Keyboard Advice (Switch, O-Rings, Recommendations)

[thyroid99]

Hey guys, first time poster and long time lurker here.  

After reading countless forum posts, reviews, wikis, etc.. I've decided that the mx blues are my key of choice.  But I just wanted to ask a few questions before I go ahead with my purchase.  

KB Use
I'll be using the keyboard for work in 3DS Max, photoshop, scripting, HTML, gaming, and general typing/surfing.

Switches:
1. I was able to try blues (blackwidow ultimate), blacks (steelseries, meka g1), and reds (k90) but not browns.  How does brown feel in relation to the other switches?  I've read somewhere it was a mushy blue?

2. Is there a difference in the feel between different models/brands of keyboards using the same switches?  When I tested the MX Blacks I was surprised to find that an older/well used steelseries keyboard felt softer and far more enjoyable than a brand new meka g1's stiffness.  Could this be from "breaking in" the keyboard?  Is that something to keep in mind with all switches?  Can I expect the same discrepancy between a Das S Pro and a Blackwidow?

O-Rings
3.  Could someone clarify the difference with the 40Aand 50A WASD O-Ring mods?  I don't quite understand what they mean by a softer landing?  Does that mean it'll feel more like a rubber dome?

4.  I've read in the wiki that the Oring Mod enhances the MX Blues feel for gaming.  If anyone here has gamed using that setup could you please post your experiences?  Thanks!

Backlight
5.  I'm currently using a sidewinderx6 and Love the backlight especially when I'm working in the evenings/in the dark.  Finding hotkeys in the dark is a pain.  I can get the blackwidow ultimate for $110 but I hate razer products and avoid them at all costs.  Is there another quality product out there in the $110 range with backlight on cherry blue keys?  I have no problem turning on a lamp if there isn't.

KB Recommendations:
6. Are there any issues with the Das S Pro that aren't well known?  I've heard mostly positive reviews except for one instance of lazer etched keys fading out in 3 weeks.  I don't understand how that could even be possible.  I'm able to grab a DAS S Pro for $110.  I think it's a good price and will probably be picking it up unless your responses change my view.  

7. If not the Das, is there another MX Blue board that you guys would recommend?

Thanks!

[naranja]

Sorry I can't really help much with your questions but I have a Das S pro for $90 shipped if you're interested. The Das isn't as popular on GH because of the glossy finish(right?) but is a very solid board in terms of build quality.

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?26182-Das-Professional-S-(blue)

If you want a backlit board; there's the ducky shine, though I haven't read any reviews on it myself.

[WhiteFireDragon]

1. I was able to try blues (blackwidow ultimate), blacks (steelseries, meka g1), and reds (k90) but not browns. How does brown feel in relation to the other switches? I've read somewhere it was a mushy blue?

It's sort of in between reds and blues. You can feel the actuation point (like the blues), but barely. It also makes no click, so it's could be seen as linear (like reds). I wouldn't describe it as "mushy blue", but more more like subtle blues. When you game or type fast enough, you don't really feel that actuation point. I personally don't like it, because I prefer either full linear, or distinct feedback.

2. Is there a difference in the feel between different models/brands of keyboards using the same switches? When I tested the MX Blacks I was surprised to find that an older/well used steelseries keyboard felt softer and far more enjoyable than a brand new meka g1's stiffness. Could this be from "breaking in" the keyboard? Is that something to keep in mind with all switches? Can I expect the same discrepancy between a Das S Pro and a Blackwidow?

Different brands using the same switch can feel a little different. This will depend on the case construction, key caps, and especially plate mounted or PCB mounted.

3. Could someone clarify the difference with the 40Aand 50A WASD O-Ring mods? I don't quite understand what they mean by a softer landing? Does that mean it'll feel more like a rubber dome?

4. I've read in the wiki that the Oring Mod enhances the MX Blues feel for gaming. If anyone here has gamed using that setup could you please post your experiences? Thanks!

I'm going to combine these two into one answer. 40A vs 50A has a different durometer (softness) of the rubber. When you press the key and it hits the bottom, that's where most of the noise comes from, and putting an O-ring in the key cap stem greatly reduces this bottom-out noise and dampens the shock from hitting the bottom. The keys lands "softer" with the O-ring. You sill get the mechanical feel to your keys, but the sound and bottoming out is less harsh, so it's still very different than a rubber dome. i personally love it for normal typing or gaming (on MX blues), but others don't like the o-ring mod. Sordna posts lots of info on o-rings scattered in a lot of threads, you'll have to search for them. Here's some of the threads I posted in, there are pictures and videos in them so you can see/hear the differences:

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:25612
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?25789-O-rings-thingy-for-ALPS
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?25714-O-Rings-of-various-thickness-and-softness-Group-Buy

5. I'm currently using a sidewinderx6 and Love the backlight especially when I'm working in the evenings/in the dark. Finding hotkeys in the dark is a pain. I can get the blackwidow ultimate for $110 but I hate razer products and avoid them at all costs. Is there another quality product out there in the $110 range with backlight on cherry blue keys? I have no problem turning on a lamp if there isn't.

Currently, I only know of ducky shine and RACE 75% keyboards are the only ones that have LEDs. Razer tends to be gimmicky and flashy.

6. Are there any issues with the Das S Pro that aren't well known? I've heard mostly positive reviews except for one instance of lazer etched keys fading out in 3 weeks. I don't understand how that could even be possible. I'm able to grab a DAS S Pro for $110. I think it's a good price and will probably be picking it up unless your responses change my view.

Many people complain about the plastic shiny surface because it scratches easily and is a dust magnet. Other than that, not much else about the keyboard complaints that I know. Most stock keys are made of ABS, which wears faster than PBT keys, but I don't think the letters will wear out in 3 weeks.

7. If not the Das, is there another MX Blue board that you guys would recommend?

There are too many brands and models, it'll depend on your price range, keyboard size, or other personal preferences.

[dippingriz]

I've used the black o-rings for about a week and took them off.  I just didn't care for the feel of them.  Notice "I" didn't care for them.  So much of the keyboard stuff here is opinion.  If you end up not liking them you only spent ~$15.  

As for the Black Widow:
I like the blues, but the back lighting and gloss is a gimmick.  It's really not a bad first mech keyboard if that's what you are looking for.  

For other blues:
Search the forums for the keyboard reviews on all the different keyboards.  Just remember the McRipster effects.  People will complain about the smallest flaws.