Can't find the right mechanical for me

[upperguy]

Hello everyone, first time poster as I'm sure you've noticed.

I've spent the past month or so talking to people and researching which keyboard to get as I spend a ton of time on mine for work, school and fun. I'm looking for a specific set of features and have a few concerns, I've searched through the forum as well but can't seem to find the specific answers I need.

I game a lot, but also write up reports, respond to emails and write the occasional paper. The primary use would be for gaming but I've heard that they are the two opposite ends of the spectrum for ideal switches.

So here goes:
I like the traditional us 104 layout, I am terrible typing numbers with the top bar, so a built in keypad is a must.
I'm confident in my abilities to use blank keycaps, so that is an option. Are there any blanks that are still backlit?
If not blank keycaps, I'd definitely like backlit in either adjustable color or one that is a little more unusual. I will accept blue/red if I must though.
On the keycap note, I've not been able to find any US vendor that carries replacement blank or otherwise(laser/etched/printed whathaveyou) at a reasonable price. Can anyone refer one? I'd like to customize the layout beyond something like Filco's red esc/lavender WASD.
Audio/mic on the keyboard would be nice, but I don't travel with it so I could always just get extensions I suppose, same with USB.
I've switched over to a headset and find myself using the volume control on my old logitech over the in-line switch(though it usually hangs just below the edge of the desk, making it a pain to slide back, locate and adjust.)
It's pretty corny, but I use the calculator button a lot. I suppose any macro/programmable key would work though.

I think that about wraps it up, my only other concern is that sometimes while watching a cut scene in-game, I will inadvertently press a key. I've heard this is also pretty common with the MX blue switches. I think it goes back to Ritalin and shaky hands, but I've skipped way too many cut scenes because of it. I'm not too keen on the blacks without the tactile bump though, I think it's something I'd really enjoy. I remember reading about a higher pressure blue, but today I can't seem to track info down at all.

My budget is ideally under $100 but I'm willing to spend more the closer it fits my vision. I understand I'll be using it for years and years, so I'm willing to make that investment. Thanks for taking the time to read all this if you did, plus more if you have any suggestions!

[JBert]

I'm confident in my abilities to use blank keycaps, so that is an option. Are there any blanks that are still backlit?

Backlighting blank keycaps is rather pointless, isn't it?

[keyb_gr]

So here goes:
I like the traditional us 104 layout, I am terrible typing numbers with the top bar, so a built in keypad is a must.

At a ~$100US price limit, probably yes - otherwise a separate one would also be an option. If you are a right-handed mouse user, a tenkeyless board definitely is a good bit more ergonomic since it reduces mouse - keyboard alternation distance a good bit.

I've switched over to a headset and find myself using the volume control on my old logitech over the in-line switch(though it usually hangs just below the edge of the desk, making it a pain to slide back, locate and adjust.)
It's pretty corny, but I use the calculator button a lot. I suppose any macro/programmable key would work though.

Sounds like you should look at Autohotkey. It'll walk the dog, too.

I think that about wraps it up, my only other concern is that sometimes while watching a cut scene in-game, I will inadvertently press a key. I've heard this is also pretty common with the MX blue switches.

Blues? No way, they have a rather well-defined, sharp tactile bump that's hard to miss. Some people hardly notice the tactile bump on browns though, the uncommon reds (lighter blacks) are even more sensitive in this regard for obvious reasons.

I remember reading about a higher pressure blue, but today I can't seem to track info down at all.

Unsurprisingly so, since these are long discontinued. I guess you were looking for clears, which are a heavier version of browns with a more pronounced tactile bump. Imagine a scissor switch mechanism with some more travel added. Somewhat uncommon.

Seems like you got browns and blues mixed up.

In terms of switch options, I'd suggest you look into these (the "mechanical keyboards by switch" wiki will spit out some candidates for 'boards then):
Buckling spring
MX blues
MX clears

They all have tactility that's hard to miss plus smooth action. Blues are a bit lighter than the other two, which are about equal in terms of force. The Cherry switches will actuate at mid-travel, BS about 2/3 down. Gaming wise, I'd say they would be better in the opposite order than listed above, but it seems people still are fine with blues. (Browns seem a fairly good compromise but I left those out as they may be too subtle.) Noise level should be lowest by far with the clears.

In any case you should definitely try some mechanical board with any of the above before buying. It sounds like you have zero experience in this area. A used Model M (not a rubber dome variety) might not be the worst option since you wouldn't lose a lot of money.

[upperguy]

Backlighting blank keycaps is rather pointless, isn't it?

I like the look of the light under the keys, I doubt anyone does it but if I'm spelling out a dream keyboard:-p

keyb_gr
Your name doesn't happen to mean keyboard guru does it? Thanks for all the input, I think I'm going to be going with the blues and I thought about your point regarding the tenkeyless and I'm open to it. I think that the times it has gotten in the way outweigh the times it has come in handy. I would however, be against a compact layout. My hands are just too big(6'7 to begin with) and I use the delete way too often to try to relearn it.

Looking at the Filco tenkeyless, are there any other options with the audio/usb and back lighting? Does that layout come with a different title? I've searched 87 key, tenkeyless and so on but nothing relevant really pops up. That being said, if the key layout varies from the standard 104, I definitely can't go blank.

Are there any companies that make reasonable color replacement keycaps? I saw the Filco set for $70 but for blank caps that seems....excessive. Especially being that blanks can't cost more than a few pennies to manufacture, if even that.

I'm the best and worst kind of buyer, I do an enormous amount of research and second guess myself every step of the way.

[keyb_gr]

keyb_gr
Your name doesn't happen to mean keyboard guru does it?

Nope. I think only those who have used DOS with a non-US keyboard layout will get that one...

Looking at the Filco tenkeyless, are there any other options with the audio/usb and back lighting?

NAFAIK. The most common mechanical tenkeyless (but otherwise conventional) boards are Filcos and Topres. There's more like that going on in Southeast Asia, particularly Korea and China, but the respective products rarely make it out of there. Take "most common" as "least uncommon" in this case.

Some more boards with detachable numpads exist in the rubber dome realm (the MS Sidewinder X6 comes to mind - not a bad concept per se, if only reliability weren't this lousy).

There is only one manufacturer of backlit mechanical keyboards, namely Déck (or more precisely their parent company TG3).

[upperguy]

Okay after listening to a few comparison videos, I'm a little concerned about the volume of the blues. I like everything I've heard about the clears, but they seem almost impossible to find. Maybe I'll have to take a trip overseas and stuff my bags! I wish haha.

Is the bump in the browns really that easy to miss? It looks like elite is out of most of the tenkeyless and there is no way I can justify the price of the Topre.

[upperguy]

Those are all blues?

[keyboardlover]

This Deck keyboard has cherry clears and I've always been curious about it. If you get it, a review would be nice! =)

[msiegel]

Not so much volume as pitch

you're right, that dude does have kind of a high voice

[upperguy]

Brown, then Buckling Spring, then Blues.

well I feel silly, I guess it's not a huge difference really. I like the idea of having a distinct bump in the keystroke, blue it is!


I'm pretty sure it was a female in the video too! haha

I don't know if I really like the font on the deck and as far as USB/audio I found a desk insert that offers USB and headset/mic plugs that will fit in the wire hole on my desk, so I'm less concerned about those features.

How do the lower priced mech keyboards compare to the Filcos, Das and Decks? I mean I see the Ione Scorpius M10 listed at $60 and beyond the fit and finish, is there a noticeable difference?

[woody]

Nope. I think only those who have used DOS with a non-US keyboard layout will get that one...

There were better ways, thankfully.