I currently own a Razer Black Widow (mx blue switches) and even though i enjoy the typing on it immensely it's way too loud for my girlfriend, so I have been thinking about getting a new one for quite some time now.
Recently the '2' key broke so I will use that chance to get a different one. Any advice on a good keyboard, fitting my wishes?
The most important part would still be a good feeling while typing/gaming. I always raise my finger quite high above the keyboard even when doubletapping and mostly don't bottom out. I have some health issues with my hands/fingers so I'm guessing low actuation force would be good. I also feel like I have more typos with the blue switches than on non mechanical keyboards, not exactly sure why this is. And the other important part is the noise. It should be as silent as possible.
e: price and availability is obviously important as well, since i'm a poor student
On April 20 2013 23:44 ramon wrote: I currently own a Razer Black Widow (mx blue switches) and even though i enjoy the typing on it immensely it's way too loud for my girlfriend, so I have been thinking about getting a new one for quite some time now.
Recently the '2' key broke so I will use that chance to get a different one. Any advice on a good keyboard, fitting my wishes?
The most important part would still be a good feeling while typing/gaming. I always raise my finger quite high above the keyboard even when doubletapping and mostly don't bottom out. I have some health issues with my hands/fingers so I'm guessing low actuation force would be good. I also feel like I have more typos with the blue switches than on non mechanical keyboards, not exactly sure why this is. And the other important part is the noise. It should be as silent as possible.
e: price and availability is obviously important as well, since i'm a poor student
You want brown or red switches, brown have tactile feedback similar to blues without the sound and reds have no feedback and are the lightest switch.
Cherry G80 would be the cheapest possible, less sturdy than other keyboards but functional.
Then I guess the CM quickfire rapid or TK would be next cheapest (both very good), but not really sure whats available/prices in Germany.
Just look for a red or brown switched keyboard available in Germany and we can let you know if it is solid.
On April 20 2013 23:44 ramon wrote: I currently own a Razer Black Widow (mx blue switches) and even though i enjoy the typing on it immensely it's way too loud for my girlfriend, so I have been thinking about getting a new one for quite some time now.
Recently the '2' key broke so I will use that chance to get a different one. Any advice on a good keyboard, fitting my wishes?
The most important part would still be a good feeling while typing/gaming. I always raise my finger quite high above the keyboard even when doubletapping and mostly don't bottom out. I have some health issues with my hands/fingers so I'm guessing low actuation force would be good. I also feel like I have more typos with the blue switches than on non mechanical keyboards, not exactly sure why this is. And the other important part is the noise. It should be as silent as possible.
e: price and availability is obviously important as well, since i'm a poor student
You want brown or red switches, brown have tactile feedback similar to blues without the sound and reds have no feedback and are the lightest switch.
Cherry G80 would be the cheapest possible, less sturdy than other keyboards but functional.
Then I guess the CM quickfire rapid or TK would be next cheapest (both very good), but not really sure whats available/prices in Germany.
Just look for a red or brown switched keyboard available in Germany and we can let you know if it is solid.
Reds are pretty loud aswell, topres are real silent tho expensive.
On April 17 2013 14:23 OgreFish wrote: Can anyone recommend me some keyboards that I can get from China? My friend is going there over summer, and I wanted to see if I can get a keyboard. Thanks!
HPE, keycool, and noppoo all make boards in 87 key format for 300-400 RMB, and they're pretty similar. Noppoo also makes a fucked up 84 key mini if you want.
Just an addendum to the recommendation of specific brands: if you're using linux, you may want to avoid the newer generation noppoos. They don't work so hot on current linux drivers (some guy wrote a patch for OSX so mac should be ok).
Another warning to make sure you check that the keyboard works before bringing it back from China :p
Great guide to buying keyboards in China dude, this should be added to the OP.
Ha thanks, just trying to help people not make the same mistakes buying stuff in stores in China that I did. Though probably not worth putting into the OP, 'cus it's not a very common question.
I got my Ducky DK9087 Shine TKL with Cherry MX Red switches two days ago, and I have to say I'm quite happy with the purchase even if it did cost quite a bit. The backlight settings are quite nice as well and the higher brightness levels are quite.. blinding if I may say so. Overall quite happy over it and I'd say it's worth the price after all. Media keys won't work for some reason though.. :/
EDIT: Managed to fix the problem by simply changing the USB slots around (didn't work the first couple times), unplugging other additional USB devices other than the mouse and restarting the drivers and the computer. I guess the solution was pretty easy after all, but since it was kind of weird that other than the media keys the other function keys worked fine but that's probably because how differently they work in the first place.. feel a bit ashamed that I didn't think of that. Everything is fine and dandy now though
On April 20 2013 23:44 ramon wrote: I currently own a Razer Black Widow (mx blue switches) and even though i enjoy the typing on it immensely it's way too loud for my girlfriend, so I have been thinking about getting a new one for quite some time now.
Recently the '2' key broke so I will use that chance to get a different one. Any advice on a good keyboard, fitting my wishes?
The most important part would still be a good feeling while typing/gaming. I always raise my finger quite high above the keyboard even when doubletapping and mostly don't bottom out. I have some health issues with my hands/fingers so I'm guessing low actuation force would be good. I also feel like I have more typos with the blue switches than on non mechanical keyboards, not exactly sure why this is. And the other important part is the noise. It should be as silent as possible.
e: price and availability is obviously important as well, since i'm a poor student
You want brown or red switches, brown have tactile feedback similar to blues without the sound and reds have no feedback and are the lightest switch.
Cherry G80 would be the cheapest possible, less sturdy than other keyboards but functional.
Then I guess the CM quickfire rapid or TK would be next cheapest (both very good), but not really sure whats available/prices in Germany.
Just look for a red or brown switched keyboard available in Germany and we can let you know if it is solid.
Reds are pretty loud aswell, topres are real silent tho expensive.
Yeah but all cherry mx mechanicals are more loud than rubber dome keyboards, that said you will notice a significant drop in noise going from blue to any other switch.
On April 17 2013 14:23 OgreFish wrote: Can anyone recommend me some keyboards that I can get from China? My friend is going there over summer, and I wanted to see if I can get a keyboard. Thanks!
HPE, keycool, and noppoo all make boards in 87 key format for 300-400 RMB, and they're pretty similar. Noppoo also makes a fucked up 84 key mini if you want.
Just an addendum to the recommendation of specific brands: if you're using linux, you may want to avoid the newer generation noppoos. They don't work so hot on current linux drivers (some guy wrote a patch for OSX so mac should be ok).
Another warning to make sure you check that the keyboard works before bringing it back from China :p
Great guide to buying keyboards in China dude, this should be added to the OP.
Ha thanks, just trying to help people not make the same mistakes buying stuff in stores in China that I did. Though probably not worth putting into the OP, 'cus it's not a very common question.
True, but there isn't much useful content in this thread fighting for space in the OP.
Thanks boys. I have been looking into browns as well. Reds aren't really available for testing on site and I don't like the stiffness on blacks.
I'm wondering if anyone has tried any dampeners like o-rings? I'm probably gonna get those independent of what my next keyboard will be. Since, again, it is really important to me that the keyboard is silent.
Here are some I like: CM Storm Quickfire Pro: apparently not the most sturdy keycaps and it's a bit higher than most keyboards and out of the ones I like, I like the look of this one the least QPAD 50 (80€); i also like the 85 with usb/sound hub and different key coating but it's 50€ more, has a wirst rest Tesoro Durandal Ultimate G1N: is 80€ as well, macro features, usb&sound hub and wrist rest Zowie Celeritas (110€): seems a bit pricy for not much better quality
all the others are either 130€+, not easily available in europe, tenkeyless, other non standard layout or not available in red or brown
On April 21 2013 18:42 ramon wrote: Thanks boys. I have been looking into browns as well. Reds aren't really available for testing on site and I don't like the stiffness on blacks.
I'm wondering if anyone has tried any dampeners like o-rings? I'm probably gonna get those independent of what my next keyboard will be. Since, again, it is really important to me that the keyboard is silent.
Here are some I like: CM Storm Quickfire Pro: apparently not the most sturdy keycaps and it's a bit higher than most keyboards and out of the ones I like, I like the look of this one the least QPAD 50 (80€); i also like the 85 with usb/sound hub and different key coating but it's 50€ more, has a wirst rest Tesoro Durandal Ultimate G1N: is 80€ as well, macro features, usb&sound hub and wrist rest Zowie Celeritas (110€): seems a bit pricy for not much better quality
all the others are either 130€+, not easily available in europe, tenkeyless, other non standard layout or not available in red or brown
I agree, no point spending 30 more for the Zowie, heard of QPAD afaik it is good, some of this thread's regulars have one. Don't know much about the Durandal. Maybe have a look at the Leopold linked below.
O-rings are great if you want to keep your keyboard from making noise when bottoming out.
On April 21 2013 18:42 ramon wrote: Thanks boys. I have been looking into browns as well. Reds aren't really available for testing on site and I don't like the stiffness on blacks.
I'm wondering if anyone has tried any dampeners like o-rings? I'm probably gonna get those independent of what my next keyboard will be. Since, again, it is really important to me that the keyboard is silent.
Here are some I like: CM Storm Quickfire Pro: apparently not the most sturdy keycaps and it's a bit higher than most keyboards and out of the ones I like, I like the look of this one the least QPAD 50 (80€); i also like the 85 with usb/sound hub and different key coating but it's 50€ more, has a wirst rest Tesoro Durandal Ultimate G1N: is 80€ as well, macro features, usb&sound hub and wrist rest Zowie Celeritas (110€): seems a bit pricy for not much better quality
all the others are either 130€+, not easily available in europe, tenkeyless, other non standard layout or not available in red or brown
i own a quickfire pro and i gotta say that it's a lot sexier than photos will lead you to believe. the half backlight is actually really cool too.
On April 21 2013 18:42 ramon wrote: Thanks boys. I have been looking into browns as well. Reds aren't really available for testing on site and I don't like the stiffness on blacks.
I'm wondering if anyone has tried any dampeners like o-rings? I'm probably gonna get those independent of what my next keyboard will be. Since, again, it is really important to me that the keyboard is silent.
Here are some I like: CM Storm Quickfire Pro: apparently not the most sturdy keycaps and it's a bit higher than most keyboards and out of the ones I like, I like the look of this one the least QPAD 50 (80€); i also like the 85 with usb/sound hub and different key coating but it's 50€ more, has a wirst rest Tesoro Durandal Ultimate G1N: is 80€ as well, macro features, usb&sound hub and wrist rest Zowie Celeritas (110€): seems a bit pricy for not much better quality
all the others are either 130€+, not easily available in europe, tenkeyless, other non standard layout or not available in red or brown
i own a quickfire pro and i gotta say that it's a lot sexier than photos will lead you to believe. the half backlight is actually really cool too.
He's on the ball though about the stock keycaps being inferior. I had to switch them out for my PBT keycaps; well worth it. The back-lighting is a subjective issue, but it bothered me after a few months while only half is lit. The TK just seems superior in every aspect to the QFP. Hopefully I'll have some money for one soon, I'm dying to try one out.
I have here a Steelseries 6gv2 and a CM Storm Quickfire Rapid (with Reds)! Just ordered a Ducky Shine 2 with Mx Browns cause its now avaible here in Germany and i wanted a Keyboard with Backlightning! And i always wanted to try Mx Browns. Cant stand the Mx Blacks! Reds are awesome! I hope i will be lucky now with my new Ducky!? Cant wait to hold it in my hands an test it!
On April 18 2013 08:16 [S9] taeZaKi wrote: Looks like Corsair K70 is available to preorder via online retailers, if interested!
Are they fully mechanical? Because the k90 had rubber domes on some keys.
K70 is from the K60. Comes in the vanilla silver/blue, and now also in black/red.
There is also the K95 from the K90. It is now black with white light rather than the silver/blue of the K90.
Based on vids from CES 2013 and from the Corsair stand at PAX East (), both are fully mechanical with MX Reds, are both fully lit, and include more lighting features like reactive and the ability to light up your own keys.
On April 22 2013 03:54 Sovano wrote: The TK just seems superior in every aspect to the QFP. Hopefully I'll have some money for one soon, I'm dying to try one out.
You missed out on a lot of good sales, it was $65 for MX Blues on Newegg, $75 for MX Blues on Amazon, and $77 for MX Reds on Ncix last week.
On April 20 2013 23:44 ramon wrote: I currently own a Razer Black Widow (mx blue switches) and even though i enjoy the typing on it immensely it's way too loud for my girlfriend, so I have been thinking about getting a new one for quite some time now.
Recently the '2' key broke so I will use that chance to get a different one. Any advice on a good keyboard, fitting my wishes?
The most important part would still be a good feeling while typing/gaming. I always raise my finger quite high above the keyboard even when doubletapping and mostly don't bottom out. I have some health issues with my hands/fingers so I'm guessing low actuation force would be good. I also feel like I have more typos with the blue switches than on non mechanical keyboards, not exactly sure why this is. And the other important part is the noise. It should be as silent as possible.
e: price and availability is obviously important as well, since i'm a poor student
you can go for brown or red switch keyboard. brand is up to u, unless u're on budget.
I've decided to buy a leopold from elitekeyboards.com, but i don't know whether to get black switches or reds. I have a blue das keyboard, but it's too loud for playing at night and i've always wanted to try one of those switches. I've tried the blacks and reds before, but I don't really know which one to get. The blacks feel nice to me, but if the reds are as good as people say, then i would buy them instead. I'm leaning more on buying the blacks, but are they as bad as people say they are, are the reds better? Also, do the blacks make a louder noise than the reds?