Compact mechanical keyboard with light keys

[sequel]

Hello,

I own a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blues, the Razer BlackWidow. I'm pretty satisfied with it, but I'd like a new keyboard, for several reasons.
The first one being that I've heard the BlackWidow's quality in general was poor compared to other keyboards like Leopolds, Duckys or Filcos. I would like to get a keyboard with a better build quality.
The second reason is that the keyboard is too big. I need something more compact, that I can bring with me at work for example.
The last reason is that MX Blues don't really suit me. I'd like lighter switches, and something less tactile. So I've thought about getting either Topres, MX Reds, or MX Browns (if you think any other type of key switch would fit too, please tell me).

What keyboard(s) would you recommend that fit my needs? I've done some research and I found several keyboards: the KBC Poker, HHKB Pro 2, and Leopold Tenkeyless with MX Reds... Anything else? Which one do you think is the best between those three?
Unfortunately I can't try any other switches than blues (there aren't much shops that sell mechanical keyboards where I live), so I'm asking you to tell me what would seem as the best choice considering the above requirements.

[sequel]

Welcome to Geekhack.

Thanks.

Filco /thread

Filco Tenkeyless you mean? How is it better than the others?

[sequel]

I'll say it ONCE then leave.

FILCO

Actually RealForce is fine if you won't lighter keys but some Topres cost more than an iPad.  Bad value proposition there.

Yeah, I want light keys - but some Filcos come with MX Reds, anyway.

Price isn't really a problem, but only the RealForce? I thought HHKB was better in terms of quality (and size).

[yearn4]

kbc poker red switches and hhkb pro 2 type s!

[eth0s]

Yeah, I want light keys - Price isn't really a problem, but only the RealForce? I thought HHKB was better in terms of quality (and size).

Get the RealForce 87U Silent for the softest and quietest TKL keyboard in the world today.   HHKB has funky layout, and costs more than RealForce.  Even though you say price is not a problem, why not save a few bucks and get a full-sized TKL with normal layout?  I have an 87U Silent, and I love it.

[StaCT13]

HHKB is mostly worth getting only if you really want that funky layout. Some people have said that its build quality isn't quite that of a RealForce, and it's often more expensive.

BTW, is it the tacticality or the sound of the blues that you dislike? Try typing with hearing protectors on. Blues feel almost EXACTLY the same as browns, just the really strong 'click' fools your brain into thinking the tactile point is much more prominent.

I also can't speak for Filcos (although I do have a Rosewill, many call them similar in quality), but Leopolds are some damn fine keyboards, especially for the price.

[sequel]

Get the RealForce 87U Silent for the softest and quietest TKL keyboard in the world today.   HHKB has funky layout, and costs more than RealForce.  Even though you say price is not a problem, why not save a few bucks and get a full-sized TKL with normal layout?  I have an 87U Silent, and I love it.

Alright, I'll look into it. Thank you.

HHKB is mostly worth getting only if you really want that funky layout. Some people have said that its build quality isn't quite that of a RealForce, and it's often more expensive.

I like that layout because it's extremely compact - but if it's true that the build quality isn't as good as the Topre, then I probably won't buy it.

BTW, is it the tacticality or the sound of the blues that you dislike? Try typing with hearing protectors on. Blues feel almost EXACTLY the same as browns, just the really strong 'click' fools your brain into thinking the tactile point is much more prominent.

I also can't speak for Filcos (although I do have a Rosewill, many call them similar in quality), but Leopolds are some damn fine keyboards, especially for the price.

I always type with my headphones on so no, the sound doesn't bother me very much. It's really the tactile feel that I don't really like. I would prefer something less tactile or totally linear.
I don't know what to choose between a keyboard with Topres or MX Reds though.

[slytown]

First pick a switch. Then consider either HHKB or Poker. 60 percent is FTW. With the HHKB you get 45g actuation, which is very nice, or you can go the MX route for reds/browns.

[dippingriz]

Out of the blue, red, and brown Pokers I own.  I love the browns the most.  People complain about the build quality, but it isn't designed to be tank.  

I would vote for the Poker with brown switches.

[smknjoe]

Welcome to Geekhack.

Wow, that lobotomy has worked! Let's hope Chief Bromden doesn't decide to "set you free."

Alright, I'll look into it. Thank you.


I like that layout because it's extremely compact - but if it's true that the build quality isn't as good as the Topre, then I probably won't buy it.


I always type with my headphones on so no, the sound doesn't bother me very much. It's really the tactile feel that I don't really like. I would prefer something less tactile or totally linear.
I don't know what to choose between a keyboard with Topres or MX Reds though.

Sounds like you want browns or reds. I can't speak for Topres.

[MMB]

I am not sure why everyone seems to believe that Filcos are the end all/be all of keyboards. Honestly, you are getting more for your money with a CM Storm. Literally same build quality, on top of having a REMOVABLE USB cable, and roughly $50+ cheaper than a Filco. What kind of keyboard that is expected to last, wouldn't come with a removable USB cable, a part that would wear out and break long before the keyboard itself?


/mindboggle

Filco /thread

[Reptile]

I am not sure why everyone seems to believe that Filcos are the end all/be all of keyboards. Honestly, you are getting more for your money with a CM Storm. Literally same build quality, on top of having a REMOVABLE USB cable, and roughly $50+ cheaper than a Filco. What kind of keyboard that is expected to last, wouldn't come with a removable USB cable, a part that would wear out and break long before the keyboard itself?


/mindboggle

I agree but that branding....

[MMB]

I agree but that branding....

Yes, that is the only downside. I was going to paint mine when I still had it. Then I commited to mini 60%-ish boards, so meh.

[urbanus]

Sounds like you want browns or reds. I can't speak for Topres.

Agreed, since the OP doesn't like the tactility of Blues.

In favour of Topres: they offer a smoother tactile experience than MX Blue, and the variably weighted versions are good for saving strain on the little fingers.  However some users complain that the lighter keys are too light (I don't think so).  I don't use my Topre for gaming, I think it's best for typing.

I like MX Red (typing on them right now) although I would recommend the o-ring mod.  MX Red is a good, economical alternative: quite fine for typing and excellent for gaming.

[megnin]

I agree with all above and since OP suggests that he prefers lighter switches I just wanted to point out something concerning Topres that I have experienced and read several posts that also agree.  

The Realforce keyboards rated at 45g are light and a joy to type on (I have two).  I like light switches as well.  On the other hand HHKB Pro 2 keyboards, which are also rated at 45g tend to feel heavier (I have three).  I've read that they actually spec out to be 55g to 60g.  All three of mine feel about that much heavier than my Realforce boards.  The difference is enough that it really bothers me.

Someone mentioned build quality of the HHKB compared to that of the Realforce.  Don't take that to mean the HHKB's are built poorly.  They are solidly built.  It's more like comparing the build quality of a Mercedes to that of a Rolls.  ;-)