Guild Wars 2

I am going to buy a new keyboard, I am tired of the ones I am using (keys are lazy, and fumble ALOT…they are also 5 years old!)

SO I was thinking about jumping back into a mechanical keyboard with Cherry Switches (I had one in the 90’s, other then the Clacking sound, it was perfect for gaming!…But AT form factor died along time ago)

Anyway, I am Split between Cherry MX Blue and Brown Keys (I dont want Red due to their over sensitivity. I want to be able to ‘write a paper’ with out having to relearn to type all over again!)

So I am looking for suggestions on the Switch Types more then the actual keyboard. I am going to get a Corsair Vengeance Keyboard when I do get one (To Match my Corsair Vengeance M95 Mouse), however.

So any gamers out there, that also do ‘office work’ that have a solid recommendation between the different switches? Suggestions are welcome :-)

I got a CM Storm Quickfire XT with browns for Christmas, and it’s great. I went for browns because they’re quieter then blues, which is pretty handy since it’s loud enough just with me bottoming out the keys (which I can’t really see myself stopping).

As for general ‘office’ type of stuff, I gained ~12-14 WPM from the new keyboard (going from 71-73 to a solid 85), while it also feels a little nicer to use. I could happily go back to the old keyboard (one of the original old Dell Quietkeys), but it’s just so much easier to type fast with this one.

To figure out what’s best for you, though, it would probably be ideal to go try them all at a Microcenter or the like, if possible, to see what you enjoy the most, since at the end of the day it’s all down to preference. But, if it’s purely between browns and blues, I’d say browns just because blues would get annoying really quickly imo, even with a headset on.

I have the Corsair K70 with MX Browns. I do like them a lot but the feedback “bump” is pretty minimal. It does feel weird at first but you get used to it. I would prefer the bump to be more prominent such as the blue but I didn’t want the clicky sound. If you don’t mind the loud clicking and you want a substantial “I’m pressing a button” feeling get the blues. The browns are still a bit loud because they bottom out easy for me, but that can be remedied with O rings which I actually plan on getting for mine at some point.

I would suggest if there is a bestbuy near you they should have the Logitech G710 and the Razer one out on display. The razer has blues, the logitech has browns but it has O rings on it from the factory but you can at least get the feel for them.

I figure for the first couple weeks Ill be bottoming out, and since I use voice activation on TS3, its going to be interesting. But, it shouldn’t be that big of an issue after a while.

But I am split between Browns (for the Bump Feel) vs the Blues (no Bump) as AFAIK that is the main difference. They seem to use the same pressure to articulate the key press, just that with browns you can predict when you’d bottom out, where with the blues you need to pay more attention.

Looks like the CM TK’s are going for about 80-99 Bucks, while the Corsairs are 129~.

Difference is the Onboard Storage for the Corsair for their ‘programmable Modes’ like they do with the gaming mice (really nice feature BTW!!). I kind of want the ability to save keyboard modes (FPS, MMO, work, Macro) that would change the Lit Keys on the keyboards (and brightness levels). Other then Corsair I don’t see any other manufacturer doing that.

And I’m having a hard time finding a MX Brown keyboard with a blue BackLight. Seems CM, Corsair, and logitech match the MX Color Code to their Back Light, which is why I am leaning more towards the MX Blues right now.

sirsquishy.8531:

I figure for the first couple weeks Ill be bottoming out, and since I use voice activation on TS3, its going to be interesting. But, it shouldn’t be that big of an issue after a while.

But I am split between Browns (for the Bump Feel) vs the Blues (no Bump) as AFAIK that is the main difference. They seem to use the same pressure to articulate the key press, just that with browns you can predict when you’d bottom out, where with the blues you need to pay more attention.

Looks like the CM TK’s are going for about 80-99 Bucks, while the Corsairs are 129~.

Difference is the Onboard Storage for the Corsair for their ‘programmable Modes’ like they do with the gaming mice (really nice feature BTW!!). I kind of want the ability to save keyboard modes (FPS, MMO, work, Macro) that would change the Lit Keys on the keyboards (and brightness levels). Other then Corsair I don’t see any other manufacturer doing that.

And I’m having a hard time finding a MX Brown keyboard with a blue BackLight. Seems CM, Corsair, and logitech match the MX Color Code to their Back Light, which is why I am leaning more towards the MX Blues right now.

Blues actually have a substantial feedback feel (more than the browns), but also have a loud “click”. You might be thinking of the reds which are just linear all the way through until they bottom out. They feel mushy and nonexistent.

Also, FYI I can confirm that the Corsair K70 with Brown switches has a Blue backlight, however it DOESN’T have any macro software or onboard macro recording.

Just remember that if you’re paying for backlights, you’re really dropping money on something that’s essentially useless. They’re cool and all (if you’re into that sort of thing), but they don’t really add function.

Also, I’ve heard some bad things about Corsair’s backlights not lasting particularly long, something about how they actually build the KBs, although that’s going to be fixed this year (if it hasn’t been already?). Might be expensive tho.

Fermi.2409:

Just remember that if you’re paying for backlights, you’re really dropping money on something that’s essentially useless. They’re cool and all (if you’re into that sort of thing), but they don’t really add function.

Also, I’ve heard some bad things about Corsair’s backlights not lasting particularly long, something about how they actually build the KBs, although that’s going to be fixed this year (if it hasn’t been already?). Might be expensive tho.

I normally play/work in a dark area at home Its easier to have a blue glow then a glaring White/Yellow Lamp on at 4AM. So that’s what I am also considering when I purchase this.

The Macros, different configuration saves, and LED key by key brightness control is why I was mainly considering the Corsair over the CM or other brands. Which is why i started this convo off on the MX Switch types rather then manufacturer.

BUT, I just pulled the Plug on a Corsair K70 with Cherry MX Blues, on newegg.

I went to bestbuy over lunch with some work buddies, nothing like being the CTO and dragging your Helpdesk with you to pick out a @#$%$ keyboard cause you so indecisive, to test the feedback on the MX blue vs the Browns. The Blues are louder then browns, but Seems to be that way largely when you bottom out the key, I Read you can put O Rings in there to help with that clunk sound when you do bottom out. Which I will Look into if I cant stop myself from smacking the keys.

I have used Corsairs Keyboards and Mice for a long time. Their builds are solid, with quality of life in mind (that M90 Mouse is the best mouse I have ever owned). So while the LED’s on the KB’s might have issues, I have no doubt that an RMA wouldn’t be hard to get.

Hopefully the keyboard gets here before Friday, so that I may annoying my wife with ‘Clicky Clank’ sounds over the weekend, house has Wood Floors so when I drop a screw driver you can hear it across the entire house, What fun this will be :-)

the Poseidon 2 has blue back lights on black, and 24 good newegg reviews.

no usb 3.0 though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162027

I normally play/work in a dark area at home Its easier to have a blue glow then a glaring White/Yellow Lamp on at 4AM. So that’s what I am also considering when I purchase this.

So you need to look at the keyboard then? Investing some time into learning to touch type (purely in the server of not looking at the keyboard while you’re typing, not necessarily that homerow bullcrap) would be wise.

Fermi.2409:

I normally play/work in a dark area at home Its easier to have a blue glow then a glaring White/Yellow Lamp on at 4AM. So that’s what I am also considering when I purchase this.

So you need to look at the keyboard then? Investing some time into learning to touch type (purely in the server of not looking at the keyboard while you’re typing, not necessarily that homerow bullcrap) would be wise.

I use the ambient light for other things. I dont look at the keys when I type. just cause im on the PC doesnt mean I dont need to look at papers or other physical objects.

But each to their own.

Wow, that hatred of reds, the most sought after Cherry keys available, especially for gamers.

Sucks I was late, was going to recommend you take a look over at Tiger Imports for the Ducky Shine 3 boards. They come at a premium price, but sit at the top of the hill for quality alongside Filco, Maxx, Cherry, Topre, etc. as well as offer any lighting or switch combo you could want.

If you bottom out on a mechanical keyboard, it’s because you don’t know how to properly type, but if you really feel the need to mash down each key press, simply purchase a set of o-rings that dampen the keys over the switches.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-accessories/cherry-mx-rubber-o-ring-switch-dampeners-125pcs.html#ad-image-0

sobe.4157:

Wow, that hatred of reds, the most sought after Cherry keys available, especially for gamers.

Sucks I was late, was going to recommend you take a look over at Tiger Imports for the Ducky Shine 3 boards. They come at a premium price, but sit at the top of the hill for quality alongside Filco, Maxx, Cherry, Topre, etc. as well as offer any lighting or switch combo you could want.

If you bottom out on a mechanical keyboard, it’s because you don’t know how to properly type, but if you really feel the need to mash down each key press, simply purchase a set of o-rings that dampen the keys over the switches.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-accessories/cherry-mx-rubber-o-ring-switch-dampeners-125pcs.html#ad-image-0

Using Rubber based Keyboards for 20+ years kinda tends to lead to bottoming out on Mechanical on the switch. Most of my keyboards are under sensitive, and require mashing (so I have a natural hard key stroke). The keyboard I use at work right now is one of those Dell Quiet Keys. Works fine. But If i press to lightly the key press never registers.

Ill give myself a week to adjust to it, again. And then we’ll see if its an issue (probably wont be, as I’m going to get the same setup at work most likely).

My Keyboard at home just sucks, and a few of the rubber stoppers became cut due to burs in the plastic at the bottom of the keys. Cheap keyboards do that.

But, I have not had a proper keyboard since early 90’s. Last great keyboard I had was my old AT IBM ‘Typewriter’. Noisy as anything could be, but was perfect until I just couldn’t use it anymore. Everything else has been sub-par since.

And when it comes to mice/keyboards I’m usually cheap, just got tired of always wearing them out.

I have high hopes for the one I bought, I shall give it feedback after a few weeks of using it.

sirsquishy.8531:

sobe.4157:

Wow, that hatred of reds, the most sought after Cherry keys available, especially for gamers.

Sucks I was late, was going to recommend you take a look over at Tiger Imports for the Ducky Shine 3 boards. They come at a premium price, but sit at the top of the hill for quality alongside Filco, Maxx, Cherry, Topre, etc. as well as offer any lighting or switch combo you could want.

If you bottom out on a mechanical keyboard, it’s because you don’t know how to properly type, but if you really feel the need to mash down each key press, simply purchase a set of o-rings that dampen the keys over the switches.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-accessories/cherry-mx-rubber-o-ring-switch-dampeners-125pcs.html#ad-image-0

Using Rubber based Keyboards for 20+ years kinda tends to lead to bottoming out on Mechanical on the switch. Most of my keyboards are under sensitive, and require mashing (so I have a natural hard key stroke). The keyboard I use at work right now is one of those Dell Quiet Keys. Works fine. But If i press to lightly the key press never registers.

Ill give myself a week to adjust to it, again. And then we’ll see if its an issue (probably wont be, as I’m going to get the same setup at work most likely).

My Keyboard at home just sucks, and a few of the rubber stoppers became cut due to burs in the plastic at the bottom of the keys. Cheap keyboards do that.

But, I have not had a proper keyboard since early 90’s. Last great keyboard I had was my old AT IBM ‘Typewriter’. Noisy as anything could be, but was perfect until I just couldn’t use it anymore. Everything else has been sub-par since.

And when it comes to mice/keyboards I’m usually cheap, just got tired of always wearing them out.

I have high hopes for the one I bought, I shall give it feedback after a few weeks of using it.

Switching over to Mechanical, you will be mashing keys, it’s habit. It’s not something to hurt the board, but obviously it can be bothersome to some people. I’ve been using mechanical only for I want to say 5years now, and I still mash some keys on accident lol. But making the mechanical switch is nice though.

As far as not needing to see keys though as per an above post, if you are an elitist of typists, you would probably be on a Das Keyboard Ultimate or using blank keys anyway.

I personally don’t work on my gaming PC anyways so I don’t really care (and I know full well) that I don’t know how to type lol. Mashing doesn’t happen on purpose, but when I hit a skill I want it to work. I tried all that “let me see how light I can press this and still have it register” BS and it just doesn’t cut it for me in game. I press keys with conviction! :-P

sobe.4157:

If you bottom out on a mechanical keyboard, it’s because you don’t know how to properly type, but if you really feel the need to mash down each key press, simply purchase a set of o-rings that dampen the keys over the switches.

I feel like I’d be less prone to go for the bottom-out typing style if I had had a different keyboard before this one :| that Dell Quietkey was actually really nice in how hard it was to push the keys, that is they were pretty ‘stiff’, even being so old.

It doesn’t really harm the keyboard, though, correct, unless you’re really slamming them down?

I have high hopes for the one I bought, I shall give it feedback after a few weeks of using it.

Best of luck- at the very least it’ll be a hefty upgrade over some crappy rubberdome.

sobe.4157:

As far as not needing to see keys though as per an above post, if you are an elitist of typists, you would probably be on a Das Keyboard Ultimate or using blank keys anyway.

I actually looked at the Model S Ultimate and wanted it fairly badly. It’s rather expensive, though, but kitten it’s just so plain (in a good way).

This is what I’m rocking with. Huzzahh!

You’d really need to be pounding the keyboard to screw it up. As far as your Dell keyboard, rubber domes stiffen over time, sadly :/ So if you just bought yourself a brand new one, it would feel completely different to one you’ve had for say a year or longer.

I had a Das, and is was quite a board with the Cherry Blues, but that clicky got annoying fast, and the front of the board was such a dust magnet with the gloss. I do see that Das Keyboard lets you choose Cherry Blue, Red, or Browns now though….. I didn’t have that choice when I picked up my Das Professional S.

I will say I do like how they even showcase the sounds that Blues, Reds, and Browns make in general so you can get a feel of how loud they are. Just scroll down on the link below,
http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional/