[SkinnyPupp]

Lately I have really been into keyboards, and have started reviewing them on my site. So I thought I'd start a thread here for people to discuss and share info and learn. My first keyboard review is this one

http://www.hardcoreware.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/razer-blackwidow-tournament.jpg

Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition Review - TKL Cherry MX Blue (http://www.hardcoreware.net/razer-blackwidow-tournament-edition-review/)

It's not really an intro to mechanical keyboards but there is some basic info there, as I learned a lot as I researched keyboards. I have to say, after using cheap rubber dome keyboards for too long, it was SUCH a nice change to switch to a mechanical. However the noise of the MX Blues is a bit much - at first my wife would complain every time I started typing fast (and she is not the type to complain about stuff). The noise itself is kind of annoying too (there's a video of the sound in my review)

Another issue I came across is that the switch resets at a higher point than it activates. So I had a few times in gaming where I would want to make small adjustments to my direction in WASD, but the key wasn't depressing since I didn't let my finger off it completely. Does this mean it is absolutely NOT for gaming? Not really, but it didn't work that great for me. Typing on it was great, but noisy.

I am typing this on a Topre RealForce and I played games for about an hour so far. It's a rubber dome keyboard, but has springs underneath each one. And instead of pushing a plastic button in, it uses the springs to activate the switch with electric capacitance. So it's a rubber dome KB but not a "cheap" one

The 55g activation is definitely noticeable, especially when you have to hit the space bar a bunch of times. This still isn't as stiff as Cherry MX black though, which are linear keys (meaning no 'bump' to tell you it has been pressed) and 60g

So I am wondering what kind of keyboards folks here are using? What do you like about it, or dislike?

For me Tenkeyless is the way to go. For one, I don't have much room on my desk, but I also like having the mouse real close by. I actually sit slightly to the left of my monitor, so my KB and mouse together are centered in front of the monitor..

[Hehe]

I don't think there is a mechanical keyboard to rule it all due to personal preference.

I like blue for typing but settled with black for occasional gaming. (you don't really want that "click" when playing games).

Electrostatic-based keyboards like Topre RF or PFU HH are nice but I personally don't see the added benefit given the substantially higher price tag than a good Filco/DAS/WASD based on Cherry switches of one's choice. And the fact that I'm on a Mac makes keyboard shopping even worse. :fuckthatshit:

[SkinnyPupp]

Aren't there any good mac compatible keyboards? I know the stock keyboard is horrible with those stupid chicklet keys. I can't believe people accept that...

As for super high end keyboards, as long as they are expensive for a reason, it's a bit more acceptable. If they were just covered in embellishments that do nothing but raise the price, I would have a problem with it. As an analogy, I would say it's like comparing a $1500 watch to a $200 watch. Both probably tell time pretty much the same way, and you can get $200 watches that look just as good. But the $1500 watch will be engineered and built with greater care an precision, and better components than the $200 watch.

In the same way, a $250 keyboard made in Japan with capacitive switches, PBT plastic keycaps rather than ABS, dye sub printing rather than laser etched, etc, etc, will have these advantages over a $80 keyboard. They will both type the same, and you might not even like the more expensive one. But there's at least a reason for it to be expensive, IMO. There's nothing I hate more than things being expensive just because of the brand that it is sold under.

[FN-2199]

I'm using the Razer Marauder. I've never liked the feel of mechanical keyboards in regards to typing up papers (too loud, weird feel). But to each their own!

http://assets.razerzone.com/eeimages/products/74/razer-marauder-heart-of-the-swarm-carousel.png

Specifically got it for the backlighting, and it's capabilities with SC2, as well as macro configurations. I've had it for 2+ years now, and I have no complaints. Even after a couple of years, the keys are still gorgeous and don't actually show signs of traditional wear. The lighting is customizable, it has a braided cable, and it's a tad bit smaller in length than your traditional full-sized keyboard.
Because they have integrated the arrow keys into the numpad, toggling the numlock can be a pain, but it's my only complaint.
+1 for this keyboard if you can find it!

[SkinnyPupp]

My old Logitech was similar in that it was the width of a TKL but still had the numpad. It even had arrow keys, they were just half-height. Very cool layout, but after a year many of the keys looked shiny and had no print, and the membrane was wearing down so the keys got more and more wobbly. Also the CTRL button would stick most of the time.

[Fappin]

I'm using the Ducky Shine 3 with Cherry MX red keys

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/images/products/large_498_Shine3blue_1.jpg

Settled with the red keys because I really dislike the tactile feedback while gaming. Much prefer the linear press when I'm mashing buttons lol. The LED options are really cool (especially the wave option). They are a bit unnecessary but at least you can turn them off.

[Brianrietta]

I've been very pleased with my Steelseries 7G with the Cherry MX Blacks. The kicker for me is the silly looking wristrest which no joke prevents arm and wrist fatigue like nothing I've ever tried before. I wish it had a USB 3.0 passthrough but that wasn't really a thing yet when I bought this years ago so that's moot.

http://www.revscene.net/forums/attachments/18337d1377628127-steelseries-products-steelseries.jpg

[SkinnyPupp]

Cool pics guys. I was close to picking up a Ducky for the same price as the Razer, but I preferred the TKL. Will see if I can review one instead

[Alby]

currently using the razer blackwidow ultimate. first mechanical keyboard i've ever owned and used. im loving it.

http://assets.razerzone.com/minisite/blackwidow/images/blackwidow_2013_banner.jpg

[godwin]

I am using the DAS Keyboard for mac.. works fine.

The annoying thing is the USB cable is way too long for me.

Aren't there any good mac compatible keyboards? I know the stock keyboard is horrible with those stupid chicklet keys. I can't believe people accept that...

[DragonChi]

I'm on the fence between blue and brown switches.

The blues have a nice clicky tactile feel. I got to try the keys at NCIX once. But as other have said, they're loud.

The browns are like the blues but have a rubber ring at the bottom to stop the clicky sound when the keys bottom out. Though, on wiki, the force to press the key down is about 20% less than the blue. So I not sure if they're prone to typos or misclicks...

[Hehe]

Aren't there any good mac compatible keyboards? I know the stock keyboard is horrible with those stupid chicklet keys. I can't believe people accept that...


The thing is about all the function keys apple has assigned to their stock keyboard.

On third party keyboards, unless specifically designed to be compatible, one'd have to remap all the keys and it sucks. Because it's not plug and play and sometimes the adjustments interferes with the on board keyboard of the MBP itself. :troll:

Then there is the material and layout.

It took me roughly 6 months to hunt down a keyboard with layout I like with POM keycaps and black switches. (PBT is somewhat better in general terms as it's not too hard. I just don't like the texture of PBT. I mean, it's a fucking keyboard that one TYPES, why do they make texture on it is beyond me... but again... personal preference. I like my keys to be buttery smooth).

It was a out-of-production Mac keyboard from Fentec Industry.

[SkinnyPupp]

I'm on the fence between blue and brown switches.

The blues have a nice clicky tactile feel. I got to try the keys at NCIX once. But as other have said, they're loud.

The browns are like the blues but have a rubber ring at the bottom to stop the clicky sound when the keys bottom out. Though, on wiki, the force to press the key down is about 20% less than the blue. So I not sure if they're prone to typos or misclicks...
It's not that the browns have a rubber stopper, it's that they don't have an 2 piece plunger that clicks on activation. You can see it here:

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Blue.gif

The blue has that extra piece on the plunger that 'slams' down after getting past the actuation point

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Brown.gif

Browns have a one piece plunger that has the tactile feel, but not the clicking sound.

You can actually install rubber o-rings on them dull the click a bit. This also shortens the actuation point

http://cdn.wasdkeyboards.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/492x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/w/a/wasd_orings2013.jpg

WASD Keyboards: Cherry MX Switch Sound Comparison - YouTube

Also because of this 2 piece plunger, the blues actually de-actuate at a higher point than they actuate. That's what makes them not very suitable for gaming. I had issues even in Don't Starve, where I would be walking and making minor adjustments to go diagonally... once in a while the key didn't de-actuate so it didn't register a key press.

Then you have red and black, which have no tactile feel at all. They just slide up and down, and hit the actuation point about halfway there.

[Mr.HappySilp]

Using a razer blackwidow. It good with games and all that. But normal typing seems a bit loud.

I don't play games much these days and thinking of switching to more quiet.

[flagella]

http://www.quentinrademaker.nl/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cm-storm-quick-fire-pro-qr.jpg

Funny the pic says gaming keyboard, but I don't get at all.

Using brown switches. Typing feels great.

[SkinnyPupp]

That's the thing, what makes a "gaming keyboard"? Aside from switch type?

-Macro support? Does it need to have specific macro keys?
-"gaming mode"? Disabling things like alt-tab and the Windows key?
-USB hub built in? For your mouse? Is this a gaming feature?

These are the features usually found on what is marketed as a "gaming keyboard" but they don't seem to be that specific... what else is there?

[VK79]

These are the features usually found on what is marketed as a "gaming keyboard" but they don't seem to be that specific... what else is there?

Dedicated keys for said macros. All Logitech have them.

LCD Display? Personally, I don't buy this feature. Had one of the earlier G Keyboards and disabled it as I only "looked" at it once per session to check how much ammo I had. (Back when hunters used ammo in wow)

On board sound card with hp/mic ports, might be slightly useful if your CPU is far from your desk/couch/bed/wherever you play from. Also useful for mac laptops (you can use iphone headsets but I prefer my steelseries gaming set for gaming.)

[Alby]

That's the thing, what makes a "gaming keyboard"? Aside from switch type?

-Macro support? Does it need to have specific macro keys?
-"gaming mode"? Disabling things like alt-tab and the Windows key?
-USB hub built in? For your mouse? Is this a gaming feature?

These are the features usually found on what is marketed as a "gaming keyboard" but they don't seem to be that specific... what else is there?

anti-ghosting? thats the only thing i can think of.

[Recon604]

im using my k95

[Fappin]

Cool pics guys. I was close to picking up a Ducky for the same price as the Razer, but I preferred the TKL. Will see if I can review one instead

I think they have TKL versions of the Ducky Shine 3 now. A bit cheaper as well

[Taxmonkey]

I've tried a variety of switches. From blue to black and red. I'm going to experiment with the browns soon. At the moment, while the tactile feedback is nice from the blues, the sound may be a bit too much. I'm using the K90 right now and it's a phenomenal keyboard. My girlfriend uses the K70 and she enjoys the light linear switches as well.

Corsair's next keyboard will be the Corsair RGB, which features switches in red, blue as well as brown. Fully customizable backlighting, as well as a brushed aluminum surface. Keys are elevated above the base, so cleaning will be easy.

http://pics.computerbase.de/5/4/3/7/6/3_m.jpg

Corsair RGB Backlit Mechanical Keyboard - CES 2014 - YouTube

Can't wait!!

[AzNightmare]

I'm using a Saitek Eclipse II.
Been using it since 2006. No problems with it. A few letters on the keys have been totally worn off though.

Maybe I'm just ignorant, but to this day, I still don't get the advantage of mechanical keyboard.
I've read up articles about them, but they don't seem to translate to real-world advantage other than being more suitable to one's preference.

I've only tried them in computer stores, so I admit I've never used one for long term before, but they are kind of too pricey for me to buy one just to try it out.

[m3thods]

http://www.quentinrademaker.nl/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cm-storm-quick-fire-pro-qr.jpg

Funny the pic says gaming keyboard, but I don't get at all.

Using brown switches. Typing feels great.

This is my work keyboard for 3 years running. I love the tactility and reduced (read: it's still loud-ish) noise compared to blues. Contrary to the actuation forces, the brown feel a bit harder to press compared to the blues. Maybe I had a bad MX Blue keyboard (was a Razer). The only thing I wish was that the browns required a bit more force to depress. I'm a heavy-handed typer so I can't "float" on the keys. I've learned to ease up a bit using the Brown, but I still bottom out unnecessarily. There's no places to try Green switches, so I've been wary to try and buy one only to possibly return it.

For home I have a Tt esports MX Black. Must have for FPS games imo. Couldn't game at all on non-linear switches. I'm pretty lazy with taking my fingers off WASD so being able to lift it slightly to depress again was a plus with linear switches. Red was a bit too mushy for me, but typing on the black is tiresome.

[rexsomnii]

I'm looking for O rings to make my keys from clacking so much. I have the Das Ultimate S keyboard.

What do you guys recommend and where do you recommend getting them for a cheap price ?

I emailed 2 companies in the states. One said they only provide for businesses and another one says they wont ship USPS, which was the cheaper option. They only ship via fedex or UPS.

[m3thods]

I'm using a Saitek Eclipse II.
Been using it since 2006. No problems with it. A few letters on the keys have been totally worn off though.

Maybe I'm just ignorant, but to this day, I still don't get the advantage of mechanical keyboard.
I've read up articles about them, but they don't seem to translate to real-world advantage other than being more suitable to one's preference.

I've only tried them in computer stores, so I admit I've never used one for long term before, but they are kind of too pricey for me to buy one just to try it out.

They're more durable. That's the big improvement.

Aside from that, it's all personal preference. As I work on a computer all day, I decided to try a mechanical (brown) keyboard, and I haven't looked back since. Now I find rubber-dome keyboards far too mushy to touch-type (well, to the best of my abilities).

[GLOW]

nothing fancy, but i used to get carpal tunnel when i was a SW engineer and surprisingly using this helped out a lot.

http://www8.pcmag.com/media/images/115187-microsoft-natural-ergonomic-keyboard-4000.jpg

i found it to be the best keyboard i ever used.

[m3thods]

^I loved that keyboard, but it got too mushy too fast. Pressing space bar was a chore ("chore") compared to using a mechanical.

My dream keyboard is that layout with mx-browns. The ones available are so much $$ though.

[Cillu]

http://imageshack.com/a/img534/7110/v26u.jpg

Ducky Shine 2 Purple LED w/ cherry mx blues. It's fantastic to type on this and even though many people don't like playing games on blues, I love it!

[impactX]

I am using Razer Blackwidow Ultimate for work and home... both have Cherry Brown and made a huge difference in both gaming and typing.

I personally have not been using the macro keys much. The only reason I got the ultimate version was because the white color would come off the keys of the normal version while the ultimate has the etched keys.

[SkinnyPupp]

One thing is for sure, I'll never use blues for gaming again.

[maksimizer]

my keyboard is customized with a layer of white/clear film

[Hehe]

Since we are on keyboard, does anyone have experience with Optimus Maximus keyboard or its derivatives (smaller/cheaper version)?

All reviews I have read focus mainly on how cool the OLED keys are. But barely discussed how well they feel when typing.

It's way out of my price range, but I'm always curious how it performs.

[Purely]

Are Ducky's worth the price tag? $120?~

[SkinnyPupp]

Since we are on keyboard, does anyone have experience with Optimus Maximus keyboard or its derivatives (smaller/cheaper version)?

All reviews I have read focus mainly on how cool the OLED keys are. But barely discussed how well they feel when typing.

It's way out of my price range, but I'm always curious how it performs.
It uses Cherry ML keys, which are basically a low profile version of MX Brown. Bloggers have said that it is very 'clicky' though, and requires a lot of force. And the bigger keys have problems if you hit them off center. Most of these bloggers say it sucks as a typing keyboard

[RFlush]

Using a Filco majestouch cherry mx red. Love it!
Posted via RS Mobile

[Hehe]

It uses Cherry ML keys, which are basically a low profile version of MX Brown. Bloggers have said that it is very 'clicky' though, and requires a lot of force. And the bigger keys have problems if you hit them off center. Most of these bloggers say it sucks as a typing keyboard

I'm looking at the mini six or an Optimus Aux to use it as custom hot-keys. But damn even these aren't cheap and rarely comes on second hand market.

I guess if it's MX brown, it should be ok.

I'm fine with using a lot of force... a reason I went for black. :D

[SkinnyPupp]

If you want to get in on mechanical for cheap

http://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/94331.jpg

Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Cherry MX Blue - Monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=114&cp_id=11401&cs_id=1140102&p_id=9433)

Use code BONUS15 and it's just $43 + shipping

Also I may be selling my Razer soon if anyone is interested.

Have a couple Deck keyboards coming in. Backlit with PBT keycaps. AFAIK they are the only ones who do that

[Szeto]

anyone tried a cheap mechanical keyboard vs a premium one? Eg, Monoprice vs Filco/Ducky?

Logitech's mechanical keyboard is actually pretty good too if anybody is shopping for a mech kb.

[G]

If you want to get in on mechanical for cheap

Have a couple Deck keyboards coming in. Backlit with PBT keycaps. AFAIK they are the only ones who do that

Are you a supplier or something?

How about you do some giveaways on your stream, I could use a new keyboard :lawl::troll::troll:

[Cillu]

Are Ducky's worth the price tag? $120?~

Yeah, its perfect if you want a superior quality keyboard w/ leds that doesn't have the extra macro keys. I love the simplistic layout it has.

I got mine even before NCIX stocked it, so it was much more expensive than $120 so to me, that price is a steal.

[nsmb]

whats the deal with ducky shine 3 mx browns, being out of stock for 2 months

[SkinnyPupp]

Razer switching from Cherry MX to a former china knockoff brand to do their own switches:

Razer Announces Self-Branded Mechanical Keyboard Switches (http://www.hardcoreware.net/razer-announces-keyboard-switches/)

The mechanical keyboard 'community' is very anti-Razer, so the feedback has been negative. But I think if they fixed the main problem with MX blues (discussed in this thread) they could have a good product.

[SkinnyPupp]

Topre RealForce 87U 55g Tenkeyless Keyboard Review (http://www.hardcoreware.net/topre-realforce-87u-55g-review/)

http://www.hardcoreware.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/topre-realforce-87u.jpg

[Vale46Rossi]

I am interested in buying a mech keyboard... looking at the Razer Widow....

Was wondering the difference and what are the "cherry red" "blue" "brown" switches.

[SkinnyPupp]

I am interested in buying a mech keyboard... looking at the Razer Widow....

Was wondering the difference and what are the "cherry red" "blue" "brown" switches.
Generally speaking, there are two types of key switches

Tactile - you feel a bump right when the key is activated
Linear - The key just slides up and down smoothly

Speaking of MX Cherry, they have several models. The most common are 4 models, 2 linear and 2 tactile.

MX Blue - Tactile with a click - 55g actuation force

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Blue.gif

As you can see, the switch actually has 2 pieces inside. After it hits the 'bump' (tactile) it sends a piece of plastic to slam into the bottom of the key, creating a 'click' sound.

MX Brown - Tactile, no click - 45g actuation force

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Brown.gif

It looks exactly the same, but only has 1 piece of plastic. This means you get the bump, but not the click. Any sound you hear is from you hitting the bottom of the key.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/media/guide/graph-mx-blue.jpg http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/media/guide/graph-mx-brown.jpg

The difference between these two is hysteresis. Both keys (and most keys in general) travel 4mm.

Look at the blue - the key doesn't activate until it is 2.5mm down. The brown activates at 2mm

From there, look at where they reset. The blue has to be lifted off all the way until it can be 'clicked' again, where the key is 1.5mm from being completely let go. The brown resets at the same point it activates. This is the main difference between the two, besides the noise.

MX Red: Linear - 45g actuation force

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Red.gif

As you can see, there is no 'bump' it just slides up and down. It has the same 2mm actuation point, but the reset point is also at 2mm. Since you will be bottoming out the key all the time, you don't have to worry about hitting a dead spot.

MX Black - Linear - 60g actuation force

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Black.gif

Black is just like red, for the most part, but has a much stiffer spring inside. It all comes down to preference.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/media/guide/graph-mx-red.jpg http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/media/guide/graph-mx-black.jpg

They both activate and reset at nearly the same point.

The Blues are marketed as the 'typing key'. It is really not that suitable for gaming, but a lot of people still like it. It is very noisy, and will bother everyone around you, especially if you type fast for long periods of time.

Red and Black are the 'gamer' keys, at least in terms of marketing. I am typing this on a red right now, for the first time, and I actually find it to be really good!

Brown is supposed to be the 'hybrid' key. It basically feels like a red, but with a very slight tactile bump. It's hardly noticeably really, when you compare it to an MX Blue or a Topre which I have been using for a month.

My recommendation is to try several types, and see which one you like best. It all really comes down to preference. I didn't expect to like the reds at all for typing, but as I write this, it is really very nice. Then again the keyboard I am using (Deck Francium) is a very high quality board, with high quality keycaps.

Hope this helps a bit! For more info check out my reviews.

[bakasam]

Anyone have a comparison or have used a Filco and/or Das Keyboard?

Debating between a Filco Majestitouch 2 Brown vs Das Keyboard with Browns. Currently using a Razer Blackwidow with Blue and my friends complain that its too loud when I game with them :(

[Vale46Rossi]

Generally speaking, there are two types of key switches

Tactile - you feel a bump right when the key is activated
Linear - The key just slides up and down smoothly

Speaking of MX Cherry, they have several models. The most common are 4 models, 2 linear and 2 tactile.

MX Blue - Tactile with a click - 55g actuation force

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Blue.gif

As you can see, the switch actually has 2 pieces inside. After it hits the 'bump' (tactile) it sends a piece of plastic to slam into the bottom of the key, creating a 'click' sound.

MX Brown - Tactile, no click - 45g actuation force

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Brown.gif

It looks exactly the same, but only has 1 piece of plastic. This means you get the bump, but not the click. Any sound you hear is from you hitting the bottom of the key.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/media/guide/graph-mx-blue.jpg http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/media/guide/graph-mx-brown.jpg

The difference between these two is hysteresis. Both keys (and most keys in general) travel 4mm.

Look at the blue - the key doesn't activate until it is 2.5mm down. The brown activates at 2mm

From there, look at where they reset. The blue has to be lifted off all the way until it can be 'clicked' again, where the key is 1.5mm from being completely let go. The brown resets at the same point it activates. This is the main difference between the two, besides the noise.

MX Red: Linear - 45g actuation force

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Red.gif

As you can see, there is no 'bump' it just slides up and down. It has the same 2mm actuation point, but the reset point is also at 2mm. Since you will be bottoming out the key all the time, you don't have to worry about hitting a dead spot.

MX Black - Linear - 60g actuation force

http://cdn.pcper.com/files/fixed/MX-Black.gif

Black is just like red, for the most part, but has a much stiffer spring inside. It all comes down to preference.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/media/guide/graph-mx-red.jpg http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/media/guide/graph-mx-black.jpg

They both activate and reset at nearly the same point.

The Blues are marketed as the 'typing key'. It is really not that suitable for gaming, but a lot of people still like it. It is very noisy, and will bother everyone around you, especially if you type fast for long periods of time.

Red and Black are the 'gamer' keys, at least in terms of marketing. I am typing this on a red right now, for the first time, and I actually find it to be really good!

Brown is supposed to be the 'hybrid' key. It basically feels like a red, but with a very slight tactile bump. It's hardly noticeably really, when you compare it to an MX Blue or a Topre which I have been using for a month.

My recommendation is to try several types, and see which one you like best. It all really comes down to preference. I didn't expect to like the reds at all for typing, but as I write this, it is really very nice. Then again the keyboard I am using (Deck Francium) is a very high quality board, with high quality keycaps.

Hope this helps a bit! For more info check out my reviews.




This is more than great, very very helpful. Learned the differences and with this info I can try out what to get :D

Now the last question, if I want a blackwidow do I look for one that is "red" switch? Or do companies make 1 keyboard as "red" and sell it only as red... or if I want a red switch keyboard there are only Razer (XXX) and (XXX) to choose from?


I am very excited since it has been a while since I have purchased a brand new gaming desktop and now just buying other toys for it :)

[MikeyStyle]

i'm also in the market for a mechanical keyboard as well

it really depends on the product if it's available in different colours and switches

ncix (http://ncix.ca) (burnaby) has a sample board with different switches that you can try to see which one you like best

it's similar to this but with more keys to press on
http://maxkeyboard.com/images/detailed/0/Max-Cherry-Sampler-Kit-004.jpg

[SkinnyPupp]

This is more than great, very very helpful. Learned the differences and with this info I can try out what to get :D

Now the last question, if I want a blackwidow do I look for one that is "red" switch? Or do companies make 1 keyboard as "red" and sell it only as red... or if I want a red switch keyboard there are only Razer (XXX) and (XXX) to choose from?


I am very excited since it has been a while since I have purchased a brand new gaming desktop and now just buying other toys for it :)
It will say which switch it uses. Razer has their own switches though, based on MX Blue and MX Brown. You can read more about them here (http://www.hardcoreware.net/razer-announces-keyboard-switches/).

[SkinnyPupp]

Upcoming KB reviews :fullofwin:

http://i.imgur.com/NRpyi2j.jpg

From top to bottom:

Vortex Poker II - 60% board with MX Browns and blue LED
Vortex Race II - 75% board with MX Browns and green LED
Deck Francium - 80% board with MX Reds and blue LED
Deck Hassium - 100% board with MX Browns and white LED

I really like having a numpad, but man it takes up a lot of space :okay:

[dub.g]

I've been very pleased with my Steelseries 7G with the Cherry MX Blacks. The kicker for me is the silly looking wristrest which no joke prevents arm and wrist fatigue like nothing I've ever tried before. I wish it had a USB 3.0 passthrough but that wasn't really a thing yet when I bought this years ago so that's moot.

http://www.revscene.net/forums/attachments/18337d1377628127-steelseries-products-steelseries.jpg

i picked up the 6gv2 2 weeks ago.. which is essentially the same as 7g with cherry mx blacks without the backlit, wrist rest etc..

http://cdn0.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net///Review%20images/TechRadar/Computing/peripherals/Peripherals%20July%202011/SteelSeries%206Gv2-900-80.jpg

its because of this thread i got into mechanical kb.. got it on sale at ncix for $80.. i have been out of the loop in pc gaming for 4 years.. jumping from a regular kb to mechanical does make a difference in input

[Brianrietta]

i picked up the 6gv2 2 weeks ago.. which is essentially the same as 7g with cherry mx blacks without the backlit, wrist rest etc..

Awesome! The 7g isn't backlit though. Wrist rest, usb and audio hub, and tiny backspace/large right shift (opposite to the 6g) are the differences if I remember correctly.

[dub.g]

ya that tiny right shift key is actually really annoying.. im still getting used to typing with this thing

the keyboard itself is something i wouldnt use to type my essay or anything long with... my fingers takes pounding with these keys..

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

for a casual wireless keyboard i recommend the logitech solar k750 keyboard.

i use it with my projector set up (not gaming, although plausible)...

it never runs outta batteries and is always like 100% charged no matter how much i use it.

[SkinnyPupp]

http://www.hardcoreware.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/kbt-race-2-front.jpg

Vortex KBT Race II Keyboard Review - Designed by the Community (http://www.hardcoreware.net/vortex-kbt-race-ii-review/)

[Vale46Rossi]

I just bought a Razer 2014 14'' with the new screen....

They offered a coupon code for a very good deal off peripherals....

Got them today :)


http://i.imgur.com/ZelSyGk.jpg

[CRS]

Was the code specific to the customer or a generic one?

If it is the latter, why not share?

[Vale46Rossi]

Was the code specific to the customer or a generic one?

If it is the latter, why not share?


It's a specially generated one.

But if you go on razers site right now... you can click their st.patrick thing to sign up and you get a "random" coupon code... I have tried a few times and it's a $15 coupon off $60 worth of stuff I think...

[TOS'd]

Ducky w/ Cherry Red switches for main comp.

Logitech TK820 wireless for HTPC.

[z3german]

T_T would love some Ducky keys, $150 is damn steep.

[z3german]

:awwyeah:

GF got me ducky browns for my bday!

Picking em up today, will post thoughts from a casual gamer :)

[DragonChi]

Got a Logitech 710+, the KB is definitely quieter than the blues. I'm liking it so far. My only issue right now is the ESC key is not the last key in the top left, and I keep hitting the G1 macro key.

[z3german]

Ducky Shine 3: MX Brown keys Green LED full size
http://products.ncix.com/detail/ducky-dk9008-shine-3-mx-4e-87073.htm
$168.99 After tax @ NCIX

TL;DR
9.5/10 due to no braided cable. 10/10 would purchase another taking into account the current market.
Pros:
-Sturdy tank keyboard
-Lighting is awesome and fully adjustable, damn cool effects
-LEDs very bright (Im in a well lit warehouse right now so yea I would say they can get pretty bright if you max it out.)
-Cable managment velcro is useable and something you dont want to throw away
-Typing is very satisfying
-NO SOFTWARE, VERY INTUITIVE KEYBOARD DESIGN. Memorized 95% of the functions within a hour of looking at the manual and playing with the various settings.

Cons:
-Price
-Does not include braided cable (@~$170? Come on. Then again you can argue it is highly unlikely you will actualy NEED a braided cable. But braided cables give a very premium FEEL to the peripheral.)
-I swear I saw a review that had a key chain of a single press-able ducky key. I fucking want it. (This is not a big deal at all lolol..)

1:Packaging
Very well packaged, not much movement inside the box at all

The USB connection to the keyboard is a separate cable which is awesome. This is beneficial for a few reasons starting with the most trivial one

-Easy to place the keyboard in the box
-Upgrade the cable to a braided one (slightly disappointed at this due to the premium price range)
-Use multiple cables on multiple computers, and have one around in my bag so traveling with the keyboard is easy. Just unplug the connection from the keyboard, and leave the cable plugged in the computer so its easy to connect back

The cable itself is wrapped very neatly with a very high quality Velcro strap. It is one of those straps that stay on the cable and it is something you want to keep, rather than garbage Velcro straps (aham blackwidow) that dont work well at all. I dont really like the angle in which it is connected to the keyboard. It is pretty much flush to the bottom, so plugging it in is awkward, and it is easy to kink the cable at the base (which is most likely to break) especially if you dont notice and keep plugging and unplugging the thing. I wish it was recessed into the bottom at an angle or something similar. If you are careful though you can easily avoid this kink.

Also comes with extra space bar if you dont like the snake graphic, red WASD keys, key puller, instruction booklet, and warranty card.

2: Keyboard
I saw a few reviews saying this thing is built like a tank and has no flex.
It definitely is a tank, but it does have some flex. Although it is not much flex, I feel its pretty deceiving to say it has NO flex. It is an extremely solid keyboard, there is no wasted space, it seems to have EXACTLY the amount of things a keyboard needs. (Fuck your ammo display G15 lolol)

Now on to the performance. Plugged it in and 3 keys lit up, Numlock, f1,f5. Look into the manual and there are concise clear instructions on how to set it up. All lighting modes work as expected. You can adjust pretty much anything you want in terms of brightness and functions of LED's. Key recording mode (set up a profile in which only the keys you choose are lit up) works as advertised, although it is unclear how to exit recording mode (tinker a little and I discovered you just press printscreen). Numlock is lit up to show its activated, press it and turn it off, boom cant use the tenkeys, logic.

Now for the f1 and f5 keys, they are lit up to give you a visual indicator for key repeat delay (f1-f4) and key repeat rate (f5-f8). For those who dont know what this means, basically if you hold down the "P" key for 5 seconds it will display 8 "P"s, if you change the repeat rate it will now press "P" 16 times in 5 seconds. Key repeat delay is the time in which you have to hold the "P" button before it starts to repeat. Holding fn+f1-f8 will change the speeds accoridngly (x1,x2,x4,x8).

FN+f9 will activate key repeat acceleration, just activate the mode and press a key from f1(slowest)-f8(stupid fast) and it will accelerate the key pressed when holding it down. This is the only setting I originally had no idea what it was.

3:Usage

I picked up MX Browns because I have blues on my blackwidow and wanted something different. The sound of blues never bothered me, but I definately wanted something with tactile feedback, which basically stuck with blues, greens, clear, browns.

Before the wall of text I want to say that I am very satisfied with the typing experience of this keyboard. It is exactly what I expected, and satisfying to type on.

MX browns have no "click" but a tactile "bump"
http://images.pcworld.com/images/article/2011/10/brown-5227436.gif
Using the keyboard sampler in stores is not a clear representation of what the browns sound like at all, if you are sensitive to how your keyboard sounds DO NOT use that as a baseline in choosing your switches. It is however a good representation as to what they feel like.

Sound is very subjective, so for me the browns on this keyboard has a very satisfying sort of bump. I am not talking about the tactile feeling, but the sound is not a click. I personally think that typists on MX Blues would really really miss that click, as the sound is close to the same satisfaction. They are definitely not silent keys by any means, but I cant imagine anyone having noise complaints, whereas the blues can be annoying to some.

No macros = awesome in my books. Who needs those fucking things except for WOW nerds. Play the game it was meant to be played.

The top right 4 keys are as follows: Calculator, computer (where you see your drives), email, browser. I have not has the chance to use it at home, but I am using it at work as we speak, and ALL KEYS JUST MOTHER FUCKING WORK! To me this is amazing, especially regarding email and browser. I have Thunderbird open at all times at work, and pressing the email button simply brings that window to the front of the pack. Browser on the other hand opens a new browser with my default browser (firefox). I would honestly expected it to open something stupid like IE. Also I was expecting it to bring the browser window to the front of the pack, and open a new tab, but it just opens a new browser window even if you have a one open already. Both a pro and a con, only way to get it the way you exactly want it would be through software I suppose.

There are 4 switches on the underside of the keyboard

1-Windows Key disable
2-Ctrl and Capslock swap
3-Windows key and Alt swap
4-DEMO Mode (will accept power from a any USB power source, but no keystrokes are logged so it only shows off lighting)

I really want to go home and test the 3rd DIP switch on my Macbook to see if I can game regularly using the alt key as opposed to awkwardly moving my thumb to the windows key to register a Alt key for a Mac equivalent.

Now on to my absolute favorite thing about this keyboard. NO SOFTWARE!
Every thing is EASILY adjusted on the keyboard, the manual is very concise and I literally memorized 95% of it already, it is very intuitive. I plugged in my keyboard at work @ 11pm, so yea its damn easy to learn. I will change the review when I get home later on today and discover that it reset all my settings, but for now I will assume it has memory on board and will keep my settings.

I highly doubt the keyboard knows what computer it is on, and keeps those settings for the computer it is currently connected to, but I will update if it happens to be the case.

Feel free to ask me any questions about it. 10/10 would buy another.
Keyboard score 9.5/10, no braided cable (im probably being a little bitch about it though).

[knight604]

subbed.

[SkinnyPupp]

Using the keyboard sampler in stores is not a clear representation of what the browns sound like at all, if you are sensitive to how your keyboard sounds DO NOT use that as a baseline in choosing your switches. It is however a good representation as to what they feel like.

Sound is very subjective, so for me the browns on this keyboard has a very satisfying sort of bump. I am not talking about the tactile feeling, but the sound is not a click. I personally think that typists on MX Blues would really really miss that click, as the sound is close to the same satisfaction. They are definitely not silent keys by any means, but I cant imagine anyone having noise complaints, whereas the blues can be annoying to some.
Also keep in mind that even keyboards with the same switches can feel and sound vastly different. You can see this in my KBT Race II review (http://www.hardcoreware.net/vortex-kbt-race-ii-review/), where you can compare recordings of it along with 2 other boards with brown switches (and several other switches)

[Marshall Placid]

I type on a G15 (with hard wrist pad not shown in pic):

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Logitech_Gaming-Keyboard_G15.jpg
(not my picture)

----------------

In regards to Carpal Tunnel, I find that if your elbows are positioned higher than your wrist, then there is little or no discomfort on the wrists, because your arm lifts your wrists up.

This can be achieved by positioning the chair at a high position.

The monitor will be lower, but this can be adjusted with a monitor stand/mount/monitor table.

Conversely, if you let your wrist slouch and your elbow is lower than your wrist, the weight of your lower arms drag your wrists and forces your wrists to support the weight of the lower arms.

Just something I think helped A LOT in the comfort (or lack thereof) of my wrists.

This process also applies to the mouse and mouse pad.

[SkinnyPupp]

http://www.hardcoreware.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/deck-hassium-francium.jpg

Deck Hassium Pro & Francium Pro Review - In the Eye of the Beholder (http://www.hardcoreware.net/deck-hassium-deck-francium-review/)

[SkinnyPupp]

Riced out my RealForce :fullofwin:

http://i.imgur.com/IJUHLKb.jpg

[SkinnyPupp]

http://www.hardcoreware.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/poker-ii-review-top.jpg

Vortex KBC Poker II Keyboard Review (http://www.hardcoreware.net/vortex-kbc-poker-ii-keyboard-review/)