Mechanical keyboard suggestions

Doctor_Socks

Looking to get myself a new keyboard, i've heard great things about mechanical keyboards but i'm not to sure if that's just hype or are they legitimately great to type on.

I looked at a logitech G110 based on some reviews but i'm wondering is there anything cheaper and more basic? I'll be using it mainly for writing my thesis over the next few months but i'm also an avid gamer (BF3, CS:S, CS:GO, League of Legends) so I want something suitable for games aswell. My budget is about €60 but i'm willing to stretch if people can convince me

Gumbi

Doctor_Socks wrote: »

Looking to get myself a new keyboard, i've heard great things about mechanical keyboards but i'm not to sure if that's just hype or are they legitimately great to type on.

I looked at a logitech G110 based on some reviews but i'm wondering is there anything cheaper and more basic? I'll be using it mainly for writing my thesis over the next few months but i'm also an avid gamer (BF3, CS:S, CS:GO, League of Legends) so I want something suitable for games aswell. My budget is about €60 but i'm willing to stretch if people can convince me

For a mechanical keyboard this is basically your only choice at 60 euro:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00C67C79C/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1371467183&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

Serephucus

In brief, there are four switch types:

Red - Very light, no tactile feedback, completely smooth motion until you bottom out.
Black - Same as Red, just a bit heavier (more force needed to depress)
Brown - Tactile bump on the way down, very slightly louder than Red/Black.
Blue - Tactile "notch" (less mushy than Brown) on the way down, as well as a clicking noise. Louder than others.

I've used all these switches, and my favourites are Blue, followed by Brown. I don't like the linear switches (Red/Black) at all, but I know people that love them.

As Gumbi said though, That CM Storm is your only option at that price point. That said, it's not a cheaply made keyboard by any means. It's actually one of the best out there, it's just for some weird reason it's fantastic value at the moment.

Gumbi

How clicky are Browns? I don't mind if they're a bit, the feedback would be satisfying :P I'm dead set on that keyboard and am going to order it ASAP.

Serephucus

They're not clicky sounding, if that's what you mean. If you mean how they feel, it's more of a "clunk" when you press a key, vs. a click. Imagine going over a speedbump in a car vs. coming off a curb. One's a lot sharper feeling than the other. That's sort of the difference between how Blues and Browns feel.

indough

i want something almost with the action of a typewriter, just not to the same degree. should i go with blues in that case?

Serephucus

Don't typewriters have no feedback, until you hit the metal yoke off a page? To me that sounds more like Blacks. Maybe try explain what you mean, I'm not sure I follow.

indough

well there is quite a bit of resistance and force needed

Serephucus

Yes, but my point is that the force doesn't change. It's just like pushing down on a spring or a weight; it's smooth. Blues have a pronounced change in force, like when you click the top on a pen or something.

indough

yeah that's what i'm asking, which one has resistance but smooth action at the same time. i just find conflicting information any time i look into it online

Serephucus

Blacks. Blacks are what you want in that case. They're the heaviest of Cherry's linear switches.

indough

ah nice one thanks for the information. the blacks are a bit rarer though it seems and i cant really find one by a decent brand. i think qpad do them but i hate the way they have their branding all over the thing. are filco a good make? i have read some good reviews but they seem quite expensive compared to others

Evd-Burner

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-003-OZ&groupid=702&catid=23&subcat=2107

That's the ne I use, a bit pricey but it is absolutely amazing...

Serephucus

Another one:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=KB-005-CM

indough

ah thats a great price as well, cheers. i really wanted to reduce the keyboards footprint too so tenkeyless and no wrist rest is better for me

BloodBath

TBH the CM one is by far the best value atm. I really don't think you will notice much difference between the browns and blacks. Browns are one of the most popular at the moment as they suit pretty much all games and tasks.

A guide to mechanical keyboards/switches.

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

Serephucus

BloodBath wrote: »

I really don't think you will notice much difference between the browns and blacks.

They're completely different. If you get the opportunity to try Blacks, you'll know what I mean, but just trust me on this. You'll notice. It's just as big as going from membrane to Brown. (or any other mech. switch)

BloodBath

Well the browns have tactile feedback half way through the key press which the blacks don't. I understand that.

I'd prefer to have that tactile feedback though.

Serephucus

Me too, I'm just making the point that they do in fact feel really different, etc.