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[Viper2]

deleted.

[Orphagn]

Hoorah! Another Black switch convert!

[Oqsy]

Mind showing us some pics?  I'm curious now. I've seen a couple blurbs here and there, but no in-depth reviews. We all appreciate a good review, even if its a board we likely won't buy

There are plenty of us here that like MX blacks, myself included. Cherry's heavy switches (black and clear) are much more satisfying and have a more "solid" feel, giving the impression of a higher quality board overall.

I had a filco with reds that felt cheap and flimsy, and made me appreciate an inexpensive Cherry MX11900 even more.  I know there was nothing wrong with the filco, but switch preference can make that much of a difference.

Congrats on your purchase, and keep us posted on how the Meka holds up

[javifast]

I like cherry blacks too. Perhaps browns is better. But if somebody read the forums can take a bad idea about the switches. They are good.

[Bucky]

I think you need to think about the source when you are on GH. The Steelseries keyboards may be highly regarded on many sites, but here you are talking to people who take their love for keyboards to a new level, and I don't think the Steelseries really have as big a following on here (at least in comparison to Filco, Realforce, HHKB, Das, Cherry, IBM, others too).

So while I believe that it is a good board, when you ask check with the most discerning keyboard crowd you can always expect strict standards. Its like asking Mario Andretti if he likes BMW's, he might think they are fine but thinks more highly of his Ferrari or something.

[Viper2]

Deleted.

[BaconKnight]

Getting other people's opinions is great but the most important thing is if you like it or not, and if you do, that's all that matters. Not everyone will like the same things you like. I really like my Noppoo Choc but some people on this forum seem to really dislike em, but whatever, doesn't stop me from enjoying mine. :happy:

[foliolio]

My Raptor Gaming K1 is of awesome quality and the Meka would have to be something really special to be substantially better. Deck makes probably the best black switch boards anyway, bless them. The SteelSeries boards would be great too if only the keycaps were of reasonable quality; alas, they are awful, souring the whole packet.

[flaming_june]

I finally decided on a mechanical keyboard and purchased the Thermaltake Meka G1 Mechanical Keyboard.  It has Cherry MX Black switches.  Originally I tried a Filco Majestouch-2 (Cherry MX Brown switches) keyboard, and the switches were far too light.  In fact, IMO though the Majestouch-2 has excellent build quality, the Cherry MX Brown switches on it were so light that the keys felt flimsy.  The Meka G1 also has excellent build quality, but IMO the Cherry MX Black switches on the Meka G1 feel light years better than the Cherry MX Brown switches on the Majestouch-2.

There seems to be some criticism on these forums for the Meka G1 just because it has a thick braided cable.  Instead of focusing on the awesomeness of the Meka G1, it seems that some people on these forums have decided to criticize a very trivial aspect such as the cable (which IMO is nothing but an extremely well-made durable cable).  However, almost every review I have read on the net comparing the Meka G1 to the SteelSeries keyboards has stated that the Meka G1 is better built and has a better feel than the SteelSeries 6Gv2 and SteelSeries 7G (two highly regarded Cherry MX Black keyboards).  Filco doesn't really count because they don't make a full-size Cherry MX Black keyboard (or if they do, it’s not available in the USA).

Also, I can't believe the stuff I have read on these forums and on the net in general about Cherry Black switches being "too heavy" for typing.  IMO, to call them “too heavy” is just ridiculous.  IMO, they are extremely easy to press and very smooth with just the right amount of firmness, and not heavy at all.

I think these geekhack forums are great.  However, even though these are probably the largest mechanical keyboard forums in the world, I think it's unfortunate that I didn't get an accurate review of the Meka G1 on these forums, and instead had to rely on other internet reviews to get reliable opinions on this keyboard.  No offense.

I did a ton a research on different mechanical keyboard switches and different brands of mechanical keyboards before purchasing the Meka G1, and I am extremely happy with my decision.  The Thermaltake Meka G1 is an awesome mechanical keyboard!

Respect your opinion and preference, but your views are poorly written.

[The Solutor]

I think these geekhack forums are great.  However, even though these are probably the largest mechanical keyboard forums in the world, I think it's unfortunate that I didn't get an accurate review of the Meka G1 on these forums, and instead had to rely on other internet reviews to get reliable opinions on this keyboard.  No offense.

 

Too much elitarism here, G1 is probably considered a "proletarian" keyboard.

I did a ton a research on different mechanical keyboard switches and different brands of mechanical keyboards before purchasing the Meka G1

Mionix Z60 should be out in the next month, it's "just" a backlit G1

[Tony]

For the first mechanical keyboard, SS Thermaltake G1 is very good choice for you. I am glad you like it. The switch preference is very personal, so please stick with your current keyboard.

After a while, you will have finer taste and will try other switches out of curiousity.

[Viper2]

Deleted.

[Viper2]

Deleted.

[The Solutor]

Don't think so.  According to Amazon.com, the Thermaltake Meka G1 Mechanical Keyboard has a list price of $120.99.  It's definitely in the elite category.

 
Not just matter of money for some people, a product hard to reach is considered better.

Buying from amazon is just too easy, an international shipement from an esothic country, especially if the order is written with klingon characters, is way better :happy:

BTW just enjoy your board and don't brainstorm too much, if fit your needs, if you like it is the best keyboard of the world.

[BucklingSpring]

I think the notion of elitism and proletarian is here as it is anywhere else. Not better or worst. "As my father used to tell me, workers are man's best friends" LoL (Literal translation of a quote from Dieudonné, French humorist)

The least expensive keyboard under 10$ probably offer the most for the price and it is certainly going to last more then 1/10th of a 100$ one. Unfortunately, such cheap keyboard is not very pleasant to type on.

The notion of keyboard value varies greatly amongst the GH community. Our personal opinion is generally based on some of the following attributes:
-Price
-Features
-Collectible
-Ergonomics
-Size
-Noise level
-Built quality, machining tolerance
-Aesthetic
-Durability

There is no "standard" on how to score each attributes. Feel free to make your own.

I recently got a XArmor that came with a fat cable like yours and I couldn't care less about its size. As long as the jacket, insulation and conductors maintain their property under normal use for a long time, I'm happy. In this case, the cable is probably the strongest link - pun intended.

If there is one single thing I can't stand on a keyboard over 30$ is key flex aka wobbliness which creates a variable actuation feel depending where you press the keys.

I'm curious to see the design under your large keys, can you pull a shift key and show us pictures under the keycaps itself, then some of the switch/stabilizer system?

Enjoy your new keyboard!

[vun]

Don't think so.  According to Amazon.com, the Thermaltake Meka G1 Mechanical Keyboard has a list price of $120.99.  It's definitely in the elite category.

 
Just to let you know, the high price is because they had to cram USB and audio ports onto the keyboard, you can't say it's a good keyboard based on the cost alone. I believe the 7G is also in the same price range, and that's just a 6Gv2 with USB and audio ports.

Not saying that the G1 isn't a good board, I couldn't say as I've never tried it, but I probably never will either unless I can get one for free or dirt cheap as I refuse to pay extra for useless ports I don't need.
Just saying that price =\= quality.

[BucklingSpring]

Just saying that price =\= quality.

+1

[Viper2]

Deleted.

[noodles256]

i like blacks, should have asked me

[vun]

No, I'm pretty sure the reason it's not priced in the same range as the 6Gv2 is because of the USB and audio ports, not because of build quality.

[Tempy]

my first mechanical keyboard was a filco with mx blacks. and yeah its available in the usa, right on amazon, honestly as you gain the "finer taste" you will branch out into other switches and realize that the blacks are "too heavy" at least that is what happened to me, i don't even own a black switched keyboard anymore.

[daerid]

Viper, dude.. I'm stoked that you got a keyboard you liked, but chill. We're not dissing your board man. And if somebody is, you don't have to be so defensive about it. You like your board, enjoy it.

[bxt]

Umm.....no.  The Meka G1 is high priced for the same reason Filcos are high-priced, because it has excellent build quality.

I know many of you might not like the fact that the Thermaltake company caters to PC gamers, but this time you have to face the fact that they made an outstanding keyboard, thick cable or not.  Just because a keyboard doesn't say Filco, Das, Realforce, or IBM on it, doesn't mean it's not a top-of-the-line keyboard.

Anyways, good discussion, but I am done discussing this topic.

6gv2 build quality is in fact way better than some of the more expensive "gaming" boards

[hyperlinked]

Also, I can't believe the stuff I have read on these forums and on the net in general about Cherry Black switches being "too heavy" for typing.  IMO, to call them “too heavy” is just ridiculous.

I'll echo what Bucky said about considering the core crowd here. For a lot of people who are here the most, the Cherry Blacks are indeed too heavy because there are a lot of RSI sufferers here, a lot of people who type for days at a time, and a lot of people have come and gone who found Cherry Blacks to be too heavy to type on.

Quite personally, I find Cherry Blacks to be too heavy for anything... gaming included. I can't do much gaming anymore since my left hand started having pain and what little I do now and then absolutely needs to be on the lightest key switch possible. The idea behind the heavier switches for gaming is so that you don't have any accidental keypresses. For anyone who's a highly trained typist, accidental keypresses are likely to be more or less a non-issue.

People here probably are too dimissive of "gaming" hardware and it's mostly for good reason. Most of it is overhyped garbage and most people here don't own them and wouldn't know the good "gaming" boards from the crap ones. Anyway, as daerid said... enjoy your board. Nuff said.

[redpill]

Just saw the cable, haven't seen something on the computer that big since last visiting Anthony Weiner's Twitter page.

[mmmty]

I can vouch for the Meka G1. I don't like the thick cable but other than that it's a very good keyboard. I did about 2 weeks of research on cherry blacks before decided on Meka G1. Keystrokes feel nice & smooth. It's slightly stiffer than browns but I think it's less stiff than rubber dome. Here's a good review for Meka G1.

[video=youtube;MC1XWE3Cses]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC1XWE3Cses&t=10m23s[/video]

[MasterBlaster]

tryed black and brown and they are both great for games like sc2 but i feel black is horrible for games where you need to keep pressing down a key for a long time , do agree that G1 is a prity good keyboard , i would say better then any Steelseries but at the same time people need to chill , +1 daerid

[skuzzzzy]

Mind showing us some pics?  I'm curious now. I've seen a couple blurbs here and there, but no in-depth reviews. We all appreciate a good review, even if its a board we likely won't buy

There are plenty of us here that like MX blacks, myself included. Cherry's heavy switches (black and clear) are much more satisfying and have a more "solid" feel, giving the impression of a higher quality board overall.

I had a filco with reds that felt cheap and flimsy, and made me appreciate an inexpensive Cherry MX11900 even more.  I know there was nothing wrong with the filco, but switch preference can make that much of a difference.

Congrats on your purchase, and keep us posted on how the Meka holds up

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vCzW0BtIcI my friend did this

[redpill]

They need a better logo.

[Oqsy]

What do you mean by "for the first mechanical keyboard"?  Are you trying to belittle the keyboard as though it is a newbie keyboard?  If so, I got news for you, it's a top-of-the-line Cherry MX Black Mechanical Keyboard, not just some sort of entry-level mechanical keyboard.  However, if you didn't mean it that way, then forgive my sharp retort.  BTW, what is the "SS" for?  The Meka G1 has nothing to do with SteelSeries keyboards.



Again, this sounds belittling, as though you are insulting the keyboard and passive-aggressively criticizing my choice. Again, maybe I am just reading this wrong, but it sounds that way.

Just so you know, I had a $350 budget to buy almost any keyboard I wanted, and I still chose the Thermaltake Meka G1 after doing a lot of research.  So obviously I wouldn't have bought it and kept it unless it was an outstanding keyboard.  Remember, I already returned a Filco Majestouch-2 (a keyboard which people on these forums rave about).

Ok, you're obviously out to pick a fight or overly sensitive. If you can't take other people's commentary, go to OCN with some of the other posters here. I ignored your inflammatory tone in the OP because I was curious about the Meka, and I know what its like to be in the minority, but trying to claim EPEEN for owning a Meka and getting pissy with anyone that doesn't share your opinion is childish. You can expect very few helpful responses around here in the future with this kind of attitude. Good luck and move along.

[noodles256]

oqsy 4 prezident

[Oqsy]

noodles 4 dinner!

[noodles256]

then what about viper2? 0.o

[flaming_june]

I can vouch for the Meka G1. I don't like the thick cable but other than that it's a very good keyboard. I did about 2 weeks of research on cherry blacks before decided on Meka G1. Keystrokes feel nice & smooth. It's slightly stiffer than browns but I think it's less stiff than rubber dome. Here's a good review for Meka G1.

[video=youtube;MC1XWE3Cses]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC1XWE3Cses&t=10m23s[/video]

 
I never like that review.

[redpill]

Don't know but I want to be Iceman. Oqsy is Viper.  You can be Maverick.  Don't be Goose, he died.

And no gay stuff in the locker room.

Can skip the volleyball scene too thanks

[mmmty]

Nice video.  Never heard of the OCN Mechanical Keyboard Guide though.

If somebody takes some key pics like this I'll add it to the wiki.

Home row keys please.

Show Image

Don't know if you want the scale or not but here it is, Meka G1 beautiful keycaps.

[Tony]

Great pictures, nice looking keycaps.

I suppose the printed/engraved text should not be in the center of the keycaps, since it will be hard pressed thousand times a day.

[mmmty]

I like text on the Filco better.

[The Solutor]

Actually that's a leopold pic.

This is a Filco.  

 

Ladies and gentlemen the filco quality!!! :smokin:



How many degrees of rotation of the crossed hole is needed to discard a filco keycap ?

[noodles256]

keyboardlover!

[The Solutor]

Perspective has nothing to do here, and any person with a basics of geometry and or photography should understand it.

[The Solutor]

sow the wind and reap whirlwind :happy:

[vun]

Solutor, if you'd put in the effort to check the Meka key photo as well you can see that the cross looks off there as well. At least it does to me.

[Wallach]

Don't know but I want to be Iceman. Oqsy is Viper.  You can be Maverick.  Don't be Goose, he died.

And no gay stuff in the locker room.

 
Why do we even have the locker room then? Sheesh.

[keyboardlover]

keyboardlover!

I'm here. You rang?

[drsauced]

Don't know but I want to be Iceman. Oqsy is Viper.  You can be Maverick.  Don't be Goose, he died.

And no gay stuff in the locker room.

[video=youtube;0kx_bQoTi5U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kx_bQoTi5U[/video]

[The Solutor]

I think Solutor is butthurt.  

 

I don't get the whole key stem being off thing.

 Don't they teach Perspective in Art School any more?

I think would be better to keep your mouth closed when you haven't a vague idea of what are you speaking about.

That key has an evident defect, and you can't change this arguing about perspective, period.

P.S. yes, maybe I'm surly, but I think is better being surly and right than friendly and wrong.