[help] Tenkeyless, Backlit Keyboard. Ducky Shine, Max Blackbird, or WASD CODE?

[newo4110]

I'm looking at getting my first MK. My current parameters are:

• Tenkeyless
• Backlit (blue or white)
• Leaning toward Brown switches, but have already ordered a switch tester to confirm.

My primary uses for the keyboard are gaming (mainly SC2, but other games as well) and programming. After scouring this sub as well as geekhack for a few days, here is what I've been able to come up with. I'd appreciate your insight into anything I may not be considering.

-- MAX BLACKBIRD --

• Price: 127.49 (this is after applying the 15% discount for purchasing the switch sampler, which I already did)
• Link: http://www.maxkeyboard.com/max-keyboard-blackbird-tenkeyless-tkl-cherry-mx-backlit-mechanical-keyboard.html?page=2&selected_section=discussion

I'm leaning towards this board right now for the following reasons:

• Has 2 USB ports (low power). I really like this feature to have to string less wires to my tower.
• Function key in place in the right windows key. I hate the right windows key, so this is located in the perfect spot.
• Keycaps are doubleshot.

-- Ducky Shine 3 TKL --

• $104.99 (before 7/15/15)
• Link:http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=90657&vpn=DK9087S3-BUSALAAB1&manufacture=Ducky&promoid=1371

I've read nothing but good about Ducky, so this is also a really tempting buy. My main concerns with this board are:

• It seems the stock keycaps aren't as nice as the ones on the Max Blackbird.
  
• I don't like the location of the Function key. When playing SC2, I rebind the key next to control as the right alt key. I use sharp keys to rebind the key, so as long as the function key can be re-bound, this shouldn't be a big deal.

But, the Shine is cheaper right now, so I could arguably put the money saved into buying some better keycaps. But, are there any recommendations for good keycaps for a backlit board?

• I've seen the Vortext Backlit Doubleshot PBT[3] - These are available for the next 9 days.
• I saw a photo of the G20 eSports PBT Blanks[4] on a backlit keyboard. The blue and white looked pretty good even though they weren't technically for a backlit keyboard. How are these keycaps for typing (programming) on?

-- WASD CODE --

• Price: $150
• Link: http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/code-keyboard/code-87-key-mechanical-keyboard.html

I was looking at this one, but it seems both the Ducky Shine and Max Blackbird are better options in terms of features for the price. I don't see any reason to get this over the other boards right now. If you think there is a good reason I may have missed, please let me know.

-- CM Storm QuickFire Rapid-i --

• Price: $132.39
• Link: http://www.amazon.com/QuickFire-Mechanical-Keyboard-ActivLite-Technology/dp/B00M562EQU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436490366&sr=8-1&keywords=rapid+i

I looked at this board for a little while, but I discounted it due to the overwhelming number of accounts of the LED's failing. If you think I should re-look at this board, let me know.


TL;DR - Max Blackbird or Ducky Shine 3 TKL? and Why? If Shine, recommendations for new keycaps?

[temporal]

I prefer the Costar stabilizers on the Code to the Cherry stabs on the Ducky/Blackbird. They feel springier and less mushy, not a huge difference but noticeable. Swapping caps is a bit trickier on Costar, though.

The Code is slightly overpriced for what you get but I liked the minimalist design and solid construction.

That said, I recently traded my Code for a Ducky Shine 4. It's your first mech and everything on your list is a good starter board. Leaving room in the budget to buy caps makes good sense.

[gizzard]

Im curious, which board did you end up getting?  Seems like ducky shines are hard to get these days

[newo4110]

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/3jxmvt/first_and_second_mechanical_keyboard/

[gizzard]

nice.  might have to pick one up.  Looking around, Shines are nowhere to be found..
although the max requires the upsell ($200) if i want MX browns with red LEDs... geeze...

[SpecTP]

There's plenty of Ducky kb's at my local Microcenter (they have a web store too)

[bocahgundul]

Get a KUL?

[saturnotaku]

Get a KUL?

KUL isn't backlit.

[gizzard]

microcenter has been closed on the west coast for years...
seems like mx browns are just in short supply... again.. what is going on1?!?!

i might go with blues.. do miss the clack...