Switches for rapid fire rhythm games

[Avarice]

I'm really looking into getting off my rubber dome keyboards and transition into mechanical keyboards, but I'm having a little bit of trouble on making a choice on which switch would be best for my use. I play a little bit of FPS and SC2, but I spend most of my gaming time on rhythm games.

I've been doing tiny bits research here and there over the past few weeks, but I can't really make a decision that I would feel comfortable with, mainly because I haven't found any information conclusive for my use. I think a linear switch like black or red would seem like the safest bets in terms of rapid double tapping, but the force required on a black switch doesn't really seem ideal. I would probably go with reds, but I'm having a bit of trouble coming across a >$150(with shipping) red switch keyboard. If anyone could help me out with this, I would be incredibly grateful.

Next on my list would be brown. I know for general gaming purposes these seem to work well, but I'm concerned if they're going to be able keep up once I hit the higher beat-per-minute songs since I'll only be alternating between two keys.

I know you guys probably get threads like these often, so I really appreciate any help I can get. I just want to make sure I make the right choice for my first mechanical keyboard.

[Thran]

You really do not need to worry what switch you get I use blues for SM and DJMAX. I currently can AAA most 15s on SM and have reached level 99 online for DJMAX. It is personal preference and don't believe anyone who says you cannot double tap with blues.

If you are still worried about this get browns. I do not recommend blacks for any rhythm games. (Again personal preference I use Omron keys on my arcade machine and I love a sound when I hit a key)

[bakageta]

I recommend browns, personally... They're nice and light, and have no problem keeping up even with incredibly quick runs. I disagree with Thran about blues though, most people will have no problem with blues, but if you tend to not completely release the key, they won't reactivate. Apparently most people do completely release the key, and so it's not an issue for them, but I find when I get up to very quick runs of two alternating keys, I don't always release entirely, and I'd end up with occasional missed keys on blues. As for linear, I don't care for blacks at all, I find them tiring to type on and tiring to game on. I haven't tried reds because of the expense and lack of tenkeyless options, but I'm very happy with browns so I'm not super concerned with trying them out yet.

[Thran]

Id say there is some learning involved with blues you can hit the key and hold it down over the actuation point and hit it twice and only hear the click once. I can see how this would bug alot of people and yes its personal preference. Browns would be the safe choice and bakageta is 100% right about that.

[Thran]

That is why I think it does not matter what switch you get it is after all personal preference.

[RiGS]

I think black switches are very good for double tapping. They have a very good rebound and the springs are tough enough to let you keep the switch around the activation point the whole time without buttoming out. Not to mention that the actuation and release points are at the exact same position without the distracting tactile bump. It is nice to see how people here discourage new people from getting mx black switches especially nice considering that mx blacks are endorsed by the best pro gamers.

[speakeasy]

oh man, I just remembered that I wanted to try this game again with my new keyboard since I quit years ago cause I couldn't play some of the harder songs without NKRO

Browns are good enough for me when APM spamming in SC2, so I think they'll be good enough for rhythm games.

[symphonic1985]

how many buttons do you need? Konami use these ones from Guitar Freaks:
http://www.arcadeshop.de/Sanwa-Buttons-Sanwa-OBSF-24KK-black_873.html
The Seimitsu 1.59 EU 32 mm buttons are pretty great too. They have a nice low profile. Switches from the 2 companies are interchangeable.

I know I always go on about Sanwa but I love them to death. And if you only need a few buttons then it's more awesome to make something.

I'm a newbie but I have now tried Cherry Blue, Black, Brown, and Black with springs cut to 45g. I have trouble double tapping blues in FPSs because I really ride the actuation point. Browns are not as bad for me here but a little strange. Blacks are nice but the throw is a bit too long to be absolutely ideal.

[RiGS]

I also think black switches need a learning curve to be ideal,(not buttom out on them, correctly feel the activation point and to not make your fingers tired) but once you have the muscle memory this is perfectly automatic.