Advice for the new keyboard

[basspivo]

Hi all,

Long time lurker and new here.  Glad to find this great resource that is dedicated to keyboard.

I currently have a Thermaltake Meka G1 with black switch for the last two years.  I use it mostly for FPS gaming.  I am looking for a new mechanical keyboard that is smaller, so I can bring my hands closer when gaming.

I would appreciate if you guys can provide some input on what kind of keyboard I should consider for the next purchase.

Here is a list of things I would like to have in my next board:

1. Cherry MX Red.  My MX Black requires a bit more force than I want.

2. Size similar to a Keycool 84 or smaller.  I tried a TKL, it still too big/long.

3. Good construction technique and parts made of durable material that can last long.  This includes lettering printed on the key caps that can last a long while.

4. Removable USB cable.

5. Costar stabilizer.  I tried the Cherry one on Ducky, too mushy for me.

6. PBT key cap.

7. Windows key lock.

8. Back lit would be nice, but not necessary.

And most importantly, where would be a good place buy such keyboard.

I have searched the forums on Keycool 84, there seems to be some quality control issue with the lettering on the key caps.  And not sure if KC 84 is a reliable keyboard or not.  The other keyboard I looked at is the TEX Beetle, but the key caps are made of ABS and the space bar is a bit too small.  I play FPS games and need a regular size space bar to perform actions. 

Any input/information/advice you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[xuanwumen]

Keycool 84 is good option. You can find many threads on the build quality.They have PBT caps, compact layout and the mx red switches as you required.

[johndavis33]

Poker 2 seems like a good idea. There are metal cases that you can buy for it, and the caps are all PBT. I know it comes with cherry mx reds, and the switches are plate mounted.

Here's a video of a guy typing on it with reds and an aluminum case.

[Pacifist]

kc84 is built like a tank. Never had problems with mine, and the keycap quality is quite good. They're dyesub pbt and will last a while and feel quite good.

recommend 10/10 get it from banggood

[katushkin]

Can also 10/10 recommend a KC 84.

Do it!

[basspivo]

For you guys owning KC84, did you guys ever have problem with media keys?  I read some posts the owners have issue with the media key functions and key prints were mis-aligned. 

Do you guys have any problems like that?  Or were they just for the early production model?

Does banggood ship to US?

I will also look up the Poker 2.  Only place in the US I can find Poker is mechanicalkeyboards.com.  And the only model is ABS caps with black light. 

Thanks.

[exitfire401]

For you guys owning KC84, did you guys ever have problem with media keys?  I read some posts the owners have issue with the media key functions and key prints were mis-aligned. 

Do you guys have any problems like that?  Or were they just for the early production model?

Does banggood ship to US?

I will also look up the Poker 2.  Only place in the US I can find Poker is mechanicalkeyboards.com.  And the only model is ABS caps with black light. 

Thanks.

When I looked on ebay yesterday, there were some PBT Poker 2s with reds.

[pillows]

Does banggood ship to US?

Based on how often banggood is brought up in geekhack, I assume they do. I JUST made my first purchase there a couple of days ago. I was in the market for some blank PBTs. Because they are based in China, shipping may take longer than usual.

[dustinhxc]

Poker is where its at man, trust me! Love mine for gaming.