EPT
Thanks tho
Mechanical Keyboard Guide - Page 377
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shz
Germany2687 Posts
Thanks tho | ||
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Sufficiency
Canada23833 Posts
Here's a list of features that I want: 1. MX Blue switches. Non-negotiable. 2. 80% - Ideally I want it to be compact, but I need arrow keys (numpad I can go without). 3. Blank keycaps are preferred, but not required. What I do NOT want: 1. Backlighting. Most gimmicky feature ever. 2. Specialized WASD key caps. Really obnoxious. Please don't. One item that fits the bill is the Rosewill (example, unfortuantely with a numpad). But I heard their build quality is terrible? | ||
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Nabe
51 Posts
On October 13 2015 12:06 Sufficiency wrote: I am in the market for a new mechanical keyboard. I have spent a lot of time doing research, but I can't even find what I like. I wonder if you experts have any suggestions? Here's a list of features that I want: 1. MX Blue switches. Non-negotiable. 2. 80% - Ideally I want it to be compact, but I need arrow keys (numpad I can go without). 3. Blank keycaps are preferred, but not required. What I do NOT want: 1. Backlighting. Most gimmicky feature ever. 2. Specialized WASD key caps. Really obnoxious. Please don't. One item that fits the bill is the Rosewill (example, unfortuantely with a numpad). But I heard their build quality is terrible? What's your price range? The RK-9000 had some issues with the USB connector, it wasn't reinforced in any way and as such very often ended up breaking. I'm unsure if this is a problem with the V2 but personally I'd stay away from it or at the very least do more research. You might want to consider the CM Quick Fire Rapid. In the US it's 80 dollars as well but has better build quality and better components. Though it's a bit flashy I guess. The other two I'd highly recommend, though they are a bit more expensive is the Leopold FC750R and it's variants. Stock PBT caps, great build quality, sound dampening, etc, for 115 on mechanicalkeyboards.com. Also the KUL es-87 which is 130. Tons of customization options, very very well built, no logos at all, DIP switches for changing layout and other things, and quite likely the best warranty out there. (You can disassemble it without voiding the warranty. Hell, I broke the wire that connects the PCB to the USB connector which is not covered by warranty and they sent me a replacement for free.) More to look at that you can't really go wrong with is the Filco Majestouch 2 TKL, the WASD V2 87 key, Ducky Zero. Not many keyboards come stock with blank caps but you can always buy some for ~25 dollars or so if you really want them later on. | ||
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Sufficiency
Canada23833 Posts
Sorry I forgot about price... but it's not my biggest concern if I can get a premium product. | ||
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Aiobhill
Germany283 Posts
I'm currently using qpad mk-50 (both with Desktop PC and with Notebook when using it for games) and want to replace it with a qpad mk-90 for backlighting and native USB. | ||
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Nabe
51 Posts
On October 20 2015 06:06 Aiobhill wrote: Anbody got first-hand experience with kailh red switches and can compare them to cherry reds? I'm currently using qpad mk-50 (both with Desktop PC and with Notebook when using it for games) and want to replace it with a qpad mk-90 for backlighting and native USB. To be honest you're not likely to notice much difference. The Khails are 5 grams heavier, unless you're quite used to Cherry reds you're not too likely to notice and can certainly adjust anyway. Outside of that there's not much difference, unless you want to talk about long term reliability, which is still only speculation for Khails. For a bit of a rant: I wouldn't buy the MK-90 because of the price. Khails are way cheaper than Cherry switches (about half the price, and for the average keyboard the switches are what make up the majority of the cost), yet for some reason many companies charge the same price as they did/would for Cherry. I'd at least have a good look at the Ducky Shine 5 and the K70 RGB. I don't believe the Shine 5 is out yet in Germany, but is confirmed that it will be released there in a German layout by caseking and presumably others. Besides the USB hub they both have everything the QPAD does at a very similar price. | ||
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Aiobhill
Germany283 Posts
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Sufficiency
Canada23833 Posts
On October 20 2015 14:40 Nabe wrote: To be honest you're not likely to notice much difference. The Khails are 5 grams heavier, unless you're quite used to Cherry reds you're not too likely to notice and can certainly adjust anyway. Outside of that there's not much difference, unless you want to talk about long term reliability, which is still only speculation for Khails. For a bit of a rant: I wouldn't buy the MK-90 because of the price. Khails are way cheaper than Cherry switches (about half the price, and for the average keyboard the switches are what make up the majority of the cost), yet for some reason many companies charge the same price as they did/would for Cherry. I'd at least have a good look at the Ducky Shine 5 and the K70 RGB. I don't believe the Shine 5 is out yet in Germany, but is confirmed that it will be released there in a German layout by caseking and presumably others. Besides the USB hub they both have everything the QPAD does at a very similar price. What are the differences between Shine 4 and Shine 5? I am currently debating Das Keyboard Model S Professional and Ducky Shine 4 (not my most ideal choices, but easier to get in Canada) - but you have an interesting perspective... Also, what do you think of Leopold FC900 vs FC750? I think mechanicalkeyboards.com only has 900... | ||
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Coypirus
119 Posts
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Redicboss
4 Posts
Need experts help picking my 1st Mechanical keyboard mostly for play starcraft2, ive read a bit about Cherry switches and other stuff related to mech keyboards, looking for these specs if is possible to get in a mech keyboard: 1 Really LOWER profile keycaps: ![[image loading]](http://img.article.pchome.net/00/55/65/45/_MG_9234.JPG) 2 Really QUIET switches not sure whats the difference between MX Red vs MX Clears vs MX Silent or other ones(steelseries,razer,logitech switches) in the market, picking the quiet ones, really dont like MX blue,etc loud sounds from the vids in youtube. 3 Full NKRO over USB. 4 Fast responsive like 500-1000Hz polling rate support. Macros support or extra keys for media would be sweet but not important, careless about leds too. Price range up to $200 Thanks in advance | ||
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Nabe
51 Posts
On October 22 2015 09:37 Sufficiency wrote: What are the differences between Shine 4 and Shine 5? I am currently debating Das Keyboard Model S Professional and Ducky Shine 4 (not my most ideal choices, but easier to get in Canada) - but you have an interesting perspective... Also, what do you think of Leopold FC900 vs FC750? I think mechanicalkeyboards.com only has 900... The Shine 4 is only dual color LED while the Shine 5 is full RGB. The 5 also supports macros, a full mouse, and multiple lighting setups through the function layer. You might want to try shooting them an email to see when they get more in stock, shouldn't be too long. The FC900R is basically a fullsize FC750R. Besides that it has DIP switches for some small changes like swapping caps lock and left ctrl. While I'd personally prefer the 750R for it's size and almost invisible logo, I still consider it a fantastic keyboard that's very well priced for what your getting. | ||
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WeddingEpisode
United States356 Posts
or more metal parts? Mechanical keyboards are still a lot of plastic, if you ask me. | ||
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Nabe
51 Posts
On October 23 2015 03:47 WeddingEpisode wrote: Are there gaming keyboards with sturdy rubber keys, or more metal parts? Mechanical keyboards are still a lot of plastic, if you ask me. Gaming keyboards are a marketing gimmick, don't buy into the hype. You can play just as well on a something like a Filco as a Razer. Don't believe me? Just have a look at how pretty much every Korean not sponsored by a keyboard company is playing on the FC700R or Majestouch 2. Neither of which are in any way marketed as a gaming keyboard. Maru, Innovation, sOs, Classic, herO just to name a few. Yes Rubber keys are a thing, but I wouldn't recommend them they are expensive and wear significantly faster than plastic. Yes you can go all metal besides the PCB, switch housings, and stems but it's very expensive. The Pok3r with it's cast aluminum case is really the only one to have done it cheaply. But if the sky is the limit for your budget check out the Korean customs like GON, KMAC, LZ, and the many others. They start at around 400 and can cost thousands, can be very difficult to get outside of Korea, rarely if ever come with caps, and more often then not require you to assemble them. | ||
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bluegarfield
Singapore1128 Posts
Thanks edit: any other TKL board recommended? My go-to-options used to be Filco, Ducky Shine 3, and CM Storm, but most of them are out of stock for brown switch at the moment, also I want to explore new things. Those 3 are probably among the most well-built that I have used. edit2: a topre TKL could be an option I guess, since this time the kb is used mainly for typing. But that is one expensive switch | ||
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Cyro
United Kingdom20333 Posts
3 Full NKRO over USB. This is not possible natively - some manufacturers do things like having your keyboard show up as 4 different keyboard devices to the operating system, but that's generally bad and something to avoid rather than seek out. | ||
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Nabe
51 Posts
On October 24 2015 02:30 bluegarfield wrote: quick checking, does cm storm rapid-i have standard bottom row (i.e: can swap out with any standard keycaps like wasd etc)? also it should be using cherry stabilizer right? Thanks edit: any other TKL board recommended? My go-to-options used to be Filco, Ducky Shine 3, and CM Storm, but most of them are out of stock for brown switch at the moment, also I want to explore new things. Those 3 are probably among the most well-built that I have used. edit2: a topre TKL could be an option I guess, since this time the kb is used mainly for typing. But that is one expensive switch Yes, for future reference the easiest way to tell is if the keys are all the same size on the bottom row it's standard. Yep it uses Cherry stabs. All three still make good products. KUL, Leopold, WASD, are good as well. You should be able to find really anything you want for a TKL in any switch and LED options within those six companies. Except some CM's all use standard layouts as well. If your mostly using for typing I'd take a look at some 60% keyboards. Some of them are fantastic. The Pok3r is the most popular keyboard in the community right now and there's a reason. It's cheap for what it is, well made, programmable, three function layers, and no question the most customization options for any keyboard out there. Topre is indeed expensive but there are some options. Try finding a Topre Type Heaven they go for around ~150 USD. If your super lucky you can find a Realforce 87U for under 200. There's also the CM Storm Novatouch, it's not true Topre but is a good alternative according to most, and you can use MX caps with it. Everything else in this price range has some issues. | ||
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bluegarfield
Singapore1128 Posts
I still want a TKL over 60% though. Arrow keys are useful. As my both my filco and QF XT are full size, TKL feel more familiar than 60%. Also, this one will be for work and will be left in the office, so I kind of dont want to go to the more expensive range. I guess Rapid-i makes more sense as it's cheaper than Ducky/KUL and still has solid build quality. Really want to try a Ducky but seem like with Ducky Shine 5 coming out, Shine 3 is at the end of life and out of stock everywhere, especially for brown switch. Another thing is I got a set of blank caps lying around, so standard rows + cherry stabs will help a lot haha | ||
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WeddingEpisode
United States356 Posts
On October 23 2015 14:31 Nabe wrote: Gaming keyboards are a marketing gimmick, don't buy into the hype. You can play just as well on a something like a Filco as a Razer. Don't believe me? Just have a look at how pretty much every Korean not sponsored by a keyboard company is playing on the FC700R or Majestouch 2. Neither of which are in any way marketed as a gaming keyboard. Maru, Innovation, sOs, Classic, herO just to name a few. Yes Rubber keys are a thing, but I wouldn't recommend them they are expensive and wear significantly faster than plastic. Yes you can go all metal besides the PCB, switch housings, and stems but it's very expensive. The Pok3r with it's cast aluminum case is really the only one to have done it cheaply. But if the sky is the limit for your budget check out the Korean customs like GON, KMAC, LZ, and the many others. They start at around 400 and can cost thousands, can be very difficult to get outside of Korea, rarely if ever come with caps, and more often then not require you to assemble them. $1,000's? lol wow. Very interesting and helpful, ty. | ||
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missalaire
United States20 Posts
On October 22 2015 10:39 Coypirus wrote: Im looking for a good mechanical keyboard with no requirements except that it is under $60. If you're still looking, Newegg has a Shellshocker deal for the Tt Poseidon Z with Kailh blue switches: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162038 | ||
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Nabe
51 Posts
On October 26 2015 17:00 WeddingEpisode wrote: $1,000's? lol wow. Very interesting and helpful, ty. Well to be fair they are really only for enthusiasts who know exactly what they want and also have a lot of money to spend. They are custom designed from the ground up. Thick very high quality metals that are milled not cast, custom designed PCB and plate, and the highest quality components that are available. The majority offer full user customization as well, any layout you can imagine, any color and type of finish, custom made springs in any weight and type of stem you want, LED options, etc. All while being in very limited numbers. If you where design all this and add up all the costs yourself you'll find it's quite close to the prices they are asking. A case will set you back 200-500+ alone to have milled depending on metal choice, thickness, and design. Forget the knowledge, effort, and time it takes to design it all, in particular a good PCB, writing the firmware and software and all the rest. They also go through multiple prototype phases where they make sure everything is up to their standard. So as crazy as it might sound you actually are getting what you pay for. At least it makes sense to me. The stupidest thing IMHO is artisan caps. $910 USD for a single keycap? Done and done. It sold for 16 dollars originally  | ||
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