Advise for first mechanical keyboard

[argum]

I need advise for buying my first mechanical keyboard. I have been using rubberdome keyboards but I've heard that mechanical ones are way better. After googling I still don't really know what kind of switches etc. I need, so it would be really helpful if you could give me some recommendations.

As for switches I am not sure if I should get brown or blue ones. I play games and write so I am kinda leaning towards brown switches.
I don't need any special things like backlight or so.
Layout must be a German one (Qwertz) + Numpad (No TKL). Shipping should be in Europe aswell (Amazon, etc.).
My budget is ~150€.

Thanks.

[reaper]

First of, welcome to Geekhack.  Secondly, for your first one I'd recommend a Filco tenkeyless with brown switch.  You can get one from Keyboardco (they're based in UK) and I believe that's within your budget.


http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=813


Unless of course, you need the tenkey then get this one.


http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=751

[argum]

First of, welcome to Geekhack.  Secondly, for your first one I'd recommend a Filco tenkeyless with brown switch.  You can get one from Keyboardco (they're based in UK) and I believe that's within your budget.


http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=813


Unless of course, you need the tenkey then get this one.


http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=751

Thanks. I was looking at that keyboard but wasn't sure what kind of switches I would need. I'll still wait and see if I get any other suggestions but this one seems pretty good.

[kinruan]

i would like to say the Cooler Master QFR is pretty similar to the Filco TKL. well ,they are both from Coster. and it is cheaper. for switches, as the description, linear& clicky it is depending on u. i love blue and black

[argum]

i would like to say the Cooler Master QFR is pretty similar to the Filco TKL. well ,they are both from Coster. and it is cheaper. for switches, as the description, linear& clicky it is depending on u. i love blue and black

I would prefer to have numpad. As for switchs I don't think that blacks are really what I need. Thanks though.

[phx]

My first mech had brown switches and I loved it. Also used blues for a while and liked that too.
Also tried red and black before, hated those.

and +1 for QFR and Filco, can't go wrong with those.

[Mainian]

My first mechanical was a MJ2 Tenkeyless Blue. But after much use of a Noppoo Choc Mini with reds and a poker with blacks, I wish I had gotten the MJ2 in black. If you just type or program (avoid games with serious button mashing), I wouldn't be opposed to suggesting a keyboard with blue or brown (or anything with tactile feedback). However, if you play games where you are constantly mashing keys (WOW / SC2), a tactile switch will just feel gritty (I suspect it would with even the harder switches).

Just a heads up with blue vs brown, I would HIGHLY suggest brown, especially if you are around people. I can't really see the point of getting a keyboard with blues anymore. It seems more like a novelty than anything and a way to make it apparent to people around you that you are typing.

[argum]

My first mech had brown switches and I loved it. Also used blues for a while and liked that too.
Also tried red and black before, hated those.

and +1 for QFR and Filco, can't go wrong with those.

I'll probably get a Filco one.

My first mechanical was a MJ2 Tenkeyless Blue. But after much use of a Noppoo Choc Mini with reds and a poker with blacks, I wish I had gotten the MJ2 in black. If you just type or program (avoid games with serious button mashing), I wouldn't be opposed to suggesting a keyboard with blue or brown (or anything with tactile feedback). However, if you play games where you are constantly mashing keys (WOW / SC2), a tactile switch will just feel gritty (I suspect it would with even the harder switches).

Just a heads up with blue vs brown, I would HIGHLY suggest brown, especially if you are around people. I can't really see the point of getting a keyboard with blues anymore. It seems more like a novelty than anything and a way to make it apparent to people around you that you are typing.

I mostly type and play games where I don't smash buttons (Except SC2 but I rarely mash buttons really fast) so I guess browns are probably the best for me.

[1839cc]

Look in the wiki for force diagrams. Hopefully they are still there. Compare as many as you can find and try to imagine the feel by looking at the graphs. That really helped me figure out which ones I wanted to try.

It was 'clear' to me from the beginning where my preferences were.

[uJalled]

Got my Filco MJ2 with blues, and it is a dream to use. I love everything about the blue switches: noise, extremely tactile feedback, little resistance on each key, etc. I spend more of my time typing than gaming, so blues are perfect for me. In general- Blues and Browns = typists, and Blacks and Reds= gamers, though this rule is not necessarily always true.

[LifeIsGooD2]

I play a LOT of SC2 (masters) and brown switch is amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!

Ive tried red in a couple different keyboards but NOTHING compares to my brown filco .... it feels like butter

[PointyFox]

I've tried all the common Cherry switches and I have to say I prefer rubber domes.  Most activation force at the top, little at the bottom.  Makes perfect sense.

[1839cc]

I've tried all the common Cherry switches and I have to say I prefer rubber domes.  Most activation force at the top, little at the bottom.  Makes perfect sense.

See? This is the exact opposite of what appeals to me, and the reason I don't use ALPS. But I guess everybody has their own preference.

OP, you will have to find a way to make up your own mind.

[kinruan]

bwt, welcome to GH

[hazeluff]

I started off with a brown board and it's still my favorite switch. Browns are kinda the all-round switch, it's soft and slightly tactile.

>>However, it's really a personal thing in the end and there isn't one that's more fitting for certain tasks.<<

[argum]

Thanks for the help!
Ordered a Filco with browns .