I'm thinking about getting a new keyboard. I never used a mechanical one before and was wondering what keyboard the SG community uses.
I'm going to test some keyboards tomorrow.

all giveaways ended
q w e r t z

Because I don't know much about mechanical keyboards, I just picked some of the most popular switches all the switches I saw on the cherry mx website

6 years ago*

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Which keyboard do you use / prefer / recommend?

View Results
Mechanical keyboard - cherry mx red
Mechanical keyboard - cherry mx black
Mechanical keyboard - cherry mx brown
Mechanical keyboard - cherry mx blue
Mechanical keyboard - cherry mx silent red
Mechanical keyboard - cherry mx silent black
Mechanical keyboard - cherry mx speed silver
Mechanical keyboard - other switches
Membrane keyboard
I use 105 potatoes connected to some MaKey MaKeys
Doesn't matter, a cheap one!
I don't know

Cheap one !
THANKS

6 years ago
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I've been using a Logitech G510 for about 5 years. It stopped working last week (some problem with the cable). I tried to fix it, but eventually broke it, so I ordered another one which arrived a few hours ago. While waiting, I was using some wireless logitech kb found under my bed. During this week I realized just how much I've gotten used to the fuckin scroll volume button. Man i love this thing....
For a moment there I was thinking to get a mechanical, but my wife said she'll kill me so...maybe in another 5 years. :)

6 years ago
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Bump :D

6 years ago
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bump

6 years ago
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My main keyboard feature, that I feel I couldn't go without, is media keys. I use the media keys on a regular basis, and yet it's shocking how many mechanical keyboards don't have any media keys. As for the switch design itself, that largely depends on your preferences.

Many gamers prefer MX Red - it's linear with light actuation force.

If you hammer on your keys, and want to make sure you don't hit a key by mistake, the MX Black may be a better option, as it's linear but requires more actuation force.

If you do a fair bit of typing too, and want to know exactly when the key actuates, Browns may be the ticket. They feature a bump that lets you know when the key press registers.

The Silent keys don't sound as high pitched and clacky, but still make noise. They muffle the sound, rather than actually silence it. But people find them to feel mushy compared to the standard keys, and feel is a large part of why people get mechanical keyboards.

I think the Cherry MX switches feel better than the competing Logitech or Razer switches.

6 years ago
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Awesome, thanks for the short summary :) I'll try some switches later today

6 years ago
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I am happy with average logitech keyboard, has some basic key lights, few extra buttons but otherwise the layout and functions are pretty standard

6 years ago
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Depends on your budget and what you want your mech keyboard to have... e.g. full keyboard w/numpad; media keys; backlighting; macro recording; USB 3.0 support; etc. Personally, I just love the Gateron blue switches over the Cherry MX ones I used to use at work. I honestly don't see a difference, and what I didn't pay for in switches went toward a custom set of keycaps. (If the noise of blue switches is bothersome to you, you can stick some O-rings on them to dampen the sound.) Also, if you have access to a 3D printer or have an enclosure from another keyboard, you can build your own mechanical one.

6 years ago*
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Oh cool thanks. I love my macro keys and the LED backlight. But I'm not sure if I can get them for about a 100€. I'm on the lookout :)

6 years ago
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Here are some listed on Amazon in the UK so you can get an idea of what is out there for your budget.

Good luck!

6 years ago*
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Bump

6 years ago
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bump

6 years ago
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Mechanicals feel better but surely not 10 times better (maybe 2-2,5 times better), so until they cost normal money no way im buying one.

6 years ago
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Bump.

6 years ago
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I love mechanical keyboards, but I can't recommend any recent product, since last time I had one it was 15 or 20 years ago :P

6 years ago
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I used kaihl red and i hated them, now i use outemu blues and theyre awesome!

6 years ago
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Mechanical keyboard all the way. You just have to find the right switches for you. Linear, non-linear, clicky, non-clicky etc.

Personally I'm gaming on a Cherry G80-3000LPM with linear MX Black that I bought 20 years ago. Yes, twenty years! It hasn't malfunctioned once and the writing on the caps hasn't faded or scratched off one bit. The built quality is incredible.

Just go out and try a few different switches or order some online if you can't find any locally. I like MX Black the best, but many swear on the lighter MX Red or Brown. I see you're from Germany. Most MediaMarkt and Saturn stores, while not great on mecha selection, will carry Logitech or Razer keyboards to at least get a feel of mechanical switches.

You could also do some research on the German site Mecha-Blog which has some nice keyboard reviews.

6 years ago
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Oh wow, that's impressive! Thank you for your tips :)

6 years ago
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BUMP!

6 years ago
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Let me just say: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/
If budget is tight, but you don't want to risk with keyboards from less known brands I suggest checking out CoolerMaster. Great quality and reasonable prices. And as bonus - no software needed on PC.

6 years ago
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cherry fanboy here, no idea about the current switches, but if stuck 6-10h a day to a keyboard make sure it is good!
I love that you can hit them or go very smooth (no innuendo).
my oldest cherry keyboard is 20 years old and still k(l)icking (rarely used because attached to old computer)

6 years ago
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Website for all your mechanical keyboard needs: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/
As you said you love your rgb and macro keys, the K95 RGB might be something close to an ideal option.
The original (which was discontinued a while back) has 18 macro keys, and comes in both rgb or plain white backlight. You can probably find a used one on ebay for sub-$150 new ones go for like $400+ :<
The Platinum version that's sold right now only has 6 macros. Here's a good deal ($150ish) on this version (with MX Brown) right now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Corsair-K95-RGB-PLATINUM-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-black/372110006930?epid=233833494&hash=item56a37c1a92:g:ulIAAOSw6VRZ7GsB
Otherwise, I'd probably recommend the K55 Raptor, which is pretty much the same as the 95 Plat (same layout, weaker rgb, 6 macros!) but doesn't use cherry keys.
CORSAIR's pretty much the go-to for gaming keyboards, and I've heard that you can pretty much do anything with those macros, though it's supposedly pretty difficult to set them.
There's also Ducky keyboards, which are simpler feature-wise, but far more stylishly/elegantly designed. Ducky users tend to hail them as perfectly made products, and often highly recommend them over CORSAIR ones.
Because I'm broke, I had to settle for this beaut. I've been able to fair well enough in FPSs, platformers, and even a moba/arena brawler, but I'd still like to upgrade in the probably not so forseeable future ¯/..(ツ)../¯

6 years ago*
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Thanks for the huge response :) I heard good things about Corsair and the K95 is a really nice looking keyboard. I have to stall my plans a bit though, I didn't get the chance to test out the different switches.

6 years ago
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Best Buy has some keyboards out on display that you can test out in the peripherals aisle
The one I went to had the K95 with MX Reds, and a Razer keyboard with MX Blues

6 years ago
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Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum with Romer G switches.

6 years ago
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Bump!

6 years ago
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Closed 3 years ago by Flo4President.