Hi all, I'm looking for a mechanical keyboard with the following characteristics:
-budget 50-150eur (if expensive, it must really be worth it)
-wired
-Italian layout (this is quite restrictive!), extended layout with keypad
-Cherry MX Blue
-linux compatible (it doesn't have to be fully functional including e.g. macro keys or media keys but it has to behave correctly at least as far as standard features are concerned, maybe even by using a "compatibility mode" switch which disables nonstandard features)
-at least 6KRO, 8 or 10kro would be best
-ps/2 or usb
-no trouble to enter bios (maybe even by using a compatibility mode switch)
-maybe not necessarily with pbt doubleshots, but at least without having keycap discoloration after a short while
-wrist support (if there is one) must be removable because usually I don't like it
-extras: backlighting (if present, I must be able to disable it because I sleep with the PC on), macro keys (edit: these two features are optional, not a must have)
Any recommendation? I'm considering the Corsair Vengeance K70 (with MX Blue), is it good? does it have compatibility problems with linux or bioses?
I'm even considering to use a foreign layout and then replace the keycaps, but I'd rather avoid that because of the extra cost.
There are Italian layout Filcos at the keyboard company, I would recommend getting one.
You will not have any problem with linux.
Any problem with the BIOS would be a problem in the BIOS itself. If the computer has a PS/2 port, the Filco can be plugged in it, so you will not have any problem. If the computer is USB only, try any USB keyboard. If it works, it will work with a Filco.
Once you've got your Italian keyboard, you have plenty of time to look for high quality Italian keycaps.
I would also suggest that you purchase O-rings with your keyboard. I would recommend the blue ones. You put them under the keycaps and they significantly silence the bottoming out. Your Cherry MX blue will still "click", but the bottoming-out noise, which is unpleasant, will be dampened.
The keyboard company also sells doubleshot keycaps that are quite good (I have them on the keyboard I'm typing on and they are very fine). Unfortunately they are not available in the Italian layout at this time. And they are taller than the stock keycaps, so you cannot really mix them. Maybe you can ask someone at the keyboard company if they are planning to get some in Italian layout, or if they can get at least one set for you? These guys are really helpful, so you can try.
These keycaps are not PBT, but they are heavy, have a spherical top and they are doubleshot. They look very durable. And they are made by Filco.