Where can I find a good MX tester or sampler?

[LittleMike]

Hello all,

Forgive me if this was asked at all, but I only found a single thread regarding MX sampler keys and it was only red, brown, blue, and black. I'm trying to find out if there is a tester that includes some of the less common ones, like green and clear.

I'm new to mechanical keyboards - well, the mech kb scene, I should say. I've been using computers ever since mech keyboards were the *only* keyboards. LOL

I know these things are generally pricey, so I expect that. I'd prefer to go as economical as possible, but I need to know what I like first. I need something that's good for a typist to try and avoid carpal tunnel. Wrist strain is the biggest problem I have. I also game, since that seems to matter.

Today I went into Best Buy because I saw they offered a few mechanicals, but unfortunately, the only ones in my local store that I was able to actually play with was a Razer BlackWidow Ultimate (that one had MX Blues) and a Logitech... forget the model - K70? It had MX Browns. There was a Corsair there with MX Reds, but it was sealed, so I couldn't play with it (I had a salesman with me)

My take - people say the Browns are good for gaming. I thought they felt "mushy" and close to a membrane keyboard. In other words, I hated it. LOL

The blues gave a satisfying tactile feedback and I experimented both typing and double-tapping common keys and did not find it difficult at all. Actually, I really liked how it felt in the store, so I'm leaning towards them. Back to my original point - that's why I want to find a tester that has the other switches I haven't been able to try out yet.

Ideally, I'd love a pimped out keyboard with detachable mini-USB, bling lights and all that jazz, but I figured I'd start out small first. Also, because I know it's relevant - I do NOT like tenkeyless, 60%, or any of the smaller boards. Call me old fashioned, but I want my standard US layout with a numpad to the right and function keys on top.

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Mike

[CPTBadAss]

PM me, I'll send you an MX tester.

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

Coolermaster and Qwerkeys are notable testers for including a mount. Qwerkeys looks to be out of stock, but you might be able find one in the classifieds from someone. Coolermaster link: http://www.cmstore-usa.com/mechanical-key-switch-demo-board/. WASD Keyboards has another popular tester, but it is also out of stock at the moment.

Since you have wrist strain problems, getting some type of ergonomic keyboard might benefit you. Although in a lot of cases that means not going with mechanical switches especially if you're looking to be a bit economical.

[JeremiS]

Since you want an ergonomic keyboard, it's generally a very bad idea to have a number pad on your keyboard, as you move your arm too far to the side and it puts strain on your wrist, elbow, shoulder and back. This is probably contributing to your pain. I would recommend a tenkeyless keyboard with a separate numberpad on the left of the keyboard, to the right of your mouse, or above the keyboard. Ideally, the b on your keyboard should be directly in the middle of your body, and your arms should be L shaped. If money is no object, I'd say to get an ergonomic mouse (vertical or something else like a trackball), a Kinesis Advantage, Maltron or Ergodox (the ergodox seems to be the cheapest) with Cherry MX Blues like you enjoy. Your carpal tunnel will get worse if you use a full size keyboard with a standard mouse.
Sorry for being off topic a bit. Cooler master seems to be the only place that has a switch tester with Greens and Clears.

[badman5]

PM me, I'll send you an MX tester.

You'll send him one free? WOW i missed out, i needed one but got one off ebay for $7 which is still good considering i see them for $10.