It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
avatar
watchtaker: Reliability - durability. But the keystrokes are noisy.
That's why I recommended a quiet one. There's actually a test further down my earlier post's link that compares it to three other mechanical models.

Also, they have a subtle but satisfying feeling when you press a key as if it feels more real than a cheaper, plastic one. This is highly subjective and likely not of interest to everyone but it's still relevant to anyone who cares of such things.
avatar
Strijkbout: How about this one?
avatar
seleapi: What are the advantages of a mechanical keyboard compared to ahem...the "normal" ones?
avatar
Strijkbout: The main advantage is that they are mechanical.
and that you know that you are apart of the PC Elite!
You know, I don't get why anybody would want these anymore. I really don't.

Yup, I'm one of those heathens who's liked the chiclet keyboard design since day one. Good quality ones look nice, they're quiet, and they don't need to be these big hulking things that take over a 1/3 of my desk. (slight exaggeration =P)
Post edited January 10, 2016 by mistermumbles
avatar
Pheace: The gf has a Qpad mk-85 which has lighting on the entire board.
I have the MK-80 with blue switches, and absolutely adore it. No macros though, which the MK-85 has (though not as dedicated keys, but as key combos).
avatar
ZFR: If I'm not mistaken quite a few members here are using one for gaming, so maybe you could recommend me a good one?

Requirements:
_Cherry Brown switches. Or Red. Or equivalent. Preferably tactile and definitely NOT clicky.
_Macro keys. A few are enough.
_Ability to switch between USB and serial connection a big plus.
_Good software that you can use without any unnecessary registration (Razer?).
_WASD keys NOT coloured differently. For some reason some producers insist on doing this (I'm looking at you Logitech).
_Backlight/secondary colours either blue, red, white, gray or non-existent. Or customizable. Not bright green (Razer) or orange (Logitech) or anything else.

Thank you in advance.
no. but you can find old keyboards that make loud "click" noises on craiglist for almost free if you look hard enough. *not sarcasm*
I like my Cooler Master Storm Trigger, but if I was buying today I think I would go for Logitech's Orion Spark.
avatar
Pheace: I can not explain how rubbery and horrible an old keyboard feels after having had red switches for a couple of years now. Just let my gf try the old one after seeing this topic and she was shocked, said it felt like there were suction cups under the keys.

It's hard to explain how much of a difference a mechanical keyboard is once you're used to it.

Personally I have a CM Storm Quickfire Pro. My only complaint about it would be that I would've preferred lighting across the whole keyboard for those nightly sessions, whereas this one currently only covers arrows/wasd area/F1-4/1-5 etc. Still nice but really could use those 6-9's sometimes.

The gf has a Qpad mk-85 which has lighting on the entire board.

Both red switches.
WOW!

[i]Year 2015 D Christie is the winner with a record breaking 1346 points!

His favorite product was the Unreal Pro Power Cable. Here is his review:



"Although every product from Coconut Audio has always had a lasting impression on me, the one that really stood out and blew me away from a strong performance and price point is the renowned Unreal Pro Power Cable!

These wonderful cables power up my Musical Fidelity Pre-Amp and Arcam Power Amps, and provide an addictively amazing realistic delivery of my favourite Jazz CD recordings - unveiling layers of intricate details with such tremendous authority and palpable stage presence. Honestly, I sometimes feel like I'm in a recording Studio, or at a "live" concert!

To me, the Unreal Pro Power Cable sets the performance and value benchmark in audiophile power cables, and is in a class of its own! - David Christie (Singapore)[/i]
www.coconut-audio.com/year.html
avatar
ZFR: If I'm not mistaken quite a few members here are using one for gaming, so maybe you could recommend me a good one?

Requirements:
_Cherry Brown switches. Or Red. Or equivalent. Preferably tactile and definitely NOT clicky.
_Macro keys. A few are enough.
_Ability to switch between USB and serial connection a big plus.
_Good software that you can use without any unnecessary registration (Razer?).
_WASD keys NOT coloured differently. For some reason some producers insist on doing this (I'm looking at you Logitech).
_Backlight/secondary colours either blue, red, white, gray or non-existent. Or customizable. Not bright green (Razer) or orange (Logitech) or anything else.

Thank you in advance.
avatar
nightcraw1er.488: Well, I have a razer black widow (all black) mechanical keyboard. Had it for 5 years at least. Its a good keyboard. What I would say is that it makes a lot of noise, the mechanical clicking of the keys, which can get on tour nerves. Has macro keys though I have not used them.
avatar
Breja: I don't even know what a "mechanical" keyboard is. I imagined something steampunk-y, with a lot of cogs, gears, and made of iron.
avatar
nightcraw1er.488: I think it means that the mechanism. Rather than having an electric contact which either feels for a finger these have an an actual physical contact. Think of a manual handle against a touchpad. Am not an expert, but apparently the mechanical are more reliable and quicker on key presses. I just got my one cos razer is cool (too much robot wars!).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Min-Liang_Tan

thanks for making singapoor slightly richer. it's so hard being a lawyer you know? not that i would know anything about it.
Post edited January 10, 2016 by dick1982
avatar
seleapi: What are the advantages of a mechanical keyboard compared to ahem...the "normal" ones?
+ reliability
+ audible feedback (varies)
+ press pressure (varies)
+ higher press depth
+ v(-⌒-)v... thing
- weight
Post edited January 10, 2016 by Lin545
okay. more serious answer.

these are durable keyboards. but i guess mechanical shillers will hate them because "rubber" is bad.
www.wetkeys.com/Waterproof-Flexible-Sealed-Silicone-Rubber-Keyboards-s/23.htm

and some of them are more expensive than than a low-end "mechanical" keyboard, but still cheaper than anything razer coughs up for suckers... and gram for gram, better value than gamer food.
I got an Aula BE Fire keyboard because it's back-lit in four different colors. They have a mechanical model, but this isn't it. I do love the design and tactile feel this one gives me however, and it was very inexpensive (only about $20US).

As far as mechanical keyboards, I don't like the feel of them, my personal preference. However, Aula makes one as I said earlier, and it may work well for you. I don't have it and can't speak as to how much of your criteria it holds to.
You might be interested about this. I haven't tried it, but I get a lot of mails with interesting keyboards, so if you don't mind the buying system it follows, might be good. Worth a look IMHO.

My recommendation doesn't satisfy all your requirements, since when I finally joined "the mechanical master race", I got myself a Steelseries because I wanted a classic design and didn't want stuff like macros, software, lights and the like. Also, the need for the "ñ" and limited budget and selection to choose from narrowed my options a lot.
Nevertheless, the only thing it lacks about your requirements are macros (and thus, software), so you might want to take a look at it.

The only "drawback" I can find is it has black switches, when I would have preferred getting me some green or blue ones. It's my first mechanical keyboard anyway, but I have loved the experience. The black switch is silent, except for the sound when they keycap hits the base. The switch itself is almost soundless. In theory, blacks require some strength, but I find them quite soft. My first thought was "Wow, if these one are the hard ones, the red ones must type by themselves". But then again, I wanted green switches, so I have strong fingers.
Also, at least with the spanish layout, the "}" key is in a different place, which I heard some developers complain about.
avatar
paladin181: As far as mechanical keyboards, I don't like the feel of them, my personal preference.
Have you tried different switches? Cherry MX Black and Red are fairly different to Blue and Green, then there's Brown, White, and Clear to take into account. And of course the different Alps, Topre, and bent spring switches (the latter of which the Model M used, and which many keyboard geeks consider the "gold standard" of mechanical switches) but mechanical switches other than Cherry MX are quite difficult to find nowadays.

Of course, you should use what you prefer, and if you prefer chiclet keyboards (heathen), then who am I to argue with that (you're wrong, just plain wrong, you just haven't realised it yet).
Post edited January 10, 2016 by Maighstir
avatar
Maighstir: mechanical switches other than Cherry MX are quite difficult to find nowadays.
Has Razer given up with their own knock-offs? I tried their clickies (razer green?) at work and wasn't very impressed by them. I felt the clicks were rather pointless since the switches allowed for nudging additional clickless keypresses 'under' the initial click. The keys also sound different, one key ceased to click after a while and the keyboard broke entirely after just a year. So don't think I'll be buying Razer anytime soon.

Wouldn't want clickies for gaming anyway. At home I have used Filco keyboard with Cherry Browns. I regret a bit putting o-rings under the keys, but not so much as to go through the trouble of removing them.
avatar
Maighstir: mechanical switches other than Cherry MX are quite difficult to find nowadays.
avatar
Rixasha: Has Razer given up with their own knock-offs?
No idea. If I have ever been aware that they do have knock-offs, I have since forgotten it.
FYI the corsair K60 is extremelly clicky (cherry red IIRC), however the collored keys are optionnal (you have the full standard set).
My major disappointment with it is that you CAN'T open it easily, and it'sdefinitely not beverage proof.
Aside from that I got used to the clickimess and like it a lot. Besides the key are really practical to clean up, I can't emphasize this enough.




Eedit : so not recommended for you because no sofware or macros on top of that :-)
Post edited January 10, 2016 by Potzato