Keyboard like CM Rapid-i without the mushy stablizers?

[Veridis]

I have the Ducky Zero TKL and CM Rapid-i both of which use brown cherry MX switches. I'm going to get a 3rd keyboard, and pass the one I like least to my girlfriend since she doesn't care about keyboards. The other two will be my daily drivers at home and at work.

The stabilizers on the Ducky feel perfect, unlike on the Rapid-i where they are extremely mushy and off-putting. I read somewhere that Ducky clips all their cherry stabilizers, is this true?
On the other hand, I love the Rapid-i's lighting options, especially the custom lighting profiles. They are really useful when playing different games.

Right now I have two options:
1. Buy another Rapid-i and clip all the stabilizers, voiding the warranty in the process. Use both as daily drivers.
2. Buy a Ducky/other branded keyboard similar to the Rapid-i that has better stabilizers, and pass the Rapid-i to the girlfriend.

(I always thought people who complain about stabilizers were really deep into the hobby, but here I am now.. haha.)

[Hyde]

Hmmmmm I've tried a Ducky board recently and I remember them being mushy too, maybe I'm too picky.

But basically 90% of the board with cherry stabilizer will have that issue.

However there are a few exceptions.  Boards that I know that have "clean" feel stabilizers:

WASD CODE
Max Keyboards Nighthawk
Razer Blackwidow
Vortex Poker II
Vortex Race II

Since Rapid-I is most likely plate mount, and in order to get to the stabilizers you have to desolder that switch.

In this case it would be 5 switches to desolder, I guess not too bad if you're experienced in doing this.

I guess you can decide if you like any of the keyboards I listed. 

[daerid]

The "Clean" feeling stabilizers that Hyde is referring to are called Costar-style stabilizers, FYI.

I would highly suggest staying away from the Razer Blackwidow. Razer's quality leaves much to be desired. Obviously I can't say enough good things about WASD keyboards (specifically the CODE model).

I'm not sure, but I believe the Das Keyboard also uses Costar stabilizers, as does the Filco Majestouch 2 line. If you want a Tenkeyless Cherry MX board, I would strongly suggest a WASD V2/CODE. They're top-notch boards.

[Oobly]

Clip the stabilisers on the Rapid-I if it has all the other features you want.

You will probably have to desolder the switch and LED for each stabiliser, though (to get the stabiliser wire out and back in again).

AFAIK, Ducky stabs are also "unclipped", but it's been a while since I bought a Ducky board.

IMHO, clipped Cherry stabs are the best.

[Veridis]

I'm not comfortable enough to desolder and clip the cherry stabilizers on the Rapid-i, so that is out of the question. Part of me feels that I'm being spoilt and should just get another Rapid-i for home use and get used to the stabilizer, since it has all the features I want. Another part thinks I will regret it if I compromise switch feel :O

[Findecanor]

If you install O-rings or learn not to bottom out then you won't notice any difference.

[Veridis]

I type light or hard depending on what I'm doing, and do enjoy the hard clack when I do bottom out, so o rings are not an option for me

I went to try the ducky Shine 3,and the stabilizers were much smoother, rattled less and felt more solid than on my Rapid I. Actually, they did not rattle at all, and were way quieter.

I wanted white LED, but they only had orange and magneta for brown switch . I compared the spacebar on both keyboards, and the orange led ducky had a better bottoming out feeling so I got that.

It's amazing how even two identical models had a different feel on the stabilizers!