Mechanical Keyboard Guide

[i2abid]

I have large heavy hands, and resting my fingers on brown switches can lead to some accidental presses in gaming. I can only imagine how many errors I would wind up with using blue switches. The Cherry whites/clears are a perfect match for me.

 

[Manyak]

I don't really understand this. I felt that gaming was great with Cherry Blues because of the distinctive click; since there is a very defined actuation point, I could "preload" the key by pressing it until the resistance increased to the point just before the click. You always know when the keys are going to actuate. The Cherry Blacks are linear, and though they offer more resistance there is no click or bump; it's just a smooth press until the key bottoms out. It seems like that would be less desirable when playing a game since there is no tactile feedback that lets you know when the key press registers or is about to register, but I guess I just need to experience them for myself since most people do consider the Blacks very good for gaming.

The whole idea of saying the Blues = typing, Blacks = gaming, and Browns = a compromise between both is just an easy (and relatively safe) way to direct people looking for their first mechanical keyboard, because a lot of the time the new guy doesn't feel like doing all the research and the experienced guy is tired of hearing the same questions over and over. This is partially because of technical differences (like the way the Blue's click leaf works), and partially because most people who have tried them seem to agree on it. But at the end of the day it's all about personal preference.

For example, I'm one of the few people who prefers MX Blues over MX Browns for gaming. The way I see it is that if there's going to be a tactile bump in the way at all, I like it to be sharp and precise. And since I always go all the way up to the top of the travel range when double-tapping, the release-point behavior of the Blues never bothered me.

 

[WorldExclusive]

Will a little persistence and help from Google search. I was able to find a new Deck Legend Ice Tactile for $100.
I got from another forum, the seller had two of them with one sold for about a week. I barely beat out another person for the last one.
I'll post pictures when I receive it. I'm so hyped!

 

[oreos]

Received my Filco tenkeyless w/ browns a couple of days ago, and I'm super impressed by the build quality, I just don't care for the super light actuation force of the brown switches.

Ordered the same keyboard with black switches; hopefully the linear design and higher actuation force will satisfy me. I really want to like this keyboard

 

[izzypizzy]

Received my Filco tenkeyless w/ browns a couple of days ago, and I'm super impressed by the build quality, I just don't care for the super light actuation force of the brown switches.

Ordered the same keyboard with black switches; hopefully the linear design and higher actuation force will satisfy me. I really want to like this keyboard

Be sure to post back with your impressions of the black switches vs the brown, would love to hear them!

 

[Solstice]

Even though I learned to type on a clicky-clack Model M (and whatever type of keyboard switch the Amstrad 464 had) I'm still totally in love with that satisfying rounded tactile feeling that my brown switched Filco gives.
IMO, every computer enthusiast should aim to own a mechanical keyboard. Everytime I see a thread with someone talking about spending, say $50 (or way more, if it's Logitech/Razer) rubber membrane keyboard I cringe. Only to last a year or two of serious use and be replaced thereafter... and people object to the cost of 'overpriced' mechanical keyboards?
Some say 'no media keys?', I say 'AutoHotkey!'.

Cherry Brown's feel just right to me but I also can't help feeling curious about what else is out there, if I was to get other keyboards I'd probably go for a topre Realforce and a Cherry Blue Filco sans the ten keys.
Shame the Happy Hacking keyboards are so minimal or it'd be my first choice, no Windows key is a step too bare for me, even if the functionality can be replicated with the Fn key.

 

[Nighted]

I have the Filco tenkeyless with blue cherrys. Personally, I don't really need the click but it does not bother me either. I could easily transition to browns, which to my knowledge, are basically the same, minus the audible/tactile click (which really does nothing for me tbh).

Next on the list is a board with Topre switches, likely to be the HHKB Pro. Since I have more than one machine I can justify it.

Eventually I may grab a Filco with browns and maybe one with blacks, likely keeping whichever I prefer and selling one or both of the others (or make a cabinet and start a collection like that crazy sayu nut ). I doubt it would be hard to find a home for a Filco.

 

[lessthanjakejohn]

I just got my filco brown!

It's great.

 

[master noran]

Well, I've been thinking about picking up a fildo majestouch cherry blue board but it's just too much for a keyboard. Are there any other cherry blue keyboard alternatives? like a dell keyboard that uses blue switches?

 

[WorldExclusive]

I just received my Deck Legend Ice with Tactile switches. It feels just right, a good balance between blue and black switches. It does have a mid-way click when the keys are pressed but they're silent until bottomed out. I can definitely type better on this model. Here's some pictures.

Cherry MX White: Brown Switches w/ Black Switch Springs. This makes brown switches stiffer in a white color.

http://i41.tinypic.com/23hx2t2.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/295brm1.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/zwxrhs.jpg

 

[sayu]

Well, I've been thinking about picking up a fildo majestouch cherry blue board but it's just too much for a keyboard. Are there any other cherry blue keyboard alternatives? like a dell keyboard that uses blue switches?

Scorpius M10 is the only board using Cherry blue switches that is even somewhat cheap. It doesn't exactly have the best build quality, but it does use good switches.

Cherry G80-3000 boards can be found with blue switches as well, but they really aren't that much cheaper than Filco boards. If you decide to go this route, be careful since this board comes in practically every color of switch.

 

[master noran]

Scorpius M1 is the only board using Cherry blue switches that is even somewhat cheap. It doesn't exactly have the best build quality, but it does use good switches.

Cherry G80-3000 boards can be found with blue switches as well, but they really aren't that much cheaper than Filco boards. If you decide to go this route, be careful since this board comes in practically every color of switch.

Oh boy, anything else that's recommended? Like a cheap cherry brown keyboard? ( I heard those were the BEST for gaming but not very good overall unlike the blues that are good for both gaming and typing)


edit: you meant the m10 right?

 

[WorldExclusive]

i-rocks sells a good cherry brown keyboard for cheap.

http://www.google.com/products?rlz=...esult_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBEQrQQwAA

Remember to check the OP for product comparisons and prices. I listed a few but also click on the Overclock.net link for switch type.

 

[sayu]

Oh boy, anything else that's recommended? Like a cheap cherry brown keyboard? ( I heard those were the BEST for gaming but not very good overall unlike the blues that are good for both gaming and typing)


edit: you meant the m10 right?

Oops, ya I meant M10.

I think you got your switches a little mixed up though. The general opinion is blues = typing, browns = typing/gaming, black = gaming.

For boards with browns, you can sometimes find Compaq MX11800 keyboards on ebay for cheap.

 

[master noran]

i-rocks sells a good cherry brown keyboard for cheap.

http://www.google.com/products?rlz=...esult_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBEQrQQwAA

Remember to check the OP for product comparisons and prices. I listed a few but also click on the Overclock.net link for switch type.

Thanks for the link. I took a look at this review

http://www.overclock.net/computer-peripherals/523989-review-irocks-kr-6230-a.html

It looks like a solid keyboard

Thanks

Oops, ya I meant M10.

I think you got your switches a little mixed up though. The general opinion is blues = typing, browns = typing/gaming, black = gaming.

For boards with browns, you can sometimes find Compaq MX11800 keyboards on ebay for cheap.

I always thought blues were the perfect mix, Oh well.


Thanks guys.

 

[sayu]

I always thought blues were the perfect mix, Oh well.

I explained the reasoning on the previous page.

The problem with using Cherry Blue switches for gaming is that the click leaf moves by design, so it doesn't work well when you try to "float" the activation point for rapid presses of a button. This is not a problem on brown and black switches.

Try this. Press the key down to the point just before the activation point, then rapidly press the button without letting the key return all the way up to the starting position. You'll notice that while the board does actually register all those presses, the switch may only click once. A very odd feeling.

 

[master noran]

I explained the reasoning on the previous page.

I'm glad you brought that up. Just a quick question, is the i-rocks KR-6230 both a brown and black swtiches keyboard? There are some canadian places selling it for around $80 like this place.

http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/217102/I_Rocks_Technology/KR_6230/

They say it's a "black mechanical cherry..." they're talking about the colour of the keyboard right?

 

[sayu]

Unless they changed something, the board should have brown switches.

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6364&&highlight=6230

 

[oreos]

Be sure to post back with your impressions of the black switches vs the brown, would love to hear them!

Just got my Filco tenkeyless with black switches and its pretty much exactly what I wanted. The higher actuation force prevents accidental keystrokes and the lack of a tactile bump "forces" you to bottom out the keys for the audible feedback you're used to. It's also much quieter than the version with the brown switches, even with the keys being fully depressed every stroke. I don't find these switches "bad" for typing like many have claimed (my wpm are actually higher with this kb than with the browns), but I can easily see why some people would be turned off by them, strictly for typing.

I'm forced to agree with the overall consensus that blacks are the best switch for gaming, although I'm sure I would have adapted to the browns eventually as well.

Now I just have to find somebody to buy this tenkeyless brown

 

[Nighted]

Now I just have to find somebody to buy this tenkeyless brown

If it's an Otaku and you would ship to Ontario, I might just snag it.

 

[oreos]

If it's an Otaku and you would ship to Ontario, I might just snag it.

Not an Otaku :<

 

[master noran]

Not an Otaku :<

Sent you a pm

 

[WorldExclusive]

OP updated with keyboard pricing and switch type.

 

[izzypizzy]

Just got my Filco tenkeyless with black switches and its pretty much exactly what I wanted. The higher actuation force prevents accidental keystrokes and the lack of a tactile bump "forces" you to bottom out the keys for the audible feedback you're used to. It's also much quieter than the version with the brown switches, even with the keys being fully depressed every stroke. I don't find these switches "bad" for typing like many have claimed (my wpm are actually higher with this kb than with the browns), but I can easily see why some people would be turned off by them, strictly for typing.

I'm forced to agree with the overall consensus that blacks are the best switch for gaming, although I'm sure I would have adapted to the browns eventually as well.

Now I just have to find somebody to buy this tenkeyless brown

Thanks, I'm dieing for that exact keyboard, hopefully I'll be able to get one soon.

 

[bdr529]

i just got my white otaku tenkeyless with brown switches and am really liking it. the keys actually feels a little stiffer than the mx brown 104 magestouch i got last year. Not sure if it is just from use or what, but I like the feel of the new keyboard more. white with the red escape key looks cool too

 

[sok0]

Heres mine. Cherry blacks for gaming.

 

[Blazestorm]

For those rare times I use the numpad I really like having it... Then again I don't lack deskspace...

Still debating what mechanical to pick up, I've tried the Scorpius, DAS, and ABS... Never tried brown switches though...

 

[Lateralus]

I would recommend against the ABS unless your budget is limited and you just really want to try a mechanical to see if you like them. It's a decent mech. board, but the keys are really stiff and might even put you off from better ones out there (just keep that in mind if you go with the ABS board).

I haven't tried the Scorpius, but I can highly recommend the Das Keyboard and Filco boards. You might check out the SteelSeries 7G or 6Gv2 also (they might be available in a local store).

 

[Nighted]

Nice Filcos.

Did anyone else get the blue keys and not put them on? I think they look too cheesy, and like the ESC key, they are unfortunately printed.

 

[MooN]

They had sent me a board with black switches on accident, so I got a chance to test it out before shipping it back. Damn, I don't know how you guys get used to the blacks. They're damn stiff! I bet after a month of usage, you could kill someone with your finger.

God, I hate waiting for stuff to arrive. Waiting for my brown Tenkeyless to arrive... oh the agony.

 

[oreos]

Nice Filcos.

Did anyone else get the blue keys and not put them on? I think they look too cheesy, and like the ESC key, they are unfortunately printed.

I got the blue keys and decided not to use them. The red escape key provided enough contrast for me.

 

[Bop]

I'm tempted to get a Steelseries 7G, but I'm worried that the small backspace key will annoy me. I really hope they make a 6Gv2 with the wrist rest of the 7G. (7Gv2?)

 

[izzypizzy]

I'm tempted to get a Steelseries 7G, but I'm worried that the small backspace key will annoy me. I really hope they make a 6Gv2 with the wrist rest of the 7G. (7Gv2?)

Both of the Steelseries keyboards have weird key layouts, I'd just get a Filco with Black switches personally.

 

[criccio]

I have gotten very accustomed to the play/pause/next track buttons on my Logitech Wave. Is there any mechanical keyboard out there with media keys?

 

[Nighted]

I have gotten very accustomed to the play/pause/next track buttons on my Logitech Wave. Is there any mechanical keyboard out there with media keys?

Can't you just map those to the arrow keys or something?

 

[WorldExclusive]

Auto HotKey!

http://www.autohotkey.com/

 

[Gah Duma]

So are Unicomps still viable or do all of these Cherry switches blow them out of the water?

 

[sayu]

So are Unicomps still viable or do all of these Cherry switches blow them out of the water?

Buckling springs are still fine switches, just some people prefer Cherry switches (or the aesthetics of the available Cherry based boards).

For me, I think buckling springs are too heavy. I prefer switches with a lighter touch.

 

[topdragon147]

I'm having a problem. Really, I guess I know more about what I want. I got an ABS M1 when they were on sale. However I don't like how they bottom out so quickly, it's hurting my fingers. Not sure about the weight of these switches either, I think they're too heavy.

Would brown or blue be a better fit for me?

 

[Lateralus]

I'm having a problem. Really, I guess I know more about what I want. I got an ABS M1 when they were on sale. However I don't like how they bottom out so quickly, it's hurting my fingers. Not sure about the weight of these switches either, I think they're too heavy.

Would brown or blue be a better fit for me?

If you don't like the heaviness of the M1's keys, Browns of Blues would definitely feel better as they are a lot lighter (especially the Browns). However, if you're used to typing with a lot of force you will discover that they bottom out even easier (but it's a lot easier on your fingers than bottoming out on the M1, which at times seems like a chore to type on compared to the effortless Browns and Blues).

With practice, you can learn to type on the Browns and Blues without bottoming them out, making for a very quick and fluid typing experience. You can depress them just far enough to actuate the switch rather than having to bottom them out like a lot of other boards. It's pretty neat!