Where to start

[njwarhead]

Hi,

 I am new here and also new to mechanical keyboards. The more I read on here and look at videos on you tube the more I am lost as to where to start. I am going to use the keyboard for gaming and web coding so I will be spending long hrs on it.  I have small hands so I like the feel of a small keyboard. Thanks for your time

-Brian

[Dgsbllx]

Filco TKL w/ browns 

[Amarok]

Your best bet for starting out is probably going to be the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid. They're cheap, usually between 60-80 bucks, and they go on sale pretty frequently.

[daerid]

Filco TKL w/ browns 

This, if you can afford it.

Your best bet for starting out is probably going to be the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid. They're cheap, usually between 60-80 bucks, and they go on sale pretty frequently.

This, if you can't.

[njwarhead]

any reason brown?

[Dgsbllx]

Browns are a good introductory switch and are useful for typing and gaming. They aren't too heavy either and aren't really that specific in their use. Blues are more just for typing and reds/blacks are more specifically for gaming. Browns are a nice balance between both of the activities you need.

[CPTBadAss]

Browns are a good introductory switch and are useful for typing and gaming. They aren't too heavy either and aren't really that specific in their use. Blues are more just for typing and reds/blacks are more specifically for gaming. Browns are a nice balance between both of the activities you need.

I play games with blues. I feel like unless you're playing FPS games and you're constantly spamming a key, it's more about personal preference. I don't think it's that easy to just lump switches into a category so neatly.

[njwarhead]

Thanks Dgsbllx that was a really big help. That is the best I have ever seen it put. Where dose a keyboard like the HHKB fall?

[rowdy]

Or a Ducky if you want backlighting.

HHKB is a bit exterme - it has Topre switches (the Pro version) and a definite non-standard layout.  But those that decide to get one usually love it.  And most use it for programming (or similar).

[Hyde]

For people who are starting out this is generally what I tell them.

Blue (click sound click feel) = 80% typing 20% gaming
Brown (no sound click feel) = 60% typing 40% gaming
Red (no sound no click) = 40% typing 60% gaming
Black (same as red but stiffer) = 20% typing 80% gaming

However it's not always true it's really up to personal preference, this is just an easy guideline for people who are starting out.  Typically speaking Brown has the lowest failure rate since it's an all around switch so it's easy for people to get use to.  Black typically has the highest failure rate since it's a very preference based switch (love it or hate it).

As for brand, Filco is highest quality but expensive, CM Storm is 2nd highest quality but way cheaper.

So if you can afford it go Filco, if you can't then go CM Storm.

[overture1928]

Hi,

 I am new here and also new to mechanical keyboards. The more I read on here and look at videos on you tube the more I am lost as to where to start. I am going to use the keyboard for gaming and web coding so I will be spending long hrs on it.  I have small hands so I like the feel of a small keyboard. Thanks for your time

-Brian

Check out a KBT race, small keyboard, has arrow keys, and function keys.

[keymaster]

Cooler Maste Quickfire Rapid is a great starter. It's compatible with most keycap sets out there, so you'll be able to replace the standard ones in the future if needed. In addition, the Rapid is reasonably priced. They're currently selling for $60-$80 on Amazon.

[TheGreatAmphibianPling]

Filco TKL w/ browns 

Yes: the Brown is a low pressure switch good for long hours, but it has tactile feedback unlike the Red switch. And TKL = tenkeyless, ie no numberpad, making the board shorter and the reach for the mouse shorter and therefore a lot less likely to cause RSI.

Filco have an excellent rep for quality - my kb is one - but  there are cheaper makers who make Brown TKLs; you can look for reviews of these. The Quickfire Rapid seems a good second choice - but make sure you get the switch "colour" you want.

[TheGreatAmphibianPling]

For people who are starting out this is generally what I tell them.

Blue (click sound click feel) = 80% typing 20% gaming
Brown (no sound click feel) = 60% typing 40% gaming
Red (no sound no click) = 40% typing 60% gaming
Black (same as red but stiffer) = 20% typing 80% gaming

However it's not always true it's really up to personal preference, this is just an easy guideline for people who are starting out.  Typically speaking Brown has the lowest failure rate since it's an all around switch so it's easy for people to get use to. 

Personal preference is key. I can't see the point in Blues or Blacks - a stiffer switch just equals more hand fatigue. Between the Reds and Browns, the light tactile feedback makes the Brown a little "safer" to use because you get that extra feedback when you type.

[njwarhead]

Is there a big quality difference between the filco and the cm storm for the money?

[daerid]

A lot of people would say no. Personally, I found that there is a difference. I'm not sure I'd consider it another $70 worth of difference, but to some it's important.

If you're just starting out, I wouldn't worry about it. The QuickFire Rapid is better than many boards that are twice it's price.

[njwarhead]

Thanks for all the help I will give the QuickFire Rapid in red a try.

[rowdy]

There are a couple of little differences between Filco and QFR you would notice right away.  QFR has removable cable, Filco does not.  QFR has caps/num lock LEDs under the keys, Filco they are separate.  QFR has horrible font on the keycaps, Filco is much nicer.