Need suggions- mechanical keyboard for work.

[Jamesbeat]

Hi guys, just started a new job which involves almost gaming-like use of a keyboard.
I have to use keyboard shortcuts at the same time as the mouse to manipulate building plans, essentially like using WASD with a mouse in a game.

If I write down some requirements, would you mind giving me some suggestions so I know where to start looking?
Here they are:

Clicky keys with no dampers, bumpers etc. (cherry blue?).

Standard keycaps so that I can replace the ones I use a lot with a different color.

No backlights or other bells and whistles.

USB connection, no USB ports on the keyboard itself.

Preferably tenkeyless.

Haven't decided on color yet, but either black or beige, leaning towards beige.

Inexpensive! This is the most important consideration. I just started this job after a period of unemployment, and it's going to take me a while to catch up, so I don't have a lot of money to spend.

Any ideas?

[omgFiRE]

QFR for $64.99?

[WhiteFireDragon]

CM quickfire, it comes in MX blues and MX green flavors. Almost every TKL model comes in MX blue, but if you need something heavier, then going with MX greens will greatly limit your choices. Avoid Leopold and keycool unless you don't mind the non-replaceable spacebar.

[tp4tissue]

If you're gonna get a TKL,, get the GH 60... it's a total beast.

If you're willing to go a little more unconventional,, there's the ergodox... also pretty beast..

[omgFiRE]

BTW, about QFR:
(i) They come with less branding nowadays.
(ii) In case of clicking MX blue and green you might want to look at this thread: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40056.0
(iii) Side printed version (QuickFire Stealth) will be available soon.

[jabar]

If you're gonna get a TKL,, get the GH 60... it's a total beast.

If you're willing to go a little more unconventional,, there's the ergodox... also pretty beast..

I think being inexpensive was one of his requirements, and something ready to go out of box.

[esoomenona]

If you're gonna get a TKL,, get the GH 60... it's a total beast.

If you're willing to go a little more unconventional,, there's the ergodox... also pretty beast..

I think being inexpensive was one of his requirements, and something ready to go out of box.

I would've suggested GH60 or the Phantom if he wishes to use macros and such being that they're customizable. But if he wants something cheaper and ready to go, maybe a Cherry POS board? Those can be had for cheap at times and are customizable.

[Jamesbeat]

Thanks guys, now I know where to start looking...
So, Cherry POS keyboards huh?
Do all of the POS keyboards come with mechanical switches?
If so, that would be great, because they seem to be pretty cheap.

[tp4tissue]

Thanks guys, now I know where to start looking...
So, Cherry POS keyboards huh?
Do all of the POS keyboards come with mechanical switches?
If so, that would be great, because they seem to be pretty cheap.

no, don't get the pos...

get the quickfire rapid from amazon if anything...

and since amazon has a great return policy, you don't have to worry about the quickfire's alleged drop in quality recently

[Jamesbeat]

Could you elaborate on why I shouldn't get the POS?
The reason I ask is that if the POS boards have mechanical switches, I can get something that will meet my needs for around $25.
Since it's for work, I'm not too fussed about extra features or appearance, I just want something that I can click accurately on. I have to use two keyboard shortcuts mapped to the A and S keys with my left hand while mousing with my right, so I want clicky switches for speed and accuracy and that's about it.

[Binge]

the only suggion I have is this,



You might be able to find one on the cheap at goodwill.  Tactility you can feel, and makes you do all the work.

[ITzNybble]

If you can wait for a little longer I would recommend a Version 2 WASD keyboard when they are release and then you can get custom key colors and font. Check them out at www.wasdkeyboards.com.

[Jamesbeat]

I went with a Cherry G80 8100blahblahbalh in the end.
Does everything I need it to and cost $30.
It's the size of an aircraft carrier, but all the extra keys make it look kinda cool.
Won't have much need for the card reader, but I believe it may have double shot keys, which is nice.
It's USB too, which means I won't need to mess around with adapters.
It has a built-in trackpad, though I won't really be able to use it as my work requires the accuracy of a laser mouse.
The only real drawback is that the arrow keys are in the wrong place, but I'll get used to it.