Finding a CM rapid with blues in the UK?

[slashbreak]

First post here, so let me say a quick hello. I'm slashbreak, live in the UK and am looking for a mechanical, mainly for programming. I've been lurking for a week getting increasingly aroused at the boards here but my budget won't allow me to indulge quite yet.

I've narrowed the list down, but have been having trouble finding vendors in my area. Any ideas where I might find a QFR with blues here? I can see a TK, but all the rapids I've seen are blacks only.

Cheers

[Fragil1ty]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Storm-Quickfire-Rapid-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0076H47H2#productDetails ?

[RabRhee]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Storm-Quickfire-Rapid-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0076H47H2#productDetails ?

Thats black switch, (SGK-4000-GKCC1-UK), blues are CL not CC. All I could find were black switches, or scan sells brown switch ones as well. Apparently some shops do stock blues, I couldn't find one mail order anywhere.

I think even the UK Coolermaster site only lists black switches as an option for the UK now.

[Laser]

In Europe, those CM's don't have the blue switches (one of the comments on the amazon.co.uk site also specifies that it has black cherries). Even the official CM site for Europe doesn't list the blue variant. Perhaps an alternative solution would be: http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item/shop-mechanical-keyboard-by-br/keycool-87-mechanical-gaming-k/lid=34707225

(EDIT: posted at the same time with RabRhee)

[slashbreak]

Thanks for the replies. Not really read much about Keycool, any advice about their boards? If the only option is shipping overseas, there's this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CKJ2EZI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[RabRhee]

Thanks for the replies. Not really read much about Keycool, any advice about their boards? If the only option is shipping overseas, there's this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CKJ2EZI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Welcome to GH by the way

Buying internationally, even if you find someone willing to post, you have to pay customs charges and sometimes high postage. Many companies just refuse to do this, or leave all customs problems to you. eBay have a system to pay this all beforehand, such as this seller. (£50 plus £16 ish customs, £16 postage).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CM-Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-SGK-4000-GKCL1-US-Keyboard-Wired-BlackPS-2-USB-/331021224526?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item4d12670a4e

Often it makes any sort of warranty unrealistic, some are proud of their international cover though. If you try and bypass customs, there is a chance your item will be stopped, and then you get a bill when it arrives at your door for full customs fees plus an £8 handling charge. Often private international sellers will help reduce the likelihood of your item being stopped for customs, such as listing the item for lower value, or as a gift. Smaller independent sellers will often be willing to do this, bigger companies almost never, which will often guarantee you being charged. Keyboards can be good because customs often won't believe anyone would pay more than $20 for a keyboard.

You can sometimes find kind individuals that will work as a proxy for you, getting the item delivered to them and then forwarding it, You have to pay postage to and from them, and distribute some goodwill for putting your proxy out too

Edit: Oh yes, and buying internationally means you will probably have to use ANSI layout.

[slashbreak]

ANSI layout will be fine, can't afford to be too picky. Qtan appears well respected here, which is nice to see. I noticed on his site he says that import charges are my responsibility, so I'm wondering how that works out? Will I likely just get a bill through my door?

[RabRhee]

ANSI layout will be fine, can't afford to be too picky. Qtan appears well respected here, which is nice to see. I noticed on his site he says that import charges are my responsibility, so I'm wondering how that works out? Will I likely just get a bill through my door?

Yes, Qtan is very well regarded, plus he posts advice on his eBay page about shipping and customs. Never used him myself but I would have if he had the stock at the right time. It is still a chance you can be hit, but probably a lower chance than using a big company.

http://stores.ebay.com/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/International-shipping-Please-read.html

If you are unlucky enough to be hit by customs, the package will have an extra sticker detailing the extra payments required. The postie will require you to pay the extra before it can be handed over. Here is my last one, from the crap bag that was listed as $35 (£23 ish). It gives a rough guide on how they make up the numbers

[slashbreak]

Cheers for the pic and the info. Reckon I'll just go for it and hope to get jammy! I'll let you know how it goes