How have your tastes changed since getting into mechanical keyboards/joining GH?

[SpAmRaY]

Just thought of another thing that's changed more recently. GMK and Cherry double shots have ruined me, have Klaxon and CCnG sets sitting here and I haven't even bothered putting them on because they're so thin compared to Cherry.

^^ this 1000x

[MOZ]

I started off with the flashy Razer BWU, and then though to get a better quality full-size, so got the Ducky. To fix a problem on it, I ended up with a 100 blue switches in my hand some soldering gear. What do I do? Well, I build an ErgoDox, thinking this would be my last keyboard and here I am trying to build as many keyboards in as many form factor as possible, just to try them all!

I don't think I will ever move away from my ErgoDox, however it is cool to have all the form factors for the novelty of lecturing people on keyboards I love lecturing

[TheSoulhunter]

Form factor: Fullsize (The only thing available back then) -> TKL (Much better, but..) -> 60% (Sticked with it since the Poker was released)
Keycaps: Printed ABS -> Blank ABS -> Blank ABS -> Printed ABS (Damn, have to replace often because they get shiny) -> PBT -> DS ABS -> PBT -> POM -> DS ABS -> PBT
Switches: MX Blue -> Brown -> Blue -> Red -> Black -> Red -> Clear -> Green -> Clear -> Grey -> Clear -> Ergo Clear -> White -> Clear -> Ergo Clear -> Variable weighted Clears

[daerid]

I think I went through about 20 keyboards before I settled on the ErgoDox. As much as I love Topre, I can't go back to a staggered layout. As far as MX is concerned, browns were my fav for quite a long time. Recently, though, I've grown to love stock Clears to the exclusion of everything else.

[ynrozturk]

I still have a lot to experiment with. So far I've tried the standard MX switches - blue, brown, red and black. Linear switches are just not for me, I know that much. I'd have to say that brows suit me best, because I type a lot and they are quite comfortable for that.

Topre seems very, very appealing. However, they are pretty expensive and a lot of people say that it's just a glorified rubber dome. However, I don't really care what others have to say, I'll have to make up my own mind once I try them. And even if they do feel like rubber dome, that's not really a bad thing. Because still to this day, I still type fastest on a crappy Logitech than I do on my MX Browns, and I have no idea why. So maybe Topre will be beneficial, who knows.

I've never owned a full sized mech before, I started out with TKL and I still like that form factor. I also really like my Poker II so I dunno.. I just like the way the Poker looks and feels. I actually have my eye on a Race right now with MX White, so I may give that a try.

[Linkbane]

Because still to this day, I still type fastest on a crappy Logitech than I do on my MX Browns, and I have no idea why.

Probably because you have yet to learn proper typing technique with a mechanical and bottom out.

[ynrozturk]

Because still to this day, I still type fastest on a crappy Logitech than I do on my MX Browns, and I have no idea why.

Probably because you have yet to learn proper typing technique with a mechanical and bottom out.

It's true that I tend to bottom out most of the time. That's something I'm still working on. As for finger placement technique, I'm fine with my 9 finger method which works fine for me. I think it also has to do with most rubber domes just having a lower profile in general. I should experiment with some wrist rests or something.

[mr. rampage]

When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

[Linkbane]

When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

[Thimplum]

When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0

[Linkbane]

When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0

[rowdy]

Actually one small change - I now prefer TKL instead of full size.

[libo720]

I used to be that guy that thought the only and best mechanical keyboard that existed was the Razer Black Widow ultimate, i thought OMG those LEDs are so cool! I thought only fools would get those TLK keyboards. Boy how have my opinions changed now.

[Phedran]

So far it's more of an evolution of perception for me, as I've only been in the hobby lifestyle for around a month.

Came into this thinking I wanted something backlit, something with MX Browns; hadn't even seen a tenkeyless nevermind a 60% before, but I'd fallen in love with the sound of the Leopold FC660C (on youtube).

Started looking into keyboards and discovered all the wild and wonderful things out there, and wanted something I could customize.

With further research I landed on Topre, totally eschewed backlighting, and tweaked my workspace to accommodate for my Leopold FC660C.

Still yearned for something I could make my own, but even with further questing and window-shopping and all the delicious options out there I'm leaning towards something sleek, something pure and slick and well designed from the start. Loving the hell out of my Leopold but tempted to get something else too.

Now I'm wavering between getting a Poker II with MX Browns and adding blank keys, to have an alternative feeling board and a project I can work on, lube, silence, and tweak to my hearts content... or just saving up / asking for a blank white HHKB Pro 2 for Christmas.

[Thimplum]

When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0

Show Image

I've always wanted to do that one. BTW, you prob already saw, but the hyperlink text is a thread about a 40% board.

[AuRinBei]

When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0

Show Image

I've always wanted to do that one. BTW, you prob already saw, but the hyperlink text is a thread about a 40% board.

I don't know if you realized this or not, but that link does not lead to a thread about a 40% board. It actually links to a video of Rick Astley singing a song. I would be very interested in a 40% board though. I don't really need the number row, I can just type all of them out if I have to. Backspace is for people who make mistakes. All of those modifiers on the right side seem pretty redundant, and I'm not sure I remember the last time I had to use the letters Q or X. Are there any boards that are just a function key and maybe a couple of the more popular letters?

[Thimplum]

When I started I knew TKL were for me.. Now, TKL takes up too much space. 60% for me and really curious about the 40% project going on.

40%? Tell me more..

Do you even forum bro?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47133.0

Show Image

I've always wanted to do that one. BTW, you prob already saw, but the hyperlink text is a thread about a 40% board.

I don't know if you realized this or not, but that link does not lead to a thread about a 40% board. It actually links to a video of Rick Astley singing a song.

The TEXT, not the URL...

[IvanIvanovich]

Hehehe. I haven't seen anyone go for a Rickroll for awhile.

[Thimplum]

Hehehe. I haven't seen anyone go for a Rickroll for awhile.

I do it occasionally. If you do it too much or when it's obvious, then it doesn't work very well.

[Hellmark]

About the only thing that has changed since I joined, is that I have a bolt modded M now. On the horizon, I do want to build my own, but that's not going to be real soon.

[zoolzoo]

When I joined GH i thought I wanted a fullsize board. Then I went TKL. Now I prefer 60%.

Ive realized the smaller something can be while remaining completely usable is best.....for looks and ergonomics.

[Dubsgalore]

too much has changed...
I've discovered my preferences and loves
back in February...I was trying to learn what pbt caps were...and how to find a set for my das....

now...well..things have certainly changed
I'm a cherry fanboy and can only use thick abs anymore...
I only really like older sets and older cherry boards
60% keyboards are my favorite and my one true love for size

i kinda like julysicles... 

[JaccoW]

I started out with a Déck Legend Frost with MX Clears and even after trying a couple of other switches they are still my preferred switch. A little over a year or so I wanted to try something smaller as I was deeply disappointed by the rubber domes I had at my internship so I bought a TKL with Browns. They weren't bad  but I was so used to the tactile feedback the clears gave me so I sold it and bought a version of the same board with Clears. It's my daily driver and especially with some o-rings it is a dream to type on, especially since I sometimes still bottom out on them. XD
Then my recent addiction to novelty keycaps took off and I now have several boxes with keys from groupbuys and a couple of special keysets...

Never really felt the need to buy other keyboards, though some of the Korean customs look nice, since there aren't that many boards with stock Clears and I do not want to take up an soldering iron just yet.
Even though I liked the looks of the Poker I didn't completely like the layout. So when I came across the Leopold FC660M my interest was piqued.

Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft but I do dream of doing some modding... stickers, adding leds and a couple of other things. Maybe in the future.

[Linkbane]

Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft

Have you ever possibly heard of an MX Green, MX/Alps Blue, Matias Clicky?
Clears might be tactile for a silent switch, but clicky switches are on a different level of tactility.

[Thimplum]

Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft

Have you ever possibly heard of an MX Green, MX/Alps Blue, Matias Clicky?
Clears might be tactile for a silent switch, but clicky switches are on a different level of tactility.

IMO, the tactility of blues/greens is quite artificial. Clears are know to have a huge tactile bump, whereas blues have good tactility, but not really on the same level. It you want REALLY tactile, buckling spring all the way.

[Linkbane]

Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft

Have you ever possibly heard of an MX Green, MX/Alps Blue, Matias Clicky?
Clears might be tactile for a silent switch, but clicky switches are on a different level of tactility.

IMO, the tactility of blues/greens is quite artificial. Clears are know to have a huge tactile bump, whereas blues have good tactility, but not really on the same level. It you want REALLY tactile, buckling spring all the way.

If a function of the keyswitch is artificial, every keyswitch is linear with an 'artificial' tactility. Blues are very tactile because they have both the bump of browns as well as the movement of the part generating the click (not sure of its name), and Greens even more so because of the stronger spring. Perhaps because there is no click, the bump of a Clear is more noticable, but it is included and magnified in the Greens.

[Tarzan]

I've become a big fan of linear switches.  When I started, I looked for switches with tactile feedback; MX Browns, MX Greens, MX Whites, etc.  Then I tried a G80-1501 with vintage MX Black switches, and my eyes were opened...  Now my favorite keyboard is a Ducky Pro with MX Greys.

Having said that, of course, I'm typing this on a Model M, but you've gotta show respect to the classics!

[JaccoW]

Clears are still my favourite switch because everything else is either not tactile enough or too soft

Have you ever possibly heard of an MX Green, MX/Alps Blue, Matias Clicky?
Clears might be tactile for a silent switch, but clicky switches are on a different level of tactility.

I have. I do not own a Mr. Interface switch try bag for nothing.
The only one that could possibly interest me is the MX Green and the Matias Clicky.
But Greens are rare and I do not really care if the switch is clicky or not. The tactility of Browns disappeared when I started typing faster and I missed quite a few strokes on them. If Blues are similar then I will probably have the same problem. I was thinking of converting my touchpad to Greens and make a row with each switch.

[deazncy]

Went from QFR w/ blues as my first keyboard (loved it), then went to a Max Nighthawk with browns which I thought were okay, but I really wanted to try linear switches. I got mx reds first (Ducky Shine 2) which I loved so much, then later on got a Choc Mini with blacks which I didn't like as much as reds.

After restlessly searching for the perfect switches, I stumbled upon Topre switches and I was forced to buy a fc660c. I thought it felt so amazing, but I still couldn't justify paying so much for nicer feeling rubber domes; I say this because when I typed on my brother's standard Dell rubber dome keyboard, I could only tell a slight difference between the two and that made me so upset.

I eventually wanted to go back to Cherry but wanted a board I could customize, just in case I missed blues, reds, browns, etc. This led me to buy a Poker X and I modded it to ergo clears, which I fell in love with. It's still my daily driver, and the only keyboard I own at this point (I sold all the others). I'm planning on getting the new yellow Ducky Shine 3 as an addition to my Poker because I want a full sized keyboard. I've already ordered the Ducky white keycap set and I'm really excited for that keyboard's release.

[chengguo1987]

Actually not much. I accepted the idea of TKL (AKA "87" Layout Keyboard in China) after reading dozens of reviews and threads. So far I only bought QFR w/browns and I'm using it.
I'm considering changing the keycaps to blank white PBT. I am not sure about next buy, maybe a full-size back-lit keyboard with black switches, NKRO under USB? Or a left-haned keyboard which looks unique?

[spiceBar]

So far it's more of an evolution of perception for me, as I've only been in the hobby lifestyle for around a month.

Came into this thinking I wanted something backlit, something with MX Browns; hadn't even seen a tenkeyless nevermind a 60% before, but I'd fallen in love with the sound of the Leopold FC660C (on youtube).

Started looking into keyboards and discovered all the wild and wonderful things out there, and wanted something I could customize.

With further research I landed on Topre, totally eschewed backlighting, and tweaked my workspace to accommodate for my Leopold FC660C.

Still yearned for something I could make my own, but even with further questing and window-shopping and all the delicious options out there I'm leaning towards something sleek, something pure and slick and well designed from the start. Loving the hell out of my Leopold but tempted to get something else too.

Now I'm wavering between getting a Poker II with MX Browns and adding blank keys, to have an alternative feeling board and a project I can work on, lube, silence, and tweak to my hearts content... or just saving up / asking for a blank white HHKB Pro 2 for Christmas.

From a FC660C to a Poker II? I think you are going to regret purchasing the Poker.

If you want a cool project, turn your FC660C into a Type-S model (silent). The Type-S FC660C cannot be purchased, it does not exist. Type-S Realforce and HHKB can be purchased, but there is no Type-S FC660C. You can have one only if you do it yourself.

Once silenced, the keyboard is unbelievably smooth. No more "Thock Thock" (the "-ck" being the plastic against plastic noise on the upstroke). It's just a smooth "Thump Thump".

I have described the mod here:
  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49046.msg1056220#msg1056220

The post starts with a video with the top two rows silenced and the other ones non-silenced.

Later in the thread I show side by side a silenced FC660C and a non-silenced Realforce. Both had almost the same sound before the silencing, so it gives you an idea about how smoother your FC660C will be.

[terran5992]

Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

[rowdy]

Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

I'd never heard the word Thorpe until I joined here and hung around for a while, reading the wild and crazy stories that people post.

Or fourm

[unicomp_uc]

Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

Same... I didn't know the difference between any of the MX switches either. I wanted a "Loud, old-school keyboard like the Model M" and bought a Unicomp forever ago. Realized that it was a little too loud and grating on early and/or hanover mornings and ordered my browns... Now I'm on to Topre and can't wait to put a feeling to the description I keep reading about.

[unicomp_uc]

Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

I'd never heard the word Thorpe until I joined here and hung around for a while, reading the wild and crazy stories that people post.

Or fourm

At the risk of sounding total noob; what is Thorpe? I know it's about Topre, but I don't get the reference if there is one.

[rowdy]

Never heard of the word topre until i got on this fourm

I'd never heard the word Thorpe until I joined here and hung around for a while, reading the wild and crazy stories that people post.

Or fourm

At the risk of sounding total noob; what is Thorpe? I know it's about Topre, but I don't get the reference if there is one.

From the subject of this thread.

[unicomp_uc]

lmao... poor guy.

[keymaster]

Before I knew about mechanical keyboards, I usually had a decent Logitech keyboard.

More

After joining GeekHack...
The perfect size keyboard for my use is a TKL. I love MX Clear (62g) switches and 55g Topre the most.
Currently...

I have an itch to buy a big, vintage keyboard to use as my secondary such as this one:


Or the Reuters keyboard with the LCD screen.

It would be so cool to have a "sci-fi" type keyboard on my desk.

[Tony]

I started from a Compaq MX 11800 with brown switch, then it quickly becomes a hobby. Like others, I started to appreciate the TKL and smaller layouts (Choc mini).

After fully appreciating the brown switch, I explore other Cherry switches and now have all four of them, though I have more browns and blues.

[terrpn]

i am now very fond  of older boards (mechanical) that are not as popular or as bling as compared to the newer boards

of course i would have never known about them if it were not for others here on GH

lots of different tastes here, which always make for good reading, which can also be entertaining as well

can be hard on the wallet sometimes though.............

typing on an apple m0116 with orange alps- which are very bouncy

[Phedran]

From a FC660C to a Poker II? I think you are going to regret purchasing the Poker.

If you want a cool project, turn your FC660C into a Type-S model (silent). The Type-S FC660C cannot be purchased, it does not exist. Type-S Realforce and HHKB can be purchased, but there is no Type-S FC660C. You can have one only if you do it yourself.

Once silenced, the keyboard is unbelievably smooth. No more "Thock Thock" (the "-ck" being the plastic against plastic noise on the upstroke). It's just a smooth "Thump Thump".

I have described the mod here:
  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49046.msg1056220#msg1056220

The post starts with a video with the top two rows silenced and the other ones non-silenced.

Later in the thread I show side by side a silenced FC660C and a non-silenced Realforce. Both had almost the same sound before the silencing, so it gives you an idea about how smoother your FC660C will be.

Haha well that's why I haven't done it yet, definitely leaning towards saving up for a HHKB Pro 2 at this point. I was just wondering if I'd want to have different types of switches available to alternate between like perhaps Reds or Browns for something a little lighter, or Clears since I've heard some interesting things about them. The longer I use the FC660C though the more I think I just need more Topre in my life. 

I've already bookmarked and been following your thread however! I haven't decided if I'll try it out yet, but it's a definite possibility that I'll attempt that mod in the future. As it is right now I actually enjoy all of the sounds the FC660C makes, but perhaps with time (I've only had it for a couple weeks!)... I just wish shipping from EK wasn't so killer and I really regret not ordering those additional supplies when I ordered the keyboard! Maybe I'll go in with someone else on an order in the future to cut down shipping.

[Bambino]

I never understood how someone could want to pay $400 on a custom keyboard.  Now I've considered it over and over.  What is going on?!  Who would have thought that I could become so picky about what I like in a keyboard?