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Keyboard Suggestion Thread

117K views 2K replies 624 participants last post by  LOKI23NY 
#1 ·
Welcome to OCN's Keyboard Suggestion thread!

Firstly, we suggest looking at the OCN Recommended Mechanical Keyboards thread, there you can see some of the most popular and recommended boards, suggested by members of OCN.

This thread is mainly for advice on keyboards, so please keep general keyboard talk to the Mechanical Keyboard Club.

I will only be giving suggestions to people who adequately fill out the questions below, these questions are designed to streamline the process of you getting help, so it isn't dragged out over several posts. If you don't know enough about mechanical keyboards to provide an answer for the questions, visit the Mechanical Keyboard Guide so you understand what tactility, KRO etc means.

It's worth noting you will only receive suggestions in this thread, we can't objectively say which board is better for you, in the end it's your money being spent, so it's job to pick which board to spend your money on.

Code:

Code:
[LIST]
 [*] [B]Location:[/B]
 [*] [B]If [U]not[/U] in the US or UK, links to stores in your country:[/B]
 [*] [B]Any keyboards you currently have in mind:[/B]
 [*] [B]Price:[/B]
 [*] [B]Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ):[/B]
 [*] [B]Size (60%, TKL, full size etc):[/B]
 [*] [B]Use (games/ programming/ typing etc):[/B]
 [*] [B]USB/ PS2:[/B]
 [*] [B]KRO:[/B]
 [*] [B]Macro keys (yes/ no):[/B]
 [*] [B]Media keys (yes/ no):[/B]
 [*] [B]Layout (US/ ANSI, etc):[/B]
 [*] [B]Switch type (if not known complete the questions below):[/B]
 [*] [B]*Noise level (high/low):[/B]
 [*] [B]*Tactility (yes/ no):[/B]
 [*] [B]*Stiffness (high/ low):[/B]
[/LIST]
 
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#2 ·
Price:70-140
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ):would be a plus but no
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc):full size
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc):Gaming
USB/ PS2:USB
KRO:high
Macro keys (yes/ no):not needed but would be a plus
Media keys (yes/ no):yes ok if you need a fn button for it
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc):US
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below):Cherry red

My roommate got the steel series with mx black and i like it is a little tough to push the buttons down so he recommended the reds
i've been using the g15 for about 6 years now and its still in good condition but im looking for an upgrade to mechanical keys thx in advance
 
#3 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by kira20203 View Post

Price:70-140
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ):would be a plus but no
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc):full size
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc):Gaming
USB/ PS2:USB
KRO:high
Macro keys (yes/ no):not needed but would be a plus
Media keys (yes/ no):yes ok if you need a fn button for it
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc):US
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below):Cherry red

My roommate got the steel series with mx black and i like it is a little tough to push the buttons down so he recommended the reds
i've been using the g15 for about 6 years now and its still in good condition but im looking for an upgrade to mechanical keys thx in advance
Cooler Master Storm Trigger:

http://www.cmstore-usa.com/trigger-mechanical-gaming-keyboard/
 
#4 ·
I currently have a Razer BlackWidow but am looking for something a little bit quieter, although I like the tactility of the BlackWidow so I think cherry browns are what I am looking for.
Any keyboards you currently have in mind: ducky shine 9008
Price: <150
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ): yes
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): full size
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): games/programming
USB/ PS2: either
KRO: high
Macro keys (yes/ no): not necessary
Media keys (yes/ no): not necessary
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): i think cherry brown/black
*Noise level (high/low): low
*Tactility (yes/ no):
*Stiffness (high/ low):
 
#6 ·
Any keyboards you currently have in mind: Rosewill RK-9000BRI (but i'm not sure about it as i've heard it has problems with the mUSB plug)
Price:<110 (could go a little over if it's worth it)
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ): could do with or without
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): don't care, as long as it has the numpad area
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): games (fifa mainly) and programming
USB/ PS2: would preffer ps/2
KRO: highest possible
Macro keys (yes/ no): don't care
Media keys (yes/ no):don't care
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc):us
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): red or brown
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by samstaee View Post

I currently have a Razer BlackWidow but am looking for something a little bit quieter, although I like the tactility of the BlackWidow so I think cherry browns are what I am looking for.
Any keyboards you currently have in mind: ducky shine 9008
Price: <150
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ): yes
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): full size
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): games/programming
USB/ PS2: either
KRO: high
Macro keys (yes/ no): not necessary
Media keys (yes/ no): not necessary
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): i think cherry brown/black
*Noise level (high/low): low
*Tactility (yes/ no):
*Stiffness (high/ low):
You could try the RK-9000BL. It's currently $60 on Newegg, and the MX-Black switchs may suit your needs well. MX-Blacks may be a bit tiring, but that just depends on the person.

You could also buy the MX Brown version for $90 at the same time. Spend your whole budget, and sell the board you don't like.

Besides the switches & casing color; there is no difference between the boards and they're both solid options.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kira20203 View Post

ok thanks tator i decided on that keyboard you were a big help
No problem, it's an excellent board. Solid build quality & value to it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pandalin View Post

Any keyboards you currently have in mind: Rosewill RK-9000BRI (but i'm not sure about it as i've heard it has problems with the mUSB plug)
Price:<110 (could go a little over if it's worth it)
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ): could do with or without
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): don't care, as long as it has the numpad area
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): games (fifa mainly) and programming
USB/ PS2: would preffer ps/2
KRO: highest possible
Macro keys (yes/ no): don't care
Media keys (yes/ no):don't care
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc):us
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): red or brown
The plug issue on those boards is a bit overblown as long as you're not tossing your keyboard all over the place. The plug doesn't fall out if the board is just sitting there and you're typing or gaming on it.

The other options could be the Ducky DK2108 Zero.

A solid built budget board.

If you want to add backlighting and wouldn't mind something a little odd, there's the QuickFire TK
 
#8 ·
Any keyboards you currently have in mind: None, I shopped once about 10 months ago, but I know keyboards are like headphones in that respect, that once you see them, if the run's gone, they're rare.
Price:0-130
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ):Would be great, but not required, I wanted to dye or buy custom keys.
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): Full Size
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): Gaming and Typing evenly. I want Cherry MX Browns, I think.
USB/ PS2: Doesn't matter, as long as there full duplex, no ghosting.
KRO: See above, I'm not that critical, but at least 5-7 keys.
Macro keys (yes/ no): Could be nice, but not required.
Media keys (yes/ no): These are the devil. A lack or key dummy for a windows key on one side would rock.
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): Cherry MX Browns please
*Noise level (high/low): My old keyboard was loud, I don't mind it, but my Mumble-mates do.
*Tactility (yes/ no): I dislike flat keys. A lot. For typing I need the scalloped keys, just been too used to them now.
*Stiffness (high/ low): I like the way rubber domes feel, honestly, but I would like smoother/lighter key presses.

EDIT: I haven't actually tried any mechanical keyboards except for the old spring keys before. Those were strange. I am assuming I'd like Browns.
 
#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RevenantX3 View Post

Any keyboards you currently have in mind: None, I shopped once about 10 months ago, but I know keyboards are like headphones in that respect, that once you see them, if the run's gone, they're rare.
Price:0-130
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ):Would be great, but not required, I wanted to dye or buy custom keys.
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): Full Size
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): Gaming and Typing evenly. I want Cherry MX Browns, I think.
USB/ PS2: Doesn't matter, as long as there full duplex, no ghosting.
KRO: See above, I'm not that critical, but at least 5-7 keys.
Macro keys (yes/ no): Could be nice, but not required.
Media keys (yes/ no): These are the devil. A lack or key dummy for a windows key on one side would rock.
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): Cherry MX Browns please
*Noise level (high/low): My old keyboard was loud, I don't mind it, but my Mumble-mates do.
*Tactility (yes/ no): I dislike flat keys. A lot. For typing I need the scalloped keys, just been too used to them now.
*Stiffness (high/ low): I like the way rubber domes feel, honestly, but I would like smoother/lighter key presses.

EDIT: I haven't actually tried any mechanical keyboards except for the old spring keys before. Those were strange. I am assuming I'd like Browns.
Your criteria actually leaves you open to many different keyboards.

Leopold FC500R would probably be right up your ally though. All of the features you want, and no guff. If you really wanna quiet them down, I'd get some of the firm soft landing pads from Elitekeyboards with it.
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tator Tot View Post

You could try the RK-9000BL. It's currently $60 on Newegg, and the MX-Black switchs may suit your needs well. MX-Blacks may be a bit tiring, but that just depends on the person.
You could also buy the MX Brown version for $90 at the same time. Spend your whole budget, and sell the board you don't like.

Besides the switches & casing color; there is no difference between the boards and they're both solid options.
Thanks, I will have to see how much this board costs in New Zealand. But from what I can see it looks like it will fit my needs.

Edit: This keyboard doesn't look like it is backlit, maybe I could try the RK-9100BR?
 
#11 ·
Any keyboards you currently have in mind: Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire
Price:0-80
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ):No, but included would be nice
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc):Doesn't matter
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc):99% of its use will be typing of some sort, 1% of its use would be gaming
USB/ PS2: Don't care too much
KRO: Not too important ?
Macro keys (yes/ no): No
Media keys (yes/ no): No
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): I'm assuming blue will be best for typing
*Noise level (high/low): High can be tolerable
*Tactility (yes/ no):
*Stiffness (high/ low):low

Thanks ahead of time!
biggrin.gif
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by bk7794 View Post

Any keyboards you currently have in mind: Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire
Price:0-80
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ):No, but included would be nice
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc):Doesn't matter
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc):99% of its use will be typing of some sort, 1% of its use would be gaming
USB/ PS2: Don't care too much
KRO: Not too important ?
Macro keys (yes/ no): No
Media keys (yes/ no): No
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): I'm assuming blue will be best for typing
*Noise level (high/low): High can be tolerable
*Tactility (yes/ no):
*Stiffness (high/ low):low

Thanks ahead of time!
biggrin.gif
A Quickfire TK sounds perfect for your needs, although if you will be typing around others predominantly, Blues might not be the best choice.
 
#13 ·
Any keyboards you currently have in mind:

Logitech 710 (Not a huge fan of the color scheme), Corsair k60/k90 or k65/95 (seems as if the first series is plagued with issues), Tte Sports, and CM Trigger.

Price: Not really an issue $150-250; more concerned with quality and meeting my requirements without compromise.

Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ): Yes.

Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): Full size or no number key

Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): Gaming and internet surfing/emails.

USB/ PS2: You tell me ?

KRO: No idea what this is.

Macro keys (yes/ no): Yes

Media keys (yes/ no): Yes (very important)

Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US

Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): I believe Browns.

*Noise level (high/low): Low

*Tactility (yes/ no): Yes

*Stiffness (high/ low): Low
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by sn0w View Post

How does the FC500r compare to the das/filco/ducky keyboards?
Just as good and competitively priced. ~$100 for a board.
 
#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RevenantX3 View Post

Interesting! Where would I find one of these keyboards if I were to find one? I haven't the slightest, since the site is down now for stock on those models.
Either one of the import sites (if you're not in the US) or EliteKeyboards if you are in the US.
 
#18 ·
•Any keyboards you currently have in mind: Corsair Vengeance K60 @ $65 after MIR
•Price: $20-80
•Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no): Not needed. nice to have.
•Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): full size (not sure what to put for this)
•Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): games and typing
•USB/ PS2: USB
•KRO: ???
•Macro keys (yes/ no): no
•Media keys (yes/ no): yes
•Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
•Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): ? mechanical
•*Noise level (high/low): low
•*Tactility (yes/ no): yes
•*Stiffness (high/ low): low
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by james8 View Post

•Any keyboards you currently have in mind: Corsair Vengeance K60 @ $65 after MIR
•Price: $20-80
•Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no): Not needed. nice to have.
•Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): full size (not sure what to put for this)
•Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): games and typing
•USB/ PS2: USB
•KRO: ???
•Macro keys (yes/ no): no
•Media keys (yes/ no): yes
•Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
•Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): ? mechanical
•*Noise level (high/low): low
•*Tactility (yes/ no): yes
•*Stiffness (high/ low): low
You'll wanna look for an MX-Brown keyboard if you want tactile switches.

If you don't need the num-pad, the QuickFire Rapid is $80.
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by james8 View Post

•Any keyboards you currently have in mind: Corsair Vengeance K60 @ $65 after MIR
•Price: $20-80
•Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no): Not needed. nice to have.
•Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): full size (not sure what to put for this)
•Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): games and typing
•USB/ PS2: USB
•KRO: ???
•Macro keys (yes/ no): no
•Media keys (yes/ no): yes
•Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
•Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): ? mechanical
•*Noise level (high/low): low
•*Tactility (yes/ no): yes
•*Stiffness (high/ low): low
I'd suggest this given that the K60 uses linear MX Red switches and you asked for tactile. The board I linked uses light, tactile MX Brown switches, more in line with what you've answered the questions with.
smile.gif
 
#21 ·
How many actually own the k60 or 90? The Corsair forums seem in abundance of complaints for issues with both models. As much as I wanted to like it I could not ignore this factor for the time being. I was hoping this next gen will relieve the problems riddled throughout both models.
 
#22 ·
* Any keyboards you currently have in mind: CM Storm QuickFire TK (not sure about its build quality)
* Price: up to ~100€
* Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ): Preferably yes, no request on color
* Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): full size or abit more compact, no TKL.
* Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): Intensive gaming & typing.
* USB/ PS2: USB
* KRO: I'm guessing 6KRO (I've used a BlackWidow and a CM Storm QuickFire Rapid before and didn't have problems with either in terms of Key Rollover)
* Macro keys (yes/ no): No
* Media keys (yes/ no): No
* Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
* Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): Blue

Basically my BlackWidow doesn't enjoy the same beverages as me (
biggrin.gif
) and decided to stop working; I'm looking for a possible new one with the characteristics i tried to specify above. Might be worth to mention that i do like the boards to be kinda "bulky" due to the way i position my hands while gaming/typing so super small stuff is probably a no go.
Thanks in advance for whatever help you guys can give me.
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsmwookie View Post

How many actually own the k60 or 90? The Corsair forums seem in abundance of complaints for issues with both models. As much as I wanted to like it I could not ignore this factor for the time being. I was hoping this next gen will relieve the problems riddled throughout both models.
I've owned both. Gave the K90 to a broski, it's still working fine for him. I added on some EK Soft landing pads to make the thing almost dead silent.

My biggest complaint about the board is the lack of mechanical switches all over it. Other than that, the board hasn't had any issues.

Corsair's software was a bit buggy at the start, but according to him, it's been working just fine for the past few months.

I still have a K60. I felt like this board would have made a better tenkeyless model, but it's still pretty decent. The lack of mechanical switches all around is still a bummer for this one.

I do have an issue, where my volume scroll wheel sometimes doesn't adjust at the same rate when moving it, but I feel as though, that's a software/firmware issue more than a mechanism one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaBearZ View Post

* Any keyboards you currently have in mind: CM Storm QuickFire TK (not sure about its build quality)
* Price: up to ~100€
* Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ): Preferably yes, no request on color
* Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): full size or abit more compact, no TKL.
* Use (games/ programming/ typing etc): Intensive gaming & typing.
* USB/ PS2: USB
* KRO: I'm guessing 6KRO (I've used a BlackWidow and a CM Storm QuickFire Rapid before and didn't have problems with either in terms of Key Rollover)
* Macro keys (yes/ no): No
* Media keys (yes/ no): No
* Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): US
* Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): Blue

Basically my BlackWidow doesn't enjoy the same beverages as me (
biggrin.gif
) and decided to stop working; I'm looking for a possible new one with the characteristics i tried to specify above. Might be worth to mention that i do like the boards to be kinda "bulky" due to the way i position my hands while gaming/typing so super small stuff is probably a no go.
Thanks in advance for whatever help you guys can give me.
QuickFire TK would be a solid option.
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsmwookie View Post

How many actually own the k60 or 90? The Corsair forums seem in abundance of complaints for issues with both models. As much as I wanted to like it I could not ignore this factor for the time being. I was hoping this next gen will relieve the problems riddled throughout both models.
As for how many people actually own either of those, a quick look in the membership spreadsheet says 41.
tongue.gif
 
#25 ·
Any keyboards you currently have in mind: Ducky Shine II TKL
Price:less than 150
Backlighting (yes (colour?)/ no ): yes (white, blue)
Size (60%, TKL, full size etc): Preferably tkl or otherwise small, but full size will do fine
Use (games/ programming/ typing etc):mainly typing, little gaming
USB/ PS2: Don't care
KRO: high
Macro keys (yes/ no): No
Media keys (yes/ no): Yes
Layout (US/ ANSI, etc): Nordic, although usually you can find Nordic version of US layout, so any suggestion will do
Switch type (if not known complete the questions below): Brown
 
#26 ·
Hi Guys! I was wondering if you could help me buy an 87 keycap set for my mech keyboard (Cherry MX switches)? It's got led light so I wasn't sure if the keycaps from wasdkeyboards would work or not, meaning would the led shine through the letters and such?

I know it's a little off topic but is this something we can to the OP as well?
 
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