Mechanical Gaming Keyboards (megathread?)
I am looking to get into a mechanical and wanted to try to consolidate people's experiences from across 3/4 threads into one and post some that I am considering for advice. I bought a little sample key set (which was actually really useful for determining that I want a Cherry MX Brown or Red switch ... and would be happy to send it to anyone who wanted to try them out before committing). I'm also getting back into WoW among other possible MMOs in the future, so a very nice feature would be macro keys on the left side of the keyboard, which rules out a significant chunk of competitors (at least, of stuff I was able to find in stock). Finally, a back-light of some sort is almost equally important because sometimes I'm bad at typing, while media controls are not important to me at all.
Here are some ones I'm considering (all have 4/5 star reviews on newegg/amazon):
Logitech G710+ - $130, cherry mx brown, LED backlit
Corsair Vengeance K95 - $150, cherry mx red, backlit
Tt eSPORTS MEKA G UNIT Red Switch - $110, cherry mx red, backlit
There are also several coming out later this year, but I don't think I want to pay over $200 (estimated) for a keyboard just to have individually customized RGB backlights a la Cherry MX RGB from Corsair (plus the fact that their sample had no macro keys).
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Here are some ones I'm considering (all have 4/5 star reviews on newegg/amazon):
Logitech G710+ - $130, cherry mx brown, LED backlit
Corsair Vengeance K95 - $150, cherry mx red, backlit
Tt eSPORTS MEKA G UNIT Red Switch - $110, cherry mx red, backlit
There are also several coming out later this year, but I don't think I want to pay over $200 (estimated) for a keyboard just to have individually customized RGB backlights a la Cherry MX RGB from Corsair (plus the fact that their sample had no macro keys).
Thoughts? Suggestions?
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http://www.razerzone.com/store/razer-blackwidow-ultimate-stealth
Edit: Also, could you send that sample key set along to me? I've been looking into getting a mechanical keyboard for a while, but always balked at spending that much without having a feel for what type of switch I like best.
@Signal you can get ardichoke to send it to you after me and you both save money. No being a dick about paying for shipping to the next person in line
I have browns on my das at work. Love them and love the keyboard. Haven't tried to game with it, but it is certainly much louder than the reds.
My opinion for gaming, for double tapping nothing is better than Cherry MX Black keys. They have the most satisfying rebound and a linear switch feels a bit more natural when you are just going to feverishly bottom it out anyway.
For typing, Matias Click Switches which are a high end production Alps copy are tactile, bouncy, clickity clack beautiful, they are a joy to type on. They are my favorite typing switch but their availability in a gaming style keyboard with macros and such isn't that great.
Unicomp makes an old school buckling spring IBM Model M copy. I understand they are wonderful to type on. The Model M was a pretty fantastic keyboard as I recall, but I think it's driven a little more by nostalgia than anything else. Those things were so common, just about everyone of a certain age typed on one at some time or another. I'm tempted to add one to my collection.
Other things to consider, the type of key stabilizer used can impact how the board feels, mostly how the space bar responds. Several manufactures from China buck Cherry's solution for one made by Costar. Filco, Keycool, Ducky, I think they all use Costar for stabilizing larger keys. I don't think it's that big a deal, but some people swear if it's not using Costar, it's just doesn't feel genuine to them.
The type of keycap used. ABS will shine over time as they keys start to wear. It's rather ugly, and most mass marketed "gamer" style keyboards use ABS because it forms a little easier so there are less defects to toss thus lower cost. It does not have to be a deal breaker because in the end, you can always order a new keycap set, that's one of the nice things about Cherry MX keys, they are pretty common now, the keycap fit across the switch types is universal, so ordering replacement caps and swapping them out is pretty easy. now, that being said if all other things are equal and you can get a board with PBT caps, do it. PBT holds up much better, they don't get that ugly shine and they continue to feel like they did the first day you typed on them (ABS keys loose texture and becoming glossy, they don't just look different after wear, they feel different), I mean unless a keyboard patina is your thing... Get PBT keycaps. If you what you want has everything but the PBT caps, don't fret, get it, wear out the ABS and you can replace them down the road.
For me, I've been looking for something very specific, I want something in white to match my desktop, I would like a light blue backlight, I think I'd prefer white PBT keycaps, Not sure, think I might go tenkeyless, macros keys are not desired in my case, nor are extra ports for a headset, or even USB, I'll likely not utilize them. It's amazing with the variety out there how hard it is to find that exact perfect thing to match your specifications. There are kits where you can build your own but it's cost prohibitive. I'd love to do it and document sometime though.
I also have a Das Keyboard Pro with Cherry MX Blues and I have many more typos due to missing keystrokes because the keys are spaced closer together than on my Model M. I think I could live with MX Blues if anyone made one with proper key spacing (and NO L-SHAPED ENTER). I'm not sure if I've found a favorite Cherry keyswitch yet though.
Alps keyswitches are bliss. The feel is totally different than buckling springs but I've found that I like Alps in its own way; they seem to disappear under your fingers. I have an Apple ADB keyboard with Alps keyswitches that was glorious for the few Mac games I owned. I used to have an AT Model M clone with Alps switches but I was stupid and ditched it when I moved to college. I learned to type on Alps and I haven't seen a new Alps keyboard in 20 years.
It is nostalgic, a bit of an old school relic, but in a very good way.
Matias makes a wonderful high end Alps copy. I only wish they made the PC version in white!
Definitely like the browns, the tactile feedback is nice but it's reasonably quiet. Glad I checked this out though, as the clickyness of the MX blue switches would have drove me absolutely bonkers. I think I'm going to buy that Logitech G710+ after trying these out.
@Signal - if you want me to send the sample keys along, PM me the address you'd like them mailed to.
Haven't tried reds yet.
Also keep in mind, a simple O Ring mod on the Cherry key caps is so easy and cheap to do.
I find I type a little quieter on MX blacks because the extra resistance keeps me from bottoming out the key. I understand the brown being the key of choice for many, but I find the bump in the middle a little distracting when I want to play a game, but they can help you with touch typing.
Just ordered a G710+, thought about waiting for the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth to come out, but then decided since I already have a Logitech gaming mouse, might as well stick with them for the keyboard as well. Should mean less software to install...
Side note: if you ever try and order from NewEgg and the stupid Verified by Visa shitty website doesn't redirect you back to NewEgg... DON'T try placing your order again. I almost ended up with three keyboards because of that. Luckily the customer service rep I got on the phone was able to cancel the extra orders for me.
It's "normal" appearance is what made me enjoy it so much. Would have preferred a matte finish, though.
At the end of the day, just get whatever speaks best to you. It's definitely a personal preference.
This thing RULES. I'm extremely happy with it. When I go back home to my rubber dome Roccat and use it, it makes me want to punch myself. I love everything about this keyboard, and I think the noise level is just right.
Granted, I have nothing to compare my experience to, but I love it nonetheless. I can't go back to rubber dome. I'll likely be buying one of these for at home use.
For the longest time Logitech stuck to it's guns on fancy little LCD screens and other gimmicks to prop up a sub par rubber dome boards. I'm happy to see them get on the mechanical keyboard bus because everything else they offer is top quality. Finally a keyboard worthy of their brand.