Mechanical keyboard for mostly typing

[Aquinus]

Hello,

So, being the brilliant person I am I spilled ginger ale in my keyboard. It still works fine and the sticky keys are going away, but I'm using it as an excuse anyways to get a new keyboard anyways because my membrane keyboard is driving me up a wall (too hard to press keys).

Background: I work from home a couple days out of the week and I occasionally game, which has made me consider Cherry MX Blue and Brown switches as they appear to be the best for typing and/or gaming.

My question is how much better would the Blue switches be over the Brown? I've read that the brown is better for gaming because of the activation point vs the release point for blues since they're not the same point but offers less friction on the switch.

So my question for everyone is for people who have used either the Blue or Brown switches, how did you like them and if you've owned keyboards with both I really would like your input.

I'm currently considering these two keyboards:
Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard RK-9000I with Cherry ...
Cooler Master CM Storm Quick Fire Pro SGK-4010-GKC...

 

[AsRock]

I cannot tell you the difference just if there is one thing really really nice about the Blackwidow ultimate is the blues it uses.

After a while you barely hit the key to for each key press which means that you don't even bottom out on the key presses which i really like.

How ever i do not recommend a Razer product as after 4 mice and 2 keyboards all failing with in a year( 1 made it 13 months ) of use is just not good.

 

[Aquinus]

I cannot tell you the difference just if there is one thing really really nice about the Blackwidow ultimate is the blues it uses.

I'm leaning more towards the blues but I haven't heard for anyone with brown switches which is why I'm reluctant.

 

[manofthem]

I have that CM QFP w/ brown switches, and I have to say its pretty great. I love the light feel of the switches, easy to type on and game on, no fatigue to speak of. I've heard that th blues are louder than the browns, which would likely drive me nuts, as I would not consider the brown switches quiet. My wife complains from the other room when she wants it quiet and I'm typing at night; they not that there are that loud but not membrane KBs.

When I was looking, someone disuaded me from Rosewill, can't remember who it is, maybe a review somewhere. Not sure but I'd recommend the CM for sure

 

[AsRock]

I'm leaning more towards the blues but I haven't heard for anyone with brown switches which is why I'm reluctant.

Have a watch of this video kinda shows you how they sound.. To me the blues have a lighter clicking sound once you get used to them

WASD Keyboards: Cherry MX Switch Sound Comparison ...

 

[MilkyWay]

I use Cherry MX Browns and i like the way they feel, the actuation force. As far as i can see more people i've come across seem to either like Blacks or Blues, Reds are becoming popular as they are lighter Blacks but they still are linear.

http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

Browns, there is enough force to feel feedback but its easy to press so not as fatiguing as blacks for example. You only have to press it half way down for it to reach the actuation point. There is a small gap between points so you can float between for tapping it. Blues have a different reset & actuation point, a longer gap between reset.

 

[MilkyWay]

Have a watch of this video kinda shows you how they sound.. To me the blues have a lighter clicking sound once you get used to them

WASD Keyboards: Cherry MX Switch Sound Comparison ...

In that video he bottoms out fast because Browns are slightly lighter to press. Literally the bottom is being hit faster, thus is louder because less resistance. Without bottoming out they are near silent and with the modification your not slamming down onto the bottom its softened. Other things like the finger hitting the key and moving the cap, because they are removable you will get some wiggle in some of the different types. Mine are nylon so feel nicer to hit, but also a tiny bit louder.

Sounds terrible my keys are less noisy. When gaming with browns your not rapidly tapping lots of keys just a few close ones so its very quiet.

 

[Chummmleee]

The razer black widow has been the best keyboard for me so far i haven't any problems and make sure to order through newegg because razerzone has really poor customer service if you do plan on getting the black widow which i suggest also the price is unbeatable

 

[Radical_Edward]

I really like my Razer Blackwidow Ultimate. The software can be useful if you like custom hotkeys/marcos.

I prefer it over any other keyboard I've used. Wish I had another at work.

 

[Delta6326]

Well if it was me, and if you can wait a little longer I would get the Roccat Ryos MK Pro keyboard
If it's as good as I've seen it will be the best keyboard to date will cost $150...

Click for link

 

[Shuttleluv]

Corsair K95

 

[AsRock]

Corsair K95

all so not released yet like with the Ryos MK which is due in a few months.

 

[Jetster]

I bought the Roswell Cherry Blue. I have no complaints. I paid $73 on sale from NE

 

[Inceptor]

The Blue are most like the old-school IBM keyboards. I remember using one of those, and it caused me to avoid Blue switch keyboards. Yes, its nice to have the auditory and tactile 'click', but if you're doing a whole lot of typing its annoying.
Choosing between Blue and Brown switches, I'd go with Brown; the clacking of the keys all by themselves without the mechanical 'click' is bad enough, but tolerable.

I have a Steelseries 6Gv2 with Black switches, minimalist, simple, love it.

 

[Aquinus]

Have a watch of this video kinda shows you how they sound.. To me the blues have a lighter clicking sound once you get used to them

WASD Keyboards: Cherry MX Switch Sound Comparison ...

I use Cherry MX Browns and i like the way they feel, the actuation force. As far as i can see more people i've come across seem to either like Blacks or Blues, Reds are becoming popular as they are lighter Blacks but they still are linear.

http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

Browns, there is enough force to feel feedback but its easy to press so not as fatiguing as blacks for example. You only have to press it half way down for it to reach the actuation point. There is a small gap between points so you can float between for tapping it. Blues have a different reset & actuation point, a longer gap between reset.


http://cdn.overclock.net/8/88/8846736e_785448034edc7cebb9ea660c5f11e288.jpeghttp://cdn.overclock.net/f/f6/f63f362e_cde2fb0a2dd06fefcc47ce1ed987f6a8.jpeg

I've already done research on the types of switches and the sound they make, I've narrowed myself to blue and brown for those particular reasons. I'm looking for what people who with their browns and blues so I can get a better idea for what kinds of people like certain switches better.

I've noticed this though where the brown will let you double tap a key pretty fast, it's not a huge consideration though. The most double key tapping I do is to sprint on Minecraft in the case that I may be placing MC.

Well if it was me, and if you can wait a little longer I would get the Roccat Ryos MK Pro keyboard
If it's as good as I've seen it will be the best keyboard to date will cost $150...

Click for link
[url]http://img.techpowerup.org/130314/Capture1165.jpg[/URL]

I saw that and it looks nice, but my concern is the price. I'm a bit reluctant to pay over 100 USD for a keyboard. Not to say that I won't, but I really need to justify it to myself. I'm also pretty sure dual arm processors for a keyboard is overkill, not to say that it isn't cool though.

 

[qubit]

I've got one of those Microsoft soft touch keyboards and while it may be quite cheap and the printed legends look a bit badly printed, the feel is the best I've ever seen. I forget the model number now, but it was the 3000 model or something. I can type on it really fast since the touch is so light and it's good for gaming, too.

I recommend getting one of these as a backup, even if you go for a Cherry keyboard, as they don't cost much.

 

[Aquinus]

I've got one of those Microsoft soft touch keyboards and while it may be quite cheap and the printed legends look a bit badly printed, the feel is the best I've ever seen. I forget the model number now, but it was the 3000 model or something. I can type on it really fast since the touch is so light and it's good for gaming, too.

I recommend getting one of these as a backup, even if you go for a Cherry keyboard, as they don't cost much.

I have one at work and it's not bad. Honestly it feels a lot like my Logitech wave and I am looking for something that has a bit less friction on the keys which is why I'm leaning towards the blues.

 

[Aquinus]

So I did it. I ordered myself a Rosewill RK-9100 with blue switches.
http://www.rosewill.com/products/2320/ProductDetail_Overview.htm

It should come in the mail tomorrow.

 

[remixedcat]

I've got one of those Microsoft soft touch keyboards and while it may be quite cheap and the printed legends look a bit badly printed, the feel is the best I've ever seen. I forget the model number now, but it was the 3000 model or something. I can type on it really fast since the touch is so light and it's good for gaming, too.

I recommend getting one of these as a backup, even if you go for a Cherry keyboard, as they don't cost much.

Is it a Microsoft Comfort Curve 3000? I got one and it's nice.

Also guys look into the Logitech G710+ Mechanical. Uses Cherry Brown switches.

 

[Wrigleyvillain]

What's the price on that bad boy? And, of course, let us know what you think!

 

[Aquinus]

What's the price on that bad boy? And, of course, let us know what you think!

It was 80 USD a couple days ago, but the sale didn't last until my tax return came in but I still got a promo code for 24 USD off, so I got it for 95 USD. It was still the best price I could find it for. I wanted the RK-9100 over the 9000 mainly for the media keys and the soldered cable. Removable cables kind of concern me because it's easier to re-solder a cable than re-solder a new mini-USB port.

Is it a Microsoft Comfort Curve 3000? I got one and it's nice.

I have a Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite that I use at work and I've been fairly happy with it. It's better than the wave but the space bar needs more force that is slightly annoying but not too bad.

 

[Aquinus]

So I bought they keyboard. I threw some pictures on the sexy hardware thread.

You can see the post here.

 

[digibucc]

I use Cherry MX Browns and i like the way they feel

me too

 

[Ahhzz]

Just wanted to thank Delta for that STUPID-useful post above Had no idea when I bought my Corsair what I was getting into for the different type keystrokes. That's what I get for impulse shopping again... (*sigh* really need to do something about that...), but I really appreciate the info. It's not due to arrive for several days yet, but I am looking forward to getting it on my desk. I got a Saitek a few months ago that arrived with bad "B" and "C" keys, but didn't have a way to return it until after my grace period was up, and it's been annoying as hell. Anyway, hope you enjoy your new keyboard, Aquinas, and thanks again Delta

 

[xvi]

I've heard of people "modding" their mechanical keyboards by taking the key off and placing rubber O-rings around each switch so that when the key bottoms out, it hits the soft O-ring rather than hard plastic.