Gaming keyboards

[Sagii]

Okey, I did a quick search and didn't find any dedicated thread to gaming keyboards (there was over 30 sides though, didn't fancy checking all of 'em  ).

I'm on the lookout for a new gaming keyboard, so therefore I've turned my attention to the allmighty bunch of keyboardgurus on geekhack! I bought a K95 (Cherry reds) which I'm not too happy with at this very moment. I would like to still keep red or brown switches though.

What I'm wondering is if someone's got any suggestions? Comfort and a nice feel to it (both with typing, gaming, and how robust it is) is the two most important features.. Wether it has macros etc. or not isn't really a big deal.

I might add that I've considered buying the K70, just 'cause the K95 feels so damn big with all the macro keys. I dunno, it might just be me. Also, because the keys on the K series isn't lowered down into the KB it feels extremely high and therefore uncofortable, but that might just be me needing to change "setup" slightly..

[Shyfe]

I don't think you specifically need to look for a gaming keyboard with all those flashy features. It sounds like you just need a suitable switch. What don't you like about the Cherry Reds? They're the kind of switch that people would recommend for gaming (Linear). Also, are you interested in having: 1. full keyboard, 2. no numpad, 3. no numpad and no arrow keys.

[sth]

there aren't many threads on gaming keyboards here because the general consensus among the community is that gaming products aren't of particularly high quality.

geekhack 2011: get a filco
geekhack 2013: get a CMstorm QuickFire Rapid

[Sagii]

Hmm... Okay, fair 'nuff! I will say the K series seems like they've got an extremely sturdy build though (unless it's me being a noob).

Anyways, that's kinda the problem.. I can't pinpoint what exactly I don't like about the K95 and the red switches. I thought I liked the red switches at first, but now I'm getting annoyed by too easily activating keys I don't want to activate, so I guess they are too light. I tried browns in a shop, and I'm not sure I liked them either >_> But maybe browns is what would be best suited, to avoid those annoying typos..
For wether or not I'd like a tenkeyless or not... I'm gonna be completely honest and say I don't know... I might be interested in a tenkeyless, just to try it. Everyone says it's so damn nice!

When I think about it, the K95 just feels "alien", it's like my hands can't nagivate. That is obviously because I've only spent a couple days with it though... AHHHH, choices >_< I really can't pinpoint one exact thing that makes me not like the K95.

[Shyfe]

The red MX switch comes with a 45g switch, which is pretty light in my opinion as well. However, with a bit of work, if you're willing, you could swap out the springs with something heavier like 55g or 62g. Springs can be found here and they're pretty cheap.

http://www.originativeco.com/products/springs

I think this will solve your accidental keypress thing at the lowest cost.

EDIT: I never noticed before, but it seems like that the site reports that their 65g springs take less force to press than the 45g cherry springs.. can someone verify this? It seems odd.

[Sagii]

EDIT: I never noticed before, but it seems like that the site reports that their 65g springs take less force to press than the 45g cherry springs.. can someone verify this? It seems odd.

Well, they said that the reported force was the force needed to press them fully down. Is that maybe the explanation? I honestly don't know, I'm a complete novice to mechanical KBs!

[epzy]

The red MX switch comes with a 45g switch, which is pretty light in my opinion as well. However, with a bit of work, if you're willing, you could swap out the springs with something heavier like 55g or 62g. Springs can be found here and they're pretty cheap.

http://www.originativeco.com/products/springs

I think this will solve your accidental keypress thing at the lowest cost.

EDIT: I never noticed before, but it seems like that the site reports that their 65g springs take less force to press than the 45g cherry springs.. can someone verify this? It seems odd.

Korean springs are measured in bottom out force rather than that of Cherry springs which are measured in actuation force.

[epzy]

I'll just write a short list of recommendations:

Poker 2 - 60% form factor
Noppoo Choc mini - 75% form factor
Ducky Premier - Full size form factor
Keycool 84 - 75% form factor
CM Storm Quickfire Rapid - TKL form factor
Ducky Shine 3 - TKL & full size form factor
Filco Majestouch 2 - TKL & full size form factor

Any of these will suffice, you just gotta choose a layout and ask yourself how much you're willing to spend.

[Candyflip]

R4zor with all new mechan1cal switchez! You can't lose with it, for gamerz by gamerz

[Sagii]

R4zor with all new mechan1cal switchez! You can't lose with it, for gamerz by gamerz

I sense abnormally large amounts of sarcasm in the air.

[Candyflip]

Yeah, joking aside those "gaming" tags companies put on their products only adds on the price and nothing else. I suggest you research around a bit more before spending money

[molt]

For wether or not I'd like a tenkeyless or not... I'm gonna be completely honest and say I don't know... I might be interested in a tenkeyless, just to try it. Everyone says it's so damn nice!

To find out, you could ask yourself: Do I really use the keypad?
Smaller form factor keyboards are nice because they are not occupying "unecessary" space on the desk (in a gaming perspective, given you mainly use the WASD keys and a mouse). And the distance between left and right hand is shorter, which I find more comfortable.

[oscillik]

If you need a keyboard for gaming, you can easily get away with TKL board, but you will absolutely require a keyboard with a dedicated arrow cluster.

I have been using a 60% board as my main board for some time now, and having to use a function layer for arrows only causes me a problem with gaming. There are some games out there that are hard coded to arrow key cluster, or are difficult to remap. I have a separate NumPad to mitigate this to some extent, but I would recommend going no smaller than a TKL (or perhaps those Leopold boards with just an arrow cluster)

[Razor Lotus]

I kinda agree with alot of the people here on their views of a gaming keyboard.

Before I stumbled upon geekhack, I was searching for a gaming keyboard as well. I wanted the razer blackwidow but I was looking at other models as well.

I ordered a switch tester online, came to geekhack, and I found out myself that really, you don't need a dedicated gaming keyboard.

Most gaming keyboards are like this: Fancy keyboard casing, backlit, macro keys, huge price tag. But really, inside they're pretty much the same as any other well build mechanical keyboard.

For example, if you buy a filco, ducky or even a poker, you'll still be able to game just as well as on a razer blackwidow, k95 etc, except that they don't have the extra macro keys. Heck these keyboards even come with media keys, albeit not dedicated, so you can still adjust the volume on your computer and all that.

More important is that you find out the switch you want, and those keyboards that people have mentioned before have more switch variety than those dedicated gaming keyboards out there.

Personally, I ended up with a KBT Pure as my first mechanical keyboard and I got it primarily to play games with it. I got red switches as double tapping feels better to me than on the other keyboards. As for backlighting, I bought a non backlit version so that I can buy the LEDs and solder them myself with more flexibility. Keycaps wise, I'm still waiting for the ones I like to come online in the groupbuy section. I also got an aluminium case for it.

At the end of the day, I got a nice personalized keyboard which didn't cost me any more than it should because of all the "gaming" features that other keyboards come with but yet I can still play as well. Whenever I underperform in game, I no longer have any reason to blame myself for having a lousy keyboard because I don't.

Here are my suggestions if you want to get a keyboard:
CM quickfire rapid - it's a gaming keyboard but it's one that alot of people start out with as their first mech kb.
Poker 2 - Good form factor, basically has all your essential keys, except maybe if you use function keys alot while gaming this could be a problem.
filco - good mech keyboard to have overall
ducky - good mech keyboard to have overall. plus with backlighting


tl;dr, any of those keyboards suggested here will perform. Doesn't have to be a dedicated gaming keyboard. Just choose your switches properly and you're done.

[Sagii]

Yeah, joking aside those "gaming" tags companies put on their products only adds on the price and nothing else. I suggest you research around a bit more before spending money

Haha, for sure But I did do a lot of research when it came to the corsair keyboards though, and I couldn't find anything but positive statements regarding them. And so far I'm extremely happy with looks, build quality and so forth. Biggest problem I have at the moment is that it just feels "alien", as stated earlier. I believe that it's just a matter of getting used to it, but I'm scared it might be more than that. Simply 'cause I have no experience with mech KBs. 

EDIT: I feel like I have to mention this: The reason I bought a K95 because it was no more expensive than the K70, and the K70 was maybe 20 bucks more expensive than any "normal" not gamingdedicated KB. And since the K95 and K70 are similar except the macro keys, I thought I might as well buy the K95 if I ever found myself needing them.

[Razor Lotus]

If you need a keyboard for gaming, you can easily get away with TKL board, but you will absolutely require a keyboard with a dedicated arrow cluster.

I have been using a 60% board as my main board for some time now, and having to use a function layer for arrows only causes me a problem with gaming. There are some games out there that are hard coded to arrow key cluster, or are difficult to remap. I have a separate NumPad to mitigate this to some extent, but I would recommend going no smaller than a TKL (or perhaps those Leopold boards with just an arrow cluster)

yea this too. I forgot to mention about dedicated arrow cluster in your keyboard for gaming.

Personally I play dota 2 and don't use the arrow keys anyway. But if I do need them, the KBT pure lets you use the shift, R_ALT,R_CTRL, R_WIN keys as arrow keys which you can turn on or off. It isn't a perfect arrow cluster but it substitutes it quite well.

[oscillik]

If you need a keyboard for gaming, you can easily get away with TKL board, but you will absolutely require a keyboard with a dedicated arrow cluster.

I have been using a 60% board as my main board for some time now, and having to use a function layer for arrows only causes me a problem with gaming. There are some games out there that are hard coded to arrow key cluster, or are difficult to remap. I have a separate NumPad to mitigate this to some extent, but I would recommend going no smaller than a TKL (or perhaps those Leopold boards with just an arrow cluster)

yea this too. I forgot to mention about dedicated arrow cluster in your keyboard for gaming.

Personally I play dota 2 and don't use the arrow keys anyway. But if I do need them, the KBT pure lets you use the shift, R_ALT,R_CTRL, R_WIN keys as arrow keys which you can turn on or off. It isn't a perfect arrow cluster but it substitutes it quite well.

Games like Fez and BroForce use the arrow cluster for movement. It certainly helps to have a dedicated cluster for indie games, at least in my experience. having to use a function layer like I do on the HHKB get's very annoying very quickly with gaming. Any other time, it's fine.

[epzy]

If you need a keyboard for gaming, you can easily get away with TKL board, but you will absolutely require a keyboard with a dedicated arrow cluster.

No. That depends on the specific game(s). None of the games I play require dedicated arrows. Besides, FN (left winkey) + WASD to get arrows > dedicated arrow keys.

[Sagii]

If I'm getting another mech KB, I will most likely get a TKL, just to get that outta the air. I'm not considering any smaller form factor than that tbh I'm very much considering a K70 With Browns.

[epzy]

K70, meh... Get a keyboard with standard key sizes at least. :/

[Sagii]

K70, meh... Get a keyboard with standard key sizes at least. :/

Got a point there... But I'm not really considering changing any keycaps or anything in the near future, even though it might be a handy option to have though.

[epzy]

The thing is, you might regret that when your stock keycaps become shiny after heavy usage.

[Sagii]

But is it only the spacebar and function keys that are not standarised, or is it all keys?

[Candyflip]

The thing is, you might regret that when your stock keycaps become shiny after heavy usage.

This, and you might find hard sourcing after market caps cos of the "non-standard" bottom row.

[epzy]

Just the bottom row AFAIK. Good quality keycaps makes a huge impact on the overall feel of the keyboard, btw.

[Candyflip]

Just the bottom row AFAIK. Good quality keycaps makes a huge impact on the overall feel of the keyboard, btw.

This also, keycaps can change the feel significantly!

[Sagii]

Then I shall ask you another question! How "good" are the keycaps on the K95?
 I tried a Logitech G710+ with browns, and that felt horrible in comparison to my K95. I kinda concluded that With me not liking Browns, but now when I think of it that was a keyboard set out for testing, so it's been used countless times, and was probably worn + being dirty, which might have had an impact on the overall feel.

[epzy]

Thin ABS, not sure about the printing method, but they aren't doubleshot so they would not be considered good. The G710+ gave me my most horrendous typing experience ever. Browns + thin ABS + O-rings = awful. Trust me, Browns feel different without the O-rings that the G710+ has pre-installed. Not many stock keyboards have keycaps that are considered good. There are a few though, like the Ducky Premier which has some nice keycaps.

[Sagii]

Good thing it wasn't just me that didn't like the logitech... Causde I don't think I like reds, so I wanted to try browns, and got extremely confused when trying the logitech, cause then I hated the browns!

[epzy]

Good thing it wasn't just me that didn't like the logitech... Causde I don't think I like reds, so I wanted to try browns, and got extremely confused when trying the logitech, cause then I hated the browns!

Haha ye, I went ahead and bought a QFR with browns just to make sure I didn't hate browns as much as I thought I did after trying the G710+. Didn't like browns regardless, but they felt way better on the QFR at least.

[Sagii]

Good thing it wasn't just me that didn't like the logitech... Causde I don't think I like reds, so I wanted to try browns, and got extremely confused when trying the logitech, cause then I hated the browns!

Haha ye, I went ahead and bought a QFR with browns just to make sure I didn't hate browns as much as I thought I did after trying the G710+. Didn't like browns regardless, but they felt way better on the QFR at least.

I think I might just stick with the K95 with reds for now, and see how it goes... Just now it feels kidna weird, and my fingers tense a lot cause I'm concentrating on doing everything right, so my hands hurt after playing/typing with this KB for an hour >_> and I'm always unsure wether I've activated a key or not.. Do you guys think I should buy Browns and try them instead? I mean.. A lot of the "symptoms" I have makes me think I should try and use Browns instead of reds (If I haven't mentioned it, blues are too loud.. My GF/flatmate would kill me  ) )

[epzy]

Good thing it wasn't just me that didn't like the logitech... Causde I don't think I like reds, so I wanted to try browns, and got extremely confused when trying the logitech, cause then I hated the browns!

Haha ye, I went ahead and bought a QFR with browns just to make sure I didn't hate browns as much as I thought I did after trying the G710+. Didn't like browns regardless, but they felt way better on the QFR at least.

I think I might just stick with the K95 with reds for now, and see how it goes... Just now it feels kidna weird, and my fingers tense a lot cause I'm concentrating on doing everything right, so my hands hurt after playing/typing with this KB for an hour >_> and I'm always unsure wether I've activated a key or not.. Do you guys think I should buy Browns and try them instead? I mean.. A lot of the "symptoms" I have makes me think I should try and use Browns instead of reds (If I haven't mentioned it, blues are too loud.. My GF/flatmate would kill me  ) )

Since keyboards are all about personal preferences I can only give you my own personal opinion... I wouldn't buy browns honestly. They are called 'dirty reds' for a reason. It's because they just feel like scratchy reds, and the tactile bump is too small to notice most of the time. Instead of browns I'd go for ergo-clears, aka Clear stem + a very light spring. A superior brown switch kind of. Bigger bump, not as scratchy. That would require some modding etc, though.

[Warv3n]

Just give you another option to look into, I bought a Func KB-460 for my gaming rig, and so far I am quite satisfied with it. It's well built, feel solid, and is quite affordable (at least in the EU).

[Candyflip]

Just give you another option to look into, I bought a Func KB-460 for my gaming rig, and so far I am quite satisfied with it. It's well built, feel solid, and is quite affordable (at least in the EU).

Same problem with keycaps and bottom row though.

[Sagii]

Thank GOD I wasn't the only one who felt the Browns were sorta dirty reds... Thought I was some insane weirdo... Anyways, the only option I really have without cashing out huge amounts would be red, Brown, and blue. I live in Norway, which haven't got many options, unless you want to order internationally (huge ass transport fees), or pay for an insanely overpriced Product if they aren't "normal". Let's put it this way: a K70 Brown is more expensive than a K70 With reds, and we're talking 50 bucks here... this is only due to the fact that a K70 With Browns is less usual than With reds...

And sorry for all these damn Capital letters, using one of the other computers in the house, and it has some weirdass correctionprogram >_>


If I'm gonna get a New KB (and Return the K95) now, it would probably be to get one With Brown switches, so if it hasn't got Brown switches I think it's outta the question tbh. Just can't be bothered going through the mailsystem, getting my Money back, waiting for a New order, etc. etc.

[Razor Lotus]

Corsair quickfire has my vote for a TKL

[epzy]

Corsair quickfire has my vote for a TKL

Same here, too bad it doesn't exist.

[Candyflip]

Corsair quickfire has my vote for a TKL

If only such board existed  )

[Warv3n]

Just give you another option to look into, I bought a Func KB-460 for my gaming rig, and so far I am quite satisfied with it. It's well built, feel solid, and is quite affordable (at least in the EU).

Same problem with keycaps and bottom row though.

True, but Sagii said he wasn't really sure to change caps in the future, so I thought it was worth mentioning.

[Defect]

Layout:
From personal experience, I think that the layout in a Choc Mini/Keycool 84/KBT Race is the best for gaming.  For League/Starcraft, it's nice to have the F row directly above the number row.  Compact layout lets you have your mouse hand closer to your WASD/QWER hand, and once you get used to it you really can't ever go back to full size for gaming (or even TKL [personal opinion].  Not sure how expensive this would be for you, though.  I really hope more are available.

Switches
Blues are inferior for gaming, anyone who says otherwise has not looked at how the switch actually works.  But you're already on the right path leaning towards reds.  Once you've tried lubed ergo clears it's impossible to even look at brown switches. 

I would say for FPS I prefer reds (or 65g red/blacks), and for RTS kind games I prefer my ergo clears (or even blues if I'm playing some low APM like Gragas in League or SK in Dota

If you have questions on brown vs clear, let me know!  I have done extensive testing with them using various springs/caps.


Edit: I don't hate blues.  I love them!  My first mech switch, actually.  But from a true gaming perspective they BLOW.  Will not budge my opinion on this.

[Sagii]

Layout:
From personal experience, I think that the layout in a Choc Mini/Keycool 84/KBT Race is the best for gaming.  For League/Starcraft, it's nice to have the F row directly above the number row.  Compact layout lets you have your mouse hand closer to your WASD/QWER hand, and once you get used to it you really can't ever go back to full size for gaming (or even TKL [personal opinion].  Not sure how expensive this would be for you, though.  I really hope more are available.

Switches
Blues are inferior for gaming, anyone who says otherwise has not looked at how the switch actually works.  But you're already on the right path leaning towards reds.  Once you've tried lubed ergo clears it's impossible to even look at brown switches. 

I would say for FPS I prefer reds (or 65g red/blacks), and for RTS kind games I prefer my ergo clears (or even blues if I'm playing some low APM like Gragas in League or SK in Dota

If you have questions on brown vs clear, let me know!  I have done extensive testing with them using various springs/caps.

Well, you nailed which games I play.. I'm an avid League player (been since slightly after beta). And the TKL and smaller form factor is really intruiging... And for what you're saying when it comes to RTS and ergo Clears, have you got any recommendations of KBs With those Stock? Or is the ergo Clears something you have to mod yourself?

Sorry, but I honestly know nothing about all of this, tryin to learn as much as I can! ^^


EDIT: Okey, I'm stupid.. A quick Google search on ergo Clears answered my question. Anyways, for a TKL, have you got any other good suggestions than those Three, 'cuase none of them are really available in Norway :c

[Defect]

Layout:
From personal experience, I think that the layout in a Choc Mini/Keycool 84/KBT Race is the best for gaming.  For League/Starcraft, it's nice to have the F row directly above the number row.  Compact layout lets you have your mouse hand closer to your WASD/QWER hand, and once you get used to it you really can't ever go back to full size for gaming (or even TKL [personal opinion].  Not sure how expensive this would be for you, though.  I really hope more are available.

Switches
Blues are inferior for gaming, anyone who says otherwise has not looked at how the switch actually works.  But you're already on the right path leaning towards reds.  Once you've tried lubed ergo clears it's impossible to even look at brown switches. 

I would say for FPS I prefer reds (or 65g red/blacks), and for RTS kind games I prefer my ergo clears (or even blues if I'm playing some low APM like Gragas in League or SK in Dota

If you have questions on brown vs clear, let me know!  I have done extensive testing with them using various springs/caps.

Well, you nailed which games I play.. I'm an avid League player (been since slightly after beta). And the TKL and smaller form factor is really intruiging... And for what you're saying when it comes to RTS and ergo Clears, have you got any recommendations of KBs With those Stock? Or is the ergo Clears something you have to mod yourself?

Sorry, but I honestly know nothing about all of this, tryin to learn as much as I can! ^^

I just modded a Pure to have 62g Lubed Ergo Clear.  Just say, they really are amazing.  Overyhyped?  Yes, I will be first to say Ergo Clear and the switch with T-word (WILL NOT START THAT HERE) are both overhyped.

Stock clears I still say are AMAZING!  They are just a bit heavy for gaming.  I did game on my Shine II with stock clears.  The switches were fine (not as good as ergo for gaming, imo.  I like light switches for gaming, heavier for typing).  I hated the Full Size layout too much...great for work, terrible for gaming.

To be honest, you could get away with blues on League.  However, I hate it when I'm playing someone like Anivia or Riven who require higher APM, I stick to more reliable switches (reds/clear).  If you have gotten used to the middle-press actuation on a red, you will hate blues because you need to rest the key all the way before the click will actuate (key press will still work with middle hovering, but you will not get the click and that can REALLY throw you off...unreliable!).  You only get the click in blues if you release all the way, but the mid point actuation still applies (it is cherry, after all).

Do you currently have more questions about layout or switch?  We should narrow down a switch first or a layout first, then decide on the next.  Also, be careful on this site.  You might become a keyboard addict!  Not that it's a bad thing.

[Candyflip]

Layout:
From personal experience, I think that the layout in a Choc Mini/Keycool 84/KBT Race is the best for gaming.  For League/Starcraft, it's nice to have the F row directly above the number row.  Compact layout lets you have your mouse hand closer to your WASD/QWER hand, and once you get used to it you really can't ever go back to full size for gaming (or even TKL [personal opinion].  Not sure how expensive this would be for you, though.  I really hope more are available.

Switches
Blues are inferior for gaming, anyone who says otherwise has not looked at how the switch actually works.  But you're already on the right path leaning towards reds.  Once you've tried lubed ergo clears it's impossible to even look at brown switches. 

I would say for FPS I prefer reds (or 65g red/blacks), and for RTS kind games I prefer my ergo clears (or even blues if I'm playing some low APM like Gragas in League or SK in Dota

If you have questions on brown vs clear, let me know!  I have done extensive testing with them using various springs/caps.

I actually disagree. First for the 84 layout you need to get used to (not worth it for the extra 2 cm you will get) opposed to lets say a TKL which has the same layout with everyday standard keyboard that most people have used before switching to mech and the spacing between the keys on the function row can be quite useful for touch typing/gaming. Overall I don't like the 84 boards because you can't find decent set for them and would not go down that road. Second the switch type is personal preference, I play sc and sc2 on daily basis with blues and find them better (for me) than any other switch. OP should try for himself, switch tester is one option..

[Defect]

Layout:
From personal experience, I think that the layout in a Choc Mini/Keycool 84/KBT Race is the best for gaming.  For League/Starcraft, it's nice to have the F row directly above the number row.  Compact layout lets you have your mouse hand closer to your WASD/QWER hand, and once you get used to it you really can't ever go back to full size for gaming (or even TKL [personal opinion].  Not sure how expensive this would be for you, though.  I really hope more are available.

Switches
Blues are inferior for gaming, anyone who says otherwise has not looked at how the switch actually works.  But you're already on the right path leaning towards reds.  Once you've tried lubed ergo clears it's impossible to even look at brown switches. 

I would say for FPS I prefer reds (or 65g red/blacks), and for RTS kind games I prefer my ergo clears (or even blues if I'm playing some low APM like Gragas in League or SK in Dota

If you have questions on brown vs clear, let me know!  I have done extensive testing with them using various springs/caps.

I actually disagree. First for the 84 layout you need to get used to (not worth it for the extra 2 cm you will get) opposed to lets say a TKL which has the same layout with everyday standard keyboard that most people have used before switching to mech and the spacing between the keys on the function row can be quite useful for touch typing/gaming. Overall I don't like the 84 boards because you can't find decent set for them and would not go down that road. Second the switch type is personal preference, I play sc and sc2 on daily basis with blues and find them better (for me) than any other switch. OP should try for himself, switch tester is one option..

Of course, it's all personal preference!  To be honest, it took me maybe a week to get used to the Choc Mini's layout.  Worth the learning curve, I believe!  Having F row directly above number row is REALLY handy once you get used to it.  In league, F1 = self view, F2 = 2nd players view, F3 = 3rd etc.  Can be handy if you want to spot around the map quickly while still hitting perfect CS (necessary if you want to hit higher than Plat).

I have seen on this forum recently that there are issues with Choc Minis lately?  Might want to check on that.  I will say that mine has had 0 issues and the pom caps that came with it are the best feeling [OPINION~~~!!] for any linear or tactile switch.  For clicky switches I actually like thick PBT most.  Again, this is all opinion and is probably extra to OP's main issue. 
If you ask me "do keycaps affect feel," I would say yes most of the time.  But in gaming after you've done your warmup sessions I would answer "not really."

[Sagii]

Layout:
From personal experience, I think that the layout in a Choc Mini/Keycool 84/KBT Race is the best for gaming.  For League/Starcraft, it's nice to have the F row directly above the number row.  Compact layout lets you have your mouse hand closer to your WASD/QWER hand, and once you get used to it you really can't ever go back to full size for gaming (or even TKL [personal opinion].  Not sure how expensive this would be for you, though.  I really hope more are available.

Switches
Blues are inferior for gaming, anyone who says otherwise has not looked at how the switch actually works.  But you're already on the right path leaning towards reds.  Once you've tried lubed ergo clears it's impossible to even look at brown switches. 

I would say for FPS I prefer reds (or 65g red/blacks), and for RTS kind games I prefer my ergo clears (or even blues if I'm playing some low APM like Gragas in League or SK in Dota

If you have questions on brown vs clear, let me know!  I have done extensive testing with them using various springs/caps.

Well, you nailed which games I play.. I'm an avid League player (been since slightly after beta). And the TKL and smaller form factor is really intruiging... And for what you're saying when it comes to RTS and ergo Clears, have you got any recommendations of KBs With those Stock? Or is the ergo Clears something you have to mod yourself?

Sorry, but I honestly know nothing about all of this, tryin to learn as much as I can! ^^

I just modded a Pure to have 62g Lubed Ergo Clear.  Just say, they really are amazing.  Overyhyped?  Yes, I will be first to say Ergo Clear and the switch with T-word (WILL NOT START THAT HERE) are both overhyped.

Stock clears I still say are AMAZING!  They are just a bit heavy for gaming.  I did game on my Shine II with stock clears.  The switches were fine (not as good as ergo for gaming, imo.  I like light switches for gaming, heavier for typing).  I hated the Full Size layout too much...great for work, terrible for gaming.

To be honest, you could get away with blues on League.  However, I hate it when I'm playing someone like Anivia or Riven who require higher APM, I stick to more reliable switches (reds/clear).  If you have gotten used to the middle-press actuation on a red, you will hate blues because you need to rest the key all the way before the click will actuate (key press will still work with middle hovering, but you will not get the click and that can REALLY throw you off...unreliable!).  You only get the click in blues if you release all the way, but the mid point actuation still applies (it is cherry, after all).

Do you currently have more questions about layout or switch?  We should narrow down a switch first or a layout first, then decide on the next.  Also, be careful on this site.  You might become a keyboard addict!  Not that it's a bad thing.

To narrow it Down on a switch: Brown or red... both pretty much Equal, doesn't matter which one. For form factor, let's say TKL, I'm really intruiged by how they look. And those saying I should get a switch tester, problem is once again that it aint available, and would be quite expensive to order from outside Norway (AFAIK).


Summary: I want a TKL, With red or Brown switches. Bombard me With suggestions allmightykeyboardenthuisasts!

[johndavis33]

There are no keyboards with blacks avalible around you?

[Sagii]

There are no keyboards with blacks avalible around you?

I remember seeing ONE somewhere.. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like blacks. I dunno.. I just got a feeling I won't like them.

[Signature]

There are no keyboards with blacks avalible around you?

I remember seeing ONE somewhere.. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like blacks. I dunno.. I just got a feeling I won't like them.

Well this is another one of those threads that you can't really give a good answer. This due to preferences of switches, I might like blues, but for you it may be the complete opposite. Would suggest you buying a switch tester or something similair and trying out for yourself. I'm rocking lubed blues and it's pretty sweet even in gaming!

[Sagii]

There are no keyboards with blacks avalible around you?

I remember seeing ONE somewhere.. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like blacks. I dunno.. I just got a feeling I won't like them.

Well this is another one of those threads that you can't really give a good answer. This due to preferences of switches, I might like blues, but for you it may be the complete opposite. Would suggest you buying a switch tester or something similair and trying out for yourself. I'm rocking lubed blues and it's pretty sweet even in gaming!

As I've stated a couple times I'm not really in a position to get the switch tester :/ And when it comes to the switches, I don't really except a "definite" answer on that one.. I started this thread mostly to see if anyone had any good suggestions for a KB ^^

[Signature]

There are no keyboards with blacks avalible around you?

I remember seeing ONE somewhere.. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like blacks. I dunno.. I just got a feeling I won't like them.

Well this is another one of those threads that you can't really give a good answer. This due to preferences of switches, I might like blues, but for you it may be the complete opposite. Would suggest you buying a switch tester or something similair and trying out for yourself. I'm rocking lubed blues and it's pretty sweet even in gaming!

As I've stated a couple times I'm not really in a position to get the switch tester :/ And when it comes to the switches, I don't really except a "definite" answer on that one.. I started this thread mostly to see if anyone had any good suggestions for a KB ^^

If your local electronics shop sells mechanical keyboards they might let you try one! For me blacks aren't my type of switch but some love them. You maybe want to pick up something cheap in the classifieds forum just to try it out, that would be my go to!