Ducky ZERO DX2108 vs CM STORM Trigger vs Leopold

[MOZ]

Hi currently using a Razer BWU (Yeah, shoot me), I wanted to upgrade to something more solid after having chattering issues with my board.

I'm strictly looking to keep things under 100 USD.

Looking for a Cherry MX Blue fullsize keyboard (80% typing, 20% gaming) . Basic functionality and solidarity are the key as I won't be upgrading for a long time. Anything else (Looks, backlit, wrist rest, etc) are just bonus and shouldn't really be a factor when deciding.

Th three that I have short listed are:

1. Ducky ZERO DK2108: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=263
2. CM STORM Trigger: http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-Trigger-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B009FTWL2C
3. Leopold: http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,fullsize&pid=fc500rcab

- Leopold looks real solid however availability is a big issue.
- The Ducky ZERO is a new kid on the block so still unsure
- CM STORM trigger, have been reading contradictory statements over the quality (Whether OEM is iOne/Costar)

So which one is the best or is there something else better under $100?

[VesperSAINT]

I personally find the Ducky's to have the best feeling and sounding Cherry MX Blue keyboards, at least from the ones I've felt. I have tried Filco (full-size and TKL), Leopold (TKL), CM QFR (TKL), Razer BW & BWU (both full-size), XArmor (full-size), Ducky DK9008 (full-size), Shine 2 (full-size and TKL), and I find that the Ducky's have a stiffer feel and the most crisp break/actuation and sound compared to the other brands. These difference are probably due to the construction (not necessarily better but just different) and the way the back plate is fitted to the case, and also how the sound resonates within the case. PBT keycaps will further enhance your experience. Just my 2 cents.

[Photoelectric]

The OEM of Storm Trigger is Costar, but it does have Cherry stabilizers to allow for LEDs in the switches.  It's a great keyboard--I own one. Very solid and heavy.  I have a Filco TKL too, but I don't like it any more than the Trigger--they are different beasts. Ducky Zero is a small bezel, no-frills keyboard.  Should be good quality.  Leopolds have good reputation as well, but pricing is high.  Really all of those are quite different.  If you want full backlight with various modes + macro keys + programmable keys with proprietary software--Trigger is a great bundle for the price.  And it already comes with a wrist rest.  If you want a minimal bezel and a full sized keyboard (with a numpad), Ducky is a good one, as are cheaper options such as Rosewill. 

That Leopold you linked is out of stock.  The Trigger with MX Blues is on a cheap sale on Newegg.  Rosewills go at competitive prices on Amazon, used too.

[MOZ]

As I mentioned, what concerns me more is how the keyboard works as a basic keyboard.

The Rosewill has the horrendous miniUSB issue and since this will be be bought in the US and then shipped to India, I can't send it back for RMA.

The Leopold link I have is out of stock, and that is the concern.

So really it is more between the Ducky and the Trigger.

[Photoelectric]

That rosewill issue should have been resolved quite a while ago with newer batches.  I can't comment on the Ducky, but I know it has good reputation.  There are still issues with their keyboards that can happen; there's no way to guarantee a 100% fault-free keyboard like that--it's a bit of random luck.  Small likelihood of problems with well-regarded brands, but it doesn't mean something may not go wrong.

My Trigger has no issues I can think of.  It will take you a couple of weeks to get used to the macro keys on the left side--namely developing muscle memory to shift your left hand one row to the right with respect to the left edge of the keyboard.  Once I got used to it, I had no issues blindly placing my hands onto the keyboard and typing properly.  If you need the Winkey function, use the Trigger software to assign the left Storm key (for example) to serve the Win key function, close the software, wait for the programming to load into the keyboard memory, and load that profile with Fn +1.  It will continue using that profile indefinitely, once preprogrammed.  You can even uninstall the Trigger software after you've finished all the key programming, or set it to not start with Windows.  There are 5 profiles that can be programmed into the keyboard and quickly swapped between by pressing Fn + 1-5.  (Function keys are the Storm keys).  So basically the Trigger is programmable with 5 profiles, 5 macro keys, and backlight modes.  If you think you like that, it's a good keyboard.

The Ducky will be smaller in size and a basic keyboard.

[MOZ]

Obviously with an electronic equipment 100% fault-free each time can't be expected. However I will have the keyboard tested before it is sent over to me here in India.

As for the macro keys, I have a Razer BWU, so no problems adjusting to the macros.

How is the typing experience on the Trigger as opposed to other mechanical keyboards with the same type switches?

[Photoelectric]

About the same, to be honest.  I've tried around 11 plate-mounted keyboards now, and the differences were mostly in the switches themselves (different batches of the same switch kind can vary in friction and feel) and stabilizer kind (Costar vs Cherry).  All of the keyboards I've tried have been good (like Filcos, DAS, Roswill, Steelseries 7g, Max, CM Storm Trigger), so I'm not sure how they'd compare to like Razer stuff.  Tried 5 different MX Brown keyboards, and each had slightly different ditch feel, from high friction to super smooth.  Luck-dependent and can be resolved with wear and then lubrication.

[MOZ]

The Razer is nothing special, infact I found the $30 e-TVS Gold to be a much better board than the Razer.

Still confused as to get the Trigger or Ducky 

[VesperSAINT]

Ducky because the Trigger is so damn ugly.

[MOZ]

Should have started a poll then

So it boils down to looks and if I want to go for the extra "bells and whistles" on the Trigger. Not much difference as far as durability and usability (As a basic keyboard) goes.

[Photoelectric]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  I'll say that everything you've listed should be high quality, and you should decide based on functions/appearance/differences what suits you best.  Because they are pretty different.  Basic space-saving typing / gaming keyboard: Ducky without backlight.  Bells and whistles and wristrest and backlight on a more gaming-looking keyboard: Storm Trigger. 

[missalaire]

Ducky

[VesperSAINT]

Ducky

^ knows what's up

[missalaire]

Ducky

^ knows what's up

Of course. I only own like what... 3 Ducky's now?

[MOZ]

AND 3 CM

[Photoelectric]

I just feel someone has to defend Storm Trigger and bring up the actual fact details, because here there is automatic bias on GH against anything that has a bezel larger than 1 mm (unless it's a vintage keyboard).  I'm into smaller keyboards myself, but Storm Triggers have undeniable value (amount of STUFF for the price and quality) for those who can utilize it and don't care about minimal casing.  Pretty much more common to just read one word replies like "Ducky" or "Filco" with no objective explanations instead of weighing pros and cons.

[VesperSAINT]

Ducky

^ knows what's up

Of course. I only own like what... 3 Ducky's now?

Owned 4, only 1 now though Can't afford to keep so many )

I just feel someone has to defend Storm Trigger and bring up the actual fact details, because here there is automatic bias on GH against anything that has a bezel larger than 1 mm (unless it's a vintage keyboard).  I'm into smaller keyboards myself, but Storm Triggers have undeniable value (amount of STUFF for the price and quality) for those who can utilize it and don't care about minimal casing.  Pretty much more common to just read one word replies like "Ducky" or "Filco" with no objective explanations instead of weighing pros and cons.

I've written and repeated myself about the pro's of choosing a Ducky way too many times to write it again ) I literally can't count how many times I've done it. I have nothing against the performance and quality of a CM Trigger, just stating I prefer Ducky. Not saying one is better than the other, at least when I just write, "Ducky." ) Can't really go wrong with either.

[MOZ]

I just feel someone has to defend Storm Trigger and bring up the actual fact details, because here there is automatic bias on GH against anything that has a bezel larger than 1 mm (unless it's a vintage keyboard).  I'm into smaller keyboards myself, but Storm Triggers have undeniable value (amount of STUFF for the price and quality) for those who can utilize it and don't care about minimal casing.  Pretty much more common to just read one word replies like "Ducky" or "Filco" with no objective explanations instead of weighing pros and cons.

How is the microUSB connection. I've read people complaining about it being a cause of concern. Why can't companies just learn from Ducky and route the cable underneath the board at an angle so to reduce stress on the port!

[Photoelectric]

I used a separate soft miniUSB cable myself (from Monoprice, as I already had a bunch).  Basically a regular thin cable, nonbraided.

[Hyde]

Anyone here actually tried the new Ducky Zero?  Because Ducky Zero and Ducky Shine 2 are made from different places.

Though I've only heard good things about it so far but I'd still like to hear some opinion with people who tried it first hand.  Also anyone know how much difference the "updated" cherry stabilizers are?

[SpAmRaY]

I just feel someone has to defend Storm Trigger and bring up the actual fact details, because here there is automatic bias on GH against anything that has a bezel larger than 1 mm (unless it's a vintage keyboard).  I'm into smaller keyboards myself, but Storm Triggers have undeniable value (amount of STUFF for the price and quality) for those who can utilize it and don't care about minimal casing.  Pretty much more common to just read one word replies like "Ducky" or "Filco" with no objective explanations instead of weighing pros and cons.

Having had two Storm triggers they are nice and heavy and with the wrist rest its like having a tank on your desk, the backlighting is Ok (not super bright) and it has plenty of macro keys if that's your thing.

My biggest gripes were the huge software package (~500mb) that can be difficult to use at first and it is necessary just to use Windows key, some of us actually use those, then two different triggers from two different stores both had quality control issues.

One thing is you can get the Storm trigger easily for around $60 after rebate.

[MOZ]

Having had two Storm triggers they are nice and heavy and with the wrist rest its like having a tank on your desk, the backlighting is Ok (not super bright) and it has plenty of macro keys if that's your thing.

My biggest gripes were the huge software package (~500mb) that can be difficult to use at first and it is necessary just to use Windows key, some of us actually use those, then two different triggers from two different stores both had quality control issues.

One thing is you can get the Storm trigger easily for around $60 after rebate.

I'm confused, so your experience wasn't that good with the Triggers?

As for the Ducky ZERO, even I would like to get see a solid review here on GH before taking the plunge. I might even wait out and see how much the DK2108s costs and the benefits over the DK2108. I really liked the satellite proxy switch design they use for the longer keys such as space, shift, etc. Any other KB using a similar design? Reactions?

[Photoelectric]

The software can be installed, programmed in, and uninstalled, as I described.  Didn't have any issues with that myself.

[MOZ]

So I decided to go with the Ducky.

Now, I need some good deal for a decent price shipped to India. Anyone know any seller with decent international shipping charges.

Asian seller would be preferred as their shipping charges should be lower.

[rowdy]

You could ask qtan, ships from China ... http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/

[MOZ]

I am discussing with him at the moment, any other viable alternatives?