Time for my first Mechanical: Deck clears or blacks

[Boyiee]

Hey guys, I know there are quite a few of these threads, and I apologize for making another - but I was directed here by my fellow [h]ardforum-ers and figured I'd give it a shot after lurking for a while. After I get my hands on my first mechanical, I'd hope to continue to contribute to what you have here, be it reviews or even threads like these.

Anyway: I've been a Logitech Gseries user for as long as I can remember, I've had G11's, G15v1, G15v2 (current), and I even use their mice (g500 is great for mmo's). Recently my G15v2 started failing and I wanted something new, so at first I was just going to get a g110 or g510 - Hardforum suggested I tried mechanical, and to try here as well.

My first choice was the Razer Blackwidow Ultimate as was suggested. Coming from a G15, backlighting, programmable keys, and media controls are a must. However after looking at some negative reviews of them, and learning as much as I could about Cherry blues, I wasn't too sure I wanted to spend $130 on it (no nkro, really?). I've narrowed down my programmable key usage down to just 2 keys for MMO's, a mount macro in wow and PTT in vent - I think I can live without these... however I'd like to keep the backlighting and maybe media keys.

So, thanks to you guys I was introduced to Deck. I'm going to do my best to get away from the programmable keys with this (hope I can), but my next question would be based on personal opinion - Clears or Blacks.

I play a LOT of mmo's, and FPS, as well as use my computer for surfing the web and browsing. I spend maybe 8-12hours a day in front of my computer, but my main focus is gaming. I do write an occasional paper, but remember I'm coming from a crappy rubber dome so any mechanical is probably a plus in this department. As an introductory mechanical board, that works well for all-around usage, which cherry's would I be happier with?

I'm leaning towards the linear, plus I like the red backlighting, is this a safe choice? I'm used to buying products off of newegg or amazon for easy RMA's returns, but this will be different so I'd like to make the right decision the first time. I can't remember the last time I touched a mechanical, nor do I know if I can get any access to see what they feel like.

[Nibble]

If you are going to game the black switches are great, I heard.

However many people in here like clears, and I would think that they would be a more interesting switch to try.

I am not sure about actuation point on the clears, but I would imagine that it shares properties with browns. And the browns are not that bad for gaming.

[denydog]

I'm used to buying products off of newegg or amazon for easy RMA's returns, but this will be different so I'd like to make the right decision the first time. I can't remember the last time I touched a mechanical, nor do I know if I can get any access to see what they feel like.

Deck has a liberal 30 day return policy.  I chose the tactle clears, but it would be nice to have an easy way to try all types before deciding.

[Boyiee]

Then I'm definitely more tempted to get the red backlit linear model - however with the return policy and so many liking them trying the clears first for about a month doesn't sound like a bad idea.

[audioave10]

Shippers in the US are known to be brutal. I had seen damaged Decks because of that and they shipped with a long thin simple box. I ordered my Deck from Performance PC's and it was double boxed with bubble wrap and well protected.
It was perfect when received. I'm not sure about a return policy however. Just something to think about. Mine is the linear Blacks and fine for gaming but if I typed all day I'd more likely use the tactile Clears.
Good Luck!

[mrblond]

If you order from Ppc you don't get the 30 days to return it. I sent them a Email asking and I got a snotty one in return about only taking them back if they are damaged.
 
  I went with the Legend Fire and I love it. Although I am still tempted to try the clears. Maybe I will pick up the ice at a later date.

[gregh]

I bought a Deck with blacks, a while back, and have returned it since.

It's a great keyboard, well built, etc. The big problem for me was that the keys were slippery. Combine the slickness with the stiffness of the blacks, and you find your fingers sliding off a lot when gaming. I got really annoyed while playing Bad Company 2, because of this.

Also, the Deck's implementation of backlighting isn't my favorite. The lights themselves are fine, but the cutouts they use, to let the light pass through, aren't great at all. IMO, some of the keys are HARDER to read with the light on, because the light kind of passes through some of the cut out, but not all, which makes it a little blurry ... it's hard to explain, really.

Other than those issues I mentioned, I really liked the Deck.

[audioave10]

I noticed the slippery keys at first but after some use those keys are no longer slippery at all. The keys feel very good. It seemed almost dusty at first from the type of keys but became better with use. There may be a break-in period you need for this keyboard.

[runeazn]

get the clears if you want to type a lil bit

[Mr. Perfect]

After playing with the Switch Try Numpad, I have no idea why people keep suggesting linear switches for gaming.

When you say your keyboard is wearing out, what do you mean? If it's anything like my experience, your rubber domes wearing out mean that when you press the key it sinks straight down to the bottom without that little "bump" or "pop". Well, linear switches are designed without the bump. It's like buying prebroken rubber domes. :crazy: The clears on the other hand, are designed with that bump right where the switch activates. It's very easy to "hover" the key just above or below the activation point, with no need to do a full key stroke.

My recommendation is to compare your most heavily used keys, like the WASD cluster, to the keys you never actually use, say the Insert or Scroll Lock key. Which do you like the feel of more?

[Peter]

I have no idea why people keep suggesting linear switches for gaming

After actually PLAYING games with both clicky and linear switches I have no idea
why anyone would recommend clicky switches for a FPS-game .
Besides, it's the only really good switch Cherry makes, if you want clicky, get a Model M .
The Blue Cherry switches are just a cheap attempt at copying the Buckling Spring awesomeness ..  The Browns ?  
Well, IMO 'Browns' are the most boring switches ever made .

I find linear switches superior for gaming and just the opposite for typing !
But then, I'm not You and what YOU like may be entirely different from my preferences .

[turbocharged]

Black switches are great, but obviously aren't for everyone. If any switch has a true Love/Hate relationship, I think it is the blacks....few people say, "yea, their alright"

I plan on getting another Deck Legend with clears for work, but love the linear here at home. I game a lot (almost exclusively FPS) and they are amazing for me (my friend complains his fingers get tired with the stiff switches), but I also really enjoy typing on them. I do bottom out my keys however, which gives a sense of "tactility" because you hit a physical stop.

I bought a Deck with blacks, a while back, and have returned it since.

It's a great keyboard, well built, etc. The big problem for me was that the keys were slippery. Combine the slickness with the stiffness of the blacks, and you find your fingers sliding off a lot when gaming. I got really annoyed while playing Bad Company 2, because of this.

I notice that the keys are indeed slick, but have never found that to be an issue because I press the keys down, not at an angle. Don't know why you would apply force in any direction other than downward??

[Boyiee]

get the clears if you want to type a lil bit

depends what you mean by a lil bit.

I game a lot and surf the web on my other monitor, but I also write a paper probably every 1-2 weeks. Outside of forums, browsing, and the occasional class work, there really isn't much typing of more than a sentence or paragraph here and there.

On my current g15, the wasd feel just like the inset/right ctrl/whatever else, the rubber and domes are fine but the legs are broken the lighting is fading and it's just time for something new. This keyboard was never meant to last as long as it did, was supposed to be a filler anyway.

Some say Black, some say Clear, only thing I do know is I prefer the red backlighting over the white lol.

[turbocharged]

clears clears clears clears clears clears clears. was that clear enough?

You guys aren't helping me hold out on buying my
Legend Tactile

[turbocharged]

depends what you mean by a lil bit.

I game a lot and surf the web on my other monitor, but I also write a paper probably every 1-2 weeks. Outside of forums, browsing, and the occasional class work, there really isn't much typing of more than a sentence or paragraph here and there.

On my current g15, the wasd feel just like the inset/right ctrl/whatever else, the rubber and domes are fine but the legs are broken the lighting is fading and it's just time for something new. This keyboard was never meant to last as long as it did, was supposed to be a filler anyway.

Some say Black, some say Clear, only thing I do know is I prefer the red backlighting over the white lol.

Paper once every 1-2 weeks and the rest gaming...I have to say blacks...especially if you want red backlighting (what I wanted the most as well). I type/matlab code/excel every few days and have no problems with blacks.

[drsauced]

Clearly, Clear are a clear choice, if you have a clear idea, clear vision, and a clear mind (and your bank would clear), but clearly, you're getting clear signals for Cherry Clear.  So, clear your schedule and clear your desk, clearly, a clear clearing will make best use of the Clear.

Meh, just go with the Fire.  You like the color?  Go for it!

[Boyiee]

Paper once every 1-2 weeks and the rest gaming...I have to say blacks...especially if you want red backlighting (what I wanted the most as well). I type/matlab code/excel every few days and have no problems with blacks.

There are a lot of people preaching about the clears so it's not an easy decision as I don't want to use 2 keyboards lol. I guess the clears make more sense for all-around usage though, but for just surfing the web and papers once in a while I should be ok on blacks. Plus, like mentioned, I prefer the red over the white/blue backlighting.

[Boyiee]

Update: My Deck fire (blacks) came in today.

Holy crap is this thing louder than my G15. I bottom out so would the clears have been a quieter choice?

It's loud enough to be disheartening, I may need to keep a 2nd keyboard on my desk for typing.

[pm_]

In my experience, blacks provide absolutely no technical advantage over browns or blues in FPS gaming, whatsoever.  I'm willing to bet it's the same for RTS, MMO etc., and I will hate on them all day long for typing.   It's 100% personal preference based on the feel and noise level of the switch.  

Regarding the amount of noise and the sound the switch makes, when comparing blacks to browns and, I'm assuming clears, it probably depends more on the key caps and PCB vs plate mounted.  I have a Cherry keyboard with blacks, and one with browns, and they both have a similar sound and noise level.    I don't consider the sound to be intrusive or anything, but they are certainly a bit louder than rubber domes.  So from a loudness standpoint, at least in a keyboard with the same/similar design, I don't expect the clears to be any better, unless, perhaps, you learn to not bottom out.

FWIW, I'd think you will adjust to the noise level and it won't bother you, unless you have someone else around that you happen to be annoying with it...

[db_Iodine]

Update: My Deck fire (blacks) came in today.

Holy crap is this thing louder than my G15. I bottom out so would the clears have been a quieter choice?

It's loud enough to be disheartening, I may need to keep a 2nd keyboard on my desk for typing.

The clears would've made the same amount of noise if bottomed out. I however cannot bottom out on MX black. My fingers are so used to lighter switches that I just barely actuate the black switches, and rarely bottom out something like enter and space.

My best advise for you is: Give it a few weeks and learn to live with it. You might learn not to bottom out, or you might not. Anyway you can ignore the (tiny bit of) sound they produce by not really thinking about it.

[turbocharged]

You could do the o-ring mod that doesn't let it "hard" bottom out....but like others have said...black and clear will be the same if bottomed out.

[Mr. Perfect]

Deck has a 30 day exchange policy, don't they? Try them out for a week, and if you still don't like them, exchange for a board with clears.

I found it harder to bottom out on clears, as the tactile point lets you know when to stop pressing down. That and the spring seems to get considerably stiffer just past the activation point.

[Findecanor]

I am not a hardcore gamer. I just type, make computer programs and browse a lot.
Of the two, I prefer the Clear switch. It is the switch that has a feel the most like a rubber dome, and it does not tire me out as much as a keyboard with Black switches can be.]

[Boyiee]

It's not the switch sound thats too loud its that I'm bottoming out and it is just too much noise.

My family member down the hall can hear me typing lol, it's quite a distraction.

edit: actually it is still kinda loud without bottoming out... damn.

edit2: lol the period . key on my numpad doesn't work - at least now I'll get a free exchange for a frost/ice tactile with clears if I want

[turbocharged]

This just goes to show that the "loudness" of a keyboard is purely subjective. Some people say that MX Blue switches are too loud, some say they aren't. Some say MX Black switches are almost silent...now we have someone saying they are ungodly loud.

Don't expect the clears to be any quieter. I think the Deck's are probably loud because of the keycaps, not the switches. And remember...mechanical switches will almost always be louder than rubber membrane boards....think about it for 2 seconds and it makes sense why that is.

[Boyiee]

It's definitely the keycaps cause I do bottom out, but I LOVE them for gaming so far. So nice barely needing to press for the key to actuate.

The lighting is great too, just going to have to get used to a new PTT key for vent since I no longer have gkeys.

I'll play with it for a week, and then return it for another since the one key does not function - I might try a clear for the hell of it. Not sure if I really like the white or blue backlighting more than the red, but we'll see.

[canon.tk]

Deck has a 30 day exchange policy, don't they? Try them out for a week, and if you still don't like them, exchange for a board with clears.

I found it harder to bottom out on clears, as the tactile point lets you know when to stop pressing down. That and the spring seems to get considerably stiffer just past the activation point.

They do, but if you're just trying to try them out, you'll have to pay shipping ~$16 then pay shipping back ~$9 and then if it's not defective and you want a refund there's a over 12% restocking fee.  So that's around $30 to $50 just to try out the keyboard.

I ordered one and didn't like it.  Lucky for me the light on one of the keys was out and I didn't get hit with a restocking fee.  Well, still waiting on the refund to show to see if they are going to hit me with that.

I got an update on my "return" and it said they fixed it, put it back in stock and were sending me a different one from the next shipment of product.  But when I did the return part I clearly stated I wanted a refund.  I had to call and clear it with them.

[drsauced]

Hm, the Deck is very quiet if you don't bottom out on it.  I like to bottom out on mine, but I don't have to.

The numlock key on, right?