Calling all Keyboard Enthusiasts: Need a Mechanical Keyboard

[StormOpz]

Hello GeekHack!! I've been researching mechanical keyboards heavily for the past three or so weeks on this wonderful site, and I'm really happy to say that this site has guided me to all of the best resources available to help me learn everything I need to make an educated decision. So I want to thank you all for that! Unfortunately my search has brought me in a situation where I'm just running around in circles to decide which keyboard I actually want, so I thought it would be a splendid idea to pick the minds of all keyboard enthusiasts hopefully nudge me in the right direction.

Like most people I am on a budget of around $120 to put down for a keyboard. Again this is my first mechanical keyboard, so I felt that this was a pretty acceptable range (hopefully). I am a Computer Science major and avid gamer, so naturally I will be using it *heavily*, and of course I want a board that could best satisfy my needs for both. So far I've narrowed my choices down to about 2 likely contestants, and possibly a third:

1)CM Quickfire Rapid
2)Rosewill RK-9000BR
3)Filco Majestouch

...The Filco being my far third, since the prince is exceeding my wishful limit.

 As for the switches, I decided for cherry MX Browns, since I've read that they are the best compromise for gaming and excessive typing; plus I wanted the tactile feel with minimal (but not completely lost) audible response. Also each one of these boards have costar stabilizers, which from what I've read have the best uniform feel when pressed. Lastly, although I would prefer a higher quality keycap, my impression is that most of these boards come ABS laser etched for their vanilla versions.

My dilemma comes in here mostly: For the time being I will be using this board for my laptop, since I'm not a fan of my laptop keyboard especially when at my desk (my rig is in the process of research as well). I really would prefer a full 104 button keyboard, such as the Rosewill and Filco, but from what I've heard the Rosewill has issues with its USB connector; the board will be a victim of frequent plugging and unplugging for the time being and I'm afraid that its going to crap out on me quickly. The Quickfire however seems like it doesn't suffer from this issue but it is not a full 104 button layout (The numpad is more efficient for calculations). The Filco is, well, what I would really like, but it over my budget, since I'm planning on also getting my first monitor and quality headphones.

So this is where I ask for your help guys. Please feel free to correct any of my misconceptions, and PLEASE recommend anything new that you think I should consider as well. If you have any hands-on knowledge with any of these boards, hopefully you could debunk any myths, or share your honest opinions of the board.

Thank you all for reading, I know I will get some good stuff out of this thread, and I want to thank you guys in advance.

Cheers, StormOpz

[dorkvader]

Normally, I'd say just go with the CMstorm, as it's a great keyboard. Since you should be able to get it way under your budget, you should consider getting some PBT keycaps to put on it as well. If you don't want to do that, or if you need one, you can just get a mechanical tenkey to go with your keyboard. I believe the goldtouch one is cheap, and other companies (Kinesis, etc.) also make mechanical tenkeys.

But if you want the keyborad and tenkey to be one in the same (Like plug into the same USB port) the rosewill shouldn't be too awful a choice. Sure, as you say, some people have reported connector issues, but I have also heard that newegg is good at RMA'ing their keyboards (Might want to get this from a better source, as I've never owned a rosewill)

About cherry vs costar stabilizers: it's not too big an issue. I use costar a lot, but my daily-driver for my PC is a cherry keyboard, and it's really not as much a difference as what some make it seem. Of the two, I remember slightly preferring costar, but it's significantly easier to change keycaps with cherry stabilizers.

You may want to consider leopold, though it has cherry stabilizers (not bad) and a weird spacebar (not a big issue what with "universal" spacebars and all, also not an issue if you don't change it.) They seem to be pretty good keyboards and you can get them in clears (to either make ergo-clears, or just use) and clears are pretty quiet, and have a much larger tactile bump compared with browns. Lots of people don't really like them though. It's just an option to consider.

Really any costar-made keyboard should do you well.

[therecorder]

I agree that Leopold might be your best bet.  Although I don't know where you would get a Leopold with Clears, Elite has the Browns in Fullsize amd Tenkeyless.  I'd use the keycaps that come with the board until you feel that they need to be replaced, and that you are happy with the board.

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold

[euphzji]

First off, pre-congratulations on getting into mechanical keyboards! As a fellow Computer Science major and avid gamer, I can tell you in advance that you're going to absolutely love the feel of a mechanical keyboard. It really does make a difference after 7-8 hours staring at a computer screen.

As for the keyboards, I unfortunately haven't used any of the ones mentioned. I've heard the same rumor about the Rosewill's though, but I'd echo dorkvader's comments about how good Newegg is with their RMA service.
Personally, I own a DasKeyboard Silent, which I'd normally recommend to anyone. However, I just found out that they no longer offer the brown switches outside of the newer "Media control" edition, which apparently costs around $135 instead of the $110 I got it for with student discount.

I have heard a lot of good things about the Leopold brand of mechanical keyboards, so I'd say definitely check them out. I'd also recommend a full 104 key layout for the same reasons you mention, it's simply faster when working on calculations.

While I know I didn't really say too much, hopefully it gives you at least a bit of information and helps you make a decision

[StormOpz]

Thanks for the replies everyone! So to get started I actually considered the two recommended boards above, Leopolds and Das, during my search.

You may want to consider leopold, though it has cherry stabilizers (not bad) and a weird spacebar (not a big issue what with "universal" spacebars and all, also not an issue if you don't change it.) They seem to be pretty good keyboards and you can get them in clears (to either make ergo-clears, or just use) and clears are pretty quiet, and have a much larger tactile bump compared with browns. Lots of people don't really like them though. It's just an option to consider.

I agree that Leopold might be your best bet....

I have heard a lot of good things about the Leopold brand of mechanical keyboards, so I'd say definitely check them out. I'd also recommend a full 104 key layout for the same reasons you mention, it's simply faster when working on calculations.

@Dorkvader, therecorder, euphzji
Leopolds were actually my first choice a few weeks ago, but as time progressed and more research was done I sort of veered away from that product since I wasn't hearing much about them. From what I understood Leopolds were also created by Filco's lead designer, but apparently the OEM is still different. The build quality doesn't seem to be an issue besides the minor things dorkVader mentioned, but they might turn out to bother me, so I'll weigh that accordingly. I will definitely give them a second look since you guys are recommending them to me now.

Personally, I own a DasKeyboard Silent, which I'd normally recommend to anyone. However, I just found out that they no longer offer the brown switches outside of the newer "Media control" edition, which apparently costs around $135 instead of the $110 I got it for with student discount.

@euphzji
Das Keyboards caught my eye as well, since they were only ever so slightly over my limit. Aside from hearing about some build quality issues (pretty scarce mostly) I've heard mostly good things about them. I would've been a dream to get it at a student discount with MX Browns, and that is something that didn't really look into, so its rather unfortunate that they don't offer them with that option. I would've snagged that board if it was around $110 with browns, despite the glossy finish which I'm not a huge fan of.

Another interesting thing that you guys pointed out was Rosewill's RMA policy. I briefly looked it up, and I'm getting the impression (from people who have said really negative things about the USB connector on NewEgg) that Rosewill (or NewEgg, I don't know which in this case) was more than willing to fix the connector for you if it malfunctioned. Now it may be a marketing ploy, but for even people who claimed to have it longer than the RMA period expiration date still received messages from the manufacturer about calling a number to replace it; as far as paying for the service, or shipping, was not mentioned really.

I am still definitely considering the Rosewill despite that one issue, because I rarely hear anything wrong with the build quality or feel of the board. Leopolds are now in the running, and unfortunately even though I really wanted to get a CM Quickfire, I may have to reconsider it now for the expected lack of a numpad.

I realized that the worst part of this search is that I will only know if I enjoy the board until I type on it, and I don't know many people that own the boards that I want. So this is mostly a blind search, which is why I base my judgement so far heavily on the opinions of (hopefully) reputable people. Is it common that tech stores will have such keyboards out on display so I could at least try them out? My assumption is no, especially for big chain stores that carry any mechanical KBs. But if anyone would happen to know of any stores in the NYC area that offers any sort of KB demoing, I'm all ears. 

Again, I appreciate the detailed responses from your guys so far . If anyone has any opinions further opinions on any of these boards, I am more than willing to hear them!!

[dorkvader]

I am still definitely considering the Rosewill despite that one issue, because I rarely hear anything wrong with the build quality or feel of the board. Leopolds are now in the running, and unfortunately even though I really wanted to get a CM Quickfire, I may have to reconsider it now for the expected lack of a numpad.

I wouldn't abandon the QF rapid so soon: In someways it could be your best bet. I would just make sure to have a mechanical tenkey handy for use with it. This allows you to keep your mouse closer (Alleged ergonomic benefit) and you can have it ready for any number entry you may need.

One good part about mechanicals is that lots of them are really good quality (although some aren't: Lookup TVS Gold) so unless you're really super discerning, you can get a lot out of any of your options.

[Okita]

I haven't tried the coolermaster but judging by their mice that I own they seem to make some quality products. If you can't afford a Filco then go for a Leopold. They're practically the same thing, and look much nicer than the CM. I haven't used a Rosewill, so I can't comment on those.

[deleet]

I like my Das.

Plus you get a USB hub.

[dorkvader]

I haven't tried the coolermaster but judging by their mice that I own they seem to make some quality products. If you can't afford a Filco then go for a Leopold. They're practically the same thing, and look much nicer than the CM. I haven't used a Rosewill, so I can't comment on those.

One thing to note: The leopolds don't use standard spacebar stabilizer spacing, so you might have to modify it, if you ever plan to upgrade (Depending on the leopold, you shouldn't have to modify one of the newer "universal" spacebars, though I think they changed it yet again with the latest FC700)

[StormOpz]

Hello Everyone!! I haven't been able to get back to this post for a day or so, and I thought I should update everyone on my search: I finally decided on one! First I want to thank everyone who took the time to give me their personal opinions, and help me choose the right board. I ended up purchasing the Das Ultimate Silent Model S; in fact I'm typing with it at this moment! I have to say I'm extremely pleased with my purchase.

DorkVader, I took your advice and went with a Costar board because I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. In the future I think I do actually want to try out the CM Storm, because honestly I reconsidered it after you mentioned getting a separate numpad; although it would've went slightly over what I paid for this fine board. I stole it off ebay for $109, new with no shipping or tax (Thanks for encouraging the search on ebay, euphzji). This is indeed the Silent version with MX Browns, which they don't sell anymore (as far as I can tell) at the Das official website. The only concern was that it came with blank (I believe the proper term is Otaku) keycaps, which I thought I didn't really want, but are really getting accustomed to liking!! I intent to switch the keycaps eventually with the PBT flavor, since I like texture, but I am extremely happy with my first mechanical KB!!

I will get over the glossy finish eventually, but overall this board is exactly what I wanted. Now if anyone would care to shed some light on keycap compatibility with this board, or maybe recommend a vendor that could supply some nice ones (besides the classifieds, because I'm always looking here!) that would be a helpful start to personalizing the board.

Thanks again guys!

Cheers

[dorkvader]

I'm really glad it worked out for you! PBT Keycaps are certainly a good idea (In my opinion). There are a couple of places to get them, beyond the classifides here, ebay, taobao (ebay in china).

Some members here have stores, and stock of Good PBT keycaps. Imsto and Qtan are two. Here's a link to Qtan's store:
http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/pbt-key-caps/catId=3982960

I believe the Das S is compatable with most aftermarket keycap sets, so you should be good to go!