Hey guys, wanted as much feedback and info on the the KBT Race, for example:
- Where to get it in the US?
- Pros (for me): size, inverted T (arrows)
- Cons (for me): price
They are nice, but there can be problems, be sure to read my entire complaint thread as there is lots of good info in there.
As for cost, that depends on what you get and were from. While $90 isn't bad, you can easily spend $160 on one if you have to import it. I personally don't like the Happy Hacker, it's too expensive for what you get, but also lacks a lot of keys I regularly use.
My Race is used for running my servers and I use a Filco for daily use.
The Race really isn't THAT much smaller (though it is a cuter shape), front to back, the Filco is an extra 1/2in, and it's 1.25in wider.
One thing I found I disliked on the Race and any like it, is the F key row, I tended to snag them when hitting the number row. This isn't a huge deal, though a bit annoying, except for one thing. On the race, if you hit the backspace key, and snag the F row key above it (the FN key), it launches the calculator. That gets old REAL fast. I ended up using a shorter FN key to try and minimize it. After going back to the Filco, if I had my choice, I would build a keyboard shaped like the race, but put a quarter inch space between numbers and F keys for separation. This has the added benefit of not needing the extra tall f keys. There is a company selling one like this, but they are some off brand Chinese company.
If you want a Race, get a black one with PBT keys (no LED's) and it should be a nice keyboard. Despite the problems, I still like mine.
If you plan on swapping keys, get yourself a Cooler Master QFR and be done with it.
leds are for children...
I only need 2 leds, winkeylock and capslock.
Winkeylock? Pshh, I use a script that locks it out automatically when a game starts.

Capslock is for angst filled teens and old people.