Noob needs xmas gift recommendation - please HELP!

[billdoy]

Hello.

I need to find a solid "gamer" keyboard for my 12 year old son and I'm running out of time.  He asked for a Razer Stealth Tournament Edition.  He wanted a stealth because he said it was quiet...  So, dad the geek, started researching keyboards, found this forum and now needs therapy. He'll be lucky if I don't buy him a hhkb.

I would greatly appreciate any help in narrowing down my choices. So, here's what I'm looking for that would suit his use:

- a mechanical keyboard, preferably tkl (he uses an apple keyboard with keypad now)
- backlighting (the cooler looking the better)
- macros not important as he's not that advanced and primary use is on a mac
- he plays some FPS and spends a lot of time building, hosting and playing minecraft
- something on the quieter side since siblings do homework in the same room
- budget $100-$200

Thanks!

[bazemk1979]

Ducky TKL Shine or you can wait for CM Quickfire TKL leds version which should be cheaper but about the same quality as Ducky.

Oh one more thing, welcome noob

[jdcarpe]

For a TKL with backlighting, I would recommend a Ducky Shine 3 TKL.

You can get them with your choice of switch and LED color combinations.

I usually recommend Browns for someone getting their first MX based mechanical. But as he will be using it primarily for gaming, you might consider a linear switch, such as Black or Red. Black are usually preferred for gaming, as the slightly stronger spring will provide better reset for faster double taps.

These are available at mechanicalkeyboards.com

[Stevenator21]

If he wants lighting, the Ducky Shine 3 has the best lighting modes out there

You might want to look at O-Rings too, if you need it quieter.

[kenmai9]

For a TKL with backlighting, I would recommend a Ducky Shine 3 TKL.

You can get them with your choice of switch and LED color combinations.

I usually recommend Browns for someone getting their first MX based mechanical. But as he will be using it primarily for gaming, you might consider a linear switch, such as Black or Red. Black are usually preferred for gaming, as the slightly stronger spring will provide better reset for faster double taps.

These are available at mechanicalkeyboards.com

Blacks do get tiring though unless your son has some meat logs for fingers

[VolantPhalanx]

Hello.

I need to find a solid "gamer" keyboard for my 12 year old son and I'm running out of time.  He asked for a Razer Stealth Tournament Edition.  He wanted a stealth because he said it was quiet...  So, dad the geek, started researching keyboards, found this forum and now needs therapy. He'll be lucky if I don't buy him a hhkb.

I would greatly appreciate any help in narrowing down my choices. So, here's what I'm looking for that would suit his use:

- a mechanical keyboard, preferably tkl (he uses an apple keyboard with keypad now)
- backlighting (the cooler looking the better)
- macros not important as he's not that advanced and primary use is on a mac
- he plays some FPS and spends a lot of time building, hosting and playing minecraft
- something on the quieter side since siblings do homework in the same room
- budget $100-$200

Thanks!

For these requirements, I would definitely recommend either a CM Storm Quickfire or as many others have said a Ducky Shine 3 which has an absolute ton of back lighting possibilities. Although it has been a while since I personally have used one, a lot of my gamer friends claim that MX reds are the "cream of the crop" when they are playing. Also, congrats on getting your son a mech early on in life. Now, at least at home, he won't have to endure the rubber dome menace.

[C5Allroad]

There isn't such a thing as a gamer board lol. I hate marketing. Aynway, Ducky shine 3, keycool, maxkeyboard, and such.

[billdoy]

Thank you everyone!  I finished my research and got my son a ducky.  Specifically: Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Blue LED Backlit Mechanical Keyboard with Red Cherry MX.  My wife doesn't understand why I am so excited...

So now, dad needs a xmas present and his first mechanical.  I am tempted to buy the topre realforce type heaven.  will is work with a mac?

other suggestions?  Its for work, so lots of email and editing of word documents.  The office is real quiet, so sound is a concern.  I'm using an apple keyboard right now and I pound on it pretty good.  Its definitely not quiet, but its not mx blue level.  Should I use o-rings?  if so, what size and how to install?

sorry for all the questions, but its so great to find a group this knowledgable.

thanks! 

[IPT]

Thank you everyone!  I finished my research and got my son a ducky.  Specifically: Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Blue LED Backlit Mechanical Keyboard with Red Cherry MX.  My wife doesn't understand why I am so excited...

So now, dad needs a xmas present and his first mechanical.  I am tempted to buy the topre realforce type heaven.  will is work with a mac?

other suggestions?  Its for work, so lots of email and editing of word documents.  The office is real quiet, so sound is a concern.  I'm using an apple keyboard right now and I pound on it pretty good.  Its definitely not quiet, but its not mx blue level.  Should I use o-rings?  if so, what size and how to install?

sorry for all the questions, but its so great to find a group this knowledgable.

thanks! 

Come to the Topre side.....if you got the $$, get a normal Realforce 104
Don't get the type heaven, its got cheaper keycaps.

for keymapping for macs, use this
https://pqrs.org/macosx/keyremap4macbook/

[terran5992]

The CODE keyboard is good as well

[stancato9]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

[terran5992]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

[stancato9]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

Well I can bet money that more people would prefer to game on MX over Topre. Although it is subjective, the proof is in the numbers.

[terran5992]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

Well I can bet money that more people would prefer to game on MX over Topre. Although it is subjective, the proof is in the numbers.

Bullcrap

I game on my HHKB and it feels great

[stancato9]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

Well I can bet money that more people would prefer to game on MX over Topre. Although it is subjective, the proof is in the numbers.

Bullcrap

I game on my HHKB and it feels great

I said more people would prefer it, not just you.

Of course there are people who enjoy gaming on Topre, and people who enjoy gaming on MX more.

[tp4tissue]

If you really love someone... You buy them an Egdx.

[terran5992]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

Well I can bet money that more people would prefer to game on MX over Topre. Although it is subjective, the proof is in the numbers.

Bullcrap

I game on my HHKB and it feels great

I said more people would prefer it, not just you.

Of course there are people who enjoy gaming on Topre, and people who enjoy gaming on MX more.

Probably because those people dont own a topre

[osi]

Have you decided which keyboard you are getting yourself yet?!

[stancato9]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

Well I can bet money that more people would prefer to game on MX over Topre. Although it is subjective, the proof is in the numbers.

Bullcrap

I game on my HHKB and it feels great

I said more people would prefer it, not just you.

Of course there are people who enjoy gaming on Topre, and people who enjoy gaming on MX more.

Probably because those people dont own a topre

I highly doubt it, but there's no sense arguing. To each their own.

[terran5992]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

Well I can bet money that more people would prefer to game on MX over Topre. Although it is subjective, the proof is in the numbers.

Bullcrap

I game on my HHKB and it feels great

I said more people would prefer it, not just you.

Of course there are people who enjoy gaming on Topre, and people who enjoy gaming on MX more.

Probably because those people dont own a topre

I highly doubt it, but there's no sense arguing. To each their own.

True enough. Agree to disagree

[IPT]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

Well I can bet money that more people would prefer to game on MX over Topre. Although it is subjective, the proof is in the numbers.

the numbers ofcourse being skewed due to the high cost of entry for Topre compared to MX keyboards?
Also he's gone past his son's gaming keyboard, he's talking about his own keyboard
he was the one who brought up Topre for himself.

[dustinhxc]

Welcome! haha yeah get an hhkb for yourself too

[billdoy]

Have you decided which keyboard you are getting yourself yet?!

I have not made a decision yet.  Had to 'step away' for a bit.  I'm torn between the realforce 104 and hhkb.  I'm concerned about the lack of arrow keys on the hhbk.  I know its just a key combo away, but I use the arrow keys a lot in editing word docs.  Otherwise I'm sure adjusting to the hhbk would be fairly easy. 

What do people think of variable weighting in the realforce?

Is the type S hhbk really worth an extra $140?

any other dream keyboards for an editor I should be considering?

ty

[terran5992]

Have you decided which keyboard you are getting yourself yet?!

I have not made a decision yet.  Had to 'step away' for a bit.  I'm torn between the realforce 104 and hhkb.  I'm concerned about the lack of arrow keys on the hhbk.  I know its just a key combo away, but I use the arrow keys a lot in editing word docs.  Otherwise I'm sure adjusting to the hhbk would be fairly easy. 

What do people think of variable weighting in the realforce?

Is the type S hhbk really worth an extra $140?

any other dream keyboards for an editor I should be considering?

ty

Its just orings in it. Nt worth IMO but if you have the cash.

[Hyde]

If you do editing and gonna use it for work, I highly vote against HHKB.

At home I use a Poker II and from time to time I'll do graphic work, it's such a pain to use the arrow key on second layer if you need to use it constantly or need to use it with combination of modifiers (i.e. shift + right arrow).

So I say go for a real force or type heaven.  It's true Type Heaven uses cheaper keycaps (ABS as oppose to PBT) but I like the 45g uniform feel also it's cheaper.  But Type Heaven doesn't come with Type S option.

As for your son, I think either MX Brown or MX Red would be good.  Both are the more balanced switches. 

[Linkbane]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

MX Greens, just for instance, are very irritating to game on.
Linear Greys. Super Blacks. Best of luck gaming with those.

'Gaming' boards as far as utility for the actual activity should probably have 1ms polling, and maybe some ports or WASD backlighting, but otherwise you're quite correct in my opinion, there's not much a keyboard can do to help you game.

[terran5992]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

MX Greens, just for instance, are very irritating to game on.
Linear Greys. Super Blacks. Best of luck gaming with those.

'Gaming' boards as far as utility for the actual activity should probably have 1ms polling, and maybe some ports or WASD backlighting, but otherwise you're quite correct in my opinion, there's not much a keyboard can do to help you game.

Can people really notice the difference between 1ms and a normal mech keyboard

[Linkbane]

Not sure why Topre is being recommended for a gaming board.. OP, get your son a keyboard with blacks or reds for gaming. Red is generally regarded to be the best gaming switch.

Whats wrong with topre? As long as it uses a type of mechanical switch . It is technically a 'Gaming Keyboard'

MX Greens, just for instance, are very irritating to game on.
Linear Greys. Super Blacks. Best of luck gaming with those.

'Gaming' boards as far as utility for the actual activity should probably have 1ms polling, and maybe some ports or WASD backlighting, but otherwise you're quite correct in my opinion, there's not much a keyboard can do to help you game.

Can people really notice the difference between 1ms and a normal mech keyboard

8ms is actually a slight fraction of a frame (about 1/2) so it could make a difference at some levels.
Otherwise it's probably not much of an issue and just marketing.

[osi]

Have you decided which keyboard you are getting yourself yet?!

I have not made a decision yet.  Had to 'step away' for a bit.  I'm torn between the realforce 104 and hhkb.  I'm concerned about the lack of arrow keys on the hhbk.  I know its just a key combo away, but I use the arrow keys a lot in editing word docs.  Otherwise I'm sure adjusting to the hhbk would be fairly easy. 

What do people think of variable weighting in the realforce?

Is the type S hhbk really worth an extra $140?

any other dream keyboards for an editor I should be considering?

ty

Unless you are really proficient with the keyboard, I would go with a RealForce variant. If you are willing to to learn a new layout, the HHKB is great and to me personally its the most efficient keyboard design that I've had the pleasure of typing on.

To the question of whether the Type-S is worth it -- completely subjective. If you have the money and are willing to spend it, go for it.

The RealForce boards have silent variants as well, but only in the 87 key versions. Definitely priced more appropriately that the HHKB for the silenced versions. 87 Key version just means you lose your numpad on the right by the way.

Happy hunting!

[1pq]

Or you could get the Leopold FC660C -- nicer feel, better layout, cheaper. Only downside is the keycaps, but at least it's better than the type heaven...

[terran5992]

Or you could get the Leopold FC660C -- nicer feel, better layout, cheaper. Only downside is the keycaps, but at least it's better than the type heaven...

the layout is pretty ugly

[1pq]

I'm not really sure how a layout in and of itself can be ugly, but personally I love the placement of the arrow keys and having a standard backspace.

[Linkbane]

I'm not really sure how a layout in and of itself can be ugly, but personally I love the placement of the arrow keys and having a standard backspace.

The FC660 series has my favorite layout of any compact keyboard. I like especially the arrow keys that still have separation so it's easy to find them, while everything else is standard size.

[SpecTP]

Corsair Vengeance K60 (MX Cherry Red) are discounted on Newegg for $51.

[Puddsy]

Corsair Vengeance K60 (MX Cherry Red) are discounted on Newegg for $51.

Good choice, but you've got to remember that it's not 100% mechanical.

EDIT: Also, welcome to GH!

[Linkbane]

Corsair Vengeance K60 (MX Cherry Red) are discounted on Newegg for $51.

Good choice, but you've got to remember that it's not 100% mechanical.

EDIT: Also, welcome to GH!

I personally didn't mind, given that it's quite a cheap board and the aluminum is really nice, but I heard that it can make modding difficult with the RD switches. If not, it's quite an excellent board (that massive braided cable) and will probably be quite enjoyable.

[Wildcard]

Thank you everyone!  I finished my research and got my son a ducky.  Specifically: Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Blue LED Backlit Mechanical Keyboard with Red Cherry MX.  My wife doesn't understand why I am so excited...

So now, dad needs a xmas present and his first mechanical.  I am tempted to buy the topre realforce type heaven.  will is work with a mac?

other suggestions?  Its for work, so lots of email and editing of word documents.  The office is real quiet, so sound is a concern.  I'm using an apple keyboard right now and I pound on it pretty good.  Its definitely not quiet, but its not mx blue level.  Should I use o-rings?  if so, what size and how to install?

sorry for all the questions, but its so great to find a group this knowledgable.

thanks! 

Really depends on what size of keyboard you're after.

Personally from the reviews I've read, I'd avoid the type heaven. The FC660C is a more solid keyboard in that price range and comes with 45g topre. There is always the Realforce 87u and HHKB if you're wanting something in the higher range.

Source: I'm typing this on a FC660C at work now, and I love it.

[BucklingSpring]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the Deck Francium and MAX Blackbird - Two excellent Backlit keyboards under $200

Deck Francium


Max Blackbird

[CatNip :3]

Edit: I'm dumb and didn't read properly.

[Tony]

Congratulations! Your son has reached puberty, that's the reason that he needs a Razer keyboard.

You need to gently guide him back to Filco/Ducky/Leopold/Das /Noppoo/WASD/Rosewill/Realforce way.

[demik]

Hhkb for you op. Or real force 87u 55g.

[Puddsy]

I dunno if that's a rag on razer, but the bw2013 is actually really good.

and every company has booth babes.

[tp4tissue]

Congratulations! Your son has reached puberty, that's the reason that he needs a Razer keyboard.

You need to gently guide him back to Filco/Ducky/Leopold/Das /Noppoo/WASD/Rosewill/Realforce way.

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If your ****ty peripherals fail to attract investors..   Use pr0n..

[demik]

I hate when companies fall back on sex to sell their ****.

[tp4tissue]

I hate when companies fall back on sex to sell their ****.

I don't think this is inherently bad.... to sell sex...

But when they USE sex to sell something that's crummy and wouldn't sell "otherwise"..

These companies are my enemy.

[Wildcard]

I hate when companies fall back on sex to sell their ****.

Whatever works.

I'm still not too inclined to buy a razor, but those pics. Meow