| slytown United States. August 29 2011 03:44. Posts 1189 | Profile Blog # |
![[image loading]](http://www.cherrycorp.com/images/logo_cherry.gif) ![[image loading]](http://www.topre.co.jp/e/shared/img/header_site-id.gif) ![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/IBM_logo.svg/200px-IBM_logo.svg.png)
List of my keyboards: Ducky OCN Edition 9008 G2 (ABS, browns), Thermaltake Meka G1 (ABS, blacks), PFU Happy Hacking Professional 2 (PBT, Topre 45g uniform, "Otaku"), Rosewill RK9000 (ABS, blues), Unicomp Classic Model M (USB, Buckling Spring)
+ Show Spoiler +
Guides:
*All source material is courtesy of the Overclock.net thread and corresponding mechanical keyboard sellers.
Overclock.net Mechanical Keyboard Guide: Link
Most information is provided in the link. Manyak and Tator Tot did a fantastic job explaining the different types of switches but some more can be added regarding RTS. Other sites have even copy-pasted Manyak's page. I will not do that out of respect for the work he put in.
A fellow TLer named Kronen is offering his O-ring pack from WASDkeyboards.com and dampeners via Elitekeyboards.com for people to test out. Here's his profile page; Feel free. Kronen's profile.
poeticEnnui's mod to his IBM F/AT (a restoration of a classic Model M) Link
Also consider the Deskthority.wiki Link, Reddit's mechanical keyboard page Link, and Ripster's Reddit page Link
Niche Stores:
+ Show Spoiler +DeckKeyboards.com LED Backlit boards (Deck Legend and Deck 82) LinkEliteKeyboards.com (Leopold, Realforce, and PFU) LinkClickyKeyboards.com (IBM Model Ms) LinkDuckyChannelInternationalCo. (Ducky) LinkMechanicalKeyboards.com (Lots: from Ducky to Adesso to Das) LinkTheKeyboardCompany.com (Filco and Realforce) LinkMionix (LED Backlit) LinkOzone Gaming Keyboard (TT Meka G1 design) LinkPCHome.com.tw keyboards (Ducky, Taiwanese site w/ geekhack english guide) LinkPCkeyboard.com (Unicomp buckling spring keyboards) Linkqtan5370's E-Bay Market (Ducky, Filco, KBC, Keycool, Noppoo, Pulu, and HPE + custom keycaps to buy) LinkTankguys.com (OCN Edition Duckys) LinkTechKeys.com (custom and artisan keycaps) LinkTigerImports.com (Ducky) LinkWASD fully customized keyboards and keycaps. Link
Common Questions:
+ Show Spoiler +1. Which switch is best for RTS? A: It depends. Most experts will b-line you to MX Browns. They are fairly prevalent and give you good maneuverability, much like the MX Blues. MX Reds and MX Blacks are considered "gaming" switches; They double tap much easier since they are linear, sort of like a typewriter. MX Black switches are pretty stiff, but with a week or so of use, they become much easier to press. In the end, it all comes down to preference, but what MX Browns lack in double-tapping feel they make up for in typing pleasure.
2. How expensive are they and are they worth it? A: Mechanical keyboards come in a variety of styles, from tenkeyless to LED backlit to generic. Prices can range from $60 US to $400 US. The median price is around $100 US.
3. Are there other switches besides Cherry? A: Yes. There are several types of mechanical switches but the Cherry brand are the most prevalent.
4. Will a mechanical keyboard make me a better Starcraft player? A: No. I don't think you can say a mechanical keyboard will get you into GM, but it will make typing/gaming more pleasurable.
5. Why do people swear by mechanical switches? A: The feel. Choosing any mechanical switch over a rubber dome keyboard will most definitely make any typing experience better. It has to do with the way they activate and how much pressure is required. Rubber domes require you to bottom out, no matter what, which causes fatigue. Mechanical switches register before you hit the board with the key, taking the pressure off of your fingers and joints. Not everyone takes advantage of this ability and instead favor the double-tapping ability, click, etc. of mechanical switches, not to mention mechanical keyboards tend to be sturdier and built to last. Ask anyone who owns a mechanical keyboard whether they would go back to rubber domes and 99.9% will say NO.
Best value/quality boards:
+ Show Spoiler +Value/Quality: MX Blue: Das Model S (Professional or Ultimate) - NATEROB009 places the Das keyboards at the top of the heap. Also, Destiny swears by this keyboard. As far as Razer's Blackwidow goes, it's known to have some faulty construction. Link Value/Quality: MX Brown: Ducky 9008G2 ABS Keycaps - I have to say these are very well made and for $110 have the best value/quality of the MX Brown boards out there. Das also makes a MX brown version (Silent), but if you don't like the glossy finish, Ducky is a great way to go. LinkValue/Quality: MX Black: Thermaltake Meka G1 - Now available on Newegg and for a great price. LinkValue/Quality: MX Red: Leopold Linear Touch - Good quality and a great price for the well sought after Reds. LinkValue/Quality, Backlit: Deck (MX Black or MX Clear) Link or Ducky Shine (MX Red, Black, Blue, Brown) LinkValue over all: Coolermaster Quickfire Rapid TKL, MX Brown - Great board for RTS and AVAILABLE ON NEWEGG. LinkQuality over all: Ducky 9008G2 PBT Keycaps, MX Brown - You pay $30 more for one of the best built boards on the market. Link
Please make suggestions as to how this thread could be improved and I will gladly update it. Big thanks to Manyak, Tator Tot and Overclock.net for their support of Mechanical keyboards.Last edit: 2013-04-23 12:54:03 |
| | I'm a NukeKnight. Are you? http://www.youtube.com/user/NukeTheStars; The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK |
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| Son of Gnome United States. August 29 2011 04:03. Posts 750 | Profile Blog # |
| Geekhack.org has more info on Mechanical keyboards. IMO the people on geekhack are more intelligent about mechanical keyboards than the people on overclockers. Last edit: 2011-08-29 04:12:03 |
| | Need Mechanical keyboard help?? PM me and I'll see what I can do. |
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| ETisME Hong Kong. August 29 2011 04:21. Posts 4896 | Profile Blog # |
I think it is worth noting that the how the keycaps are printed and also the keytop types as well.
Personally I went back to blue switch after trying out brown and black, the typing sound is like music to me. Through I might get a red switch just to keep because everyone loves it in my city |
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| Boblhead United States. August 29 2011 04:47. Posts 2557 | Profile # |
| can't wait for my reds, they will be godly! I wish I lived in Hong Kong, red switched keyboards are like $30 ;( but it will be worth it! |
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| slytown United States. August 29 2011 04:49. Posts 1189 | Profile Blog # |
On August 29 2011 04:03 Son of Gnome wrote:
Geekhack.org has more info on Mechanical keyboards. IMO the people on geekhack are more intelligent about mechanical keyboards than the people on overclockers.
I prefer Manyak's guide. Good guide though. I will link the Geekhack guide as well. Thanks for reminding me.
On August 29 2011 04:21 ETisME wrote:
I think it is worth noting that the how the keycaps are printed and also the keytop types as well.
Personally I went back to blue switch after trying out brown and black, the typing sound is like music to me. Through I might get a red switch just to keep because everyone loves it in my city
I agree but that information is on Manyak's guide. i don't want to copy-paste. Keycaps are less important I think for those being introduced to mechanicals than switch type.
Last edit: 2011-08-29 04:57:47 |
| | I'm a NukeKnight. Are you? http://www.youtube.com/user/NukeTheStars; The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK |
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| davidk August 29 2011 05:35. Posts 48 | Profile # |
| I'd like to see a list with 'good value for their money keyboards'. There are a lot for sale. I really don't know what to choose. |
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| Encrypto United States. August 29 2011 06:01. Posts 442 | Profile # |
On August 29 2011 04:03 Son of Gnome wrote:
Geekhack.org has more info on Mechanical keyboards. IMO the people on geekhack are more intelligent about mechanical keyboards than the people on overclockers.
The people are more intelligent? What kind of stupid bias is this? |
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| Glockateer United States. August 29 2011 06:14. Posts 250 | Profile # |
On August 29 2011 06:01 Encrypto wrote:
The people are more intelligent? What kind of stupid bias is this?
He more-or-less means they're more knowledgeable about the subject. Which is true since there is a plentiful amount of keyboard fanatics there. : P |
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| Boblhead United States. August 29 2011 06:16. Posts 2557 | Profile # |
On August 29 2011 06:01 Encrypto wrote:
Show nested quote +On August 29 2011 04:03 Son of Gnome wrote:
Geekhack.org has more info on Mechanical keyboards. IMO the people on geekhack are more intelligent about mechanical keyboards than the people on overclockers.
The people are more intelligent? What kind of stupid bias is this?
geekhack is devoted to keyboards, they are very well diversed in how to recommend the best keyboard for you, and they have a lot of knowledgeable people more so than overclockers....
overall I would agree with his statement. |
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| slytown United States. August 29 2011 06:38. Posts 1189 | Profile Blog # |
geekhack is devoted to keyboards, they are very well diversed in how to recommend the best keyboard for you, and they have a lot of knowledgeable people more so than overclockers....
overall I would agree with his statement.
Just because "keyboards" is in the banner, doesn't mean they know more. Fox News has "news" in the title. Does that mean they are a good news source?
On August 29 2011 05:35 davidk wrote:
I'd like to see a list with 'good value for their money keyboards'. There are a lot for sale. I really don't know what to choose.
OK. I'll try and put one together today. I agree, there are quite a few and they seem very similar.
Last edit: 2011-08-29 06:40:18 |
| | I'm a NukeKnight. Are you? http://www.youtube.com/user/NukeTheStars; The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK |
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| Son of Gnome United States. August 29 2011 06:45. Posts 750 | Profile Blog # |
On August 29 2011 06:38 slytown wrote:
Show nested quote +
geekhack is devoted to keyboards, they are very well diversed in how to recommend the best keyboard for you, and they have a lot of knowledgeable people more so than overclockers....
overall I would agree with his statement.
Just because "keyboards" is in the banner, doesn't mean they know more. Fox News has "news" in the title. Does that mean they are a good news source?
Show nested quote +On August 29 2011 05:35 davidk wrote:
I'd like to see a list with 'good value for their money keyboards'. There are a lot for sale. I really don't know what to choose.
OK. I'll try and put one together today. I agree, there are quite a few and they seem very similar.
Ask the average geekhacker about mechancial keyboards then ask the average person on OC about them. Then you'll see my point. |
| | Need Mechanical keyboard help?? PM me and I'll see what I can do. |
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| slytown United States. August 29 2011 07:24. Posts 1189 | Profile Blog # |
Ask the average geekhacker about mechancial keyboards then ask the average person on OC about them. Then you'll see my point.
Please don't generalize. It wasn't the whole OCN community that wrote the guide. It was Manyak and he used legitimate sources/research materials. The guide has also proven respected by other mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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| | I'm a NukeKnight. Are you? http://www.youtube.com/user/NukeTheStars; The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK |
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| Son of Gnome United States. August 29 2011 07:31. Posts 750 | Profile Blog # |
On August 29 2011 07:24 slytown wrote:
Show nested quote +
Ask the average geekhacker about mechancial keyboards then ask the average person on OC about them. Then you'll see my point.
Please don't generalize. It wasn't the whole OCN community that wrote the guide. It was Manyak and he used legitimate sources/research materials. The guide has also proven respected by other mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
I'm just talking from experience man |
| | Need Mechanical keyboard help?? PM me and I'll see what I can do. |
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| slytown United States. August 29 2011 07:36. Posts 1189 | Profile Blog # |
I'm just talking from experience man
I know what ya mean though. Lots of "bronze leaguers" on OCN. 
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| | I'm a NukeKnight. Are you? http://www.youtube.com/user/NukeTheStars; The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK |
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| SpeaKEaSY United States. August 29 2011 07:38. Posts 831 | Profile Blog # |
On August 29 2011 07:24 slytown wrote:
Show nested quote +
Ask the average geekhacker about mechancial keyboards then ask the average person on OC about them. Then you'll see my point.
Please don't generalize. It wasn't the whole OCN community that wrote the guide. It was Manyak and he used legitimate sources/research materials. The guide has also proven respected by other mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
a lot of the sources came from geekhack though lol |
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| Son of Gnome United States. August 29 2011 07:46. Posts 750 | Profile Blog # |
| Also I am wondering y u consider the Overclocker Ducky to be the best brown board on the market. Most people would say it is Filco or leopold. |
| | Need Mechanical keyboard help?? PM me and I'll see what I can do. |
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| slytown United States. August 29 2011 07:49. Posts 1189 | Profile Blog # |
On August 29 2011 07:46 Son of Gnome wrote:
Also I am wondering y u consider the Overclocker Ducky to be the best brown board on the market. Most people would say it is Filco or leopold.
Not a huge difference, I agree. Ducky is a little cheaper though and Filco is less easily available at the moment.Last edit: 2011-08-29 07:50:14 |
| | I'm a NukeKnight. Are you? http://www.youtube.com/user/NukeTheStars; The best Flash meme ever: http://imgur.com/zquoK |
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| Son of Gnome United States. August 29 2011 09:08. Posts 750 | Profile Blog # |
On August 29 2011 07:49 slytown wrote:
Show nested quote +On August 29 2011 07:46 Son of Gnome wrote:
Also I am wondering y u consider the Overclocker Ducky to be the best brown board on the market. Most people would say it is Filco or leopold.
Not a huge difference, I agree. Ducky is a little cheaper though and Filco is less easily available at the moment.
Really I wouldn't say that it is easier to get a ducky than a filco, the ducky in your link is out of stock and a filco can be bought through ebay, amazon, or keyboardco. So personally I would say filco is the easier of the 2 to get. |
| | Need Mechanical keyboard help?? PM me and I'll see what I can do. |
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| ETisME Hong Kong. August 29 2011 17:30. Posts 4896 | Profile Blog # |
On August 29 2011 09:08 Son of Gnome wrote:
Show nested quote +On August 29 2011 07:49 slytown wrote:
On August 29 2011 07:46 Son of Gnome wrote:
Also I am wondering y u consider the Overclocker Ducky to be the best brown board on the market. Most people would say it is Filco or leopold.
Not a huge difference, I agree. Ducky is a little cheaper though and Filco is less easily available at the moment.
Really I wouldn't say that it is easier to get a ducky than a filco, the ducky in your link is out of stock and a filco can be bought through ebay, amazon, or keyboardco. So personally I would say filco is the easier of the 2 to get.
I bought my ducky at a store and the seller (who is extremely EXTREMELY into mechanical keyboards) told me something about the brands and how the business is doing:
Steel series ones are not the one to go for, lots of problems with the quality.
Das, Filco and Ducky all have the same manufacturer at taiwan, I was close to getting a Das until he told me that the glossy polish means that any scratch, it will leave a permanent mark (which he can remove but it will be costly)
He told me that Filco and Ducky are almost at equal quality, but Ducky's brand is quite a bit more popular in Taiwan, especially because of all the limited editions that they release.
And because of that, they don't sell Filco,the demand for it is simply not as high. The price is higher while quality is almost the same. The demand is lower because with that price, you add a bit extra and you can get a better one with Ducky's brand. |
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| spaZzNx-` Hong Kong. August 29 2011 17:47. Posts 1217 | Profile # |
| geekhack IMO has all the information you need regarding mechanical keyboards, from a detailed explanation for every cherry switch out there and also since the whole forum is dedicated to mechanical keyboards any questions you have should be able to be answered there. |
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