brown switches, other features I'm looking for are:

- Detachable USB cable
- Mac OS X compatibility
- Easy to manipulate function layer
- Though not absolutely necessary, dedicated arrow keys are strongly preferred
- Some degree of keycap customization. I'm not looking to go hog wild here, but I'd like something where I can replace the letter and number keys at least

Based on these criteria, I've narrowed my options down to three: Tex Beetle, Leopold FC660M, and Poker II. I'm leaning toward the Tex but the small right shift key concerns me, and getting keycaps might be an issue. It also appears to be the heaviest of the bunch. The Leopold probably has the best layout, but it also has non-standard keycaps. The Poker has a pretty standard layout and easy to replace caps, but I'm not entirely sold on its lack of dedicated arrow keys.

Are there any ones I'm missing or would any of these be the best bet?

All three of the models I'm presently considering have immediate availability, which is good because I'm looking to purchase in the next day or two. I'd prefer not to have to wait as I'm starting a new job that will require typing for pretty much 8 hours a day.

Thank you in advance for any and all advice.

[SnareSpectre]

I can't say anything for the Tex or the Leopold, but I bought a Poker II about a week ago and have been using it since (albeit with blue switches instead of brown). My biggest concern mirrored one of yours - lack of dedicated arrow keys.

Others might have a different opinion on this, but in just a few short days of using this keyboard exclusively, I have already somewhat grown accustomed to arrow keys on the function layer. One of the dipswitches on the back changes the left Window key into a second function key, and when I need to use arrows, I've learned to bend my left thumb to depress it, and use WASD to move around. I still occasionally find myself moving my right hand to hit arrow keys only to remember they're not there, but I think in maybe 1-2 weeks I will have broken the habit.

One thing you didn't mention that has been some trouble for me is the Delete key. It wasn't even a concern for my purchase, but I have found that pressing Fn+Backspace takes a lot more getting used to than you'd think. It's still not a gamebreaker, and I think I'll get used to it as well, but it's something else worth mentioning.

As for build quality- I'm no connoisseur, but this thing is rock solid. The plate gives it weight and it doesn't move around  on my desk at all. I had never typed on PBT caps before this one, but man...I don't ever want to go back to ABS. Also, programming macros to specific keys is a breeze.

Hope this helps your decision a little. I went from a Quickfire Rapid to this, and I'm pretty happy with my choice. Plus, having a keyboard this tiny contributes a lot to the "coolness factor."

[saturnotaku]

Hi SnareSpectre, and thank you for your reply. A dedicated Delete key is not a major concern for me since Fn+Backspace is something I use regularly when typing on my MacBook Pro's keyboard. The lack of aftermarket keycaps will essentially eliminate the Leopold from contention. But based on your post, you've given me even more to think about between the Tex and the Poker. There are definite pros and cons for each, and this decision will not be an easy one.

Again, your insight is much appreciated.

[CPTBadAss]

I would advocate a Poker 2. I think that of the options you posted, that is the best one. It's programmable, pretty standard layout for easy cap swapping, and I heard the pre-programmed function layer is pretty nice. Check out WhiteFireDragon's review on it. Issue is I don't know anything about Mac OS and it doesn't have dedicated arrows.

[saturnotaku]

The Captain has spoken. 

According to MK.com, the Poker 2 is compatible with OS X. One other nice thing about it is that a wire puller is included. The final decision will almost certainly rest upon whether or not I can live without dedicated arrows.

[saturnotaku]

After much internal debate, I ordered a Poker 2 from Qtan last night. It shipped today so hopefully it will be in my grubby mitts early next week. 

[SnareSpectre]

Glad to hear it - hope you like yours as much as I do mine!

[saturnotaku]

I hope so, too. I've watched some YouTube videos of folks typing on them, and it looks like it will be a pleasure to use.

I got a set of o-rings from WASD so as not to annoy my wife and co-workers. I was going to buy a couple individual custom keycaps off fleBay, but the seller I was going to buy from is apparently not accepting payments. Wonder if he's about to get suspended because he feedback and star ratings are not exceptional. In any case, I'm looking forward to receiving the board. Qtan shipped it today, and hopefully it will leave China before the super typhoon is scheduled to make landfall.

[SnareSpectre]

How much was the board, shipped? I've heard a lot about Qtan and he seems to be a reputable seller, but shipping from China seems like it would take a long time and cost a ton.

I got mine from mechanicalkeyboards.com and it was $110 shipped (free shipping) - and it took all of 2 days to get here. I was crazy impressed...although I do only live about 4 hours away from the physical location.

[saturnotaku]

It cost $115 with express shipping from China. Standard airmail would have been only about $6 less, which to me isn't worth the potentially much longer wait. I would have probably ordered from MK.com, but I could swear they were out of stock yesterday when I ordered from Qtan. MK's search and product pages leave something to be desired so it's entirely possible I just missed it.

In any case, it's all the same product and if the shipping is truly express, it won't take much longer to get here than with free standard shipping from MK.

[CPTBadAss]

Congrats on your purchase! Let us know how it works for you .

[Sifo]

Congrats on your purchase! Let us know how it works for you .

Can't get any newer than this guy....

(ignore me)