Mech keyboard suggestions for first time buyer

[viralbug]

Hey guys!
I've always loved mechanical keyboards. Unfortunately, I've never personally owned one myself, though used a few sometimes. (Used to love those IBM Ms, but they're buckling )

As a first time buyer, I'm pretty confused as to what I should get. One thing I'm certain of is that I want Brown switches within my budget of about $80-90. It's not much to start off with, but I'll be paying for shipping+taxes since I can't find many keyboards locally. Also I can spend a little on keycaps if required with the money saved.
I'm also looking for a TKL layout. I also feel the 84-key or 75% layout like KBT Race and KeyCool 84 seems nice. It's like a TKL in a compact design. But I'm not sure about how the keycaps will be available for such boards.

Here's what I've looked at:

1. CM Strom QuickFire Rapid - This seems like solid option in my budget. Plus I might be able to source a Brown switch version locally, but even otherwise the cost is quite good. I believe the keycaps are easily replaceable on this one?

2. KeyCool 84/87 - I'd like to know about the quality of these. Many seem content with KeyCools, but how does it compare to the QFR? The KeyCool 87 with Grey PBT keycaps looks sweet. I do hate that Win key, but we know that can be fixed.

3. KBT Race 75% - I'm just mentioning this here. Although I really like this from what I've seen, it's a little bit out of my budget.

4. Ducky Shine 3 - Well, I don't know but for some reason I really love the Shine 3. I know it's the only backlit keyboard I've listed, infact I wanted to get a backlit keyboard, however thinking of dropping the idea since they aren't much useful apart from the gimmicks. Also the $150 is quite a lot, but this might be the only keyboard I might consider spending on if at all I have that budget. Full size isn't a problem since that's the size I've always used till date.

All kinds of suggestions are more than welcome.

[SpAmRaY]

Where are you located?

[viralbug]

Sorry for not mentioning that, I'm located in India.

[jameslr]

+1 for QFR in your switch preference. I use a QFR with blues currently. It's nice. It will not be your last mechanical though, for certain.

Edit: if you want some other options a popular choice is the Filco Majestouch-2 TKL.

[viralbug]

Yup the Filco is undoubtedly a great option. Unfortunately, the price isn't what I wish it could be.

[BrokenGame]

Yup the Filco is undoubtedly a great option. Unfortunately, the price isn't what I wish it could be.

I have a filco ninja with MX brown for sale since I use Topre now. I can sell it for 110$ + Shipping with the stock caps (never used them) or with the thick blue PBT keycaps cherry font from feng for 190$. I used the board for about 2 weeks.

[SpAmRaY]

Yup the Filco is undoubtedly a great option. Unfortunately, the price isn't what I wish it could be.

I have a filco ninja with MX brown for sale since I use Topre now. I can sell it for 110$ + Shipping with the stock caps (never used them) or with the thick blue PBT keycaps cherry font from feng for 190$. I used the board for about 2 weeks.

Let's not try and bypass the 60 posts rule for sale here. I suggest you do this over PM's.

[BrokenGame]

Yup the Filco is undoubtedly a great option. Unfortunately, the price isn't what I wish it could be.

I have a filco ninja with MX brown for sale since I use Topre now. I can sell it for 110$ + Shipping with the stock caps (never used them) or with the thick blue PBT keycaps cherry font from feng for 190$. I used the board for about 2 weeks.

Let's not try and bypass the 60 posts rule for sale here. I suggest you do this over PM's.

^^, we are not in classified.

[SpAmRaY]

Yup the Filco is undoubtedly a great option. Unfortunately, the price isn't what I wish it could be.

I have a filco ninja with MX brown for sale since I use Topre now. I can sell it for 110$ + Shipping with the stock caps (never used them) or with the thick blue PBT keycaps cherry font from feng for 190$. I used the board for about 2 weeks.

Let's not try and bypass the 60 posts rule for sale here. I suggest you do this over PM's.

^^, we are not in classified.

Exactly so stop trying to sell stuff in places that are not the classifieds since you don't meet the forum post requirement to actually post a sale thread in the classifieds.

And to the OP, I pm'd a member who will hopefully post here and be able to give you some suggestions better than I could.

[viralbug]

And to the OP, I pm'd a member who will hopefully post here and be able to give you some suggestions better than I could.

Thanks, that's great.
I forgot to mention, I'll be primarily using the keyboard for Windows, but I also use Linux from time to time. I'm assuming there aren't any issues in general for BIOS/UEFI and Linux?

[MOZ]

Today must be my lucky day, a fellow patriot!

Anyways, OP where in India are you located?

As long as you choose a Cherry MX/MY based board, keycaps will fit just fine. Need not worry about.

For the switch type that you are looking at, I would strongly suggest the QFR. The OEM is Costar, and it is a solid build specially for for first stime MK users who want a TKL. It is a popular board and there is active modding scene on GH for the board. I could help you get the brown version. Have you heard of SMC International in Delhi? I don't want to boast, but I have a repo there, so I can help you get that.

The KeyCool is definitely a solid keyboard too, not as popular as the QFR.

If you want to stay in your budget, I wouldn't recommend anything else, because if you are going to be sourcing it from overseas, add around 15-20 USD for shipping at 10-15 USD for customs. I recently got my Ducky ZERO from qtan in Taiwan, and I had to pay customs on it.

The Shine III and Race are both very nice boards, one being a full-size, not sure you want that as you mentioned yourself and the other being a bit out of budget.

You could also consider the Leopold FC660M, which is a very well built keyboard as well, around $110 mark.

I would also like to recommend qtan, he is a great seller and you can check his store here:
http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/cateogry1-name/catId=4172320

I have ordered two separate products from him, and got them both in a week, which is great for an international order.

Edit: I am selling a brand new Ducky ZERO DK2108 Blue switches, hardly used and got from qtan a month back. I decided to move onto the ErgoDox, hence it is available for 5k INR shipped.

[Danule]

delete

[tp4tissue]

ErgoDox

[MOZ]

ErgoDox

I decided to move onto the ErgoDox.

Happy?

[Hypersphere]

Based on your description and from reviews I have seen, I think you couldn't go wrong with a QFR, although I do not yet own one myself. I am also a former user of the IBM Model M, and the IBM SSK is still my favorite keyboard. If you liked the Model M, you might want to opt for Cherry green switches. These switches are available for the QFR, but they are currently backordered, at least for orders from the USA.

[viralbug]

Today must be my lucky day, a fellow patriot!

Anyways, OP where in India are you located?

As long as you choose a Cherry MX/MY based board, keycaps will fit just fine. Need not worry about.

For the switch type that you are looking at, I would strongly suggest the QFR. The OEM is Costar, and it is a solid build specially for for first stime MK users who want a TKL. It is a popular board and there is active modding scene on GH for the board. I could help you get the brown version. Have you heard of SMC International in Delhi? I don't want to boast, but I have a repo there, so I can help you get that.

The KeyCool is definitely a solid keyboard too, not as popular as the QFR.

If you want to stay in your budget, I wouldn't recommend anything else, because if you are going to be sourcing it from overseas, add around 15-20 USD for shipping at 10-15 USD for customs. I recently got my Ducky ZERO from qtan in Taiwan, and I had to pay customs on it.

The Shine III and Race are both very nice boards, one being a full-size, not sure you want that as you mentioned yourself and the other being a bit out of budget.

You could also consider the Leopold FC660M, which is a very well built keyboard as well, around $110 mark.

I would also like to recommend qtan, he is a great seller and you can check his store here:
http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/category/cateogry1-name/catId=4172320

I have ordered two separate products from him, and got them both in a week, which is great for an international order.

Edit: I am selling a brand new Ducky ZERO DK2108 Blue switches, hardly used and got from qtan a month back. I decided to move onto the ErgoDox, hence it is available for 5k INR shipped.

Hey! I've seen your sale thread on another forum, even commented that I would have considered buying had the Ducky had Brown switches.
Anyways, yeah I've definitely heard of SMC. I'm from Mumbai. I actually might be able to source one here itself, but incase I don't I know who to ask.

I saw qtan's store and I would most probably order from there if I go that route. Shipping+customs from the US comes out to be quite expensive as you said so buying from his store is the most viable option.

The Leopold FC660M would be too compact for me. I would preferably like to have the function keys.

EDIT : I do love the Greens as well. But I thought the Browns will be good to start off with.

[MOZ]

Ahh, just saw you on TE.

Yes, if you ever want to go for the blues let me know, actually, I would recommend and not saying this to sell my KB, but recommend the blue and get 80g springs from Sherryton. Ghetto Greens FTW!

I just did this mod on my switches and it has been great!

[viralbug]

The Blues are my least favorite Cherry MX switches. I prefer the Red or even Black over them. The Green and Browns being my favorite.
Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to try the Clears, Whites or the Greys.

[MOZ]

Green and Blue are both clicky with difference in weight. Confused

To each his own.

[viralbug]

Yeah I know I have weird choices.  The Greens are quite different from the Browns, while being similar to the Blues. But I somehow just don't like the Blues.

[rowdy]

QFR or KeyCool are great, I have both.  And both are standard 87 key layouts so swapping keycaps is easy (and both use Costar stabilisers).

If anything, the QFR probably feels a little bit more solid, but the KeyCool came with PBT keycaps.

[viralbug]

I liked the Grey PBTs on the KeyCool sold by qtan. But the KeyCool will land up atleast $120 till it reaches me, whereas I can pick up the QFR for $80-90.
I'm pretty much fixed on the QFR now, the price is just too good. I'll have to spend twice the amount atleast to find something that's only a little bit better. I'll get a better keyboard when my budget is worthy enough.

I'm already looking around for caps now. Damn I just dived into another expensive hobby.

[MOZ]

I liked the Grey PBTs on the KeyCool sold by qtan. But the KeyCool will land up atleast $120 till it reaches me, whereas I can pick up the QFR for $80-90.
I'm pretty much fixed on the QFR now, the price is just too good. I'll have to spend twice the amount atleast to find something that's only a little bit better. I'll get a better keyboard when my budget is worthy enough.

I'm already looking around for caps now. Damn I just dived into another expensive hobby.

Welcome to wallet-hack.

[viralbug]

Update:
Just placed an order for QFR Green switches. Amazon FTW!
The price was a bit more than Brown switches and will have to shell out a little more for shipping and taxes. But oh well.

[rowdy]

Update:
Just placed an order for QFR Green switches. Amazon FTW!
The price was a bit more than Brown switches and will have to shell out a little more for shipping and taxes. But oh well.

The green is also a bit rarer than the browns.  Congratulations - hope you enjoy it

[viralbug]

Yeah I know. They haven't been in stock anywhere. A friend told me they were available on Amazon so I picked it up quickly.

[berserkfan]

Amazon ships to India free now, if I remember correctly. That's why you dared to buy from Amazon, right? When they weren't shipping free to Asia, I was salivating and never bought anything. Now I have to make a conscious effort to stop myself from buying anything.

[tp4tissue]

Yeah I know. They haven't been in stock anywhere. A friend told me they were available on Amazon so I picked it up quickly.

Once the novelty wears off, you'll see the light.

Then, you'll have to get an ergodox.

Good call on the Green switch, but the staggared qwerty layout is outdated and not wrist/shoulder friendly..

[listokei]

One for each type 
Cherry, Alps, topre, etc.

[viralbug]

Amazon ships to India free now, if I remember correctly. That's why you dared to buy from Amazon, right? When they weren't shipping free to Asia, I was salivating and never bought anything. Now I have to make a conscious effort to stop myself from buying anything.

Yeah Amazon ships free for packages valued above $125. I could have added something for $15 and ordered, but I had some other packages bought that are coming from the US. So I'm getting it delivered to my US forwarding address where all of my packages will be shipped together. That way it will reacher faster.

Once the novelty wears off, you'll see the light.

Then, you'll have to get an ergodox.

Good call on the Green switch, but the staggared qwerty layout is outdated and not wrist/shoulder friendly..

Haha the Ergodox has me intrigued. Will think about it in the future. Currently I just need a normal keyboard layout.

[MOZ]

Amazon ships to India free now, if I remember correctly. That's why you dared to buy from Amazon, right? When they weren't shipping free to Asia, I was salivating and never bought anything. Now I have to make a conscious effort to stop myself from buying anything.

Yeah Amazon ships free for packages valued above $125. I could have added something for $15 and ordered, but I had some other packages bought that are coming from the US. So I'm getting it delivered to my US forwarding address where all of my packages will be shipped together. That way it will reacher faster.

Once the novelty wears off, you'll see the light.

Then, you'll have to get an ergodox.

Good call on the Green switch, but the staggared qwerty layout is outdated and not wrist/shoulder friendly..

Haha the Ergodox has me intrigued. Will think about it in the future. Currently I just need a normal keyboard layout.

If you ever visit Delhi, feel free to visit me and try out the ErgoDox.

[viralbug]

If you ever visit Delhi, feel free to visit me and try out the ErgoDox.

Certainly, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.

[viralbug]

The QFR arrived yesterday and it is awesome!!
I'm very happy, the keyboard just feels great. A friend got one for himself too.

[rowdy]

Congratulations!

Do you feel the green switches are too stiff?  Or just right

[viralbug]

I've tried them before too and I feel they're just about right.
I haven't had any gaming sessions though, but for typing they feel great.

[Hypersphere]

Congratulations!

Do you feel the green switches are too stiff?  Or just right

I am still evaluating mine (CM QF Stealth w/ greens). I like the solid build quality and typing feel. At first I really liked the springs, but now I think they might actually be somewhat too stiff. I am accustomed to typing on an IBM Model M (and now an IBM SSK), but for a board with Cherry switches, I think I might prefer something in between a Cherry blue and green.

This now makes sense to me after reading a good technical article comparing actuation and bottom-out forces for Cherry switches and IBM buckling spring switches:

http://techreport.com/review/24461/a-first-look-at-cherry-mx-green-key-switches

Green switches have an actuation force of 80 g and a bottom-out force of 105 g, whereas these values for blues are 50 and 65 g, respectively (I am using g = grams for force, as commonly done when comparing keyboard springs; actually the units should be centi-Newtons). They also point out that an analysis of the actuation graph for the IBM buckling spring switch indicates that the actuation and bottom-out forces are 70 and 80 g, respectively. Because I like to bottom out on every keystroke, I am finding the Cherry greens a bit too strong for prolonged typing sessions.

So, for me, in terms of actuation and bottom-out forces, Cherry blacks might be the best switch, because they have actuation and bottom-out forces of 60 and 80 g, respectively. However, I am accustomed to both tactile and auditory feedback, and Cherry blacks are linear non-clicky switches.

I do not know as much about Alps switches and the Alps-inspired Matias switches, but the latter have an actuation force of 60 g. I do not know the bottom-out force for these switches. In any event, all this indicates that keyboards with Matias switches could be worth a try, e.g., boards such as the Mini Quiet Pro (tactile) for the PC or Mini Tactile Pro (tactile and auditory) for the Mac.

[MOZ]

Congrats. Pics or it didn't happen.