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Author Topic: Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.  (Read 2110 times)

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Offline Snowmill

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« on: Sun, 22 January 2012, 14:32:36 »
Hey all,

I have read through a few of the Wiki articles here as I'm interested in buying a mechanical KB and I think I have a solid base for understanding mechanical KB's.  I also understand that the choice of KB mostly boils down to personal preference so considering this is my first foray into mechanical KB's I would love to have an excellent baseline experience that I can reference for future purchases/comparisons.
While I've read a lot of reviews there doesn't seem to be a 'glove that fits' KB that meets my initial needs:

  • Left Windows key usable (so that rules out the Steelseries 6GV2).
  • Standard size KB without extra macro keys (so similar in size to the 6GV2).  I'm currently using a Logitech K200 to give you an idea on the size trying to stick to.
  • Looks good and is not embarrassing to take it out in public, so in other words something that complements a professional looking battle/work station (This rules out a few of the crazy looking mechanical KB's such as those from Razer).
  • Not loud.  I think I have a basic understanding on the differences between the Cherry MX switches and Black Cherry sounds like it's pretty good. (No pun intended)
  • Backlighting would be a bonus but not entirely necessary.
  • Primary purpose is gaming but I also work on the same PC.


I was reading up on the Mionix Zibal but I'm unsure if their Mionix 'Windows key' is actually a windows key or if it's dedicated for the media keys just like with the 6GV2.
Damn that Windows key on the 6GV2, it would have been perfect!  It's such a bummer, Steelseries could have totally created a separate media combo button elsewhere on the keyboard for the media keys.

Thanks guys, still living and learning.

-s
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Offline alaricljs

  • I be WOT'ing all day...
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Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 22 January 2012, 14:42:28 »
Also see if there's a retailer around you with any mech boards to demo.  Cherry Black may be quiet, but it could be too firm for your preferences.  There's also the tactile/non-tactile question to be answered.
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Filco w/ Imsto thick PBT
Ducky 1087XM PCB+Plate, w/ Matias "Quiet Click" spring-swapped w/ XM Greens

Offline jellowiggler

  • Posts: 293
  • Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #2 on: Sun, 22 January 2012, 14:46:41 »
I was just going to put down Ducky Shining for backlit.

The Rosewill boards are a nice, no frills quality board. It's what I settled on at work and home. Red and brown switches. Lubed the stabilizers and it feels like a tank.

If you want hideous check out the Azio Mech 4. Really gross.
« Last Edit: Sun, 22 January 2012, 14:49:33 by jellowiggler »
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Mike -jellowiggler-
Filco MJ2 Tenkeyless / Rosewill RK-9000 / IBM Model M 1391401 / Logitech DiNovo Edge / MS Sidewinder X4

Offline trax

  • Posts: 174
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #3 on: Sun, 22 January 2012, 14:48:24 »
Check out the QPAD MK 80 or 85
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Switches tried so far
Cherry MX Red Blue Black Clear
ALPS White Black (fake)Blue Montereys
ACER White Black
Futaba
Buckling Sprin

Offline jellowiggler

  • Posts: 293
  • Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 22 January 2012, 14:51:30 »
Is that who bought Xarmor?
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Mike -jellowiggler-
Filco MJ2 Tenkeyless / Rosewill RK-9000 / IBM Model M 1391401 / Logitech DiNovo Edge / MS Sidewinder X4

Offline trax

  • Posts: 174
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 22 January 2012, 14:55:52 »
Quote from: jellowiggler;496344
Is that who bought Xarmor?
No, Xarmor just used the same manufacturer (iOne) like QPAD.
Its not the same model though, it offers more features.
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Switches tried so far
Cherry MX Red Blue Black Clear
ALPS White Black (fake)Blue Montereys
ACER White Black
Futaba
Buckling Sprin

Offline Snowmill

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 23 January 2012, 23:45:40 »
Apparently I live in the wrong part of the world (Alberta-Canada), because there's literally no place local I can buy Cherry MX Brown mechanical keyboards let alone demo them.

:sadface:
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Offline jellowiggler

  • Posts: 293
  • Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #7 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 01:33:05 »
I live in calgary too.
You can get your hands on blue, black and red switches locally.  It all depends on what MemoryExpress has in stock.

Read the Canadian Buy wiki to see what is easily available.
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Where+to+buy+in+Canada

(Geez, I've been here six weeks and I'm starting to sound like Ripster....)
« Last Edit: Tue, 24 January 2012, 01:36:14 by jellowiggler »
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Mike -jellowiggler-
Filco MJ2 Tenkeyless / Rosewill RK-9000 / IBM Model M 1391401 / Logitech DiNovo Edge / MS Sidewinder X4

Offline Wihl

  • Posts: 224
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #8 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 01:57:44 »
Rosewill, Leopold and Filco are all good quality and look normal. I'm not a fan of backlighting so I wouldn't know what to recommend there.

I use a Noppoo Choc Mini with reds at work and a Filco TKL with browns at home.

I prefer the red switches for typing and the browns for gaming. Found myself accidentally pressing keys while gaming with the reds. Might just be that I didn't get used to them.

The Noppoo really does look like a bit odd but it's a great conversation piece at work when I have clients come in for meetings. Did manage to convert one client into a keyboard elitist so I feel I'm doing my part.
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Offline Tony

  • Posts: 1189
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #9 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 06:27:01 »
Like girls, there is no ideal keyboard. You have to buy 10 different keyboards to realize this, but it is expensive.

For quality, Filco is a well known brand. For cheap, Noppoo or Rosewill is fine.

For switches, browns are the safe bet for newbies like you. They are allrounder, good for both typing and gaming.
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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 HolidaySHRIMP

  • Posts: 136
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #10 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 07:03:14 »
Got a Leopold brown tkl for my first. Feels fantastic for work and gaming (cod). They do make a bit of sound though but I mash my keys pretty hard while typing.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
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Offline OPR8R

  • Posts: 14
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #11 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 11:30:54 »
I use a Rosewill (from Newegg) at work and a Leopold Otaku Tenkeyless (from Elitekeyboards) at home/gaming, both with reds.  Because I tend to mash when gaming, I've installed dampener rings from WASD to deal with *clack*clack*clack*.  I consider the Leopold to be pretty much ideal for me.
« Last Edit: Tue, 24 January 2012, 11:33:33 by OPR8R »
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Offline arc2

  • Posts: 99
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #12 on: Sun, 29 January 2012, 14:53:39 »
The mionix left windows key is purely a "function" key to cotrol media/ change the backlighting brightness etc
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Offline Snowmill

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
Just getting into this, looking for an ideal KB.
« Reply #13 on: Sun, 29 January 2012, 16:40:19 »
What a pity, why on earth is this a trend now?
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