keyboard for typing/fps

[dadab12]

Hello guys, i'm new to the whole keyboard addiction and stupidity
basicly i just received a QF ultimate a week ago and I already browsed the internet and found I wanted a 60% keyboard for fps and typing since I find setting the keyboard closer to the mouse optimal for several reasons.
I'm set on buying the poker 2 since it looks sexy and seem like a high quality keyboard.
I got a brown cm qf and i really dig it.
I'm really contemplating between browns (again) and blues I dont mind giving the red a chance but I enjoy the tactile feedback quite a bit.
My only concern is using the wasd keys as fluid as possible, strafing and so on.
I find mechanical brown keyboard much more fluid than the membrane I have at a degree that it improves my movement..
I don't want stiff keys and I really need your help guys two brown keyboards seem kinda dumb?
Thanks alot geeks !

[PointyFox]

Keep one, sell/gift the other.  Also note that the Poker 2 doesn't have dedicated function or arrow keys.

[dadab12]

 I'm gonna keep both of them for now since I need the function and arrow keys for certain apps and games

[Kayla]

I typed up a reply but when I hit reply it said the topic was deleted..

Youre going to have to be more specific about your request though. Reds are lightest so you can -game for the longest time- potentially. I dont like them because they lack feedback and I mis-type/miss-press a lot with them. Blues are heavier than reds but sound delicious. Browns are what I like when I want a light switch thats quieter than blue. Black are heavy but quieter than blue.

Picking the right keyboard takes a while for some people.. but Reds would be -arguably- the best for fps and blues for typing. I'l say that both things are fine on all mechanical key switches though.

[Puddsy]

if you want a keyboard for general use, browns are decent

I think reds are the best for all general use. Can't go wrong there.

[dadab12]

wow such quick replies!
I'd be content with the QF for now if it wasn't a full size keyboard.
I just gotta get a 60% and I have heard the all brown for general purpos blue for typing and red for fps.. but there gotta be something else..
why isn't the blue as good as the brown for fps? is it less fluid in game?
also why would i pick a red over brown? is it the same switch but without the tactile feedback?
I want a switch that will give me  the feeling of just laying my hands on the switch rather than pressing it if it takes any sense.
The mx blue feels higher quality than red/brown?
Also, I don't bottom at all playing with browns so maybe it makes a difference in picking the switch.

[IvanIvanovich]

Really all MX are more or less functionally the same. The varieties just have some different feeling and force variance for user preference. None is more suited for a specific task than another as far as I am concerned. Some people say they have problem with multi tap on blues (and also green and white since they have the same design) as it's reset is a bit different since it has a 2 piece slider.

[Defect]

wow such quick replies!
I'd be content with the QF for now if it wasn't a full size keyboard.
I just gotta get a 60% and I have heard the all brown for general purpos blue for typing and red for fps.. but there gotta be something else..
why isn't the blue as good as the brown for fps? is it less fluid in game?
also why would i pick a red over brown? is it the same switch but without the tactile feedback?
I want a switch that will give me  the feeling of just laying my hands on the switch rather than pressing it if it takes any sense.
The mx blue feels higher quality than red/brown?
Also, I don't bottom at all playing with browns so maybe it makes a difference in picking the switch.

Hysteresis is one reason why blues are not optimal for FPS

Linears are by far the best for FPS because you can hover at the actuation point with no friction and no hinderance.
Browns I do not like because their tactility is so low.  Cherry MX switches are GREAT at being linear, but for tactile you really need a different design.
MX blue feels (IMO) cheaper than reds.  But better than browns.

You didn't mention clears.  They are more tactile than blue, do not have the major design flaw blues have, and can be as light as blue if you do a spring mod.

[dadab12]

Thanks, I did not find poker 2 with clears...

[Pacifist]

Thanks, I did not find poker 2 with clears...

poker 2 doesn't come with clears, u have to mod them urself

[dadab12]

Hmm, let's see if I understand it correctly, On the mx blue, when I hit the acuation point of the blues the key only registers when irelease the key? probably I got it all wrong..
could someone please explain that **** to me once and for all? ;/
Also, since you guys are so keyboard pros unlike the most of the gamers crowd that say mx red because that's all they hear about, do majority of the people here are not fond of the blues? and actually like the mx reds for both typing and gaming?

[frosty]

wrong, releasing causes an upstroke, which is after of course the downstroke. the key actuates on the downstroke

[frosty]

for 60%, i would definitely recommend vortex poker 2s. they have great key caps. you could alternatively go for vortex race 2. it has dedicated arrow keys and is only a tad bit larger than the poker (the difference is really small)

[dadab12]

thanks, does it register when i feel the tactile feedback? Im decided on the poker since the layout seems perfect and it looks so comfortable to type on.

[Kayla]

It registers after/during the bump.

[Pacifist]

when there is bump the contact metal things press together

[IvanIvanovich]

Maybe this will help?

[dadab12]

Blues have some crazy ass delay so it seems.. is it the problem while playing fps?

[Kayla]

Blues do not have any delay. I don't know what you're talking about. All switches are the same as far as when they register without modifications.

[dadab12]

Well, nevermind then.. I just did not explain it very well.. I watched some mx clear typing and  they sound phenomenal.. also, hearing the mx blue bottoming out on videos is really harsh sounding and unpleasant to me, is it true irl? and could it be different if I were the user?

[Kayla]

As far as I understand, everything Cherry MX bottoms out the same; the only thing that changes the sound is o-rings, keycap material/thickness and the keyboard youre using (how its mounted, the case material). The only difference will be the inclusion of a click or a scratch from a tactical non-clicky switch.

I could be wrong.

[Melvang]

What you guys are referring to with the "delay" is called hysteresis.  What this means is the actuation point is at 2mm into the keystroke but the reset point of the switch doesn't occur until after this point.  This is a trait of all MX clicky switches.  I believe it is around 0.2mm, though I could be wrong.

[PointyFox]

If you want "fluid" as you described in your first post, get "vintage" MX Blacks.

[PointyFox]

What you guys are referring to with the "delay" is called hysteresis.  What this means is the actuation point is at 2mm into the keystroke but the reset point of the switch doesn't occur until after this point.  This is a trait of all MX clicky switches.  I believe it is around 0.2mm, though I could be wrong.

I believe that only occurs with MX Blue/MX Green as a tradeoff for the click mechanism design.  Also the reset occurs BEFORE the actuation in terms of downward travel.  So if you think about it, there will be instances where you "de-click" the switch and press it down passed its actuation point again only to find it not clicking or actuating. 

[dadab12]

Why is it hard :/

[Oobly]

IMO, the best switch for typing and gaming (fps) if both have equal priority is MX Brown.

MX ErgoClear (Clear switch with lighter spring) is better for typing, but a little less effecitve for fps gaming since the bump is quite pronounced and pushes the slider up / down so it's hard to keep it close to the actuation point, it tends to force you to press / release fully past the bump. The bump on browns is smaller and starts a little lower, so you tend to not move the slider as much when trying to keep it close to the actuation point. Reds don't have the bump at all, so you can "hover" fairly easily if you are very used to where the actuation point is on them (but I don't like them for typing, I tend to require some form of tactile feedback to type fast and accurately). Blues and Greens have a reset point which is above the actuation point, so you have to release the switch almost to the top if you want to press it again. It's fine for most situations and great for typing, but if you want the fastest response on your movement keys it can get in the way a bit. They feel nice for typing, though, since the tactility is a little different to Browns / Clears and the extra auditory feedback (click) helps you register when the key has actuated.

I game on Browns and ErgoClears and prefer the ErgoClears when I'm not feeling competitive. The tactile feedback is very satisfying. If I really feel the need to be at my best, though, I use the Browns. In your situation I would get a Poker 2 with Browns. If it aint broke......

[exit]

I type and game on the reds. They are so light that you shouldn't need a bump. Its easier to walk around, double tap and side step with reds. Definently recommend giving reds a go.

[dorkvader]

IMO, the best switch for typing and gaming (fps) if both have equal priority is MX Brown.

MX ErgoClear (Clear switch with lighter spring) is better for typing, but a little less effecitve for fps gaming since the bump is quite pronounced and pushes the slider up / down so it's hard to keep it close to the actuation point, it tends to force you to press / release fully past the bump. The bump on browns is smaller and starts a little lower, so you tend to not move the slider as much when trying to keep it close to the actuation point. Reds don't have the bump at all, so you can "hover" fairly easily if you are very used to where the actuation point is on them (but I don't like them for typing, I tend to require some form of tactile feedback to type fast and accurately). Blues and Greens have a reset point which is above the actuation point, so you have to release the switch almost to the top if you want to press it again. It's fine for most situations and great for typing, but if you want the fastest response on your movement keys it can get in the way a bit. They feel nice for typing, though, since the tactility is a little different to Browns / Clears and the extra auditory feedback (click) helps you register when the key has actuated.

I game on Browns and ErgoClears and prefer the ErgoClears when I'm not feeling competitive. The tactile feedback is very satisfying. If I really feel the need to be at my best, though, I use the Browns. In your situation I would get a Poker 2 with Browns. If it aint broke......

I was going to mention that ergoclears are the best for gaming, since they actuate right after the tactile bump, it's very easy to bobble the switch on that for rapid actuations.

Anyway, as everyone knows, the best switch for typing and gaming is hall effect. That said, getting itto work on your computer is a challenge, so if you're sticking with cherry MX, just pick one and be happy.

You can actually actuate a blue very quickly once you get used to it, as kayla demonstrates in this osu video: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59468.msg1363729#msg1363729

You can theoretically actuate MX switches without hysterisis faster that blues / greens / whites, but only if you press them less distance. Given that it takes time to accelerate / decelerate the finger, I think it'll be basically the same in practise, As always YMMV.

Finally: one great part about mechanical keyboards is that they hold their value remarkably well, so if your'e not happy with it, you can sell it and buy a new one with minimal loss.

Hope this helps!

[Oobly]

IMO, the best switch for typing and gaming (fps) if both have equal priority is MX Brown.

MX ErgoClear (Clear switch with lighter spring) is better for typing, but a little less effecitve for fps gaming since the bump is quite pronounced and pushes the slider up / down so it's hard to keep it close to the actuation point, it tends to force you to press / release fully past the bump. The bump on browns is smaller and starts a little lower, so you tend to not move the slider as much when trying to keep it close to the actuation point. Reds don't have the bump at all, so you can "hover" fairly easily if you are very used to where the actuation point is on them (but I don't like them for typing, I tend to require some form of tactile feedback to type fast and accurately). Blues and Greens have a reset point which is above the actuation point, so you have to release the switch almost to the top if you want to press it again. It's fine for most situations and great for typing, but if you want the fastest response on your movement keys it can get in the way a bit. They feel nice for typing, though, since the tactility is a little different to Browns / Clears and the extra auditory feedback (click) helps you register when the key has actuated.

I game on Browns and ErgoClears and prefer the ErgoClears when I'm not feeling competitive. The tactile feedback is very satisfying. If I really feel the need to be at my best, though, I use the Browns. In your situation I would get a Poker 2 with Browns. If it aint broke......

I was going to mention that ergoclears are the best for gaming, since they actuate right after the tactile bump, it's very easy to bobble the switch on that for rapid actuations.

Anyway, as everyone knows, the best switch for typing and gaming is hall effect. That said, getting itto work on your computer is a challenge, so if you're sticking with cherry MX, just pick one and be happy.

You can actually actuate a blue very quickly once you get used to it, as kayla demonstrates in this osu video: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59468.msg1363729#msg1363729

You can theoretically actuate MX switches without hysterisis faster that blues / greens / whites, but only if you press them less distance. Given that it takes time to accelerate / decelerate the finger, I think it'll be basically the same in practise, As always YMMV.

Finally: one great part about mechanical keyboards is that they hold their value remarkably well, so if your'e not happy with it, you can sell it and buy a new one with minimal loss.

Hope this helps!

Hmmm... will have to try this when I get home, but in my attempts I tend to release past the bump. Will have to train my fingers a little. I'd love to go all ErgoClears 

[qwack]

Why is it hard :/

I've had my first mech keyboard for just a month and until I bought it I was asking myself the same question. First you hesitate between browns and reds (and blues if noise is not a matter), then everyone states how much lubed blacks are better than reds, ergo/panda/younameit clears better than browns, and so on. I finally got a board with reds and bought a few more different switches to compare. The bottom line is that there is no bad MX switch. If you already have a keyboard with browns, why not try a linear (red) switch ? If you're afraid they won't be great for typing, there's a 7-pages long thread on the subject around here. I type a lot on my reds and  really appreciate the feel of the keys — I've tried tactile switches on another board, and I don't feel the lack of tactile feedback on the reds makes them inferior. Different, sure, but not inferior.

Or, if you want a taste of that sexy clicky goodness, get blue switches. Just like for reds and typing, plenty of people consider that blues are great for playing too. The image posted above might be a bit confusing if you've never used this switch, but don't worry about the "delay"; when you press the key on a blue, you feel the feedback and hear the click at mid-travel right when the key actuates and that's it.

[dadab12]

Guys you are awesome thanks alot, if anyone else has anything else helpful to say i'd appreciate it alot!

[dadab12]

Last thing I believe.. I'm leaning towards the red right now since people are telling me that it feels like typing on a cloud (like I know)
I don't feel that using the mx brown and are the brown and red feel substantially different in that regard? thnaks

[Melvang]

If you type very soft then yes.  If you type medium to hard, chances are you will bottom out very easy.  My fav switch right now is linear stems (only difference is the color and spring) with springs from clears.  They are a touch lighter at actuation than springs from blacks but bottom out at a higher force due to a steeper force curve. 

[rowdy]

I used blues and reds for a while (typing and FPS).

Then I switched to greens and blacks.

Now I cannot switch back to reds, and even blues seem too light.

I am typing this on HHKB (also typing and FPS), and it seems a bit too light, but is good for typing and FPS.  HHKB is 45g, but due to the different force curve of Topre switches, I probably prefer this t, say, MX blue.