Request help choosing second keyboard

[divito]

Hey everyone; apologize for the length of the thread, but figured I'd put as much information in so it cuts down on questions and my subsequent responses down the line.

The arrival of the thread on that new CODE keyboard (and that my vacation pay arrives next month) has really had me thinking about my next steps in the mechanical keyboard world. I've been using a Das Ultimate for quite some time, and the original reason for purchase (and before really delving into the multitude of options found on GH), was that it was incredibly clean, somewhat stylish keyboard with blank keys; and the fact that I love clicky keyboards (blues). To me, as much as the more elite members or experienced members might lament the coming of the CODE, to me, it's respectable and clean, and that is what I value in a keyboard.

Anyways, I was curious to gather some thoughts from as many people as possible in what I might do next (outside of many potential projects I'm hoping to accomplish in the near future). As much as I love blues, I'm really interested in trying more switches. Until the switch tester perhaps does an international or Canadian tour, I'll have to resort to either the generosity of a GH member, or simply buy more keyboards to try different ones.

I've tried the common ones obviously, being red, black, blue and brown, but wonder if others might hold more promise for me. I detest linear, despite being a fairly avid and former competitive gamer. I want a tactile switch, and the click factor doesn't necessarily matter as much. Next, the blues are somewhat light to me in force, but in using blacks, I can picture my fingers getting tired, so I'm not sure how much force I'd want, or whether I'd simply get used to the new weight.

Next, I'm not really interested in a 60% as I'm a frequent user of the 6-key, arrow keys, and to a lesser extent the Num pad. Going to a TKL is an option, though not using the Num pad would take some adjustment I'm sure. Also, in having a plate with the Das, I can't envision not having a plate-mounted keyboard. In regards to colors, given the breadth of choices, I don't even think I could really even speculate to options I'd want.

Not too concerned with price, as this community knows, some things are simply hard to find, of varying quality and sometimes you have to pay for the luxury of what we happen to have.

TL;DR - Looking for a:

- Clean, no nonsense keyboard (hard preference for blank cap option)
- TKL/full-size
- Given blank caps, no backlight necessary.
- Plate-mounted
- Price, meh but ~$150 wouldn't be a bad point

[Lastpilot]

Since you already have a mass-produced daily driver I would suggest saving for a korean custom ^^

But if that's too much cost, I agree with the choice on the CODE. I don't have anything against that pretty thing, as long as you are cool with clears.

[sth]

why not try to find a used topre? might as well try something different. you could also look for a model M? that satisfies pretty much all of your requirements.

[divito]

why not try to find a used topre? might as well try something different. you could also look for a model M? that satisfies pretty much all of your requirements.

Topre would be an option, though I hesitate based on their premium, though I imagine I wouldn't have too much trouble on here if I should want to trade/sell once I hit 60 posts (almost there!!).

As for the Model M, I've used several in my life (not all Ms), but enough to know I will definitely acquire one at some point, but for my second mechanical, I'm more so looking for something fresh and new to me.

A Korean custom is an option, as would be the CODE with clears. Topre is also an interesting and planned idea, perhaps I can find one on GH in classifieds or someone can lend one. We shall see.

I still look forward to more suggestions

[Danule]

you live in ontario?  There are canada computers and NCIX that have sample keyboards on their shelves that you can try out to see if you like them.  Though they dont have topre, or mx clear switches.

[divito]

you live in ontario?  There are canada computers and NCIX that have sample keyboards on their shelves that you can try out to see if you like them.  Though they dont have topre, or mx clear switches.

I have a Canada Computers in my city; I've tried all the common switches, but not really interested in owning much of what is sold there (already owning a Das makes me want to go off the beaten path a bit more). I've been identifying some keyboards to watch on eBay, and will utilize classifieds after hitting 60 posts to see what might be available.

[Danule]

NCIX carries filco and ducky both of which are nice.

[TimIsABat]

I've been looking into a no nonsense keyboard as well. I am thinking of going with an ergodox or a hhkb. We could be buddies and get a hhkb together XD.

[microsoft windows]

WHAT KIND OF KEY SWITCH DO YOU WANT IN THIS KEYBOARD?

[divito]

I've been looking into a no nonsense keyboard as well. I am thinking of going with an ergodox or a hhkb. We could be buddies and get a hhkb together XD.

Haha...maybe. No Ergodox for me though. I'm not too keen on going with such a low profile keyboard, but I think it'd be silly not to expand my horizons, and can't go wrong with a Japanese product.

WHAT KIND OF KEY SWITCH DO YOU WANT IN THIS KEYBOARD?

If I stick to something I haven't tried and will probably like, it'd be down to Clear, White, and Green (harder to find I know). Barring that, dipping my toes into Alps or Topre territory isn't out of the question. Otherwise, if I simply add another keyboard to my collection, I'd be more inclined to select Brown for the collection variety.