Computers Mechanical Keyboards

patteeu · 11-11-2013, 10:21 AM

Anyone use them? I'm thinking about getting one, primarily for gaming but also because I understand that they're pleasant to type on.

I've been reading about the various Cherry switches and I think I'm probably looking for Brown (tactile response, no enhanced audible response). I'm afraid that the Blues would be too noisy for the people around me (wife/kids) and I think I'd rather have the tactile bump than the smooth alternatives (Black and Red). I haven't actually felt any of these.

Any recommendations or warnings? This is the keyboard I'm currently considering, but it's pretty pricey so I'm a little hesitant to jump in without much knowledge:

Max Keyboard Nighthawk x8

**Dave Lane** · 11-11-2013, 10:47 AM

Patty theres a million comments from users on the keyboard on that site. I'd check those?

**Dave Lane** · 11-11-2013, 10:48 AM

"OH... MY... GOD!!! Do I like it??? I'm speechless... seriously, I'm thinking "what did I do to deserve something so amazing?!?!" I would challenge any company to make a mechanical keyboard that is even half as nice as this. Not Ducky, Das Keyboard, Filco, nor Topre come close to this level of beauty, quality, customization, and above all customer support. Thank you for all your time, work, and patience. If you don't mind I'm going to post that picture to the custom PC review forum, so that the others can take a look at this beauty

Plus I have a LAN party next Friday and you better believe this will be a focal point of conversation between rounds of Counter Strike. Can't wait to show it off... Also I was going to do an unboxing/customer review over at custom PC Review and GeekHack, that is, when I find the tripod for my digital camera. Thank You Again Max Keyboard!"

patteeu · 11-11-2013, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

Patty theres a million comments from users on the keyboard on that site. I'd check those?

Yes, I'm aware of that. I'm also aware of the fact that I can google a nearly unlimited number of reviews of various types. I was wondering if anyone here has anything to say about the broader topic of mechanical keyboards. Like maybe someone who thinks Browns suck and I should be looking at Reds, for example. Or maybe someone has a particular keyboard that they really like that they'd recommend.

ModSocks · 11-11-2013, 11:14 AM

for $145, it needs more buttons. It's formatted like a cheap $9 keyboard, man. I plan on doing a gaming build soon and plan on getting a mechanical keyboard, but imma try to find something a little fancier than that.

Trench · 11-11-2013, 11:30 AM

I've used a couple different mechanical keyboards and liked all of them. Right now I'm using a Nopoo mini with Cherry MX Blue switches. Also have used a Razer Black Widow, also with blue switches. They're nice, but I still like my IBM Model M more.

From what I've found, the different Cherry switches are aimed at different applications. The tactile switches are more for typing and general use. The non-tactile switches are aimed more at gamers. I've only used the blues, so I can't really comment on the others.

There are a whole bunch of mechanical keyboard manufacturers, and I suspect it'll be hard to go terribly wrong with any of them. If you really like all the bells and whistles on the Max keyboard, you might also check out Razer and CoolerMaster.

Fat Elvis · 11-11-2013, 11:34 AM

I thought this was a mechanical keyboard. What the heck is a mechanical keyboard and how are they different than your run of the mill keyboard?

patteeu · 11-11-2013, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

I thought this was a mechanical keyboard. What the heck is a mechanical keyboard and how are they different than your run of the mill keyboard?

.

I think the biggest difference is that mechanical keyboards have a keyswitch in every key (that registers a connection before full depression) and a spring to return the key to it's unpressed position whereas the more common membrane type keyboards have a rubber dome that depresses and then returns to it's original shape to unpress the key. Mechanical keyboards can have a tactile response (bump in the stroke) and/or an audible response (click) when the connection is made, whereas the membrane type require you to bottom out the key to make the connection. The keys on a mechanical usually pop up faster and don't wear out as fast. On the downside, they're usually louder.

Mr. Laz · 11-11-2013, 12:47 PM

i don't see how anyone can use a non-ergonomic keyboard.

jd1020 · 11-11-2013, 01:26 PM

Personally I think spending $90+ on a mechanical keyboard is insane.

I recently bought a gaming keyboard because I was looking for a backlit keyboard because at night it gets hard to see the keys and I bumped into the Logitech G105 keyboard (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G105-.../dp/B00BBUCCKO) that was discontinued a long time ago. It's quieter then the stock shit I got with my old Dell and it's got some extra gaming buttons, that I'll probably never use but it was the cheapest backlit keyboard I could find by a wide margin.

I've never really ran into a problem with a dome keyboard shitting out on me. I usually just replace them when the letters start rubbing off. But I'm not a hardcore gamer, so...

Crush · 11-11-2013, 03:51 PM

http://www.pckeyboard.com/

I have been very happy with my Unicomp Spacesaver M. Excellent customer service and the keyboards are made in Kentucky.

drunkie · 11-12-2013, 01:55 AM

stay away from razer. there keyboard was great till they forced us to use there synapse software. the software is crap and buggy.
i plan to try roccat for my next mouse and keyboard they seem to get alot of great reviews

**Baby Lee** · 11-12-2013, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

i don't see how anyone can use a non-ergonomic keyboard.

I'd say I don't see how anyone puts up with wires, but I acknowledge that gamers probably need the precision/responsiveness of a hardwired solution.

But as a non-gamer, I know I can't go back.

I have the MS 3000 Keyboard and 5000 Mouse. Used to have a Rocketfish Bluetooth combo, but the MS set has just as good a range and a ton more features.

**loochy** · 11-12-2013, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

i don't see how anyone can use a non-ergonomic keyboard.

i don't see how anyone can use an ergonomic keyboard.

**notorious** · 11-12-2013, 12:59 PM

So, a normal keyboard is a mechanical keyboard?

I have a fortune stored away if that's the case.

I always preferred a ball mouse for feedback, too.

11-11-2013, 10:21 AM
patteeu The 23rd Pillar Join Date: Sep 2002 Casino cash: $10019237	Mechanical Keyboards Anyone use them? I'm thinking about getting one, primarily for gaming but also because I understand that they're pleasant to type on. I've been reading about the various Cherry switches and I think I'm probably looking for Brown (tactile response, no enhanced audible response). I'm afraid that the Blues would be too noisy for the people around me (wife/kids) and I think I'd rather have the tactile bump than the smooth alternatives (Black and Red). I haven't actually felt any of these. Any recommendations or warnings? This is the keyboard I'm currently considering, but it's pretty pricey so I'm a little hesitant to jump in without much knowledge: Max Keyboard Nighthawk x8
Posts: 110,871

11-11-2013, 10:47 AM	#2
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	Patty theres a million comments from users on the keyboard on that site. I'd check those? __________________ Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more.
Posts: 40,584

11-11-2013, 10:48 AM	#3
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	"OH... MY... GOD!!! Do I like it??? I'm speechless... seriously, I'm thinking "what did I do to deserve something so amazing?!?!" I would challenge any company to make a mechanical keyboard that is even half as nice as this. Not Ducky, Das Keyboard, Filco, nor Topre come close to this level of beauty, quality, customization, and above all customer support. Thank you for all your time, work, and patience. If you don't mind I'm going to post that picture to the custom PC review forum, so that the others can take a look at this beauty Plus I have a LAN party next Friday and you better believe this will be a focal point of conversation between rounds of Counter Strike. Can't wait to show it off... Also I was going to do an unboxing/customer review over at custom PC Review and GeekHack, that is, when I find the tripod for my digital camera. Thank You Again Max Keyboard!" __________________ Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more.
Posts: 40,584

11-11-2013, 11:14 AM	#5
ModSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $4324563	for $145, it needs more buttons. It's formatted like a cheap $9 keyboard, man. I plan on doing a gaming build soon and plan on getting a mechanical keyboard, but imma try to find something a little fancier than that.
Posts: 64,191

11-11-2013, 11:30 AM	#6
Trench Starter Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Columbia, MO Casino cash: $3174750	I've used a couple different mechanical keyboards and liked all of them. Right now I'm using a Nopoo mini with Cherry MX Blue switches. Also have used a Razer Black Widow, also with blue switches. They're nice, but I still like my IBM Model M more. From what I've found, the different Cherry switches are aimed at different applications. The tactile switches are more for typing and general use. The non-tactile switches are aimed more at gamers. I've only used the blues, so I can't really comment on the others. There are a whole bunch of mechanical keyboard manufacturers, and I suspect it'll be hard to go terribly wrong with any of them. If you really like all the bells and whistles on the Max keyboard, you might also check out Razer and CoolerMaster.
Posts: 79

11-11-2013, 11:34 AM	#7
Fat Elvis Sexiest Athlete Join Date: Apr 2001 Casino cash: $1551925	I thought this was a mechanical keyboard. What the heck is a mechanical keyboard and how are they different than your run of the mill keyboard?
Posts: 12,388

11-11-2013, 12:47 PM	#9
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	i don't see how anyone can use a non-ergonomic keyboard. __________________
Posts: 95,626

11-11-2013, 01:26 PM	#10
jd1020 In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2010 Casino cash: $7752645	Personally I think spending $90+ on a mechanical keyboard is insane. I recently bought a gaming keyboard because I was looking for a backlit keyboard because at night it gets hard to see the keys and I bumped into the Logitech G105 keyboard (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G105-.../dp/B00BBUCCKO) that was discontinued a long time ago. It's quieter then the stock shit I got with my old Dell and it's got some extra gaming buttons, that I'll probably never use but it was the cheapest backlit keyboard I could find by a wide margin. I've never really ran into a problem with a dome keyboard shitting out on me. I usually just replace them when the letters start rubbing off. But I'm not a hardcore gamer, so... Last edited by jd1020; 11-11-2013 at 01:31 PM..
Posts: 24,319

11-11-2013, 03:51 PM	#11
Crush Amateur Poster Join Date: Mar 2004 Casino cash: $5307091	http://www.pckeyboard.com/ I have been very happy with my Unicomp Spacesaver M. Excellent customer service and the keyboards are made in Kentucky.
Posts: 15,297

11-12-2013, 01:55 AM	#12
drunkie HHC Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $10004902	stay away from razer. there keyboard was great till they forced us to use there synapse software. the software is crap and buggy. i plan to try roccat for my next mouse and keyboard they seem to get alot of great reviews
Posts: 245

11-12-2013, 12:59 PM	#15
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $2975884	So, a normal keyboard is a mechanical keyboard? I have a fortune stored away if that's the case. I always preferred a ball mouse for feedback, too.
Posts: 83,248