So. I finally bit the bullet and bought a (read: many) mechanical keyboard(s).
I've only really just started using them today, but I'm finally getting a good idea of what I like and don't like in a keyboard and in a switch.
I am now the proud owner of one of each of the following:
Elbowglue SPOS
SIIG Minitouch
Compaq MX 11800 (Cherry Browns)
Cherry MX Black:Strangely enough, I enjoy typing on this keyboard. I think that may change though, because I'm just getting used to typing on mechanical keyboards (coming from rubber domes, where I've been bashing away at what may be 80g+ per keystroke), and it may get too heavy for typing after I've accustomed myself to the Browns for a few days (I'm planning on sticking to one keyboard for about a week, just to test them all out thoroughly).
Gaming on this keyboard is good, very smooth stroke, actuation is imperceptible (but that's the design of the switch, after all), and very quiet (for when I'm spamming keys
)
White ALPS:I now know what they (you) mean by satisfying typing!
Actuation on these seems very high up in the stroke. I can't seem to stop bottoming out on these like I can with the Cherry Blacks, though this may have to do with the weight of the springs. There doesn't seem to be any finesse to these switches, but that's fine with me, they seem great for bashing on, very loudly.
The very strong actuation point is a plus on these switches, there is absolutely no mistake that you've pressed a key.
Cherry Browns:I haven't used these keys as much as the other two, but I still have a fair idea of them.
The actuation point is... subtle. I really have to slow down to feel the actuation point on the browns. Bottoming out is a 100% occurrence. I'm not sure if this would change with time, with my fingers getting used to a lighter switch, or whether I would just wear out the keycaps from the bottom up.
Not bad for typing, haven't tried for gaming.
So now that I have some reference points for switches, I'd like some ideas on where I could go further.
Buckling Spring: How loud are these compared to the ALPS in the SIIG? Are they harder/as hard to press (subjective, not objective)? Where is the activation point in the stroke? Are they as crisp as the ALPS?
Cherry Blue: Essentially same questions as above. I assume these are lighter to press though. I would, however, like a comparison of volume.
Cherry Clear: How pronounced is the actuation point in these compared to the Cherry Browns? Also, how hard is it to bottom these out (with relation to the Cherry Blacks)?
Cherry Red: I have no specific questions. Any insights would be welcome.
Topre: The unknown quantity.
I've been looking at these lately. I've heard that the tactile point is fairly pronounced, but I wouldn't think it could be as crisp as metal-on-metal lovin' in the ALPS. How is it compared to Browns?
I'd assume that typing noise would be on par with Cherry Blacks. Do you consistently bottom out with the Topres to type, like in rubber dome keyboards, or do you try and stop before that point?
And finally, does anyone here live on the eastern seaboard of Australia and own a Topre?
I think I've used up my month's question quota.
