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Mechanical Keyboard Guide

Forum Index > Tech Support
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slytown
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
Korea (South)1411 Posts
Last Edited: 2014-03-21 05:44:42
August 28 2011 18:44 GMT
#1
mod edit: old thread here http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=184436




[image loading] [image loading] [image loading]
[image loading]


List of my keyboards: Ducky OCN Edition 9008 G2 (ABS, browns), Thermaltake Meka G1 (ABS, blacks), PFU Happy Hacking Professional 2 (PBT, Topre 45g uniform, "Otaku"), Rosewill RK9000 (ABS, blues), Unicomp Classic Model M (USB, Buckling Spring)

+ Show Spoiler +
[image loading]
[image loading][image loading]


Guides:

*All source material is courtesy of the Overclock.net thread and corresponding mechanical keyboard sellers.

Overclock.net Mechanical Keyboard Guide: Link

Most information is provided in the link. Manyak and Tator Tot did a fantastic job explaining the different types of switches but some more can be added regarding RTS. Other sites have even copy-pasted Manyak's page. I will not do that out of respect for the work he put in.

A fellow TLer named Kronen is offering his O-ring pack from WASDkeyboards.com and dampeners via Elitekeyboards.com for people to test out. Here's his profile page; Feel free. Kronen's profile.

poeticEnnui's mod to his IBM F/AT (a restoration of a classic Model M) Link

Also consider the Deskthority.wiki Link, Reddit's mechanical keyboard page Link, and Ripster's Reddit page Link

Niche Stores:

+ Show Spoiler +
DeckKeyboards.com LED Backlit boards (Deck Legend and Deck 82) Link

EliteKeyboards.com (Leopold, Realforce, and PFU) Link

ClickyKeyboards.com (IBM Model Ms) Link

Codekeyboards.com (CODE brand, very small company) Link

DuckyChannelInternationalCo. (Ducky) Link

Feenix.com (Autore) Link

MechanicalKeyboards.com (Lots: from Ducky to Adesso to Das) Link

TheKeyboardCompany.com (Filco and Realforce) Link

PCHome.com.tw keyboards (Ducky, Taiwanese site w/ geekhack english guide) Link

PCkeyboard.com (Unicomp buckling spring keyboards) Link

qtan5370's E-Bay Market (Ducky, Filco, KBC, Keycool, Noppoo, Pulu, and HPE + custom keycaps to buy) Link

Tankguys.com (OCN Edition Duckys) Link

TechKeys.com (custom and artisan keycaps) Link

TigerImports.com (Ducky) Link

WASD fully customized keyboards and keycaps. Link


Common Questions:

+ Show Spoiler +
1. Which switch is best for RTS? A: It depends. Most experts will b-line you to MX Browns. They are fairly prevalent and give you good maneuverability, much like the MX Blues. MX Reds and MX Blacks are considered "gaming" switches; They double tap much easier since they are linear, sort of like a typewriter. MX Black switches are pretty stiff, but with a week or so of use, they become much easier to press. In the end, it all comes down to preference, but what MX Browns lack in double-tapping feel they make up for in typing pleasure.

2. How expensive are they and are they worth it? A: Mechanical keyboards come in a variety of styles, from tenkeyless to LED backlit to generic. Prices can range from $60 US to $400 US. The median price is around $100 US.

3. Are there other switches besides Cherry? A: Yes. There are several types of mechanical switches but the Cherry brand are the most prevalent.

4. Will a mechanical keyboard make me a better Starcraft player? A: No. I don't think you can say a mechanical keyboard will get you into GM, but it will make typing/gaming more pleasurable.

5. Why do people swear by mechanical switches? A: The feel. Choosing any mechanical switch over a rubber dome keyboard will most definitely make any typing experience better. It has to do with the way they activate and how much pressure is required. Rubber domes require you to bottom out, no matter what, which causes fatigue. Mechanical switches register before you hit the board with the key, taking the pressure off of your fingers and joints. Not everyone takes advantage of this ability and instead favor the double-tapping ability, click, etc. of mechanical switches, not to mention mechanical keyboards tend to be sturdier and built to last. Ask anyone who owns a mechanical keyboard whether they would go back to rubber domes and 99.9% will say NO.


Best value/quality boards:

+ Show Spoiler +
Value/Quality: MX Blue: Das Model S (Professional or Ultimate) - NATEROB009 places the Das keyboards at the top of the heap. Also, Destiny swears by this keyboard. As far as Razer's Blackwidow goes, it's known to have some faulty construction. Link

Value/Quality: MX Brown: Ducky 9008G2 ABS Keycaps - I have to say these are very well made and for $110 have the best value/quality of the MX Brown boards out there. Das also makes a MX brown version (Silent), but if you don't like the glossy finish, Ducky is a great way to go. Link

Value/Quality: MX Black: Thermaltake Meka G1 - Now available on Newegg and for a great price.Link

Value/Quality: MX Red: Leopold Linear Touch - Good quality and a great price for the well sought after Reds. Link

Value/Quality, Backlit: Deck (MX Black or MX Clear) Link or Ducky Shine (MX Red, Black, Blue, Brown) Link

Value over all: Coolermaster Quickfire Rapid TKL, MX Brown - Great board for RTS and AVAILABLE ON NEWEGG. Link

Quality over all: Ducky 9008G2 PBT Keycaps, MX Brown - You pay $30 more for one of the best built boards on the market. Link




Please make suggestions as to how this thread could be improved and I will gladly update it. Big thanks to Manyak, Tator Tot and Overclock.net for their support of Mechanical keyboards.
The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK
Son of Gnome
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States777 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-28 19:12:03
August 28 2011 19:03 GMT
#2
Geekhack.org has more info on Mechanical keyboards. IMO the people on geekhack are more intelligent about mechanical keyboards than the people on overclockers.
Whatever happens, happens
ETisME
Profile Blog Joined April 2011
12384 Posts
August 28 2011 19:21 GMT
#3
I think it is worth noting that the how the keycaps are printed and also the keytop types as well.
Personally I went back to blue switch after trying out brown and black, the typing sound is like music to me. Through I might get a red switch just to keep because everyone loves it in my city
其疾如风,其徐如林,侵掠如火,不动如山,难知如阴,动如雷震。
Boblhead
Profile Joined August 2010
United States2577 Posts
August 28 2011 19:47 GMT
#4
can't wait for my reds, they will be godly! I wish I lived in Hong Kong, red switched keyboards are like $30 ;( but it will be worth it!
slytown
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
Korea (South)1411 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-28 19:57:47
August 28 2011 19:49 GMT
#5
On August 29 2011 04:03 Son of Gnome wrote:
Geekhack.org has more info on Mechanical keyboards. IMO the people on geekhack are more intelligent about mechanical keyboards than the people on overclockers.


I prefer Manyak's guide. Good guide though. I will link the Geekhack guide as well. Thanks for reminding me.

On August 29 2011 04:21 ETisME wrote:
I think it is worth noting that the how the keycaps are printed and also the keytop types as well.
Personally I went back to blue switch after trying out brown and black, the typing sound is like music to me. Through I might get a red switch just to keep because everyone loves it in my city


I agree but that information is on Manyak's guide. i don't want to copy-paste. Keycaps are less important I think for those being introduced to mechanicals than switch type.
The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK
davidk
Profile Joined January 2011
49 Posts
August 28 2011 20:35 GMT
#6
I'd like to see a list with 'good value for their money keyboards'. There are a lot for sale. I really don't know what to choose.
Encrypto
Profile Joined August 2010
United States442 Posts
August 28 2011 21:01 GMT
#7
On August 29 2011 04:03 Son of Gnome wrote:
Geekhack.org has more info on Mechanical keyboards. IMO the people on geekhack are more intelligent about mechanical keyboards than the people on overclockers.


The people are more intelligent? What kind of stupid bias is this?
Glockateer
Profile Joined June 2009
United States254 Posts
August 28 2011 21:14 GMT
#8
On August 29 2011 06:01 Encrypto wrote:
The people are more intelligent? What kind of stupid bias is this?

He more-or-less means they're more knowledgeable about the subject. Which is true since there is a plentiful amount of keyboard fanatics there. : P
GET SM4SHED
Boblhead
Profile Joined August 2010
United States2577 Posts
August 28 2011 21:16 GMT
#9
On August 29 2011 06:01 Encrypto wrote:
Show nested quote +
On August 29 2011 04:03 Son of Gnome wrote:
Geekhack.org has more info on Mechanical keyboards. IMO the people on geekhack are more intelligent about mechanical keyboards than the people on overclockers.


The people are more intelligent? What kind of stupid bias is this?


geekhack is devoted to keyboards, they are very well diversed in how to recommend the best keyboard for you, and they have a lot of knowledgeable people more so than overclockers....

overall I would agree with his statement.
slytown
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
Korea (South)1411 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-28 21:40:18
August 28 2011 21:38 GMT
#10


geekhack is devoted to keyboards, they are very well diversed in how to recommend the best keyboard for you, and they have a lot of knowledgeable people more so than overclockers....

overall I would agree with his statement.


Just because "keyboards" is in the banner, doesn't mean they know more. Fox News has "news" in the title. Does that mean they are a good news source?

On August 29 2011 05:35 davidk wrote:
I'd like to see a list with 'good value for their money keyboards'. There are a lot for sale. I really don't know what to choose.


OK. I'll try and put one together today. I agree, there are quite a few and they seem very similar.
The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK
Son of Gnome
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States777 Posts
August 28 2011 21:45 GMT
#11
On August 29 2011 06:38 slytown wrote:
Show nested quote +


geekhack is devoted to keyboards, they are very well diversed in how to recommend the best keyboard for you, and they have a lot of knowledgeable people more so than overclockers....

overall I would agree with his statement.


Just because "keyboards" is in the banner, doesn't mean they know more. Fox News has "news" in the title. Does that mean they are a good news source?

Show nested quote +
On August 29 2011 05:35 davidk wrote:
I'd like to see a list with 'good value for their money keyboards'. There are a lot for sale. I really don't know what to choose.


OK. I'll try and put one together today. I agree, there are quite a few and they seem very similar.

Ask the average geekhacker about mechancial keyboards then ask the average person on OC about them. Then you'll see my point.
Whatever happens, happens
slytown
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
Korea (South)1411 Posts
August 28 2011 22:24 GMT
#12

Ask the average geekhacker about mechancial keyboards then ask the average person on OC about them. Then you'll see my point.


Please don't generalize. It wasn't the whole OCN community that wrote the guide. It was Manyak and he used legitimate sources/research materials. The guide has also proven respected by other mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK
Son of Gnome
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States777 Posts
August 28 2011 22:31 GMT
#13
On August 29 2011 07:24 slytown wrote:
Show nested quote +

Ask the average geekhacker about mechancial keyboards then ask the average person on OC about them. Then you'll see my point.


Please don't generalize. It wasn't the whole OCN community that wrote the guide. It was Manyak and he used legitimate sources/research materials. The guide has also proven respected by other mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

I'm just talking from experience man
Whatever happens, happens
slytown
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
Korea (South)1411 Posts
August 28 2011 22:36 GMT
#14

I'm just talking from experience man


I know what ya mean though. Lots of "bronze leaguers" on OCN.
The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK
SpeaKEaSY
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States1070 Posts
August 28 2011 22:38 GMT
#15
On August 29 2011 07:24 slytown wrote:
Show nested quote +

Ask the average geekhacker about mechancial keyboards then ask the average person on OC about them. Then you'll see my point.


Please don't generalize. It wasn't the whole OCN community that wrote the guide. It was Manyak and he used legitimate sources/research materials. The guide has also proven respected by other mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.


a lot of the sources came from geekhack though lol
Aim for perfection, settle for mediocrity - KawaiiRice 2014
Son of Gnome
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States777 Posts
August 28 2011 22:46 GMT
#16
Also I am wondering y u consider the Overclocker Ducky to be the best brown board on the market. Most people would say it is Filco or leopold.
Whatever happens, happens
slytown
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
Korea (South)1411 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-28 22:50:14
August 28 2011 22:49 GMT
#17
On August 29 2011 07:46 Son of Gnome wrote:
Also I am wondering y u consider the Overclocker Ducky to be the best brown board on the market. Most people would say it is Filco or leopold.


Not a huge difference, I agree. Ducky is a little cheaper though and Filco is less easily available at the moment.
The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK
Son of Gnome
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States777 Posts
August 29 2011 00:08 GMT
#18
On August 29 2011 07:49 slytown wrote:
Show nested quote +
On August 29 2011 07:46 Son of Gnome wrote:
Also I am wondering y u consider the Overclocker Ducky to be the best brown board on the market. Most people would say it is Filco or leopold.


Not a huge difference, I agree. Ducky is a little cheaper though and Filco is less easily available at the moment.

Really I wouldn't say that it is easier to get a ducky than a filco, the ducky in your link is out of stock and a filco can be bought through ebay, amazon, or keyboardco. So personally I would say filco is the easier of the 2 to get.
Whatever happens, happens
ETisME
Profile Blog Joined April 2011
12384 Posts
August 29 2011 08:30 GMT
#19
On August 29 2011 09:08 Son of Gnome wrote:
Show nested quote +
On August 29 2011 07:49 slytown wrote:
On August 29 2011 07:46 Son of Gnome wrote:
Also I am wondering y u consider the Overclocker Ducky to be the best brown board on the market. Most people would say it is Filco or leopold.


Not a huge difference, I agree. Ducky is a little cheaper though and Filco is less easily available at the moment.

Really I wouldn't say that it is easier to get a ducky than a filco, the ducky in your link is out of stock and a filco can be bought through ebay, amazon, or keyboardco. So personally I would say filco is the easier of the 2 to get.

I bought my ducky at a store and the seller (who is extremely EXTREMELY into mechanical keyboards) told me something about the brands and how the business is doing:
Steel series ones are not the one to go for, lots of problems with the quality.
Das, Filco and Ducky all have the same manufacturer at taiwan, I was close to getting a Das until he told me that the glossy polish means that any scratch, it will leave a permanent mark (which he can remove but it will be costly)

He told me that Filco and Ducky are almost at equal quality, but Ducky's brand is quite a bit more popular in Taiwan, especially because of all the limited editions that they release.
And because of that, they don't sell Filco,the demand for it is simply not as high. The price is higher while quality is almost the same. The demand is lower because with that price, you add a bit extra and you can get a better one with Ducky's brand.
其疾如风,其徐如林,侵掠如火,不动如山,难知如阴,动如雷震。
spaZzNx-`
Profile Joined January 2011
Hong Kong1221 Posts
August 29 2011 08:47 GMT
#20
geekhack IMO has all the information you need regarding mechanical keyboards, from a detailed explanation for every cherry switch out there and also since the whole forum is dedicated to mechanical keyboards any questions you have should be able to be answered there.
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