Author Topic: Looking to buy an endgame keyboard. (Read 4973 times)

xanoku · « **on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:00:02 »

Hey, geekhack bros.
I'm looking into buying a mechanical keyboard with either Blues or Greens. I don't really care if it's full size or TKL.

I'd like for it to:
- have media keys (either dedicated or with a Fn layer)
- be extremely well built ( preferably with a thick backplate)
- be under 250$
- not waste space (ex: macro keys, huge bezels, space for branding)
- preferably be logo-free ( I can deal with some small minimal logos but not something distracting )

And, the most important part: I would LOVE for it to either come with or be compatible with black PBT keycaps with black dye sub legends (so black on black)

Any help will be appreciated, and thanks in advance for your time.

Thimplum · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:13:13 »

QFR and Choc Mini come to mind.

Good luck!

jabar · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:26:31 »

Choc Mini will take work to get full aftermarket dyesubbed compatibility. The QFR will be a lot easier and still has media integration.

Thimplum · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:37:37 »

Quote from: jabar on Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:26:31

Choc Mini will take work to get full aftermarket dyesubbed compatibility. The QFR will be a lot easier and still has media integration.

I they both have media support.

Xenderwind · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:42:05 »

Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:37:37

Quote from: jabar on Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:26:31
Choc Mini will take work to get full aftermarket dyesubbed compatibility. The QFR will be a lot easier and still has media integration.

I they both have media support.

He never said that the choc mini didn't.

calavera · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:44:21 »

You can't replace the spacebar on a choc mini, keep that in mind.

PointyFox · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:59:17 »

Poker 2 or QFR.

xanoku · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:15:04 »

Are there any other options? Maybe something less common?
QFRs seem to be such run-of-the-mill keyboards, and I don't think a black on black keycap set would look good given the LED placement on the keys. A dedicated caps/scroll/num lock light area would be preferable.

PointyFox · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:17:12 »

Quote from: xanoku on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:15:04

Are there any other options? Maybe something less common?
QFRs seem to be such run-of-the-mill keyboards, and I don't think a black on black keycap set would look good given the LED placement on the keys. A dedicated caps/scroll/num lock light area would be preferable.

Filco Multicam then.

xanoku · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:22:24 »

None of the Filcos offer what I want in a keyboard, namely in the way of media keys and such.

And If I were to get one, It wouldn't be a mutlicam. Not a military*** at all.

Thimplum · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:28:45 »

Hmm...

You may have a hard time finding this stuff in a good mechanical keyboard.

Media keys are a rare find on mechanical keyboard.

xanoku · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:33:04 »

I don't even need the full "media keys", really I'd be happy with just volume keys.
I was looking at the Ducky 9087G2 Pro, but it doesn't come with black on black keycaps. If it did, it'd probably be the perfect keyboard.

jameslr · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:35:02 »

Wasd V2 sounds like a winner.

keymaster · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:35:27 »

You'll most likely have to get aftermarket black-on-black PBT dyesubs on top of a MX keyboard.

Thimplum · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:40:47 »

What do you mean by black on black? Wouldn't that be blank?

xanoku · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:43:47 »

Quote from: jameslr on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:35:02

Wasd V2 sounds like a winner.

This keyboard actually sounds fantastic. Is there anything wrong with it? Surely there must be a catch.
Are the keys all standard size?

jameslr · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:44:51 »

Yep, completely standard MX keys. You can check their compatibility charts. Would a black dye sub even show up on a black cap?? You'll probably have to get laser etched caps if you want legends otherwise just go blank. You can't see the damned things anyway with all black

Ducky sells a set of laser etched PBT Black on Black (if you can find them in stock at MK)

Edit: I see the ones put out by Vortex are dyesub black on black, but they're crazy hard to read: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=287 I suppose it's all for looks anyway

xanoku · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:52:27 »

I'm not sure. It would have to be a very slightly different shade of black.
I don't want blank, though. I want them to be JUST OH SO BARELY visible.
So from far, and in the dark they look blank, but if I ever happen to be looking for a key that I don't use often I could still find it.
Plus, blank is annoying when doing long strings of key combinations (vim user) without typing words between them.

I think this is the best way to do it. I don't think I'd like lasered keys, though. I don't like the roughness on your fingertips that it leaves.
Side-printed black on black would be even cooler.

By the way, I know that WASD keycaps ( the 80$ ones ) are very low quality. I hope the WASD v2 will be well made. Is it made by Costar?

BrokenGame · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:55:56 »

Well, if you were looking for a Ducky 9087G2 Pro, just buy one. Then, for the media keys, use Autohotkey and for the Black on black keycaps, take those:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vortex-105-PBT-black-on-black-sub-dye-key-caps-for-Cherry-MX-switches-keyboards-/290920986173?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item43bc3df63d

jameslr · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:57:34 »

I assume so if they're the same as V1's. Looks like you might be in luck with the Vortex set of keycaps then. It retails for $41 at MK, but they're out of stock. Maybe you can get them on the bay. Side printed would be a pretty tall order I think. That's probably pretty rare. You'd likely have to get them custom printed somewhere and that would probably cost a fortune.

jameslr · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:00:04 »

The Wasd V2 is supposed to ship in less than a week, so if you get your preorder in you could have your board by the first week of august, and if you order the caps from the seller on ebay you could have a complete board at the same time (caps and all). Sounds like you found your endgame board.

Thimplum · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:02:31 »

Ah! Good choice.

bazemk1979 · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:04:14 »

u have pm op

Thimplum · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:05:46 »

Quote from: bazemk1979 on Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:04:14

u have pm op

Huh... does anyone here know what the p in pm means?

JK

CommunistWitchDr · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:27:15 »

Just a warning, there is no endgame. You're ours forever.

PointyFox · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:28:47 »

Quote from: xanoku on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:22:24

None of the Filcos offer what I want in a keyboard, namely in the way of media keys and such.

And If I were to get one, It wouldn't be a mutlicam. Not a military*** at all.

The multicam has media keys.

BrokenGame · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:57:10 »

Quote from: CommunistWitchDr on Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:27:15

Just a warning, there is no endgame. You're ours forever.

True that --'

xanoku · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 21:37:48 »

Quote from: CommunistWitchDr on Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:27:15

Just a warning, there is no endgame. You're ours forever.

Quote from: BrokenGame on Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:57:10

Quote from: CommunistWitchDr on Fri, 26 July 2013, 20:27:15
Just a warning, there is no endgame. You're ours forever.

True that --'

I figured as much. I'm probably not going to order the WASD v2 until someone reviews it and can say if the quality's any good. I don't want to spend 100$ on something cheap. I've already done that with lots of computer parts and things, and I don't want to go through it again.

I guess 2 or so weeks isn't too long to wait.

PointyFox · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 21:42:07 »

Quote

I don't want to spend 100$ on something cheap.

)

jabar · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 26 July 2013, 23:44:28 »

Quote from: xanoku on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:33:04

I don't even need the full "media keys", really I'd be happy with just volume keys.
I was looking at the Ducky 9087G2 Pro, but it doesn't come with black on black keycaps. If it did, it'd probably be the perfect keyboard.

you can't have everything. no keyboard has every option you want. take what you can, get a separate keycap set if you wish.

dorkvader · « **Reply #30 on:** Sat, 27 July 2013, 01:38:15 »

Have you considered the dyesub ducky/ I think it meets all your requirements:

Grey keycaps and cherry Greens
http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=467

Beige keycaps and blues
http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=469

Thimplum · « **Reply #31 on:** Sat, 27 July 2013, 08:54:18 »

Quote from: dorkvader on Sat, 27 July 2013, 01:38:15

Have you considered the dyesub ducky/ I think it meets all your requirements:

Grey keycaps and cherry Greens
http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=467

Beige keycaps and blues
http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=469

I think that he want black on black pbt.

xanoku · « **Reply #32 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 13:52:07 »

Quote from: dorkvader on Sat, 27 July 2013, 01:38:15

Have you considered the dyesub ducky/ I think it meets all your requirements:

Grey keycaps and cherry Greens
http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=467

Beige keycaps and blues
http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=469

Yeah, I looked at it. It has branding on the Super Key, and it has those ugly shortcut keys that will be impossible to find labeled replacements for.
Also,

Quote from: Thimplum on Sat, 27 July 2013, 08:54:18

I think that he want black on black pbt.

Yeah.

tp4tissue · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:46:03 »

Everypost before "this" one is a lie

ERGODOX is not a lie.

CommunistWitchDr · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 16:05:54 »

Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:46:03

Everypost before "this" one is a lie

ERGODOX is not a lie.

If you're willing to adapt to the layout this could actually be a good choice. If you end up liking it having an ergo board or two could get you out of the buying keyboards cycle. Though if you wait for the ErgoGP you can get somewhat improved ergonomics and a lot more fancy things (e.g. lights). Plus not having stupid things like a cut up usb cable on the inside for the connector.

knotra · « **Reply #35 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 16:41:09 »

Quote from: xanoku on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:52:27

I'm not sure. It would have to be a very slightly different shade of black.
I don't want blank, though. I want them to be JUST OH SO BARELY visible.
So from far, and in the dark they look blank, but if I ever happen to be looking for a key that I don't use often I could still find it.
Plus, blank is annoying when doing long strings of key combinations (vim user) without typing words between them.

I think this is the best way to do it. I don't think I'd like lasered keys, though. I don't like the roughness on your fingertips that it leaves.
Side-printed black on black would be even cooler.

By the way, I know that WASD keycaps ( the 80$ ones ) are very low quality. I hope the WASD v2 will be well made. Is it made by Costar?

I don't think black on black keycaps even exist.. or if they do, they are extremely rare. I would probably just go with engraved keycaps and make the size small.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #36 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 17:18:36 »

Quote from: knotra on Sun, 28 July 2013, 16:41:09

Quote from: xanoku on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:52:27
I'm not sure. It would have to be a very slightly different shade of black.
I don't want blank, though. I want them to be JUST OH SO BARELY visible.
So from far, and in the dark they look blank, but if I ever happen to be looking for a key that I don't use often I could still find it.
Plus, blank is annoying when doing long strings of key combinations (vim user) without typing words between them.

I think this is the best way to do it. I don't think I'd like lasered keys, though. I don't like the roughness on your fingertips that it leaves.
Side-printed black on black would be even cooler.

By the way, I know that WASD keycaps ( the 80$ ones ) are very low quality. I hope the WASD v2 will be well made. Is it made by Costar?

I don't think black on black keycaps even exist.. or if they do, they are extremely rare. I would probably just go with engraved keycaps and make the size small.

They exist ducky and I think there are others that have made them

Example

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=69

tp4tissue · « **Reply #37 on:** Sun, 28 July 2013, 17:23:00 »

are these dye or filled

Thimplum · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 30 July 2013, 10:27:03 »

Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 28 July 2013, 15:46:03

Everypost before "this" one is a lie

ERGODOX is not a lie.

He's back.

TrueOP · « **Reply #39 on:** Wed, 31 July 2013, 13:55:12 »

Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 28 July 2013, 17:23:00

are these dye or filled

They look engraved.

News:

Author Topic: Looking to buy an endgame keyboard. (Read 4973 times)