Noobie questions

[oppz197]

Hi guys im new to mechanical keyboards and i have some questions
1: I have heard there are some chinese mechanical keyboards that dont use Cherry, instead they use some chinese manufacture switches. Are they reliable and has the same feeling as the cherry mx ones?
2: what is the cheapest machincal keyboard model -> First time trying it
3: Is there other company other than KBC that produces 60% or 40% keyboards?
Thanks

[CPTBadAss]

1) They use MX clones which are apparently horrible.
2) For Cherry MX: Cherry boards such as the G80-1800 can be had for less than $50 if you hunt. QFR can easily be found for $60.
3) There's mass produced 40% board. Ducky has just announced their Ducky Mini (a 60% board). There is also the GH60 coming out as well as the Poker 2 and of course the Poker X and Pure.

If you'd like to ask more questions, you should check out the Simple Questions, Simple Answers thread

[oppz197]

Why about the yellow switches?

[The_Ed]

Yellows are horrible Chinese fakes, and the stems have a known problem of breaking off in your keycaps. AVOID THEM!

[oppz197]

Oh thanks for letting me know  what ya think about the cm storm quick fire?

[The_Ed]

I only buy original cherry and IBM brand boards. I would recommend a G80-3494LYCUS-2. It has reds, n-key rollover, and natively supports both PS/2 and USB.

[oppz197]

Tbh im looking into some smaller boards that i can carry around
would you suggest G84-4100? If so is there a way I could change the keycaps?

[CPTBadAss]

Tbh im looking into some smaller boards that i can carry around
would you suggest G84-4100? If so is there a way I could change the keycaps?

Those have Cherry MLs. You couldnt have the same level of customization. You'd have to buy other G84-4100 boards that have caps that would fit. And there arent many options out.

[The_Ed]

G84 is NOT MX, it is ML. Which means you're stuck with those keys forever. G80 is MX.

[oppz197]

Well Poker is kinda expensive so shuold i get a keycool / cm storm rapid fire? Is there cases for them except for aluminium cases? They look too heavy for me to carry em around 
Where do i get these keycaps?

[CPTBadAss]

If this is your first board, you'll want to get a QFR. They come in plastic cases. That set is Cream Cheese and Green. You have to get them through a group buy or classifieds.

[oppz197]

What if i dislike the switches after i buy it  Is there anyway to swap switches?

[The_Ed]

Mechanical keyboards aren't supposed to be cheap... You get what you pay for.

The keycaps are CCnG.

Cherry brand keyboards are PCB-mount, and thus easily modable to a different switch.

[CPTBadAss]

Yes you can desolder and solder switches.

[oppz197]

Should i get oring if im interested in blue or brown switches? If so where to get em

[The_Ed]

If you want a clicky switch, get an original IBM Model M (NOT Lexmark or Unicomp!)

If you want a tactile switch, get REAL clears (NOT ergo-clears) or Grey 39.

If you want a linear switch, get reds.

The 'thock' at the bottom is one of the best parts of mechanical keyboards, why would you want to get rid of that with o-rings?

[tp4tissue]

If you want a clicky switch, get an original IBM Model M (NOT Lexmark or Unicomp!)

If you want a tactile switch, get REAL clears (NOT ergo-clears) or Grey 39.

If you want a linear switch, get reds.

The 'thock' at the bottom is one of the best parts of mechanical keyboards, why would you want to get rid of that with o-rings?

bottom out can get pretty annoying though. When you're stressed from hours of beasting videogames.

[The_Ed]

It wouldn't be a proper mechanical without a 'thock'!

[oppz197]

If im going for a blue switches, its gonna be clicky and  loud, my parents sleeps at 11 and if i dont have an o ring i cant use that keyboard T_T

[tp4tissue]

If im going for a blue switches, its gonna be clicky and  loud, my parents sleeps at 11 and if i dont have an o ring i cant use that keyboard T_T

Lol, it's not that loud

[CPTBadAss]

If im going for a blue switches, its gonna be clicky and  loud, my parents sleeps at 11 and if i dont have an o ring i cant use that keyboard T_T

O-rings don't make it that much quieter either

[oppz197]

Oh Ill test it after i buy it tmr btw is there any other way to get those green keycaps other than group buy? I found one but its closed for orders

[CPTBadAss]

Oh Ill test it after i buy it tmr btw is there any other way to get those green keycaps other than group buy? I found one but its closed for orders

Classifieds like I said before.

[SmallFry]

FWIW, that's the Korean CCnG. Good luck finding a set of those.

[oppz197]

just 1 more question Why are ppl into those old school keyboards like IBM/ Cherry when theres more fashionable one in the market?

[Photekq]

just 1 more question Why are ppl into those old school keyboards like IBM/ Cherry when theres more fashionable one in the market?

What is 'fashionable' is entirely a matter of opinion. Some people like retro looks. Also, IBM boards have unique switches and old Cherry boards are very high quality & also have very high quality keycaps.

[oppz197]

FWIW, that's the Korean CCnG. Good luck finding a set of those.

You know how much ~ USD would that be?

[oppz197]

just 1 more question Why are ppl into those old school keyboards like IBM/ Cherry when theres more fashionable one in the market?

What is 'fashionable' is entirely a matter of opinion. Some people like retro looks. Also, IBM boards have unique switches and old Cherry boards are very high quality & also have very high quality keycaps.

Dont they all use MX switches? Im srry im new

[Photekq]

Dont they all use MX switches? Im srry im new

IBM Model Ms use buckling springs. Older Cherry boards usually do use MX switches. The appeals of older Cherry boards are :

-Unique layout (G80-1800)
-High quality keyboard
-High quality keycaps
-Can be acquired cheap second hand
-Retro appearance

[SmallFry]

FWIW, that's the Korean CCnG. Good luck finding a set of those.

You know how much ~ USD would that be?

I'd say at least $150, though esoomenona just sold a set for VERY cheap, i.e. $80 or so IIRC. (This won't happen in other sales).

just 1 more question Why are ppl into those old school keyboards like IBM/ Cherry when theres more fashionable one in the market?

What is 'fashionable' is entirely a matter of opinion. Some people like retro looks. Also, IBM boards have unique switches and old Cherry boards are very high quality & also have very high quality keycaps.

Dont they all use MX switches? Im srry im new

There are more mechanical keyswitches than just Cherry MX switches. IBM boards such as the M and F use buckling spring. Old Cherry boards are revered for their quality and their keycaps. There is also different Cherry switches (as they are a switch manufacture, much like Omron). Keyswitches include the ML and MX lines.

[oppz197]

What about this one :eek:supprised by that many switches

[SmallFry]

ML switches.  G84 line of Cherry keyboards

[oppz197]

Where to get a second handed keyboard? Whats the average cost for one ?

[CPTBadAss]

Dont they all use MX switches? Im srry im new

No they dont. IBM boards use buckling springs.

FWIW, that's the Korean CCnG. Good luck finding a set of those.

You know how much ~ USD would that be?

It's not the cost, it's the rarity.

Where to get a second handed keyboard? Whats the average cost for one ?

Once again, check the classifieds here on GH or on eBay. Cost can be from $60 to $700

[The_Ed]

Cherry Corp and Korean Customs are the high quality MX boards. But if you want a clicky switch, get an old IBM manufactured Model M or AT F (NOT Lexmark or Unicomp!).

EDIT: Though there are some newer Cherry Corp boards that are cheap in both cost and construction - IE G80-3800.

[oppz197]

How much are they+ how do they last longer since they are using MX switches and dont they only last for something around 50k press / switch?

[SmallFry]

I'm done answering questions that are in the Simple Questions, and What's it worth threads.

[Sifo]

Just get Topre board but with Cherry MX switches, they are the best mechanical keyboards for the price (aka really cheap)

[The_Ed]

50 million minimum, but more like 100 million (unless there is a faulty switch).

G80-3494LYCUS-2 is £76.27 shipped to the US right now.

[SpAmRaY]

Just get Topre board but with Cherry MX switches, they are the best mechanical keyboards for the price (aka really cheap)

Don't forget the gold springs!

[tp4tissue]

Just get Topre board but with Cherry MX switches, they are the best mechanical keyboards for the price (aka really cheap)

Don't forget the gold springs!

 

I only ever use silver springs, they signify my pride as a member of the proletariat 

no gilded facades here