Looking for the perfect keyboard.

[randku]

Greetings to everyone, this is my first post here.
I've heard many good things about mechanical keyboards, and I've decided to purchase one now that my rubber dome board is on its way out.

You folks seem to be the authority on keyboards, so why not ask for a recommendation directly?

I type at about 110wpm, and I game everyday, so N-key rollover would be useful.

I really couldn't say whether I prefer a heavy or light switch, as the heaviest mechanical board I've ever used was a ml4400, which I believe requires the same force as a cherry brown switch. I wasn't a fan of the low key travel on that board.

I'd like a standard US layout, there are too many boards with extra keys and strange placements of enter and backspace.

I'm also cheap and would prefer not to spend much over 50 dollars.
EDIT: $150

Thanks in advance for all the great advice.

[vhaarr]

If you're not willing to go over $50, I wouldn't be able to give you any advice at all.
I don't think I've seen a new mechanical keyboard for less than $80.
I think this is the cheapest new mechanical board I've encountered; http://www.cherrykeyboardsrus.co.uk/G803000+Series-Details-Colour_Black-Size_PS2USB.htm

You might get lucky on ebay though; you can get some great used keyboards there. If you enjoy key travel my guess is that you'd probably enjoy a vintage IBM board?
http://cgi.ebay.com/USED-1995-97-IBM-Model-M-Clicky-Keyboard-42H1292-/140410983026?cmd=ViewItem&pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item20b1259272

That said, however, I am not even close to as qualified as other people who hang out on geekhack.

[randku]

The absolute highest I'd go is 150, though I'd prefer not to.

I've seen a few, like the scorpius m10 and the adesso with cherry blues for around 50-60 USD, so there are boards in that price range.

EDIT: About the Model M:  I have no idea if I'd like a heavy switch at all, and I'm not a huge fan of how buckling springs sound. Would a dell at101W be a good place to start, and then see if I'd like a lighter switch or not? There's one up on ebay for under $20 shipped at the moment.

[Phaedrus2129]

Would you be comfortable with used/refurbished boards?

[randku]

As long as they're in good condition, sure.

[Phaedrus2129]

This is $58 shipped and has MX black switches and the main section is standard:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Cherry-G80-11900LPMUS-2-mouse-pad-/150433481153?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230688c1c1


Or I have a very similar board, the Compaq MX11800 which is white and has a trackball and MX brown switches. I could sell that for $35 shipped.

The overall layout of these boards is a little funky, but I can give you advice on remapping if you need it.



Or this Cherry G80-3000LSCRC-2 for $66.25+shipping:
http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/g80-3000lscrc-2.html

[randku]

I appreciate the offer, but I'd really just like a regular layout.
Do you think I should buy the AT101W I'm looking at just to try it, or go for something with cherry browns/blues?

[randku]

I guess I'll go for the Filco with n-key rollover.

Thanks guys.

[maxlugar]

I appreciate the offer, but I'd really just like a regular layout.
Do you think I should buy the AT101W I'm looking at just to try it, or go for something with cherry browns/blues?

You won't go wrong with a Filco w/ Blue Cherries. I'm typing on a Filco FKBN104MC/EB right now.

I have a pristine black AT101W I bought from Brandon at ClickyKeyboards.com last year.  The ALPS switches have a subtle tactile bump, similar to Cherry MX Browns, but are not as light as the Browns.

PM if you're interested in trying it out (assuming you're in the continental US).

[iMav]

I've got 4 NIB white AT101W's and 1 NIB black AT101W.  Got all of them for next to nothing.  I keep a supply of inexpensive 'boards like this around to give away when the opportunity arises.

[randku]

I've got 4 NIB white AT101W's and 1 NIB black AT101W.  Got all of them for next to nothing.  I keep a supply of inexpensive 'boards like this around to give away when the opportunity arises.

I'd love to try one out, if at all possible.

[iMav]

I'd love to try one out, if at all possible.

Check the PM I sent you.