Keyboards!

[lee.]

So firstly. I take no credit for any of the below as far as the write-ups regarding the different types of mechanical keyboards. I have pretty much just copy/pasted the below information from Overclock.net.

I take no credit for it, I'm just putting it up on here to make it easier for you guys to check it out.

Once more.

The below is directly taken from Overclock.net, and all credit goes to Manyak


Cherry MX
When referring to the color of the switch, we're referring to the color of the stem that the keycap sits on. Each stem color is associated with a specific mechanism, and therefore specific feel.

Blue


Cherry MX Blue switches are the best cherry switch for typing. The tactile bump can easily be felt, and the resistance is similar to your average keyboard.

Although many people find them just fine for gaming, some don't like the fact that the release point is above the actuation point. This can cause some trouble with double-tapping. This is usually the case with someone who has experienced other mechanical switches before hand.

As a note: this switch actually has a peak force of 60g, it is 50g at the point of actuation. This is due to the design of the Cherry switch itself.



Tactile: Yes, precise
Clicky: Yes
Actuation Force: 50g
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Brown


Cherry MX Brown switches are considered a middle ground between typing and "gaming" switches. They have a light, tactile feel half way through the key press that lets you know the switch has activated. This gives you an indication of what you can release the switch. The switch is considered a middle ground because the reset point & actuation point are close enough together than you can "float" at that point, enabling you to double tap faster.

As a note: this switch actually has a peak force of 55G, it is 45G at the point of actuation. This is due to the design of the Cherry switch itself.



Tactile: Yes
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 45g
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Black



Cherry MX-Black switches are linear (non-tactile) switches, these are considered one of the best switch types for gaming. When gaming, having a tactile bump does absolutely nothing because you're going to be bottoming out anyway. So these give you a very smooth feel. The actuation and release points are at the exact same position as well. So games that require a lot of double tapping become easier than on any other keyswitch. However, most people don't enjoy typing on them that much do in part, to their linear nature.
If you're a person who tends to hit a wrong key every so often while gaming, these will be beneficial in that the high actuation force will help prevent many of those accidental presses.



Tactile: No
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 60g (40g-80g overall)
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Red


Cherry MX-Red's are another switch that can be considered a "gaming" switch. It's essentially a lighter version of the MX Black, requiring less force to actuate. Most people do not find this switch that good for typing or gaming because it is so light. This switch is hard to find; and was reported as obsolete. Though some board makers still use it for Special Edition keyboards.



Tactile: No
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 45g
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Clear



Cherry MX Clear switches have often been called "stiffer browns" though some users note that they have more of a tactile feel than browns do. This really can be a subjective topic, though this is another switch that could be considered "ballanced." The force required is comparable to most rubber dome keyboards, with a nice tactile feedback to tell you the key has actuated. These switches are harder to find on keyboards.

As a note: this switch actually has a peak force of 65g, it is 55g at the point of actuation. This is due to the design of the Cherry switch itself.



Tactile: Yes
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 55g
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Topre


Topre switches are somewhat of a hybrid switch, and are capacitive by nature. The Topre mechanism uses a spring underneath a rubber dome, and the depression of the spring causes a change in capacitance between the underlying capacitor pads. With this change in capacitance; the switch activates.

Topre Switches are considered some of the finest switches available, as they offer a very enjoyable typing experience with a quieter experience compared to a Cherry MX, Alps, or Buckling Spring switch. The reason is Topre switches have the smoothest force gradient even compared to Linear switches like MX-Reds and MX-Blacks.

Tactile: Yes
Clicky: No
Actuation Force: 30g, 35g, 45g, 55g depending on model
Key Travel: 4mm


Source for this information: http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/4917 ... guide.html

[lee.]

Modern Mechanical Keyboards
Overclock.net Edition Ducky DK9008

Link: Overclock.net
Price: $110 ($140 for special edition)
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blues or Cherry MX Browns
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad Printing (standard) Laser Etched and dye filled (special edition)
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 or USB
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6+4 key (USB)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Detachable USB Cable, Fn Media Keys, Swappable Caps Lock & Control, Windows Keys Disable, 4 macro keys, Windows Key & Alt keys switchable.
Drawbacks:

Unicomp Customizers


Link: Unicomp Store
Price: $69 - $99
Switch Type: Buckling Springs (60-65G)
Switch Mounting: Steel Plate Backed
Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 or USB
Rollover: 2KRO
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Trackball, Terminal, Point of Sale, & Trackpoint versions available
Other: SpaceSaver 104,Pearl White 104, Customizer 101, On The Ball 103/104, On The Ball 101, On The Stick Model available, Point-of-Sale, & Terminal Keyboards available Linux Keycaps Available, Blank Keycaps Available(At Checkout)



Das Model S

Link: Das Keyboard
Price: $129-$135
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blues (Professional, Ultimate), Cherry MX Browns (Silent)
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Laser Etched (Professional, Silent), Blank (Ultimate)
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 or USB
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6+4 key (USB)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: USB Hub
Drawbacks: Shiny case attracts fingerprints, USB hub requires separate port


Rosewill RK-9000

Link: Newegg | ChiefValue
Price: $80-$100
Switch Type: Cherry MX-Blue
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad Printed
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB or PS/2 (adapter not included)
Rollover: 6KRO (USB) | NKRO (PS/2)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: None
Drawbacks: No PS/2 adapter included.
Other: Red plate under keys looks sharp in normal light.

SIIG JK-US0112-S1

Link: Newegg
Price: $70-80
Switch Type: White Alps (Fukkas)
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad Printed
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB or PS/2
Rollover: 2KRO
Layout: Modified ANSI Layout
Extra Features:
Drawbacks: Switches are susceptible to dirt in them causing problems.
Other: Lifetime Warranty

ZOWIE Gear CELERITAS

Link: Newegg
Price: $120
Switch Type: Cherry MX-Brown
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad Printed
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB or PS/2
Rollover: 6KRO (USB) | NKRO (PS/2)
Layout: Modified ANSI Layout
Extra Features: Multimedia Keys, Swappable Windows & CTRL keys, Real Time Response function (only works on PS/2)
Drawbacks:
Other: Reported as Nylon keycaps, durability may be a concern?

Deck Legend

Link: http://www.deckkeyboards.com/
Price: $149-$176
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks with MX Grey Spacebar, or Cherry MX Clears
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimation
Key Shape: Flat
Interface: PS/2 or USB
Rollover: NKRO
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Backlit using a single industrial grade LED on each switch with controllable brightness. Controllable Brightness for the Caps/Num/Scroll Lock LEDs as well.
Drawbacks: Requires the addition/removal of a resistor on the controller PCB to switch between USB and PS/2. Is also larger than other mechanicals.
Other: The warranty allows for modding, and they encourage it. Deck is a subsidiary of TG3 Electronics, which also makes mechanical keyboards.


Deck 82

Link: http://www.deckkeyboards.com/
Price: $119
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks
Switch Mounting: PCB
Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB default, PS/2 Capable
Rollover: NKRO
Layout: Tenkeyless Modified US ANSI
Extra Features: Backlit using a single industrial grade LED on each switch with controllable brightness
Drawbacks: Requires the addition/removal of a resistor on the controller PCB to switch between USB and PS/2
Other: The warranty allows for modding, and they encourage it. Deck is a subsidiary of TG3 Electronics, which also makes mechanical keyboards. Backlight colors other than blue are no longer in production.

[size=150]Thermaltake Meka G1[/size]

Link: Newegg
Price: $130
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad Printed
Key Shape: Flat
Interface: USB or PS/2
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: USB Hub, Pass through Audio Ports, Detachable Wrist Wrest, Multimedia Keys
Drawbacks: cable is really thick
Other: 1000hz polling not known to benefit the board in anyway.

Filco Majestouch 104

Link: Amazon
Price:
Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown, MX-Black, MX-Blue, or MX-Red
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB or PS/2
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: None
Drawbacks: Not available in the US right now
Other:

Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless

Link: Amazon
Price: $140 ($165 for the Cherry MX Red version)
Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown, MX-Black, MX-Blue, or MX-Red
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB or PS/2
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: None
Drawbacks: Pricey for what is offered
Other: Cherry MX-Red, Cherry MX-Brown, & Cherry MX-Black versions available

Leopold FC200R

Link: EliteKeyboards
Price: $100
Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX-Blue
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Lazered with white infill ABS
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB or PS/2
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Detachable USB cable
Drawbacks:
Other: Available with MX-Blues or in Otaku form with blank keys & MX-Browns


iOne Scorpius M10

Link: http://www.max-geek-llc-amazonwebstore.com
Price: $59
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blues
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Laser Etched
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: 2KRO
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: None
Drawbacks: Cheap Construction
Other: Older keyboards have soldering problems, so avoid buying used


Steelseries 7G

Link: http://www.newegg.com
Price: $139
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Laser Etched
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 and USB
Rollover: NKRO
Layout: US ANSI, Large Enter Key, Small Backspace, Relocated Slash
Extra Features: USB hub, pass-through 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, detachable wrist-rest
Drawbacks:
Other:


Steelseries 6Gv2

Link: Newegg
Price: $89-$100
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Laser Etched
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 and USB
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB)
Layout: US ANSI, Large Enter Key, Relocated [ /? ] key
Drawbacks:
Other:

ACK-6600

Link: SmartKeyboard Sales
Price: $65
Switch Type: White Alps (Fukkas)
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Laser Etched
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 and USB
Rollover: 2KRO
Layout: US ANSI, Large Enter Key, Small Backspace, Relocated Slash
Extra Features:
Drawbacks:
Other:

DSI Big Font

Link: DSI Store
Price: $45
Switch Type: Yellow Alps (XM) (Linear)
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad Printed
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 and USB
Rollover: 2KRO
Layout: US ANSI, Large Enter Key, Small Backspace, Relocated Slash
Extra Features: Large Font is very easy to see.
Drawbacks: Build quality is only so-so, switches can be wobbly.
Other:

Topre RealForce 103U

Link: [URL=http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,realforce]EliteKeyboards
[/URL] Price: $215-$245
Switch Type: Topre Capacitive 55g (103U 55G) or Topre Capacitive Variable (103U)
Switch Mounting: PCB
Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: 6KRO (PS/2 doesn't work)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Switchable Caps Lock and Ctrl Key
Drawbacks:
Other: Numpad can be purchased separately. Topre Realforce 23U


Topre Realforce 86U

Link: EliteKeyboards
Price: $265
Switch Type: Topre Capacitive Variable Weight
Switch Mounting: PCB
Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: 6KRO (PS/2 doesn't work)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Switchable Caps Lock and Ctrl Key
Drawbacks:
Other: Numpad can be purchased separately. Topre Realforce 23U


Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional II[/size]

Link: EliteKeyboards
Price: $275
Switch Type: Topre Capacitive 55g
Switch Mounting: PCB
Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: 3 key
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Switchable Caps Lock and Ctrl Key
Drawbacks: Altered layout
Other: Numpad can be purchased separately. Topre Realforce 23U

Matias Tactile Pro 3.0

Link: http://www.matias.ca
Price: $149
Switch Type: White Alps Strongman
Switch Mounting:
Keycap Printing:
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 or USB
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB)
Layout: US ANSI with Mac keys
Extra Features: Media Keys, Mac keys, Extra printed symbols to help find them on a Mac (™ € £ ¥ © ...)
Drawbacks:
Other: Some production runs of older versions (2.0 and 1.0) have a ghosting problem, so avoid buying those used unless the seller can confirm he has a fixed one.



Adesso MKB-135B Pro

Link: Amazon
Price: $58-$71
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blue
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad Printed
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: NKRO
Layout: US ANSI MK-135B
Extra Features: USB Hub, headphone jack
Drawbacks: Lesser quality construction
Other: Cheaper and smaller version available, the MK-125B


Adesso MKB-125B

Link: Provantage
Price: $55
Switch Type: Cherry MX Blue
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Pad Printed
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: 2KRO PS/2 or USB
Layout: Altered ISO
Extra Features:
Drawbacks: Lesser quality construction
Other: Altered layout can be hard for some to use.

Cherry G80-3494
G80-3494LYCUS-0 (White) and G80-3494LYCUS-2 (Black)


Link: Taobao
Price: Email obook@yahoo.cn for inquiry
Switch Type: Cherry MX Red
Switch Mounting: PCB
Keycap Printing: Laser Etched
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 and USB
Rollover: NKRO
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: None
Drawbacks: Flimsy build, casing is not as durable as other keyboards listed
Other: The white model has a Polystyrene casing with PBT keycaps, the black model has an ABS casing with POM keycaps.


iOne Xarmor U9BL


Link: Amazon
Price: $150
Switch Type: MX Blue
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Dye sublimation, overlaid with a rubber coating with the letter laser engraved from it
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: PS/2 and USB
Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Individual LED backlight for each key, USB hub, pass-through 3.5mm audio/mic jacks, media keys, detachable wrist rest
Drawbacks: Some concerns about keycap durability
Other: MX-blue without backlight available ( U9Plus ), Cherry MX-Brown version available (U9BL-S), U9 & U9W models may be available in the future.


Razer BlackWidow Ultimate

Link: Razer Store
Price: $140
Switch Type: MX Blue
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: ABS, translucent key painted, then lasered.
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: 3KRO (USB) (but has a gaming optimized matrix)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: Individual LED backlight for each key, USB hub, pass-through 3.5mm audio/mic jacks, media keys
Drawbacks: Some concerns about keycap durability, glossy surface holds dust and oil (fingerprints) easily.
Other: Dragon Age II Special Edition version available from Razer


Razer BlackWidow

Link: Razer Store
Price: $80
Switch Type: MX Blue
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: ABS, Lasered with infill, coated
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: 3KRO (USB) (but has a gaming optimized matrix)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: USB hub, pass-through 3.5mm audio/mic jacks, media keys
Drawbacks: Some concerns about keycap durability, glossy surface holds dust and oil (fingerprints) easily.
Other:

KBC Poker

Link:GeekHack.org
Price:$90-$99
Switch Type: Cherry Blue/Brown/Black/Red
Switch Mounting: Plate
Keycap Printing: Laser Etching
Key Shape: Sculpted
Interface: USB
Rollover: 3KRO (USB) (but has a gaming optimized matrix)
Layout: US ANSI
Extra Features: None
Drawbacks: None.
Other:

[Syrim]

Very interesting read. Should chuck in information about the best gaming keyboards and reviews in the same thread.

[tranquil]

never knew there was that much science behind a keyboard lol. don't think i could tell the difference between them though, only reason i own a 'gaming' keyboard (G15) is for the backlight.

[Klas]

Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless with Cherry MX Blues here. I was going to order the Brown version as well but that'll have to wait until next pay day as I've donated all my money away.

Good quality mechanical keyboard is absolutely one of the best purchases you can make if you're a professional that needs a keyboard 8 hours a day.

Expensive yes but also pretty good value considering how robust they are. A good mechanical will easily last 10 years.

I'll be sure to write a short review of the Filcos soon as I can.

[lee.]

An amazing new, super cheap Mechanical Keyboard is in the middle of it's launch right now.

It's called the Poker.

It's tenkeyless, but it comes in Cherry Blue/Black/Brown/Red.

Will post links shortly

Edit: Links and pics!



http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=16163

http://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18

Edit2: I'm gonna order one of those Poker Keyboards.. If someone wants to get in on this and lower shipping costs, PM me and we'll organise something

[r107]

I want but I have no money that is a really nice looking keyboard.

[skitzor]

so how are blues for gaming? that information, and other sources regularly say that blues aren't the best for gaming. they give the reason that double taps are hard. is that the only thing? do you get over it?

[lee.]

so how are blues for gaming? that information, and other sources regularly say that blues aren't the best for gaming. they give the reason that double taps are hard. is that the only thing? do you get over it?

My opinion:

I prefer blacks for both gaming and typing.

I dislike the tactile feedback.

After using my keyboard (Cherry Black) for 2+ months now, and going between a cherry brown Filco, and regular keyboards, I love the Black. Feels so smooth to type on and it's doesn't require much actuation force. I'm considering getting a Poker in Red, but I don't think I will coz I don't want to get used to Red as they can be hard to come by in full sized keyboards (including numpad, etc).

I personally haven't gamed on a Blue, but from using the brown, I wasn't a fan. My roommate has a brown and he's a top level COD:BO player, and he's gone back to using his $20 Logitech keyboard because of the way the tactile feedback feels. I've lent him my keyboard a few times to play and he creams his pants everytime

But this is from people that are mostly FPS players.

Edit:

Updated second post to include list of common Mechanical Keyboards

[Klas]

so how are blues for gaming? that information, and other sources regularly say that blues aren't the best for gaming. they give the reason that double taps are hard. is that the only thing? do you get over it?

Honestly unless you're a pro gamer with 100's of hours in your game it's not going to be a problem at all. If you are a pro gamer and have developed that finely tuned muscle memory all top level players certainly have, I can understand how it would be quite an adjustment.

However that's tapping. I have noticed it's sometimes a little tricky when I'm pressing/holding multiple keys. For example rocket jumping (without RJ-script) in TF2. (That's ctrl+space+w->a/d). I've noticed I sometimes feel the ctrl key is pressed but really my pinky is holding it *just* above the actuation point. It's happening less often the more I play and could just be my own muscle memory adapting.

I don't think you can go wrong choosing either Cherry Blues or Browns unless you have developed some niche requirement over time.

[Miss.Murder]

I use blues for all computer stuff at home and can't complain about them. Hate having to use other keyboards at TAFE or wherever as they feel **** compared to mine.

[skitzor]

I don't think you can go wrong choosing either Cherry Blues or Browns unless you have developed some niche requirement over time.

this sounds comforting. i just want to be able to get used to it, and enjoy it at the same time.

i use my computer quite a bit, which is part of the reason why im considering spending so much on a keyboard. the thing is, i use it for many different things. i type a lot (who doesn't?), and i play all sorts of games. games like sc2, fallout, diablo, battlefield. i absolutely love the sound of blues, and see them recommended more than anything else, but then i hear people say they are bad for certain applications.

i guess i can just buy one, and if i don't like it, just sell it on. seems like there aren't many resellers, which means i could probably get a decent price.

[r107]

I'm thinking about getting a Das Keyboard Model S. I like the look of them and the brown seems pretty good middle ground.

[lee.]

i guess i can just buy one, and if i don't like it, just sell it on. seems like there aren't many resellers, which means i could probably get a decent price.

This.



But in all honesty, it's personal opinion

If you prefer something and it works better for you, then stick with it =]

[dmar]

I'm thinking about getting a Das Keyboard Model S.

hey did you end up getting one of these? if so how are they?

I'm gonna order one of those Poker Keyboards..

did you grab one, if so where from and how does it perform. they look super nice and compact