UPDATE: Looking to buy a second keyboard. Have specs, need help finding one.

[Wulfre]

After reading around a bit, I have decided what I am looking for, the only problem is finding one with all of the little nooks and crannies of keyboard gold on the internet.
My wishlist is as follows:

• TKL
• Cherry MX Black Switches
• Simple, rectangular case.
• Lock Lights above Navigation Keys, preferred. Lock Lights don't matter that much anymore.
• Cherry Stabilizers, preferred.
• Price tag that I can reach without making questionable sales of my body parts. (~100-120 USD, or less.)

ORIGINAL POST

More

After having quite some time with my CM Quickfire Rapid (Cherry MX Blue), I think I have a better idea of what I am looking for in a more permanent keyboard.

• I do enjoy the TKL layout. I think it is my favorite as I do not use the keypad at all, but the arrow and navigation keys are still useful in gaming.
• On the more frequently pressed keys, the tactile bump feels slightly worn and less satisfying. Overall the blue switches can get irritating, even for me as the typist. I am going to change to linear switches. The only kind I have tried in person are Cherry MX Reds.
• During late night use, it can be difficult to see certain keys. For the most part I touch type, but I still have not memorized the modified number row (!@#$%^&*()). I might be interested in backlit keys. Even after I learn all of the keys, it will have a subjectively better aesthetic.
• I do not want a keyboard that has a 'gaming' look with sharp angles or extra pieces sticking out. I prefer a simple rectangle.

[Melvang]

Hands down, Ducky shine if you want a backlit TKL.

[Bevo]

TOPRE my friend. You will never look back.

[piemancoder]

TOPRE my friend. You will never look back.

No backlit options :/

[cryptokey]

If you're a touch typist then personally, I'd go with a non-backlit board and use a lamp until you get the number row down.  I feel you, the number row is the one thing between me and Otaku, but once that led inevitably goes out then it turns from a feature to a defect. If you've got the money to spend, you might want to go with a Realforce 87U.  As well, you might want to check out cherry mx browns since they're close to linear but still have a bit of a bump and no click.  However, if you are set on LED's (which topre does not have), then there are plenty of options.  I have heard good things about the ducky shine and I have owned a CODE TKL and Varmilo VA87MC.  I had to return the Code twice due to defects and ended up preferring the Varmilo which I would recommend and regularly shows up on Massdrop.  Hopefully this helps.

[Bevo]

TOPRE my friend. You will never look back.

No backlit options :/

Oh dear. We should get Elrick in here to give you a grilling.

[Wulfre]

If you're a touch typist then personally, I'd go with a non-backlit board and use a lamp until you get the number row down.  I feel you, the number row is the one thing between me and Otaku, but once that led inevitably goes out then it turns from a feature to a defect. If you've got the money to spend, you might want to go with a Realforce 87U.  As well, you might want to check out cherry mx browns since they're close to linear but still have a bit of a bump and no click.  However, if you are set on LED's (which topre does not have), then there are plenty of options.  I have heard good things about the ducky shine and I have owned a CODE TKL and Varmilo VA87MC.  I had to return the Code twice due to defects and ended up preferring the Varmilo which I would recommend and regularly shows up on Massdrop.  Hopefully this helps.

Thanks for pointing out dead LEDs. I completely looked over that. I will probably go without backlighting then, because one of the problems with my Cherry MX Blue right now is the keys that are either worn down or sticky, which feels a bit like a defect. Ill take a look at your recommendations and keep checking massdrop as I already do.

TOPRE my friend. You will never look back.

If you can mail me out a TOPRE switch that I can test then I might consider, I bought my MX Blue keyboard blindly and it ended up not being the best fit for me.

[cryptokey]

If you're a touch typist then personally, I'd go with a non-backlit board and use a lamp until you get the number row down.  I feel you, the number row is the one thing between me and Otaku, but once that led inevitably goes out then it turns from a feature to a defect. If you've got the money to spend, you might want to go with a Realforce 87U.  As well, you might want to check out cherry mx browns since they're close to linear but still have a bit of a bump and no click.  However, if you are set on LED's (which topre does not have), then there are plenty of options.  I have heard good things about the ducky shine and I have owned a CODE TKL and Varmilo VA87MC.  I had to return the Code twice due to defects and ended up preferring the Varmilo which I would recommend and regularly shows up on Massdrop.  Hopefully this helps.

Thanks for pointing out dead LEDs. I completely looked over that. I will probably go without backlighting then, because one of the problems with my Cherry MX Blue right now is the keys that are either worn down or sticky, which feels a bit like a defect. Ill take a look at your recommendations and keep checking massdrop as I already do.

TOPRE my friend. You will never look back.

If you can mail me out a TOPRE switch that I can test then I might consider, I bought my MX Blue keyboard blindly and it ended up not being the best fit for me.

No problem.  Don't hesitate to ask any more questions if you have them. 

[Wulfre]

Hands down, Ducky shine if you want a backlit TKL.

I've decided against backlit. Do you have a hands down for that?

[bocahgundul]

So topre realforce 55g is your best bet

[Melvang]

Hands down, Ducky shine if you want a backlit TKL.

I've decided against backlit. Do you have a hands down for that?

I would say still Ducky if you prefer Cherry stabs, though they are not clipped.  However the pro 9002 line has very nice PBT caps. 

Other wise if you prefer Costar stabs Filco are nice.  Some people complain about them with ping, but I don't hear any with my wife's TKL with blacks.

[livingspeedbump]

TOPRE my friend. You will never look back.

No backlit options :/

If you are looking for "a more permanent keyboard" Topre is the only way. 87U 55G is what you want need.

[bocahgundul]

TOPRE my friend. You will never look back.

No backlit options :/

If you are looking for "a more permanent keyboard" Topre is the only way. 87U 55G is what you want need.

Listen to this man!

[Wulfre]

Hands down, Ducky shine if you want a backlit TKL.

I've decided against backlit. Do you have a hands down for that?

I would say still Ducky if you prefer Cherry stabs, though they are not clipped.  However the pro 9002 line has very nice PBT caps. 

Other wise if you prefer Costar stabs Filco are nice.  Some people complain about them with ping, but I don't hear any with my wife's TKL with blacks.

I honestly don't know which stabs are in my board, but I know that they are not cherry. Since this will only be my second keyboard I cannot say what feels better to me. but I know that the stabs on my CM Quickfire Rapid are finicky when it comes to replacing keycaps.

[livingspeedbump]

Hands down, Ducky shine if you want a backlit TKL.

I've decided against backlit. Do you have a hands down for that?

I would say still Ducky if you prefer Cherry stabs, though they are not clipped.  However the pro 9002 line has very nice PBT caps. 

Other wise if you prefer Costar stabs Filco are nice.  Some people complain about them with ping, but I don't hear any with my wife's TKL with blacks.

I honestly don't know which stabs are in my board, but I know that they are not cherry. Since this will only be my second keyboard I cannot say what feels better to me. but I know that the stabs on my CM Quickfire Rapid are finicky when it comes to replacing keycaps.

Sounds like Costar stabs then

[Bevo]

TOPRE my friend. You will never look back.

No backlit options :/

If you are looking for "a more permanent keyboard" Topre is the only way. 87U 55G is what you want need.

Listen to this man!

Best keyboard purchase I've made so far. HHKB incoming soon though...

[Wulfre]

I'll have to read up on the Realforce 87U 55g since so many people have mentioned it. I'll also do my homework on Topre since I cannot say I am a Cherry fanboy.

[bocahgundul]

I'll have to read up on the Realforce 87U 55g since so many people have mentioned it. I'll also do my homework on Topre since I cannot say I am a Cherry fanboy.

So topre right?

[arrowM]

As a very happy owner of a Realforce 87U 55g, I can't advise against it. However, it sounds like you need to try before you buy and I definitely wouldn't recommend plunking down exorbitant amounts for a Topre board without having first tried the switches (I bought my 87U blindly but was lucky enough to end up loving it). However, if you're super interested in Topre, there's also the option of the Coolermaster Novatouch TKL, which is more than $50 cheaper than a Realforce and is quite a nice, simple rectangle. It also uses 45g Topres, which are the lighter variant.

However, if you just want a good tenkeyless with Cherry Reds or Blacks, I'd recommend you take a look at the Das Keyboard 4C or the WASDKeyboards.com board, which you get to customize with keycaps of any color/pattern you want. You could also check out the Corsair K65 (has a slightly more "gaming" look but it's done fairly tastefully), or even another CM Storm.

[snarfarlarkus]

Topre isn't for everyone. I say try every switch you can at a local dealer before you plunge onto a new keyboard.

[swimmingbird]

[Wulfre]

As a very happy owner of a Realforce 87U 55g, I can't advise against it. However, it sounds like you need to try before you buy and I definitely wouldn't recommend plunking down exorbitant amounts for a Topre board without having first tried the switches (I bought my 87U blindly but was lucky enough to end up loving it). However, if you're super interested in Topre, there's also the option of the Coolermaster Novatouch TKL, which is more than $50 cheaper than a Realforce and is quite a nice, simple rectangle. It also uses 45g Topres, which are the lighter variant.

However, if you just want a good tenkeyless with Cherry Reds or Blacks, I'd recommend you take a look at the Das Keyboard 4C or the WASDKeyboards.com board, which you get to customize with keycaps of any color/pattern you want. You could also check out the Corsair K65 (has a slightly more "gaming" look but it's done fairly tastefully), or even another CM Storm.

Too bad I don't have a way to try Topres. They seem popular and I would rather buy them directly than try another switch type in between.

[Solo]

(Attachment Link)

Basically

[Wulfre]

(Attachment Link)

The HHKB is too minimal for me. I like my arrow keys.

[Melvang]

(Attachment Link)

The HHKB is too minimal for me. I like my arrow keys.

FC660?  Can be had in both MX and Topre

[Macsmasher]

I also would recommend Realforce. However, you may find the 55g a bit stiff depending on your typing style. I have one and do like it, but prefer my 87U variable for extended typing sessions. You can also get the 87U in a 45g uniform.

[derb2k2]

Too bad I don't have a way to try Topres. They seem popular and I would rather buy them directly than try another switch type in between.

Learn the number row ! &$#$&*. Are you in the Miami area? I have an HHKB and a Realforce (about to be sold, I hope) that I can let you try if it comes to it. I also have other MX boards you may want to try because there's always a progression to Topre.

We must all achieve oneness with cup rubber. Didn't you know?

[Wulfre]

Too bad I don't have a way to try Topres. They seem popular and I would rather buy them directly than try another switch type in between.

Learn the number row ! &$#$&*. Are you in the Miami area? I have an HHKB and a Realforce (about to be sold, I hope) that I can let you try if it comes to it. I also have other MX boards you may want to try because there's always a progression to Topre.

We must all achieve oneness with cup rubber. Didn't you know?

I'll keep practicing my number row. I'm about an hour out from Miami -- I'm in Palm Beach -- but thanks for the offer. The only MX boards that I have tried are red and blue, with red feeling a bit better to me, albeit a little strange after being used to the tactile feedback, it's just something I would need to use for a few days.

[Wulfre]

Another question for anyone who might stumble across this thread still. I have tried MX Reds, and I like the linear feeling, but they are a bit too light and sometimes it feels like I can press two keys at once even if not to the actuation point. How much better would MX Blacks be? I am currently used to bottoming out MX Blue keys, and I have pretty heavy fingers, so I like to press with the weight needed to get over the bump. I feel like blacks would be better with that in mind.

[cryptokey]

Another question for anyone who might stumble across this thread still. I have tried reds, and I like the smooth feeling, but they are a bit too light and sometimes it feels like I press two keys at once even if not to the actuation point. How much of a difference will blacks make? I am currently used to bottoming out blue keys, and I have pretty heavy fingers, so I like to press with the weight needed to get over the bump. I feel like blacks would be better with that in mind.

You will notice a significant difference since cherry mx reds have a 45cN actuation force where blacks have a 60cn actuation force (heavier than blues).  Might want to take a look here for the differences between the various switches:
https://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_MX

[Wulfre]

Another question for anyone who might stumble across this thread still. I have tried reds, and I like the smooth feeling, but they are a bit too light and sometimes it feels like I press two keys at once even if not to the actuation point. How much of a difference will blacks make? I am currently used to bottoming out blue keys, and I have pretty heavy fingers, so I like to press with the weight needed to get over the bump. I feel like blacks would be better with that in mind.

You will notice a significant difference since cherry mx reds have a 45cN actuation force where blacks have a 60cn actuation force (heavier than blues).  Might want to take a look here for the differences between the various switches:
https://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_MX

That is where I got my information from. Though the force needed to bottom out a blue is more than 50cn, which is why I think that blacks might be better, then again, I suppose switch choice is more about feeling it for myself. I've gotten a decent number of suggestions from this thread, so I'll just continue my own research.

[Wulfre]

Updated original post with new information. Now I am ready for some real recommendations, since I am still new at finding boards on smaller sites and figuring out who is fair and trustworthy.

[Melvang]

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1405  PBT front printed, though lock LEDs are on the key themselves but very nicely done.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1546  Backlit double shot ABS, lock LEDs where you want, probably cherry stabs (the only other ducky I have bought was cherry but that was a full size with PBT caps) but pre order only, Estimated arrival end of March.

[Wulfre]

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1405  PBT front printed, though lock LEDs are on the key themselves but very nicely done.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1546  Backlit double shot ABS, lock LEDs where you want, probably cherry stabs (the only other ducky I have bought was cherry but that was a full size with PBT caps) but pre order only, Estimated arrival end of March.

Thanks for those, and thanks for putting up with me for two days. 

[Melvang]

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1405  PBT front printed, though lock LEDs are on the key themselves but very nicely done.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1546  Backlit double shot ABS, lock LEDs where you want, probably cherry stabs (the only other ducky I have bought was cherry but that was a full size with PBT caps) but pre order only, Estimated arrival end of March.

Thanks for those, and thanks for putting up with me for two days. 

One other board I forgot to mention is the Filco TKL, great board, ok caps, two lock leds where you want, but has Costar stabs.  Costar are just fine, just a touch fussier when changing caps, and some thick pbt caps need to be shaved down to function properly with them.  But they are a great board with simple clean aesthetics.

[Waateva]

What about a Kul ES-87?  Decently priced, sturdy board, TKL, (I think) Cherry stabilizers, and decent keycaps.  Only downside is no lock key and that it's currently OOS @ EliteKeyboards.

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=keyed_up_labs,tenkeyless&pid=es87u_c1_bbb_al

[jerue]

Cherry g80-1800 HAU

not a true TKL but as far as space is concerned it's the same size as an IBM SSK

meets all of the other requirements but not sure if you'd like the LED placement. Best bet of finding one is to import. There are cheaper versions that with Windows keys if you need it - these are easier to find but newer. Many desire the old ones.

[Wulfre]

What about a Kul ES-87?  Decently priced, sturdy board, TKL, (I think) Cherry stabilizers, and decent keycaps.  Only downside is no lock key and that it's currently OOS @ EliteKeyboards.

https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=keyed_up_labs,tenkeyless&pid=es87u_c1_bbb_al

I'll keep an eye on that one too. I guess they lock lights aren't too important, I just didn't want to worry about how they would look with custom keycaps, but I just covered my current board with a solid keycap which has on-key lock lights and it looked decent enough.