Gaming keyboards

[Sagii]

Amazon.co.uk DO ship to Norway.... It's right there in their list: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=11072981

Some goods may be restricted by their type, but I ordered and received a keyboard from them here in Finland.

This one here is "Fulfilled by Amazon", so it should ship there no problem: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mechanical-Keyboard-Mx-Brown-Keycaps-International/dp/B007OK938Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1398971123&sr=8-2&keywords=noppoo+choc+mini

It's a good layout for gaming and the keycaps are really great. They are thick POM with a great profile. AFAIK the board isn't backlit, though. That particular one comes with MX Brown switches.

Hard to find keycap sets for (the edit keys on the right hand side, short right shift and extra 1x key on the bottom row and the space looks like it might not be a standard size), but it is possible. Sets with Tsangan kits will fit everything except the right side edit keys (and possible the space). May actually be nice to keep them and the arrow keys standard anyway to differentiate them

About the programming ANSI layout to have all the keys of ISO... Can't be done, since ISO has 1 more physical key. You can map any key to any other key using software, though (AutoHotKey is one example). What I do with my ANSI boards is switch between installed layouts in Windows with Alt-Shift. So I use standard US ANSI layout for all the symbols and normal characters and switch to Finnish layout when I need ö,ä or å. I program exclusively in US ANSI since the brackets and slashes are in much better positions and never need öäå in my code (except maybe some comments).

Unfortunately it does NOT ship to Norway :c None of the KBs (nor the one you linked) ship to Norway.. that's the message I get when trying to order it

EDIT: Or, well.. it says "Unfortunately this item does not ship to the chosen address" or something like that :/

[Oobly]

Darn... that sucks, sorry.

I guess they have different policies for certain types of items for Norway.

Well, as I've said before, the Ducky is a solid choice.

[blackbox]

Nice thread. As far as I have seen there has not been a wasdkeyboards recommendation. You can get custom keyboards here:

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/mechanical-keyboard/wasd-v2-88-key-iso-custom-mechanical-keyboard.html#ad-image-0

But by all means i think the ducky should be a good choice also.

[Sagii]

Darn... that sucks, sorry.

I guess they have different policies for certain types of items for Norway.

Well, as I've said before, the Ducky is a solid choice.

It suck a lot :c

Nice thread. As far as I have seen there has not been a wasdkeyboards recommendation. You can get custom keyboards here:

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/mechanical-keyboard/wasd-v2-88-key-iso-custom-mechanical-keyboard.html#ad-image-0

But by all means i think the ducky should be a good choice also.

WASD is absolutely an option, but buying a Ducky will actually be 'bout 15-20 bucks cheaper ^^' So unless the quality is better (?) for the WASD KBs I think I'll stick with the Ducky

[blackbox]

Darn... that sucks, sorry.

I guess they have different policies for certain types of items for Norway.

Well, as I've said before, the Ducky is a solid choice.

It suck a lot :c

Nice thread. As far as I have seen there has not been a wasdkeyboards recommendation. You can get custom keyboards here:

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/mechanical-keyboard/wasd-v2-88-key-iso-custom-mechanical-keyboard.html#ad-image-0

But by all means i think the ducky should be a good choice also.

WASD is absolutely an option, but buying a Ducky will actually be 'bout 15-20 bucks cheaper ^^' So unless the quality is better (?) for the WASD KBs I think I'll stick with the Ducky

I do not know about the quality difference. I am not trying to change your choice so just stick with the ducky then.

Forresten, en norsk bruker til her på GH.

[Oobly]

...

WASD is absolutely an option, but buying a Ducky will actually be 'bout 15-20 bucks cheaper ^^' So unless the quality is better (?) for the WASD KBs I think I'll stick with the Ducky

Plus the WASD isn't backlit. The main advantage of the WASD is that you can choose your switch type, keycaps, etc. But they don't offer Clears right now, so it doesn't really help you.

Good luck with the decision, let us know how it goes. 

[Sagii]

...

WASD is absolutely an option, but buying a Ducky will actually be 'bout 15-20 bucks cheaper ^^' So unless the quality is better (?) for the WASD KBs I think I'll stick with the Ducky

Plus the WASD isn't backlit. The main advantage of the WASD is that you can choose your switch type, keycaps, etc. But they don't offer Clears right now, so it doesn't really help you.

Good luck with the decision, let us know how it goes. 

Haha, thanks But I've kinda come to the conclusion that if I find a board that I REALLY like I can live without backlighting, even though it is a plus to have ^^ But you're right when it comes to the switches, so I would be better off buying the Shine 2 at this point If I'd been a bit more decisive I woulda bought it already, but I suck at making decisions >_>

EDIT: Might add that a board I REALLY like = 60% or Choc mini formfactor and preferably with media keys)

[sth]

60% master race!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_race

[Sagii]

Okey, so yet another time I found something that seems too good to be true: http://www.banggood.com/KEYCOOL-84-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Black-Switch-p-81221.html
Keycool 84 for 45EURO, and with free shipping to Norway. I shall ask yet another time: Am I missing something here???

[Oobly]

Well, it has MX Black switches (linear like Reds, but harder springs). Other than that be sure to select paid postage with tracking from Banggood unless you don't mind waiting a LOONG time for it to arrive (4-8 weeks).

Other than that, it's a nice, plate mounted MX board with decent keycaps.

Bangood also sometimes stock the MX Clear version of the Keycool 84, but it's something like twice the price...

[Sagii]

Well, it has MX Black switches (linear like Reds, but harder springs). Other than that be sure to select paid postage with tracking from Banggood unless you don't mind waiting a LOONG time for it to arrive (4-8 weeks).

Other than that, it's a nice, plate mounted MX board with decent keycaps.

Bangood also sometimes stock the MX Clear version of the Keycool 84, but it's something like twice the price...

Yeah, I remember seeing a board with clears, but that was, as you said, twice the price. Are you sure of the delivery time? Because it says 7-20 days.. that doesn't have to be true obviously, though

EDIT: Believe it was this one: http://www.banggood.com/Keycool-87-White-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Clear-Switch-p-89115.html

Why oh why does it have to be so many options :c I'm never gonna get around to buying a KB if I keep changing my opinion every ten minutes  )

[Oobly]

This is the one I meant: http://www.banggood.com/Keycool-84-White-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Clear-Switch-p-89114.html

They all seem to be listed now as either "Out of stock" or " Coming soon"... You can preorder the one with Blacks, but I don't know when they are going to get stock of them. It seems that sometimes they list some items as "In stock", but only order them from their suppliers when people actually order the item. I ordered some keycaps from them and about a week later I got an email telling me that they were out of stock of that item and it would be a long time before they got more. I changed the order to a different set of keycaps and then waited 6 and a half weeks for them to arrive. Their service isn't great, but the products are fine.

For that price it's probably worth preordering the Keycool 84 with Blacks and see how it goes. Just be prepared to wait a long time before you have the board in your hands.

[Sagii]

This is the one I meant: http://www.banggood.com/Keycool-84-White-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Clear-Switch-p-89114.html

They all seem to be listed now as either "Out of stock" or " Coming soon"... You can preorder the one with Blacks, but I don't know when they are going to get stock of them. It seems that sometimes they list some items as "In stock", but only order them from their suppliers when people actually order the item. I ordered some keycaps from them and about a week later I got an email telling me that they were out of stock of that item and it would be a long time before they got more. I changed the order to a different set of keycaps and then waited 6 and a half weeks for them to arrive. Their service isn't great, but the products are fine.

For that price it's probably worth preordering the Keycool 84 with Blacks and see how it goes. Just be prepared to wait a long time before you have the board in your hands.

What I'm thinking right now is to buy the Shine 2, and order the Keycool 84 with black switches (It's so cheap that it really ain't a problem). Then, if I ever want to try out clear switches, I'll just buy the switches separately from EKB or something like that. That way I get to try five different switches (Brown, black, clear, ergo clear, clear with black spring) plus two different formfactors ^^

[Oobly]

This is the one I meant: http://www.banggood.com/Keycool-84-White-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Clear-Switch-p-89114.html

They all seem to be listed now as either "Out of stock" or " Coming soon"... You can preorder the one with Blacks, but I don't know when they are going to get stock of them. It seems that sometimes they list some items as "In stock", but only order them from their suppliers when people actually order the item. I ordered some keycaps from them and about a week later I got an email telling me that they were out of stock of that item and it would be a long time before they got more. I changed the order to a different set of keycaps and then waited 6 and a half weeks for them to arrive. Their service isn't great, but the products are fine.

For that price it's probably worth preordering the Keycool 84 with Blacks and see how it goes. Just be prepared to wait a long time before you have the board in your hands.

What I'm thinking right now is to buy the Shine 2, and order the Keycool 84 with black switches (It's so cheap that it really ain't a problem). Then, if I ever want to try out clear switches, I'll just buy the switches separately from EKB or something like that. That way I get to try five different switches (Brown, black, clear, ergo clear, clear with black spring) plus two different formfactors ^^

Now that is a GREAT plan! 

[Sagii]

This is the one I meant: http://www.banggood.com/Keycool-84-White-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Clear-Switch-p-89114.html

They all seem to be listed now as either "Out of stock" or " Coming soon"... You can preorder the one with Blacks, but I don't know when they are going to get stock of them. It seems that sometimes they list some items as "In stock", but only order them from their suppliers when people actually order the item. I ordered some keycaps from them and about a week later I got an email telling me that they were out of stock of that item and it would be a long time before they got more. I changed the order to a different set of keycaps and then waited 6 and a half weeks for them to arrive. Their service isn't great, but the products are fine.

For that price it's probably worth preordering the Keycool 84 with Blacks and see how it goes. Just be prepared to wait a long time before you have the board in your hands.

What I'm thinking right now is to buy the Shine 2, and order the Keycool 84 with black switches (It's so cheap that it really ain't a problem). Then, if I ever want to try out clear switches, I'll just buy the switches separately from EKB or something like that. That way I get to try five different switches (Brown, black, clear, ergo clear, clear with black spring) plus two different formfactors ^^

Now that is a GREAT plan! 

I've now preordered the Keycool 84 with blacks, and sent support a message asking when it'll be available. Hoping it won't be too long (My guess is that it will, though)!

[Sagii]

Update guys, I've now ordered my Ducky Shine 2 MX Brown Should be here within the next 3 or 4 days!!

EDIT: God damn.. Sorry for double >_< Any mod I can ask to remove it ? :/

[blackbox]

Update guys, I've now ordered my Ducky Shine 2 MX Brown Should be here within the next 3 or 4 days!!

Congrats!

[Candyflip]

After long 6 pages you have made your mind. From the shine3 you get nothing more other than those literally useless light modes, great choice if you ask me enjoy it! 

[Sagii]

Update guys, I've now ordered my Ducky Shine 2 MX Brown Should be here within the next 3 or 4 days!!

Congrats!

Cheers!

After long 6 pages you have made your mind. From the shine3 you get nothing more other than those literally useless light modes, great choice if you ask me enjoy it! 

Haha, it sure took me some time! And thanks ^_^ Stupid as I am, I'm still not sure wether I made the right choice! But hopefully I'll get a Keycool 84 in the mail in the not too distant future, and I'll be able to try out even more stuff!

And I would like to announce an official thank you to every single one of you who've made this wonderful journey possible. I'd like to thank mom, dad, my broth..
... Who am I kidding, I'm not the formal type!
You guys are freakin' awesome and be proud of yourself for being such an awesome community of wonderful people! (I mean it)

[Oobly]

Congratulations! I'm sure you'll enjoy using both of your new boards! And it's been a pleasure. Hope to see some posts here when your boards arrive 

[Sagii]

Congratulations! I'm sure you'll enjoy using both of your new boards! And it's been a pleasure. Hope to see some posts here when your boards arrive 

Will get something up sooner or later!

[Bucake]

i appreciate your enthousiasm, dude!

enjoy the boards

[Sagii]

Another update guys! The Keycool 84 will be restocked within 15 days, so it isn't too bad

[dodzylla]

I got a roccat ryos MK now, but i don't love this keyboard, i want a ducky too, they got iso keyboard? Or they can do hungarian layout? I tried to search for this but i can't find a good layout for me.

Thanks for Answers!

[Sagii]

I got a roccat ryos MK now, but i don't love this keyboard, i want a ducky too, they got iso keyboard? Or they can do hungarian layout? I tried to search for this but i can't find a good layout for me.

Thanks for Answers!

The Ducky Shine 2 I'm waiting for now has got an ISO layout, and the keycaps are nordic (however, that doesn't matter as long as you know where your keys are without having to look ) Don't know if they've got Hungarian. Is Hungarian used with ISO or ANSI?

[dodzylla]

Hungarian is ISO, english iso set is good , just i need  " í " hungarian got a lot of words with í ő ú ű etc... most important is í.
English keycap is good, i need only the buttons:)

Thanks.

[Sagii]

Hungarian is ISO, english iso set is good , just i need  " � " hungarian got a lot of words with � ő � ű etc... most important is �.

Thanks.

Okay.. So you'd want a keyboard with an ISO layout What it says on the keycaps (the legends) has nothing to say with what is written when u press the key. So for instance, if I have a keyboard with an english keycap set, I would still be able to type ÆØÅ as long as the keyboard language on my computer is set to norwegian Well actually, you should probably wait for someone who actually knows more bout all of this to answer, I'm a noob when it comes to keyboards ^^' but from what I've understood all you need is a keyboard with an ISO layout, and you're good to go!

[dodzylla]

Yep! thanks, then i will buy one too, soon. I find only US layout on the official homepage, but now i know they got iso layout, i will search one shop in EU.

Thanks your help!

[Sagii]

Yep! thanks, then i will buy one too, soon. I find only US layout on the official homepage, but now i know they got iso layout, i will search one shop in EU.

Thanks your help!

You're welcome!


If I've said anything wrong, feel free to correct me guys..

[dodzylla]

I see leopold fc660m, thats a cool keyboard too, somebody use leopold fc660m here? i think they got iso layout.

[Oobly]

Sagii, you're absolutely correct.

dodzylla, the FC660M is a great keyboard, however I don't think there is an ISO version. At least I have not seen one, personally. Maybe Amazon UK does ship keyboards to Hungary. If so, there are quite a lot of ISO boards there to choose from.

This company (also based in UK) sells Filco, Matias and Realforce boards: http://www.keyboardco.com/index.asp

I think this company ships to Hungary and they sell ISO Ducky boards: https://www.teraset.net/product_catalog.php?c=245&s=3

If you can find a company in Hungary, though, that would be best.

[dodzylla]

Sagii, you're absolutely correct.

dodzylla, the FC660M is a great keyboard, however I don't think there is an ISO version. At least I have not seen one, personally. Maybe Amazon UK does ship keyboards to Hungary. If so, there are quite a lot of ISO boards there to choose from.

This company (also based in UK) sells Filco, Matias and Realforce boards: http://www.keyboardco.com/index.asp

I think this company ships to Hungary and they sell ISO Ducky boards: https://www.teraset.net/product_catalog.php?c=245&s=3

If you can find a company in Hungary, though, that would be best.

Thanks for your help! 

Otherwise, I am pro player in dota 2, and i played starcraft long time ago.

My opinion today: Gaming mouse,keyboards all of them a great bull****, you can't get skill from these peripheries. I love keyboards and thats all, if you use mechanical keyboard, or membrane keyboard, you will be the same player with the same speed. I think only one thing can help, if you use "small keyboards, then you can press buttons a little bit faster:)

Dod

[Candyflip]

What team are you signed for if I may ask?

[dodzylla]

Our team name was 3picRaid, and Masters of Arcana (in dota 2) We played TM matches a lot, 1 year ago, but our team disbanded because of school, so nowadays i play Alone:) If you think only tournaments got good players thats not true. Check some sc 2 pro streams, lot of korean pro lose on ranked, like MMA, MVP or Bomber:)

Professional player means very good player for me Lot of people can't find a good team and without that you can't be a tournament player:) + you have to give up school, and play always, thats a very great problem, once if you played enough, you can't find a good job, or something, because your only knowledge is gaming.

Dod

[Candyflip]

Professional player means very good player for me

What means to you does not make it a fact, good players are not necessarily pro players. I don't doubt your skill in the game, I am just annoyed by so many people call themselves professionals these days.

[dodzylla]

Professional player means very good player for me

What means to you does not make it a fact, good players are not necessarily pro players. I don't doubt your skill in the game, I am just annoyed by so many people call themselves professionals these days.

I understand that:) i think keyboard can't give you skill, and this is the point:) and yes you say it right, good players is not pro players:)

[epzy]

Good players =/= professional players. Professional players = players who have sponsors and gets paid for playing.

[Sagii]

Professional player means very good player for me

What means to you does not make it a fact, good players are not necessarily pro players. I don't doubt your skill in the game, I am just annoyed by so many people call themselves professionals these days.

I understand that:) i think keyboard can't give you skill, and this is the point:) and yes you say it right, good players is not pro players:)

I don't believe it gives you skill, but I certainly think it can improve your performance ^^ For instance, I've been playing the guitar for about 11 years now, so I'm good at it (It's so hard judgning wether you're good or not >_> Anyway, I definetely know how to play the guitar!), but it certainly matters which guitar I play.. You're gonna hear quite different quality wether I jump on my BSG acoustic which is really, really good, or wether I use the guitar I started out playing on.
But as you said, it doesn't GIVE you the skill, but having good gear certainly improves how well you CAN do with practice That's my opinion at least!

EDIT: I realise "quality" might be the wrong word.. What I mean is I'd play better on a good guitar, than on a bad guitar, just as I would play worse on a bad keyboard, than a good one!

[Sagii]

Professional player means very good player for me

What means to you does not make it a fact, good players are not necessarily pro players. I don't doubt your skill in the game, I am just annoyed by so many people call themselves professionals these days.

I understand that:) i think keyboard can't give you skill, and this is the point:) and yes you say it right, good players is not pro players:)

I don't believe it gives you skill, but I certainly think it can improve your performance ^^ For instance, I've been playing the guitar for about 11 years now, so I'm good at it (It's so hard judgning wether you're good or not >_> Anyway, I definetely know how to play the guitar!), but it certainly matters which guitar I play.. You're gonna hear quite different quality wether I jump on my BSG acoustic which is really, really good, or wether I use the guitar I started out playing on.
But as you said, it doesn't GIVE you the skill, but having good gear certainly improves how well you CAN do with practice That's my opinion at least!

EDIT: I realise "quality" might be the wrong word.. What I mean is I'd play better on a good guitar, than on a bad guitar, just as I would play worse on a bad keyboard, than a good one!

EDIT2: An update guys... I just got an email from the company I ordered the ducky shine 2 after waiting a week. It turns out the product was never available >_> So now I'll have to look for a new keyboard (wohooo...)

EDIT3: God I'm an idiot, I pressed quote instead of modify O_o oh well, a bump wasn't too bad either!

[Premonition]

An update guys... I just got an email from the company I ordered the ducky shine 2 after waiting a week. It turns out the product was never available >_> So now I'll have to look for a new keyboard (wohooo...)

Go for the Shine 3, all the 2s are probably out of stock considering how long it's been since they were sold. They've got even fancier modes!

[Sagii]

An update guys... I just got an email from the company I ordered the ducky shine 2 after waiting a week. It turns out the product was never available >_> So now I'll have to look for a new keyboard (wohooo...)

Go for the Shine 3, all the 2s are probably out of stock considering how long it's been since they were sold. They've got even fancier modes!

I know.. I've still got the option to buy YYY edition TKL though. Which I've considered, but to me, they look hideous (don't lynch me for saying that). I'm also very much considering buying a KBT Race 2 with browns, and I've also got the option to buy a G2 Pro with clears (unless it's been sold).

[Oobly]

If you are okay with only partial backlighting (WASD cluster only, IIRC), the G2Pro with Clears would be a good option. Lovely switches, quality board.

It is also POSSIBLE to mod it later by extending the backlighting to all switches, although it doesn't follow best practices in terms of how to wire up LED's (not dangerous, just not ideal): http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49851.0

I still haven't got the switches to resurrect my G2Pro and finish the backlight mod, but I will someday.

[epzy]

An update guys... I just got an email from the company I ordered the ducky shine 2 after waiting a week. It turns out the product was never available >_> So now I'll have to look for a new keyboard (wohooo...)

Go for the Shine 3, all the 2s are probably out of stock considering how long it's been since they were sold. They've got even fancier modes!

I know.. I've still got the option to buy YYY edition TKL though. Which I've considered, but to me, they look hideous (don't lynch me for saying that). I'm also very much considering buying a KBT Race 2 with browns, and I've also got the option to buy a G2 Pro with clears (unless it's been sold).

Not sold yet. xD

[Quardah]

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'm sorry being a little late to the party but here's my little piece of insight

I have a K90 back in the days and i understand that it's pretty hard to pinpoint the exact thing you are unconfortable with considering you are beggining with mechs. Lack of experience makes it not possible for you to do so.

I would say most probably you do not like the feeling because the keycaps are incredibly cheap on the K series, and red MX are pretty average (lightest linear is pretty close to rubber domes). Altough the board is gorgeous (titanium plate is really cool), i would say corsair products are a little overprice for what they are.

As stated beforehand, if you want a keyboard specificly crafted for gaming, get a QFR. They are not expensive and deliver a really advance user experience. For a beginner, i believe this is on of the most balanced board nowaday in between price, swag and performances. They are available in multiple models, and i would go with the TKL myself, but that is up to you dawg.

Or else, i will tell you off my personnal experience, i currently own a Poker II and learned to game on a Razer Nostromo mostly. I would say the Poker II perfectly replaces the broken Nostromo, as it is small and can be used as a gamepad aswell.

You should really try to sit down in front of some mechs and try them out. I don't know if it's very popular in your location, but maybe your local ressources may guide you into trying different stuff where you live. All in all if you can't, you can always buy new and resell stuff here; there's always gonna be someone to buy your used mechs if you take care of them properly in the classifieds.

[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'm sorry being a little late to the party but here's my little piece of insight

I have a K90 back in the days and i understand that it's pretty hard to pinpoint the exact thing you are unconfortable with considering you are beggining with mechs. Lack of experience makes it not possible for you to do so.

I would say most probably you do not like the feeling because the keycaps are incredibly cheap on the K series, and red MX are pretty average (lightest linear is pretty close to rubber domes). Altough the board is gorgeous (titanium plate is really cool), i would say corsair products are a little overprice for what they are.

As stated beforehand, if you want a keyboard specificly crafted for gaming, get a QFR. They are not expensive and deliver a really advance user experience. For a beginner, i believe this is on of the most balanced board nowaday in between price, swag and performances. They are available in multiple models, and i would go with the TKL myself, but that is up to you dawg.

Or else, i will tell you off my personnal experience, i currently own a Poker II and learned to game on a Razer Nostromo mostly. I would say the Poker II perfectly replaces the broken Nostromo, as it is small and can be used as a gamepad aswell.

You should really try to sit down in front of some mechs and try them out. I don't know if it's very popular in your location, but maybe your local ressources may guide you into trying different stuff where you live. All in all if you can't, you can always buy new and resell stuff here; there's always gonna be someone to buy your used mechs if you take care of them properly in the classifieds.

Eh, mechs aint really popular here in Norway... lets just say that the two available mechs (in physical stores) are the g710+ and the blackwidow.. yeah.. you read right. Other than that, the ducky from epzy (g2 pro clears) is really tempting. But I liked the feel of how light the reds were, but they were just SLIGHTLY too light (aka I'd like to try proper browns), so i fear that clears would be way too heavy.. and I know it sounds silly, but not having backlit really bugs me (and the legends aren't really easy to read either..). I know that could be fixed by buyin a keycap set or something.. but buying a kbt race 2 is then more appealing, cause it got everything I want from the getgo ^^' (besides clears, ofc, but I'm not sure I'd like clears even)
I'm thinking of the choc mini as well. I love the 75% formfactor of the choc and race 2

[Oobly]

The Choc Mini has very non-standard caps and the space bar in particular (5.5x, nigh on impossible to find). The Race 2 and Keycool 84 will be much easier to find keycaps for, but the Choc Mini (non-backlit) comes with decent, thick caps (POM I think), so there's no real need to change them. AFAIK, the Race is PCB mount, whereas the Choc Mini and Keycool are plate mount. Race and Keycool are fully backlit.

Keep in mind that backlit boards often come with crappy thin ABS caps. Not making it easier, I know...

[Sagii]

The Choc Mini has very non-standard caps and the space bar in particular (5.5x, nigh on impossible to find). The Race 2 and Keycool 84 will be much easier to find keycaps for, but the Choc Mini (non-backlit) comes with decent, thick caps (POM I think), so there's no real need to change them. AFAIK, the Race is PCB mount, whereas the Choc Mini and Keycool are plate mount. Race and Keycool are fully backlit.

Keep in mind that backlit boards often come with crappy thin ABS caps. Not making it easier, I know...

Yeah, I know all that ^^' Done my research this time around That's another thing that's holding me back from buying the race 2.. the thin ABS caps, I've read quite bad things about them.. especially how shiny they get

EDIT: does anyone here have some experience going from browns/reds/really light switches (while ENJOYING them, I might add) to stock clears, and if so, what were your opinion on the clears after trying them?

[Eric5676]

http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=602

^^ This is  very compelling.  It even has PBT caps.  I could go Blue or Brown on switches.

Only problem: I can only get that in that all yellow and there are no other variants that I'm aware of.

How big a deal is ABS vs PBT really when we get down to it? Because if it isn't worth much I'll very likely go for a "non limited edition" Ducky Shine 3 or at least have it on the shortlist.

[dook0]

I am playing sc2 (platine) with filco brown, I like having a feedback over linear switches. Blue switches are too clicky for gaming IMO

[epzy]

http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=602

^^ This is  very compelling.  It even has PBT caps.  I could go Blue or Brown on switches.

Only problem: I can only get that in that all yellow and there are no other variants that I'm aware of.

How big a deal is ABS vs PBT really when we get down to it? Because if it isn't worth much I'll very likely go for a "non limited edition" Ducky Shine 3 or at least have it on the shortlist.

PBT lasts longer, and won't get shiny nor yellow. ABS will get shiny and yellow over time. There's more color-way options for ABS keycaps.