Scorpius-M10 BL - Backlit Gaming Keyboard

[eugenius]

I was browsing for the first time on the iOne website, and look what I found: a backlit cherry keyboard:

http://www.ione.com.tw/2008/product/wdkb-SC-M10%20BL.asp

[itlnstln]

That's pretty sweet.  I might even get one if they become available in the US.  I would imagine it still uses Cherry blues.

Edit:  It would have been nice if they updated the overall styling of the keyboard, though.  It's almost like throwing some 24" spinners on an '81 Plymouth Reliant K-Car.

[eugenius]

And another interesting device is the Libra 35T touchpad wrist-rest ...

http://www.ione.com.tw/2008/product/Other%20Libra%2035%20T.asp

[bhtooefr]

Hey, and the LED cluster looks modern!

Also, the Aries/Reliant came out in 82, IIRC.

This is like throwing some 15" alloys, a subtle body kit, and neons on a 92 Acclaim. Looks halfway decent, except for the damn neons.

[itlnstln]

Also, the Aries/Reliant came out in 82, IIRC.

1981-1988 according to Wikipedia.  My parents had a Reliant K station wagon.  One of the biggest pieces of sh*t EVAR.

[rdjack21]

And another interesting device is the Libra 35T touchpad wrist-rest ...

http://www.ione.com.tw/2008/product/Other%20Libra%2035%20T.asp

Show Image

ergogeek has that in stock:
http://www.ergogeek.com/ione-libra-35t-wrist-pad-touchpad-mouse-usb-black.html

What I'm more interested in which I did not know they made is this guy:


ergogeek has it in black and I bet it uses blues as well and the price is not too bad.

They also have a couple of track balls that look interesting. I did not know they made such interesting stuff.

[cmr]

does this use the blue switches?

[eugenius]

The scorpius-32 is more interesting imo ....
It has the arrow keys and the page-up block too.

[rdjack21]

The scorpius-32 is more interesting imo ....
It has the arrow keys and the page-up block too.

Show Image

I think I like the smaller one better. But no matter both of them have "High Quality Mechanical key switch with tactile click sound and touch feeling" which means they are most likely cherry blue switches :) I may just have to get one and see.

Also take a look here: http://www.ergogeek.com/ione-qtronix.html They carry most every thing iOne sales but I don't see that backlit board. May have to send them a email and see why not. They also tend to beat everyone else on price as well.

[FKSSR]

If I ended up getting a tenkeyless keyboard for work, I'd have to get a separate numpad, which I would prefer, just so I could put it on the left side or to the right of my mouse.

Does Filco make their numpad with blue cherries?  I only remember seeing people talk about brown cherry versions.

If they don't, I would think about purchasing the black iOne, if they had good quality.

[rdjack21]

I sent this off to ergogeek:

I was just wondering if you had any plans of carrying this iOne keyboard:
http://www.ione.com.tw/2008/product/wdkb-SC-M10%20BL.asp

I just got this back

Yes. Actually we have already received sample.
-cherry MX black mechanical switches
-100% n-key roll over
-built in 2 high speed USB HUB
-Audio Jack Pass through
-individual LED on all switches
-8 steps dimmer control
-embedded media keys

Price is $129.95

EDIT: I just sent off another email asking what kind of switches are in the number pads shown further up the thread.

EDIT: The number pads are cherry blues according to ergogeek

[cmr]

assuming they fixed the soldering it sounds like ione may have just claimed the entire market for the das iii pro

[lam47]

but its got blacks not blues

[rdjack21]

but its got blacks not blues

Yea that was the first thing I thought when I got the reply, browns would have been ok though. But seeing that I don't have any blacks I may just get this board to see what they feel like.

[Viett]

There are two models on the site, the M10 Plus and the M10 BL. They both use the same picture.

I'm assuming the BL is Backlit, linear:

Features
                           

• LEDs backlight For Enhanced Visuals
• Gaming grade lifetime: 50 million keystrokes
• Illuminated characters with ten levels of brightness allows you to locate keys
• easily in both bright and low-light conditions
• Gaming cluster with anti-ghosting capability
• Advanced Cherry Mechanical Switch technology

Here is the Plus:

Features
                           

• Advanced Cherry Mechanical Switch technology  
• Gaming cluster with anti-ghosting capability
• Gaming grade lifetime: 50 million keystrokes
• Gold-plated connectors for extremely low latency
• Headphone-out and microphone-in jacks
• 2 x USB 2.0 Port High Speed Hubs / Comes with built in USB port on end for addition peripheral

Do you think that perhaps the Plus might still be using Blue Cherry switches?

[bhtooefr]

50 million keystrokes = not likely.

IIRC, the only Cherry MX switch to be rated for 50 million strokes is the black.

[FKSSR]

What kind of cost is there going to be for these?  If it is as much as a Steelseries 7G, I would probably suggest looking towards one of those (also black switches).

[FKSSR]

50 million keystrokes = not likely.

IIRC, the only Cherry MX switch to be rated for 50 million strokes is the black.

Yeah, but the 50 mil could be a bit of "truth-stretching," as well.

However, I would still say that they are probably also blacks, and the only difference between the two is that the plus has the USB hub and mic/phone jacks, and the BL has the backlight.

[rdjack21]

I would bet the one that ergogeek is going to carry is the plus model because the response I got back from them stated that it had the USB hub and the audio jacks.

EDIT: It also stated that it had the black switches.

[rdjack21]

What kind of cost is there going to be for these?  If it is as much as a Steelseries 7G, I would probably suggest looking towards one of those (also black switches).

The message I got back from ergogeek had the price at $129.95 so it is a little more expensive than the Steelseries 7G which you can find for a little over $100. But if you think about it that means you are paying $29 for the back lighting which the Steelseries does not have in a mechanical key switch board. And to top it off the iOne has 8 levels of back lighting where as the only back lit Steelseries has 3. So I think this board will be very competitive if they have gotten their quality issues solved.

[FKSSR]

You're right.  I wasn't thinking about the back-lighting, because I really would find that distracting, or at the very least, not something I would pay extra for.  However, I can see why you would go with iOne, if that is what you're looking for.

[bhtooefr]

But, if everything's wrong, and the M10 Plus has blues... that could be some people's dream board.

Note that the M10 Plus's product description doesn't mention backlighting, although the photo is of an M10 BL. (Then again, Ergogeek described something with both the BL and Plus features.)

The M10 Plus might be what some people have been wanting for quite a while - a mechanical keyboard with a USB hub and multimedia keys.

[eugenius]

Of course, it had to be blacks.

I was prepared to forgive the fact that it's not tenkeyless, but fullsize and blacks I can't forgive.

Let the backlight shine on other people ...

BTW, it look suspiciously like the DECK, even the price.

[cmr]

oh wait black not blue, that's right. i blame antihistamines.

you can have my 10-key pad when you pry it from my cold, RSI-damaged hands

[rdjack21]

FYI the both of the Numpads earlier in the thread are cherry blues according to ergogeek.

Scorpius 32 and 22 are Cherry MX blue

Thanks

[rdjack21]

I told ergogeek about this thread and they came and took a look. And sent this to me I think yall will like it

Hello Richard,

Thanks for the link and interesting thread,
Here are the images that I just shot from our M10 PLUS sample board and yes,
we will only carry this PLUS version

See attached for images for the PLUS version

Note: This switches has to be special made with Cherry, because the LED is
actually embedded on the mechanical switches. So there are not much option
for now.

Thanks again.
name erased ..

NOTE: He sent 6 shots so I will put that in the next post.

[rdjack21]

Here is the last shot

[bhtooefr]

Hrm, and Cherry doesn't list B as an LED option, either. Sucks that they're black, though.

Anyway, how are the media keys actuated? I don't see an Fn key on there, so...

Also, what does the board look like with the backlight turned off?

[cchan]

Hrm, and Cherry doesn't list B as an LED option, either. Sucks that they're black, though.

Anyway, how are the media keys actuated? I don't see an Fn key on there, so...

Also, what does the board look like with the backlight turned off?

Wonder how easy it is to pop the top of the LED switches.I could pick up cheap MX11800 on ebay and swap the springs for a "cherry red" board.

[bhtooefr]

Not easy.

First, they're plate-mounted, so you'll have to desolder them.

Second, you'll have to desolder the LED from the switch to pop the top.

[cchan]

Not easy.

First, they're plate-mounted, so you'll have to desolder them.

Second, you'll have to desolder the LED from the switch to pop the top.

Grr face. I want my backlit reds or blues!

[eugenius]

Wonder how easy it is to pop the top of the LED switches.I could pick up cheap MX11800 on ebay and swap the springs for a "cherry red" board.

If it was this easy, I would have a Deck 82key by now.

[Chloe]

50 million keystrokes = not likely.

IIRC, the only Cherry MX switch to be rated for 50 million strokes is the black.

According to this, all MX switches are now rated at 50 million.

[eugenius]

It was always 50 million.

I hope that's not the clue that was used to conclude it's blacks ...

[itlnstln]

It was always 50 million.

I hope that's not the clue that was used to conclude it's blacks ...

I think only the blacks were rated at 50 mil. for some time.  The others used to be rated at 20 mil., I think.

[Mikecase00]

If it was this easy, I would have a Deck 82key by now.

The Deck board has had backlit black cherry keys for a couple years.  I'll wager iOne is using the same switches.  Why no one can produce such a board with tactile switches (particularly the blues) I'll never guess.  I reiterate my dream keyboard design...

Must have:
 - IBM spacesaver layout
 - Blue cherry key switches (or buckling spring!)
 - not beige (black is my first choice, but gunmetal/stark white/silver could also be nice)
 - no unnecessary "multi-media" buttons or displays
 - Substantial/solid build quality (quality plastics, metal backplate, heft so it doesn't slide around my desk as I type)

Nice to have:
 - wireless
 - integrated USB hub
 - backlighting

Really, keyboard manufacturers, is it that hard?!?  Seems like there would be quite a market for something like this.

[Hak Foo]

Really, keyboard manufacturers, is it that hard?!?  Seems like there would be quite a market for something like this.

Yeah, it evidently is.  Don't distract them, they're busy moving keys around from the classic layout.  I think they're going to move "N" up between "F12" and wherever the hell they put "Insert" on some of these new boards.

Basically, they've decided the primary audience for premium keyboards is the "XTREEEM GAMER" who evidently needs something that matches his poorly made, 150 dollar case stuffed with whining fans, neon lights and a painting of an anime catgirl on the side.  And apparently, he wants a little screen and 82 macro keys that he won't bother programming more than anything else.  And wireless that dies when you don't expect it.  The "professional quality tools" argument is not resonating.

Media buttons don't bother me-- if they're not done at the expense of real keys (my latest pet peeve-- the keyboards with an "Office Lock" that you have to disable before function keys do normal things), but I could see a valid complaint if you primarily wanted a compact keyboard.

Maybe that DSI Modular keyboard someone showed a few threads ago could be extended in concept-- I want a numpad, editing block and an extra block of media keys, so they could make three snap-on components.

[itlnstln]

Media buttons don't bother me-- if they're not done at the expense of real keys

This is not an often-heard take amongst keyboard afficionados, but I concur.  I actually would like some dedicated volume buttons.  I find those very useful.  All the Play, Pause, Favorites, or whatever, I don't really care about, but volume (and mute) I find very handy.  Oh, and the calculator button on MS keyboards is pretty handy, too.

[Mikecase00]

This is not an often-heard take amongst keyboard afficionados, but I concur.  I actually would like some dedicated volume buttons.  I find those very useful.  All the Play, Pause, Favorites, or whatever, I don't really care about, but volume (and mute) I find very handy.  Oh, and the calculator button on MS keyboards is pretty handy, too.

If multi-media keys can be integrated without sacrificing build quality, replacing/superseding standard keys, or  sacrificing the standard keyboard layout I'd accept a few of them.  A row of assignable keys to the left of the qwerty area might work out well.  Combining multi-media keys with the standard function keys or squishing them into the editing block area is unacceptable.

[FKSSR]

The only media keys I really like are play/pause, volume up, and volume down.  So, those would be the only ones I would vote for.  I can live without them, though, and I have grown to like the traditional keyboard look more and more.  Adding media keys just doesn't appeal to me too much.

[cmr]

i used to want dedicated volume buttons, but i've gotten so used to alt+F11/alt+F12 that i use them without thinking even on unfamiliar machines

[Shmak]

Really, keyboard manufacturers, is it that hard?!? Seems like there would be quite a market for something like this.

There is a market for a board like this. I have combed the web for something similar only to come up empty handed. The only thing this speaks to is that there must be a technical holdup somewhere.

In my case i was specifically looking at wireless, which presents a host of problems. Deck Guy has said on the forums that there is no way to support the backlighting they use in a wireless model without eating through batteries too quickly. Also gaming response is out the window if the board tries to turn itself off too frequently to save power.

I almost went for the Steelseries 7G, forgoing all thoughts of wireless since gaming is mostly my bag. But, thanks to these forums (first post btw) I stumbled on the FKBN87M/EB which is now on the way. I've simply decided to get a 25ft ps/2 cable and route it along the baseboard to my couch. We'll see how that goes.

[eugenius]

That deck guy was talking nonsense, of course it can be done, even if the kb would need the full 500mA from the USB port (which I doubt, it's more like 200-300), they can make it rechargeable, give it 4 quality >2500mAh batteries and it would last at least 24 hours on a charge, with the backlight at full, and a lot more with low power backlight or with it off.

And you know, making it USB/wireless hybrid would completely solve any battery life concerns ....

[rnak92a]

I think I like the smaller one better. But no matter both of them have "High Quality Mechanical key switch with tactile click sound and touch feeling" which means they are most likely cherry blue switches I may just have to get one and see.

Also take a look here: http://www.ergogeek.com/ione-qtronix.html They carry most every thing iOne sales but I don't see that backlit board. May have to send them a email and see why not. They also tend to beat everyone else on price as well.

Not to resurrect an older post, but I queried ergogeek about the keypads they offer, a few of which were mentioned earlier in this thread.

What follows is my query and their response.  

Hello:

While browsing your site for a Cherry-equipped USB keypad, I found this product:  <http://www.ergogeek.com/kp-701-professional-mechanical-key-switch-numeric-keypad-usb.html>

The description indicates "Cherry MX technology with Gold Crosspoint contacts";  are the switches blue, black, or white?
 
Also, your other numeric keypads--the Scorpius 19, 22, and 32--have Cherry Blue switches, correct?
 
Thanks for your time and assistance.

 Sincerely,

rnak92a

Ergogeek's reply:

hello rnak92a.
 
 1) scorpius 32 cherry blue
 2) scorpius 19, alps white
 3) scorpius 22, cherry blue
 4) KP 701 , cherry blue
 
 thanks

So, there we have it.  Mostly yummy, magically delicious Cherry Blues--which should whet iMav's appetite, as well as that of most others here interested in such devices--and one Alps White, which isn't bad, either.

Hope this helps someone trying to decide what to buy and where.

Cheers,
~rn

Edit:

I replied to this red-eyed salesperson (their reply was sent 04/26/09 @ 3:32 AM) with the following regarding backordering or future availability notification, and will update this post with their response.

Thanks for the reply.  I'd like a KP 701 but notice it is not in stock.  Is it possible to backorder this product or receive e-mail notification of future availability?  Else, I'll have to watch your site, sniper-in-the-weeds style, and strike when the moment is right.  

Thanks again for your time and assistance.

Kind Regards,
rnak92a

As of 04/27/09, no information about backordering or backorder notification options.  I'd think an e-mail to ergogeek sales about any particular out-of-stock product would work well, as they (or s/he) has proven to be responsive.

Edit 2:

This red-eyed sales person and I are having a continuing dialogue about numpads.  S/he provided the following when I mentioned ordering the KP701 and Scorpius 32 and comparing them:

hello rnak92a,

if you are interested in picking between them, if you ask me which one is better. i will say KP-701 definately the highest quality compared to scorpius 32,
 the current version of scorpius 32 uses alps white mechanical switches, i think i have only one or two remaining in stock. i will check when i get back to office tomorrow to be sure. future shipment on scorpius 32 will be cherry blue mechanical switches.
   
 another reason why i said KP-701 is better besides higher quality it has some other useful keys such as cut, paste, alt,  undo and redo....
 
 can't go wrong with KP-701.
 
 thanks and i will let you know tomorrow about the availability on scorpius 32 alps keys
 
 thanks
 ergogeek.com

I'll edit in additional information as this most helpful person provides it.

salut,
~rn