Help with a new mech

[andrewk]

Hey everyone, quick question. Need help with my first gaming mechanical keyboard, had some difficulty finding what I'm looking for.
What I want:
- Cherry MX black/red (or any other choices that you would suggest for gaming)
- Tenkeyless (preferably)
- Backlit (a must)

As simple as it may seem, I can't find one 
Thanks!

[BlueBär]

An often recommended keyboard are the Ducky Shine TKLs. They're not in stock on mechanicalkeyboards.com right now though, not sure where else you can buy them, they have the fullsize version in stock though.

I don't think certain switches are "the best" for gaming (MX Blues are arguably a bit worse), so I would rather recommend you to get a switch tester to see what you like.

[Defect]

Good choice with black/red for gaming.

Ducky makes great backlit boards.  I would also look at Keycool 84 (amazing layout for gaming, my personal favorite).  The older ones with cherry switches, not the newer ones with Kailh.

I'm a bit confused why you need backlit for gaming, seems like it would be a detriment.

[andrewk]

Good choice with black/red for gaming.

Ducky makes great backlit boards.  I would also look at Keycool 84 (amazing layout for gaming, my personal favorite).  The older ones with cherry switches, not the newer ones with Kailh.

I'm a bit confused why you need backlit for gaming, seems like it would be a detriment.

It's not a huge issue but I always game in the dark, I know 90% of the time I only use WASD but in that 10% I have to hit a key that i take 10 minutes to find

[andrewk]

An often recommended keyboard are the Ducky Shine TKLs. They're not in stock on mechanicalkeyboards.com right now though, not sure where else you can buy them, they have the fullsize version in stock though.

I don't think certain switches are "the best" for gaming (MX Blues are arguably a bit worse), so I would rather recommend you to get a switch tester to see what you like.

Looks interesting, I'll check if they have it in stock at my local Canada Computers

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

Deck makes some boards that are backlit and are TKL. Mechanicalkeyboards.com has them in stock. I don't know where to shop if you need a place in Canada.

I second the recommendation to try some different switches. It's largely personal preference.

[the random asian]

Where are you located in? I know that if you live in the US, you can get the CM Quickfire TK w/ reds and backlight, and it is cheaper than the other options mentioned. However, the bottom row is not standard so you would have trouble finding  a keycap set that would fit (if you would be interested in swapping the keycaps at any point, if not then this is not an issue at all).

[Oobly]

There's the CoolerMaster QuickFire TK, but it has a weird bottom row, so replacing keycaps is a PITA: http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_273_274&item_id=055708

And then there is the new QuickFire Rapid-i with backlighting. I can only see the version with Brown switches available from Canada Computers, though: http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_273_274&item_id=070757

It's very similar to the Ducky Shine 3 TKL.

If you have a chance, definitely try different switches before buying. I like Browns as I feel they're a good compromise between what's best for gaming and what's best for typing. I don't like to type on linear switches (Reds / Blacks), but they are better for certain types of games where reaction time on keys that you have your fingers resting on matters. Like FPS for instance. You can keep the switches partially pressed so they're close to the actuation point and then you can make very quick changes in movement. For typing, I find the small bump on Browns helps give me some tactile feedback of when the switch actuates and prevents mistyped letters (which I get with Reds). My favourite typing switch is modified MX Clears, though. I don't like the high pitched "click" or the hysteresis (difference between actuation and reset point) of MX clicky switches.

[andrewk]

Where are you located in? I know that if you live in the US, you can get the CM Quickfire TK w/ reds and backlight, and it is cheaper than the other options mentioned. However, the bottom row is not standard so you would have trouble finding  a keycap set that would fit (if you would be interested in swapping the keycaps at any point, if not then this is not an issue at all).

I'm in Canada, the only good harware store I know is Canada Computers, but I don't mind ordering online unless there's a huge shipping fee

[andrewk]

There's the CoolerMaster QuickFire TK, but it has a weird bottom row, so replacing keycaps is a PITA:

Allright so I'm pretty much decided that I'll this one, though what makes it hard to change the keys?

[ironic moustache]

The problem isn't so much in changing the keys, it's in finding a set of replacement keycaps. The bottom row isn't standard, and while I think you can get a Tsangan kit for the bottom row modifiers (ctrl, alt etc) I don't think anyone makes the 6.5x spacebar that the QFTK uses.

[andrewk]

The problem isn't so much in changing the keys, it's in finding a set of replacement keycaps. The bottom row isn't standard, and while I think you can get a Tsangan kit for the bottom row modifiers (ctrl, alt etc) I don't think anyone makes the 6.5x spacebar that the QFTK uses.

I get it. As long as I can change the WASD I'll be fine thanks for the help!

[xuanwumen]

Good choice with black/red for gaming.

Ducky makes great backlit boards.  I would also look at Keycool 84 (amazing layout for gaming, my personal favorite).  The older ones with cherry switches, not the newer ones with Kailh.

I'm a bit confused why you need backlit for gaming, seems like it would be a detriment.

This is a link for keycool 87 backlit keyboards with cherry mx switches.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Keycool-87-84-full-mechanical-keyboard-backlights-multi-color-backlights-keycool84-gaming-keyboard-cherry-switch/818123_872675639.html

[andrewk]

Anyone know where I could find a poker II (backlit) / KBT Pure in stock? Or any other 60% keyboard with cherry MX red and backlight?