Poker II vs Pure

[OnTheBrink]

I just bought the Leopold FC660 Topre with grey PBT caps, but like I have stated (if anyone saw) I decided to get that board and a Cherry MX Blue board of similar size. Hence, I wanted a Poker II because of the ability to upgrade to the aluminum case frequently seen on some sites in the vendor forums.

But now I am torn between the Poker II and Pure. Any stagnant differences I should note? Which one is the newer model or better quality?

[IvanIvanovich]

Pure is older than Poker 2. Poker 2 has a plate and a user programmable layer. Otherwise they have a very similar build quality as they are produced in the same place. If you can get a Pure cheaper and don't mind it's Fn layer there it's still not a bad choice.

[OnTheBrink]

Pure is older than Poker 2. Poker 2 has a plate and a user programmable layer. Otherwise they have a very similar build quality as they are produced in the same place. If you can get a Pure cheaper and don't mind it's Fn layer there it's still not a bad choice.

I think I'll just go with the Poker II. It is available for $99 over at e-sports site with thick white PBTs and RGB modifiers.

[ideus]

If you have not tried a keyboard with no plate, be aware that it makes the board to have a very different feeling. Also the weight it adds to the board makes a difference in the final overall way how solid it feels.
 
Poker II, and Pure pro are of the same second generation of the two models. Pure, in the other hand, is a first generation model, with no programming and no plate. It was of the same generation of the Poker X.

[Razor Lotus]

I got the pure as my first mech keyboard.

And i'd say get a poker 2.

[slickmamba]

Pure is older than Poker 2. Poker 2 has a plate and a user programmable layer. Otherwise they have a very similar build quality as they are produced in the same place. If you can get a Pure cheaper and don't mind it's Fn layer there it's still not a bad choice.

I think I'll just go with the Poker II. It is available for $99 over at e-sports site with thick white PBTs and RGB modifiers.

What site is this?  qtan's?

[Rafen]

The Poker II has a plate and a better layout IMHO. I also think that those keycaps on the Pure had problems with the backlighting (characters wearing off). The Pure also has those weird size keycaps that will cause problems when you want to upgrade the caps.

I had this same question before I got my Poker II, couldn't make my mind up between the Poker, Pure, and Choc Mini. After looking at the layouts and upgrade options I went the Poker and never looked back.

[OnTheBrink]

Pure is older than Poker 2. Poker 2 has a plate and a user programmable layer. Otherwise they have a very similar build quality as they are produced in the same place. If you can get a Pure cheaper and don't mind it's Fn layer there it's still not a bad choice.

I think I'll just go with the Poker II. It is available for $99 over at e-sports site with thick white PBTs and RGB modifiers.

What site is this?  qtan's?

Yeah.

The Poker II has a plate and a better layout IMHO. I also think that those keycaps on the Pure had problems with the backlighting (characters wearing off). The Pure also has those weird size keycaps that will cause problems when you want to upgrade the caps.

I had this same question before I got my Poker II, couldn't make my mind up between the Poker, Pure, and Choc Mini. After looking at the layouts and upgrade options I went the Poker and never looked back.

Truth. I am like 99% certain I am going to get the aluminum case also. http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item/keyboard-accessory/poker-2-and-pure-metal-keyboar/lid=38489633

The keyboard just looks so good. I plan on getting the white one as well, so those keys will look quite sexy on that brushed silver. mmmm

Then all I need is a lavender clack or a purple BroBot v2 with different color eyes. (in my dreams)

But then there is the whole 'maybe I should just hold off for a GH60' dilemma.

[Rafen]

You might also want to try these once if you want some color

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=44

[dorkvader]

I got the pure as my first mech keyboard.

And i'd say get a poker 2.

The Poker II has a plate and a better layout IMHO. I also think that those keycaps on the Pure had problems with the backlighting (characters wearing off). The Pure also has those weird size keycaps that will cause problems when you want to upgrade the caps.

I had this same question before I got my Poker II, couldn't make my mind up between the Poker, Pure, and Choc Mini. After looking at the layouts and upgrade options I went the Poker and never looked back.

Wow, I didn't know I stepped into pure hate town.



I own both and I like my pure better. I use the programming capabilities of my poker II for hardware dvorak. The PBT keycaps on my poker II are very nice.

As far as aftermarket keycap compatability goes, ass you need is a short right shift for the pure. This is included in most keycap sets as a tsangan kit, and you can often split it up with other people who only need the 7x spacebar and 1.5x mods.

It will also fit normal cherry keycaps from most of the G80-18** keyboards.

Since I don't use the right hand modifiers much, I turn those into arrowkeys on the pure, which is a great feature. You can't do this on the pokerII because most of them aren't reprogrammable.

Now it's hard for me to comment on build quality, since I received my pure heavily modified, but it's one of my favourite 60% keyboards.

[minho]

But then there is the whole 'maybe I should just hold off for a GH60' dilemma.

Why not hold off for the Duck Viper/Eagle group buy? Both look amazing and are 60%. I believe the projected end date for this group buy will be sometime this summer, but it's still in IC phase.

[OnTheBrink]

But then there is the whole 'maybe I should just hold off for a GH60' dilemma.

Why not hold off for the Duck Viper/Eagle group buy? Both look amazing and are 60%. I believe the projected end date for this group buy will be sometime this summer, but it's still in IC phase.

Yeah, I think I am going to pick up an Eagle this summer, but I think I will save that board for something special. Possibly ergo clears. Especially since I am going to have to send it out to be assembled as I don't know jack ish about building boards.

Wish I did though. 

[minho]

But then there is the whole 'maybe I should just hold off for a GH60' dilemma.

Why not hold off for the Duck Viper/Eagle group buy? Both look amazing and are 60%. I believe the projected end date for this group buy will be sometime this summer, but it's still in IC phase.

Yeah, I think I am going to pick up an Eagle this summer, but I think I will save that board for something special. Possibly ergo clears. Especially since I am going to have to send it out to be assembled as I don't know jack ish about building boards.

Wish I did though. 

I don't either, but after spending a few hours reading/watching videos about soldering and watching WhiteFireDragon's videos on Youtube, I feel pretty confident about my ability to build a keyboard. Give it a shot!

[OnTheBrink]

But then there is the whole 'maybe I should just hold off for a GH60' dilemma.

Why not hold off for the Duck Viper/Eagle group buy? Both look amazing and are 60%. I believe the projected end date for this group buy will be sometime this summer, but it's still in IC phase.

Yeah, I think I am going to pick up an Eagle this summer, but I think I will save that board for something special. Possibly ergo clears. Especially since I am going to have to send it out to be assembled as I don't know jack ish about building boards.

Wish I did though. 

I don't either, but after spending a few hours reading/watching videos about soldering and watching WhiteFireDragon's videos on Youtube, I feel pretty confident about my ability to build a keyboard. Give it a shot!

Oh, no doubt as I plan to. I just don't think my first keyboard I try to build should be $300+ in parts lol.

[minho]

But then there is the whole 'maybe I should just hold off for a GH60' dilemma.

Why not hold off for the Duck Viper/Eagle group buy? Both look amazing and are 60%. I believe the projected end date for this group buy will be sometime this summer, but it's still in IC phase.

Yeah, I think I am going to pick up an Eagle this summer, but I think I will save that board for something special. Possibly ergo clears. Especially since I am going to have to send it out to be assembled as I don't know jack ish about building boards.

Wish I did though. 

I don't either, but after spending a few hours reading/watching videos about soldering and watching WhiteFireDragon's videos on Youtube, I feel pretty confident about my ability to build a keyboard. Give it a shot!

Oh, no doubt as I plan to. I just don't think my first keyboard I try to build should be $300+ in parts lol.

$220 (not shipped I think though) for the Duck ones, and about $110? for the Red Scarf one (combined 60% and numpad)
Alternatively, there are some cheap PCBs and cases on Taobao you could buy

[Lain1911]

Arrow keys are an interesting point. When I got my first TKL I was concerned about hitting the middle enter key as I normally hit the enter key on the numpad but I have gotten used to it. I wonder if this could be the same case using WASD keys as arrow keys on the poker 2 because I really like my dedicated arrow keys.

[sdiearly]

Pure is older than Poker 2. Poker 2 has a plate and a user programmable layer. Otherwise they have a very similar build quality as they are produced in the same place. If you can get a Pure cheaper and don't mind it's Fn layer there it's still not a bad choice.

Pure is made in Taiwan, this mini keyboard is older, the case mold are the same as poker1/poker2.
I think Pure is hard to get one.

Poker2 is made in China,  this is a new product and plate design make it heavier than Poker1.
Support layout reassignment by user.
The case mold is modified to be more thick now.

[OnTheBrink]

But then there is the whole 'maybe I should just hold off for a GH60' dilemma.

Why not hold off for the Duck Viper/Eagle group buy? Both look amazing and are 60%. I believe the projected end date for this group buy will be sometime this summer, but it's still in IC phase.

Yeah, I think I am going to pick up an Eagle this summer, but I think I will save that board for something special. Possibly ergo clears. Especially since I am going to have to send it out to be assembled as I don't know jack ish about building boards.

Wish I did though. 

I don't either, but after spending a few hours reading/watching videos about soldering and watching WhiteFireDragon's videos on Youtube, I feel pretty confident about my ability to build a keyboard. Give it a shot!

Oh, no doubt as I plan to. I just don't think my first keyboard I try to build should be $300+ in parts lol.

$220 (not shipped I think though) for the Duck ones, and about $110? for the Red Scarf one (combined 60% and numpad)
Alternatively, there are some cheap PCBs and cases on Taobao you could buy

Taobao? I'm not familiar.

[Bucake]

vouching for pure pro, if you'd ever consider that one.
i got the pbt-version (without backlit) from qtan. it feels great. it has nice weight, nice caps, it's definitely sturdy enough. my only real complaint is the silly print on the return key (KBXtalking), would've preferred the common 'Enter' or 'Return'. but, whatever, in the end this is just a small thing. i'm just glad the spacebar is clean from print ("Enjoy your feeling", anyone?) ;p
apart from the return key i actually like the font very much, as well as colour of the caps, printing and case. i also dig the shape of the case very much. it's just very clean, and that's definitely my preference.

never actually owned a pure or poker 2 but, from what i've read, i don't think you can go wrong with either. but if you favor pcb- over plate-mounted (or vice versa) then i think your choice is already made, between the two.

edit: great collection, sdiearly!

[Lain1911]

Taobao? I'm not familiar.

Taobao is a Chinese site sometimes used to by mechanical keyboard for cheap, but the shipping can be high. There are people on geekhack such as qtan (and probably others) that act like a middle man for those would can't read or want to deal with Chinese or international shipping.

[feizor]

But then there is the whole 'maybe I should just hold off for a GH60' dilemma.

Why not hold off for the Duck Viper/Eagle group buy? Both look amazing and are 60%. I believe the projected end date for this group buy will be sometime this summer, but it's still in IC phase.

Yeah, I think I am going to pick up an Eagle this summer, but I think I will save that board for something special. Possibly ergo clears. Especially since I am going to have to send it out to be assembled as I don't know jack ish about building boards.

Wish I did though. 

I don't either, but after spending a few hours reading/watching videos about soldering and watching WhiteFireDragon's videos on Youtube, I feel pretty confident about my ability to build a keyboard. Give it a shot!

Oh, no doubt as I plan to. I just don't think my first keyboard I try to build should be $300+ in parts lol.

$220 (not shipped I think though) for the Duck ones, and about $110? for the Red Scarf one (combined 60% and numpad)
Alternatively, there are some cheap PCBs and cases on Taobao you could buy

Taobao? I'm not familiar.

Those prices don't include switches or key caps, should add another 80-150 to those prices for switches, stabilizers and keycaps.

[Oobly]

Differences between Pure and Poker 2:

1. Pure is PCB mount, Poker 2 is plate mounted.
2. Pure has 6 mounting screws, Poker 2 has 5. So Poker 2 board will fit more cases, whereas the Pure needs ones with the extra screw otherwise it gets a bit bendy.
3. Pure Fn layout is different to Poker 2. I prefer the Pure layout, but the Poker 2 has a fully programmable Pn layout, which makes this kind of moot.
4. Pure has a short right shift and an extra 1x key on the shift row. Poker has standard ANSI layout. It's easier to find keycaps for Poker 2, but many sets do have an option for getting a short right shift. A lot of 2nd hand sets WON'T have the short right shift, though, so in truth, there are a lot less sets out there that fit the Pure.
5. The Pure has backlighting, but the switches are mounted "right way round" so the LED's are at the bottom of the switch. Some Poker 2's are backlit, some are not, but you can add LED's to the non-backlit ones to give them backlighting. More importantly, the switches are mounted "upside down" except for the space bar switch, so the LED's are in the correct place for proper backlit keycaps.

I love my Pure, but sometimes think I should have gone with a Poker 2 instead. Problem was that I couldn't find a Poker 2 ANSI locally, only ISO, but I could find a Pure limited edition with ANSI layout, so I got that. I really like the Fn layer and think it is THE best 60% Fn layer out there, but as I said, you can program the Poker 2 to have the same layout on the Pn layer.

The only 3 benefits of the Pure over the Poker 2 that matter, IMHO, are:
1. You can open the switches to mod them more easily due to being PCB rather than plate mount, but it's not much of an advantage since you have to desolder the LED's to do it and it's not THAT much more work to also desolder the switches you want to open.
2. It has both the Esc AND ~` key on the default layer, which is really nice if you work in Linux.
3. You can toggle the right hand modifier keys into an upside down T arrow cluster.

Poker 2 over Pure:
1. Plate mounted feels better IMO.
2. More keycap options.
3. More case options.
4. LED's are better positioned for "normal" backlit keycaps.
5. Programmable.
6. Easier to find nowadays, too.

[Razor Lotus]

Differences between Pure and Poker 2:

1. Pure is PCB mount, Poker 2 is plate mounted.
2. Pure has 6 mounting screws, Poker 2 has 5. So Poker 2 board will fit more cases, whereas the Pure needs ones with the extra screw otherwise it gets a bit bendy.
3. Pure Fn layout is different to Poker 2. I prefer the Pure layout, but the Poker 2 has a fully programmable Pn layout, which makes this kind of moot.
4. Pure has a short right shift and an extra 1x key on the shift row. Poker has standard ANSI layout. It's easier to find keycaps for Poker 2, but many sets do have an option for getting a short right shift. A lot of 2nd hand sets WON'T have the short right shift, though, so in truth, there are a lot less sets out there that fit the Pure.
5. The Pure has backlighting, but the switches are mounted "right way round" so the LED's are at the bottom of the switch. Some Poker 2's are backlit, some are not, but you can add LED's to the non-backlit ones to give them backlighting. More importantly, the switches are mounted "upside down" except for the space bar switch, so the LED's are in the correct place for proper backlit keycaps.

I love my Pure, but sometimes think I should have gone with a Poker 2 instead. Problem was that I couldn't find a Poker 2 ANSI locally, only ISO, but I could find a Pure limited edition with ANSI layout, so I got that. I really like the Fn layer and think it is THE best 60% Fn layer out there, but as I said, you can program the Poker 2 to have the same layout on the Pn layer.

The only 3 benefits of the Pure over the Poker 2 that matter, IMHO, are:
1. You can open the switches to mod them more easily due to being PCB rather than plate mount, but it's not much of an advantage since you have to desolder the LED's to do it and it's not THAT much more work to also desolder the switches you want to open.
2. It has both the Esc AND ~` key on the default layer, which is really nice if you work in Linux.
3. You can toggle the right hand modifier keys into an upside down T arrow cluster.

Poker 2 over Pure:
1. Plate mounted feels better IMO.
2. More keycap options.
3. More case options.
4. LED's are better positioned for "normal" backlit keycaps.
5. Programmable.
6. Easier to find nowadays, too.

I see we're in the same boat

[Razor Lotus]

I got the pure as my first mech keyboard.

And i'd say get a poker 2.

The Poker II has a plate and a better layout IMHO. I also think that those keycaps on the Pure had problems with the backlighting (characters wearing off). The Pure also has those weird size keycaps that will cause problems when you want to upgrade the caps.

I had this same question before I got my Poker II, couldn't make my mind up between the Poker, Pure, and Choc Mini. After looking at the layouts and upgrade options I went the Poker and never looked back.

Wow, I didn't know I stepped into pure hate town.

I own both and I like my pure better. I use the programming capabilities of my poker II for hardware dvorak. The PBT keycaps on my poker II are very nice.

As far as aftermarket keycap compatability goes, ass you need is a short right shift for the pure. This is included in most keycap sets as a tsangan kit, and you can often split it up with other people who only need the 7x spacebar and 1.5x mods.

It will also fit normal cherry keycaps from most of the G80-18** keyboards.

Since I don't use the right hand modifiers much, I turn those into arrowkeys on the pure, which is a great feature. You can't do this on the pokerII because most of them aren't reprogrammable.

Now it's hard for me to comment on build quality, since I received my pure heavily modified, but it's one of my favourite 60% keyboards.

I both like and dislike my pure, but every now and then I sort of wish I had gotten a poker 2. It's like one of those decisions which you made and you're not sure if you made the right one or not.

Reasons why I got the pure:

Cheaper for me cause I could use amazon vouchers at that time and Pure was the only one in the US layout. Couldn't find a poker 2 in US layout on amazonUK...
Wanted to mod it extensively.
I thought the right hand modifier arrow keys thing was quite cool.
The switch was mounted such that the "Cherry" word is facing you. (LEDs below switches)

Reasons why I wish i had gotten a poker:

Just as customizable as the pure.
Plate mounted. (I actually found this out recently O.O)
PBT keycaps
Easier to find keycap sets.
LEDs are on top of the switch instead of below. Which I realise if I added LEDs it would make it much nicer.

Now everytime I look at keycaps I need to find a 1.75x R_Shift or consider using my stock black one.... The arrow keys are quite handy when studying though. Easier to scroll down a PDF.

[feizor]

Just buy the poker then you will know for sure. Then just sell the one you like less. Win.

[ajx]

Differences between Pure and Poker 2:

1. Pure is PCB mount, Poker 2 is plate mounted.
2. Pure has 6 mounting screws, Poker 2 has 5. So Poker 2 board will fit more cases, whereas the Pure needs ones with the extra screw otherwise it gets a bit bendy.
3. Pure Fn layout is different to Poker 2. I prefer the Pure layout, but the Poker 2 has a fully programmable Pn layout, which makes this kind of moot.
4. Pure has a short right shift and an extra 1x key on the shift row. Poker has standard ANSI layout. It's easier to find keycaps for Poker 2, but many sets do have an option for getting a short right shift. A lot of 2nd hand sets WON'T have the short right shift, though, so in truth, there are a lot less sets out there that fit the Pure.
5. The Pure has backlighting, but the switches are mounted "right way round" so the LED's are at the bottom of the switch. Some Poker 2's are backlit, some are not, but you can add LED's to the non-backlit ones to give them backlighting. More importantly, the switches are mounted "upside down" except for the space bar switch, so the LED's are in the correct place for proper backlit keycaps.

I love my Pure, but sometimes think I should have gone with a Poker 2 instead. Problem was that I couldn't find a Poker 2 ANSI locally, only ISO, but I could find a Pure limited edition with ANSI layout, so I got that. I really like the Fn layer and think it is THE best 60% Fn layer out there, but as I said, you can program the Poker 2 to have the same layout on the Pn layer.

The only 3 benefits of the Pure over the Poker 2 that matter, IMHO, are:
1. You can open the switches to mod them more easily due to being PCB rather than plate mount, but it's not much of an advantage since you have to desolder the LED's to do it and it's not THAT much more work to also desolder the switches you want to open.
2. It has both the Esc AND ~` key on the default layer, which is really nice if you work in Linux.
3. You can toggle the right hand modifier keys into an upside down T arrow cluster.

Poker 2 over Pure:
1. Plate mounted feels better IMO.
2. More keycap options.
3. More case options.
4. LED's are better positioned for "normal" backlit keycaps.
5. Programmable.
6. Easier to find nowadays, too.

Trade with me, i have nice Poker II for exchange 

[dorkvader]

4. Poker has standard ANSI layout

just so everyone's on the same page, the poker does not have a standard ANSI layout.

[jdcarpe]

4. Poker has standard ANSI layout

just so everyone's on the same page, the poker does not have a standard ANSI layout.

It doesn't?

[minho]

4. Poker has standard ANSI layout

just so everyone's on the same page, the poker does not have a standard ANSI layout.

It doesn't?

Maybe the ISO ones don't have standard ANSI layout...

Taken from wikipedia (which could be wrong I guess):

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