New member. Want to buy my first mechanical keyboard.

[bullfiniche]

Hello folks.

I code in my spare time and I'm in the process of pursuing it as something I can make money doing.  I also play fps games from time to time.  Found this forum via Reddit. Looking to learn and get a mechanical keyboard for myself to enjoy. 


Enjoy your day.

[infiniti]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Shortlisted any keyboards for purchase yet?

[jaffers]

What up, there are a fair few solid keyboard choices out there, any ideas on what you are looking for? A good place to start is what layout you'd like and what switch type you prefer

[bullfiniche]

What up, there are a fair few solid keyboard choices out there, any ideas on what you are looking for? A good place to start is what layout you'd like and what switch type you prefer

Welcome to Geekhack!

Shortlisted any keyboards for purchase yet?

Thank you both.

So as for specs. 

I'm on OSX and I know I can swap out the Alt and Windows key feature on my mac, but I would prefer if there was an OSX compatible keyboard. I want a TKL board.  I want a good build and to be able to route the cable to different positions if necessary.  I've narrowed my decision down to the following. Backlighting would possibly be a perk, but I've never owned a backlit keyboard so I don't know if it's actually useful or just eye candy. I don't look at my keyboard when I type so maybe just eye candy at the moment. I also don't want a wireless keyboard.  I don't mind using a dedicated USB port. For switches, I want to go with Cherry MX-Browns.


KUL ES-87
Ducky One (maybe swap the keycaps for PBT keycaps?)
CM Storm Quickfire Rapid

I really don't know which one to choose.  All the reviews are equal in comparison with obvious cosmetic differences and some different features.


What do you think about any of these?  Any more recommendations?  My primary purpose is coding with some FPS gameplay every now and again.


Thanks for the welcome again.

[Twinguin]

Welcome and say bye-bye to your wallet!

Some comments from a fellow Mac-user:
I have the KUL ES-87 with Cherry Blue. Works great with the Mac and all the nifty bits (where Apple uses the function keys) do work; the KUL has a dip-switch for Mac layout. However, I left it in "normal" mode which makes life for me easier when switching between macOS & Win. I.e. ALT is next to the space bar and you need to use the Fn key to activcate Apple functions (screen brightness, multimedia, ...).

Also, I have a Pok3r with Cherry Brown, that works good on the Mac. Once you get used to their keyboard layout and multimedia controls, that works like a blast as well.

[bullfiniche]

Welcome and say bye-bye to your wallet!

Some comments from a fellow Mac-user:
I have the KUL ES-87 with Cherry Blue. Works great with the Mac and all the nifty bits (where Apple uses the function keys) do work; the KUL has a dip-switch for Mac layout. However, I left it in "normal" mode which makes life for me easier when switching between macOS & Win. I.e. ALT is next to the space bar and you need to use the Fn key to activcate Apple functions (screen brightness, multimedia, ...).

Also, I have a Pok3r with Cherry Brown, that works good on the Mac. Once you get used to their keyboard layout and multimedia controls, that works like a blast as well.

Thanks. Looks like I just may pull the trigger on the KUL ES-87 after all. Start there and see where this journey takes me.

[valro46]

In my opinion, the first thing to consider before U buy a MK is decide what kind of switches do U prefer... Linear/Tactile, Stiff/Lightweight, Clicky/Silent
After U decided it, just choose the right switches type and brand.. Then start browsing about the manufacturer

After that, ur fingers will thanks U... because the MK is feel so great to Ur fingers