New to Mech Keyboards: Looking for Advice

[NastyNate]

Hello Geekhack,

I'm mostly looking for a keyboard to use for gaming (Starcraft2 primarily).  I am new to mechanical keyboards, but a fairly experienced gamer.

Right now I'm rocking this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823107120

Obviously well worth the price, but it's cheap and I'm looking to get something better for gaming.  It's a nice keyboard but has some issues such as not working at all on occasion.

I hear a lot of gamers use mechanical keyboards. I've even tried a friend's out but I can't get use to it because it feels like all the keys are shifted to the right (with the G keys on the far left), so I'm constantly making typing errors.

I've been doing some research on the different types, and I'm not sure I understand the difference between the colors (brown, red, blue, black, etc).  I saw this: http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=37349&d=1326397942

But how does a color affect the way the keyboard functions?  

Please link any recommendations you have for a keyboard, I'm looking to pay 100$ or less if possible.

[Djuzuh]

The color of a switch is just an easy way to recognize the type. Different color = different switch.

[rknize]

Take a look at the main wiki in the header above.  You'll find the answers there.

[NastyNate]

I see, well I think I would prefer a black or red, but probably any would do since I won't be able to test them out.

[NastyNate]

I see, well I think I would prefer a black or red, but probably any would do since I won't be able to test them out.  I assume clicky refers to the sound, why would anyone prefer clicky over silent?  And what does tactile mean?

[Djuzuh]

There is a point where the key is takin into account (exactly halfway on cherry MX switches). So you don't have to press the completely ( " bottom out " ).

Being tactile means you actually feels this point when you type on them. It makes typing enjoyable, and prevents errors. Like when you use your mouse button. clicky means it also makes sound. This can also make typing more enjoyable. Also, blues are more tactile then browns.

If you don't know what you want, take browns. If you want it to make some noise, take blues. I woulln't take red or black, because they are kind of hit or miss. You hate them or you love them.

But go read this : http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Geekhack+Mechanical+Keyboard+Guide

[NastyNate]

What do you think about this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162014

Has good reviews, and pretty cheap with rebate.  People are commenting that the keys are highly sensitive (which seems contrary to what I've read about blacks).


Also looking at this: http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,fullsize&pid=fc500rtab

But I'm not sure I'm willing to pay that much.

[Nunez]

Do you really need a numpad? If not, go for a CM Quickfire Rapid. Otherwise go for the Leopold.

[1391401]

I'm really happy with my White Leopold Tenkeyless keyboard (no numberpad model).  The build quality is superb (much better than I expected even after reading the reviews here).  I got the one with MX Clears which I would definitely not get for gaming.  If I were getting a gaming keyboard I would probably get MX Blue but that's me.  I like the noise it makes and I like the very light spring.  For extended typing I cannot use an MX Blue since I have a "heavy hand" and make a tonne of mistakes / accidental keypresses on a light spring.  With the heaver MX Clear spring I can assault the keyboard.

[keyboardlover]

Welcome to Geekhack.

My advice: leave now before your wallet implodes.

Or you can click my sig.