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OP
OP
emotion engine
Oct 27, 2017
187
starting a new job and worried bout taking my das keyboard 4 with cherry blues there. that 'made a splash' at my last spot..... im gonna do it anyway because fuck it, but if i need to replicate the feeling without the noise what are my options?

There is nothing that feels quite like the Cherry clicky switches. Maybe try MX Brown switches? The feeling of tactility is different, but Cherry clicky switches aren't that tactile in the first place as the perceived feeling is greatly effected by the clicking sound.

What do you guys think about this one, caught my eye yesterday:

http://www.coolermaster.com/peripheral/keyboards/masterkeys-pro-s/

The Coolermaster keyboards are pretty good quality, well built. In my opinion they are better than equivalent keyboards from Razer and Corsair.
 

EnronERA

Member
Oct 25, 2017
4,058
so I knocked a can of lacroix on my das today. I took it apart, wiped all of it out (i hope) but water had gotten into the ribbon connector, and when drying it out i bent the cable back too far and i fear i might have broken some pathways. anyways, i am going to let it rest for a few days and dry out completely. in the meantime i need a backup and possibly something to use for the work side of my desk if i start docking my laptop, and decided to try out the Ducky One since they sell them locally. Just hooked it up, and i have to say i am not impressed. Mechanical keyboard guys all told me the das was either 'meh' or garbage and that i should have bought a ducky or filco instead....but this thing is completely underwhelming compared to my das pro 4. I guess ill keep it for a backup.
 
OP
OP
emotion engine
Oct 27, 2017
187
so I knocked a can of lacroix on my das today. I took it apart, wiped all of it out (i hope) but water had gotten into the ribbon connector, and when drying it out i bent the cable back too far and i fear i might have broken some pathways. anyways, i am going to let it rest for a few days and dry out completely. in the meantime i need a backup and possibly something to use for the work side of my desk if i start docking my laptop, and decided to try out the Ducky One since they sell them locally. Just hooked it up, and i have to say i am not impressed. Mechanical keyboard guys all told me the das was either 'meh' or garbage and that i should have bought a ducky or filco instead....but this thing is completely underwhelming compared to my das pro 4. I guess ill keep it for a backup.

In my opinion the only high quality keyboard that Ducky sells is the Shine series. Their other keyboard lines are cheaper and of noticeably lower quality. The case on my Ducky One creaks a lot and seems quite low quality. I think the One series previously used the case design from Shine 2 or 3, can't remember which. The case was changed with the introduction of the second generation of the One series earlier this year, so maybe it is better now?
 

sph3re

One Winged Slayer
Avenger
Oct 28, 2017
8,411
My love
31rcB2o.jpg
I think I'm gonna pre

I have a Realforce and a Leopold keyboard. Does the HHKB feel better than either of those?
 

Wallach

Member
Oct 26, 2017
1,653
I think I'm gonna pre

I have a Realforce and a Leopold keyboard. Does the HHKB feel better than either of those?

I wouldn't say the switches feel better, but the keyboard does feel a little different. It's a bit lighter than the FC660C and quite a bit lighter than something like an 87U. It has a bit more of a... clay tablet kind of feel in terms of keys bottoming out, not quite as much chunk to that compared to the Realforce line with their metal backplates.

Overall though it is probably my most used keyboard. If I had to choose between the three it'd be between the HHKBP2 or the FC660C; I prefer both to the main Realforce line.
 

sph3re

One Winged Slayer
Avenger
Oct 28, 2017
8,411
Oh, that sounds delightful. I might have to grab one for myself. I like my Leopold a little more than my Realforce, so the HHKB sounds right up my alley.
 

EnronERA

Member
Oct 25, 2017
4,058
well my das seemed dry so i reassembled it. The mulitiple keypress problem is gone but i indeed did damage that ribbon cable, because now only TWO of my top number row keys work. All the rest of them are dead. 160 bucks down the fucking drain. fuck.
 

November

Member
Oct 27, 2017
34
My 2017 keyboard pickups.

Pok3r w/ MX Clears. I needed a work board and the 65g actuation is great for typing but the sound is too scratchy. I missed having the arrows keys for quick edits and didn't like using the Fn key.
EV2bRE7.jpg


Realforce Topre 55g. I really like typing on this board and it's a great office board as it's quiet and tactile. I tried some mmo gaming and the 55g actuation is a bit finger fatiguing for gaming. Also I felt like it missed some inputs while raiding.
wvo5jlt.jpg


Input Type K-Type w/ Kaihua Copper 50g tactiles. I always preferred Browns for gaming but these Copper switches at 50g feel perfect for gaming. The switch has a nice "boxy" feel.
svJhvlQ.jpg



I really like the Kaihua Copper that I ordered some Kaihua Bronze switches to try as I read that it is a better clicky than MX Blues.
 

Vipu

Banned
Oct 26, 2017
2,276
I got that classic razer blackwidow with cherry blue switches since 2011 and I have been thinking every now and then for year at least what kind of keyboard I want to be my next keyboard.

For me gaming > typing, mostly fps games.
You might see reason here why I dont really like those blue switches and want some softer/easier keys.

I want this next keyboard to be my "endgame" and not planning to replace it until it breaks.

Things I want that keyboard to be:
- Sturdy and good quality
- Good switches for gaming also should be "silent" (cherry black/red/brown or topre?)
- TKL maybe and get some external keypad for keypadding needs sometimes.
- Simple nonGAMER look, can be a bit special looking but not over the top
- Some extra media/macro keys would be nice but not 100% needed
- Backlights would be nice but not 100% needed

Hit me with suggestions, I know I should find and test topre somewhere before deciding I guess.
 
OP
OP
emotion engine
Oct 27, 2017
187
I got that classic razer blackwidow with cherry blue switches since 2011 and I have been thinking every now and then for year at least what kind of keyboard I want to be my next keyboard.

For me gaming > typing, mostly fps games.
You might see reason here why I dont really like those blue switches and want some softer/easier keys.

I want this next keyboard to be my "endgame" and not planning to replace it until it breaks.

Things I want that keyboard to be:
- Sturdy and good quality
- Good switches for gaming also should be "silent" (cherry black/red/brown or topre?)
- TKL maybe and get some external keypad for keypadding needs sometimes.
- Simple nonGAMER look, can be a bit special looking but not over the top
- Some extra media/macro keys would be nice but not 100% needed
- Backlights would be nice but not 100% needed

Hit me with suggestions, I know I should find and test topre somewhere before deciding I guess.
Your chances of finding dedicated meida keys in a tenkeyless are pretty low. Many tenkeyless keyboards have media key functionality available through the function layer instead. Once you figure out what switches you'd like, I'd recommend Ducky One TKL or Cooler Master ProKeys S. If ANSI layout is ok, Leopold FC750R is nice too. If you absolutely need those dedicated media keys, Corsair K63 might be your only option. I would say that Topre is absolutely not worth the money, and it will probably be quite difficult to find a Topre keyboard to try in Finland regardless.

Varmilo makes nice numpads, Maxgaming sells the VA22M and CandyKeys sell the VA21M.
 

Vipu

Banned
Oct 26, 2017
2,276
Your chances of finding dedicated meida keys in a tenkeyless are pretty low. Many tenkeyless keyboards have media key functionality available through the function layer instead. Once you figure out what switches you'd like, I'd recommend Ducky One TKL or Cooler Master ProKeys S. If ANSI layout is ok, Leopold FC750R is nice too. If you absolutely need those dedicated media keys, Corsair K63 might be your only option. I would say that Topre is absolutely not worth the money, and it will probably be quite difficult to find a Topre keyboard to try in Finland regardless.

Varmilo makes nice numpads, Maxgaming sells the VA22M and CandyKeys sell the VA21M.

Thx, I will check Ducky One TKL and CM ProKeys S, I want ISO, mediakeys are lowest on my prio list so I dont really care if they are in or not.
 

ara

Member
Oct 26, 2017
13,025
Ordered the Coolermaster Masterkeys Pro S to replace my current Corsair K70, both with MX Brown switches. Partially because I've wanted to give tenkeyless keyboards a try for a while now, partially because there's something about the feeling of the K70 I don't like that much and from the little I've tried the Masterkeys at a friend's, it felt better.

Gonna miss that volume slider thing, though. Hopefully I can configure the volume buttons on the CM keyboard to lower/raise volume in 5% increments.
 

Vipu

Banned
Oct 26, 2017
2,276
Your chances of finding dedicated meida keys in a tenkeyless are pretty low. Many tenkeyless keyboards have media key functionality available through the function layer instead. Once you figure out what switches you'd like, I'd recommend Ducky One TKL or Cooler Master ProKeys S. If ANSI layout is ok, Leopold FC750R is nice too. If you absolutely need those dedicated media keys, Corsair K63 might be your only option. I would say that Topre is absolutely not worth the money, and it will probably be quite difficult to find a Topre keyboard to try in Finland regardless.

Varmilo makes nice numpads, Maxgaming sells the VA22M and CandyKeys sell the VA21M.

Any other info why CM over some other TKL RGB "simple" keyboards?
Also do you know what keycaps this CM have? Only thing I found is PBT, but is it doubleshot?
 

andylsun

Member
Oct 29, 2017
205
I use an Apple Extended Keyboard II every day at work with a ADB to USB adapter. Favorite keyboard ever. Closely followed by the IBM model M.

Have about 4-5 of both the Apple and IBM keyboards, and prefer the ISO/UK layout.

Quick tip to clean the key caps is take them off and soak them in water with a denture tablet overnight. Comes out spotless.
 

Deleted member 42

user requested account closure
Banned
Oct 24, 2017
16,939
I just got this one:

KG011 by EagleTec

Since it is white/blue which matches my new desk config, I had to jump on it. First time having a mechanical keyboard - it's a bit louder than I thought, but the feel of it is awesome. My friend also got me metallic blue keycaps for the WASD/arrow keys that inexplicably have the same font as the keys on here, so it's a perfect damn fit
 
OP
OP
emotion engine
Oct 27, 2017
187
You can also find ISO Leopold though their availability are kinda random.
It's too bad that they don't have doubleshot keycaps. An ISO-layout version of the FC750R would be nice.
Any other info why CM over some other TKL RGB "simple" keyboards?
Also do you know what keycaps this CM have? Only thing I found is PBT, but is it doubleshot?
I think Cooler Master's RGB keyboards have ABS keycaps. I believe the PBT keycaps have lasered legends. I recommended Cooler Master at first because I've had good experiences with their keyboards.

Really the keyboard I should have recommended to you is Varmilo VA88M. It has nice PBT keycaps with dye-sublimated legends. Maxgaming.fi should have it in varying colours and switch types. If they don't have what you want, you can order a customized version from CandyKeys.
 

PaulLFC

Member
Oct 27, 2017
3,166
Short of building my own keyboard (which I don't have anywhere near the skills or technical know-how to do), is there anywhere to buy a keyboard with MX Clears in the UK? Ideally full sized, TKL if not. I like the feeling of clear switches on the switch tester I bought (as much as I can gauge from a single key, at least), but I cant find anywhere in the UK selling keyboards with clears, apart from a single keyboard available at KeyboardCo, but it's a 60%.

I think my only option is importing a Code keyboard, but at near $60 for the cheapest shipping, on top of $155 for the keyboard itself and before import fees, it's over what I'd like to spend.

Ideally I'd like somewhere UK based to order from, but I'm not sure if there is anywhere currently.
 
OP
OP
emotion engine
Oct 27, 2017
187
Short of building my own keyboard (which I don't have anywhere near the skills or technical know-how to do), is there anywhere to buy a keyboard with MX Clears in the UK? Ideally full sized, TKL if not. I like the feeling of clear switches on the switch tester I bought (as much as I can gauge from a single key, at least), but I cant find anywhere in the UK selling keyboards with clears, apart from a single keyboard available at KeyboardCo, but it's a 60%.

I think my only option is importing a Code keyboard, but at near $60 for the cheapest shipping, on top of $155 for the keyboard itself and before import fees, it's over what I'd like to spend.

Ideally I'd like somewhere UK based to order from, but I'm not sure if there is anywhere currently.
You're in luck as there is a UK-based store that sells Varmilo keyboards! You could get a Varmilo VA88M customized from capsunlocked. It would be fairly expensive at £165, but the cost does include import fees from having the keyboard delivered to the UK from China.
 

ara

Member
Oct 26, 2017
13,025
Got the Coolermaster Masterkeys Pro S in the mail just now and after a bit of messing around, I definitely feel like this is an upgrade from the Corsair K70. Maybe not a massive one, but writing definitely feels nicer and to my surprise, the fn + ins/home/etc. are actually much more easier to reach than the media buttons on the Corsair. Doubt I'll miss much about the K70, maybe the USB slot on it and the volume slider.

The lack of numpad is definitely something I'm gonna have to get used to though lol.
 

Kudo

Member
Oct 25, 2017
3,893
Didn't realize we had thread for Keyboards too!
Just throwing in my recommendations for Topre, I've used few mechanicals before this and Topre just feels like typing on a cloud. Been using it for year now and it's always so good to come back to it, after typing with lesser keyboards at school etc.
 

Fugu

Member
Oct 26, 2017
2,733
Didn't realize we had thread for Keyboards too!
Just throwing in my recommendations for Topre, I've used few mechanicals before this and Topre just feels like typing on a cloud. Been using it for year now and it's always so good to come back to it, after typing with lesser keyboards at school etc.
I agree with this sentiment 100%. Anyone considering a keyboard purchase really ought to give Topre a try. They're fantastic.

I do quite a bit of typing and gaming and they're the best switch I've used for both.
 

Crazymoogle

Game Developer
Verified
Oct 25, 2017
2,887
Asia
This thread is doing god's work for trying all of these more obscure keyboards. I think the Logitech G Pro (Tenkeyless) is the best keyboard I've ever owned, but admittedly it cost 3x what many of these alternatives did...
 

Kudo

Member
Oct 25, 2017
3,893
I agree with this sentiment 100%. Anyone considering a keyboard purchase really ought to give Topre a try. They're fantastic.

I do quite a bit of typing and gaming and they're the best switch I've used for both.
Yup, before Topre Realforce I had Noppoo with Blue switches, then Ducky with Reds after deciding to go all out and it was so worth it.
 

JaseMath

Member
Oct 27, 2017
9,394
Denver, CO
Did you grab the Version 5 or the old white one?

Edit: Nevermind, new one. How you liking it? It's on my want list.
I love it so far. I'd heard stories about keys sticking, but haven't experience it on mine. Aside from how good it feels (and it feels great), I'm more impressed by how quiet it is; the buttons feel almost spongy, thought not it a bad way. It's actually quieter than typing on the laptop itself.

Also, I owned the white one, but returned it in favor of this model. The white one definitely had more click, and while I actually prefer that to the quietness of this model, the bonus of bluetooth makes this a better buy IMO. Highly recommended.
 

xxracerxx

Avenger
Oct 25, 2017
31,222
I love it so far. I'd heard stories about keys sticking, but haven't experience it on mine. Aside from how good it feels (and it feels great), I'm more impressed by how quiet it is; the buttons feel almost spongy, thought not it a bad way. It's actually quieter than typing on the laptop itself.

Also, I owned the white one, but returned it in favor of this model. The white one definitely had more click, and while I actually prefer that to the quietness of this model, the bonus of bluetooth makes this a better buy IMO. Highly recommended.
Awesome. Would love some pictures of yours if you are inclined to share.
 

Kvik

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
889
Downunder.
New keycaps.

Das Keyboard 4 MX Blue + Massdrop x Matt3o /dev/tty MT3 Custom

39232253785_2bedfddc4d_o.png
40131359271_47f8ef3de6_o.png
39232246385_79f95b7322_o.png
40131346701_e2dcf14409_o.png


This set feels great. I love the overall texture of the PBT keys, and the feel on the deep dish of the homing keys. The dye-sub legend looks great and thick, and key presses makes "thock" sound instead of "click" of the default Das keys. Looks like I'll be using this set for a long time, and maybe get another set for my wireless board eventually, although I'm still a bit reluctant since this drop was already extremely late (ETA was back in Oct. 2017, I just received my kit today 07/02)
 

Spikematic

Member
Oct 28, 2017
2,357
I'm seriously resisting the urge to buy a Corsair K95 Platinum. It's so massive and gorgeous. But $200 for a keyboard. Ugh...
 

Ramathevoice

Member
Oct 26, 2017
2,930
Paris, France
Hey everyone! I only just realized this thread exists, and I'm really glad to have found it as I've been looking to buy a new keyboard for a few months.

Maybe you fine people can give me some advice? I've had a Logitech G710+ (MX Brown) for about 4-5 years now - first mechanical keyboard I've owned. Didn't do too much research beforehand, went with something that I could afford and that was readily available in retail stores because I do a lot of typing and my previous flat keyboard was causing me pain. I like it quite a bit (no frame of reference, remember), but I've since realized that there are much better options out there and would like to upgrade. My requirements are:

Essential:
  1. AZERTY layout (French dude here), so many smaller brands are out or I would probably have bought a Das Keyboard already ^^
  2. Full keyboard layout, size isn't an issue.
  3. Brown or Blue switches (I play games but also type a lot).
  4. Dedicated macro keys (I use them to open apps).
  5. Dedicated volume control buttons/a scroll wheel.
  6. A USB port for my wireless mouse's receiver.
  7. Price under 150€.
Nice to have:
  1. A nice wrist rest would be a plus, but I could always buy one separately.
  2. Backlighting would also be nice, but only if it's white (or can be set to white), as I'm kind of over the whole "gamer" aesthetic. The more sober the look the better, basically.
  3. Not too noisy as I live with my partner and don't want the clacking to get on her nerves ^^
So far my prime candidate is the Corsair K55 not mechanical you idiot Corsair K70 (although I'm not a fan of the aesthetic), but I might have missed other good options. Anyone have any good suggestions for me to look into?

TIA!
 
Last edited:

Sleepyhead86

Member
Oct 27, 2017
494
Some sweet keyboards in here

Razer had a sale this week with the Blackwidow Tournament edition for 60 bucks, decided to pick it and paint the top cover white.

Not a bad result. More room than my last fullsize keyboard too.

5siUnRlh.jpg
 

Ramathevoice

Member
Oct 26, 2017
2,930
Paris, France
Just saw a review of the HyperX Alloy Elite and it looks great, but it's not available in AZERTY layout with blue or brown switches, only red (for now?).

Dammit, there's always something that disqualifies all the good-looking keyboards :(
 

Koren

Member
Oct 25, 2017
619
Buy two and switch the caps ;)

More seriously, if it's just the caps, you can probably get an AZERTY set alongside the keyboard.

Or actually do the above suggestion, put the QWERTY caps on the red keyboard, and resell it... Ideal case would be finding someone interested in a QWERTY red beforehand.
 

Astronut325

Member
Oct 27, 2017
5,948
Los Angeles, CA
What do you guys think about this one, catched my eye yesterday:

http://www.coolermaster.com/peripheral/keyboards/masterkeys-pro-s/
I have the one with the 10 key. When it works, it's fantastic. But the quality isn't there. Keyboard will randomly stop working. And if you move your keyboard even a tiny bit, you're screwed because the USB connector on the keyboard is flimsy beyond recognition. If you don't position it exactly right, it's not going to power on.

I will not be buying another Cooler Master keyboard.
 
OP
OP
emotion engine
Oct 27, 2017
187
Is this keyboard any good? Anyone tried it here?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Obi...ht-Gaming-Keyboard-Gamer-For/32830752536.html

Looking for something cheap that I can carry around.

I've not tried one myself, but from what I've read the bluetooth is inconsistent. There were some early reports about batteries being damaged in transit, but I believe the case design was modified to prevent this. In general it seems to be a good keyboard, as it's recommended frequently on the mechanicalkeyboards subreddit.
 

Prax

Member
Oct 25, 2017
3,756

ara

Member
Oct 26, 2017
13,025
I have the one with the 10 key. When it works, it's fantastic. But the quality isn't there. Keyboard will randomly stop working. And if you move your keyboard even a tiny bit, you're screwed because the USB connector on the keyboard is flimsy beyond recognition. If you don't position it exactly right, it's not going to power on.

I will not be buying another Cooler Master keyboard.

While I haven't had any of the problems you've faced even though I move my keyboard around the desk a lot, I can agree that the USB cable and ports they went with are just stupid. I don't understand the reasoning behind them.

The keyboard randomly stopping working sounds more like yours is (at least slightly) faulty, though. Personally I'd definitely recommend it.
 

Splatbang

Member
Oct 26, 2017
488
Austria
I was actually looking at the daskeyboard 5Q because I like the idea with the customizable notifactions. Reading the comments on kickstarter though it doesn't really sound that gread and the switches seem to be sub-par. I've had two daskeyboards so far, both with blue switches and I don't want anything that feels different.

Can anyone recommend something similar to the 5Q? I've been using both daskeyboards with the blank key caps but my girlfriend has problems with it, so I'd like something backlit.
 

sirap

Member
Oct 25, 2017
8,211
South East Asia
I'm surprised at how long my HHKB 2 has lasted. Bought it in 2013 and I've typed at least 12 million words on that thing, no issues at all. I was hoping it would die, at least that would give me an excuse to buy the Bluetooth variant (I really shouldn't, I already have a brand new type-S and two realforces....)

Meanwhile, my Purple Zealios board already has a few dead switches :/ I regret not buying more, they're impossible to find and the only way to get them is through group buys from Zeal. SMH I can't wait that long.