My search for perfection (or as close as I can get)

[OldDogmeat]

OK here goes..

I'm new on here and have posted the obligatory 'Hello' post in the 'New Members' section here..
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52761.0

Basically, I found this forum through searching for my ideal keyboard, for gaming mostly, but also for all round PC use.

I'm struggling to find an exact match for my required criteria, mainly due to the fact that I need the keyboard to be wireless whilst also having certain other traits, those being the following..

Wireless interface, lowest latency and strongest signal possible, needs to work from around 6 feet away
Form factor small and compact, but perhaps with function keys (I'm not sure on the exact terminolgy here, tenkeyless?)
Mechanical keyboard with Cherry Red or Cherry Brown switches.
Backlit keys;  Although, I'm now leaning towards coloured keycaps; Basically need to be able to quickly see certain keys in low light.
N Key Roll over, or Ghosting, or whatever its called that allows for simultaneous key presses to register.
Ability to lock out windows keys although I can do this from Windows so its not that important is it?

During my searching/researching I found a useful post on Reddit for wireless gaming Keyboards which I've used as a starting point for finding a best match to my criteria..  the post may well be from someone on this forum..
http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/wireless-mechanical_keyboards

So I'll break down the above list into my thinking on each aspect.. 

Wireless
Here's the biggest stumbling block to allowing me a much wider choice of keyboards;  It simply has to be wireless because I game on the living room TV (so not really hardcore competitive, but still need good response for FPS games..  its a compromise I know)

Mechanical type switches
I've never used a Mechanical Keyboard before so some of the above is just guesswork from reading other websites and forum posts; for example the Cherry MX Red/Brown switches appear popular for gaming and I don't think I'd want a loud click anyway as it could be irritating.

Back-lighting
The back-lighting requirement may be null and void now that I see you can buy different coloured keycaps; In fact for a wireless keyboard I imagine coloured keycaps is the way to go anyway as back-lighting is going to kill batteries. Unless I'm missing something here?

Form factor
I use the keyboard on a cushion on my lap on the living room sofa and find that a smaller keyboard works better than a full sized 104 key affair;  I currently use a small A4Tech GK-5 mini which is great for size as well as the number of keys it has.. see below piccy
http://www.synaline.com/store/product_images/e/496/MO-A4-GK-520D__11845_zoom.jpg

I love the look of the 60% keyboards but think for gaming it would be more useful to have more keys including Function keys etc but not necessarily a number pad

NKRO
Is this available for wireless keyboards even?

Windows Key lock
Do I even need this functionality as I can lock out the windows key by disabling under windows?

It seems I'm asking for the impossible with my list of requirements but have come across a couple of options which come close in the shape of the Noppoo Choc Mini 84-2M, and Neo 87 but it appears to my untrained eye that there may be caveats with both of these keyboards regards the exact spec I'm after.

Also, I quite like the idea of changing out the keycaps for an assortment of coloured keys to help in low light situations so this may also void the requirement for backlighting which seems to be only available on wired mechanical keyboards.

I'd be more than happy to pay for customisation if that would give me what I want in a keyboard so if there are vendors or individuals on these forums who can help please let me know.

I'll admit I'm a little overwhelmed with it all at the moment, especially the in-depth detail that this forum goes into with building keyboards ground up etc so really just need guidance.

Many thanks in advance for any help/guidance.

[IvanIvanovich]

Best recommendations for you: Neo Zelia, Plum 96 (I have no idea how legit this place is!), Filco minila Air. All are wireless of some kind. Neo and Plum can be made backlight if you add the LED yourself. Neo and Plum will be most easy to find replacement keycap for, very standard.
No NKRO, but you will get 6KRO it should be enough. Winkeylock is feature of Neo and Plum.

[kyb]

Perfection you say?

HHKB with bluetooth controller mod and dyed keycaps.

[SpAmRaY]

Perfection you say?

HHKB with bluetooth controller mod and dyed keycaps.

You have a Bluetooth hhkb?

[tp4tissue]

A keyboard that "approaches"  perfection, would no doubt be very ergonomic...

Since we can't cut our hands to match our keyboards.. the keyboard must match our hands...


And so.. Egdx...  The rest of you rectangle-people can go diaf..

[1pq]

A keyboard that "approaches"  perfection, would no doubt be very ergonomic...

Since we can't cut our hands to match our keyboards.. the keyboard must match our hands...


And so.. Egdx...  The rest of you rectangle-people can go diaf..

Show Image

Leave it to tp4tissue (aka the topre grinch)

[tp4tissue]

A keyboard that "approaches"  perfection, would no doubt be very ergonomic...

Since we can't cut our hands to match our keyboards.. the keyboard must match our hands...


And so.. Egdx...  The rest of you rectangle-people can go diaf..

Show Image

Leave it to tp4tissue (aka the topre grinch)

Clarification.. I am not against' Topre...  I think it's a FINE switch.. good even..

What i don't like is the fanboi behind it..

and I also do not care for the antiquated layout that plagues the typical rectangular devices.

[neunelfer]

A keyboard that "approaches"  perfection, would no doubt be very ergonomic...

Since we can't cut our hands to match our keyboards.. the keyboard must match our hands...


And so.. Egdx...  The rest of you rectangle-people can go diaf..

Show Image

Leave it to tp4tissue (aka the topre grinch)

Clarification.. I am not against' Topre...  I think it's a FINE switch.. good even..

What i don't like is the fanboi behind it..

and I also do not care for the antiquated layout that plagues the typical rectangular devices.

For one thing, an Ergodox and many other ergo keyboards for that matter have a much larger footprint on the desk. The HHKB has one of the smallest. Needs can differ between users.

[rowdy]

A keyboard that "approaches"  perfection, would no doubt be very ergonomic...

Since we can't cut our hands to match our keyboards.. the keyboard must match our hands...


And so.. Egdx...  The rest of you rectangle-people can go diaf..

Show Image

Leave it to tp4tissue (aka the topre grinch)

Clarification.. I am not against' Topre...  I think it's a FINE switch.. good even..

What i don't like is the fanboi behind it..

and I also do not care for the antiquated layout that plagues the typical rectangular devices.

Also consider that your massively over-hyping the Ergo Dox might put some people off.  They might think they will turn out slavering rabid Ergo Dox fanboi, which is how I gather that some people see you ;)

[terran5992]

Wireless topre ergodox

[1pq]

A keyboard that "approaches"  perfection, would no doubt be very ergonomic...

Since we can't cut our hands to match our keyboards.. the keyboard must match our hands...


And so.. Egdx...  The rest of you rectangle-people can go diaf..

Show Image

Leave it to tp4tissue (aka the topre grinch)

Clarification.. I am not against' Topre...  I think it's a FINE switch.. good even..

What i don't like is the fanboi behind it..

and I also do not care for the antiquated layout that plagues the typical rectangular devices.

Also consider that your massively over-hyping the Ergo Dox might put some people off.  They might think they will turn out slavering rabid Ergo Dox fanboi, which is how I gather that some people see you ;)

I think "some" is an understatement :P
Actually, I prefer to think of him like this:

[tp4tissue]

A keyboard that "approaches"  perfection, would no doubt be very ergonomic...

Since we can't cut our hands to match our keyboards.. the keyboard must match our hands...


And so.. Egdx...  The rest of you rectangle-people can go diaf..

Show Image

Leave it to tp4tissue (aka the topre grinch)

Clarification.. I am not against' Topre...  I think it's a FINE switch.. good even..

What i don't like is the fanboi behind it..

and I also do not care for the antiquated layout that plagues the typical rectangular devices.

Also consider that your massively over-hyping the Ergo Dox might put some people off.  They might think they will turn out slavering rabid Ergo Dox fanboi, which is how I gather that some people see you ;)

I think "some" is an understatement :P
Actually, I prefer to think of him like this:

Show Image

[rowdy]

Wireless topre ergodox

)

With NKRO!

[OldDogmeat]

Thanks Ivan, I'll probably order something through Keyboard Wow, presumably they are a trusted vendor on these forums?

Thanks for all the replies everyone although beyond Ivans reply it all became a little cryptic and then appeared to turn into a bit**ing match which completely lost me.

[kyb]

You have a Bluetooth hhkb?

Not yet.

[taylordcraig]

get a usb extension, wireless is garbage

[OldDogmeat]

OK, so I now know what this ErgoDox thing is

Very interesting and is clearly designed for touch typists and not one finger typists such as myself

Also with a little sleuthing  decrypted the HHKB reference..
http://techshift.net/simplicity-happy-hacking-professional-2-keyboard-review/

I'm posting these links for any other non enlightened new people who may read this thread.

[OldDogmeat]

get a usb extension, wireless is garbage

I agree with you in respect of solid, low latency connectivity, particularly for FPS style gaming, but unfortunately in this instance wires are not an option as they'd be trailing across the living room and would just be a real pain, so I have to be prepared to suffer a little input lag and occasional dropout as a trade off; It's a cross I must bear 

[taylordcraig]

OK, so I now know what this ErgoDox thing is

Very interesting and is clearly designed for touch typists and not one finger typists such as myself

Also with a little sleuthing  decrypted the HHKB reference..
http://techshift.net/simplicity-happy-hacking-professional-2-keyboard-review/

I'm posting these links for any other non enlightened new people who may read this thread.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/ErgoDoxhttp://deskthority.net/wiki/HHKB_Professional

get a usb extension, wireless is garbage

I agree with you in respect of solid, low latency connectivity, particularly for FPS style gaming, but unfortunately in this instance wires are not an option as they'd be trailing across the living room and would just be a real pain, so I have to be prepared to suffer a little input lag and occasional dropout as a trade off; It's a cross I must bear 

The three linked in your thread already are all pretty good options.