Author Topic: Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard  (Read 2092 times)

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Offline gillberg1111

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Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« on: Thu, 29 December 2011, 22:50:47 »
After much reading and video watching, I have almost made my decision on buying my first mechanical keyboard. Currently I am using my Microsoft Digital Media Pro. It is still working flawlessly since about 2005-06 (I think), but I am ready to upgrade. I'm at the point where I think I'm just down to two boards, but I haven't been able to choose. I thought it was time to register and get any advice before I make my decision.

I will mainly be using the keyboard for gaming and some normal use/typing. Not much else goes on with the computer it will be used with.

After being able to try out the BlackWidow Ultimate at BestBuy, I have decided on Cherry MX Blues. I was though about trying Reds, but if I'm going to make the jump and spend the money, I want to feel the click.

I want a full keyboard, so the tenkeyless boards are out. I also like the blank key look.

Currently I am looking at the WASD or Das S Ultimate for the board.

Das:
The gloss wouldn't bother me on the Das, and I like the green and red colors for the extra keys for 'w', 'a', 's', 'd', and esc keys. The extra USB ports would be useful. Aside from the green/red keys, is it possible to get custom keys in the future? But some of the things I have read sound like people on this site aren't into the Das keyboard. Is there any other issues besides the gloss?

WASD:
I like the idea of being able to customize the WASD board, so if I decided to change out the keys in the future, I could go back to WASD and pick some up.  I also like what I've read about the owner being active on these forums and what I've read about their customer service. I like supporting a company with great customer service.


For price and quality, these two seem to be in my range. The Leopold is a contender, but for a little more, the WASD or Das seems worth it. I just can't decide and want to make sure I make the best choice.

Offline pitashen

  • Posts: 1200
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 29 December 2011, 23:38:53 »
go for whichever pleases your eyes better.
\\\\ DSI Mac Modular Keyboard (Brown) w/ Leo  Blank Keycaps //
\\\\ Leopold 87keys Keyboard (Brown) w/ Black CherryCorp + SP DoubleShots //
\\\\ Filco Majestouch 2 NINJA (Black) w/ White CherryCorp + SP DoublsShots //

Offline Greenbean

  • Posts: 56
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 29 December 2011, 23:56:18 »
Any plan on upgrading to PBT caps?

If so, I would rule the WASD out. Also, you are aware of the possible consequences of glossy finish keyboards like the DAS?

I would suggest a Rosewill RK-9000.

Offline noodles256

  • Posts: 1980
  • le legendary
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 00:04:18 »
+1 on rosewill
AF | Ducky YOTD |

Offline Tony

  • Posts: 1189
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 01:44:52 »
Both of them are equally good.
A coin flip may help.
Keyboard: Filco MJ1 104 brown, Filco MJ2 87 brown, Compaq MX11800, Noppoo Choc Brown/Blue/Red, IBM Model M 1996, CMStorm Quickfire Rapid Black
Layout: Colemak experience, speed of 67wpm

Offline trax

  • Posts: 174
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 03:59:09 »
Id take the WASD over a Das.
But if your not going to keep the caps from the WASD Id go with a Rosewill.

Rosewill also has better warranty policy (according to Ripster you can always bring it back, which is nice.)
Switches tried so far
Cherry MX Red Blue Black Clear
ALPS White Black (fake)Blue
Montereys
ACER
White Black
Futaba
Buckling Sprin

Offline gillberg1111

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    • http://www.gravematterproductions.com
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 06:34:54 »
I haven't read about PBT caps, so I'm not sure. I saw where people were asking about getting them on the WASD board, but they weren't an option yet.

I'm going to read about the Rosewill and PBT caps.

Offline Hazborgufen

  • Posts: 31
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 12:31:38 »
Aside from the redundancy of buying a WASD keyboard, which is known for having customizable caps, and then replacing those caps with PTB caps, is there some other reason that PTB caps on a WASD is a bad idea?

Offline gillberg1111

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Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 15:35:52 »
Quote from: Hazborgufen;480330
Aside from the redundancy of buying a WASD keyboard, which is known for having customizable caps, and then replacing those caps with PTB caps, is there some other reason that PTB caps on a WASD is a bad idea?

I was wondering something similar. Looking at the Rosewill, it would be cheaper to get a WASD with blank caps than the Rosewill and buy blank caps.

Offline slueth

  • Posts: 577
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 15:44:11 »
not sure, i have a wasd and there doesn't seem to be any issues with pbt keycaps for me on them.

Offline gillberg1111

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    • http://www.gravematterproductions.com
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 15:50:13 »
What are the benefits of PTB keys over the ones included with the WASD?

Offline trax

  • Posts: 174
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 15:52:21 »
Quote from: gillberg1111;480531
What are the benefits of PTB keys over the ones included with the WASD?

PBT.
Higher quality, feels better and wont shine after some months of usage.

EDIT: Shine like this it wont; http://www.tamurajones.net/img/photos/LogitechS510.png
Switches tried so far
Cherry MX Red Blue Black Clear
ALPS White Black (fake)Blue
Montereys
ACER
White Black
Futaba
Buckling Sprin

Offline o2dazone

  • Posts: 953
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #12 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 15:53:17 »
PBT is a type of plastic used in the keys. They are more resistance to becoming shining when heavily used. They are prone to more imperfections in the key itself.

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:16648

Offline BababooeyHTJ

  • Posts: 169
Almost ready for my first mechanical keyboard
« Reply #13 on: Fri, 30 December 2011, 16:44:28 »
You could always buy a cherry g80 3000 with mx blues from provantage that I'm pretty sure comes with pbt keycaps (could be pom though).