Help me deciding what Keyboard to buy!

[CBK]

So I've been roaming through these boards (this forum, the FAQ, as well as the guide to mechanical switches) and I was hoping I could get some help from you guys, who clearly know more about keyboards than I do, to pick a keyboard.

I obviously want a mechanical keyboard and I am looking for something compact that works excellent with MMO's. I personally fell in love with the 84 key design since I use pretty much every key but the num pad on my keyboard (and I have a g600 mouse which allows for quick access to that anyways.). I personally prefer the Cherry MX Red switches (the only ones I've tried too) because of how lightweight and easy they are to press (and when playing mmo's I've gotten tired of pressing keys on regular keyboards). I've seen quite some other MMO players with the Choc Mini and I've seen the KeyCool 84 mentioned a lot here and I was wondering which one do you think would fit more my type. My type of keyboard would have these characteristics (or close to having them):

- 84 Key compact (I want something compact and small and I need those F1 buttons available without use of fn keys)
- Caps Lock and left Ctrl swap option.
- NKRO (I've read the Noppoo is full NKRO I kinda like that)
- Something well-built and sturdy (lasting keycaps would be nice)
- I am not planning on modding so that's not an issue
- The layout can be whatever... I deal every day with Spanish/English keyboards so I am used to changing layouts and could get use to a new layout.

What keyboards do you guys suggest? I mean, it doesn't have to a Choc Mini or 84, but I don't think I want to spend over $150.00 on a keyboard (at least not at the moment). Do you guys agree with my decision on switches, or would suggest that I tried other switches?


Thanks a lot!

[Chuckles]

A Filco pretty much matches your description of what you want, except for maybe the caps lock and left control swap. I'm not sure if it has that or not.

Here's the Amazon page for the Cherry MX Red board: http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-FKBN87MRL-EB2/dp/B007VAFWM8/ref=sr_1_2?m=A104717BI2VJF7&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1392171342&sr=1-2 (US)

[C5Allroad]

Keycool make great boards! They have a 84 key board. http://www.banggood.com/buy/keycool-84.html
Let me go look up some others...

[pbtforever]

Keycool make great boards! They have a 84 key board. http://www.banggood.com/buy/keycool-84.html
Let me go look up some others...

Definitely the Filco.

Then get som PBT caps.

[CBK]

I've read on these forums that Filco is usually regarded as the endgame brand. The only problem is that they don't have any models available that are the layout I want (with the f keys all close to the 1-= keys)...

I guess we have one vote for them KeyCools. No other brands make the 84 layout???

[Pacifist]

Filco is superb quality but far from endgame. Endgame is usually at custom boards

[Linkbane]

Guys, he's asking for 84 key. I'm pretty sure Filco doesn't make anything of that form factor. On the other hand, the Keycool 84 fits your needs exactly and has nice medium-thick PBT caps, much better than the thin ABS on most (Filco included), and they are lasered, I believe, so they shouldn't fade at all. I don't know if it has DIP switches (probably doesn't), but you can do the more annoying solution and autohotkey it.

As far as your switch choice, seeing as you play lots of MMOs, Reds are traditionally the way to go on those and they are comfortable for lots of repetitive pressing.

[CBK]

Thanks a lot Linkbane! Seems like I had done my research just fine. I'll get the KeyCool most likely. Just a question: is there a difference (aside from aesthetics) between the white and black KeyCool 84?

Like I said I just wanted a keyboard with the 84 key form factor because it will make it a lot easier to press the f1 keys (I use them as key-binds in many games, even non MMO's) and I like the compact form factor (my desk is not that big... barely fits my two screens). I just wasn't sure if KeyCool and Noppoo were the only options. Would be nice if their were more options to check out. Anyone seen other 84 key keyboards?

About the DIP switch, isn't it possible to switch caps lock and left ctrl through registry? I disabled Windows Key through registry for my current cheap keyboard.

[Linkbane]

Thanks a lot Linkbane! Seems like I had done my research just fine. I'll get the KeyCool most likely. Just a question: is there a difference (aside from aesthetics) between the white and black KeyCool 84?

Like I said I just wanted a keyboard with the 84 key form factor because it will make it a lot easier to press the f1 keys (I use them as key-binds in many games, even non MMO's) and I like the compact form factor (my desk is not that big... barely fits my two screens). I just wasn't sure if KeyCool and Noppoo were the only options. Would be nice if their were more options to check out. Anyone seen other 84 key keyboards?

About the DIP switch, isn't it possible to switch caps lock and left ctrl through registry? I disabled Windows Key through registry for my current cheap keyboard.

No problem. I don't think any other 84-layouts exist other than the Noppoo or Keycool; it's either TKL or 60% for smaller form factors for most. There shouldn't be any differences between the colors. The 84-key has backlit versions and ABS versions, make sure to find the one you want (on MK at least).

I think that you can change it through registry or autohotkey. Haven't tried it myself as I prefer normal placement, but it shouldn't require too much editing.

[heedpantsnow]

I've owned a Keycool and liked it.  The value is excellent if you can get it without paying too much for broker fees.  Filcos are great, too.

[CBK]

Thanks a lot Linkbane! Seems like I had done my research just fine. I'll get the KeyCool most likely. Just a question: is there a difference (aside from aesthetics) between the white and black KeyCool 84?

Like I said I just wanted a keyboard with the 84 key form factor because it will make it a lot easier to press the f1 keys (I use them as key-binds in many games, even non MMO's) and I like the compact form factor (my desk is not that big... barely fits my two screens). I just wasn't sure if KeyCool and Noppoo were the only options. Would be nice if their were more options to check out. Anyone seen other 84 key keyboards?

About the DIP switch, isn't it possible to switch caps lock and left ctrl through registry? I disabled Windows Key through registry for my current cheap keyboard.

No problem. I don't think any other 84-layouts exist other than the Noppoo or Keycool; it's either TKL or 60% for smaller form factors for most. There shouldn't be any differences between the colors. The 84-key has backlit versions and ABS versions, make sure to find the one you want (on MK at least).

I think that you can change it through registry or autohotkey. Haven't tried it myself as I prefer normal placement, but it shouldn't require too much editing.

Definitely getting a KeyCool 84 (black ) then. Will be buying it by the end of the week. What does ABS stand for?

Yeah I'll just google about how to switch is through hotkey. I rarely use caps lock ever (maybe to troll on twitch.tv haha).

[CPTBadAss]

What does ABS stand for?

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, it's a common plastic that keycaps are made from. You might also like the GH Glossary to help you understand the acronyms of keycap materials.

[ManicMatt1125]

ABS is the material the key cap is made from the other is PCB, Generally ABS is alot cheaper than PCB but it will "shine" much faster. that's a quick synopsis, someone with more knowledge can help you further with the differences between the two as I do not want to speculate

[CPTBadAss]

ABS is the material the key cap is made from the other is PCB, Generally ABS is alot cheaper than PCB but it will "shine" much faster. that's a quick synopsis, someone with more knowledge can help you further with the differences between the two as I do not want to speculate

PCB is a printed circuit board. I think you're mixing that with PBT.

[ManicMatt1125]

ABS is the material the key cap is made from the other is PCB, Generally ABS is alot cheaper than PCB but it will "shine" much faster. that's a quick synopsis, someone with more knowledge can help you further with the differences between the two as I do not want to speculate

PCB is a printed circuit board. I think you're mixing that with PBT.

Yes PBT is what I meant. Thanks for the correction

[Linkbane]

Definitely getting a KeyCool 84 (black ) then. Will be buying it by the end of the week. What does ABS stand for?

Yeah I'll just google about how to switch is through hotkey. I rarely use caps lock ever (maybe to troll on twitch.tv haha).

LOL, you did go there.
Good decision. I felt like that's what you'd like best, hope you enjoy it and maybe write a review.

[CBK]

I am now wondering something... Since I am buying the back-lit version that has ABS caps, is it possible (and easy for that matter) to get black PBT replacement caps for this Keyboard?

I read that the only non-standard cap is the right shift, but does being back-lit make the caps have any other differences?

[Linkbane]

I am now wondering something... Since I am buying the back-lit version that has ABS caps, is it possible (and easy for that matter) to get black PBT replacement caps for this Keyboard?

I read that the only non-standard cap is the right shift, but does being back-lit make the caps have any other differences?

If you're going to get PBT caps, banggood sells them for very cheap ($17 with free international shipping), in medium-thick varieties which will allow the light to shine through. However, thick PBT generally (except for some reason on the Yellow S3) does not allow light to pass through, so you'll need thin or medium-thick. Otherwise there are no differences.

[CBK]

I am now wondering something... Since I am buying the back-lit version that has ABS caps, is it possible (and easy for that matter) to get black PBT replacement caps for this Keyboard?

I read that the only non-standard cap is the right shift, but does being back-lit make the caps have any other differences?

If you're going to get PBT caps, banggood sells them for very cheap ($17 with free international shipping), in medium-thick varieties which will allow the light to shine through. However, thick PBT generally (except for some reason on the Yellow S3) does not allow light to pass through, so you'll need thin or medium-thick. Otherwise there are no differences.

Linkbane, how about going for this one: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=412

Is the same 84 keyboard sans the back-lit right?

EDIT: Just saw it is out of stock... Could you link where to find the black PBT caps I could use on the Keycool 84 kack-lit? I searched and I couldn't find on MK, Banggoods and Amazon...

[Linkbane]

I am now wondering something... Since I am buying the back-lit version that has ABS caps, is it possible (and easy for that matter) to get black PBT replacement caps for this Keyboard?

I read that the only non-standard cap is the right shift, but does being back-lit make the caps have any other differences?

If you're going to get PBT caps, banggood sells them for very cheap ($17 with free international shipping), in medium-thick varieties which will allow the light to shine through. However, thick PBT generally (except for some reason on the Yellow S3) does not allow light to pass through, so you'll need thin or medium-thick. Otherwise there are no differences.

Linkbane, how about going for this one: http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=412

Is the same 84 keyboard sans the back-lit right?

I think that all Keycool 84 boards are the same layout-wise, and that was the one I was thinking of recommending, just too lazy to look on MK.

[dustinhxc]

Get the Leopold FC200RR with Reds!

[Linkbane]

TS purchased a Keycool in the end, someone want to lock this thread?

[SpAmRaY]

TS purchased a Keycool in the end, someone want to lock this thread?

Why lock the thread?

[Linkbane]

TS purchased a Keycool in the end, someone want to lock this thread?

Why lock the thread?

It's going to be rather pointless for people to come here thinking that he wants a keyboard and make recommendations that won't help him because he has what he wants. Even if someone wanted advice for keyboards of a similar nature, there's already been a plethora of answers.

[archer]

The keycool 84 with grey PBT keycaps is an extremely nice looking keyboard!