A mechanical keyboard for a gamer AND writer?

[Kastor Krieg]

Hello all, a total newb to proper keys here. People strongly advertise Steelseries 6Gv2 and 7G to me. I love the design of the 7G, with the wrist rest and the USB/audio hub placement. However, according to this:

http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

the both Steelseries use Cherry MX Black switches, which are pretty hard to actuate, while the Razer's BlackWidows use Cherry MX Blues, which are said to be the best switches for writing (I'm a professional translator, content designer and writer). However, Razer does not exactly have the best rep for durability of their keyboards. I used these two as examples, because I know they are distributed in Poland. I'd rather not use Amazon to buy from another country, as obviously the servicing / RMA will get tricky and those are not exactly cheap keyboards, so good distribution and RMA across EU, preferably in Poland itself, is a selling point.

Please help. By design, I strongly align towards the 7G, but the switches, the most important part, lean me towards Razer. My dream keyboard would have the wristrest design on 7G, the Blue switches of Razer BlackWidow, an audio/USB hub and a Logitech G15/G19/G501 style screenie on top (not for the swag of it, but because I use TS3 a lot and this would actually be useful)

:bounce:

Anyone seen my baby? Thanks in advance for any an all help!

[itznfb]

I think the consensus is MX Browns are the all around favorite do-it-all switch. I haven't used browns yet but I love MX Blues for typing and find them annoying for gaming. I have Filco with MX Blacks that is good for gaming but really sucks for typing. I actually want something lighter even for gaming. The Blacks are really stiff.

[The_Beast]

I have reds, browns and blues. Reds aren't BAD at typing, you just have to get used to it. Blues are BAD for gaming, you just have to get used to it....... see where I'mma goin'?



But browns would definitely be a safe bet

[Kastor Krieg]

Thanks! OK then, what's a Brown board with as many of the above features as possible? With special attention to a big nice wrist pad?

[itznfb]

I had been looking at these three for a while but I think I decided to go with two boards instead. Reds and blues.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129004&nm_mc=OTC-FroogleNEW&cm_mmc=OTC-FroogleNEW-_-Keyboards-_-Cooler+Master-_-23129004

http://tigerimports.net/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=11421

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tesoro-Durandal-G1N-Cherry-MX-Brown-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-/180875897986

[funxion]

If you have the opportunity to, I'd visit a local electronics store that carries the Razer BlackWidow just to try blues to see if you even like that type of plastic feel and tactility. You don't even have to open the box since Razer puts a window on it to test the arrow keys. I tried them the other day and they felt very cheap, but that's just me.

I'm currently using browns as a competitive gamer and someone who has to type a ton between school assignments, quick but lengthy forum responses, and other instances of long periods of typing, I'd have to say browns are your best bet if you're a balanced typist between games and typing. With that being said, for a mechanical keyboard, I would personally not purchase anything entitled a "mechanical keyboard for gaming" or one offered by any gaming product manufacturer other than CM Storm. I do not own one, but the general consensus on the CM Storm QuickFire Rapid is that it is comparable to a Filco, if not the exact same thing for almost half the price.

Another aspect of selecting the right switch for you would be to figure out if you smash keys, gently glide across them, or do something in the middle. You don't want something too firm since it looks like you'll be typing for extended periods of time (which rules out blacks), but you also don't want something too light to the point where errors could be a consistent issue (which may or may not rule out reds depending on your confidence in your key strokes).

I highly recommend browns for the uses you've stated above. I also highly recommend considering purchasing a CM Storm QuickFire Rapid (someone else can definitely vouch for that board) or a Filco Majestouch 2. For around the same price as the SteelSeries 7G, you get a much better quality keyboard that, if for some reason you'd want to sell it, holds its resale value pretty darn well. Not really sure if you're looking for a TKL or full-size board, but CM Storm QFR for TKL and Filco Majestouch 2 for full-size if you have that kind of money to spend anyway.

Please DO NOT take what I've said above too heavily, after all it's just my opinion from my experience. I'm sure others will chime in and hopefully you'll be able to find the right keyboard to suit your needs once they do. Good luck in your search!

Thanks! OK then, what's a Brown board with as many of the above features as possible? With special attention to a big nice wrist pad?

Wrist pads can be purchased after market, but you may find that using a wrist pad can cause more discomfort than comfort, so I really wouldn't select a keyboard solely on this aspect.

[hcry4]

Do you have any aversion to getting a separate wrist rest? Anyway, I think keyboardco may be a good option for you. Maybe you'll find something you like there.

[Kastor Krieg]

Mmm! Apparently [ http://www.razerzone.com/minisite/blackwidow/faq ] the Blackwidow Stealth edition uses Browns instead of Blues! Now, if I can only find one instead of the regular / Ultimate versions...

[funxion]

Mmm! Apparently [ http://www.razerzone.com/minisite/blackwidow/faq ] the Blackwidow Stealth edition uses Browns instead of Blues! Now, if I can only find one instead of the regular / Ultimate versions...

The BlackWidow is a not-so-cheap "mechanical" keyboard that doesn't even fully utilize mechanical switches. The BlackWidow also is not fully mechanical. I'm not 100% positive, but I've read in multiple places that the macros keys, function row, and other keys are standard rubber domes, not mechanical switches. Again, I'm not trying to sway your opinion or make your spend more money, but if you want a keyboard that will last and hasn't seen many liability issues, I would personally avoid the BlackWidow.

[Kastor Krieg]

Thanks for the above, guys, keep it coming.

 I'm looking to replace the annoying cheap board I got on the desktop. I was used to typing on the laptop, but I sold the thing. The shallow action was good, that's why I'm looking at Browns indeed, but I need it to be full-sized. I'm considering the CM QF Storm, CM Storm Trigger (the large one) and Razer (maybe Ultimate) Stealth BlackWidow now. I can't go to a shop and touch them, all the distribution is done over the net here, as mechanical boards are unfortunately a niche product in my country. But I can return them if I don't like them - if the box allows touching, like with Razer, the law allows me to do a return, since I did not unpack :tongue1:

[Kastor Krieg]

Copy that funxion, thanks for the headsup. That doesn't necessarily unsell me on the board too much, I don't need the best response from the keys I won't type on and will not bang on quickly during gaming. I will see what's what, thank you.

[The_Beast]

I wouldn't but razer, but that's just my opinion

[sth]

Don't get a Razer. They're a decent mouse company and a crappy keyboard company.

[nullstring]

I would consider wasd keyboards.
Optional accessory is a wrist wrest
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/wasd-v1-clip-on-plastic-wrist-rest.html

[The_Beast]

Get it, WASD makes good boards

[Kastor Krieg]

WASD shipping from US is killing my budget, it's half the price of the board ($50-60)

For now, I'm pretty much sold on CM Storm Trigger with Browns, with the wristrest and the macro keys and full numpad layout (else, I'd get the $30 cheaper CM Storm Quick Fire on Browns). Will this serve me well? As dependable as the Quick Fire?

[Kastor Krieg]

Ba-bump?

[Deverica Wolf]

After using Browns, Blacks, and Blues, I would also say Browns are easily the best for a typer/gamer. But to be honest, I prefer Blues for typing and Blacks for gaming. I don't know much about CoolerMaster keyboards; I'm a Filco and Deck man myself.

[Tony]

Brown is safe bet for mixing between gaming and typing, like your case. I use browns most of the time. Blue is very good for typing, but it's quite noisy.