Razer Ultimate Stealth or Logitech K800

[xkm1948]

I am kinda torn right now. I have never used a mechanical keyboard before, but from what I have researched so far they are definitely the better quality ones comparing with membrane keyboard.

I am not a hard core gamer. My PC is mainly used for work purpose. So considering my budget I am kinda torn right now between the Razer Ultimate Stealth and Logitech K800. I have tried the logitech K800 in a best buy before and the typing feels OK. I have never tried mechanical keyboard so I am also interested in how these keyboards perform.

My budget for keyboard is ~$100, any good recommendations guys? Thanks!

 

[Zakin]

If you're primarily looking to use it for work, you'll likely want to go for a quieter switch depending on environment. Which generally rules out blue switches. Browns will likely be what you would want to use, but it is still up to the actual manufacturer on if the switches come out quiet or not. The Razer is a bit overrated but not bad, I have a friend with the new chroma, he says it feels better than his 2014 one he had with actual Cherrys.

Are you looking for backlight or is it not something needed? Because there are better options out there if you just want a well built, good performing mechanical keyboard. The gamer brands aren't exactly the top of the market build quality wise.

 

[PainfulByte]

Personally, I prefer the CoolerMaster keyboards.

http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/keyboards/

The Quick Fire series is excellent though maybe not as sexy looking as Razer products. I own a CM Storm Rapid-I which is more compact and I love everything about it.

You should read up on Cherry MX switches to have a feel as to which switch is right for you.

http://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introduction-to-cherry-mx-mechanical-switches/

Cheers!

 

[xkm1948]

I definitely need back lighting keyboard.

 

[Kaynar]

mechanical keyboards all the way! especially if u have to type essays etc.

they all tend to be terribly overpriced since mechanical switches is ancient tech resurfacing in a modern package.

both logitech and razer sell plastic frame keyboards so theres nothign to compare here.

If you want to stay below $100, just buy the cheapest fully mechanical and backlit keyboard you find on the market. I would advice against MX blue switches due to the clicky noise. I've tried black, brown and red, they are all different but all good.

 

[kiddagoat]

If you are looking for something basic that doesn't have all the bells and whistles, I would highly recommend the Ducky ZERO Series keyboards.

No frills just plug it in and go.

http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/keyboard.html

I currently own the DK2018S model. Just works and does have back lighting. There are some short cut keys on the keyboard to adjust brightness and other features such as WIN lock and N-Key rollover. But again, no drivers or connecting to the cloud (Yes I am talking to you Razer and your DRM drivers aka Synapse.)

Most of the ZERO series keyboards can be had for under $100 USD.

 

[xkm1948]

Just got back from Bestbuy after trying some mechanical keyboards. It seems the razer blackwidow ultimate gave the most satisfying clicking sound during key stroking. I also tried Cougar and Logitech, neither of them are as good as the Razer one.

Too bad there is no way I can feel the ducky one you mentioned. I wonder how it feel~

 

[xkm1948]

OK I am settled on the cooler master quickfire ultumate with cherry blue switches. Sweet price and awesome review. Thank you painfulbyte!

 

[JL87]

If it's the Blackwidow ultimate with no year behind it (2013 or 2014) this keyboard is using the cherry mx blue switches.

The mx blue switches and mx brown switches are similar in pressure needed to activate, but the blue has the added tactile "click" to it which is what you seemed to like.

Not sure which Logitech keyboards your Best Buy carries, but the ones here (last time I looked) only carried the Logitech G710+ with the mx brown switches. They also make a G710+ with the mx blue switches. Something to think about if you happen to like Logitech over Razer. That comes down to your personal preference.

 

[xkm1948]

If it's the Blackwidow ultimate with no year behind it (2013 or 2014) this keyboard is using the cherry mx blue switches.

The mx blue switches and mx brown switches are similar in pressure needed to activate, but the blue has the added tactile "click" to it which is what you seemed to like.

Not sure which Logitech keyboards your Best Buy carries, but the ones here (last time I looked) only carried the Logitech G710+ with the mx brown switches. They also make a G710+ with the mx blue switches. Something to think about if you happen to like Logitech over Razer. That comes down to your personal preference.

I have read that Razer has terrible customer service over Amazon, which is the main reason I am now settling for either CM Quickfire or Logitech G710

 

[rooivalk]

Not a fan of mechanical keyboard myself but I suggest Corsair K70 series. It has MX Blue version (I have MX Red version).

Pros:
- Aluminum metal base, pretty cool
- Key material has nice feeling on it
- Has palm rest
- Has multimedia keys which not sucks (feeling good, easy to press/scroll)
- Has optional WSAD123456 keys with different shape/material, personally I don't use it though.
- Raised keys for easy cleaning
- Currently available with choice of red led or RGB version (more expensive though)

Cons:
- Early version from years ago with blue led has dead led issues, current version supposed solve this issue
- No macro software (IIRC only available in K95)
- Some bottom row keys is not standard shape/length, it's difficult if you want to replace it with 3rd party fancy keys.
- Palm rest is rather mediocre (material/feeling).

 

[JL87]

I personally have the mx brown G710+ for gaming and I do enjoy it (again it's all personal preference) and I'm considering getting the mx blue switch version for my other computer.

Right now NewEgg has it for 99.99 with free shipping. Just an FYI.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

Try looking at massdrop, they sometimes have great deals for mechies there.

 

[xkm1948]

OK so now my choices have increased, not decreased.


1. Logitech G710, Cherry MX Blue: Reviews from both amazon and newegg suggest potential quality control problem. Broken keys and etc.

2. Corsair K70 with Blue switch and blue lighting. Seems be have the better built quality than Logitech

3. Cooler Master QuickFire Ultimate. Good review, basic design, lack of palm rest.

4. Das Keyboard. Just found out this brand. Is this any good?


So my question is, which should I choose????

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

Have a Blue K70, the LEDs start to die after a year or so. Might try replacing them down the road as the problem seems to be the LEDs themselves.

Das is good AFAIK, quite popular among typists, I would probably put my money on that one.

 

[xkm1948]

Have a Blue K70, the LEDs start to die after a year or so. Might try replacing them down the road as the problem seems to be the LEDs themselves.

Das is good AFAIK, quite popular among typists, I would probably put my money on that one.

When did you get your K70? Is it common issue that LEDs die?

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

Yes, it was an issue I was aware of before I bought it, but I went ahead anyway because it was on offer (140 SGD in singapore) and I put higher importance on the more solid feel of the keyboard itself. Everything about the K70 is great, except the LEDs.

I bought it feb. 2013. First light died in october that year, only was 5-6 until around half a year ago.

 

[xkm1948]

OK Then I am going with Logitech G710 then.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

Which das were you looking at? Why not one of those?

Try /r/mechanicalkeyboards, those guys know far more about them

 

[Bill_Bright]

Keyboards and mice are extensions of our own hands. That means what feels good in my hands or Joe's hands, may not feel good in Suzy's or John's hands. You can read reviews and listen to people's opinions about build quality, response times, features, and layouts and such. But when it comes to HIDs (human interface devices) you really need to visit your local stores and play touchy-feely with these devices for yourself to find out what "feels" good in your hands.

Das keyboards are great - if you like the mechanical feel of mechanical keyboards. But they are not cheap.

Frankly, I don't know who the OEM suppliers are for Microsoft's keyboards, but (if you stay away from their entry level models) I really like mine (I have several Comfort 5000).

Another thing to consider before buying is desk space. Some keyboards are HUGE! My desk has a keyboard tray. The G710 is over 20 inches wide. Centered on my keyboard tray (and it needs to be centered if I want to sit centered in front of my monitors) leaves just 5 inches of side to side mobility space for my mouse - not enough!

 

[xkm1948]

Watched tons of online reviews and videos, talked with Corsair and Logitech customer services. My final design is Corsair K70 Cherry MX Blue with Red LED! The built quality is simply superior.

EDIT: and shit, newegg no longer has them. I had browsed the newegg and made sure it was there right before I can make purchase. And it is gone. Only red and brown switches options now. Damn~ Back to square one.

 

[xkm1948]

I feel like I learned so much about keyboard for the past 3 days than my past 20yrs combined. Thanks yall for opening my eyes on all the new knowledge~

 

[xkm1948]

And added a vote~

 

[Zakin]

Personal experience Ducky over all of the others when it comes to a well manufactured backlit, Cooler Master has solid quality, Corsair next with only minor issues.

To be fair though, I've had copious issues with Logitech in the past, so slightly biased. Razer makes great stuff that is always playing the lottery on how long it'll actually last. (Three Deathadders later.)

 

[AhokZYashA]

I love my daskeyboard ultimate s
very good built quality, satisfying click and tactile feel,
it has no backlighting though