Ducky DK9008G2 Pro Limited Edition PBT Mechanical Keyboard (Cherry MX Green)

[Truday]

Hey everyone good news!  I had talked to the GM at http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com after I had placed a large order with them recently, and he treated me to some information that they would be releasing some Ducky full size and tenkeyless boards with the Cherry MX Green keys. Well no TKL so far but, here's the full size "ninja" style version for sale @ $139.00 retail.

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=199

If you do end up buying this I ask that you PLEASE DO A REVIEW of this keyboard with pictures or better yet a video! 

-Truday

[Chase5delta]

Hmm Green switches. That keyboard sure does look nice as well. I am a gamer, playing alot of sc2 and LoL so I think the greens might be too heavy to be constantly pressing.

[Truday]

Hmm Green switches. That keyboard sure does look nice as well. I am a gamer, playing alot of sc2 and LoL so I think the greens might be too heavy to be constantly pressing.

Yeah as a fellow game who plays WoW, Diablo 3, LoL, SC2, GW2 I'm not a huge fan of stiff keys like the cherry mx blacks. I still think they are great keys and would definitely use them over rubber domes any day, but I much prefer the reds especially and browns.  I would however recommend someone try the blacks before going after greens if they are into gaming. I see the big appeal for these because green are very rare, its a limited edition keyboard and made by a quality keyboard manufacturer. I guess that the people who like blues for gaming/typing might enjoy these if they prefer a stiffer key or tend to fat finger keys a lot when typing.

-Truday

[akuJIWA]

Are they just partially backlit?

[noxwood]

I believe they are for caps, wasd, and arrows.

[Tempest790]

I am so ready to get this, but my transmission just went out on my car.      $750 to get it repaired.  There went my money for this keyboard.  I hope they have some in stock in a few weeks, but considering how rare these boards are, I doubt it.

[akuJIWA]

I believe they are for caps, wasd, and arrows.

Just caps lock, wasd and arrows? I see..

[noxwood]

Or whatever the basic set of LEDs they put on their other boards.

[Mur]

Placed an order for one yesterday. I am pretty psyched

[firebt]

Regardless, a really nice keyboard   Honestly, sometimes I wish I went with this because of the availability of custom options for it.  For my Ducky Shine 2 it's has to have all the keycaps baklit...so yeah.   

[rowdy]

Doesn't has to have.

Just becuase a keyboard has backlighting doesn't mean you have to use it.  I have a few non-backlighable keycaps on one of my Ducky Shines.

Anyway turning the backlighting off is like using a keyboard without backlighting.

So don't let the lack of backlightable keycaps put you off from customising your Ducky

[firebt]

Hahaha I know  but still I did buy this keyboard mainly for the lighting...and I do like it to show hahah it's pretty sweet.  But I get you, there are just too many darn good looking non-backlit keycaps that make me just not care about it so much loll

[VesperSAINT]

Just ordered my Ducky DK9008G2 Pro Limited Edition with Cherry MX greens... Here's to hoping that it'll be worth the $139.00. I have been very pleased with my gen 1 Ducky DK9008 with Cherry MX blues but I hope greens are good enough to warrant purchasing another expensive clicky keyboard Ducky. Greens. PBT keycaps. Free shipping... Nothing seems like it could go wrong... *Crosses fingers*

[firebt]

Nice, should be great.  I wish I had PBT keycaps.  Hahaha.  It should be plenty worth it. 

By the way, are you a fan of Mahoromatic? That is one of my favorite animes.   Terrible ending though.  But good overall

[ShakeR]

The Greens are incredible to type on.  Not sure I'd ever recommend a 'Tactile' switch to any gamer though.  I'd say the Greens are the closest Cherry you'll find to Buckling Springs.  Super clean feel!

Also, if you're on the fence about this board, I would get one now in this first (limited) batch. Between you and I... Ducky forgot they put PBT caps and Green Cherry MX on these when they sent us pricing - this board should really be priced around $155 - $165.

More info:
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/articles.php?article=cherry_green_mx_switches_coming

[firebt]

Oh what? Really? Only $139 for a PBT board with Cherry Greens?  That's actually a pretty killer deal.  PBT sets are around $60 or so, usually about $30 more than an ABS set (non-double shot).  That pricing makes sense, if I had the money I would pick one up asap, but I do game too much for greens.

[VesperSAINT]

Nice, should be great.  I wish I had PBT keycaps.  Hahaha.  It should be plenty worth it. 

By the way, are you a fan of Mahoromatic? That is one of my favorite animes.   Terrible ending though.  But good overall

Holy ****, dood. In the ten years I've used this username, no one has ever got it right. Yes, I'm a fan of Mahoromatic :9 Did you watch both seasons and okaeri? The ending wasn't too bad imo. Just a tad bittersweet If you like Mahoromatic, watch This Ulgly Yet Beautiful World. Long live Gainax!

Back onto keyboards, I have PBT caps on my blues with O-rings and PBTs are perfect for tactile boards. The harderplastic makes the click more pronounced. I will definitely have to experiment with my greens when it arrives.

[amarshonarbangla]

The Greens are incredible to type on.  Not sure I'd ever recommend a 'Tactile' switch to any gamer though.

Why, what's wrong with a clicky switch for gaming?

[rowdy]

Additional noise distracting from the sounds in the game world?

Or in the case of MX blues, and presumably greens, that the release point is above the activation point, so double-tapping, or repeatedly tapping, is more difficult with these switches.

[VesperSAINT]

Additional noise distracting from the sounds in the game world?

Or in the case of MX blues, and presumably greens, that the release point is above the activation point, so double-tapping, or repeatedly tapping, is more difficult with these switches.

Slayers'boxeR would like to challenge that

[Johan]

Slayers'boxeR would like to challenge that

You mean SKT Boxer, He's a coach now.

[VesperSAINT]

Slayers'boxeR would like to challenge that

You mean SKT Boxer, He's a coach now.

Tis true but as a Korean who grew up watching him, he will forever be Slayers'boxerS in my heart

[jabar]

Hello, first post here!

I've been tracking the MX Green switch version of the DK9008G2 Pro since it appeared on Ducky's FB group, but now that the CM QFR and Trigger have MX Green switches for $30-40 cheaper, I'm a bit hesitant to jump on the DK9008G2 Pro. Ducky also mentions that there will be more MX Green keyboards coming (they hinted at a DK9087G2 Pro and perhaps their new Zero series). I'm just a bit worried that the US distributor won't necessarily jump fast enough.

Or, now that Shine IIs are back in stock at MechKeyboards...

[VesperSAINT]

Hello, first post here!

I've been tracking the MX Green switch version of the DK9008G2 Pro since it appeared on Ducky's FB group, but now that the CM QFR and Trigger have MX Green switches for $30-40 cheaper, I'm a bit hesitant to jump on the DK9008G2 Pro. Ducky also mentions that there will be more MX Green keyboards coming (they hinted at a DK9087G2 Pro and perhaps their new Zero series). I'm just a bit worried that the US distributor won't necessarily jump fast enough.

Or, now that Shine IIs are back in stock at MechKeyboards...

Welcome to geekhack! Hope you enjoy your stay.

Don't forget that the ducky greens come with PBT keycaps. 104-108 set of PBT keycaps cost 50-60 bux alone so its a decent deal on that keyboard. PBTs on a tactile board is important for me.

Have you tried other tactile boards before??

[jabar]

Welcome to geekhack! Hope you enjoy your stay.

Don't forget that the ducky greens come with PBT keycaps. 104-108 set of PBT keycaps cost 50-60 bux alone so its a decent deal on that keyboard. PBTs on a tactile board is important for me.

Have you tried other tactile boards before??

Yes, sorry, forgot to mention I wanted to keep with PBT keycaps, which is why I've avoided the Shines that were available. But still, pretty LEDs.

I have tried out several switches at Micro Center and knew/confirmed I wanted an MX Blue type switch. I actually have a Noppoo Choc Mini on its way. I used an original IBM PC keyboard and a Model M keyboard ages ago. The promise of stiffer activation appeals to me over the MX Blue board I am getting.

e: my PBT Noppoo Choc Mini just arrived a minute ago!

[cytoSiN]

Greetings all.  Been lurking here for years, and figured it's about time I register.  I just ordered one of these and can barely contain my excitement to receive it!

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

If this is your first mechanical keyboard, you might be in for a surprise with MX green switches

[cytoSiN]

Thanks   Not my first.  Will be my third modern mech, not including my 1984 Model M.  All three of my current keyboards are browns, but I'm psyched to play around with some greens.  Worst case, if I hate it after some light use, I'm sure someone here will give it a loving home...

[rowdy]

[...] I'm sure someone here will give it a loving home...

Understatement.

[cytoSiN]

Indeed    Ever since I discovered this site a few year back I've never hesitated to take a chance on a new mechanical keyboard.  Up until now though I've loved all the ones I've bought.  Hopefully this one works out too.  It's going to be for my office, so no gaming, but typing all day.  If the actuation force gets to be too much strain, it'll find a happy home.  I have a feeling I'm going to love it though.

[firebt]

Nice, should be great.  I wish I had PBT keycaps.  Hahaha.  It should be plenty worth it. 

By the way, are you a fan of Mahoromatic? That is one of my favorite animes.   Terrible ending though.  But good overall

Holy ****, dood. In the ten years I've used this username, no one has ever got it right. Yes, I'm a fan of Mahoromatic :9 Did you watch both seasons and okaeri? The ending wasn't too bad imo. Just a tad bittersweet If you like Mahoromatic, watch This Ulgly Yet Beautiful World. Long live Gainax!

Back onto keyboards, I have PBT caps on my blues with O-rings and PBTs are perfect for tactile boards. The harderplastic makes the click more pronounced. I will definitely have to experiment with my greens when it arrives.

Dude, not to get away from the topic, but YES!! I love Mahoromatic.  Seriously awesome. Yeah ending was bittersweet, and I saw it all, both seasons and okaeri of course, couldnt get enough.  Yeahhh I remember seeing ur username and I'm like hmmm where did I see vesper...vesper...OH YEA!! lol   I will definitely check out This Ugly Yet Beautiful World.  Did you ever watch To Love Ru? That's interesting too, but a little different.  Also fan of High School DxD, girls bravo, chobits, the list gets too long lol.

[Halverson]

[...] I'm sure someone here will give it a loving home...

Understatement.

Yup, I would literally love it. Spent way too much to be able to afford one of these atm, so take care of her cyto!

[VesperSAINT]

Nice, should be great.  I wish I had PBT keycaps.  Hahaha.  It should be plenty worth it. 

By the way, are you a fan of Mahoromatic? That is one of my favorite animes.   Terrible ending though.  But good overall

Holy ****, dood. In the ten years I've used this username, no one has ever got it right. Yes, I'm a fan of Mahoromatic :9 Did you watch both seasons and okaeri? The ending wasn't too bad imo. Just a tad bittersweet If you like Mahoromatic, watch This Ulgly Yet Beautiful World. Long live Gainax!

Back onto keyboards, I have PBT caps on my blues with O-rings and PBTs are perfect for tactile boards. The harderplastic makes the click more pronounced. I will definitely have to experiment with my greens when it arrives.

Dude, not to get away from the topic, but YES!! I love Mahoromatic.  Seriously awesome. Yeah ending was bittersweet, and I saw it all, both seasons and okaeri of course, couldnt get enough.  Yeahhh I remember seeing ur username and I'm like hmmm where did I see vesper...vesper...OH YEA!! lol   I will definitely check out This Ugly Yet Beautiful World.  Did you ever watch To Love Ru? That's interesting too, but a little different.  Also fan of High School DxD, girls bravo, chobits, the list gets too long lol.

Yeh, watched everything you mentioned I have watched pretty much every anime from the early 2000's so I love everything you've mentioned. Wasn't a big fan of To Love Ru though Don't forget Fruits Basket (manga is better but the anime is still good)!

Yup, I would literally love it. Spent way too much to be able to afford one of these atm, so take care of her cyto!

Do you think these will sell well on here? I was hoping they'd sell for about $10-15 less than msrp if only opened to try out switch (assuming that I end up not liking them).

[cytoSiN]

Do you think these will sell well on here? I was hoping they'd sell for about $10-15 less than msrp if only opened to try out switch (assuming that I end up not liking them).

It's a limited edition Ducky...hold onto it long enough and I'd think it would sell for more if in good condition.  Hoping to hang on to mine for a loooong time though.

[VesperSAINT]

Do you think these will sell well on here? I was hoping they'd sell for about $10-15 less than msrp if only opened to try out switch (assuming that I end up not liking them).

It's a limited edition Ducky...hold onto it long enough and I'd think it would sell for more if in good condition.  Hoping to hang on to mine for a loooong time though.

Well it doesn't always work out that way (assuming green Cherry MX switch becomes widely available) but I'm with you on the part where I probably won't be selling mine for a loooong time... probably won't sell at all

MY DUCKY'S ARE COMING IN LATER TODAYYYY. I'm so excited, I just can't hide it~ 

[ShakeR]

Hello, first post here!

I've been tracking the MX Green switch version of the DK9008G2 Pro since it appeared on Ducky's FB group, but now that the CM QFR and Trigger have MX Green switches for $30-40 cheaper, I'm a bit hesitant to jump on the DK9008G2 Pro. Ducky also mentions that there will be more MX Green keyboards coming (they hinted at a DK9087G2 Pro and perhaps their new Zero series). I'm just a bit worried that the US distributor won't necessarily jump fast enough.

Or, now that Shine IIs are back in stock at MechKeyboards...

Hey, we 'jump' faster than anyone in the industry at new Keyboards and switch types   We 3-Day Air almost all of our keyboards from Taiwan the day Ducky / Vortex allow them out the door.

Also trying to get some Rapids in from CM with Greens as we speak (not a huge fan of the Trigger).  They're only available on CM's site store ATM.  It's funny how even the brands selling them will try to talk you out of buying the more expensive keyboards.  "Are you sure you want Green MX?? They cost $25 more than regular switch." - CM LOL

[laffindude]

3day air. I see why the markup... Just joshing
It is nice to have Tiger Imports' deeper pockets to leverage the availability of niche items.

[VesperSAINT]

Just received my keyboard and freaking LOVING it! I'll post pics and what not later tonight

[jabar]

Hey, we 'jump' faster than anyone in the industry at new Keyboards and switch types   We 3-Day Air almost all of our keyboards from Taiwan the day Ducky / Vortex allow them out the door.

Also trying to get some Rapids in from CM with Greens as we speak (not a huge fan of the Trigger).  They're only available on CM's site store ATM.  It's funny how even the brands selling them will try to talk you out of buying the more expensive keyboards.  "Are you sure you want Green MX?? They cost $25 more than regular switch." - CM LOL

Glad to hear you try your best getting these brands into the US! You ended up getting my money anyway.

[VesperSAINT]

So I received my Ducky DK9008G2 Pro Limited Edition PBT with Cherry MX Greens and I'm happy to say I absolutely love the keyboard. The stiffness of the green switch make it feel unbelievably solid. I'd like to emphasize that this keyboard is made to bottom out because you won't be able to appreciate the stiffness of green switch itself until you're near the bottom of the switch. For example, I tried putting O-rings on the Greens and I had a really hard time distinguishing the feel with my old Cherry MX blue Ducky DK9008 with O-rings and PBT keycaps (near the top of the switch and just past the actuation point, the greens and blues feel very similar). Also, the sound of bottoming out with the PBT keycaps is softened by the stiffer springs and actually sounds very pleasant and I'd say they are surprisingly somewhat quieter than my blues. I tested the green switches with ABS keycaps and the click had a significantly higher pitched sound than with the PBT. Not that there's anything wrong with a higher pitched click but the PBT's definitely give it a more pleasant sound, trust me. I'm actually scared these are going to replace my blues I love my blues too...

The build quality on these newer Ducky's are superb! There is no flex on the upper part of the case like the older models of DK9008 from Ducky and the overall quality just feels like a tank. Anyhow, enough of my blabbering! Here are some pictures!

Minimalistic




A closer pic of the lettering on the PBT keycaps


The switch itself. There are blue LED's for the WASD keycaps, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and Num Lock




PBT keycaps:


The dip switches that mess with shortcuts and what not. The 4th switch allows for USB full NKRO! Absolutely loving this spec!


Unfortunately no rubber on these stands but not a deal breaker.


The horridly ugly orange backlit compatible keycaps that come with the keyboard.

[rowdy]

A good, succinct review, thank you for that.  The comments about bottoming out the greens sounds familiar - I have the same feeling with my blacks (compared to MX blues).

[DavinDidIt]

So I received my Ducky DK9008G2 Pro Limited Edition PBT with Cherry MX Greens and I'm happy to say I absolutely love the keyboard. The stiffness of the green switch make it feel unbelievably solid. I'd like to emphasize that this keyboard is made to bottom out because you won't be able to appreciate the stiffness of green switch itself until you're near the bottom of the switch. For example, I tried putting O-rings on the Greens and I had a really hard time distinguishing the feel with my old Cherry MX blue Ducky DK9008 with O-rings and PBT keycaps (near the top of the switch and just past the actuation point, the greens and blues feel very similar). Also, the sound of bottoming out with the PBT keycaps is softened by the stiffer springs and actually sounds very pleasant and I'd say they are surprisingly somewhat quieter than my blues. I tested the green switches with ABS keycaps and the click had a significantly higher pitched sound than with the PBT. Not that there's anything wrong with a higher pitched click but the PBT's definitely give it a more pleasant sound, trust me. I'm actually scared these are going to replace my blues I love my blues too...

Thank you for the review and pictures!  Do you use your keyboard mostly for gaming or typing?  Are you a heavy handed typer at all? How do you think these would be tiring to use for FPS gaming?

[VesperSAINT]

Thank you for the review and pictures!  Do you use your keyboard mostly for gaming or typing?  Are you a heavy handed typer at all? How do you think these would be tiring to use for FPS gaming?

I'm honored that your first post is a response to mine

Let me start out by saying that I have always thought that the Cherry MX Black switch is the best for games because of its stiffness and linear press (no interrupted feeling/sound and fast actuation). As for the Cherry MX Blue switch, it's my favorite typing keyboard because of the crisp tactile response and light press which allows for fast and accurate typing.

Now that I've got that out of the way, let me try to explain why I think that the Cherry MX Green switch is a great balanced switch right in between Blues and Blacks. This makes them great for gaming AND typing much like the Cherry MX Red switch. IMO, this keyboard can be seen as the exact opposite of the Cherry MX Red with the same appeal as the Reds.  Before the Greens, I have used the Reds as a balance between a light switch of Blues (making them great for fast typing) and a linear press of the Blacks (making them great for gaming). This keyboard feels even stiffer than the Blacks but not in a bad way! The extra stiffness strangely makes the tactile switch bearable for FPS games and the actuation is higher than the blues so you won't have any delays in response (seeing that you don't usually spam the same key in FPS games). For typing, this keyboard is great for honing your typing skills because the switch is stiff enough that each key press is deliberate which is confirmed by the clicky actuation. For these reason, as long as you are pressing the right key, you shouldn't have any accidental key presses and every typo is your mistake. There is a drawback though... amazing as they feel, the switch is as stiff as they get and this can lead to fatigue for some people after long sessions of typing (but not for gaming imo). I have also noticed that my average WPM was somewhat lower than that I get on my Blues. On my Greens, I get about 98 WPM average vs. my Blues, which I get about 110 WPM on average. Don't let this deter you though because for many, this decrease in speed comes with greater accuracy.

TL;DR  The Cherry MX Green is a greatly balanced switch with the appeals of the Cherry MX Blue and Blacks. They have the best of both worlds, making them great for gaming and typing but aren't really specialized in either much like the Cherry MX Reds. Don't let this hinder you though! Grab this keyboard, you won't regret it

[jabar]

Just got my DK9008G2 Pro today. This is my first experience with Ducky keyboards. Everything screams high quality: from the packaging presentation to the keyboard itself.

Now, for the keyswitches. They are definitely stiff, with the spacebar being especially stiff (might loosen up as I break in the stabilizers?). Something I will need to get used to. With the MX Blues on my Noppoo Choc Mini, it was much harder for me to avoid bottoming out when I typed. Here, the much stiffer spring encourages me to just hit the actuation point instead of pressing all the way through. It's amazing how such a simple change, a stiffer spring, makes a big difference in typing approach.

I will need to give this keyboard a run through a video game and type some emails (and give my fingers more of a workout) before I come to a more definitive conclusion.

[VesperSAINT]

Just got my DK9008G2 Pro today. This is my first experience with Ducky keyboards. Everything screams high quality: from the packaging presentation to the keyboard itself.

Now, for the keyswitches. They are definitely stiff, with the spacebar being especially stiff (might loosen up as I break in the stabilizers?). Something I will need to get used to. With the MX Blues on my Noppoo Choc Mini, it was much harder for me to avoid bottoming out when I typed. Here, the much stiffer spring encourages me to just hit the actuation point instead of pressing all the way through. It's amazing how such a simple change, a stiffer spring, makes a big difference in typing approach.

I will need to give this keyboard a run through a video game and type some emails (and give my fingers more of a workout) before I come to a more definitive conclusion.

I never had that issue because my old Ducky DK9008 with Cherry MX Blues because the space bar on that one has a Cherry MX Black switch instead of blue Still love that design choice (ergonomically genius imo) but I'm glad they kept this new one consistent with all green switches.

[rootwyrm]

Just got my DK9008G2 Pro today. This is my first experience with Ducky keyboards. Everything screams high quality: from the packaging presentation to the keyboard itself.

Now, for the keyswitches. They are definitely stiff, with the spacebar being especially stiff (might loosen up as I break in the stabilizers?). Something I will need to get used to. With the MX Blues on my Noppoo Choc Mini, it was much harder for me to avoid bottoming out when I typed. Here, the much stiffer spring encourages me to just hit the actuation point instead of pressing all the way through. It's amazing how such a simple change, a stiffer spring, makes a big difference in typing approach.

I will need to give this keyboard a run through a video game and type some emails (and give my fingers more of a workout) before I come to a more definitive conclusion.

I never had that issue because my old Ducky DK9008 with Cherry MX Blues because the space bar on that one has a Cherry MX Black switch instead of blue Still love that design choice (ergonomically genius imo) but I'm glad they kept this new one consistent with all green switches.

The black switch on the spacebar is actually a primary reason why I disliked the DK9008 when I typed on it. Call me odd, but I vastly prefer a heavier spacebar action whenever possible. I rest my thumbs on it, and given years of M's, no surprise that I'm prone to triggering the lightweight stuff (50g and under.) That and let's just say my typical response to backlighting on a keyboard is generally to take an axe to it.

Starting to think I may get one of these. Just worried because frankly, Cherry hasn't proven particularly ... long lived in my hands, I think is a good way to put it. Even when the keycaps aren't garbage (HI COSTAR) I usually have one or more flaky/dead keys within a year from normal use. Has anyone dealt with warrantying a Ducky? 

[VesperSAINT]

The black switch on the spacebar is actually a primary reason why I disliked the DK9008 when I typed on it. Call me odd, but I vastly prefer a heavier spacebar action whenever possible. I rest my thumbs on it, and given years of M's, no surprise that I'm prone to triggering the lightweight stuff (50g and under.) That and let's just say my typical response to backlighting on a keyboard is generally to take an axe to it.

Starting to think I may get one of these. Just worried because frankly, Cherry hasn't proven particularly ... long lived in my hands, I think is a good way to put it. Even when the keycaps aren't garbage (HI COSTAR) I usually have one or more flaky/dead keys within a year from normal use. Has anyone dealt with warrantying a Ducky?

Wait... so you disliked the black switch on the DK9008 spacebar but vastly prefer a heavier spacebar action whenever possible... but the black switch is heavier than the blue. Not challenging you or anything, just confused. However, I agree with you on the backlighting issue. I personally prefer a keyboard with no backlighting and would rather put nice keycaps on it for decoration

So how do you kill your keyboards so quickly? I'm assuming you are implying that your history with buckling spring makes you type really hard on the Cherry switches, which ultimately leads to them breaking??? My Duckies have served me well over the years so I haven't had to deal with their warranty service just yet.

[VesperSAINT]

****... Ducky DK9008G2 Pro with Cherry MX Greys are coming out... But I don't have any money left... This might be a good alternative for me because I couldn't get my hands on a Cherry MX Clear keyboard... Stop torturing me so sweetly like this Ducky...

[rootwyrm]

Wait... so you disliked the black switch on the DK9008 spacebar but vastly prefer a heavier spacebar action whenever possible... but the black switch is heavier than the blue. Not challenging you or anything, just confused. However, I agree with you on the backlighting issue. I personally prefer a keyboard with no backlighting and would rather put nice keycaps on it for decoration

That's what one would think, and what the specs say. But actually black and blue are both rated 50cN IIRC; the lack of a tactile click makes a huge difference. (Remember that I type primarily on Model M's which are 70-80g+.) I own a couple all MX Black boards and they feel much lighter than MX Blues and Alps. Plus the inconsistency would cause me to develop OCD.

So how do you kill your keyboards so quickly? I'm assuming you are implying that your history with buckling spring makes you type really hard on the Cherry switches, which ultimately leads to them breaking??? My Duckies have served me well over the years so I haven't had to deal with their warranty service just yet.

They don't break; they legitimately wear out from use. Not joking. Buckling springs last somewhere north of 2B keystrokes based on my use patterns - and I chew them up and spit them out as well over time. I just usually go through 2-3 keycap sets before the springs or plate give out. Cherry MX is rated for 50M operations - sounds huge till you consider I use the same keyboard, averaging 400 keystrokes/minute, for >12hrs/day, 7 days a week. (I use a program that counts keystrokes and logs them. Not the keystrokes themselves. Just the numbers.)
Which yes, works out to around 185 days (assuming perfectly even distribution across 37 keys) before I'm exceeding rated cycle of 50M. Consider it a testament to Cherry's quality that I'm probably actually getting around 75-100M operations out of some switches before they start failing. But that's not much use when they do fail.

[VesperSAINT]

Well, the Cherry MX blue uses a lighter spring than the blacks, and I believe the blues goes up to 50cN just before actuation vs the Blacks have a lil' more consistent weight throughout the key press but I get your point. I guess it all boils down to an individual's preference on what weight at which part of the actually key press matters when it comes to stiffness. LOL!

Thanks for answering my keyboard-kill question. Your answer actually gave me a lot of information on what to expect in the life span of my keyboards. Every time I spend more than $100 on a keyboard, I question if it'll be worth it in terms of life span, and your answer makes me glad that it can take over 50M key presses I tend to usually expect less than what's told from manufacturers but I guess I don't have to worry as much in this case.