Should I go from Das (Brown) to Poker II (Black)

[jangozo]

Hi,

I've been using my Das Keyboards Model S Ultimate (MX Brown) with O-rings since last December. It's my first mechanical keyboard and I definitely like typing on it, it's miles better than any rubber dome keyboard I've tried.

Here is the problem.
I don't know if my fingers are getting lazy because of the light actuation force (only 45g) but I'm beginning to type extra keys in-between my words and missing out some letters. Maybe that makes me a heavy typist? The problem is possibly amplified by the fact that I have o-rings on but they're almost essential since I work in an office environment. Another reason for the typos could be the fact that with no bottoming out sound, it's harder to know when I've pressed. Maybe you've experienced this?

I'm thinking of selling my Das at a loss and buying a cheaper brand keyboard but with harder switches and in TKL style (like the Poker II). Maybe the black switches will make me use more force when typing and thus reduce the accidental key presses. On the flip side, the harder keys could feel too heavy. Maybe I should remind myself that my fingers will thank me in the long run for the lighter Browns. Would the MX Black be quieter and reduce the need for o-rings? Also what about build quality? Das Keyboards are talked about as great keyboards, would shifting to a lower price brand hide some build quality issues?

Thanks

[jameslr]

Topre is the answer. Get a silenced Realforce or HHKB. Smooth tactility without the heavy weight of blacks. It sounds like you're trying to emulate Topre with the brown + o-rings anyway. I don't like linear switches period.

[Dyslexic]

Topre is the answer. Get a silenced Realforce or HHKB. Smooth tactility without the heavy weight of blacks. It sounds like you're trying to emulate Topre with the brown + o-rings anyway. I don't like linear switches period.

I'm inclined to agree with his opinion -- I have a Das with browns and o-rings as well as a topre board, and if you're a typist you definitely don't want a linear switch. Blacks and Reds really aren't ideal for heavy typing sessions, and I found myself accidentally actuating linear switches more often than those with tactile feedback. The topre has enough resistance at the top of the keystroke that you'll know without a doubt any time you actuate a key. The throw is completely different from an MX switch. In my experience, you're far more likely to bottom out a linear MX switch than one with tactile feedback.

[jameslr]

Here are some audio clips between the two: First is realforce 87UW 55G Second is HHKB Pro 2. Neither of these boards are silenced, but they're still relatively quiet.

I strongly prefer my 55g Realforce. I think mostly due to the metal plate in it. It's just very sturdy and a dream to type on. The HHKB is very fun to type on and gives you more of that satisfying thock sound that is much loved by Topre enthusiasts.

[jangozo]

I like the fact that you're understanding exactly what I'm expecting from a keyboard but my wallet doesn't like the solution. 

I've definitely considered a Topre in the past but the price was too high for me. In fact, ordering the Das with delivery and duty fees costed me $175 just because I live in South Eastern Europe. Getting a Topre over to Bulgaria would be $275 (from Amazon). Maybe in the future if the problem gets worse, I can bite the bullet and go for it.

[AKIMbO]

You could get a board with stock clears. 

[jameslr]

Yes, unfortunately Topre boards are quite expensive. The positive side is it's the only board you'll ever have to buy for years. You could wait until CM Storm releases their Novatouch TKL (Topre 45g uniform) with cheaper caps although I'd recommend the Realforce. You get decent quality PBT caps and excellent build quality. I will purchase a NovaTouch when they're released, but I don't have high hopes on the build quality.

Keep an eye out on the classifieds section of the forums here. You could snag a good deal from someone in Europe.

[daerid]

You could get a board with stock clears. 

+1

[jangozo]

You could get a board with stock clears.

By board with stock clears do you mean CODE keyboard? I haven't seen other keyboards offering clears.

[Pacifist]

You could get a board with stock clears.

After using stock clears after ergo clears, stock is so much better

[jacobolus]

You might also like Matias quiet switches. They’re definitely stiffer than Cherry MX brown, and also noticeably more tactile, without being loud.

[Hyde]

Get Topre Type Heaven.  They're only $150 and even though they have ABS keycaps it's still really nice to type on.