So, the biggest decision you have to make, before what brand to get, is what switches you want. You can find many places explaining the different types. Personally, I went with Browns (Zowie - Celeritas), because I am using it more for gaming and am not doing extensive amounts of typing.

However, I have been looking into getting a keyboard with Blue switches (because I'm a sucker for the sound and want to feel the other types of switches now), and I suggest looking into the Rosewill RK-9000 with blue switches. The Das is nice, but the glossy finish means fingerprints, dust and scratches will show more.

Here's a link to newegg for the RK-9000:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823201040&Tpk=rk-9000

renaissanceMAN

United States1840 Posts

November 28 2011 02:15 GMT

#22

das keyboard or a realforce (would go with the das though just because its cheaper)

Jaxtyk

United States600 Posts

November 28 2011 02:33 GMT

#23

The MX blues are noisy as hell so if you have a roommate or w/e then I would think twice before buying it. MX Browns are probably a good choice.

gruff

Sweden2276 Posts

November 28 2011 07:47 GMT

#24

On November 28 2011 04:19 Xafnia wrote:

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It's the opposite actually, mechanical keyboards are good for a lifetime even with heavy abuse. You'll save a lot more using a mechanical keyboard for 20years than buying a new rubber dome every year.

The switches perhaps but the key caps and such can wear down much quicker than that (depending on the quality of the board). Just because it's mechanical doesn't mean every part is good quality. Depending on how picky he is with rubber boards it could very well end up with about the same total cost as an expensice mechanical board, especially if he replaces the key caps and such (if you can even find those after 10-20 years). I'd still go for a mechanical board since it's nicer to type on but I don't think you should be talking about how he will save money in a 20 year life span... At least not without specifying what board you are talking about.

DystopiaX

United States16236 Posts

November 28 2011 07:51 GMT

#25

^The only mech boards I would think are that shit would probably be those made by gaming equipment companies like SS and Razer, both the 6Gv2 and blackwidow have had build quality issues for some people just months after normal use. Getting something like a Ducky or a Filco should last him a long time.

On November 28 2011 11:03 peekn wrote:

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Hit the nail on the head, if you are going to be typing a lot for long periods of time, I would suggest you getting one of these. Yes they do cost a lot of money but they are the best for professional typists.

One of these, if you can't afford that I would go for Cherry Blues, they're widely considered the best for typing out of all the Cherry type switches.

Kolbenito

United States4 Posts

November 28 2011 08:27 GMT

#26

I have really enjoyed my Filco Tenkeyless. I have the Cherry Red special edition, I'm sure the Browns/Blues are great to type on as well.

StuartLove

Germany267 Posts

November 28 2011 08:35 GMT

#27

i love my razer lycosa for gaming and typing

the key press is very short which makes typing for me atleast way more easier and faster as with other keyboards which i had before like the logitech G- models.

if you decide to get this one i would suggest the normal one coz the razer lycosa mirror is shiny and you will see finger prints on it.

Manex

Australia156 Posts

November 28 2011 08:42 GMT

#28

On November 28 2011 10:55 89vision wrote:

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Mechanical keyboards last much much longer. True there will be signs of wear and tear, such as keycaps fading and what not depending on what type you buy. But no change in function. They feel awesome, and when you pick one up you can immediately tell the difference in its heft and feel of quality. Mechanical keyboards are actual pieces of equipment, not some plastic POS.

You could also get an IBM Model M used on ebay and those are supposed to be money for typing. Blues are similar, and I like them for typing on because of the response. But I like my browns because they are softer.

This^^ Mech keyboards are crazy long lasting, i know a guy with an old IBM Buckling Spring Mech KB, Had it for 25 years and still works and feels fantastic. I currently am using a Tt Meka G1, as i quite like the black cherries, but switch type really is a very individual preference, so if you know a good equipment place near you that lets you sample equipment, give that a go. If not, you could try going to a LAN to see if anyone there would let you give there KB's a go.