Newbie searching for mechanical keyboards in Europe

[civet]

Hello.

I'd like to buy a mechanical keyboard... but they seem to be pretty scarce in Europe. So... here goes.

- I've been using dome keyboards since highschool - we did have some original Model Ms there
- I usually bottom out while typing - not sure if it's just the dome or i actually need that: i hit the keys pretty hard while typing
- I'm a touch typist, including symbols
- I never use the numpad, so a tenkeyless would be acceptable as long as it keeps the normal layout for everything else.
- judging by the descriptions, I think I'd like Cherry MX Blue switches best; I like precision, feedback, and the actuation point to be close to the max resistance point
I did get the chance to try a keyboard with MX Black ones and it was a bit weird and feedback-less.
Keeping that in mind, I'm open to any and all suggestions (APC/simplified ALPS, lighter buckling spring...  anything)
- I'd like dampeners if at all possible (both for the bottoming out and sound) IF they don't adversely affect the feedback & co
- I really like tall keys: big, heavy, wide fingers -> I really hate it when I have to always hit keys spot-on vertically; laptop style thin keyboards make my max wpm go from 100+ in my native language and 80-90 in English to maybe 50.
- I'd like to buy new and with warranty, so 2nd hand doesn't count.
- I really, really don't care about the extra features or gaming keyboards - I just need something very comfortable for typing.
- PS/2 would be nice to have, but if there is a particularly good board without it... don't withhold any suggestions

From what I see, just about the easiest MX Blue model to get in Europe (there are very few from what I can see after 5 minutes' browsing - funny, since Cherry is German) is the Das, but I've seen mention of QC problems here and one user referred to them using "meh" - not a good sign. It's more likely just about the only one - the rest are razers (crappy QC + usb = no go) or have MX Blacks (Mionix Zibal, Steelseries 7G).

The budget is irrelevant - please help me see what I can get first and then I'll pick whatever fits the budget at that point. Cheaper would be better, though, as long as it doesn't have a huge cost in quality.

Thanks!

[foliolio]

A tenkeyless Filco with your switch of choice from Keyboardcompany (expensive) or a Cherry (cheaper, usually available with blacks, blues or clears in Europe). Cherry boards come with nicer keycaps compared to Filcos, but the overall feeling is not as substantial and sturdy... Having said that, the build quality is more than acceptable and for me personally, the better keycaps matter more.

Das are fine as well.

[civet]

Could you point out a Cherry-branded keyboard (i don't really know their serial numbers) which satisfies my criteria? Please?

[mbc]

Go to geizhals.at/de and type in "g80-Lsc*"

Sent from my Milestone using Tapatalk

[civet]

The cheaper ones (40-60) seem to have gray switches... I'll read more about those. Oh, and thanks.

[N8N]

If you are concerned about sound, perhaps blues aren't for you - I am typing this on a board using blues right now and it's a little rackety.  In a good way, but still.  Maybe you can find something with MX clear switches to try?

Unfortunately, I am completely unaware of any tenkeyless keyboard available with clear switches, anywhere.  They are a nice switch though, at least I think so (as you can see from my sig)

[NewbieOneKenobi]

I would get a tenkeyless Filco with blues and see where it takes you. I am typing on one right now and my preferences are very similar to yours. I actually bought my second-hand but it had been used only a little by a fellow GH user who didn't like the tenkeyless form factor after all. By contrast I love how I can centre the keyboard more comfortably while at the same time having enough space to use the mouse comfortably.

And, as I always say, get an IBM Model M if you ever have a chance to buy it cheap (which isn't that rare). Few things are as cool as typing on that 20 years old unit if you at all like the feel and all keys work like they should (though I have a problem with some of the combos on mine, such as control and/or shift with arrows or with the home/end keys, which is a nightmare for someone who writes for a living).

[civet]

Ok, so what I can get locally (for about $93) is either the Razer Blackwidow (old version, Blue switches) or a Cherry G80-3000 (not sure of the model#, i'll call the store on Monday to confirm it's a "C" (blues))... Which one should I get?

I do a minimum of gaming(and I suck at it anyway), so the NKRO is not crucial and I know that USB is somewhat of a handicap, moreso with the extra high polling rate on this one(what were they thinking...), but if the Razer doesn't have some horrible QC... I'm willing to take it into account.

[monked]

did you mention the layout you need or are you fine with ANSI?
i am searching for an ISO board that fits my requirements and it sucks because mechanicals with ISO are so rare :/

[civet]

Somethin ISO-like, i guess: i like my left shift long and my enter key in a vertical, normal position large L (like some asian keyboards have it). I have no problems with a shorter shift (as I bend my thumb inwards a lot for pressing it anyway, don't know where I picked that habit from) but a single row enter (ANSI) is a bit of a a deal breaker.

[monked]

where are you from? the enter you descriped is ISO..

ANSI
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 26400[/ATTACH]

ISO
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 26401[/ATTACH]

ISO has 1 more key so you should consider the layout if you are writing in your native language
i need my Ö Ü Ä & co. without keyremapping

[civet]

Romania.

No, not exactly ISO, more like this (but with latin letters, ofc): http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8a/Hebrew_keyboard_layout.png/800px-Hebrew_keyboard_layout.png

[grik]

*wrong thread please delete*
Sorry