Help Me Pick a New Board

[toasterburn]

I just landed a new job (as a Web Application Developer) and I want to make sure that I have a decent keyboard to use at work.

I have a Model M at home. I love having a clicky, tactile response when I type, but I don't like using my Model M for long periods of time as the extra weight needed to activate the key eventually makes my fingers hurt. From what I've read, I'm thinking blue mx switches would be the best-of-both-worlds as they have the clicky feel, but require less force than a buckling. I also like the ten keyless layout best, but would consider a standard too. I prefer a metal backboard because I hate flex in a keyboard. I'd also like media keys. Trying to stick to a budget around $100 if possible.

So it seems like my only choice is the CM QuickFire Rapid. Is there any other model I should be considering? Or would I be happy with the Rapid?

[Sagii]

There are also the Duckys, also Leopold, both known for good quality, just to name a few And, as I just said in another thread, check out Autohotkey for the media keys. Using autohotkey you can essentially bind whatever keycombination you want to function as media keys, and it's extremely easy ^^ Makes the need for a keyboard with built in media keys obsolete! Also opens up for more options You'll have to take into account that autohotkey won't store the bindings on your keyboard, obviously, so it's limited to whatever computer you're using. It uses a script (made in notebook) which you can take with you on a stick or something though. To use it all you have to do is run it on whatever computer you're using, you don't need AHK installed

PS: Ducky TKLs have got media keys from the getgo, just like the QFR (at least the shine series)

EDIT: Crap.. didn't notice your budget, both brands I just mentioned will probably be above 100$ :/ unless you buy the scond hand

[Razor Lotus]

I think mx blues are a good choice.

If you like maybe you can try the clears or the whites as well.

I think for your budget, a CM TKL is a good starter board. Or perhaps a CODE keyboard too

[feizor]

If there are other people in your office you might want to reconsider mx blues, especially if you are starting a new job. The clicky blues make quite a bit of noise and if you work in an open plan office, you new work mates might not be your 'mates' for long.

[mougrim]

Well, when I first took to work my Poker II there was a bit of complaining from my co-workers, but then I learned that if you don't bottoming out, noise becoming acceptable, and now, after two months, they don't really mind.

[toasterburn]

I'll have my own office, so  I don't think noise will be too much of a problem.

[mougrim]

Then there are no problems at all. You can bring there anything - Blues, Greens, BS.

By the way, if you like your Model M - try to get Model F - it has lighter springs and far more satisfactory typing feeling. It won't strain your fingers so much

[Hypersphere]

I see you use an IBM Model M. I started with the M as well and tried various Cherry mx boards -- all were disappointments to me; a Cherry switch is nothing like a buckling spring on membrane. Then I tried the Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 -- although Topre switches are quite unlike buckling springs, I liked them. However, the main attraction of the HHKB was its 60% form factor and layout. Next I was lucky enough to get an IBM SSK, and I remapped it to a layout similar to the HHKB. Finally, I discovered the IBM Model F XT with capacitive buckling spring switches, and I am typing on it now. The XT has become my favorite board -- the capacitive buckling spring switches have a precise metallic staccato feel that makes my Model M seem mushy by comparison.

[toasterburn]

Question about the QuickFire Rapd: what are the keys made of? Will they wear down over time like a cheaper keyboard?

[riotonthebay]

If you can double your budget, I'd recommend a Realforce 87UB 55g. Consider it an investment, and a treat for landing a cool new gig. 55g is on the heavy side, but still much lighter than a Model M.

Also to answer your question, QFR keys are ABS and will wear down over time. RF keys are PBT and will not.

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

I suggest checking out the Matias boards. Their switches are more in the middle as far as the force required.

[Defect]

If you like buckling spring and are used to it you will hate the way MX click types work. 

At least from my experience.   My first switch was MX blue and BS ruined it for me (that board is now 62g lubed blacks, did a full swap)


I recommend you try an MX clear variant (either with korean spring or black spring).  More tactile than blue and without the mechanical flaws that click types have.

If somehow click types do actually work for you after bring a BS user, you could go with blue/green or get a white variant for a softer click.

[mougrim]

If you like buckling spring and are used to it you will hate the way MX click types work. 

At least from my experience.   My first switch was MX blue and BS ruined it for me (that board is now 62g lubed blacks, did a full swap)


I recommend you try an MX clear variant (either with korean spring or black spring).  More tactile than blue and without the mechanical flaws that click types have.

If somehow click types do actually work for you after bring a BS user, you could go with blue/green or get a white variant for a softer click.

I am a proud owner of two BS boards - and I absolutely love this type of switch - but haul it every day to work? No way. So MX blue acceptable for me - as work board. Besides, if I bring my Unicomp Model M to work, I'd be killed

[Puddsy]

So, before you bring your MX blues to work, I'd ask around and see what kind of keyboards other people are using.

Some places don't even let you bring your own keyboard, or they only let you use approved keyboards.

Aside from that, I think the QFR is a really good board, and I think that you'll enjoy it greatly.

[mougrim]

Or you can try Code board. I heard they pretty good too.

[Defect]

So, before you bring your MX blues to work, I'd ask around and see what kind of keyboards other people are using.

Some places don't even let you bring your own keyboard, or they only let you use approved keyboards.

Aside from that, I think the QFR is a really good board, and I think that you'll enjoy it greatly.

Forgot to include in my post, +1 for QFR.  Just make sure everyone around you is ok with the annoying high pitched click from blues.  My co-workers definitely did not like it, and were all too shy to confront me about it.  I apologized profusely when they let it out on a slow day that they found it extremely annoying.  I suspect if I was not as good of an employee, I would have gotten a lot more hate and negative feedback.

[Sagii]

Just pitching in for the threadstarter here; he's already said he'll have his own office, so noise shouldn't be too much of an issue

[mougrim]

Just pitching in for the threadstarter here; he's already said he'll have his own office, so noise shouldn't be too much of an issue

Yep. If you have your own office, you can use pretty buxh anything, up to BS and MX Greens.

[toasterburn]

Hmm, don't love the ABS keys on the QFR, but I also don't want to double my budget..... I don't suppose anything in that price range that has PBT?

[Pacifist]

I just landed a new job (as a Web Application Developer) and I want to make sure that I have a decent keyboard to use at work.

I have a Model M at home. I love having a clicky, tactile response when I type, but I don't like using my Model M for long periods of time as the extra weight needed to activate the key eventually makes my fingers hurt. From what I've read, I'm thinking blue mx switches would be the best-of-both-worlds as they have the clicky feel, but require less force than a buckling. I also like the ten keyless layout best, but would consider a standard too. I prefer a metal backboard because I hate flex in a keyboard. I'd also like media keys. Trying to stick to a budget around $100 if possible.

So it seems like my only choice is the CM QuickFire Rapid. Is there any other model I should be considering? Or would I be happy with the Rapid?

I'd say F XT. I got mine for $40 plus $20 for the converter. F springs feel lighter than M (for some reason) and don't really require that much force. It has a metal backboard too. You can program in media keys with the soarers convertor. And caps are dyesub PBT

[Oobly]

I would recommend getting a Keycool 87 with MX Clears: http://deskthority.net/marketplace-f11/keycool-mechanical-84-87-108-with-cherry-mx-clear-switches-t7182.html

Banggood sometimes has them in stock, although not right at the moment: http://www.banggood.com/Keycool-87-White-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-MX-Clear-Switch-p-89115.html

Clears are lighter than buckling springs while retaining something similar in terms of tactility. They don't click, though.

If you MUST have the click sound, then there are Blues and Greens, but they don't feel or sound very close to a buckling spring board, IMHO. I personally don't like the high pitch click of Blues, sounds cheap to me.

[mougrim]

I just landed a new job (as a Web Application Developer) and I want to make sure that I have a decent keyboard to use at work.

I have a Model M at home. I love having a clicky, tactile response when I type, but I don't like using my Model M for long periods of time as the extra weight needed to activate the key eventually makes my fingers hurt. From what I've read, I'm thinking blue mx switches would be the best-of-both-worlds as they have the clicky feel, but require less force than a buckling. I also like the ten keyless layout best, but would consider a standard too. I prefer a metal backboard because I hate flex in a keyboard. I'd also like media keys. Trying to stick to a budget around $100 if possible.

So it seems like my only choice is the CM QuickFire Rapid. Is there any other model I should be considering? Or would I be happy with the Rapid?

I'd say F XT. I got mine for $40 plus $20 for the converter. F springs feel lighter than M (for some reason) and don't really require that much force. It has a metal backboard too. You can program in media keys with the soarers convertor. And caps are dyesub PBT

They are lighter. I'm typing this on AT F and it's keys have this great feeling... not space bar, though But you can mod it to lighter one.

But XT layout is a pain in the ass

And keycaps - IBM duesubs lasts forever. I got a used (but good cleaned) board and keycaps are like made yesterday. No shine, no fading, clear lined...

[Pacifist]

I just landed a new job (as a Web Application Developer) and I want to make sure that I have a decent keyboard to use at work.

I have a Model M at home. I love having a clicky, tactile response when I type, but I don't like using my Model M for long periods of time as the extra weight needed to activate the key eventually makes my fingers hurt. From what I've read, I'm thinking blue mx switches would be the best-of-both-worlds as they have the clicky feel, but require less force than a buckling. I also like the ten keyless layout best, but would consider a standard too. I prefer a metal backboard because I hate flex in a keyboard. I'd also like media keys. Trying to stick to a budget around $100 if possible.

So it seems like my only choice is the CM QuickFire Rapid. Is there any other model I should be considering? Or would I be happy with the Rapid?

I'd say F XT. I got mine for $40 plus $20 for the converter. F springs feel lighter than M (for some reason) and don't really require that much force. It has a metal backboard too. You can program in media keys with the soarers convertor. And caps are dyesub PBT

They are lighter. I'm typing this on AT F and it's keys have this great feeling... not space bar, though But you can mod it to lighter one.

But XT layout is a pain in the ass

And keycaps - IBM duesubs lasts forever. I got a used (but good cleaned) board and keycaps are like made yesterday. No shine, no fading, clear lined...

Any F other than XT would cost more than his budget. The layout takes a little bit to get used to, esp the enter, but once you do get used to it, its not bad for a cheap F board

[mougrim]

I just landed a new job (as a Web Application Developer) and I want to make sure that I have a decent keyboard to use at work.

I have a Model M at home. I love having a clicky, tactile response when I type, but I don't like using my Model M for long periods of time as the extra weight needed to activate the key eventually makes my fingers hurt. From what I've read, I'm thinking blue mx switches would be the best-of-both-worlds as they have the clicky feel, but require less force than a buckling. I also like the ten keyless layout best, but would consider a standard too. I prefer a metal backboard because I hate flex in a keyboard. I'd also like media keys. Trying to stick to a budget around $100 if possible.

So it seems like my only choice is the CM QuickFire Rapid. Is there any other model I should be considering? Or would I be happy with the Rapid?

I'd say F XT. I got mine for $40 plus $20 for the converter. F springs feel lighter than M (for some reason) and don't really require that much force. It has a metal backboard too. You can program in media keys with the soarers convertor. And caps are dyesub PBT

They are lighter. I'm typing this on AT F and it's keys have this great feeling... not space bar, though But you can mod it to lighter one.

But XT layout is a pain in the ass

And keycaps - IBM duesubs lasts forever. I got a used (but good cleaned) board and keycaps are like made yesterday. No shine, no fading, clear lined...

Any F other than XT would cost more than his budget. The layout takes a little bit to get used to, esp the enter, but once you do get used to it, its not bad for a cheap F board

Well, you have a point... you can find XT Model F dirty cheap. But still... a lot of odd-shaped keys... they actually made worse layout than in Selectric typewriters.

Still, I want one in collection

[toasterburn]

Hmm, looking back at the QFR, it seems the keys might be laser etched, is this correct? If so, that means the letters wont rub off right? I've had that problem on cheaper keyboards.

Looking into some of the other options mentioned too.

[Razor Lotus]

Hmm, looking back at the QFR, it seems the keys might be laser etched, is this correct? If so, that means the letters wont rub off right? I've had that problem on cheaper keyboards.

Looking into some of the other options mentioned too.

Most of the keycaps on mech keyboards don't really rub out, even when heavily used. They just get a lot of shine haha.

If you're worried about keycaps there're lots of options out there that have keycaps that can last quite long like those dyesub or doubleshot ones