Corsair K70 vs Ducky Shine 5 + Suggestions.

[Nawit]

Hey guys,

Haven't been here in a while so apologies if this is a basic question.

I am currently using a Razer Blackwidow 2012 edition with Cherry MX blues. I am looking to switch to reds for a change and was looking into a couple keyboards: the Corsair K70 RGB and the Ducky Shine 5 (I would be willing to wait until September for the Shine 5). I was just wondering what peoples thoughts were with regards to these keyboards.

I'd also love to hear suggestions for top of the line mechanical keyboards since I have been out of the loop for a bit. The following are what I am looking for:

I would say I game 70% and type/ do work 30% on my computer if that makes a difference.
RGBs are not a must BUT I would be lying if I said I didn't want them.
Looking for red switches.
I plan on buying the Vortex PBT doubleshot translucent keycaps to replace whatever comes with the keyboard I end up getting.
Price limit is $200.
Edit: Looking for a full keyboard (with number pad). Not interested in macro keys.

Any and all help/suggestions are appreciated. Hope to hear from you guys soon!

[katushkin]

Do not.

Get a Corsair.

The RGB lighting is really washed out. Really, REALLY washed out. Their boards aren't well made, and while the software for the RGB programming may be cool, Ducky's build quality is far superior. Besides, Corsair's logo looks ridiculous.

Wait for the Ducky.

[Nawit]

Do not.

Get a Corsair.

The RGB lighting is really washed out. Really, REALLY washed out. Their boards aren't well made, and while the software for the RGB programming may be cool, Ducky's build quality is far superior. Besides, Corsair's logo looks ridiculous.

Wait for the Ducky.

Thanks for the reply. I am aware of the washed out LEDs. It was a really big turn off. But I saw a mod where someone put up the keyboard layout on dropbox. People essentially would print out the layout, cutout the squares for the switches and place is as a backplate to allow the LEDs to shine brighter. I was planning on doing that if I got the corsair.

All your other points make sense. My real question is, what makes Ducky's build quality better? I have always heard that Ducky is much better quality, but I never understood why. Doesn't the Corsair's aluminum finish compete with the plastic finish of the Ducky Shine 5? Again, apologies if these are stupid questions. Just want to learn/understand.

P.S- PBT or ABS Doubleshots? I have only ever used stock Razer caps, but from what I have read PBT doubleshot is basically the best quality.

Thank you for your help!

[katushkin]

Well because of the raised up nature of the keys, where the case is essentially the plate, you will easily be able to see the paper under the keys. Also, the fact you are then going to have to cut out 87 keys just to get your backlight looking acceptable, well, isn't really acceptable. I'm not quite sure how that would help the backlighting's intensity though either.

The keycaps are a big part. Corsair's keys have never been great in my opinion, but the aluminium plate finish of the Corsair doesn't really add to the build quality, it just makes it heavier. I'm not quite sure what it is, but Ducky boards to me have always been sturdy, and their backlighting has always been bright, full, and the modes are pretty great as well.

After your Razer, any caps will feel better. PBT is preferable, but ABS doubleshots are decent enough.

[Nawit]

Sounds good. I have one last question. Are there any boards you would suggest outside of the Ducky Shine 5? I am really willing to look at anything. Hoping I can make the adjustment to reds. I have tried them and I loved it for gaming but I am concerned that typos will be an issue when typing things coming from blues. But I am sure I will get used to it. Just wondering if there are any good other options out there besides the ones I listed.

[katushkin]

Sounds good. I have one last question. Are there any boards you would suggest outside of the Ducky Shine 5? I am really willing to look at anything. Hoping I can make the adjustment to reds. I have tried them and I loved it for gaming but I am concerned that typos will be an issue when typing things coming from blues. But I am sure I will get used to it. Just wondering if there are any good other options out there besides the ones I listed.

Well reds require less weight than blues, so if anything you would get more typos on reds.

As for alternate boards, there are a lot of boards out there if you aren't concerned about backlighting. Just steer clear of all the dozens of randomly branded RGB boards you see on Massdrop (other than Keycool of course).

As for other options, I'm not really sure. People rave on about KUL boards, but I haven't got any experience with them.

[alienman82]

removed.

[seville57]

Hey guys,

Haven't been here in a while so apologies if this is a basic question.

I am currently using a Razer Blackwidow 2012 edition with Cherry MX blues. I am looking to switch to reds for a change and was looking into a couple keyboards: the Corsair K70 RGB and the Ducky Shine 5 (I would be willing to wait until September for the Shine 5). I was just wondering what peoples thoughts were with regards to these keyboards.

I'd also love to hear suggestions for top of the line mechanical keyboards since I have been out of the loop for a bit. The following are what I am looking for:

I would say I game 70% and type/ do work 30% on my computer if that makes a difference.
RGBs are not a must BUT I would be lying if I said I didn't want them.
Looking for red switches.
I plan on buying the Vortex PBT doubleshot translucent keycaps to replace whatever comes with the keyboard I end up getting.
Price limit is $200.
Edit: Looking for a full keyboard (with number pad). Not interested in macro keys.

Any and all help/suggestions are appreciated. Hope to hear from you guys soon!

i'm happy with mine Ducky Shine k-boards, most keycaps sets fits on the Ducky Shine k-boards.

Most keycaps sets will not fit k70:s non standard bottom row.


The bottom row on this keycaps set will not fit on the k70 bottom row.
Ducky Shine 3 Cherry MX Red with Varmilo Mint front printed keycaps set.




This keycaps set bottom row will not fit on the k70 bottom row.
Ducky Shine 3 Cherry MX Black with Tai-Hao Miami set.




Will not fit the bottom row on the k70.
Ducky Shine 4 69 Edition Fire Version with Galaxy Class set with Duckys 69 spacebar.

[Nawit]

Thanks for all the posts guys. Looks like I am going to wait for the Shine 5. Now I am just trying to pick between PBT double shots or ABS. Seems to be a personal preference thing but I have never had a chance to try anything but stock Razer keycaps and stock Ducky ones on the Shine 4. I know either will be better than what I'm using now. I am just wondering what people think about each.

Note: I know this is getting slightly off topic so if I need to make another thread elsewhere, I will do so.

[alienman82]

removed.

[seville57]

Thanks for all the posts guys. Looks like I am going to wait for the Shine 5. Now I am just trying to pick between PBT double shots or ABS. Seems to be a personal preference thing but I have never had a chance to try anything but stock Razer keycaps and stock Ducky ones on the Shine 4. I know either will be better than what I'm using now. I am just wondering what people think about each.

Note: I know this is getting slightly off topic so if I need to make another thread elsewhere, I will do so.

I pre-order this Ducky k-board: http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1355

Some pictures: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74306.0

[Nawit]

Thanks for all the posts guys. Looks like I am going to wait for the Shine 5. Now I am just trying to pick between PBT double shots or ABS. Seems to be a personal preference thing but I have never had a chance to try anything but stock Razer keycaps and stock Ducky ones on the Shine 4. I know either will be better than what I'm using now. I am just wondering what people think about each.

Note: I know this is getting slightly off topic so if I need to make another thread elsewhere, I will do so.

I pre-order this Ducky k-board: http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1355

Some pictures: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74306.0

I absolutely LOVE the looks of that keyboard. But the all white scares me. I eat a lot at my desk and I am pretty sure it would get dirty quickly. So I am not sure if the all white is best for me. Might just wait for the Shine 5. The black switches are something I have been looking at though. Coming from blues, I wonder if blacks would be better for me than reds. I never had a chance to try blacks but I have tried reds. Maybe the higher actuation force would fit my style better (I tend to smash my keys- bottom out a lot). I guess I got some more research to do.

[seville57]

Thanks for all the posts guys. Looks like I am going to wait for the Shine 5. Now I am just trying to pick between PBT double shots or ABS. Seems to be a personal preference thing but I have never had a chance to try anything but stock Razer keycaps and stock Ducky ones on the Shine 4. I know either will be better than what I'm using now. I am just wondering what people think about each.

Note: I know this is getting slightly off topic so if I need to make another thread elsewhere, I will do so.

I pre-order this Ducky k-board: http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1355

Some pictures: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74306.0

I absolutely LOVE the looks of that keyboard. But the all white scares me. I eat a lot at my desk and I am pretty sure it would get dirty quickly. So I am not sure if the all white is best for me. Might just wait for the Shine 5. The black switches are something I have been looking at though. Coming from blues, I wonder if blacks would be better for me than reds. I never had a chance to try blacks but I have tried reds. Maybe the higher actuation force would fit my style better (I tend to smash my keys- bottom out a lot). I guess I got some more research to do.

Well, my old white ISO/Nordic layout Ducky Shine 2 stills looks white after 2 years of usin it almost dailey.



I have some Ducky Shine 2/3 ISO/ANSI k-boards with Browns, Reds, Blacks and Blues and all I can say is "Blues stay away from me".

[nuzey]

You made the right decision! Ducky is way better than Corsair 

I saw that you are planning to purchase the Vortex translucent PBT keycaps. It will be a very good combination with the Shine 5. I own Shine 3 TKL with Vortex Translucent PBT keycaps so I can vouch for it 

I am sure you will enjoy the keyboard! Have fun with it! 

[mikes41720]

Yes, I would prefer the Shine 5 over the K70 RGB. Just better build quality and out of the box feel in general. Also, if you're planning to get aftermarket keycaps, the bottom row on the K70 isn't standard, so it won't fit some of the caps there. All the more reason for you to go with the Shine 5. Unfortunately, it's not full RGB, but you should be able to play around with some of the colors that you like with it.

As for the debate between PBT and ABS, it's all a matter of opinion. The stock ABS keycaps that come with most keyboards are thin and don't really feel all that good, so of course when you get a set of PBT keycaps from Vortex that are thick, it'll feel better, IMO. The texture of the keycaps feels really good, like a bit of a grain or sandy texture, and the thickness of the keycaps give it a better sounding feel. Whether or not it's worth the extra 40-60 dollars is totally up to you. 

[apav]

Well this thread seems solved, so I hope you don't mind me asking here. My question is pretty much identical. I actually just destroyed my K90 from a spill not too long ago (I tried everything including an alcohol bath but it still doesn't work right) so I'm also looking for a new keyboard. The K90 was my first mechanical keyboard, and I enjoyed it for the most part. Obviously the biggest issue I had with it was that it wasn't fully mechanical, and I also could never get the G keys to work. But I thought the keyboard was very sturdy, and I loved the separate media keys. Now I'm looking for an even better keyboard. I have heard nothing but praises about the Ducky, so I am seriously considering the Shine 5 since I want my next keyboard to be RBG. You guys say the Ducky keyboards are built better than Corsair, so how can a plastic body beat brushed aluminum? (I'm not saying I don't believe you, but merely how?) The K95 RGB is my other choice only because it has the media keys and the volume roller/mute button that I love so much. But I heard about all the issues it has. If you were in my shoes and those keys mattered to you a lot but the Shine 5 turns out to be overall the better keyboard, would you still give them up for the Shine 5?

Also, just to be thorough, do you have any other keyboards you could recommend to me? I will be using it for a mix of gaming and typing. I had Reds previously but not sure if they're my favorite, so this time I want to try Browns. Also prefer it to have RGB switches and media keys. Thanks so much!

[seville57]

Well this thread seems solved, so I hope you don't mind me asking here. My question is pretty much identical. I actually just destroyed my K90 from a spill not too long ago (I tried everything including an alcohol bath but it still doesn't work right) so I'm also looking for a new keyboard. The K90 was my first mechanical keyboard, and I enjoyed it for the most part. Obviously the biggest issue I had with it was that it wasn't fully mechanical, and I also could never get the G keys to work. But I thought the keyboard was very sturdy, and I loved the separate media keys. Now I'm looking for an even better keyboard. I have heard nothing but praises about the Ducky, so I am seriously considering the Shine 5 since I want my next keyboard to be RBG. You guys say the Ducky keyboards are built better than Corsair, so how can a plastic body beat brushed aluminum? (I'm not saying I don't believe you, but merely how?) The K95 RGB is my other choice only because it has the media keys and the volume roller/mute button that I love so much. But I heard about all the issues it has. If you were in my shoes and those keys mattered to you a lot but the Shine 5 turns out to be overall the better keyboard, would you still give them up for the Shine 5?

Also, just to be thorough, do you have any other keyboards you could recommend to me? I will be using it for a mix of gaming and typing. I had Reds previously but not sure if they're my favorite, so this time I want to try Browns. Also prefer it to have RGB switches and media keys. Thanks so much!

On my Ducky Shine 4 69 Edition I have this multi-media functions:

FN + Delete = Mute

FN + End = Volume Down

FN + PgDn = Volume Up

FN + Calc = Play/Pause

FN + My Computer = Stop

FN + Mail = Previous Track

FN + Home = Next Track


About the k95 RGB and aftermarket keycaps sets:



If you look in the link here http://www.maxkeyboard.com/mechanical-keycap-layout-and-size-chart.html on the second picture you will see that Ducky has a standard bottom row.

Corsair k70 (first picture), k95 does not have a standard bottom row.

[apav]

Well this thread seems solved, so I hope you don't mind me asking here. My question is pretty much identical. I actually just destroyed my K90 from a spill not too long ago (I tried everything including an alcohol bath but it still doesn't work right) so I'm also looking for a new keyboard. The K90 was my first mechanical keyboard, and I enjoyed it for the most part. Obviously the biggest issue I had with it was that it wasn't fully mechanical, and I also could never get the G keys to work. But I thought the keyboard was very sturdy, and I loved the separate media keys. Now I'm looking for an even better keyboard. I have heard nothing but praises about the Ducky, so I am seriously considering the Shine 5 since I want my next keyboard to be RBG. You guys say the Ducky keyboards are built better than Corsair, so how can a plastic body beat brushed aluminum? (I'm not saying I don't believe you, but merely how?) The K95 RGB is my other choice only because it has the media keys and the volume roller/mute button that I love so much. But I heard about all the issues it has. If you were in my shoes and those keys mattered to you a lot but the Shine 5 turns out to be overall the better keyboard, would you still give them up for the Shine 5?

Also, just to be thorough, do you have any other keyboards you could recommend to me? I will be using it for a mix of gaming and typing. I had Reds previously but not sure if they're my favorite, so this time I want to try Browns. Also prefer it to have RGB switches and media keys. Thanks so much!

On my Ducky Shine 4 69 Edition I have this multi-media functions:

FN + Delete = Mute

FN + End = Volume Down

FN + PgDn = Volume Up

FN + Calc = Play/Pause

FN + My Computer = Stop

FN + Mail = Previous Track

FN + Home = Next Track


About the k95 RGB and aftermarket keycaps sets:



If you look in the link here http://www.maxkeyboard.com/mechanical-keycap-layout-and-size-chart.html on the second picture you will see that Ducky has a standard bottom row.

Corsair k70, k95 does not have a standard bottom row.

I meant to say media keys all by itself, as in I don't have to press fn and another key to use them. Thank you though!

[seville57]

Well this thread seems solved, so I hope you don't mind me asking here. My question is pretty much identical. I actually just destroyed my K90 from a spill not too long ago (I tried everything including an alcohol bath but it still doesn't work right) so I'm also looking for a new keyboard. The K90 was my first mechanical keyboard, and I enjoyed it for the most part. Obviously the biggest issue I had with it was that it wasn't fully mechanical, and I also could never get the G keys to work. But I thought the keyboard was very sturdy, and I loved the separate media keys. Now I'm looking for an even better keyboard. I have heard nothing but praises about the Ducky, so I am seriously considering the Shine 5 since I want my next keyboard to be RBG. You guys say the Ducky keyboards are built better than Corsair, so how can a plastic body beat brushed aluminum? (I'm not saying I don't believe you, but merely how?) The K95 RGB is my other choice only because it has the media keys and the volume roller/mute button that I love so much. But I heard about all the issues it has. If you were in my shoes and those keys mattered to you a lot but the Shine 5 turns out to be overall the better keyboard, would you still give them up for the Shine 5?

Also, just to be thorough, do you have any other keyboards you could recommend to me? I will be using it for a mix of gaming and typing. I had Reds previously but not sure if they're my favorite, so this time I want to try Browns. Also prefer it to have RGB switches and media keys. Thanks so much!

On my Ducky Shine 4 69 Edition I have this multi-media functions:

FN + Delete = Mute

FN + End = Volume Down

FN + PgDn = Volume Up

FN + Calc = Play/Pause

FN + My Computer = Stop

FN + Mail = Previous Track

FN + Home = Next Track


About the k95 RGB and aftermarket keycaps sets:



If you look in the link here http://www.maxkeyboard.com/mechanical-keycap-layout-and-size-chart.html on the second picture you will see that Ducky has a standard bottom row.

Corsair k70, k95 does not have a standard bottom row.

I meant to say media keys all by itself, as in I don't have to press fn and another key to use them. Thank you though!

You're welcome

OK, I got it.

[Nawit]

I have been researching a bit more and the Das Professional looks like something you might be interested in. No backlighting but from what I hear it is a great keyboard. Dedicated media keys and volume wheel with a satisfying click.

As for switches, I have tried a lot different ones. I currently use blues and I can tell you that they are great for typing but aren't as optimal (in my opinion) for games. Although the feedback is nice, some games like Osu or CSGO require you to jiggle your keys quickly, which is much harder on the blues. From my experience, browns are meh as they are a middle ground between reds and blues but not satisfying in either way (not linear but not clicky enough). Then again, all of this is personal preference and you may love them. Just throwing in my two cents.

If you really want RGB on a solid board, I think the best thing to do is wait like I am for the Ducky Shine 5. It's lighting is not as extensive as the corsair keyboard but apparently the build quality makes up for that.

[apav]

I have been researching a bit more and the Das Professional looks like something you might be interested in. No backlighting but from what I hear it is a great keyboard. Dedicated media keys and volume wheel with a satisfying click.

As for switches, I have tried a lot different ones. I currently use blues and I can tell you that they are great for typing but aren't as optimal (in my opinion) for games. Although the feedback is nice, some games like Osu or CSGO require you to jiggle your keys quickly, which is much harder on the blues. From my experience, browns are meh as they are a middle ground between reds and blues but not satisfying in either way (not linear but not clicky enough). Then again, all of this is personal preference and you may love them. Just throwing in my two cents.

If you really want RGB on a solid board, I think the best thing to do is wait like I am for the Ducky Shine 5. It's lighting is not as extensive as the corsair keyboard but apparently the build quality makes up for that.

Thanks! I'll take a look into that one, although backlighting is something I really did want, not sure if I can give it up. From what I saw of the Computex video the Shine 5 seemed to have pretty extensive lighting customization, way over anything I would use (but the option is there and that's why I want it!). And correct me if I'm wrong but that is all done through the hardware right? So that means that since it doesn't have to rely on the software, there shouldn't be any bugs and you won't have to worry about compatibility issues.

I guess it's down to these three (trying to throw out the Corsair possibility though-anyone know how the typing feels on the Corsair compared to these other two?),