Author Topic: Looking for my first mechanical keyboard [advice appreciated] (Read 4421 times)

Keizek · « **on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 01:22:59 »

First off I'd like to start by thanking everyone here who posted the guides and reviews on this forum. I found myself reading them for hours trying to find the right keyboard for me and the information here helped a great deal; even if it did keep me up a great many nights.

Where I live(the remote desolate prairie of Canada) there aren't a lot of stores that I can go to view/try/inquire about mechanical keyboards. The best I had to work with was a small custom shop that gets most of its business from people getting them to order what they want, but fortunately for me they did have a few switch types that I could try "sorta." They weren't full display models, but I was at least able to get a feel for the switches. At present I am leaning towards either blue or brown cherry switches. Past that however is where I'd like some opinion. I have been looking at leopolds(FC200RT/AB or FC200RC/AB), filcos(blue or brown tenkkeyless[for ex: FKBN87M/EW2]), and the cm storm quick fire rapid; and while the reviews have been very helpful, I've found the prices to vary dramatically! Basically my question comes down to, "just how much quality difference is there between the aforementioned brands/boards?"

With the filco board, I'm having a hard time justifying the cost versus the leopolds; and especially the CM! And for me, especially since I'm fairly new to a bunch of the retailers listed in the wiki, availability seems like a major issue with the filco, but less so with the leopold. (With the CM I'd just order from NCIX =P)

In closing, I apologize for harassing you with a brick of, probably, semi-coherent sentences(Long day), but I appreciate any feedback, advice, or alternate suggestions. Also, if you can't tell I am leaning towards Ten key less designs and I'll likely use this board for about 50/50 typing and gaming.

Thanks for your time,
Keizek

Roguemaster8 · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 01:29:34 »

Quickfire.

iMav might as well put a banner at the top of the site with an "add to cart" link just because of how many times its been recommended.

tp4tissue · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 07:02:52 »

Quote from: Roguemaster8;568535

Quickfire.

iMav might as well put a banner at the top of the site with an "add to cart" link just because of how many times its been recommended.

Rightee'oh.. Quickfire best keyboard out there right now.. fo serialll.. get the mxblue,, red is terrible

Typhaeon · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 07:10:09 »

Ignore the post above mine and get one with MX Reds. My first Cherry switch and my favorite.

tp4tissue · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 07:23:37 »

Quote from: Typhaeon;568608

Ignore the post above mine and get one with MX Reds. My first Cherry switch and my favorite.

MX-red provide no tactile feedback, bad for accuracy.. You're gonna hate the cherry red, soon enough

I'm assuming you don't type much, otherwise you'd hate them already

Typhaeon · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 08:44:28 »

Accuracy is in the muscle memory, Grasshopper. I type a great deal at work anyway.

There was indeed a period where I typo'd a lot more than I did with a buckling spring keyboard when I first started with the Reds; I won't deny that, Mr. Four-Ply Toilet Paper and Tissue Co. CEO. However, I adjusted, as I am a veritable evolutionary specimen of a man, and now enjoy life in the mammae cloud.

Saviant · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 08:49:50 »

Quote from: tp4tissue;568618

MX-red provide no tactile feedback, bad for accuracy.. You're gonna hate the cherry red, soon enough

I'm assuming you don't type much, otherwise you'd hate them already

I use reds for typing and gaming and I have no issues with them. Just because you don't like them doesn't mean everyone shares the same opinion. I have blue mx, red mx, brown mx and topre and I always go back to my reds as I find them ample for my uses.

phetto · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 08:55:33 »

I find MX red the best allround keyboard, but this discussion can be debated forever. I recommend that you find your way to Toronto to try them out yourself, it's a matter of taste.

Just got my hands on Topre Realforce 88ub, been using cherry switches, blue, red, black and brown before and i like this better.

mkeeley · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 09:10:01 »

Seems to me that every thread that recommends a certain switch is wasting its time, not sure why it happens time after time. Everyone has their own preference and you can really only know what suits you if you try them out yourself.

Saviant · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 09:19:28 »

I agree that was what my point was. It is better for you to try until you find what switch type suits you and go with your preference.

funxion · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 10:02:50 »

Without being hypocritical, since I did post a thread very similar to this along with many other newer members looking for mechanical boards, I'd have to say the sole reason for these types of threads being started is due to the fact that everyone wants the best they can get for the lowest price possible.

Although we've all done our research on a possible switch type, there is no true "guide" as far as price/quality comparisons goes since the general consensus seems to lead back to personal preference.

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone on this one, but I think a thread should be sticky'd that explains that unless you plan to try out multiple switch types, you may never know which type is the "best" since it's all about personal preference and usage.

I'll use myself as an example: I just bought a Filco with browns, but I'm definitely going to be in the market to try Topre switches at some point just to see which I like better and also to see if there's a better board than mine. I'm hoping to be able to "test" different switches in person without having to buy boards all the time, but for those who live in remote areas such as the OP, unless you plan on traveling to test switches out, be prepared to spend money!

Keizek · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 11:37:47 »

Thanks everyone who has a responded so far! As for switches I appreciate your attempts to sway me one way or another, but I really loved the crispness of the blue switches and the brown were a very close second for me.

Quote from: funxion;568811

Without being hypocritical, since I did post a thread very similar to this along with many other newer members looking for mechanical boards, I'd have to say the sole reason for these types of threads being started is due to the fact that everyone wants the best they can get for the lowest price possible.

Although we've all done our research on a possible switch type, there is no true "guide" as far as price/quality comparisons goes since the general consensus seems to lead back to personal preference.

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone on this one, but I think a thread should be sticky'd that explains that unless you plan to try out multiple switch types, you may never know which type is the "best" since it's all about personal preference and usage.

I'll use myself as an example: I just bought a Filco with browns, but I'm definitely going to be in the market to try Topre switches at some point just to see which I like better and also to see if there's a better board than mine. I'm hoping to be able to "test" different switches in person without having to buy boards all the time, but for those who live in remote areas such as the OP, unless you plan on traveling to test switches out, be prepared to spend money!

I can appreciate what you are saying about the quality being subjective, but at the same time I mostly got what I was coming here for anyway. I haven't seen anyone tear into any of the boards I was looking at, which for me seems to point at the boards being solid overall(aka not wasting my time and money). In regards to your switch comments, yes I am somewhat limited in what I can try, and I might make some costly mistakes in that regards, but I am willing to try. Also in regards to this, I just want to point out I listed the switch types I was interested in, because someone might want to mention a board I might be interested in. NOT; because I want people to beat the switches to death with their opinions. In the same breath I'd hate to colour my own opinion by making a silly mistake(buying a board with known issues) that people could warn me off of, hence the post, and so far I think I'll be okay to pick any of my choices.

Thanks again for all the feedback so far! If you do have other boards, opinions, or stories that might help please keep 'em coming!

Keizek

funxion · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 11:45:11 »

Quote from: Keizek;568922

Thanks everyone who has a responded so far! As for switches I appreciate your attempts to sway me one way or another, but I really loved the crispness of the blue switches and the brown were a very close second for me.

I can appreciate what you are saying about the quality being subjective, but at the same time I mostly got what I was coming here for anyway. I haven't seen anyone tear into any of the boards I was looking at, which for me seems to point at the boards being solid overall(aka not wasting my time and money). In regards to your switch comments, yes I am somewhat limited in what I can try, and I might make some costly mistakes in that regards, but I am willing to try. Also in regards to this, I just want to point out I listed the switch types I was interested in, because someone might want to mention a board I might be interested in. NOT; because I want people to beat the switches to death with their opinions. In the same breath I'd hate to colour my own opinion by making a silly mistake(buying a board with known issues) that people could warn me off of, hence the post, and so far I think I'll be okay to pick any of my choices.

Thanks again for all the feedback so far! If you do have other boards, opinions, or stories that might help please keep 'em coming!

Keizek

I completely understand where you're coming from. I wasn't directing my post toward you, but rather the poster who was questioning the need for threads such as this one. It's all good!

Keizek · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 12:52:14 »

Thanks for clearing that up funxion! I was a little confused as to what you meant with your original reply, but in the same regard I probably could have been a little clearer in the original post to avoid such misunderstandings/fruitless debate that invariably comes from a gathering of people with strong opinions on a subject that is entirely preference....

Keizek

audioave10 · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 13:00:32 »

If you can buy from NewEgg in the US, all keyboards have a 15% off promo EMCNFND98 for this weekend.
That is, if you can find a mechanical that you want to try there.

Keizek · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 14:08:06 »

Thanks for the heads up, I'll certainly take a look!

Keizek

zeththedarkmage · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 16:29:35 »

Newegg carries the CM storm quickfire full size with cherry browns and the tenkeyless board with cherry blues. With the promotional code posted on page one that's $85 for the full size with browns and $68 for the tenkeyless with blues.

Full size with browns: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129003

Tenkeyless with blues: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129002

tobo · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 16:55:54 »

Quote from: zeththedarkmage;569244

Newegg carries the CM storm quickfire full size with cherry browns and the tenkeyless board with cherry blues. With the promotional code posted on page one that's $85 for the full size with browns and $68 for the tenkeyless with blues.

Full size with browns: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129003

Tenkeyless with blues: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129002

If only newegg shipped to europe

.

Keizek · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 17:09:54 »

Quote from: zeththedarkmage;569244

Newegg carries the CM storm quickfire full size with cherry browns and the tenkeyless board with cherry blues. With the promotional code posted on page one that's $85 for the full size with browns and $68 for the tenkeyless with blues.

Full size with browns: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129003

Tenkeyless with blues: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129002

Its a pretty good price, I'll have to shop around quick though if it ends right away!

Thanks again!

alaricljs · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 17:12:23 »

through the weekend.

f4d3 · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 18:16:34 »

Get the best and go with topres.

Zamorph · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 18:24:20 »

The cm storm is a great value for money, it just has a lot of logos. I find the leopold is a great keyboard, but the main difference (to me) is the rubber pads, leopolds don't really help much and the filco's are amazing. But, don't forget leopold is cherry stabilizers and filco is corsair

alaricljs · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 18:27:40 »

s/corsair/costar/

Keizek · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 06 April 2012, 22:58:15 »

In regards to topre switches; unfortunately I'm not made of money! [student!]. Perhaps one day, but definitely not in my immediate future.

Quote from: Zamorph;569365

The cm storm is a great value for money, it just has a lot of logos. I find the leopold is a great keyboard, but the main difference (to me) is the rubber pads, leopolds don't really help much and the filco's are amazing. But, don't forget leopold is cherry stabilizers and filco is corsair

As for the stabilizers, am I correct in saying that the cm storm QFR has the same costar stabilizers? I thought I read that somewhere, but I could be wrong. I am ashamed to admit I had not given much thought to stabilizers; is there a big difference between the costar and cherry stabilizers? [apologies, for i r noob =(] EDIT: I should mention I have looked at these(now), but I'm not sure how they effect performance/feel =(

Also, you mentioned rubber pads, are you referring to rubber "feet" that keep the keyboard from sliding? (just for clarity's sake)

funxion · « **Reply #24 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 00:15:45 »

Hell no.

Keizek · « **Reply #25 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 01:28:17 »

No I wouldn't, and if I do get the QFR, I'll probably go with NCIX as my friend and I are likely going to place a combined order on there.

One thing giving me pause for the moment, is the fact that I do a great deal of late night gaming. And with that I start to go, "Will my family/friends(LAN Parties) kill me in my sleep for getting blue switches?" >.< Ah well, I'll have to consider this some more.

Shinx · « **Reply #26 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 01:45:26 »

I don't see too many people reccommending keyboards from WASD anymore. Did something happen to them?

Keizek · « **Reply #27 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 01:52:08 »

Dunno if something happened to them or not. TBH I was very tempted to go with them, but I'm really looking for TKL and WASD keyboards doesn't offer that yet. (though it sounds like they plan to, it also mentioned they are working on getting PBT Keycaps if that matters to anyone)

Shinx · « **Reply #28 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 02:01:02 »

I wanted to get one from them to get really geeky custom caps, something pony- uh I mean lumberjack related, but the lack of recommendations was scaring me a wee bit and I ain't sure if the keyboards were being shipped with wasps or scorpions or something.

stingrae · « **Reply #29 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 02:38:26 »

Quote from: zeththedarkmage;569244

Newegg carries the CM storm quickfire full size with cherry browns and the tenkeyless board with cherry blues. With the promotional code posted on page one that's $85 for the full size with browns and $68 for the tenkeyless with blues.

Full size with browns: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129003

Tenkeyless with blues: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129002

Quickfire full size is probably as risky as buying a blackwidow until someone reviews it i'd go with the better options on the market; Filco, Wasd, Rosewill, CM Storm's tenkeyless and Leopold.

Nothing has happened to WASD they are still great boards at filco level quallity. It is literally that the quickfire tenkeyless is a much better price point at the cost of a few disadvantages like logos and keycaps.

'an unheard of N-Key rollover in USB mode' still gets me down on the floor laughing! xD On a more serious note that might mean it has issues with the mac OS like the Noppoo choc mini, not so unheard of now are we!? Oh well let the gaming peripheral public be blind to the fact that microsoft did this years ago.

Keizek · « **Reply #30 on:** Sat, 07 April 2012, 03:36:03 »

Quote from: Shinx;569635

I wanted to get one from them to get really geeky custom caps, something pony- uh I mean lumberjack related, but the lack of recommendations was scaring me a wee bit and I ain't sure if the keyboards were being shipped with wasps or scorpions or something.

LUMBERJACK!?!? My Canadian brethren I have found ye! lol JK. In all seriousness, while I was briefly considering going to browns with either a filco or leopold, I think I'll stick with my gut here and go for the QFR. It seems good, has good reviews, and is cheap enough that if I don't like it for gaming I can probably afford to buy something else sooner rather than later. (alternatively if I like it and can find some alternate key caps for this then I can afford to get rid of the awful font/logos on here!)

So, I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions, advice, and information. It is greatly appreciated!

Keizek

PS: Should I be closing this thread now?

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Author Topic: Looking for my first mechanical keyboard [advice appreciated] (Read 4421 times)