I've always found the noise to be part of the appeal, where typing not only feels great but sounds cool too. I see the appeal here though, it would certainly make office use less obnoxious.
Ehh, some of the noise is part of the solid mechanical feel, some isn't. AFAIK it's actually better for you not to bottom out keys when typing (less stress) and this has always been touted as an advantage of mech boards (since keys actuate halfway thru travel unlike rubber domes which require bottoming out by nature).
Indeed, I've actually gotten used to not bottoming out while typing, even with reds which have no actuation point feedback... BUT during gaming it's pretty much impossible to avoid bottoming out constantly since everything's more frantic and you often need to hold down keys. That's where these switches would be sweet IMO, less bottom out noise without any real drawback.
They need to crank out some Kxx Silent variants, might actually get me to upgrade my original K90.
Basically what they've pulled off is the equivalent of 0.5mm orings under the keycaps. They've made the key actuation quieter by reducing the travel, which likely means they've put an insulator inside the switch.
"AFAIK it's actually better for you not to bottom out keys when typing (less stress) and this has always been touted as an advantage of mech boards (since keys actuate halfway thru travel unlike rubber domes which require bottoming out by nature)."
And this is a total BS reason for mech boards, its pure marketing. I dare say there isn't a single person on the earth that feels that tiny bump and then can stop his fingers from bottoming the switch when actually typing of playing a game. Its just not humanly possible.
"I dare say there isn't a single person on the earth that feels that tiny bump and then can stop his fingers from bottoming the switch when actually typing of playing a game."
True, but I think it helps in other ways. For one, the tactile feedback is a little like training wheels... it helps when learning how far the keys need to be pressed to actuate. Also, when typing quickly, have you ever noticed that your brain tends to know that you've made a typing mistake even before you realize by seeing it on the screen? I think the tactile feedback helps that as well... for example, if you typed something but didn't press a key quite far enough, you'll notice almost immediately since it didn't feel right. I don't know if it's muscle memory or what...
I prefer MX Brown, myself. I feel like Brown is the best balance for gaming/typing/noise. No need for o-rings or anything else, IMO. If they came out with an "MX Brown Silent" I'm not sure I'd be interested.
I actually put O rings on half my keyboard (got tired) and I can't tell the difference so I never finished doing the other keys. Sure I can tell if I go REAAAAAALLL slow and do one key at a time but when actually typing there is no difference in feel with or without O rings for me.
Imagine you're working with 50ppl team with mecha keyboards. That's insanely annoying. I know this is not realistic enough, but even rubber key keyboards make me feel sick sometime :-).
BTW. I'm currently working in the team of hard, fast typers. It's kinda annoying so I have to put my headphones on sometimes.
As someone that has experienced the great joy of putting rubber o-rings beneath each key, this is quite interesting. Although, the STRAFE RGB Silent is just too awkward of a keyboard to even consider. I know that it's not a gaming keyboard given it's not under the Corsair Gaming brand, but why does a full-fledged desktop keyboard need a function key? Why not just give us actual media keys? Does Corsair think that desktop users miss the fun of function keys when they go from their laptop to their desktop?
It's been a pretty common mod for mech boards for a while, tedious as it is to implement. I'm curious how these Cherry switches will feel, I liked O rings the one time I tried them at a friend's, but didn't care at all for the dampened switches Logitech has used on several of their mech boards.
Fn is probably for the media key modifiers on the F keys, not exactly an uncommon site on mechanical keyboard without discrete media keys... I rather loathe using a Fn combo myself but there must be people that don't given how often I see this.
Yeah, I saw the media key symbols on the function keys, which I'm used to seeing on my laptops. I own a Corsair K95, and I actually use the media keys from time to time (mostly for pause/play). I'd probably never use them if they weren't dedicated. Also, probably the worst aspect is that the inclusion of the Fn key means they removed the right Windows key. That may not seem like a big deal, but I use it quite often for one specific shortcut: Windows + L. That shortcut is used for locking your computer, which is especially useful in a work environment. Albeit, your work probably won't splurge for a Corsair mechanical keyboard.
I preferred Razer's old implementation of media keys on their Lycosa keyboard. Where the numlock/capslock/scroll lock lights were, they put a touchpanel. Play, stop, fwd, backward, volume up, volume down, and lights on/off.
I don't like media keys on my keyboard, so it was a nice change. It didn't steal any real estate of the keyboard, nor did it require the keyboard to be made larger to accommodate extra media keys.
As someone that has experienced the great joy of putting rubber o-rings beneath each key, this is quite interesting. Although, the STRAFE RGB Silent is just too awkward of a keyboard to even consider. I know that it's not a gaming keyboard given it's not under the Corsair Gaming brand, but why does a full-fledged desktop keyboard need a function key? Why not just give us actual media keys? Does Corsair think that desktop users miss the fun of function keys when they go from their laptop to their desktop?
I don't think that many games use the function keys anymore either. The last one I played that did was Ragnarok Online and that came out in 1999, I think they even patched it to support other keys years ago as well.
World of WarCraft does for their default binding. I had to remove those binds so I could use FRAPS without it opening one of my bags, which in turn opened the entire bag add-on.
Also, just to be clear, When I said "function keys" I mean the Fn key that's on the Corsair keyboard and most laptops. I completely forgot about F1-F12 being the function keys, so I didn't realize it would be so confusing. Oops!
Relative peace and quiet is one of the things I didn't want to have to sacrifice going back to a mechanical keyboard from my squishy rubber board. For the premium price, and with my lack of a must-have use case for mechanical, taking a significant step back in that area isn't something that appealed to me.
As someone who's researched but never used a mechanical keyboard, what's the difference between a Cherry MX Red Silent and a Cherry MX Brown? I thought the point of the Brown was no audible click?
Red is linear whilst brown(blue) is tactile Even the quiet version still got noise from bottoming out. This is usually a habit from those who are used to rubber dome due to excessive force.
"This is usually a habit from those who are used to rubber dome due to excessive force."
No its a habit of typing and you will do the same with mech keyboards. No one feels that little bump and stops instantly, they stop when they reach the bottom. The only difference is you don't have to go to the bottom to get the key to register, but you will still bottom the key.
That's a habit of rubber dome or scissors if you want to stretch it. Done
What craziness are you spouting? You stated it yourself that you don't need to bottom the key for it to register so you don't need to bottom that. If you do bottom that, what's the reason? God? Obama? No, it's your habit from before mechanical. Done.
I've trained not to bottom up with red and I'm shifting to gateron clear so what's your excuse, cherry boy?
There's two or three different kinds of noise a mechanical key stroke makes and the click isn't the only one, or even necessarily the loudest (tho probably the sharpest or higher pitched)...
Without dampening keys will also make more of a clank noise when or if you bottom out (tho some train themselves not to since it's healthier, unavoidable while gaming tho).
Keys snapping back up will also make some more subdued noise, and sometimes there's rattles or slight reverbs...
I really did wish that they would make these for MX Blues, which are the ones that really need it. It feels funny to take the quietest switches to give this treatment to.
The MX Blues already have an extra component for the purpose of creating a click sound. It's the brown and clear versions that are designed to offer similar tactile response to the blue but without gratuitous noise, so I expect an MX Silent Brown to be the next switch.
It's not gonna do anything to the inherent click noise tho, so you could argue it's a bit more of a waste on blues, specially since you can more easily train yourself not to bottom out with the very sharp feedback of blues. If you game with blues that's another story, gonna be a clickity racket with or without the second clank tho.
Disclaimer: I understand keyboard preferences are very much a matter of personal taste.
With that out of the way, my first mechanical keyboard was an IBM PS/2 backed by metal that you could use for data entry and as a deadly weapon. It lasted forever, but it was so loud that I switched to membrane keyboards. While I can see the point of making the switches quieter, the truth is that I think most mechanical keyboards on the market today are priced far higher than their actual value. If you want something quiet, why not just save the cash and buy a bottom feeder USB membrane keyboard from your nearest office supply store? At least then your hubby (or wife) won't wake up at around midnight and complain about the keyboard noise of you trying to double tap to sideways jump in Unreal Tournament.
All I can say is don't cheap out on your mouse. I have been using a Dell optical mouse since my Logitech Wheel Mouse finally gave up the ghost and that Dell POS is not only unpleasant to use it is causing pain in my wrist.
When my model M's die or my ps2 to usb interfaces die and stop getting made, maybe I'll give another try to these cherry based keyboards. a number of years ago, I got a Das Keyboard II, which is OK, but I prefer the buckling springs pretty strongly.
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MooseMuffin - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
I've always found the noise to be part of the appeal, where typing not only feels great but sounds cool too. I see the appeal here though, it would certainly make office use less obnoxious.Impulses - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
Ehh, some of the noise is part of the solid mechanical feel, some isn't. AFAIK it's actually better for you not to bottom out keys when typing (less stress) and this has always been touted as an advantage of mech boards (since keys actuate halfway thru travel unlike rubber domes which require bottoming out by nature).Indeed, I've actually gotten used to not bottoming out while typing, even with reds which have no actuation point feedback... BUT during gaming it's pretty much impossible to avoid bottoming out constantly since everything's more frantic and you often need to hold down keys. That's where these switches would be sweet IMO, less bottom out noise without any real drawback.
They need to crank out some Kxx Silent variants, might actually get me to upgrade my original K90.
Samus - Friday, August 7, 2015 - link
Basically what they've pulled off is the equivalent of 0.5mm orings under the keycaps. They've made the key actuation quieter by reducing the travel, which likely means they've put an insulator inside the switch.piiman - Saturday, August 8, 2015 - link
"AFAIK it's actually better for you not to bottom out keys when typing (less stress) and this has always been touted as an advantage of mech boards (since keys actuate halfway thru travel unlike rubber domes which require bottoming out by nature)."And this is a total BS reason for mech boards, its pure marketing. I dare say there isn't a single person on the earth that feels that tiny bump and then can stop his fingers from bottoming the switch when actually typing of playing a game. Its just not humanly possible.
doggghouse - Friday, August 14, 2015 - link
"I dare say there isn't a single person on the earth that feels that tiny bump and then can stop his fingers from bottoming the switch when actually typing of playing a game."True, but I think it helps in other ways. For one, the tactile feedback is a little like training wheels... it helps when learning how far the keys need to be pressed to actuate. Also, when typing quickly, have you ever noticed that your brain tends to know that you've made a typing mistake even before you realize by seeing it on the screen? I think the tactile feedback helps that as well... for example, if you typed something but didn't press a key quite far enough, you'll notice almost immediately since it didn't feel right. I don't know if it's muscle memory or what...
Alexvrb - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
I prefer MX Brown, myself. I feel like Brown is the best balance for gaming/typing/noise. No need for o-rings or anything else, IMO. If they came out with an "MX Brown Silent" I'm not sure I'd be interested.piiman - Saturday, August 8, 2015 - link
I actually put O rings on half my keyboard (got tired) and I can't tell the difference so I never finished doing the other keys. Sure I can tell if I go REAAAAAALLL slow and do one key at a time but when actually typing there is no difference in feel with or without O rings for me.mr_tawan - Friday, August 7, 2015 - link
Imagine you're working with 50ppl team with mecha keyboards. That's insanely annoying. I know this is not realistic enough, but even rubber key keyboards make me feel sick sometime :-).BTW. I'm currently working in the team of hard, fast typers. It's kinda annoying so I have to put my headphones on sometimes.
zinfamous - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
This is great news for those of us that find it difficult to Raid while pretending to listen to the SO on the phone.Aikouka - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
As someone that has experienced the great joy of putting rubber o-rings beneath each key, this is quite interesting. Although, the STRAFE RGB Silent is just too awkward of a keyboard to even consider. I know that it's not a gaming keyboard given it's not under the Corsair Gaming brand, but why does a full-fledged desktop keyboard need a function key? Why not just give us actual media keys? Does Corsair think that desktop users miss the fun of function keys when they go from their laptop to their desktop?JeffFlanagan - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
I award you 100 Geek Points for modding your keyboard for comfort. That's brilliant.Impulses - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
It's been a pretty common mod for mech boards for a while, tedious as it is to implement. I'm curious how these Cherry switches will feel, I liked O rings the one time I tried them at a friend's, but didn't care at all for the dampened switches Logitech has used on several of their mech boards.Impulses - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
Fn is probably for the media key modifiers on the F keys, not exactly an uncommon site on mechanical keyboard without discrete media keys... I rather loathe using a Fn combo myself but there must be people that don't given how often I see this.Aikouka - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
Yeah, I saw the media key symbols on the function keys, which I'm used to seeing on my laptops. I own a Corsair K95, and I actually use the media keys from time to time (mostly for pause/play). I'd probably never use them if they weren't dedicated. Also, probably the worst aspect is that the inclusion of the Fn key means they removed the right Windows key. That may not seem like a big deal, but I use it quite often for one specific shortcut: Windows + L. That shortcut is used for locking your computer, which is especially useful in a work environment. Albeit, your work probably won't splurge for a Corsair mechanical keyboard.khanikun - Friday, August 7, 2015 - link
I preferred Razer's old implementation of media keys on their Lycosa keyboard. Where the numlock/capslock/scroll lock lights were, they put a touchpanel. Play, stop, fwd, backward, volume up, volume down, and lights on/off.I don't like media keys on my keyboard, so it was a nice change. It didn't steal any real estate of the keyboard, nor did it require the keyboard to be made larger to accommodate extra media keys.
Aikouka - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
As someone that has experienced the great joy of putting rubber o-rings beneath each key, this is quite interesting. Although, the STRAFE RGB Silent is just too awkward of a keyboard to even consider. I know that it's not a gaming keyboard given it's not under the Corsair Gaming brand, but why does a full-fledged desktop keyboard need a function key? Why not just give us actual media keys? Does Corsair think that desktop users miss the fun of function keys when they go from their laptop to their desktop?Flunk - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
I don't think that many games use the function keys anymore either. The last one I played that did was Ragnarok Online and that came out in 1999, I think they even patched it to support other keys years ago as well.Aikouka - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
World of WarCraft does for their default binding. I had to remove those binds so I could use FRAPS without it opening one of my bags, which in turn opened the entire bag add-on.Also, just to be clear, When I said "function keys" I mean the Fn key that's on the Corsair keyboard and most laptops. I completely forgot about F1-F12 being the function keys, so I didn't realize it would be so confusing. Oops!
desolation0 - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
Relative peace and quiet is one of the things I didn't want to have to sacrifice going back to a mechanical keyboard from my squishy rubber board. For the premium price, and with my lack of a must-have use case for mechanical, taking a significant step back in that area isn't something that appealed to me.Ken_g6 - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
As someone who's researched but never used a mechanical keyboard, what's the difference between a Cherry MX Red Silent and a Cherry MX Brown? I thought the point of the Brown was no audible click?WorldWithoutMadness - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
Red is linear whilst brown(blue) is tactileEven the quiet version still got noise from bottoming out. This is usually a habit from those who are used to rubber dome due to excessive force.
piiman - Saturday, August 8, 2015 - link
"This is usually a habit from those who are used to rubber dome due to excessive force."No its a habit of typing and you will do the same with mech keyboards. No one feels that little bump and stops instantly, they stop when they reach the bottom. The only difference is you don't have to go to the bottom to get the key to register, but you will still bottom the key.
WorldWithoutMadness - Monday, August 10, 2015 - link
That's a habit of rubber dome or scissors if you want to stretch it. DoneWhat craziness are you spouting? You stated it yourself that you don't need to bottom the key for it to register so you don't need to bottom that. If you do bottom that, what's the reason? God? Obama? No, it's your habit from before mechanical. Done.
I've trained not to bottom up with red and I'm shifting to gateron clear so what's your excuse, cherry boy?
Impulses - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
There's two or three different kinds of noise a mechanical key stroke makes and the click isn't the only one, or even necessarily the loudest (tho probably the sharpest or higher pitched)...Without dampening keys will also make more of a clank noise when or if you bottom out (tho some train themselves not to since it's healthier, unavoidable while gaming tho).
Keys snapping back up will also make some more subdued noise, and sometimes there's rattles or slight reverbs...
SodaAnt - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
I really did wish that they would make these for MX Blues, which are the ones that really need it. It feels funny to take the quietest switches to give this treatment to.Billy Tallis - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
The MX Blues already have an extra component for the purpose of creating a click sound. It's the brown and clear versions that are designed to offer similar tactile response to the blue but without gratuitous noise, so I expect an MX Silent Brown to be the next switch.Impulses - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
It's not gonna do anything to the inherent click noise tho, so you could argue it's a bit more of a waste on blues, specially since you can more easily train yourself not to bottom out with the very sharp feedback of blues. If you game with blues that's another story, gonna be a clickity racket with or without the second clank tho.Blahman - Thursday, August 6, 2015 - link
Will I buy able to buy just the switches and install them myself into my Corsair Gaming K70?BrokenCrayons - Friday, August 7, 2015 - link
Disclaimer: I understand keyboard preferences are very much a matter of personal taste.With that out of the way, my first mechanical keyboard was an IBM PS/2 backed by metal that you could use for data entry and as a deadly weapon. It lasted forever, but it was so loud that I switched to membrane keyboards. While I can see the point of making the switches quieter, the truth is that I think most mechanical keyboards on the market today are priced far higher than their actual value. If you want something quiet, why not just save the cash and buy a bottom feeder USB membrane keyboard from your nearest office supply store? At least then your hubby (or wife) won't wake up at around midnight and complain about the keyboard noise of you trying to double tap to sideways jump in Unreal Tournament.
Oxford Guy - Saturday, August 8, 2015 - link
All I can say is don't cheap out on your mouse. I have been using a Dell optical mouse since my Logitech Wheel Mouse finally gave up the ghost and that Dell POS is not only unpleasant to use it is causing pain in my wrist.Morawka - Friday, August 7, 2015 - link
so they copied razer's proprietary design.. coolBurnItDwn - Friday, August 7, 2015 - link
When my model M's die or my ps2 to usb interfaces die and stop getting made, maybe I'll give another try to these cherry based keyboards. a number of years ago, I got a Das Keyboard II, which is OK, but I prefer the buckling springs pretty strongly.