Need KB recommendation for WoW playing friend

[frvrngn]

OK, so I dont game at all and my good friend's coworker is a huge WoW fan/player.  He found out that I was a keyboard nut so wanted to ask me about picking out a new keyboard.  Right now he goes through 1 or two a year, just wears them out.  I havent talked to him directly but it sounds like he has never used a mechanical.  He has been using the cheaper Razer and Logitech kb's and blowing through them.  He splurged on one that was all backlit with macros and that wore out even fater (dont know what model it was, sorry).

So any recommendations for him?  Cost is really no object, he is single and runs a very large and successful Ducati dealership.  I told him about some of the custom Korean models I have seen on here and he seemed intrigued since he could get it exactly like he wants, but he really doesnt know what he wants!  Bling is fine, backlit is fine - longevity is key!  I think he has just been going to Best Buy, picking one based on looks and then using it to death.

Thanks everyone.

[esoomenona]

Modularity is good for longevity. If he wears out some MX switches, they can be replaced. The caps can be easily replaced. Have him figure out what he wants in those regards to switch type (explain the differences to him) and cap type (same thing), then have him learn to solder when the time to replace the switches comes around.

[BlueBär]

If he wears them out quickly and has the money he should get some thick Imsto PBTs, those will hold for a long time. Korean customs often have full backlighting as an option, so why not. Also, their metal cases always look really nice. In terms of switches you should let him try out some or buy him a switch tester kit.

[SpAmRaY]

What about this one?

http://steelseries.com/products/games/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm/steelseries-shift-cataclysm

[Morwrath]

I had exactly the same problem before I got interested in mechanical keyboards. I had a Logitech G11 and Razer Lycosa( eww that KB was so bad in so many ways) that both broke down on me about a year after buying them. Having played WoW from TBC until MoP I believe I know what your friend would be satisfied with. It was due to WoW that I decided on my first mechanical keyboard, Noppoo Choc Mini.
This was mainly due to the fact that the F-keys are so close to the number-row, making it a lot easier to use them for keybinds. The amount of binds your need for certain classes is staggering if you want to have everything binded and you participate in high lvl PvP. I think the only thing I was missing on the Choc Mini was backlighting, although having used it for a while now I don't miss it myself.
Recommend Mx Browns for the first mech KB, good for both typing and gaming.

[Photekq]

What about this one?

http://steelseries.com/products/games/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm/steelseries-shift-cataclysm

don't even consider that bull**** for a single moment

[Morwrath]

What about this one?

http://steelseries.com/products/games/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm/steelseries-shift-cataclysm

don't even consider that bull**** for a single moment

^SO MUCH

[dorkvader]

What about this one?

http://steelseries.com/products/games/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm/steelseries-shift-cataclysm

Is that even mechanical?

---

Custom keyboards aside, have him look at decent keyboards with NKRO, and try to find him one with good (POM, PBT) keycaps (or aftermarket keycaps, like imsto PBT)

I would recommend he get a "normal" keyboard to try, and then upgrade to a custom from there. He can always sell the used keyboard later.

Switches: for high wear / heavy use, I do not recommend blues. Perhaps reds or blacks are good, browns or clears maybe too.

If he does not need NKRO, a model M may be perfect (model F even better, but they are harder to get)

Many people seem to like topre: which may fit the bill for him nicely. Something to consider.

[Photekq]

As DV said it's best for him to just get a good, standard mechanical board first. Maybe even a few so that he can try various switches. Once he finds a switch he loves it's time to consider a custom.

[jwaz]

I'd hook him up with a QFR if I were you

[frvrngn]

I am selling a Noppoo with Blues but figured he wouldnt like Blues.  Maybe I should let him borrow it, but I dont want him to beat it to death! 

Thanks for the suggestions, I will relay everything to him.  I did tell him about this site as well so he make come visit soon.  They live out of state so its not like I can just pop by but I am in town regularly to visit family.