[img]http://i.imgur.com/viOzs.png[/img]
[i]Original OP by Nsybouts, modified by Banned?[/i]
[b]Fact:[/b] Nearly all keyboards sold bundled with computers or at retail stores use rubber domes under their keys. This is the same technology used in cheap TV remotes. They're made to be as cheap as possible to manufacture in order to maximize profits. Yes, this even includes "high end" keyboards. So why settle for something that is made as cheap as possible? Why use something so cheap with a computer you might have spent $2000 on? Get a quality keyboard with that quality computer.
[b][u]Why would you want a mechanical keyboard?[/u][/b]
99% of the reason why you would want a mechanical keyboard is for comfort reasons. With a rubber dome keyboard you need to put pressure on the entire key for it to register as a key press. Not only does this ride on the keyboard after a period of time, it can mess with your hands. Jamming at keys all day isn't something that is comfortable for a long period of time. With mechanical switches, something like full pressure on the key isn't necessary because of the way that they're designed. There are several kinds of mechanical switches and they all have different actuation forces, or places where the key actually registers. This lowers the strain on your hands while typing. Mechanical switches also last far, far longer than a rubber dome and mechanical keyboard built quality is way higher than rubber dome keyboards. That, and the clicking noise some mechanical key types make is complete nerd porn.
[b][u]Switch Types[/u][/b]
[I]click me[/I]
[t]http://i.imgur.com/GWfV3.gif[/t]
[I]Note on Alps:[/I] Alps switches have been out of production for a long time now and are only seen in older keyboards. They have largely been replaced by [url=http://deskthority.net/wiki/Matias_switch]Matias switches[/url] which are made by the Matias Corporation for their own keyboards. Matias doesn't really have a large selection of keyboards yet and you can only find their switched outside of their own keyboards on a very limited amount of stuff.
[I]Note on Cherry MX clones:[/I] There are a handful of Cherry MX clones out there. Kailh are probably the most common Cherry MX knockoff and the most distrusted. Kailh is straight from China and generally keyboards with Kailh switches are far cheaper than their Cherry MX counterparts. They're not 1:1 knockoffs though as there is some weight variance to their Cherry MX versions([url=http://deskthority.net/wiki/Kaihua_PG1511_series]see here[/url]). They also make the [url=http://deskthority.net/wiki/Razer_switch]Razer switches[/url]. [url=http://deskthority.net/wiki/Gateron_KS-3_series]Gateron[/url] are another Cherry MX knockoff that has quickly gotten on the good side of the keyboard community. While some of their switches are 1:1 copies, people have said that Gateron linear switches are much smoother than Cherry MX linear switches (can confirm, Gateron linears are not nearly as "scratchy" as Cherry MX linears). There are also some subtle differences in their Blue switch. Gateron also help make the [url=http://deskthority.net/wiki/Gateron_KS-3_series#Project_Zealio]Zealio switches[/url] which are custom switches made for Zeal PC meant to be a Cherry MX Clean clone. Keyboards with Gateron switches tend to be cheaper than Cherry MX but more expensive than Kailh. [sp]Buy a keyboard with Gaterons, they're fucking nice.[/sp]
[I]Note on Topre:[/I] Topre are very interesting switches because they're not really a mechanical switch but they're not really a rubber dome either. Topre switches don't really compare to a Cherry MX switch. Some people will say they're like Cherry MX Browns or Blues but that kind of comparison doesn't really do it justice. It's really a unique switch. If you're using a tactile Cherry switch, all of them have their tactile point around the middle of the key press. Topre have them at the top of the key press and once you pass that point it's smooth as silk all the way to the bottom. It's also a fairly quiet switch. Cherry MX switches tend to be fairly loud if you're bottoming them out and with the way they're designed you're not really suppose to. Topre switches bottom out with a soft "thock" noise, and they can be a little difficult to NOT bottom out. Unlike a rubber dome or even Cherry MX board, bottoming out a Topre switch is fairly soft if you're typing "properly" (not jamming on the keys very hard). They even make a Type S "silent" switch which makes bottoming out Topre's even quieter.
Comparison: [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSVrxg8b4wo[/url]
It isn't "just like an MX Brown or Blue", which is another reason why some people are hesitant to try Topre because no one wants to spend $230 on a keyboard only to find out they don't like the switch and can't return it.
[highlight]If you don't know what kind of switch you're looking for, buy a switch tester.[/highlight] [url=http://www.cmstore-usa.com/mechanical-key-switch-tester-v2-free-shipping/]Cooler Master has one.[/url] (Comes with a Topre switch!) [url=http://www.maxkeyboard.com/max-keyboard-keycap-cherry-mx-switch-o-ring-pro-sampler-tester-kit.html]Max Keyboards has one.[/url] [url=http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/sampler-kit/wasd-6-key-cherry-mx-switch-tester.html]WASD has one.[/url] Massdrop occasionally has them. They will save you money on possibly buying the wrong kind of switch.
[B][U]Recommended Brands[/U][/B]
[B]Cooler Master[/B] - Cooler Master's QuickFire line of mechanical keyboards are some of the best mechanical keyboards you can buy with Cherry MX switches when it comes to price:quality ratio. The keycaps are awful though. They also have the Masterkey if you want RGB lighting. CM also has the Novatouch, a Topre keyboard but it uses Cherry MX stems which means you can use any Cherry MX keycaps on it.
[B]Ducky[/B] - Ducky are a solid keyboard brand that are mostly known for their backlighting options and pretty much redesigning their keyboards every year or so. They also have non-backlit keyboards that come with a good set of PBT keycaps. Mostly full-size keyboard. They also make a 60% keyboard called the Ducky Mini.
[B]Vortex[/B] - Vortex make the Poker 60% keyboard, which is probably the best 60% you can buy. No weird keycap sizes, PBT keycaps on non-backlit models, aluminum case, lots of Cherry MX switch options.
[B]WASD[/B] - While a little pricey in comparison to most, WASD sells pretty much any Cherry MX switch while they have them in stock with lots of options. Totally customizable keycaps or get a keyboard with a decent set of doubleshot PBT. Also sells the CODE keyboard which comes with white backlighting, and a 60% version but they're just rebranded Vortex Poker 3's.
[B]Filco[/B] - Filco probably make some of the better stock, no bullshit mechanical's around. Tad pricey.
[B]Realforce[/B] - If you want a Topre keyboard you're probably going to be buying a Realforce. Incredibly solid keyboards that all come with PBT keycaps. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWQqCzGbeik]Very expensive.[/url]
[QUOTE=~Kiwi~v2;51838324]What's a decent mx blue keyboard these days?[/QUOTE]
Depends on what size you want it. Fullsize, TKL or 60?
fyi, I am making a new OP. It will have [I]a lot[/I] more switch info, better recommended brands and shit, more links with actual info, and some stuff about keyboard sizes.
[t]http://i.imgur.com/xjemtDc.jpg[/t]
Tasteful nude to start the thread off right
[editline]18th February 2017[/editline]
[QUOTE=~Kiwi~v2;51838663]I like my numpad so full size.[/QUOTE]
[url]https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2046[/url]
[url]https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1819[/url]
[url]https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1366[/url]
[QUOTE=poopiecrap;51839523][t]http://i.imgur.com/xjemtDc.jpg[/t]
Tasteful nude to start the thread off right
[editline]18th February 2017[/editline]
[url]https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2046[/url]
[url]https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1819[/url]
[url]https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1366[/url][/QUOTE]
I raise you my newly built zeal60
[t]http://i.imgur.com/yv48ACO.jpg[/t]
[QUOTE=~Kiwi~v2;51839564]Unfortunately that's not loading for me.
Also can't tell if they ship outside of the USA or not(import taxes could be a bitch too).[/QUOTE]
[url]https://www.helifreak.club/image/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-18%20at%2018.23.48-fullpage.png[/url]
[url]https://www.helifreak.club/image/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-18%20at%2018.24.07-fullpage.png[/url]
[url]https://www.helifreak.club/image/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-18%20at%2018.24.12-fullpage.png[/url]
They do ship internationally, it's about ~$44 to here I'd imagine NZ would be similar. America sucks at shipping.
Try importing a Filco/Ducky from somewhere in Asia maybe?
[QUOTE=Steven :D;51839612]I raise you my newly built zeal60
[t]http://i.imgur.com/yv48ACO.jpg[/t][/QUOTE]
When are you building your jd40 my dude
[QUOTE=poopiecrap;51840782]When are you building your jd40 my dude[/QUOTE]
When I get around to it :v:
Just a reminder, CeX uk is still selling brand new TB Impacts from their Skelmersdale store.
[url]https://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=731855048113[/url] [url]https://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=731855048212[/url]
Got my YOTM
The build quality of this keyboard is amazing. The key caps are significantly higher quality than my K70 RGB and I am loving the MX Blues. It also came with a spare set of keycaps that are thinner.
Thyey may be tacky as all fuck, but god do I love these keycaps
[t]https://puu.sh/u9ibG/b3f07d2bc9.png[/t]
[url]http://pimpmykeyboard.com/g20-semiotic-keycap-set/[/url]
Are those the new keycaps from Fisher-Price?
[QUOTE=Levelog;51842241]Are those the new keycaps from Fisher-Price?[/QUOTE]
Naw dude, Alien
[t]https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--2wgcS9Kr--/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/1017035058641610639.jpg[/t]
[t]https://i0.wp.com/media.boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/alien_semiotic_01.jpg?resize=560%2C407[/t]
Anyone have any good recommendations for a full size mechanical backlit under $50? My wife wants likes the noise, I don't care the underlying type just something decent, there's so many on Amazon and I just have no idea where to start.
If not I might just buy an old Logitech g15 I loved that thing back in the day
[thumb]http://i.imgur.com/ofbp9mR.jpg[/thumb]
[vid]https://zippy.gfycat.com/ValidSoftBighornedsheep.webm[/vid]
Spreading the gay agenda
Is it just me or have mechanical keyboards become more expensive since it penetrated onto the gaming market?
I'm looking for a full size cherry blue keyboard to replace my now deceased Das Model S, I wanted to get another one but they're selling it here for €130. I swore when I bought it over 5 year ago it was just €80.
€80 for a Das Model S is really really cheap. I paid €120 for my Das Model S Ultimate in 2011.
[QUOTE=adam1172;51846080]Is it just me or have mechanical keyboards become more expensive since it penetrated onto the gaming market?
I'm looking for a full size cherry blue keyboard to replace my now deceased Das Model S, I wanted to get another one but they're selling it here for €130. I swore when I bought it over 5 year ago it was just €80.[/QUOTE]
fyi Das doesn't use Cherry switches anymore iirc. They switched over to Greetech.
[QUOTE=Steven :D;51846948]fyi Das doesn't use Cherry switches anymore iirc. They switched over to Greetech.[/QUOTE]
They do. Only the 4C used Greetech. And their gaming keyboards use 'Alpha-Zulu' switches
[QUOTE=~Kiwi~v2;51839728]
Hell for almost half the price and minus a keypad I could get a Ducky One TKL if I had to ditch the keypad(could probably get a external one).
[/QUOTE]
Playtech have full size non-backlit Ducky Ones with blues for $150 NZD.
[QUOTE=Xyrec;51846971]They do. Only the 4C used Greetech. And their gaming keyboards use 'Alpha-Zulu' switches[/QUOTE]
Alpha-Zulu is rebranded Greetech and the 4 Pro for Mac also uses Greetech.
What's a good alternative to the Corsair K70 RGB? I like everything about it, except the price and apparently its issues it has with the config tool, or something. There's gotta be a more recent version of it at a cheaper price by some other producer. I think I would like brown switches, sounds like the best choice for me since I code [B]and[/B] game (very new to mechanical keyboards)
I'm not too well versed in the types of switches, but my current keyboard is infuriating me with how often it registers multiple key presses when I only mean to type out one letter.
As an example, the word "astonish" would come out to "asstonish" or sometimes "astsonish".
Never buying another Razer keyboard again. I have learned my lesson.
But now, I am searching for a new keyboard to replace this one.
There were two main reasons that I chose this keyboard to begin with:
1. It fits my small pull-out tray that my mouse and mouse pad must share with the keyboard.
To clarify, at [B]~18.5 inches[/B], this keyboard and mouse setup leaves NO horizontal space remaining on my pull-out tray. So, whatever keyboard I'm looking to replace this one with must be the [B]same length or shorter[/B] (which can be kind of tough, since I require a numpad).
2. It has at least a 10-key rollover, so I can simultaneously press 10 keys at once (for a virtual piano).
After using this Razer Blackwidow keyboard for a few years, I have come to dislike how loud it is. I'm not sure which switches it uses, but I'm sure you aficionados already know the answer.
So, now I'm looking for a mechanical keyboard with quieter switches. I'm not picky about the feel of the switches.
I have already found a keyboard that looks like it might fit my bill, but I want to see what you guys have to say about my situation and what kind of keyboards you might recommend.
My pick so far is the [URL="https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Mechanical-Keyboard-Backlit-Multicolor/dp/B01K7X4UW8?th=1"]Corsair STRAFE MX Silent[/URL].
I can't seem to find an RGB version with the silent switches, but I don't mind the color as much as I mind the performance and sound output.
Any keyboard which can't do PS/2 NKRO isn't worth owning tbh.
[QUOTE=Chubbs;51849792]Any keyboard which can't do PS/2 NKRO isn't worth owning tbh.[/QUOTE]
Any keyboard which can't do USB NKRO isn't worth owning tbh.
I don't know the difference between these different types of NKRO.
The keyboard I'm looking at states "100% anti-ghosting with 104 key rollover on USB ensure no matter how fast your play, all your keys register."
Sounds good to me?
I was thinking about getting a Razer BlackWidow Chroma but what do you guys recommend? I mainly wanted it because the whole keys light up when you press them and fade away thing was pretty cool but is that standard in RBG keyboards? I've never owned one
From personal experience, I would avoid Razer.
First keyboard lasted a bit over a year before it would constantly double (or even triple) tap keys.
Second keyboard, which I'm using now, is starting to show signs of the same issue after less than a year.
[QUOTE=Cold Finger;51850610]I don't know the difference between these different types of NKRO.
The keyboard I'm looking at states "100% anti-ghosting with 104 key rollover on USB ensure no matter how fast your play, all your keys register."
Sounds good to me?[/QUOTE]
PS/2 NKRO is native NKRO, it will just always work no matter what because it's part of the protocol by design.
On the other hand, USB NKRO is a hacky workaround, since the USB HID protocol can by design only send 6 bits of keypress data per packet. Any keyboard that does have NKRO over USB does so by breaking the HID protocol somehow.
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.
