Help me choose my keyboard

[Arnovic]

Hey GeekHack, nice ssssssssite you have there

I've been thinking about buying a mechanical keyboard for a while now but I'm not sure wich one to get.
From what I've read, the brown switches will be best for my purpose. But until now I was only looking at a Das Keyboard because I couldn't find a site that shipped to the EU (w/o rediculous shipping costs & a long time to deliver).
Now that I learned about qtan5370's ebay shop (a lot cheaper), I seriously dont know what keyboard to buy.
The options I have:
- Das Keyboard Model S Professional(max price I'm willing to pay)
- HPE 87 Mechanical Gaming keyboard
- Key Cool 87 Mechanical Gaming keyboard
- Ducky DK-9008G2 PRO Mechanical Gaming

Some questions I have:
- Are the HPE & Keycool less expensive because they don't have a numpad?
- Any thoughts on the Das vs the Ducky?

If you have any further advice / suggestions, please tell me.
Thanks

[noodles256]

wlcm2gh

[el2k]

I'd go for the Keycool myself, solid board for the money!

[feng]

1. Not having a numpad is not the reason the TKL keyboards cost less. It's just because HPE and Keycool are designed to be cheap and generally acceptable. Haven't tried a HPE yet, but I sold my Keycool 104 w/ red switch immediately when I got it.

2. Ducky is making some changes, but if you don't really care about the functions, you only need a good feeling for typing, maybe you should take a Das. Or rise a little budget getting a Filco. I always tell people, Filco is the keyboard everyone should has at least one. For me, it's like the most standard keyboard. But since the 2nd generation, their prices are not so friendly.

BTW, if you're looking for something cheap, CM Rapid Fire is a really good choice. About $60-70 I think.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I'd go for the HPE or the Keycool.  Either way, I think you'll be happy no matter which keyboard you choose.

[nickch]

Haven't tried a HPE yet, but I sold my Keycool 104 w/ red switch immediately when I got it.

Any reason why you sold it immediately?
Did not like it? Quality problems?