It does seem like a lot eh? I really would make the switch to a mechanical keyboard, except for two reasons. 1. Almost all of my typing is done on my laptop because my cats are too annoying to work at home around and 2. I really really love the split keyboard layout of my MS Natural Keyboard. Still, I yearn for that mechanical feel that I had back in high school when I was learning how to type. Man, I wish I could just fine one of THOSE units and then reinforce my desk to support it!
Unicomp makes buckling spring keyboards, which may be what you're referring to. Very loud but a joy to type on, and not all that expensive. http://www.pckeyboard.com/
Also note that Monoprice makes a mechanical board with Cherry MX blues or reds for the low, low price of $49.99. As you go up, they add backlights or multicolor, and they top out at $69.99.
I still love Unicomp, and my IBM model Ms. Thouhg I got one of the Monoprice ones for my SO.
Not all that expensive? Their shipping prices are insane, almost as much as the keyboard itself. As a result, the cost to buy an Ultra Classic from them is $237 CAD shipped/delivered. My current keyboard cost $15 CAD.
Monoprice stuff gets expensive when shipping to us poor Canadians if it's anything larger than a few cables. You have to ship via USPS->Canada Post or the price gets away from you.
As for buying $15 keyboards, I think I went through about six of them in the time my $100 (at the time) Das Keyboard has lasted. I later bought a $60 mechanical keyboard (Corsair Quickfire Rapid) and I have no reason to believe it won't outlast a $15 keyboard by five or ten times, so they're actually cheaper in the long run. Plus then you're not typing on crummy rubber dome switches.
My Das Keyboard (Pro S "Silent") is about four years old and is still as good as new - except for the RHS row of my numpad which is a bit sticky since I spilled some bourbon and coke on it (that was about four years ago :().
Meh. I spilled a mint julep on my unicomp during a heated discussion during the Derby. I just unplugged it, and ran it under the sink in warm water for a few minutes, and let it dry out completely before plugging it in. That was 4 years ago. No sticking. That's the beauty of this multiple pound metal beast. It could probably survive a trip through the dishwasher, too.
As far as expensive keyboards go, this one has several things going for it such as a magnetically removable wrist rest (those plastic clip-on models are such a pain to remove) and the look is a lot less crazed than other backlit keyboards that end up looking a little like a rainbow threw up on a vampire goth wannabe.
The problem really is price and practicality though. Keyboards can be purchased for around 1/20th of the price and honestly, I just can't see these making typing an e-mail or holding down the W key to walk forward a 20x better experience. We're talking about a keyboard that costs $200, which is the price of an entire laptop, but minus the computing guts, battery, screen, and useful software needed to process data. Plus, carrying an extra keyboard around when the computer already has one attached seems a little bit unnecessary (and I don't think this has bluetooth so you can use it with a tablet). Maybe just a number pad would be good in the event the computer doesn't have those or forces you to use a function key to access numpad capabilities would be a better idea, but it'd need to sell for around $5-ish for it to achieve any sort of volume sales.
I haven't had a 6 or less month failure rate with inexpensive laptops. In fact, a netbook I purchased in 2009 is still working nicely. I've traveled quite extensively with it and for several years, it's been my primary computer. A couple of months ago, I finally moved onto an HP Stream 11 backed up by an Asus X205TA, but my ancient netbook still has a place on my desk.
I've killed a few other budget laptops here and there. There was a Samsung n150 that stopped powering on after 2.5 years and a Dell Insprion Mini 10 that I got rid of because the power connector was intermittent after 3 years. However that's a much longer lifespan than 6 months and this keyboard is pretty useless without being connected to one of those netbooks or some other PC so I still call into question the actual value of something priced that high. $50 is a much more reasonable price for something like this and that's pushing the value proposition pretty hard.
Mine originally shipped with XP. It was and still is a slug where performance is concerned. I moved it off Windows and onto Linux a long time ago, but there are very significant limitations that I think would upset a lot of people. Video playback of Youtube content above 360p is unreasonably slow and even 360p is pushing it to the point where frames are dropped with regularity. Even with a good ad blocker and noscript, web sites sometimes take a few moments to become responsive (Amazon, Outlook, E-Bay, I'm talking about you clowns) so it'd be intolerable for most people. I'm patient though and I mostly use that netbook for writing and some lightweight gaming (DOSbox emulation of Master of Orion 2 and TES Daggerfall plus some 2D native linux games like The Unreal World and NeoScavenger) so the majority of my time is spent on tasks that don't really put a lot of pressure on it's old single core Atom CPU. Of course, none of that is really relelvant to the fact that it's still working properly after all this time despite being built from the cheapest parts money could buy at the time rather than having died after 6 months as a previous person asserted.
I've had few Logitech keyboards and the keycap/hole that the keycap goes into starts to wear meaning there is a small amount of play in the keycap. This allows the keycap to tilt which makes it bind. So after a few years Logitech rubber dome keyboards can start to feel like shit. I have not noticed the problem on my MS keyboard at work though, so might just be related to the cheap plastic Logitech uses.
My mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX browns will probably always feel like new, which was also significantly nicer than any rubber dome keyboard ever was.
That's a perfectly fair argument until you factor in the price. Suppose you purchase a rubber dome keyboard. Let's use the Microsoft Wired Keyboard 200 from Amazon priced at $10 and assume you're not a Prime member so you'll absorb another $5 in shipping, putting the total cost of each keyboard at $15. For the price of one Cherry MX Board 6.0, you can purchase 13 of these other keyboards. If each lasts two years, then you're in new keyboards for 26 years for the about the same price. Even with good manufacturing quality, the keyboard in this review is unlikely to survive that long. Yes, it's likely you'll get a lot more time out of it, but while you're plugging along with a tired, old Cherry, someone else will have a 1-2 year old rubber dome keyboard and never have to deal with such problems. Spill a drink on your Cherry keyboard? Uh oh! Spill a drink on your $10 keyboard. So what, I have 8 more of them laying in my "equal to Cherry MX Board 6.0 price" pile so I'll just grab another.
You are correct that buying a bunch of inexpensive rubber-dome keyboards is more cost-effective than buying one mechanical keyboard. But people don't buy mechanical keyboards for durability. They buy mechanical keyboards for typing / gaming keyfeel. The durability aspect is a secondary benefit.
Your argument would be equivalent to saying: * I can buy a new 2016 Toyota Camry for $30,000. It would probably last me 10 years. * I can buy a 2003 Ford Focus for $1,500. If they last for 1 year each, and I just junk the car after it develops problems in 1 year, then I would have "saved" money by having my car-money last for 20 years.
Makes economical sense, right? Sure. Except for the fact that you're stuck driving a 13-year old Ford Focus for the next 20 years, instead of a decent mid-range car like a Toyota Camry.
These are keyboards, not cars so the comparison is pretty far fetched with the only thing going for it being a similar price-to-price ratio. I frequently have to remind a certain dear little spouse of mine that not everything is reasonably compared to a vroom-vroom. :) Besides that, I'm comparing a new keyboard to another new keyboard so if you really wanted to get more accurate in ratio, you'd have to use a new base automobile, not a used one, and compare it to something that's also new and costs about the same amount more than the Microsoft El Budgeto 200. In the case of an economy car that'd sell for $15k new, then the comparable car would not be a "decent mid-range" one but something that retails for $200k. However, doing so would make the usual compare it to a car argument tilt vastly in favor of my original claim and not support whatever point you're getting at so I see why you really wanted to being the second-hand variable into this.
Anyway, to humor you a bit, the advantage of driving one transportation appliance over another isn't measurable in tangible terms. As long as you end up at your desired destination, the point of a car is accomplished. The other things a car imparts are emotionally driven. The idea that you feel better about your drive or look better in other peoples' minds when they see you and so forth are all secondary feelings. If those emotions are worth the cost of admission for a particular person, then sure, go for it. In the same sense, go buy a $200 dollar keyboard and feel better about your computing at an emotional level. To argue that it imparts a measurable advantage that is aligned to its cost increase over the cheapest keyboards available is misguided though.
@BrokenCrayons: "As long as you end up at your desired destination, the point of a car is accomplished."
For most people I've met, including myself, you're not wrong. For some people, the point of travel isn't necessarily where you are going, but how you get there. Often times this is an emotional response, but sometimes this is a calculated, well thought out process. Presentation can be extremely important, for instance, to a CEO or politician. I don't really think it's applicable to keyboards, but it is something to consider in other areas.
Another point of interest is that a car may get you from point a to point b just fine, but it can be stressful if it sounds like it is going to fail while driving, one of your cylinders are misfiring, brakes squeal every time you brake and don't work well, gas stalls initially on acceleration, horn honks when you turn on your blinker, etc. Putting potential safety issues aside (cars aren't a great comparison here) you can still make it from point a to point b for years with one or several of these problems.
@BrokenCrayons: "The other things a car imparts are emotionally driven. The idea that you feel better about your drive or look better in other peoples' minds when they see you and so forth are all secondary feelings."
I never really got into the whole emotional purchasing that seems to be a deep and prevalent first world problem, but it is quite common and you shouldn't be surprised when some manufacturers take advantage of it.
@BrokenCrayons: "In the case of an economy car that'd sell for $15k new, then the comparable car would not be a "decent mid-range" one but something that retails for $200k."
This actually is a good enough comparison to illustrate the merits of a mechanical keyboard in general (leaving out the comparison between this keyboard and other mechanical keyboards). People who buy $15K economy cars tend to be people who use it to get basic tasks done (drive to work, pick up groceries, etc.). People who buy $200K cars (lets use muscle/racing cars as an example) tend to be people who have excess money such that cost isn't an issue, are emotionally driven and want what they want regardless, or people who drive vocationally ($200K is a bit low in this case). We've discussed the first two, but the professional driver buys the expensive car because the better acceleration, handling, resistance to breakdown, etc. all affect his vocation. Similarly a semi tractor trailer driver buys his multi-hundred thousand dollar rig for its towing capacity, high torque, resistance to breakdown, etc. that a budget car driver has no need of. Professionals in the keyboard space may be typists or sponsored gamers that can appreciate the consistency, tactile response, durability, etc. that a mechanical keyboard may provide to help them get their job done more efficiently. Given the relatively low cost (even at $200) compared to other tools, many amateurs find these keyboards desirable and easily accessible. In some cases, it may even improve their experience similar to how acquiring a Ford F-250 will allow you to haul something that a Ford Ranger would not, despite the fact that they are both capable of hauling things.
All that said, I think these higher end mechanical keyboards will eventually make their way below the $100 mark given the number of mechanical keyboards already typically going for $80 and sometimes as low as $50. They would certainly be more interesting to me at this price point.
I spent many years writing code on high quality IBM keyboards, so, I prefer the feel of a good mechanical keyboard rather than the feel of the rubber dome switches.
It is as simple as that.
We have 12-15 IBM Model M keyboards here, one DAS, and 2 Razers. There are a pair of rubber dome keyboards for use at the workbench and i keep a few around in case someone needs a keyboard.
Cooler Master makes some good ones, you sometimes can find a K70 red for under $100. I got a Rosewill keyboard for 80 bucks with MX blues a few years ago and it's real solid.
>> What is the best Cherry MX Brown or Red keyboard I can get for under 100?
Coolermaster CMStorm keyboards. I'm very partial to the tenkeyless (TKL) versions, like a CMStorm Quickfire TK.
A TKL keyboard is intended for gaming. It chops off the NumPad, so that your left arm (WASD) and right arm (mouse) sit closer together in a more natural position. I'm particular to the CMStorm Quickfire TK, because it has a dual-function NumPad / NavKey area in case you need to ever use the NumPad.
without the NumPad you can't use many of the trainers out there.
Although I agree that for any other use (except data insertion of course but only office drones do that anyway) not having the numpad would really help the ergonomics.
I own a coolermaster tenkeyless ("Rapid" maybe?) with mx browns. I got it for like $60 and it's a nice simple keyboard. No fancy gaming stuff, just a solid keyboard.
I have the Cooler Master Storm QuickFire TK with brown switches. It's a really nice keyboard with backlit keys. The subtle and compact design are the main reasons I got it. You get 3 LED light settings, which is one more than I need, on/off/"pulsating". The build quality is really nice. Extremely sturdy (no flex at all) and nice, distinct feel to the keys. I probably would have preferred the red switches, for the minimal sound level but the brown switches are quiet enough. I opted for brown keys simply because that model comes with white backlight instead of red.
You don't have to buy the top-end. I bought a Cherry MX 2.0 (no LED, no rest, basically the same for everything else) at 60 Euro (European layout too). I won't go back. Of course no customisation. If you want it customised there are alternatives like WASD keyboards. You don't need to be rich to buy a good mechanical. People brag about the expensive ones and justify themselves with "but it was worth". Well, the 60 Euro one (with the same switches and same sturdy metal frame) is 1/3 and worth anyway.
I used to think that way. 200 bucks. What's that ? I know people that spend more than that in a month drinking a lot of Starbucks coffee. Them caffeine junkies !!!
Once you get adjusted to MX Red it's hard to go back to MX Brown. I have two Kinesis keyboards, the first was MX Brown, the 2nd MX Red. Compared to the MX Red, the MX Brown feels sticky and requires harder key presses, but then bottoms out abruptly. MX Red has light but consistent actuation force that allows faster typing while reducing fatigue, once you learn to not hammer the keys. I use the MX Red at work while the MX Brown stays home, while I've come to prefer the MX Red overall.
Interesting. I definitely prefer MX Brown over MX Black. And I've got 2 examples for Brown's: a basic Cherry for ~50€ at work and a.. oh dear, forgot the name. From some other company for 120€, a heavy unit with a solid back plate. The keys feel so much better on that one, precise and light compared to "a bit mushy" - it's amazing. I would have sworn they use different ones if I didn't kow better.
@MrSpadge: "... a heavy unit with a solid back plate. The keys feel so much better on that one, precise and light compared to "a bit mushy" "
This is exactly my experience. I've had the opportunity to use browns and blacks at work. Waiting till prices are better in general for home as I'd like a backlit mechanical keyboard with a solid back plate for my dark environment, but I'm unwilling to pay the current going price for it. If the keyboard has flex in the back plate, the keys feel sticky and require a lot more actuation force. A solid back plate allows you to accurately feel the crossover point and waste no more time or energy on the key press. Blacks aren't really that bad for me, but with no feedback to tell me it has actuated, I end up bottomed out or nearly so every key press. Given that reds are less resistive, I'd probably be bottoming out every time.
People are different and I suppose you can get used to anything.
But Browns and "harder key presses" doesn't make much sense, these are extremely light press keys.
That "bottoms out suddenly" is the tactile breakover effect, and is exactly what I want in a keyboard switch. It's the only reason I want a mechanical keyboard. I despise the linear black and red keys with the Linear keys you get no tactile cue about actuation, except bottoming them out.
The Kinesis also helps by playing an audible "tick" sound when the key actuates. I've kept this on with both the Brown and Red, and I recall I did have trouble detecting feedback when I turned it off.
I guess if the key is going to bottom out hard anyway, I'd rather have the Red which gives you more control over how fast you bottom out. Since the brown requires more initial force to actuate, your always going to bottom out hard. For me it agitates RSI.
@voicequal: "The Kinesis also helps by playing an audible "tick" sound when the key actuates. I've kept this on with both the Brown and Red, and I recall I did have trouble detecting feedback when I turned it off."
Good information. I didn't know the Kinesis keyboards had that feature. It's too bad the board has enough flex that you can't get a good response from the browns, but it sounds like the audible feedback is responsive enough to make the reds usable. This keyboard is not really in my price range, but perhaps the audible feedback scheme will show up elsewhere in the future.
Sorry, but I disagree vehemently.. I cannot stand Red, you may as well just use a cheap chiclet keyboard imo if you like red. That is what they feel like to me. Brown is the best compromise for mechanical, imo, if you don't want the extremely loud blues.
I have not tried Red, but I have Rosewill Blue, Rosewill Brown and CM Brown as well as CODE Clear. Blue was my first one and it types just fine for me, but after a while you get enough of that higher pitched clicking noise. Brown really hits it for me because it's just the right amount of force to my fingers and the subdued clacking sound is much more suited in professional environment instead of the Blue screaming "hey I'm typing here y'all better listen to it, hear how hard I'm working". With all the hype on the Clear CODE I picked one up on massdrop and it's by far the worst for me. It requires much higher actuation force so it's tiring my fingers much easily and it feels squishy to push down like there is a resistance all the way down and up, not snappy and sharp the way I like it. Clear is a total letdown so I'm sticking with Brown from now on.
Brown is without a doubt the best because they don't actually make it feel like a mechanical keyboard. Studies have shown that error rates are higher on mechanical keyboards compared to membrane keyboards so the less mechanical of a feel, the more accurate you are likely to be.
@Samus: "Studies have shown that error rates are higher on mechanical keyboards compared to membrane keyboards ..."
That's surprising. I guess mechanical keyboards aren't all they are cracked up to be. Still feel better to me, though. Is the error rate difference large or mostly insignificant? Does if vary highly between switch type? Are linears better than non-linears given the conclusion? Why don't you just post a link to the study. I've got more questions than appropriate for a single post given that the study doesn't line up with my personal observation. Perhaps it can give me some insight as to what I'm doing wrong with membrane keyboards and what I can do to fix it.
What a weird keyboard. I don't mind spending $200 on a good keyboard, but certainly not one with that kind of font on it and orange back lighting. Looks like a very misguided attempt at a "gamer" keyboard.
Terrible review. No in-depth examination, comparison, and explanation of the "new" Real Key technology that is incorporated into the board. How many other boards have this technology? Why, and how is it different than the others? Etc Etc. This lack of interest in the ONE thing that separates this board from others screams for your resignation and or being fired.
Nearly every sentence starts with some nonsense fluff like "With all of that said," "On the other hand," "As a matter of fact," but they don't really make sense in context. Probably sponsored content by a non-native speaker. Oh, now I see the Amazon affiliate link!
@529th: "This lack of interest in the ONE thing that separates this board from others screams for your resignation and or being fired."
Seems a little harsh. I agree that the review would have been much better with in-depth examination and comparisons, particularly of the new Real Key technology and its competition. However, as it is, this review is no worse than a hundred other keyboard reviews I've read at various sites. Certainly not resignation worthy. Perhaps he'll take your feedback and include such comparison in his next review. It would certainly help it stand out from the crowd more. Perhaps it is too much to ask, but I'd be really happy to see an update to this review to include said content.
Same here. I used to have the original Logitech G15 that had 18 macro keys. The only things I used those macro keys for were my e-mail address and password, which was the same everywhere. I've now had a Func KB-460 with Cherry MX Red switches for a couple of years. It does have macro functionality, but it's tied to the fn key so I don't use them. And I play A LOT of games. Never felt the need for keyboard macros in any game. I like the red switches, they're very light and when I type I don't usually press the keys all the way to the bottom. Very good for gaming, as well.
I was lucky enough to get one of the very early released MX 6.0 keyboards from Cherry so I've had mine for awhile now. Simply the best keyboard I've ever used period (used lots of keyboards from Razer, Corsair, Logitech, and many others). Though its main purpose for me is First Person Shooters as well as general typing. Love the hand rest and how smooth the reactions feel, even have become a fan of the reds (I was a brown only person before this keyboard).
I actually bought most of the CherryMX switches (Red, Black Brown and Blue) and compared them to my IBM Model M, Matias (Alps) and Topre Keyboard. I grew up with the Model M at home and the Apple Extended Keyboard II (Alps) at school, so I have a fondness for well-done mechanical keyboards. My ranking:
1. Topre - the perfect blend of tactile, comfort and noise for me. I use it at work.
2. Cherry Brown - not quite as good as the Topre but easier to find and thus more affordable. I use it at home in an LED-backlit variety; it represents the best balance among the Cherry switches for me.
3. Model M - if you can get past the noise there is nothing quite like it. Not my favorite anymore for everyday, but I keep one around with an old Windows 98SE/DOS machine for classic gaming (along with a Trinitron CRT).
4. Matias - I just find the build-quality somewhat lacking and these new Alps not quite as good as the old Apple Extended Keyboard. Gave it to a buddy who loves Alps.
5. Cherry Red - very fast but not the best for my style of typing; I tend to produce unintended keypresses due to the low actuation force and lack of detent. My wife loves it.
6. Cherry Blue - nice, tactile response that is very audible, and that is my biggest gripe. I am sensitive to noise and the sound of these just affects me negatively; I also prefer the feel of a buckling spring. Gave it to my buddy who will use nothing but Blues.
7. Cherry Black - my least favorite mechanical switch. The Brown is the most versatile for me, the Blue is the best for typing (among the Cherry models) and the Red is FAST and nimble. The Black just ends up being the worst for my typing style and finds no niches for me. It feels slow and airy everyone I lent it to hated it, except one guy - now it's his...
I have the green and clear Cherry switches in a little tester unit, and they are not for me, but I would be willing to give them a shot in a full-size keyboard.
I guess I'm the only one who's bugged by not having that right Windows key. It might be weird, but the whole thing is a pass without it. I couldn't spend that kind of money on something that would annoy me a couple times a day.
I only use the left one really since the hand rests on the WASD area when I'm using the mouse or ctrl+c-ing stuff around. The only bad part is not being able to Windows+L with one hand when leaving the table.
How small are your hands? Win + L is easy to reach with pinky and thumb. I can reach Tab + P with one hand, and I have small hands compared to pretty much every one of my friends.
With rdfg you have even more keys available to the left. I went from arrow keys to wasd to esdf and have been using rdfg for 15 years now. Everything other than it is inferior. Except maybe if you have giant hands, then maybe tfgh would be even better.
You can get a very similar keyboard for less - the Ducky Legend has a solid aluminum construction, and is available in Brown, Blue, or Red switches.
I personally bought one and replaced the keycaps with black Vortex PBT Doubleshot Backlit keycaps, which gives it a very nice feel. The thicker keycaps make the MX Blue a bit more lower pitched in noise, although still as loud.
It makes typing great.
Dream keyboard: - Thick aluminum housing (like Ducky Legend only completely aluminum - including on the bottom) - Topre 55g switches - Double shot PBT-POM dye subbed key caps - I would prefer LEDs (RGB not needed but I do sometimes type in the dark)
Sigh ... one can only dream I'm afraid, although this MX Blue is as close as I've gotten.
I've had several mechanical keyboards dating all the way back to a 1990s IBM Model M which I still have. As someone who appreciates them and can type upwards of 80WPM, here is no way in I'd pay $200 for this keyboard. I love the small footprint and quality, but there's just no way I'd ever justify paying a good chunk of my PC upgrade budget set aside every few years for a $200 keyboard.
Yeah, but you don't have to upgrade a quality keyboard. My unicomp USB keyboard has lasted for over 10 years. As has my monitor. In that context, spending an extra hundred or so dollars means little when I'm replacing the gura,of my computer every two years or so. Keyboard, monitor and mouse are the three things that you always use every day in all situations, and are this not worth skimping on. CPU? I don't always run at full tilt. GPU? While reading or watching YouTube, I'm not appreciably using the capabilities of a 200w GPU. 16 gigs high speed ram? Chrome doesn't care, and doesn't consume THAT much memory. Same is true for SSD and motherboards. There are times when I don't need the capabilities of high performance parts. But I ALWAYS need a good quality screen, a good, quality keyboard, and to a lesser extent a quality mouse. So a few more dollars spent on monitor, keyboard and mouse are always money well spent.
Worst ever keyboard: The new apple MacBook butterfly switch thing. Best rubberdome keys: any older model Thinkpad T-series laptop (T{2-digit}), Logitech diNovo for Notebooks (discontinued) is surprisingly pleasant for me too. Best mechanical keys: Das Keyboard, but I returned mine, twice, because somehow they keep having this rattling "loose" key noise and feel when hitting the big keys. Best bang for the buck mechanical keys: Rosewill/Cooler Master, for less than half the price of Das, Code, or whatever else in that super elite ($100+) league (including this one I guess) but definitely upwards much higher than half the experience.
as for the {color} flavor of the switch I guess to each his own. you got to find what's best for your use and style and feel. Brown is my flavor, Clear I despise, but Red might be intriguing, we'll see.
I always leave my PC on full time. Now, if there's a power outage and my UPS runs low on the juice then yes I have to use that ol' nasty big silver button on the front of my PC case.
I'm wondering why Cherry can't use their own RGB MX keys. I know they have a special arrangement with Corsair, but surely it wouldn't preclude them from using their own product.
Long time lurker first time poster, but I've owned this keyboard for a few months now and feel I should set the record straight for you skinflints and doubters. After picking this up open box for 160$ on provantage on a whim I replaced the corsair k70 blue switch that I was using on my main game machine (as I established a separate typing station with the Das ultimate for writing) and it was truly revelatory. When paired with a 1ms gsync monitor and Hori edge 101 mouse (special switches for rapidly firing semiautos) this brought my k/d ratio in cs:go into the stratosphere. It was like I was moving through butter before but I now stutter step like a god, there is no longer any latency in my command chain and it is down to all the skill I can muster. So, if you're your an old school quake arena shooter kinda guy, where response speed trumps any of those silly macros, do not hesitate this keyboard will change your life. Not the best for typists and the low profile keys I swapped for pbt vortex backlit like others here, and they look a little goofy but feel so solid. Tried so some o rings but it was already so quiet and sturdy they seem unnecessary. So anyway, for shooters, this is the best keyboard out there, and I have tried many, many of them.
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
72 Comments
Back to Article
baobrain - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Wow, $200 for that keyboard.I'll probably get one when I have the money.... Aka I'll never get one
Kyle Andrew Photography - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
It does seem like a lot eh? I really would make the switch to a mechanical keyboard, except for two reasons. 1. Almost all of my typing is done on my laptop because my cats are too annoying to work at home around and 2. I really really love the split keyboard layout of my MS Natural Keyboard. Still, I yearn for that mechanical feel that I had back in high school when I was learning how to type. Man, I wish I could just fine one of THOSE units and then reinforce my desk to support it!hansmuff - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Unicomp makes buckling spring keyboards, which may be what you're referring to. Very loud but a joy to type on, and not all that expensive. http://www.pckeyboard.com/LoneWolf15 - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Also note that Monoprice makes a mechanical board with Cherry MX blues or reds for the low, low price of $49.99. As you go up, they add backlights or multicolor, and they top out at $69.99.I still love Unicomp, and my IBM model Ms. Thouhg I got one of the Monoprice ones for my SO.
Guspaz - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Not all that expensive? Their shipping prices are insane, almost as much as the keyboard itself. As a result, the cost to buy an Ultra Classic from them is $237 CAD shipped/delivered. My current keyboard cost $15 CAD.evilspoons - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Monoprice stuff gets expensive when shipping to us poor Canadians if it's anything larger than a few cables. You have to ship via USPS->Canada Post or the price gets away from you.As for buying $15 keyboards, I think I went through about six of them in the time my $100 (at the time) Das Keyboard has lasted. I later bought a $60 mechanical keyboard (Corsair Quickfire Rapid) and I have no reason to believe it won't outlast a $15 keyboard by five or ten times, so they're actually cheaper in the long run. Plus then you're not typing on crummy rubber dome switches.
Refuge - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Had my first Das Keyboard for YEARS finally killed it with a shot or two of whiskey... I was heartbroken to go back to Membrane.Then I found a Refub Das Keyboard for $45 online special about a year ago! Its perfect! :D
althaz - Sunday, January 31, 2016 - link
My Das Keyboard (Pro S "Silent") is about four years old and is still as good as new - except for the RHS row of my numpad which is a bit sticky since I spilled some bourbon and coke on it (that was about four years ago :().erple2 - Sunday, January 31, 2016 - link
Meh. I spilled a mint julep on my unicomp during a heated discussion during the Derby. I just unplugged it, and ran it under the sink in warm water for a few minutes, and let it dry out completely before plugging it in. That was 4 years ago. No sticking. That's the beauty of this multiple pound metal beast. It could probably survive a trip through the dishwasher, too.Mangemongen - Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - link
I wish they sold 60% keyboards, or at least tenkeyless. Are there buckling spring keyboards of smaller size?JohnMD1022 - Saturday, February 13, 2016 - link
IBM Model M, Part number 1391472.They can be found on ebay, but are pricey.
I have 2, a 1987 and a 1991, that we recently retired for Razer Blackwidow Tournament keyboards.
BrokenCrayons - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
As far as expensive keyboards go, this one has several things going for it such as a magnetically removable wrist rest (those plastic clip-on models are such a pain to remove) and the look is a lot less crazed than other backlit keyboards that end up looking a little like a rainbow threw up on a vampire goth wannabe.The problem really is price and practicality though. Keyboards can be purchased for around 1/20th of the price and honestly, I just can't see these making typing an e-mail or holding down the W key to walk forward a 20x better experience. We're talking about a keyboard that costs $200, which is the price of an entire laptop, but minus the computing guts, battery, screen, and useful software needed to process data. Plus, carrying an extra keyboard around when the computer already has one attached seems a little bit unnecessary (and I don't think this has bluetooth so you can use it with a tablet). Maybe just a number pad would be good in the event the computer doesn't have those or forces you to use a function key to access numpad capabilities would be a better idea, but it'd need to sell for around $5-ish for it to achieve any sort of volume sales.
Friendly0Fire - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
To be fair, that $200 laptop will fall apart in 6 months and will feel horrible the whole time it's still technically working.Those mechanical keyboards can last for a decade and feel great the whole time.
BrokenCrayons - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I haven't had a 6 or less month failure rate with inexpensive laptops. In fact, a netbook I purchased in 2009 is still working nicely. I've traveled quite extensively with it and for several years, it's been my primary computer. A couple of months ago, I finally moved onto an HP Stream 11 backed up by an Asus X205TA, but my ancient netbook still has a place on my desk.I've killed a few other budget laptops here and there. There was a Samsung n150 that stopped powering on after 2.5 years and a Dell Insprion Mini 10 that I got rid of because the power connector was intermittent after 3 years. However that's a much longer lifespan than 6 months and this keyboard is pretty useless without being connected to one of those netbooks or some other PC so I still call into question the actual value of something priced that high. $50 is a much more reasonable price for something like this and that's pushing the value proposition pretty hard.
Murloc - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
those netbooks that came with XP (idk if that's 2009 or not) were always very slow and a pain to use.BrokenCrayons - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Mine originally shipped with XP. It was and still is a slug where performance is concerned. I moved it off Windows and onto Linux a long time ago, but there are very significant limitations that I think would upset a lot of people. Video playback of Youtube content above 360p is unreasonably slow and even 360p is pushing it to the point where frames are dropped with regularity. Even with a good ad blocker and noscript, web sites sometimes take a few moments to become responsive (Amazon, Outlook, E-Bay, I'm talking about you clowns) so it'd be intolerable for most people. I'm patient though and I mostly use that netbook for writing and some lightweight gaming (DOSbox emulation of Master of Orion 2 and TES Daggerfall plus some 2D native linux games like The Unreal World and NeoScavenger) so the majority of my time is spent on tasks that don't really put a lot of pressure on it's old single core Atom CPU. Of course, none of that is really relelvant to the fact that it's still working properly after all this time despite being built from the cheapest parts money could buy at the time rather than having died after 6 months as a previous person asserted.jbrizz - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I've had few Logitech keyboards and the keycap/hole that the keycap goes into starts to wear meaning there is a small amount of play in the keycap. This allows the keycap to tilt which makes it bind. So after a few years Logitech rubber dome keyboards can start to feel like shit. I have not noticed the problem on my MS keyboard at work though, so might just be related to the cheap plastic Logitech uses.My mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX browns will probably always feel like new, which was also significantly nicer than any rubber dome keyboard ever was.
BrokenCrayons - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
That's a perfectly fair argument until you factor in the price. Suppose you purchase a rubber dome keyboard. Let's use the Microsoft Wired Keyboard 200 from Amazon priced at $10 and assume you're not a Prime member so you'll absorb another $5 in shipping, putting the total cost of each keyboard at $15. For the price of one Cherry MX Board 6.0, you can purchase 13 of these other keyboards. If each lasts two years, then you're in new keyboards for 26 years for the about the same price. Even with good manufacturing quality, the keyboard in this review is unlikely to survive that long. Yes, it's likely you'll get a lot more time out of it, but while you're plugging along with a tired, old Cherry, someone else will have a 1-2 year old rubber dome keyboard and never have to deal with such problems. Spill a drink on your Cherry keyboard? Uh oh! Spill a drink on your $10 keyboard. So what, I have 8 more of them laying in my "equal to Cherry MX Board 6.0 price" pile so I'll just grab another.kent1146 - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
You are correct that buying a bunch of inexpensive rubber-dome keyboards is more cost-effective than buying one mechanical keyboard. But people don't buy mechanical keyboards for durability. They buy mechanical keyboards for typing / gaming keyfeel. The durability aspect is a secondary benefit.Your argument would be equivalent to saying:
* I can buy a new 2016 Toyota Camry for $30,000. It would probably last me 10 years.
* I can buy a 2003 Ford Focus for $1,500. If they last for 1 year each, and I just junk the car after it develops problems in 1 year, then I would have "saved" money by having my car-money last for 20 years.
Makes economical sense, right? Sure. Except for the fact that you're stuck driving a 13-year old Ford Focus for the next 20 years, instead of a decent mid-range car like a Toyota Camry.
BrokenCrayons - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
These are keyboards, not cars so the comparison is pretty far fetched with the only thing going for it being a similar price-to-price ratio. I frequently have to remind a certain dear little spouse of mine that not everything is reasonably compared to a vroom-vroom. :) Besides that, I'm comparing a new keyboard to another new keyboard so if you really wanted to get more accurate in ratio, you'd have to use a new base automobile, not a used one, and compare it to something that's also new and costs about the same amount more than the Microsoft El Budgeto 200. In the case of an economy car that'd sell for $15k new, then the comparable car would not be a "decent mid-range" one but something that retails for $200k. However, doing so would make the usual compare it to a car argument tilt vastly in favor of my original claim and not support whatever point you're getting at so I see why you really wanted to being the second-hand variable into this.Anyway, to humor you a bit, the advantage of driving one transportation appliance over another isn't measurable in tangible terms. As long as you end up at your desired destination, the point of a car is accomplished. The other things a car imparts are emotionally driven. The idea that you feel better about your drive or look better in other peoples' minds when they see you and so forth are all secondary feelings. If those emotions are worth the cost of admission for a particular person, then sure, go for it. In the same sense, go buy a $200 dollar keyboard and feel better about your computing at an emotional level. To argue that it imparts a measurable advantage that is aligned to its cost increase over the cheapest keyboards available is misguided though.
BurntMyBacon - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
@BrokenCrayons: "As long as you end up at your desired destination, the point of a car is accomplished."For most people I've met, including myself, you're not wrong. For some people, the point of travel isn't necessarily where you are going, but how you get there. Often times this is an emotional response, but sometimes this is a calculated, well thought out process. Presentation can be extremely important, for instance, to a CEO or politician. I don't really think it's applicable to keyboards, but it is something to consider in other areas.
Another point of interest is that a car may get you from point a to point b just fine, but it can be stressful if it sounds like it is going to fail while driving, one of your cylinders are misfiring, brakes squeal every time you brake and don't work well, gas stalls initially on acceleration, horn honks when you turn on your blinker, etc. Putting potential safety issues aside (cars aren't a great comparison here) you can still make it from point a to point b for years with one or several of these problems.
@BrokenCrayons: "The other things a car imparts are emotionally driven. The idea that you feel better about your drive or look better in other peoples' minds when they see you and so forth are all secondary feelings."
I never really got into the whole emotional purchasing that seems to be a deep and prevalent first world problem, but it is quite common and you shouldn't be surprised when some manufacturers take advantage of it.
@BrokenCrayons: "In the case of an economy car that'd sell for $15k new, then the comparable car would not be a "decent mid-range" one but something that retails for $200k."
This actually is a good enough comparison to illustrate the merits of a mechanical keyboard in general (leaving out the comparison between this keyboard and other mechanical keyboards). People who buy $15K economy cars tend to be people who use it to get basic tasks done (drive to work, pick up groceries, etc.). People who buy $200K cars (lets use muscle/racing cars as an example) tend to be people who have excess money such that cost isn't an issue, are emotionally driven and want what they want regardless, or people who drive vocationally ($200K is a bit low in this case). We've discussed the first two, but the professional driver buys the expensive car because the better acceleration, handling, resistance to breakdown, etc. all affect his vocation. Similarly a semi tractor trailer driver buys his multi-hundred thousand dollar rig for its towing capacity, high torque, resistance to breakdown, etc. that a budget car driver has no need of. Professionals in the keyboard space may be typists or sponsored gamers that can appreciate the consistency, tactile response, durability, etc. that a mechanical keyboard may provide to help them get their job done more efficiently. Given the relatively low cost (even at $200) compared to other tools, many amateurs find these keyboards desirable and easily accessible. In some cases, it may even improve their experience similar to how acquiring a Ford F-250 will allow you to haul something that a Ford Ranger would not, despite the fact that they are both capable of hauling things.
All that said, I think these higher end mechanical keyboards will eventually make their way below the $100 mark given the number of mechanical keyboards already typically going for $80 and sometimes as low as $50. They would certainly be more interesting to me at this price point.
JohnMD1022 - Saturday, February 13, 2016 - link
I spent many years writing code on high quality IBM keyboards, so, I prefer the feel of a good mechanical keyboard rather than the feel of the rubber dome switches.It is as simple as that.
We have 12-15 IBM Model M keyboards here, one DAS, and 2 Razers. There are a pair of rubber dome keyboards for use at the workbench and i keep a few around in case someone needs a keyboard.
zeeBomb - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
What is the best Cherry MX Brown or Red keyboard I can get for under 100?baobrain - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Cooler Master makes some good ones, you sometimes can find a K70 red for under $100. I got a Rosewill keyboard for 80 bucks with MX blues a few years ago and it's real solid.kent1146 - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
>> What is the best Cherry MX Brown or Red keyboard I can get for under 100?Coolermaster CMStorm keyboards. I'm very partial to the tenkeyless (TKL) versions, like a CMStorm Quickfire TK.
A TKL keyboard is intended for gaming. It chops off the NumPad, so that your left arm (WASD) and right arm (mouse) sit closer together in a more natural position. I'm particular to the CMStorm Quickfire TK, because it has a dual-function NumPad / NavKey area in case you need to ever use the NumPad.
Choice of Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, Green:
http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-TK-Mechan...
Murloc - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
without the NumPad you can't use many of the trainers out there.Although I agree that for any other use (except data insertion of course but only office drones do that anyway) not having the numpad would really help the ergonomics.
ImSpartacus - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
See http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/keyboard/#s=3&so...I own a coolermaster tenkeyless ("Rapid" maybe?) with mx browns. I got it for like $60 and it's a nice simple keyboard. No fancy gaming stuff, just a solid keyboard.
ImSpartacus - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Nevermind, I own a quickfire tk. It's surprisingly sturdy and hasn't failed me in its two years.theduckofdeath - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
I have the Cooler Master Storm QuickFire TK with brown switches. It's a really nice keyboard with backlit keys. The subtle and compact design are the main reasons I got it. You get 3 LED light settings, which is one more than I need, on/off/"pulsating". The build quality is really nice. Extremely sturdy (no flex at all) and nice, distinct feel to the keys. I probably would have preferred the red switches, for the minimal sound level but the brown switches are quiet enough. I opted for brown keys simply because that model comes with white backlight instead of red.buxe2quec - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
You don't have to buy the top-end. I bought a Cherry MX 2.0 (no LED, no rest, basically the same for everything else) at 60 Euro (European layout too). I won't go back. Of course no customisation. If you want it customised there are alternatives like WASD keyboards.You don't need to be rich to buy a good mechanical. People brag about the expensive ones and justify themselves with "but it was worth". Well, the 60 Euro one (with the same switches and same sturdy metal frame) is 1/3 and worth anyway.
buxe2quec - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
http://www.cherry.de/cid/Mechanical_keyboards.htm? this is the listSamus - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Awesome keyboard, but I repeat your "Wow...$200" statement.I mean is it really that much better than a $60 Coolermaster Quickfire with the same MX Red keys?
valentin-835 - Saturday, January 30, 2016 - link
I used to think that way. 200 bucks. What's that ? I know people that spend more than that in a month drinking a lot of Starbucks coffee. Them caffeine junkies !!!voicequal - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Once you get adjusted to MX Red it's hard to go back to MX Brown. I have two Kinesis keyboards, the first was MX Brown, the 2nd MX Red. Compared to the MX Red, the MX Brown feels sticky and requires harder key presses, but then bottoms out abruptly. MX Red has light but consistent actuation force that allows faster typing while reducing fatigue, once you learn to not hammer the keys. I use the MX Red at work while the MX Brown stays home, while I've come to prefer the MX Red overall.MrSpadge - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Interesting. I definitely prefer MX Brown over MX Black. And I've got 2 examples for Brown's: a basic Cherry for ~50€ at work and a.. oh dear, forgot the name. From some other company for 120€, a heavy unit with a solid back plate. The keys feel so much better on that one, precise and light compared to "a bit mushy" - it's amazing. I would have sworn they use different ones if I didn't kow better.MrSpadge - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
The better one is a Celeritas.BurntMyBacon - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
@MrSpadge: "... a heavy unit with a solid back plate. The keys feel so much better on that one, precise and light compared to "a bit mushy" "This is exactly my experience. I've had the opportunity to use browns and blacks at work. Waiting till prices are better in general for home as I'd like a backlit mechanical keyboard with a solid back plate for my dark environment, but I'm unwilling to pay the current going price for it. If the keyboard has flex in the back plate, the keys feel sticky and require a lot more actuation force. A solid back plate allows you to accurately feel the crossover point and waste no more time or energy on the key press. Blacks aren't really that bad for me, but with no feedback to tell me it has actuated, I end up bottomed out or nearly so every key press. Given that reds are less resistive, I'd probably be bottoming out every time.
guidryp - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
People are different and I suppose you can get used to anything.But Browns and "harder key presses" doesn't make much sense, these are extremely light press keys.
That "bottoms out suddenly" is the tactile breakover effect, and is exactly what I want in a keyboard switch. It's the only reason I want a mechanical keyboard. I despise the linear black and red keys with the Linear keys you get no tactile cue about actuation, except bottoming them out.
voicequal - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
The Kinesis also helps by playing an audible "tick" sound when the key actuates. I've kept this on with both the Brown and Red, and I recall I did have trouble detecting feedback when I turned it off.I guess if the key is going to bottom out hard anyway, I'd rather have the Red which gives you more control over how fast you bottom out. Since the brown requires more initial force to actuate, your always going to bottom out hard. For me it agitates RSI.
BurntMyBacon - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
@voicequal: "The Kinesis also helps by playing an audible "tick" sound when the key actuates. I've kept this on with both the Brown and Red, and I recall I did have trouble detecting feedback when I turned it off."Good information. I didn't know the Kinesis keyboards had that feature. It's too bad the board has enough flex that you can't get a good response from the browns, but it sounds like the audible feedback is responsive enough to make the reds usable. This keyboard is not really in my price range, but perhaps the audible feedback scheme will show up elsewhere in the future.
Margalus - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Sorry, but I disagree vehemently.. I cannot stand Red, you may as well just use a cheap chiclet keyboard imo if you like red. That is what they feel like to me. Brown is the best compromise for mechanical, imo, if you don't want the extremely loud blues.Ancillas - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Have you tried the Clear switches that are on the CODE keyboard?SteelRing - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I have not tried Red, but I have Rosewill Blue, Rosewill Brown and CM Brown as well as CODE Clear. Blue was my first one and it types just fine for me, but after a while you get enough of that higher pitched clicking noise. Brown really hits it for me because it's just the right amount of force to my fingers and the subdued clacking sound is much more suited in professional environment instead of the Blue screaming "hey I'm typing here y'all better listen to it, hear how hard I'm working". With all the hype on the Clear CODE I picked one up on massdrop and it's by far the worst for me. It requires much higher actuation force so it's tiring my fingers much easily and it feels squishy to push down like there is a resistance all the way down and up, not snappy and sharp the way I like it. Clear is a total letdown so I'm sticking with Brown from now on.Samus - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Brown is without a doubt the best because they don't actually make it feel like a mechanical keyboard. Studies have shown that error rates are higher on mechanical keyboards compared to membrane keyboards so the less mechanical of a feel, the more accurate you are likely to be.BurntMyBacon - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
@Samus: "Studies have shown that error rates are higher on mechanical keyboards compared to membrane keyboards ..."That's surprising. I guess mechanical keyboards aren't all they are cracked up to be. Still feel better to me, though. Is the error rate difference large or mostly insignificant? Does if vary highly between switch type? Are linears better than non-linears given the conclusion? Why don't you just post a link to the study. I've got more questions than appropriate for a single post given that the study doesn't line up with my personal observation. Perhaps it can give me some insight as to what I'm doing wrong with membrane keyboards and what I can do to fix it.
hansmuff - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
What a weird keyboard. I don't mind spending $200 on a good keyboard, but certainly not one with that kind of font on it and orange back lighting. Looks like a very misguided attempt at a "gamer" keyboard.529th - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Terrible review. No in-depth examination, comparison, and explanation of the "new" Real Key technology that is incorporated into the board. How many other boards have this technology? Why, and how is it different than the others? Etc Etc. This lack of interest in the ONE thing that separates this board from others screams for your resignation and or being fired.ukyrgf - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Nearly every sentence starts with some nonsense fluff like "With all of that said," "On the other hand," "As a matter of fact," but they don't really make sense in context. Probably sponsored content by a non-native speaker. Oh, now I see the Amazon affiliate link!Ryan Smith - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
It is not sponsored content. If it was, we'd tell you.And yes, E. speaks English as a second language.
catavalon21 - Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - link
Thanks, Ryan. E.'s English is better than any second lanuage I would dare take a stab at writing for an audience like this. Keep 'em coming.BurntMyBacon - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
@529th: "This lack of interest in the ONE thing that separates this board from others screams for your resignation and or being fired."Seems a little harsh. I agree that the review would have been much better with in-depth examination and comparisons, particularly of the new Real Key technology and its competition. However, as it is, this review is no worse than a hundred other keyboard reviews I've read at various sites. Certainly not resignation worthy. Perhaps he'll take your feedback and include such comparison in his next review. It would certainly help it stand out from the crowd more. Perhaps it is too much to ask, but I'd be really happy to see an update to this review to include said content.
Ancillas - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I had keyboards with macro buttons for years, but I never used the feature.Kepe - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Same here. I used to have the original Logitech G15 that had 18 macro keys. The only things I used those macro keys for were my e-mail address and password, which was the same everywhere. I've now had a Func KB-460 with Cherry MX Red switches for a couple of years. It does have macro functionality, but it's tied to the fn key so I don't use them. And I play A LOT of games. Never felt the need for keyboard macros in any game.I like the red switches, they're very light and when I type I don't usually press the keys all the way to the bottom. Very good for gaming, as well.
Kepe - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
Hmm, Func has been bought by Fnatic ;oThe Fnatic Rush seems to be exactly the same keyboard as my Func KB-460, they've just changed the logo.
cm123 - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I was lucky enough to get one of the very early released MX 6.0 keyboards from Cherry so I've had mine for awhile now. Simply the best keyboard I've ever used period (used lots of keyboards from Razer, Corsair, Logitech, and many others). Though its main purpose for me is First Person Shooters as well as general typing. Love the hand rest and how smooth the reactions feel, even have become a fan of the reds (I was a brown only person before this keyboard).NeilPeartRush - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I actually bought most of the CherryMX switches (Red, Black Brown and Blue) and compared them to my IBM Model M, Matias (Alps) and Topre Keyboard. I grew up with the Model M at home and the Apple Extended Keyboard II (Alps) at school, so I have a fondness for well-done mechanical keyboards. My ranking:1. Topre - the perfect blend of tactile, comfort and noise for me. I use it at work.
2. Cherry Brown - not quite as good as the Topre but easier to find and thus more affordable. I use it at home in an LED-backlit variety; it represents the best balance among the Cherry switches for me.
3. Model M - if you can get past the noise there is nothing quite like it. Not my favorite anymore for everyday, but I keep one around with an old Windows 98SE/DOS machine for classic gaming (along with a Trinitron CRT).
4. Matias - I just find the build-quality somewhat lacking and these new Alps not quite as good as the old Apple Extended Keyboard. Gave it to a buddy who loves Alps.
5. Cherry Red - very fast but not the best for my style of typing; I tend to produce unintended keypresses due to the low actuation force and lack of detent. My wife loves it.
6. Cherry Blue - nice, tactile response that is very audible, and that is my biggest gripe. I am sensitive to noise and the sound of these just affects me negatively; I also prefer the feel of a buckling spring. Gave it to my buddy who will use nothing but Blues.
7. Cherry Black - my least favorite mechanical switch. The Brown is the most versatile for me, the Blue is the best for typing (among the Cherry models) and the Red is FAST and nimble. The Black just ends up being the worst for my typing style and finds no niches for me. It feels slow and airy everyone I lent it to hated it, except one guy - now it's his...
I have the green and clear Cherry switches in a little tester unit, and they are not for me, but I would be willing to give them a shot in a full-size keyboard.
jmunjr - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
If you're an old school gamer like me using any macro is cheating. This is the perfect keyboard for us originals...Mr Perfect - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I guess I'm the only one who's bugged by not having that right Windows key. It might be weird, but the whole thing is a pass without it. I couldn't spend that kind of money on something that would annoy me a couple times a day.Murloc - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I only use the left one really since the hand rests on the WASD area when I'm using the mouse or ctrl+c-ing stuff around.The only bad part is not being able to Windows+L with one hand when leaving the table.
Kepe - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
How small are your hands? Win + L is easy to reach with pinky and thumb. I can reach Tab + P with one hand, and I have small hands compared to pretty much every one of my friends.Murloc - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
I can do it but I need to look and aim to do that.Tab + P is a stretch.
erple2 - Sunday, January 31, 2016 - link
I never understood wasd at all. Why not the more natural esdf?Beaver M. - Saturday, February 6, 2016 - link
With rdfg you have even more keys available to the left.I went from arrow keys to wasd to esdf and have been using rdfg for 15 years now. Everything other than it is inferior. Except maybe if you have giant hands, then maybe tfgh would be even better.
CrazyElf - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
You can get a very similar keyboard for less - the Ducky Legend has a solid aluminum construction, and is available in Brown, Blue, or Red switches.I personally bought one and replaced the keycaps with black Vortex PBT Doubleshot Backlit keycaps, which gives it a very nice feel. The thicker keycaps make the MX Blue a bit more lower pitched in noise, although still as loud.
It makes typing great.
Dream keyboard:
- Thick aluminum housing (like Ducky Legend only completely aluminum - including on the bottom)
- Topre 55g switches
- Double shot PBT-POM dye subbed key caps
- I would prefer LEDs (RGB not needed but I do sometimes type in the dark)
Sigh ... one can only dream I'm afraid, although this MX Blue is as close as I've gotten.
Murloc - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
what's the point of typing in the total dark?Also anybody who's been typing for years does not even need to look at the keyboard.
Nfarce - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - link
I've had several mechanical keyboards dating all the way back to a 1990s IBM Model M which I still have. As someone who appreciates them and can type upwards of 80WPM, here is no way in I'd pay $200 for this keyboard. I love the small footprint and quality, but there's just no way I'd ever justify paying a good chunk of my PC upgrade budget set aside every few years for a $200 keyboard.erple2 - Sunday, January 31, 2016 - link
Yeah, but you don't have to upgrade a quality keyboard. My unicomp USB keyboard has lasted for over 10 years. As has my monitor. In that context, spending an extra hundred or so dollars means little when I'm replacing the gura,of my computer every two years or so. Keyboard, monitor and mouse are the three things that you always use every day in all situations, and are this not worth skimping on. CPU? I don't always run at full tilt. GPU? While reading or watching YouTube, I'm not appreciably using the capabilities of a 200w GPU. 16 gigs high speed ram? Chrome doesn't care, and doesn't consume THAT much memory. Same is true for SSD and motherboards. There are times when I don't need the capabilities of high performance parts. But I ALWAYS need a good quality screen, a good, quality keyboard, and to a lesser extent a quality mouse. So a few more dollars spent on monitor, keyboard and mouse are always money well spent.SteelRing - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
Just before they close out this comment:Worst ever keyboard: The new apple MacBook butterfly switch thing.
Best rubberdome keys: any older model Thinkpad T-series laptop (T{2-digit}), Logitech diNovo for Notebooks (discontinued) is surprisingly pleasant for me too.
Best mechanical keys: Das Keyboard, but I returned mine, twice, because somehow they keep having this rattling "loose" key noise and feel when hitting the big keys.
Best bang for the buck mechanical keys: Rosewill/Cooler Master, for less than half the price of Das, Code, or whatever else in that super elite ($100+) league (including this one I guess) but definitely upwards much higher than half the experience.
as for the {color} flavor of the switch I guess to each his own. you got to find what's best for your use and style and feel. Brown is my flavor, Clear I despise, but Red might be intriguing, we'll see.
Synomenon - Thursday, January 28, 2016 - link
No PS/2 version? I need to be able to turn my PC on by pressing Ctrl+Esc.bigboxes - Sunday, January 31, 2016 - link
I always leave my PC on full time. Now, if there's a power outage and my UPS runs low on the juice then yes I have to use that ol' nasty big silver button on the front of my PC case.azrael- - Friday, January 29, 2016 - link
I'm wondering why Cherry can't use their own RGB MX keys. I know they have a special arrangement with Corsair, but surely it wouldn't preclude them from using their own product.bissomarc - Sunday, January 31, 2016 - link
Long time lurker first time poster, but I've owned this keyboard for a few months now and feel I should set the record straight for you skinflints and doubters. After picking this up open box for 160$ on provantage on a whim I replaced the corsair k70 blue switch that I was using on my main game machine (as I established a separate typing station with the Das ultimate for writing) and it was truly revelatory. When paired with a 1ms gsync monitor and Hori edge 101 mouse (special switches for rapidly firing semiautos) this brought my k/d ratio in cs:go into the stratosphere. It was like I was moving through butter before but I now stutter step like a god, there is no longer any latency in my command chain and it is down to all the skill I can muster. So, if you're your an old school quake arena shooter kinda guy, where response speed trumps any of those silly macros, do not hesitate this keyboard will change your life. Not the best for typists and the low profile keys I swapped for pbt vortex backlit like others here, and they look a little goofy but feel so solid. Tried so some o rings but it was already so quiet and sturdy they seem unnecessary. So anyway, for shooters, this is the best keyboard out there, and I have tried many, many of them.