Author Topic: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL  (Read 5596 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline andylamp

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Greece
  • Science *****!
Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 14:04:16 »
Hi,

 I've spotted this keyboard around but I cannot seem to find any legitimate reviews/unboxings/overviews anywhere. Has anyone had any experience with this keyboard? Any words on build quality?

Thanks in advance.
I write code. I find it nice.

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 14:45:02 »
Pretty sure all max keyboards are iOne (Oem) manufactured..

if you're going to spend that much money.. prob, look into ducky..  Less silly bezel, better reliability.

Offline MechKB

  • * Vendor
  • Posts: 36
  • Location: Silverwater, Sydney
    • MechKB
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #2 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 17:12:50 »
There's a PCB picture of the G1NL here: http://www.reviewstudio.net/643-mechanical-keyboard-review-round-up-there-s-something-for-all/tesoro-durandal-g1nl-ultimate-review-the-sword-of-the-gamer.
PCB / soldering looks very similar to the MAX Nighthawks, which is to say you should be fine. For all the skepticism about iOne, MAX keyboard preform admirably by all accounts.

Offline andylamp

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Greece
  • Science *****!
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #3 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 17:14:37 »
I really like the all-Aluminum construction that's why I leaning towards K70 or a Modded K95 with browns until I learned about that Unit. Also back-lit functionality is a must.
« Last Edit: Sun, 03 November 2013, 17:29:14 by andylamp »
I write code. I find it nice.

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 17:41:52 »
There's a PCB picture of the G1NL here: http://www.reviewstudio.net/643-mechanical-keyboard-review-round-up-there-s-something-for-all/tesoro-durandal-g1nl-ultimate-review-the-sword-of-the-gamer.
PCB / soldering looks very similar to the MAX Nighthawks, which is to say you should be fine. For all the skepticism about iOne, MAX keyboard preform admirably by all accounts.

It's possible they've improved, or perhaps razer was just too cheap to budget in more quality control when they ordered their Black Widows from iONE...

But................  there's not really any need to "take a risk here for the user"...  because there are no tangible benefits to gamble on here..

The max keyboard has no features or highlights that would put it ahead of its risk of bad-reputation due to OEM..


Get a backlit ducky and call it a day..

Offline andylamp

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Greece
  • Science *****!
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 18:01:53 »
As I said I want an all Aluminum chassis... my other alternatives are K70 or K95 (with browns, modded)
I write code. I find it nice.

Offline IvanIvanovich

  • Mr. Silk Underwear
  • Posts: 8199
  • Location: USA
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 18:16:31 »
You could get one of these and stick a CM QFR inside it.

Offline andylamp

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Greece
  • Science *****!
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #7 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 18:19:46 »
For that money and work I'd be willing to make my own keyboard from scratch... K70 is around 120 euros and G3NL is around 165. That thing to be perfect I suppose it would be over 350 euros and a lot of work on my part...
I write code. I find it nice.

Offline jabar

  • Posts: 848
  • Location: TX, USA
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #8 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 19:28:23 »
It's possible they've improved, or perhaps razer was just too cheap to budget in more quality control when they ordered their Black Widows from iONE...

But................  there's not really any need to "take a risk here for the user"...  because there are no tangible benefits to gamble on here..

The max keyboard has no features or highlights that would put it ahead of its risk of bad-reputation due to OEM..


Get a backlit ducky and call it a day..
OEMs build to spec. Razer asked for ****, Max asked for iOne's best. I own one and it's a nice board, comparable to a Ducky minus the excessive Shine options.
Leopold FC660C - Max Keyboard Nighthawk X8 - Ducky DK9008 Shine II 78 Edition - Noppoo Choc Mini - Cherry G80-2100HDD - Cherry G80-8113HDPUS - Plu-M87 - Leopold FC700R Ergo Clears - Deck Legend Frost 105 - IBM F PC Keyboard - IBM M 122 (Lexmark) - Apple Extended Keyboard II

Phantom 7bit

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #9 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 20:13:50 »
It's possible they've improved, or perhaps razer was just too cheap to budget in more quality control when they ordered their Black Widows from iONE...

But................  there's not really any need to "take a risk here for the user"...  because there are no tangible benefits to gamble on here..

The max keyboard has no features or highlights that would put it ahead of its risk of bad-reputation due to OEM..


Get a backlit ducky and call it a day..
OEMs build to spec. Razer asked for ****, Max asked for iOne's best. I own one and it's a nice board, comparable to a Ducky minus the excessive Shine options.

Read my post again... your scenario is a "Possibility"....   but there is still a risk, that iONE's just crummy overall...

And given how few people actually own max-keyboard... the report rate of fault would naturally be lower.....


We know.... iONE made razer's bw boards... we know... razer bw sux major balls...

THEREFORE...  Whatever iONE makes carries more risk of poor-quality THAN another less infamous brand... Such as Ducky..

Offline Linkbane

  • Posts: 1534
  • Location: Houston, TX
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #10 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 23:21:58 »
Objectively, tp is correct. We know what iOne made for Razer, and it's horrible. Why assume that it'll be better because they keyboard is more expensive? Do you think that the workers care more about the solder job if the keyboard costs more? Not like they're getting paid to make it.

Kind of funny
OEMs build to spec. Razer asked for ****, Max asked for iOne's best. I own one and it's a nice board, comparable to a Ducky minus the excessive Shine options.

It's funny how you'd say that the Shine is a nice board and then imply that its backlighting options aren't necessary. Why the hell else would you buy one? The Colada is incredibly overpriced, more so than a Topre. You're not going into any battlefields with it, and even a QFR is very well made at a tiny fraction of the cost and an order of magnitude better looking.


Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline andylamp

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Greece
  • Science *****!
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 01:13:10 »
Well,

 Thank you for you opinions but I did not come here to create a flame war :P, that was not my intention. My intention was to get actual feedback from users that actually have seen/owned or tried the product. I also said that my other two alternatives were K70 and a modded K95 (with browns). I really like the all-aluminum feel and browns are a must (they suit my taste well above others). Considering my most used keyboard so far is a Logitech DiNovo edge (which for a membrane keyboard is insanely good, quiet and with a decent tactile feel, although since it's a wireless one you do have occasional wireless connectivity hiccups).

 I am also open to suggestions, if you can find (or happen to be aware of) a decent keyboard for under 170 euros that sports an all-aluminum frame, has brown switches and media keys I am all ears!
I write code. I find it nice.

Offline terran5992

  • Posts: 1485
  • Location: Singapore
  • One With The Cup Rubber
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #12 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 01:44:32 »
Well,

 Thank you for you opinions but I did not come here to create a flame war :P, that was not my intention. My intention was to get actual feedback from users that actually have seen/owned or tried the product. I also said that my other two alternatives were K70 and a modded K95 (with browns). I really like the all-aluminum feel and browns are a must (they suit my taste well above others). Considering my most used keyboard so far is a Logitech DiNovo edge (which for a membrane keyboard is insanely good, quiet and with a decent tactile feel, although since it's a wireless one you do have occasional wireless connectivity hiccups).

 I am also open to suggestions, if you can find (or happen to be aware of) a decent keyboard for under 170 euros that sports an all-aluminum frame, has brown switches and media keys I am all ears!

Full aluminium as in aluminium case?

Listokei Custom  |  HHKB Pro 2  |  Topre Realforce 103UBH  |  Armageddon MKA-3


Offline MechKB

  • * Vendor
  • Posts: 36
  • Location: Silverwater, Sydney
    • MechKB
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #13 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 03:47:28 »
Well,

 Thank you for you opinions but I did not come here to create a flame war :P, that was not my intention. My intention was to get actual feedback from users that actually have seen/owned or tried the product. I also said that my other two alternatives were K70 and a modded K95 (with browns). I really like the all-aluminum feel and browns are a must (they suit my taste well above others). Considering my most used keyboard so far is a Logitech DiNovo edge (which for a membrane keyboard is insanely good, quiet and with a decent tactile feel, although since it's a wireless one you do have occasional wireless connectivity hiccups).

 I am also open to suggestions, if you can find (or happen to be aware of) a decent keyboard for under 170 euros that sports an all-aluminum frame, has brown switches and media keys I am all ears!

Well, as a store which has sold a few units of the Colada and K70, let me say this. The Colada is a good keyboard. We've never had any technical fault with any unit but it is a pretty new model so make of it what you will.  The top enclosure is aluminium and of all the keyboards we have on display, users are drawn to the Colada. There's a distinctive 'feel' to it.

The purple coloured USB hub / audio pass through is a bit clashing on the silver edition but looks fine on the anodized black version. It has been reported that the audio pass through can struggle when plugged to an older machine (something to do with the gain on older integrated sound cards or so I'm told). Given how much it costs, buyers of the Colada don't generally have that problem :P

The K70 is also a very good board. Unlike the Colada, the aluminum is not an 'enclosure' and more of an exposed backplate design (nothing necessarily wrong with that, just personal preference). It comes with a comfortable, rubberized palm rest. We still have some customers comment on it's unique design but, by in large, the Corsairs have 'done the rounds' and although it's appearance is unique, it's not nearly as 'fresh' as it once was.

Now, let's talk price. The Colada is very expensive, there's no other way to describe it. Whether the user thinks it's worth the price or not comes down almost entirely to whether they value the aluminium enclosure or not. We are on good terms with Tesoro, (the Colada is a Tesoro product, MAX Keyboards tends to rebrand Tesoro products as their own, don't ask me why this is, I don't know either), and what Tesoro have told us is that the high cost can be attributed to molding the enclosure exactly to shape as opposed to a simple flat-plate based design like the K70.

Because of the price of the Colada, we have a policy of not recommending the Colada to our customers unless they ask about the demo unit or they are looking for something in that price range. The only return of the Colada we've ever had was a change-of-mind from a customer in his late 'teens. Although he claimed otherwise, we suspect his parents were less than impressed with this particular display of independence in buying such an expensive peripheral :P

Offline andylamp

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Greece
  • Science *****!
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #14 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 06:24:01 »
MechKB this is actually the first reply in this thread that gave me an insight and information regarding what I asked. I don't care about brand loyalty and if others swear by it; that was not really the point of this question! Kudos for that. Having tried the following keyboards:

 Logitech DiNovo 2
 Logitech DinNovo Edge
 Das Keyboard Model S with Browns
 Corsair K70 with Browns
 QuickFire with Red
 Razer Black Widow 2013
 
 as well as some random Dell/MS membranes I can tell that DiNovo Edge is a very decent keyboard for my needs although I can't really compare it to the 'uber'-'pleasure-max' feeling I have when I type using Browns.

 Personally from the above I've owned the following:

 Logitech DiNovo 2
 Logitech DinNovo Edge
 Corsair K70 with Browns (although my brother has it)

 As I said above I really like unibody all-aluminum designs but I could not find a keyboard that had media keys, aluminum chassis as well as brown switches until I stumbled the Colada G3NL and that is why I started researching it a bit more as a potential candidate. The pass-through issue is not a problem as I don't really like to use headphones for my sound needs (and quite frankly my Audio setup is quite overbuilt...already). Money is not really an issue as I'd like to have something good and with a nice feeling for my main workstation... I've spent quite a lot of money for this workstation and 200 bucks for a keyboard is not an issue so long as it's worth it.
I write code. I find it nice.

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #15 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 07:19:43 »
Andy, the colada is Extremely overpriced..

It's basically thin aluminum "plated" over some plastic stuffing..

Just to give you an example..   A basic fully aluminum tenkeyless, which is much smaller than the "colada" is 7-lbs..

The Colada is only 3.3lbs, and it's a full size keyboard..

That should give you an idea of how little "aluminum / sturdiness" it really possesses...

The keys are also "painted" laser cut..  which means they're junk..

Within a short amount of time.. it will start to chip....  Current trend is "finally" putting out double shot backlit keys which will alleviate the issue with laser cuts for "back-lit".


$200 around this keyboard hobby is an "entry fee"..  that is to say, it's a VERY SMALL amount of money...




Offline Linkbane

  • Posts: 1534
  • Location: Houston, TX
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #16 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 11:06:19 »
snip

$200 around this keyboard hobby is an "entry fee"..  that is to say, it's a VERY SMALL amount of money...


Show Image


I'll do it for you tp.
"Just get an ergodox, you won't buy or want to buy anything else after it."
How was that?
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #17 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 13:49:51 »
snip

$200 around this keyboard hobby is an "entry fee"..  that is to say, it's a VERY SMALL amount of money...


Show Image


I'll do it for you tp.
"Just get an ergodox, you won't buy or want to buy anything else after it."
How was that?




I wanted to say that... but the mods won't let me..... it's been deemed illegal...

Offline C5Allroad

  • Formerly HUNTERANGEL121
  • Posts: 1237
  • Location: Miami, FL
  • Watch out, I post when half asleep.
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #18 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 13:53:08 »
I'd look at the max keyboard nighthawk X series.
tp you must be itching to type the words ergodox aren't you?

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #19 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 13:57:46 »
I'd look at the max keyboard nighthawk X series.
tp you must be itching to type the words ergodox aren't you?

well, I'm realizing that people need to stumble a few times with regular keyboards and gain at least level 20 experience before they can fully appreciate the Egdx...

So.. I'm not overwhelmed by the fact that I can't blatantly supersede all keyboard recommendation threads with "Egdx-TRUTH".

The Egdx concept does take some time to grasp....

Things such as "utility" above "form"...   "comfort" above "fashion"...  "true hardware programmability" over "software macros"


Looking back... I do feel quite silly recommending an Egdx to n00bs who probably can't even touch type more than 60wpm.

Offline MechKB

  • * Vendor
  • Posts: 36
  • Location: Silverwater, Sydney
    • MechKB
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #20 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 16:01:21 »
Just to give you an example..   A basic fully aluminum tenkeyless, which is much smaller than the "colada" is 7-lbs..

The Colada is only 3.3lbs, and it's a full size keyboard..

That should give you an idea of how little "aluminum / sturdiness" it really possesses...

That's fine, do you have an alternative full-sized aluminium enclosed keyboard or an aftermarket aluminium case mod that you can suggest then? The OP has been pretty specific with what he wants. That he can get a TKL or Compact of better quality isn't the point, he doesn't want that.

The keys are also "painted" laser cut..  which means they're junk..

Within a short amount of time.. it will start to chip....  Current trend is "finally" putting out double shot backlit keys which will alleviate the issue with laser cuts for "back-lit".

If you are referring to the keys being laser etched ABS, all keyboards with shine-through compatible legends are ABS laser etched. The only exception to this rule is Deck and this is only fairly recent. I think it's somewhat misleading to say there is a 'trend' toward DS-PBT backlight compatible key caps until we see some other brands come out with something comparable.

I'll do it for you tp.
"Just get an ergodox, you won't buy or want to buy anything else after it."
How was that?


I wanted to say that... but the mods won't let me..... it's been deemed illegal...

IIRC, the last time you got in trouble with moderation was not because of ergo-dox per-se but was because you derailed a thread which had nothing to do with ergo-dox by continuously pushing ergo-dox and not letting OP get their topic discussed and their question answered  :rolleyes:

Offline Linkbane

  • Posts: 1534
  • Location: Houston, TX
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #21 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 16:08:06 »
snip

$200 around this keyboard hobby is an "entry fee"..  that is to say, it's a VERY SMALL amount of money...


Show Image


I'll do it for you tp.
"Just get an ergodox, you won't buy or want to buy anything else after it."
How was that?


Show Image


I wanted to say that... but the mods won't let me..... it's been deemed illegal...

Heh, I only did that because I know they did, just giving you an assist.
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #22 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 16:21:11 »
Just to give you an example..   A basic fully aluminum tenkeyless, which is much smaller than the "colada" is 7-lbs..

The Colada is only 3.3lbs, and it's a full size keyboard..

That should give you an idea of how little "aluminum / sturdiness" it really possesses...

That's fine, do you have an alternative full-sized aluminium enclosed keyboard or an aftermarket aluminium case mod that you can suggest then? The OP has been pretty specific with what he wants. That he can get a TKL or Compact of better quality isn't the point, he doesn't want that.

The keys are also "painted" laser cut..  which means they're junk..

Within a short amount of time.. it will start to chip....  Current trend is "finally" putting out double shot backlit keys which will alleviate the issue with laser cuts for "back-lit".

If you are referring to the keys being laser etched ABS, all keyboards with shine-through compatible legends are ABS laser etched. The only exception to this rule is Deck and this is only fairly recent. I think it's somewhat misleading to say there is a 'trend' toward DS-PBT backlight compatible key caps until we see some other brands come out with something comparable.

I'll do it for you tp.
"Just get an ergodox, you won't buy or want to buy anything else after it."
How was that?


I wanted to say that... but the mods won't let me..... it's been deemed illegal...

IIRC, the last time you got in trouble with moderation was not because of ergo-dox per-se but was because you derailed a thread which had nothing to do with ergo-dox by continuously pushing ergo-dox and not letting OP get their topic discussed and their question answered  :rolleyes:

the point I'm trying to make is the aluminum that's "in" the colada has very little to do with enhancing it's rigidity.. and relative to a $50 quickfire mxblue off amazon + $150 a tkl aluminum case..  there is NO COMPARISON..  the colada will feel like rubber...

Offline Polymer

  • Posts: 1587
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #23 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 18:01:09 »
That's fine, do you have an alternative full-sized aluminium enclosed keyboard or an aftermarket aluminium case mod that you can suggest then? The OP has been pretty specific with what he wants. That he can get a TKL or Compact of better quality isn't the point, he doesn't want that.

I don't think he said that did he?  He might've said full aluminum or someone else did..but not sure that meant FULL SIZED...You might be inferring that because of the other choices of keyboard....or maybe I missed it..I even bothered to search for full cause I didn't see him say that...

If you are referring to the keys being laser etched ABS, all keyboards with shine-through compatible legends are ABS laser etched. The only exception to this rule is Deck and this is only fairly recent. I think it's somewhat misleading to say there is a 'trend' toward DS-PBT backlight compatible key caps until we see some other brands come out with something comparable.

Well, with more PBT DS coming out, I think it is only a matter of time before this becomes common.  Maybe pricing will never get there..but it doesn't look like that'll be a problem considering the prices we're already seeing... It doesn't change the fact that the painted/etched out letters in backlit keys are junk although if you want backlit today, you're right, you don't have a lot of other options...

It could be this keyboard works out perfectly fine...sounds like the quality is a bit better than typical iOne..but who knows.  To me it looks like a lot of flash but nothing holding it up.  Thin aluminum (if the weight TP4 is quoting is true..I didn't bother looking), bad software...questionable ODM....

Offline jabar

  • Posts: 848
  • Location: TX, USA
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #24 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 19:32:29 »
It's funny how you'd say that the Shine is a nice board and then imply that its backlighting options aren't necessary. Why the hell else would you buy one? The Colada is incredibly overpriced, more so than a Topre. You're not going into any battlefields with it, and even a QFR is very well made at a tiny fraction of the cost and an order of magnitude better looking.
Excessive options, thanks for reading.  :thumb:
Leopold FC660C - Max Keyboard Nighthawk X8 - Ducky DK9008 Shine II 78 Edition - Noppoo Choc Mini - Cherry G80-2100HDD - Cherry G80-8113HDPUS - Plu-M87 - Leopold FC700R Ergo Clears - Deck Legend Frost 105 - IBM F PC Keyboard - IBM M 122 (Lexmark) - Apple Extended Keyboard II

Phantom 7bit

Offline C5Allroad

  • Formerly HUNTERANGEL121
  • Posts: 1237
  • Location: Miami, FL
  • Watch out, I post when half asleep.
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #25 on: Mon, 04 November 2013, 20:54:46 »
I'd look at the max keyboard nighthawk X series.
tp you must be itching to type the words ergodox aren't you?

well, I'm realizing that people need to stumble a few times with regular keyboards and gain at least level 20 experience before they can fully appreciate the Egdx...

So.. I'm not overwhelmed by the fact that I can't blatantly supersede all keyboard recommendation threads with "Egdx-TRUTH".

The Egdx concept does take some time to grasp....

Things such as "utility" above "form"...   "comfort" above "fashion"...  "true hardware programmability" over "software macros"


Looking back... I do feel quite silly recommending an Egdx to n00bs who probably can't even touch type more than 60wpm.
Right now as you can probably see… I'm at 41.… But hey, I'm getting faster.

Offline BakerMan1971

  • Posts: 67
  • Location: United Kingdom
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #26 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 09:54:17 »
Hi Andylamp

the Corsair's are indeed gorgeous, they have had some delays stocking different switch types and some issues (over on their forums) with failing LED's, but nothing warranty won't sort.

I also note a little manufacturer favouritism on here, and while Ducky keyboards are very good, they have also had issues, especially with firmware, and while as a tinkerer I like to update firmware, I have never really had a reason to update it on a keyboard before.

The Corsair K-series apart from the many custom cases out there, are by far the prettiest aluminium setup's I have seen on general sale.
Having played with a K60 in a shop, I can say they feel great too :)

Shop around for the Corsair, there are different offers on different sites every week.
good luck and let us know how you get on :)

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #27 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 10:19:54 »
Hi Andylamp

the Corsair's are indeed gorgeous, they have had some delays stocking different switch types and some issues (over on their forums) with failing LED's, but nothing warranty won't sort.

I also note a little manufacturer favouritism on here, and while Ducky keyboards are very good, they have also had issues, especially with firmware, and while as a tinkerer I like to update firmware, I have never really had a reason to update it on a keyboard before.

The Corsair K-series apart from the many custom cases out there, are by far the prettiest aluminium setup's I have seen on general sale.
Having played with a K60 in a shop, I can say they feel great too :)

Shop around for the Corsair, there are different offers on different sites every week.
good luck and let us know how you get on :)

corsair had the WORST firmware issue on their K60 and K90... completely un-usable keyboards... search repeat key.. they even tried to bury the issue on their own forum.. but it has never been fixed..

the aluminum is also poorly cut.. the edges are not well done, and can cut your hands..  "this is a small issue" but the quality is NOT that great...

And as far as FAVORITISM.. Everyone here knows I don't like the ducky at all.... Yet the op needs backlit, and ducky is then the only reliable solution.

Offline Linkbane

  • Posts: 1534
  • Location: Houston, TX
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #28 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 14:14:30 »
Hi Andylamp

the Corsair's are indeed gorgeous, they have had some delays stocking different switch types and some issues (over on their forums) with failing LED's, but nothing warranty won't sort.

I also note a little manufacturer favouritism on here, and while Ducky keyboards are very good, they have also had issues, especially with firmware, and while as a tinkerer I like to update firmware, I have never really had a reason to update it on a keyboard before.

The Corsair K-series apart from the many custom cases out there, are by far the prettiest aluminium setup's I have seen on general sale.
Having played with a K60 in a shop, I can say they feel great too :)

Shop around for the Corsair, there are different offers on different sites every week.
good luck and let us know how you get on :)

corsair had the WORST firmware issue on their K60 and K90... completely un-usable keyboards... search repeat key.. they even tried to bury the issue on their own forum.. but it has never been fixed..

the aluminum is also poorly cut.. the edges are not well done, and can cut your hands..  "this is a small issue" but the quality is NOT that great...

And as far as FAVORITISM.. Everyone here knows I don't like the ducky at all.... Yet the op needs backlit, and ducky is then the only reliable solution.

 :( I didn't have issues with the K60, it's been a faithful keyboard for a long time for me. I have heard the K90 issues, though.
The aluminum is somewhat sharply cut, and it actually nearly poked holes in the too-small backpack I tried to put it in. But it's good looking and I think it's a great non-backlit keyboard, the aluminum is quality. Especially that volume control drum. I didn't mind the rubber dome function keys, but I know that some don't like it.
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #29 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 15:48:48 »
Hi Andylamp

the Corsair's are indeed gorgeous, they have had some delays stocking different switch types and some issues (over on their forums) with failing LED's, but nothing warranty won't sort.

I also note a little manufacturer favouritism on here, and while Ducky keyboards are very good, they have also had issues, especially with firmware, and while as a tinkerer I like to update firmware, I have never really had a reason to update it on a keyboard before.

The Corsair K-series apart from the many custom cases out there, are by far the prettiest aluminium setup's I have seen on general sale.
Having played with a K60 in a shop, I can say they feel great too :)

Shop around for the Corsair, there are different offers on different sites every week.
good luck and let us know how you get on :)

corsair had the WORST firmware issue on their K60 and K90... completely un-usable keyboards... search repeat key.. they even tried to bury the issue on their own forum.. but it has never been fixed..

the aluminum is also poorly cut.. the edges are not well done, and can cut your hands..  "this is a small issue" but the quality is NOT that great...

And as far as FAVORITISM.. Everyone here knows I don't like the ducky at all.... Yet the op needs backlit, and ducky is then the only reliable solution.

 :( I didn't have issues with the K60, it's been a faithful keyboard for a long time for me. I have heard the K90 issues, though.
The aluminum is somewhat sharply cut, and it actually nearly poked holes in the too-small backpack I tried to put it in. But it's good looking and I think it's a great non-backlit keyboard, the aluminum is quality. Especially that volume control drum. I didn't mind the rubber dome function keys, but I know that some don't like it.

Yea.. some people got luck with their k60/k90..  the key repeat issue was quite prevalent... it was due to incompatibility with some usb controllers I suppose, because they used a "hack" to get the 20k roll over to work.. and they had 2 type of keys, so I think maybe there was a de-bounce configuration issue. where if a newer motherboard used more precise timers / ranges, it would recognize to strokes, or freeze..

Offline Linkbane

  • Posts: 1534
  • Location: Houston, TX
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #30 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 16:37:16 »
Hi Andylamp

the Corsair's are indeed gorgeous, they have had some delays stocking different switch types and some issues (over on their forums) with failing LED's, but nothing warranty won't sort.

I also note a little manufacturer favouritism on here, and while Ducky keyboards are very good, they have also had issues, especially with firmware, and while as a tinkerer I like to update firmware, I have never really had a reason to update it on a keyboard before.

The Corsair K-series apart from the many custom cases out there, are by far the prettiest aluminium setup's I have seen on general sale.
Having played with a K60 in a shop, I can say they feel great too :)

Shop around for the Corsair, there are different offers on different sites every week.
good luck and let us know how you get on :)

corsair had the WORST firmware issue on their K60 and K90... completely un-usable keyboards... search repeat key.. they even tried to bury the issue on their own forum.. but it has never been fixed..

the aluminum is also poorly cut.. the edges are not well done, and can cut your hands..  "this is a small issue" but the quality is NOT that great...

And as far as FAVORITISM.. Everyone here knows I don't like the ducky at all.... Yet the op needs backlit, and ducky is then the only reliable solution.

 :( I didn't have issues with the K60, it's been a faithful keyboard for a long time for me. I have heard the K90 issues, though.
The aluminum is somewhat sharply cut, and it actually nearly poked holes in the too-small backpack I tried to put it in. But it's good looking and I think it's a great non-backlit keyboard, the aluminum is quality. Especially that volume control drum. I didn't mind the rubber dome function keys, but I know that some don't like it.

Yea.. some people got luck with their k60/k90..  the key repeat issue was quite prevalent... it was due to incompatibility with some usb controllers I suppose, because they used a "hack" to get the 20k roll over to work.. and they had 2 type of keys, so I think maybe there was a de-bounce configuration issue. where if a newer motherboard used more precise timers / ranges, it would recognize to strokes, or freeze..

I heard about it a lot actually. Using it on a new laptop I didn't have issues, but I suppose it's not something that happens to all users.
What's your favorite board, tp?
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline tp4tissue

  • * Destiny Supporter
  • Posts: 13724
  • Location: Official Geekhack Public Defender..
  • OmniExpert of: Rice, Top-Ramen, Ergodox, n Females
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #31 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 17:02:52 »
Hi Andylamp

the Corsair's are indeed gorgeous, they have had some delays stocking different switch types and some issues (over on their forums) with failing LED's, but nothing warranty won't sort.

I also note a little manufacturer favouritism on here, and while Ducky keyboards are very good, they have also had issues, especially with firmware, and while as a tinkerer I like to update firmware, I have never really had a reason to update it on a keyboard before.

The Corsair K-series apart from the many custom cases out there, are by far the prettiest aluminium setup's I have seen on general sale.
Having played with a K60 in a shop, I can say they feel great too :)

Shop around for the Corsair, there are different offers on different sites every week.
good luck and let us know how you get on :)

corsair had the WORST firmware issue on their K60 and K90... completely un-usable keyboards... search repeat key.. they even tried to bury the issue on their own forum.. but it has never been fixed..

the aluminum is also poorly cut.. the edges are not well done, and can cut your hands..  "this is a small issue" but the quality is NOT that great...

And as far as FAVORITISM.. Everyone here knows I don't like the ducky at all.... Yet the op needs backlit, and ducky is then the only reliable solution.

 :( I didn't have issues with the K60, it's been a faithful keyboard for a long time for me. I have heard the K90 issues, though.
The aluminum is somewhat sharply cut, and it actually nearly poked holes in the too-small backpack I tried to put it in. But it's good looking and I think it's a great non-backlit keyboard, the aluminum is quality. Especially that volume control drum. I didn't mind the rubber dome function keys, but I know that some don't like it.

Yea.. some people got luck with their k60/k90..  the key repeat issue was quite prevalent... it was due to incompatibility with some usb controllers I suppose, because they used a "hack" to get the 20k roll over to work.. and they had 2 type of keys, so I think maybe there was a de-bounce configuration issue. where if a newer motherboard used more precise timers / ranges, it would recognize to strokes, or freeze..

I heard about it a lot actually. Using it on a new laptop I didn't have issues, but I suppose it's not something that happens to all users.
What's your favorite board, tp?

Linkbane.. stop trying to get me in Trouble....

Offline Linkbane

  • Posts: 1534
  • Location: Houston, TX
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #32 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 17:35:08 »
Yea.. some people got luck with their k60/k90..  the key repeat issue was quite prevalent... it was due to incompatibility with some usb controllers I suppose, because they used a "hack" to get the 20k roll over to work.. and they had 2 type of keys, so I think maybe there was a de-bounce configuration issue. where if a newer motherboard used more precise timers / ranges, it would recognize to strokes, or freeze..

I heard about it a lot actually. Using it on a new laptop I didn't have issues, but I suppose it's not something that happens to all users.
What's your favorite board, tp?

Linkbane.. stop trying to get me in Trouble....
Show Image


I'm not! I actually kind of wonder if you have an ergodox.   :-[
Could you just let me see one picture of it?  :D
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline Linkbane

  • Posts: 1534
  • Location: Houston, TX
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #33 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 17:42:59 »
For that money and work I'd be willing to make my own keyboard from scratch... K70 is around 120 euros and G3NL is around 165. That thing to be perfect I suppose it would be over 350 euros and a lot of work on my part...

Haha, the ergodox only costs about €300!!
tp, have I your approval?

My second response would be that it probably wouldn't cost you that much, unless you're custom-making the keysets. You can get the case for about €120 as you see, and buy clear/classic four/green switches easily for less than 60¢ (Euro cents) per switch, given that mechanicalkeyboards now vends Clears. And then the PCB wouldn't be incredibly expensive, I imagine that you could get a QFR PCB for under €40, just some soldering and you'll make a lovely custom keyboard. Even the most expensive of keycap sets shouldn't cost in excess of €70, and you can get those super cheap banggood caps that I did for less than fifteen.

Unless you buy a clack.  ^-^
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline andylamp

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Greece
  • Science *****!
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #34 on: Thu, 07 November 2013, 01:17:27 »
Hi,

 I think that I'll get a Ducky Shine 3 Year of the Dragon edition with browns which has a solid top aluminum cover and... it's a Ducky. Also I'll pain the top cover to the color of my Linking and it's a win win. Although it's a bit expensive I think it's worth it. Has anyone had the one with the aluminum cover to give me some feedback?
I write code. I find it nice.

Offline BakerMan1971

  • Posts: 67
  • Location: United Kingdom
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #35 on: Thu, 07 November 2013, 03:53:31 »
I think there are some youtubey reviews of the year of the snake board, it is very expensive for the aluminium version, but if that's the material you prefer, go for it :)

Me being a cheapskate is buying a Keycool backlit keyboard, which looks an awful lot like a ducky, and I wonder if they actually might be Ducky's OEM :) , I am probably completely wrong there though ...

and TP please don't take my favouritism comment as aimed at you, but we all know that brands get bashed after an SKU turns out bad, but they can bounce back, just look at CoolerMaster with their power supplies, there have gone from a 'never buy this garbage' to just about the best priced Seasonic KM3 platform you can get, and fully modular at that. So it's swings and roundabouts.

Offline andylamp

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Greece
  • Science *****!
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #36 on: Thu, 21 November 2013, 21:17:36 »
Just wanted to update this thread. I just received my own Duck Shine 3 YotS with MX Blues; it's astonishing and I am extremely pleased with the actual keyboard!

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! ;)
I write code. I find it nice.

Offline Linkbane

  • Posts: 1534
  • Location: Houston, TX
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #37 on: Thu, 21 November 2013, 23:09:51 »
Just wanted to update this thread. I just received my own Duck Shine 3 YotS with MX Blues; it's astonishing and I am extremely pleased with the actual keyboard!

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! ;)

Blue converts! *waves pennant*
I should be getting my Yellow Edition Shine 3 TKL Blank with Blues in a few weeks. All aboard the hype train!
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline terran5992

  • Posts: 1485
  • Location: Singapore
  • One With The Cup Rubber
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #38 on: Fri, 22 November 2013, 00:16:50 »
Just wanted to update this thread. I just received my own Duck Shine 3 YotS with MX Blues; it's astonishing and I am extremely pleased with the actual keyboard!

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! ;)

Good choice. Ducky makes solid boards

Listokei Custom  |  HHKB Pro 2  |  Topre Realforce 103UBH  |  Armageddon MKA-3


Offline rowdy

  • HHKB Hapster
  • * Erudite Elder
  • Posts: 21175
  • Location: melbourne.vic.au
  • Missed another sale.
Re: Max Keyboards Colada G3NL
« Reply #39 on: Fri, 22 November 2013, 03:05:39 »
Just wanted to update this thread. I just received my own Duck Shine 3 YotS with MX Blues; it's astonishing and I am extremely pleased with the actual keyboard!

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! ;)

It's amazing how good some of these mechanical boards are, especially if you are coming from rubber dome!
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

NEC APC-H4100E | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED red | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED green | Link 900243-08 | CM QFR MX black | KeyCool 87 white MX reds | HHKB 2 Pro | Model M 02-Mar-1993 | Model M 29-Nov-1995 | CM Trigger (broken) | CM QFS MX green | Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Yellow Edition MX black | Lexmark SSK 21-Apr-1994 | IBM SSK 13-Oct-1987 | CODE TKL MX clear | Model M 122 01-Jun-1988

Ị̸͚̯̲́ͤ̃͑̇̑ͯ̊̂͟ͅs̞͚̩͉̝̪̲͗͊ͪ̽̚̚ ̭̦͖͕̑́͌ͬͩ͟t̷̻͔̙̑͟h̹̠̼͋ͤ͋i̤̜̣̦̱̫͈͔̞ͭ͑ͥ̌̔s̬͔͎̍̈ͥͫ̐̾ͣ̔̇͘ͅ ̩̘̼͆̐̕e̞̰͓̲̺̎͐̏ͬ̓̅̾͠͝ͅv̶̰͕̱̞̥̍ͣ̄̕e͕͙͖̬̜͓͎̤̊ͭ͐͝ṇ̰͎̱̤̟̭ͫ͌̌͢͠ͅ ̳̥̦ͮ̐ͤ̎̊ͣ͡͡n̤̜̙̺̪̒͜e̶̻̦̿ͮ̂̀c̝̘̝͖̠̖͐ͨͪ̈̐͌ͩ̀e̷̥͇̋ͦs̢̡̤ͤͤͯ͜s͈̠̉̑͘a̱͕̗͖̳̥̺ͬͦͧ͆̌̑͡r̶̟̖̈͘ỷ̮̦̩͙͔ͫ̾ͬ̔ͬͮ̌?̵̘͇͔͙ͥͪ͞ͅ