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Author Topic: First mechanical keyboard  (Read 2598 times)

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Offline Criminal

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  • Posts: 11
First mechanical keyboard
« on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 15:03:01 »
Hey everyone,

I am looking to purchase my first mechanical keyboard and I was hoping to get some advice. I will be using it mainly for gaming. It seems as though black or clear switches would be the best for gaming use. I really would like a Deck, but they are out of my price range at the moment. I am not looking to spend more $85. Any suggestions?
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Offline Astounding

  • Posts: 158
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 16:43:09 »
Ducky 1087
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Offline IvanIvanovich

  • Mr. Silk Underwear
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First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 16:51:16 »
+1 for Ducky. It's your best option for a new keyboard in that price range. If you don't mind used the TG3 aka Data911 (same as the Deck 82 with a more standard font) can often be found on ebay in good used condition for under $60.
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Offline sengalang

  • Posts: 1
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 16:59:03 »
Recently just got my Razer Blackwidow for 60$ at my local Frys!
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Offline Criminal

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First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 17:04:44 »
Quote from: sengalang;373947
Recently just got my Razer Blackwidow for 60$ at my local Frys!

That uses blues.

Sent from my Incredible using Tapatalk
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Offline Criminal

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First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 17:46:08 »
Where can I buy a Ducky 1087?
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Offline Astounding

  • Posts: 158
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 17:53:30 »
« Last Edit: Tue, 05 July 2011, 17:57:04 by Astounding »
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Offline Criminal

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First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 19:19:50 »
Quote from: Astounding;373997
PCHome Buying Guide:
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?12854-PChome-(Taiwan)-20-Worldwide-Shipping-Promo

Ducky 1087 Black Switch:
http://global.pchome.com.tw/?mod=item&func=exhibit&IT_NO=DCAH0X-A50118207&c=A20&tm=u

 
Wow thanks!

One last question, how does the Noppoo choc mini compare to the Ducky?
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Offline Astounding

  • Posts: 158
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 19:34:31 »
Quote from: Criminal;374065
Wow thanks!

One last question, how does the Noppoo choc mini compare to the Ducky?


Wish I could help, someone else will have to weigh in on that.
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Offline noodles256

  • Posts: 1980
  • le legendary
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 21:06:29 »
wlcm 2 gh
drama llama
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AF | Ducky YOTD |

Offline joysick

  • Posts: 25
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 21:18:49 »
might not be what you want to hear, but save up money for a higher quality keyboard, i was in the same boat as you and ended up buying a keyboard that i soon regretted buying, and bought another one within the month. so be wise and save money
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Offline Tony

  • Posts: 1189
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #11 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 21:49:32 »
Buy the best, usually Filco or Topre.

Once you buy the first mech keyboard, you will buy the best anyway and have a collection, so save your time and money by go straight for the best right away, so you can have one keyboard and still happy.

Most of us collect 10 or more keyboards to realize that.
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Keyboard: Filco MJ1 104 brown, Filco MJ2 87 brown, Compaq MX11800, Noppoo Choc Brown/Blue/Red, IBM Model M 1996, CMStorm Quickfire Rapid Black
Layout: Colemak experience, speed of 67wpm

Offline Astounding

  • Posts: 158
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #12 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 21:52:04 »
What's with the bashing on ducky on this site?  He said his budget is 85 and the Filco is double that.  The Topre is triple...
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Offline theferenc

  • Posts: 1327
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 21:59:24 »
Yeah, it's a bit weird. Personally, I think people should spend about $35-40 on a used cherry or IBM keyboard as a first try, if they aren't sure exactly what they want. The OP seems to be, and I think the Ducky is his best choice, personally, even if I don't like Cherry switches. My opinion isn't everyone's, and it's a good first try switch.

That said, if you can find a used Cherry keyboard with clears on ebay, that's where I think the smart money is at the moment. Can often get them for $40 or so, which is less out of pocket on something you've never used before.

If you're near a Fry's, they often have some Steelseries keyboards on the shelf that you can poke at, if you're interested. And there were the cop boards on ebay not too long ago, I think they are still there (are these the Data911 boards?). I think you'd have to remove the splash guard to make them usable, though.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
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Offline TexasFlood

  • Posts: 1084
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #14 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 22:01:17 »
Quote from: sengalang;373947
Recently just got my Razer Blackwidow for 60$ at my local Frys!
Wish I had a local Frys, :sad:.  Oh well I did get my Rosewill RK-9000 for, what was it, $75 shipped I think?  Its cherry blue and I like it pretty well.
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Offline Chobopants

  • Posts: 590
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #15 on: Tue, 05 July 2011, 22:03:33 »
Quote from: theferenc;374250
Yeah, it's a bit weird. Personally, I think people should spend about $35-40 on a used cherry or IBM keyboard as a first try, if they aren't sure exactly what they want. The OP seems to be, and I think the Ducky is his best choice, personally, even if I don't like Cherry switches. My opinion isn't everyone's, and it's a good first try switch.

That said, if you can find a used Cherry keyboard with clears on ebay, that's where I think the smart money is at the moment. Can often get them for $40 or so, which is less out of pocket on something you've never used before.

If you're near a Fry's, they often have some Steelseries keyboards on the shelf that you can poke at, if you're interested. And there were the cop boards on ebay not too long ago, I think they are still there (are these the Data911 boards?). I think you'd have to remove the splash guard to make them usable, though.

I agree with this.
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Realforce 87UW 45g - Filco Blue 87 - Filco Linear R - Filco Brown 104

Offline Criminal

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  • Posts: 11
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #16 on: Wed, 06 July 2011, 05:31:02 »
Thanks everyone for the help. I already ordered the Ducky last night, so unless someone can help me navigate pchome and cancel the order, looks like a Ducky it will be. :) I am use to using rubber dome (at work) and a scissor switch (at home), so I think any mechanical keyboard is going to be an improvement. Plus, I have to budget my money through my wife. It was hard enough convincing her that $85 was justifiable for a keyboard. She shot me down right away when I mentioned $165.
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Offline The Solutor

  • Posts: 2262
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 06 July 2011, 05:46:10 »
Quote from: Criminal;374450
Thanks everyone for the help. I already ordered the Ducky last night, so unless someone can help me navigate pchome and cancel the order, looks like a Ducky it will be. :)



Why you should cancel it ?

A cherry board is a cherry board, 90% of its feeling is given by the switches and given the switches are made by a single company, all cherry board are more or less the same. The remaining 10% are made by details, some of them have a weight, like the key stabilizers, some of them are just look related.

So, unless you need true additional features like backlight, ergonomic shape, detachable numpad and so on, your ducky will be as good as a 160$ filco, if not better in same respects.

So enjoy it, and use the 80$ left to have a nice dinner with your wife
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Offline Zhuni

  • Posts: 100
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #18 on: Wed, 06 July 2011, 05:53:55 »
Quote from: Criminal;374450
Thanks everyone for the help. I already ordered the Ducky last night, so unless someone can help me navigate pchome and cancel the order, looks like a Ducky it will be. :) I am use to using rubber dome (at work) and a scissor switch (at home), so I think any mechanical keyboard is going to be an improvement. Plus, I have to budget my money through my wife. It was hard enough convincing her that $85 was justifiable for a keyboard. She shot me down right away when I mentioned $165.

I have wife prices. Most generally items are 50% of their total and boutique stuff like high end keyboards are 30% of their total. She kind of knows about the system but doesnt know the %. In other news I just picked up a brand new HHKB pro 2 for £70 yay :D
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Offline Criminal

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  • Posts: 11
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #19 on: Wed, 06 July 2011, 05:54:20 »
Quote from: The Solutor;374454
Why you should cancel it ?

A cherry board is a cherry board, 90% of its feeling is given by the switches and given the switches are made by a single company, all cherry board are more or less the same. The remaining 10% are made by details, some of them have a weight, like the key stabilizers, some of them are just look related.

So, unless you need true additional features like backlight, ergonomic shape, detachable numpad and so on, your ducky will be as good as a 160$ filco, if not better in same respects.

So enjoy it, and use the 80$ left to have a nice dinner with your wife

I was not really looking to cancel, just more so saying that the ducky was already ordered and would have to be canceled if I was to order another board.


Sent from my Incredible using Tapatalk
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Offline Zhuni

  • Posts: 100
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #20 on: Wed, 06 July 2011, 05:57:03 »
Very nice....there's no risk anyway. Mech keyboards sell like hot cakes so if its not quite to your liking you can bang it.
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KBC Poker

Offline Criminal

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  • Posts: 11
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #21 on: Wed, 06 July 2011, 06:14:14 »
Quote from: Zhuni;374459
Very nice....there's no risk anyway. Mech keyboards sell like hot cakes so if its not quite to your liking you can bang it.

That is what I was thinking. :-)

Sent from my Incredible using Tapatalk
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Offline peda

  • Posts: 206
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #22 on: Wed, 06 July 2011, 06:51:08 »
Quote from: The Solutor;374454
...., your ducky will be as good as a 160$ filco, if not better in same respects.

finally some ducky love <3

i know that the 1087 is somewhat different, but i am really happy with my dk9008g2.

@Criminal: $80,-- well spend!!
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Offline Criminal

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First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #23 on: Wed, 06 July 2011, 11:07:48 »
Thanks

Sent from my Incredible using Tapatalk
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Offline Criminal

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  • Posts: 11
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #24 on: Fri, 15 July 2011, 08:49:48 »
I just wanted to let the guys who helped me know that I received my ducky 1087. Very awesome keyboard and i really appreciate all the help!

Sent from my Incredible using Tapatalk
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Offline Astounding

  • Posts: 158
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 16 July 2011, 16:34:07 »
Quote from: Criminal;380895
Sent from my Incredible using Tapatalk

Why does this appear after every post?
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Offline theferenc

  • Posts: 1327
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #26 on: Sat, 16 July 2011, 16:48:47 »
Because they forgot to go into the settings of tapatalk and turn off that stupid promotional message.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline r4pture

  • Posts: 27
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #27 on: Sat, 16 July 2011, 23:22:23 »
While this topic seems to be solved already, I have to say the Dell AT101W would make a good intro keyboard as well.  I speak as I type on one, one of my first along with my IBM Model M2 (needs repair) and Omnikey 101 (needs adapter/new cord).  Typing on this I have come to appreciate just how mechanicals feel, and hunger for even more.  :)  With AT101Ws going for around 25 dollars on ebay, I think it would make a pretty good intro into mechanicals as long as they're aware that the keyboard is a bit bigger, and will likely be beige unless they get real lucky.
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~ Dell AT101W~ ~ ~ ~IBM Model M2~ ~ ~Northgate Omnikey 101 ~

Offline theferenc

  • Posts: 1327
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #28 on: Sun, 17 July 2011, 00:10:32 »
The Dell was the first one I had. I liked it, but I prefer white ALPS and fukkas to black ALPS, personally. And I prefer buckling springs and topres to ALPS. But for me, the layout was more important than the switch, which is a big reason I bought the HHKB, and modify all of my buckling springs boards. I think I know a way to have a buckling spring version of a HHKB, but it will take some work (and possibly destroying a keyboard) to find out for sure.

If I could get a HHKB clone (an actual clone, with the correct layout) with Cherry MX clears, I would probably buy one. If it had browns, I would consider it, but likely not buy it. I just don't like browns, but the only way I'd even consider them is if the layout was correct.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline r4pture

  • Posts: 27
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #29 on: Sun, 17 July 2011, 00:17:22 »
True, but for someone whos looking to try mechanical switches in general, I think the Dell would be good, as its low cost (so low risk) and a standard layout, much similar to the likely generic KB they're using before hand.
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[sigpic]http://geekhack.org/signaturepics/sigpic12085_2.gif[/sigpic]
~ Dell AT101W~ ~ ~ ~IBM Model M2~ ~ ~Northgate Omnikey 101 ~

Offline Criminal

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  • Posts: 11
First mechanical keyboard
« Reply #30 on: Wed, 16 November 2011, 11:20:41 »
I just wanted to say a thank you to the individuals again that suggested the Ducky. I have been using the keyboard for about 3.5 months now and I love it.

Thanks,
crim
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