Mechanical keyboard recommendation for gaming and typing

[mrcultureshock]

Hello,

For the last 3 years I've been using the Micorsoft natural keyboard 4000.  This is my 2nd natural keyboard and I love the layout.  But the "m" key on my 4000 is dying, and I'm thinking about getting a mechanical keyboards.

Here are my requirements:

1) The keyboard must be good for gaming and typing.  My home pc is my gaming rig but I also do work on it.  There I need a keyboard that's good for both of these activities.  I need a full size keyboard with the numpad.

2) I'd like the clicking noise to not be too loud.  

3) I'd like to get an ergonomic (natural) mech board if there's one that fits my needs, but I can live with a standard kb.  

4) Since I play games, I need the keyboard to register at least 4 keys at one time.

5) Price is not that important.  I'd like to get a keyboard that I can use for many years.  

Many thanks in advance!

Nick

[keyboardlover]

Hey Nick,

Welcome to Geekhack! Check out this guide to get you started. For gaming and typing and low noise you'll probably want a tactile, non-clicky switch. Cherry browns are very popular, but if price is not a big concern I recommend Realforce.

[Ekaros]

Cherry Browns are decent, I personaly enjoyed owning them. Haven't played too much recently, but can't say my NKRO filco would be bad for it.

[Lanx]

i spent 5/6 years on a ergo4k, it was impossible for me to switch to a mech keyboard, my arms kept on crying after 1 week of regular mech layout useage. if you have an ergo keyboard def choose ergo browns, fwiw i had to mod my own ergo4k cherry brown.

This is coming from a guy who loves the ergo4k mind you, i love this keyboard, the negative slope down, the angle tilt, the awesome faux leather and wrist rest. If you love this keyboard as much as i do you might find it difficult to goto a standard 104k like i did.

[Shuki]

I would definitely recommend the filco with brown switches as it has a very subtle tactile feel for typing as well as being pretty light keystrokes which I like when gaming.

I have two boards with cherry blacks, even though they are linear keys (supposedly better for gaming) you won't notice any difference in your gaming perfomance.

In games a keyboard is a peripheral which you won't see significant gains from a cheap/crap one to a very expensive/good mechanical keyboard. As long as it can handle 5 keys being pressed at once and you can quickly repeat a keypress and it still register.. that's all you really need from a keyboard when gaming.

[MyNameIsDan]

It seems like everyone that asked about advice on their first mech keyboard switch ended up with browns since they wanted to have something that was flexible so they can both type and game comfortably well on it.

Maybe we should have a TL;DR sticky post to help them save time..

But yeah, Filco browns are great. Non click, light keys, and it feels great to type on it (comfort wise) compared to rubber domes. And they feel pretty fine to game with it.

[Wogrim]

It seems like everyone that asked about advice on their first mech keyboard switch ended up with browns since they wanted to have something that was flexible so they can both type and game comfortably well on it.

Maybe we should have a TL;DR sticky post to help them save time..

But yeah, Filco browns are great. Non click, light keys, and it feels great to type on it (comfort wise) compared to rubber domes. And they feel pretty fine to game with it.

I'm trying to pick my first mechanical keyboard too, but from what I've read blues might be better.

[RickyJ]

Maybe we should have a TL;DR sticky post to help them save time..

There is a great Wiki section here, here's Ripster's intro to mech keyboards.

[Twitchy]

It seems like everyone that asked about advice on their first mech keyboard switch ended up with browns...

I didn't ask, but I have been lurking for a while and the consensus of opinion does seem to have been Cherry MX browns. I took the plunge yesterday, ordering the first keyboard to have cost me more than £10, a 105 key Filco with cherry browns and NKRO (FKBN105M/UKB). It'll be used to game and type at home (I'm only just learning to touch type), and if I like it I hope to get another for my desk at work. Fingers crossed!

[7bit]

I didn't ask, but I have been lurking for a while and the consensus of opinion does seem to have been Cherry MX browns. I took the plunge yesterday, ordering the first keyboard to have cost me more than £10, a 105 key Filco with cherry browns and NKRO (FKBN105M/UKB). It'll be used to game and type at home (I'm only just learning to touch type), and if I like it I hope to get another for my desk at work. Fingers crossed!

I always used the keyboards which came along with the computer. If I needed a replacement, I always went for the cheapest keyboard available, believing those expansive mechanicals are only better built and theirfore longer lasting. But now, I can confirm they improve typing-speed and accuracy (less typos).

Welcome to Geekhack!

[Moogle Stiltzkin]

Ducky 9008 or Filco Majestouch NKRO Tactile. Pick the one with Cherry MX Brown switches.

Not ergonomic :X their standard US layout.

[victheslik]

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[zefrer]

For ergonomic layouts, the choices are sadly very limited (and expensive). See other ergo thread for more details.

If you're handy with a dremel and stuff modding an ergonomic 4000 with cherry switches like Lanx did is pretty awesome.

[Azuremen]

I'm trying to pick my first mechanical keyboard too, but from what I've read blues might be better.

I think it comes down to personal taste. I have blues and I love them, but they are quite loud and such. My room mate can apparently hear them with the door closed to my office space, so yeah...