Need help choosing mechanical keyboard

[MyersKL]

This is my initial foray into the world of mechanical keyboards. I've researched keyboards for the last week -- Das Keyboard, Code, CM Storm Quick Fire and TK, Corsair and Ducky. I don't want to blow a load of money.  I'm a copywriter, not a gamer. I'm leaning towards Cherry MX Blues. Backlighting is not essential. I would be willing to invest $100.

Any thoughts or recommendations.

P.S. The CS Quick Fire (Stealth especially) caught my attention. It appears to offer an attractive combination of price and performance.

[dorkvader]

Blues are often recommended for a person who writes a lot, You may also like to try out a unicomp or model M keyboard. My roommate does a lot of writing for his translation service, and he loves the new IBM model M I got him.

For cherry, Cooler Master's CMstorm line is very well reviewed. I have owned several of the QFR's (the stealth is the same quality construction internally) and quite like them.

If you do get the QFR on sale, you can spend some of the rest of the $100 on some nicer keycaps if you like. The ones it comes with are decent, but prone to wear out after a while.

[MyersKL]

Thanks for the advice. Appreciate it.  I'll probably make a purchase decision this week, and order through Amazon. Perhaps you have some suggestions on where to order from. 

It would be nice to have a keyboard with media keys. But, again, not a deal breaker. Also, I'm leaning toward the TKL version. It will free up some space for my mouse and mouse pad.

[Linkbane]

+1 for TK if you use numbers, the format is genius, and it's also pretty cheap.

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Model M is great (using one to type this), but can be a bit heavy if you are not used to mechanical keyboards.  You can get a TKL Model M, called SSK (space saver keyboard), but they are a bit expensive.

Blues are lighter, and still provide the tactile feedback.

Another vote for QFS - I use one as my daily driver at work (albeit with greens, which are stiffer blues).  After at least 6 months it is still going strong.

[MyersKL]

OK. Thanks.

If anyone else has any suggestions or advice, I would appreciate the comments.

Kirk

P.S.: Any opinions about backlighting? I believe the Quick Fire Stealth doesn't feature it, but the TK does.

[esko997]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Model M is great (using one to type this), but can be a bit heavy if you are not used to mechanical keyboards.  You can get a TKL Model M, called SSK (space saver keyboard), but they are a bit expensive.

Blues are lighter, and still provide the tactile feedback.

Another vote for QFS - I use one as my daily driver at work (albeit with greens, which are stiffer blues).  After at least 6 months it is still going strong.

+1, I also have a QFS with Greens that I use at work, absolutely love this think, would definitely recommend!

[MyersKL]

Thanks for the advice.

[rowdy]

OK. Thanks.

If anyone else has any suggestions or advice, I would appreciate the comments.

Kirk

P.S.: Any opinions about backlighting? I believe the Quick Fire Stealth doesn't feature it, but the TK does.

No backlighting on the QFS.

Ducky Shine is generally recommended as a good quality keyboard with backlighting.  I have three Ducky Shines (various models, switches and colours) - all are great.  One in particular is still going strong after more than a year of pounding as a daily driver (currently being borrowed by someone else at work).