New to mechanical keyboards and hella afraid

[HeavenShock]

Hey guys ! Quite a noob in keyboards and I've done a really big research cause I plan to spend around $120 on a keyboard and it's quite a big expense for me, also I'm really afraid that the noise will bug me out, I do enjoy it but I'm afraid I'll go nuts and at night when it's all quiet and **** it may be a disturb.
I was searching around and at first I saw that almost every pro gamer in, let's say League of Legends own a Razer Blackwidow, yet then again after looking at this thread :
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37670.0
I gave up about that one, though I may get a Razer Deathadder after I purchase a keyboard.
Until now I used a Microsoft Wireless Keyboard and I can't say I'm disappointed though from the way it looks around here I'm gonna get hunted for that say (though I do get achievements in this keyboard) so, yeah, I'm looking to upgrade myself to a mechanical keyboard !
I'm programming quite a bit and also typing a lot, though I do invest a lot of hours into gaming too so that's a consideration too, I'm also not looking for lit keyboards with leds and those stuff, just a plain keyboard.
So after a vast research I came up with those results :
Corsair k60
Razer Blackwidow (?)
Ducky Shine 3 (though I'm really not into the lit keyboards and I really prefer not to)
Steelseries 6gv2
Thank you guys !

[CPTBadAss]

If you're set on a fullsize keyboard, get a CoolerMaster QuickFire XT. If you can go with a TKL, go with a QFR. Both are good deals for solid keyboards.

Welcome to GeekHack, be scared for your wallet

[frvrngn]

Do you want to stick with a full size keyboard or a Ten Key Less (TKL).  Cooler Master makes some great boards at a good price (depending on where you are located) and the Quick Fire Rapid is a great first board (also called the QFR on here and elsewhere).

BTW - welcome to geekhack!

EDIT: CPT beat me above with the same info!

[Moosecraft]

Welcome to GH, only fear for your wallet

[HeavenShock]

If you're set on a fullsize keyboard, get a CoolerMaster QuickFire XT. If you can go with a TKL, go with a QFR. Both are good deals for solid keyboards.

Welcome to GeekHack, be scared for your wallet

Thanks !
And yeah, full size keyboard no doubt.
The CM Quickfire looks pretty nice ! Though are there any wider keyboards to fit my desk better ? Something around the 7 inches ? Don't know if it's a common question or something but yeah, and maybe there are more options ? Are there any Duckies which don't shine ? : P

[Stevenator21]

If you're set on a fullsize keyboard, get a CoolerMaster QuickFire XT. If you can go with a TKL, go with a QFR. Both are good deals for solid keyboards.

Welcome to GeekHack, be scared for your wallet

Thanks !
And yeah, full size keyboard no doubt.
The CM Quickfire looks pretty nice ! Though are there any wider keyboards to fit my desk better ? Something around the 7 inches ? Don't know if it's a common question or something but yeah, and maybe there are more options ? Are there any Duckies which don't shine ? : P

Ducky has the PRO line + the PBT Cap line which do not shine.

[PointyFox]

If you want a new keyboard, the CM ones are the best value.  If you want to get a used one, the Cherry keyboards are the best value.

[HeavenShock]

Are the keyboards I mentioned really that worthless ? The Steelseries 6gv2 is bad ? I was really in her favor up until now

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Ducky has non-backlit keyboards too, the Ducky Zero line.  Ducky are good keyboards

[C5Allroad]

That and the Zero shines. About the same price as the Blackwidow. Ducky has amazing build quality too. If you're on tight budget check out Cm storm.

[HeavenShock]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Ducky has non-backlit keyboards too, the Ducky Zero line.  Ducky are good keyboards

So the Steelseries 6gv2 are out of the competition ?
Also, where can I buy Duckies from ?
And what kind of switches should I take ? Brown ones ?

[C5Allroad]

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?keyword=&switch_id=ALL&size=ALL&man=1&key_plastic=ALL&interface=ALL&cord_length=ALL&usb_kro=ALL&ps2_kro=ALL&x=69&y=6&in_stock=on
Right there.

[rowdy]

Steelseries is certainly not out of the question, but there are a number of options for you.

Assuming you are in the US: http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?man=1&in_stock=on

[jdcarpe]

I don't know if I would buy a Ducky Zero. They are made in China, not Taiwan.

But there are better choices than the Steelseries. CM Quickfire XT, Ducky, Filco, maybe Leopold. You want something with a standard key caps layout.

[CPTBadAss]

So the Steelseries 6gv2 are out of the competition ?

If you decide that you want to swap keycaps for a different set, it is really hard to find a set to replace the ones that are on the 6GV2. If you don't care about caps, then there's no problem for you.

[HeavenShock]

So the Steelseries 6gv2 are out of the competition ?

If you decide that you want to swap keycaps for a different set, it is really hard to find a set to replace the ones that are on the 6GV2. If you don't care about caps, then there's no problem for you.

What's wrong about the 6gv2's keycaps ? And if I do decide to go with the Ducky, should I go with the brown switches ?

[CPTBadAss]

Enter, |\, and right shift aren't a standard size.

[C5Allroad]

So the Steelseries 6gv2 are out of the competition ?

If you decide that you want to swap keycaps for a different set, it is really hard to find a set to replace the ones that are on the 6GV2. If you don't care about caps, then there's no problem for you.

What's wrong about the 6gv2's keycaps ? And if I do decide to go with the Ducky, should I go with the brown switches ?

Browns are nice though, but there are other options too. If you do wish to get browns you will  be really satisfied. The keycaps from what I know about the steelseries is that the caps are ABS. They should be fine.

[jdcarpe]

I usually recommend MX Browns for someone just starting in mechanicals. They are a good all-around choice.

But MX Blacks were once the de facto standard, and people used them all the time, without really knowing there was a choice or difference.

[IvanIvanovich]

I suggest to get switch tester or switch tester as the first stop. You can try switch yourself and decide which kind you like. Peoples recommendations and what marketing materials say what switch is 'best' for you might find you don't agree at all. Once you are sure the switch you prefer, depending on the choice it could be a very short list of available keyboards.

[vasouv]

Regarding the sound "problem" you might have: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47406.msg1071393#msg1071393

All in all, you probably won't have any

[adhoc]

If there's anyone sleeping in the vicinity of your keyboard you might consider something else than blue switches. If not - trust me, you will not regret it. There's also switches that don't click as much but damn, that clicking adds something special to your typing.

Try getting hands on on like a BlackWidow for example, that isn't too hard to find in retail. Either way, welcome to the addiction that is mechanical keyboards. I bet you will start feeling sick to your stomach  on a rubber dome after typing on a mechanical keyboard.

And yeah, be afraid for your wallet. Be very afraid. This is a very dark path you're threading on.

[Tony]

For newbies, I recommend CMstorm Quickfire Rapid with blue/brown switches. Cheaper than 100USD, and still functional.

[osi]

I suggest to get switch tester or switch tester as the first stop. You can try switch yourself and decide which kind you like. Peoples recommendations and what marketing materials say what switch is 'best' for you might find you don't agree at all. Once you are sure the switch you prefer, depending on the choice it could be a very short list of available keyboards.

Don't forget to hit all of the switches with each of your fingers when testing! That mx green might feel great on the index finger but could give your pinky a workout in practice.

[frvrngn]

I suggest to get switch tester or switch tester as the first stop. You can try switch yourself and decide which kind you like. Peoples recommendations and what marketing materials say what switch is 'best' for you might find you don't agree at all. Once you are sure the switch you prefer, depending on the choice it could be a very short list of available keyboards.

Don't forget to hit all of the switches with each of your fingers when testing! That mx green might feel great on the index finger but could give your pinky a workout in practice.

This!  I bought a QFR Green board and it felt great for around 5 minutes of typing and then I realized how stiff those keys really are!

[tgujay]

If you're set on a fullsize keyboard, get a CoolerMaster QuickFire XT. If you can go with a TKL, go with a QFR. Both are good deals for solid keyboards.

Welcome to GeekHack, be scared for your wallet

Thanks !
And yeah, full size keyboard no doubt.
The CM Quickfire looks pretty nice ! Though are there any wider keyboards to fit my desk better ? Something around the 7 inches ? Don't know if it's a common question or something but yeah, and maybe there are more options ? Are there any Duckies which don't shine ? : P

You can always just not use the back lighting on a board...

[domoaligato]

The biggest issue with all of the keyboards you listed except the ducky...
they use non standard keycaps/layouts.
If you stick to CMStorm/Filco/Ducky then it is much easier to find replacement keycaps later.


If you get a tenkeyless filco or qfr then you can replace the controller to make it programmable or get a phantom pcb and have programability and custom layout choices.
The full size filco also has a replacement controller that is available to make it programmable.

I guess it depends on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. Personally I started with a TKL then got a KBT Race. I sold both of them in favor of 60% layouts. My personal preference has matured with experience in the community. Yours probably will also.

[HeavenShock]

The biggest issue with all of the keyboards you listed except the ducky...
they use non standard keycaps/layouts.
If you stick to CMStorm/Filco/Ducky then it is much easier to find replacement keycaps later.


If you get a tenkeyless filco or qfr then you can replace the controller to make it programmable or get a phantom pcb and have programability and custom layout choices.
The full size filco also has a replacement controller that is available to make it programmable.

I guess it depends on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. Personally I started with a TKL then got a KBT Race. I sold both of them in favor of 60% layouts. My personal preference has matured with experience in the community. Yours probably will also.

Well actually it's pretty much similar to the keycaps I use now :

And I do an average of with this one and I used this one for about ~4 years so I'd really rather having this kind of keycaps.

[IvanIvanovich]

Closest to Cherry profile. Not many choice come with as stock. Cherry G80, Noppoo Choc mini, Plum 96, Neo Zelia. Of course you can always get Cherry profile keycap aftermarket but it will add cost.

[Canious]

If its your first time going on mechanical i would strongly recommend filco browns. You just can't go wrong with them.

[Keytrun]

I have a Filco Majestouch 2 with browns and I'll tell you right now that its amazing. I had the blackwidow ultimate initially and, comparatively, its night and day. The filco is worlds better in pretty much every way - provided you don't need macro keys or backlighting. Also - if you're interested in cherry profile keycaps you can do what I (and a lot of people here) do and buy after market keycaps. The reason a lot of people do that is because the keycaps that come stock on most boards aren't of the highest quality. It does add cost, but in my opinion it makes a huge difference. Here is a picture of my board with my new caps : http://i.imgur.com/o1UPAqc.jpg

I have thick PBT (a stronger plastic than what most stock keycaps are made out of - ABS). You can look here http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_ssn=geek_feng&rt=nc and http://www.imsto.cn if you're interested in getting some cherry profile thick PBT caps. Hope that helps!

[HeavenShock]

Alright so I've decided to go with the Coolermaster Storm Quickfire XT with brown switches, though is the brown switches edition only comes TKL ? When I try to switch to brown switches it automatically switches to TKL mode in Amazon :
http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-XT-Mechanical/dp/B00EHBECAW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1388131067&sr=1-2&keywords=CM+Storm+Quickfire+XT

[rowdy]

Alright so I've decided to go with the Coolermaster Storm Quickfire XT with brown switches, though is the brown switches edition only comes TKL ? When I try to switch to brown switches it automatically switches to TKL mode in Amazon :
http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-XT-Mechanical/dp/B00EHBECAW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1388131067&sr=1-2&keywords=CM+Storm+Quickfire+XT

Probably just what Amazon has in stock, or can get hold of.

[HeavenShock]

Alright so I've decided to go with the Coolermaster Storm Quickfire XT with brown switches, though is the brown switches edition only comes TKL ? When I try to switch to brown switches it automatically switches to TKL mode in Amazon :
http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-XT-Mechanical/dp/B00EHBECAW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1388131067&sr=1-2&keywords=CM+Storm+Quickfire+XT

Probably just what Amazon has in stock, or can get hold of.

And what about green switches ? Under what category do they get into ?
Considering I'm into gaming yet into typing too (I wanted browns).

[mljs54]

IMO, wait and pickup a used Filco with MX browns from the classifieds here.  They can usually be had for around the same price as the CM keyboards new.

[rowdy]

Alright so I've decided to go with the Coolermaster Storm Quickfire XT with brown switches, though is the brown switches edition only comes TKL ? When I try to switch to brown switches it automatically switches to TKL mode in Amazon :
http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-XT-Mechanical/dp/B00EHBECAW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1388131067&sr=1-2&keywords=CM+Storm+Quickfire+XT

Probably just what Amazon has in stock, or can get hold of.

And what about green switches ? Under what category do they get into ?
Considering I'm into gaming yet into typing too (I wanted browns).

Category?

Greens are nice - stiff springs, like blacks, but clicky, like blues.

Many people have difficulty using blues and greens for gaming because you have to lift the switch above the actuation point to release it, and double-tapping can be troublesome.

Some people have difficulty using greens and blacks for gaming because of the stiffer springs.  If you have to hold down several keys at once with one hand, that is quite a lot of force required.

Browns are usually suggested as a compromise between linear and tactile, for both typing and gaming.

[terran5992]

IMO, wait and pickup a used Filco with MX browns from the classifieds here.  They can usually be had for around the same price as the CM keyboards new.

But if the keyboard is malfunctioning , good luck to you

[lilky]

Do what CPTBadAss says and get a QFR or QF XT.

Welcome to the world of mechanical keyboards! RIP your wallet...

[EvilOliv3]

If you're a heavy typist that tends to bottom out your keys.  I suggest you buy some O-Ring dampeners. With it plus brown switches you will have zero noise issues.

[berserkfan]

Steelseries is all black switches. Should be quiet enough for you. The keycaps are a problem, they won't last. And due to their design which is non-OEM, it will be hard to find good replacements.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money I actually think Cherry Corp black or brown switch keyboards are good enough. They'll let you change switches easily also.

And ignore most of the projects and offers and classifieds on this site. You'll just wind up spending too much money.

Actually most professionals who need a quiet keyboard prefer Topres. I am not a Topre guy, but I notice Topre fans are pretty fanatical about their keyboards.

Are the keyboards I mentioned really that worthless ? The Steelseries 6gv2 is bad ? I was really in her favor up until now

[RESPRiT]

Wait OP, are you planning on buying the board at full price for $120? If you're willing to spend that much I think you'd be better off just getting a Ducky Shine 3 or Filco, they have much better build quality than the QFXT. Alternatively, CM boards go on sale A LOT, so if you're patient you can save a good deal of money too.

[taylordcraig]

sorry inadvance for poor typing its really late im super tired and intoxicated

i got into mech boards this year
started a filco mj2 with browns
moved to a kbt race with whites
bought a kbt pure pro ansi us layout with blues

I really like the blues and whites, browns feel too soft for me now, but the CLICKY IS SIGNIFICANTLY LOUDER IF YOU DO NOT BOTTOM OUT.
I really don't mind or notice it, but when comparing it to my non clicky, it's very loud.

My filco is full layout, but i moved to the 75, i wanted to try 60, and i like it, but there is some very noticable ping i have to work out before i can give it a full test run
i currently use my kbt race as my daily driver

browns will be good unless you know you're heavy typist. ultimately you'll probably end up switching.
your boards are always worth money if you decide to sell them later.

also consider when buying a used board you dont know the number of actuation on switches. this doesn't matter if you can solder and are comfortable working on your board.

[domoaligato]

some consider vintage a plus.

[terran5992]

I never understood why people liked vintage switches

[RESPRiT]

I never understood why people liked vintage switches

They're unique?

[HeavenShock]

Sadly the only available keyboard I can purchase is CM Storm Quickfire Pro, is it any different from the Quickfire XT ? Besides the backlights which I don't really want or need.

[RESPRiT]

Sadly the only available keyboard I can purchase is CM Storm Quickfire Pro, is it any different from the Quickfire XT ? Besides the backlights which I don't really want or need.

What's limiting you only to CM boards?

[Canious]

Honestly don't get suckered into to the whole mechanical keyboard curiosity - its endless. Unless your some rich guy who have money to blow on six or more keyboards any mid $100 mechanical keyboard will do you good. I would recommend brown switches.

[C5Allroad]

That is especially true on wallethack.

[HeavenShock]

Sadly the only available keyboard I can purchase is CM Storm Quickfire Pro, is it any different from the Quickfire XT ? Besides the backlights which I don't really want or need.

What's limiting you only to CM boards?

The comments of people here made me understand that CM Storm Quickfire XT is the best choice I can get.
Also, I don't plan on switching a keyboard for the next couple of years, I like to stay loyal and to adapt to the keyboard so hopefully my wallet won't get emptied : P.