1st Mech KB Narrowed Down to Two Choices

[Neutrolizer]

Hey guys, this will be my first mechanical keyboard and as the title says, I'm looking for any and all opinions!

For the first step, I'm already pretty sure I want blue switches. Tried the Logitech G910+ Romer switches and really disliked it compared to Razer Orange Switches (or whichever one clicks).

As for my usages of mechanical keyboards, I don't game as much as I use to. I play Dota 2 rarely and could potentially play WoW if I ever subscribe again. I only use the arrow keys for facebook and F5 for refresh. While I can go with a 60% keyboard, its such a scary change in case I ever need the arrow keys... which is why the TKL is here. I will be starting a Postbacc program in September so its highly possible I may be typing more than gaming too haha

Ducky Shine 3 TKL vs. KC60

Now the two choices I've narrowed it down to is the Ducky Shine 3 TKL since its on sale. I heard its an amazing price to get it at $105. What I like about it is that it is well known and good quality. It also has a snake spacebar and the light show is pretty cool. But it costs $105 and it has ABS keycaps which I do not want. Don't want them getting shiny and gross. But I don't plan on getting new keycaps since this keyboard is already expensive (to me). Also bonus it comes with the red WASD keys and a keycap puller for when I need to clean the kb. As for the backlight, it's very cool but I know the novelty of it will wear off. I barely even pay attention to my razer naga.

Second is the KC60. I have been stuck in Arizona for the past 3 months and forced to rely on my surface pro so I know I can survive on a 60% (Well technically I guess its a 75%, but I've still never used the extra keys). What I like about it is that the gateron switches have gotten positive reviews and I really want to get in on that since everyone says the sounds of the blues are much more crisp and smooth. Also it has PBT keycaps which is very nice so I do not have to buy a new set at all. AND its only $85.

What I want is everyone's opinion as to what they recommend for me based on my information. Its really split 50/50 right now and I won't regret either choice. I just want to make the best decision. Basically is it worth it to pay an extra $20 for the DS3? Or is getting the KC60 at $85 a steal as well? I have until the 30th of this month until both deal ends and I've been so very very conflicted about this for the past few days already! Please help!

[EscapeVelocity]

Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL


Any Key Programmable Macro, plenty of key rollover, standard placement arrow keys, LEDs are adjustable by key for custom gaming layouts.  Types great. Macro recording on the fly. All of this self contained on the keyboard (dont need software)

Im selling my 75% KBT Race II. Dont need the portability and the regular TKL gives plenty of room to bring the mouse in closer.

[user 18]

Personally I'd pick the Ducky. KC60 with Cherry switches is already up to $90 plus shipping, and it appears that you can only get the lasered caps now. I'm not a fan of lasered caps because sometimes you can feel the legend where the keycap plastic has been removed by laser. This shouldn't be much of an issue if the caps are properly infilled, but I know it bothers some people, and I don't think there's any information on where those caps come from.

The other thing is that Ducky is a known quantity in terms of build quality. It's excellent. I don't know what kind of rep the KC60's manufacturer has.

[SpAmRaY]

Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL


Any Key Programmable Macro, plenty of key rollover, standard placement arrow keys, LEDs are adjustable by key for custom gaming layouts.  Types great. Macro recording on the fly. All of this self contained on the keyboard (dont need software)

Im selling my 75% KBT Race II. Dont need the portability and the regular TKL gives plenty of room to bring the mouse in closer.

I didn't know any ducky boards had on the fly macros or any macros for that matter.

[EscapeVelocity]

I thought they did. I may be wrong about that.

[micr0n]

You got a tough choice, but maybe something to think about.  When you do game, do you use the fn keys a lot?  If so, the ducky is a better choice.  With the kc60, this is fully programmable, so you might be able to get away with a full customization layer.  It just might be a new adjustment for you if your up for the challenge.

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

I'd also choose the Ducky

[Neutrolizer]

You got a tough choice, but maybe something to think about.  When you do game, do you use the fn keys a lot?  If so, the ducky is a better choice.  With the kc60, this is fully programmable, so you might be able to get away with a full customization layer.  It just might be a new adjustment for you if your up for the challenge.

Never use the F keys. Yeah the adjustment is definitely scary.

Personally I'd pick the Ducky. KC60 with Cherry switches is already up to $90 plus shipping, and it appears that you can only get the lasered caps now. I'm not a fan of lasered caps because sometimes you can feel the legend where the keycap plastic has been removed by laser. This shouldn't be much of an issue if the caps are properly infilled, but I know it bothers some people, and I don't think there's any information on where those caps come from.

The other thing is that Ducky is a known quantity in terms of build quality. It's excellent. I don't know what kind of rep the KC60's manufacturer has.

Thank you yeah I had signed up for it with only the lasered caps. Though from what I read about gateron switches on this site made the KC60 really tempting.

Welcome to Geekhack!

I'd also choose the Ducky

Thank you

So I think with this amount of feedback, I'm going to go with the Ducky! Thanks everybody!

Getting addicted to this keyboard stuff already.. got my eyes on the Pok3r MX Clears as my next buy haha. Really want to try the 60% form factor and clears in case the blues get too loud and need a switch.

[rowdy]

Pok3r in general is a very popular board, and MX clears are a very popular switch, so that would be another fine combination