Cheap MX Black Options?

[junkfist]

I just got my Scorpius M10 and i'm absolutely loving it. A total joy to type on.

My single complaint is that I wish there was just a tiny bit more force to the switches themselves. I want a new keyboard (so I don't want to get someone's old used Model M), so I figured MX Blacks/linear force would be a good place to look. I do use this for typing and occasional gaming, but I do have a natural tendency to kind of smash keys (I learned to type on a Apple //e, that thing had the stiffest damn keyboard ever)

Is there anything cheaper than the Filco Majestouch Linear Force NKRO?

[Viett]

The Steelseries 6Gv2 is $100 shipped.

[Infinite north]

If you are a masher but looking for something with some click you should try to find some clears. if you know what you are looking for you could pick up either blacks or clears cheap on ebay.

[junkfist]

Okay, cool. Am I correct in understanding that ALPS switches should have about as much force as a a MX Black/Clear too?

[spolia optima]

imho MX blacks are underrated as a typing switch. Some geekhackers swear by them. I mean, it's easy enough to say "they're not so great for typing, just look at the force diagram". But that's not the whole story. The switches really smooth due to the lack of a tactile bump. This helps with comfort. Further, the actuation point is, IIRC, a bit higher than browns and much higher than blues.

I know that I'm not saying much right there, but shoot, if you have a chance then try them out. Don't invest too much into the negative things some people say about the black MX (or any switch for that matter). It's the most widely-available MX switch, so it's no quest trying to find one on the cheap.

Oh, and for gaming, It's pretty easy to score an mx8000 series off of ebay. Many of these have full NKRO (with diodes) and are programmable.

[gr1m]

imho MX blacks are underrated as a typing switch. Some geekhackers swear by them. I mean, it's easy enough to say "they're not so great for typing, just look at the force diagram". But that's not the whole story. The switches really smooth due to the lack of a tactile bump. This helps with comfort. Further, the actuation point is, IIRC, a bit higher than browns and much higher than blues.

This.

[patrickgeekhack]

This.

Off topic: I see you are a fan of Rémi Gaillard. I love the "bat" video.

[washuai]

If you don't want a used board, but you like buckling springs, then you can get a unicomp.

[Oqsy]

mx11900's are a great little board.  Not a typical form factor, but someone posted an ebay finds link to several "open box" for around $45 with double shot key caps.  It's a good deal on a damn solid board with increasingly rare cherry double shot keys as a bonus.  If you like your scorpius but want something with more force, you can always put the black switch springs on the blue switch stems for an ultra stiff blue, more in line with what you're hoping to achieve.  The double shot cherry keys and black springs on your scorpius would be a very nice change in feel and quality of experience.  If/when you decide you're bored with it its not what you were after, you can swap everything back, or sell the scorpius as a custom hybrid clicky black switch with double shots and I promise you that someone here will buy it

Damn, I might just put my black springs on my Dolch blue mx board with double shots when it arrives...  that sounds like a fingergasm.

Oh, ANY time you're doing a stem/switch swap, or dismantling the switches for any reason, keep some kind of tray / muffin pan around for separating and keeping track of pieces.  I usually do that, and then store the pieces each in their own individual ziplock bag, ie stems, springs, and switch casings each separated.  Oh, and ALWAYS label containers / bags containing springs to keep yourself from going insane trying to sort which spring went with which switch in the event that you ever DO want to put stuff back or make a different swap.

[clickclack]

To the OP-

You got many great suggestions =)

I would second the getting an MX11900
or
Go to unicomp and get essentially a new Model M

Congrats on getting what seems to be a decent M10, but I wouldn't worry about getting a second hand or nasty old ebay Model M. It will still probably waaaaay oulast your M10, LoLz!

Goodluck on your keyboard travels, tell us what you end up getting =)

[SpatiallyAware]

I've tried blues, browns, blacks, and fukkas.  IMO My Filco Fukka would be the best board for a 'smash' typist.  I swear it seems to stiffen up the harder you hit the keys.



I like the noise too.. it really does sound like the name when you type.  Fukka fukka fukka..

[Mental Hobbit]

Just give it a week to get used to the lightness of the switches before making a decision. As you find the Blues "a total joy to type on" already, you probably have found the perfect switch for yourself.

[Phaedrus2129]

Hm, has anyone tried an MX blue with a black or clear spring?