Help needed on my first keyboard!

[cpapp]

So I have some requirements for this keyboard.
-Tenkeyless
-Does NOT have to be backlit, if it is, it will probably be higher on the list
-I'm thinking I will want clears, but as those are getting more difficult to find, I may get blacks (depending on which I like best once the cherry mx sampler I ordered comes in) and can always replace the stems with clear ones for Panda clears (maybe ergo)
-Should have arrow keys. I sometimes use them, and some games need them

I keep seeing this keycool brand, how are they? Was also looking at a Poker, sadly no arrow keys, so it's a no.

Ones that caught my attention:
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=71
Looks ok (case wise) and is cheap.
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=308
Looks ok to me.
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=375
Also never heard of this brand.


Budget is $150, ordering overseas isn't really an issue.

[tp4tissue]

Ok, here's the skinny...

Ergodox is the absolute best keyboard you can buy...

Fully programmable, completely ergonomic, and I heard it gives you +70% more hit rate whenever you write up your online dating profile using it..

[C5Allroad]

So I have some requirements for this keyboard.
-Tenkeyless
-Does NOT have to be backlit, if it is, it will probably be higher on the list
-I'm thinking I will want clears, but as those are getting more difficult to find, I may get blacks (depending on which I like best once the cherry mx sampler I ordered comes in) and can always replace the stems with clear ones for Panda clears (maybe ergo)
-Should have arrow keys. I sometimes use them, and some games need them

I keep seeing this keycool brand, how are they? Was also looking at a Poker, sadly no arrow keys, so it's a no.

Ones that caught my attention:
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... etail&p=71
Looks ok (case wise) and is cheap.
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... tail&p=308
Looks ok to me.
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... tail&p=375
Also never heard of this brand.


Budget is $150, ordering overseas isn't really an issue.

Links aren't working I can't seem to get it to work with those tail&p=
Post the links?

[cpapp]

So I have some requirements for this keyboard.
-Tenkeyless
-Does NOT have to be backlit, if it is, it will probably be higher on the list
-I'm thinking I will want clears, but as those are getting more difficult to find, I may get blacks (depending on which I like best once the cherry mx sampler I ordered comes in) and can always replace the stems with clear ones for Panda clears (maybe ergo)
-Should have arrow keys. I sometimes use them, and some games need them

I keep seeing this keycool brand, how are they? Was also looking at a Poker, sadly no arrow keys, so it's a no.

Ones that caught my attention:
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... etail&p=71
Looks ok (case wise) and is cheap.
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... tail&p=308
Looks ok to me.
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... tail&p=375
Also never heard of this brand.


Budget is $150, ordering overseas isn't really an issue.

Links aren't working I can't seem to get it to work with those tail&p=
Post the links?

Edited my original post, links should be working now. Sorry for the inconvenience.

[C5Allroad]

I like that CM storm I've never used the others but I asked my friend how is he says it's amazing.
Have you seen that the shine 3s are coming out in TKL this month?

[cpapp]

I like that CM storm I've never used the others but I asked my friend how is he says it's amazing.
Have you seen that the shine 3s are coming out in TKL this month?

Do they make tenkeyless shine III's though? Worse case scenario, I *may* be able to squeeze in a full size keyboard, just won't have too much room for books and other things.

Heres one that looks great to me (Grey case would be better, but this is a picture of an aftermarket alu case on a poker, but it has arrow keys. Never seen this before, anyone got a link to one?)
Heres the link to where I found the cases
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44651.0

**Also keyboard must be able to work with a Mac, almost forgot this tidbit of info. From what I've read, Mac compatibility is not too big of an issue with most boards**

[C5Allroad]

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/incoming.php
Yes, yes they do 

[cpapp]

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/incoming.php
Yes, yes they do 

Wow. Im stupid.
I just completely ignored the fact you said TKL. Sorry about that, and thanks for the link!
I will probably be getting white backlighting, I have a razer orochi 2013 which has a green LED, but (like right now) I can turn it off.
Which color do you guys think looks best?

[Air tree]

Here is a good one, he also has the black version but i think this looks the best! http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item/shop-mechanical-keyboard-by-sw/leopold-fc660m-mechanical-keyb/lid=35722930 And you get them with clears!

[CPTBadAss]

If this is your first board, you dont want backlighting, and you're good with MX blacks, I highly suggest a QFR.

[cpapp]

Ok so I think I've narrowed it down to three boards.
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=71
The CM QFR- From what I've read, this should last just as long as the others, right?
http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item/shop-mechanical-keyboard-by-sw/leopold-fc660m-mechanical-keyb/lid=35722930
Looks good, has dedicated arrow keys and if I prefer clear, the options there.
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=550
The ducky has backlighting unlike the others, but is also the most expensive.

Im almost positive I saw a poker with dedicated arrow keys somewhere...But if it doesn't exist/it's not made anymore I will probably go with one of the three listed above.
Thanks for helping me this far guys!

[Puddsy]

The poker with arrow keys is the pure. I like that.

Out of the 3 you linked, I think the 660M is the best one. It's a 60% with arrow keys, what more could you want?

[PadawanGeek]

I have the FC660M Clear and I'm loving it, the dedicated arrow keys help a lot since I'm not a careful or skilled typist. 60% keyboards are just the shizznizzle!

[cpapp]

Im leaning toward the 660 as of now. I can really only decide on which switch once the tester comes in, but now I think black will be the one. Is the site reputable? And it is Mac compatible, correct?
Thanks guys!

[TimIsABat]

I have the FC660M Clear and I'm loving it, the dedicated arrow keys help a lot since I'm not a careful or skilled typist. 60% keyboards are just the shizznizzle!

I wish they were selling this before I got my FC660M with MX Reds. I do love this board though, and I did get this off of ebay for a great price (pretty much a steal).

What I would do is wait a bit for a good steal off of ebay (bound to happen), but if you don't want to wait...get either the FC660M or the QFR.

[terran5992]

Or if your budget is high enough. Get a topre board

[PadawanGeek]

Or if your budget is high enough. Get a topre board

For about 200USD, a Topre RF and Leopold FC660C are within reach.....each one of my three rigs has a Topre switch keyboard hooked up to it. If not, an FC660M would be a good alternative. I have a Pro 2 and FC660M Clear hooked up to my 2nd rig, and I alternate between them, somedays, I'd like some MX action, others, Topre.....

[cpapp]

I think I'll be going with the fc660m with clears then. Is that site reputable, and are there any other sites (witch clears) that sell it?
And it will work with a Mac, right?

[rowdy]

KeyBoard-WOW is qtan's site.  He also has a vendor forum here, and is a very reputable vendor.

[cpapp]

I know that I won't be able to replace the spacebar with normal mx keys, but are there aftermarket cases? And does anyone know if it works with Mac?

[Altis]

Be advised that clears are not for everyone, and this being your first, I'd recommend the Quickfire Rapid or even QF TK.  Costs less, is a great board that many are talking about around here.

Also, the Ducky Shine 3 TKL isn't out yet, and won't be for a little longer... the link you posted shows it, but look closely at the photo and it's a cropped image of a full sized board.  It will be great when it comes, I'm hoping!

Also, may want to try Reds as well... similar to Blacks, but less force can be easier and feel a little more fluid for typing.  By getting a great board that costs less, you'll learn what you like and dislike about it, and have some money left over to start saving for another one []  Clears are certainly not for everyone, as is doing away with most of the keys you're used to all at once.

[cpapp]

I forgot to mention a few things.
I am also posting a thread similar to this on desk authority, and theres one main fact I forgot to mention.
Until the sampler comes in (est 1-3 days) I'm not entirely sure which one I want. I do know I do not want anything lighter than blues. I got to test out a razer blackwidow, and the keys are just too easy to press. They almost feel mushy. I did, however, like the feedback they gave, but wasn't to fond of the clicking noise. This is why I believe clears will be the best for me.

[cpapp]

If I prefer black more, I will probably go with the CM QFR.
If I prefer clear, probably 660m, but does anyone know of any other TKL(or smaller, must have dedicated arrow keys though) that have clears and is under $150?
These are the two switches I think I will like most, I won't even bother with the others.
One more thing, what about a Filco TKL? Saw some for $140...

[Tarzan]

If I prefer clear, probably 660m, but does anyone know of any other TKL(or smaller, must have dedicated arrow keys though) that have clears and is under $150?

You can get a TG3 (Deck's parent company) BL82 keyboard on Ebay, that has MX Clears and dedicated arrow keys.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cherry-TG3-BL82-MX-CLEAR-industrial-grade-Space-Saver-keyboard-/221274336107?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3384fa6b6b

Lovely little keyboard.  Has 12v LEDs (white), but can be modded to work on normal PC voltage.

[cpapp]

Will definitely consider that board. Only problem is the ps2 plug instead of USB.
I was thinking, I'm almost certain Im going to be purchasing another board, and I'm not sure why, but I really like the poker II look.
I may get the poker II, then later, once I acquire more money, I was thinking of getting the Leopold F660C to test a topre. Then going on from there, I will see which switch is my favorite.
The arrow keys are still an issue, but I have a question regarding them. Do I have to hold down the fn key every time I want to use them? Or is there some sort of lock feature(just me hoping)
Edit*
Maybe the CM QFR. It's cheap, seems great, and I can always paint it if I don't like it. Doesn't have PBT keycaps like the poker II though.

[rowdy]

Will definitely consider that board. Only problem is the ps2 plug instead of USB.
I was thinking, I'm almost certain Im going to be purchasing another board, and I'm not sure why, but I really like the poker II look.
I may get the poker II, then later, once I acquire more money, I was thinking of getting the Leopold F660C to test a topre. Then going on from there, I will see which switch is my favorite.
The arrow keys are still an issue, but I have a question regarding them. Do I have to hold down the fn key every time I want to use them? Or is there some sort of lock feature(just me hoping)

ID INNOVATIONS MULTIMODE USB ADAPTER

[Lu_e]

$69.99 & FREE Shipping QFR Blacks: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VDFSG0/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

even looks like it may come with the updated black case

[cpapp]

So are you guys positive that CM has improved/updated their keyboards? I keep reading these stories of random keys that stop working, and having to return the board. As of now, I changed a bit, and I am looking at the poker II, CM QFR, maybe a filco tkl, and other tkl (or 60%) board that is of good quality, and under $150.

[cpapp]

Also, the poker II does come with the USB cable that connects it to my computer, correct?
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=457

[rowdy]

Also, the poker II does come with the USB cable that connects it to my computer, correct?
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=457

I would be surprised if it did not, but you could pickup a bog standard USB cable from most computer stores, or get a customised one from one of several guys on Geekhack who make them.

[Lu_e]

I had to RMA my keyboard because it had a case of the 'bad left alt' ... known issue. Ive been on my replacement for 3+ months now and its been fine.

CMStorm gives you a 2 year warranty, and you are in the US... so @ $70 its still a good deal. & Amazon would have your back on replacements as well. Amazon is amazing with their customer happiness policy.

[cpapp]

So I got the tester today.
I think I am going to like clears the best, but one single switch doesn't give you the feeling of a whole keyboard. I also did like blacks, and would go for them if it was a gaming only keyboard, but it's not. I just like the tactile bump on clears, and they don't seem that heavy to me yet. I may make panda clears if I still prefer to bottom out, but I may learn that I like to touch type, who knows 
My (hopefully) final decision is to get the Leopold FC660M with clears and maybe order some blacks in the future for panda clears.

[rowdy]

So I got the tester today.
I think I am going to like clears the best, but one single switch doesn't give you the feeling of a whole keyboard. I also did like blacks, and would go for them if it was a gaming only keyboard, but it's not. I just like the tactile bump on clears, and they don't seem that heavy to me yet. I may make panda clears if I still prefer to bottom out, but I may learn that I like to touch type, who knows 
My (hopefully) final decision is to get the Leopold FC660M with clears and maybe order some blacks in the future for panda clears.

Great decision!  Let us know what you think of  it when you have been using it for a few days.

You can even post a review if you like - I don't recall seeing a review of FC660M with clears yet.

[cpapp]

Anyone know if the shipping is still $20 on keyboardwow? (qtan's site)
http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item//leopold-fc660m-mechanical-keyb/lid=35722935

His ebay store has it for $150 shipped, just wanted to double check to see if they were both the same price.

[rowdy]

Anyone know if the shipping is still $20 on keyboardwow? (qtan's site)
http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item//leopold-fc660m-mechanical-keyb/lid=35722935

His ebay store has it for $150 shipped, just wanted to double check to see if they were both the same price.

If you scroll down that page, that is what it says.

[cpapp]

This just plain sucks.
At a mini lacrosse tournament my freaking stick got stolen. Of all the times, it happens now. I'm going to have to sell a few things to buy a new one ($250) and then the keyboard.
I can't even believe how bad of timing this is.