Best Keyboard for Balanced Typing/Gaming?

[Phalanx]

Hey guys, nice to meet you all! I'm new here, although have been lurking for about a month reading the absolute WEALTH of information on this forum. I loved it, so I thought I'd join

I currently have a Blackwidow Ultimate keyboard from Razer, which I must admit I do like a lot, but this is my only mechanical keyboard ever, so I don't have much to base it on other than the standard keyboards I had before.

The "E" key on the keyboard has started repeating when I press it, so I'm getting the keyboard fixed by a friend who graciously is going to switch the mechanism for me from the scroll lock key to the e position and vice versa, fixing the problem for me (I don't use scroll lock).

However, this has given me the bug of looking into mechanical keyboards more, and so I found geekhack. I read the entire article on the different switches and had no idea it was such a detailed environment! I found out I'm using Blue MX keys on the Blackwidow, which is why it's so loud. Whilst they're not considered best for gaming, I do type quite a lot, so I like the feedback from them, and I've had no serious trouble from my gaming in Battlefield 3 other than the odd incorrect keypress from myself when under stress/fire.

Looking through things, I am starting to realise I have some options here for my next keyboard. Black/Red for overall gaming, or Brown for a nice middleground between typing and gaming. I was wondering what you guys think of this? I'm kind of split on it, as I hear Black keys can be uncomfortable to type on? It kind of puts me off. I was wondering if Red had the same problem maybe, or should I just go for a brown switch keyboard instead?

I DID have my eye on a Mionix Zibal 60, but then found out that it uses Black switches. I must admit, I do require a backlit keyboard, so it kind of limits what I can use I guess. Do you guys have any recommendation for brown switch gaming keyboards? I must admit, other than Mionix and Razer, I've not heard of a lot of these keyboard/peripheral companies before. QPAD seem to pop up for brown switches, but I just don't know if this is what I need for a good balance of gaming and typing.

Thanks for the advice in advance. I know you guys know your stuff, so I'm listening intently. /bow

Edit: I am based in the UK, for reference.

[Djuzuh]

You might want to state your location also, the offer isn't the same everywhere.

[Phalanx]

Ah of course. I am based in the UK.

[Rafen]

Reds would be easier to type on since they take less force to actuate. Browns take about the same force but have a tactile "bump" when the key actuate. So it's more of where you would like tactile feedback or not.

[Phalanx]

Well, I'm used to both the tactile feedback and the bump, as my only reference so far has been my Blackwidow Ultimate which uses Cherry Blues. I don't mind either, to be honest, I'm just looking for a good balance between gaming and typing (probably 60% gaming, 40% typing).

I'd actually be happy to use Blacks if someone could explain what everyone seems to describe typing on blacks as "uncomfortable". Does it mean they're having to stab the keys to get them to actuate?

[funxion]

Browns, and this is coming from someone who's been #1 in the BO/MW3 competitive scene in North America, so an avid gamer at that. I do type a lot as well, so your needs are similar to mine and I enjoy browns.

[Phalanx]

Damn, I guess that rules out the Mionix Zibal I liked the look of that board. I did notice the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth uses browns, but it isn't available in UK layout. Shame. Can you recommend any keyboards that are backlit and use browns then?

[hamza_tm]

Agree on browns! No good keyboards in UK come to mind though

If you like the tactile bump, browns will keep you satisfied which is what matters the most.


"gracious friend".. appreciate it

[Phalanx]

hamza! <3 hehe

Yeah it seems there's a lack of good brown switch keyboards in the UK. I might be stuck with blacks at this rate. The only one I can think of is the QPAD MK-85 which is backlit and you can pick the switches, but I can't seem to find any decent reviews of the board, and to be honest I'm not sure on the whole design of it, whether I like it or not.

It's a shame, as I really like the Mionix Zibal's design.

[funxion]

I have no idea about the UK, but I don't know of any good backlit keyboards with browns that are TKL or full-size. If you can do without the number pad and arrow keys, you should check out the KBT Pure or KBT Race. There are two or three group buys going on with them involved!

[hamza_tm]

Only thing with the Pure or Race is they aren't UK layout!

But yeah like Funxion said there aren't really any good backlit boards with browns in UK layout. If you can handle US International ANSI layout then the Race can be had for $135 shipped to UK, the Pure about $10 - $15 cheaper I think.

The QPad is the only other option I can think of. I don't think you should worry about the quality and stuff of the QPad if you get the switches you want, because at the end of the day the switches make the biggest impact. But if you don't like the design then don't bother with it.

It's very hard to mod switches for backlit boards because you need to solder the LEDs individually - a real pain! Especially doing it for the entire board

[funxion]

What purpose would the board being back-lit serve for you, might I ask? Is it visibility because you're in a dark setting? If so, why not just save yourself the trouble, get a better keyboard, and buy a $10 desk lamp? Or learn to type without looking?

[Rafen]

What purpose would the board being back-lit serve for you, might I ask? Is it visibility because you're in a dark setting? If so, why not just save yourself the trouble, get a better keyboard, and buy a $10 desk lamp? Or learn to type without looking?

I was going to say the same thing. I usually play games at night with the lights off and the screen can usually illuminate my keyboard well enough that I don't need back lighting on my keyboard.

[funxion]

Your absolute best bet, and the one you'll be happiest with, is a Filco MJ2 with browns (TKL or full-size; doesn't matter).

The Keyboard Co. is based in the UK, so shipping would be cheaper and faster for you.

I've provided links directly to the TKL and full-size Filco MJ2 models with brown switches for you below:
TKL
Full-Size

[Phalanx]

Hmmm, I guess I could give non-backlit a go. Having backlit keyboards for me is a mix of reasons. I like the aesthetic side of it, plus I don't always use it, but I like the option of lighting the thing up. I can semi-touchtype already, but every now and then I get mixed as to my hand positions.

I dunno, this is going to need some thinking. :/

[funxion]

I'm going to be honest and tell you that I was the exact same way. I've used back-lit Logitech keyboards for years and preferred them to non-back-lit.

If you can, just give it a shot. You'll end up getting a much better quality keyboard out of it and hey, maybe you'll like the simplicity of it!

[dbdynsty25]

I agree with the backlighting thing on both sides of the argument.  Yes, I can touch type and I don't NEED to have the keys lit up per se, but sometimes it's just cool to have your surface glowing when you're playing games.  It's definitely not necessary, but sometimes aesthetics plays a huge roll in what we buy, more than functionality, especially when you're spending so much on top of the line gear.  See Apple for the greatest example of that.  

That said, I've got the Zibal 60 w/ the blacks and a Filco MJ2 TKL w/ blacks and I don't have any issues typing on them.  That said, I ordered a cherry red CM Storm Rapid this morning to give it a try as well.  The Zibal is my gaming board and the Filco/CM will be my work one.  We'll see what switch wins out!

[urbanus]

Reds would be easier to type on since they take less force to actuate. Browns take about the same force but have a tactile "bump" when the key actuate. So it's more of where you would like tactile feedback or not.

Agreed on the reds.  Browns are nominally tactile, but the bump is so subtle (actually just feels like a rough spot) that their tactility doesn't mean much in practice.

It's common wisdom that linear switches are better for gaming and tactile better for typing, but I don't accept that necessarily.  Of course it depends on personal preference, but I find that when touch typing fast tactile switches don't help me because I don't feel the individual keystrokes.  The tactility just rattles my fingers about.

[Phalanx]

As I thought, the feedback and advice from you guys is astounding. Thanks everyone, I have quite a bit to think about.

[czarek]

Hmm how about topre? keyboardco has good deals on them. For me they're far better than any cherry mx switch. I still like BS more but hard core gamers seem to dislike them.

[hamza_tm]

Agreed on the reds.  Browns are nominally tactile, but the bump is so subtle (actually just feels like a rough spot) that their tactility doesn't mean much in practice.

It's common wisdom that linear switches are better for gaming and tactile better for typing, but I don't accept that necessarily.  Of course it depends on personal preference, but I find that when touch typing fast tactile switches don't help me because I don't feel the individual keystrokes.  The tactility just rattles my fingers about.

People tend to say browns tactility doesn't amount to much in practice, but having tried browns seriously I definitely get much more enjoyment out of typing with browns as opposed to linear switches, but in a different way. Just the way the resistance of the switch is high at the top of the press and the way it collapses makes it feel unique to use and very pleasing

[Tony]

The rattle feeling is just confirmation that keys are registered. Without that rattle/bump, brown would become red, and you had to bottom out each key in order to be sure.

[slytown]

I like blacks and browns for the both gaming and typing. Dont let anyone discourage you from blacks if that's what you are leaning towards.

[ChaoticKinesis]

People tend to say browns tactility doesn't amount to much in practice, but having tried browns seriously I definitely get much more enjoyment out of typing with browns as opposed to linear switches, but in a different way. Just the way the resistance of the switch is high at the top of the press and the way it collapses makes it feel unique to use and very pleasing

It's funny, I tried browns for a while and happen to dislike them for the exact reason you like them. I prefer linear switches for both typing and gaming, with reds being my favorite, followed by blacks and then blues. Browns take a distant last place for the above reason.

[REVENGE]

Personally, I keep a Poker with Reds on my desk next to my Model F, but if I had to live with only one, I would go with the Poker. Cherry Reds are quiet to type on and superb for gaming.