Mechanical Keyboards

[jay_red]

What i have learned about the mechanical keyboards is that they are like the high end fight sticks, the buttons are mostly the same (Sanwa being the most common in fight sticks, just as Cherry are the most common in keyboards) and the main difference is the form factor and any other extras that might come with it (LED lighting, custom key caps etc...).

And just like with fightsticks, until you try a high end one, you might think that the entry level ones are fine (as did I before I got more into fighters) but once you use the best, there is no going back. I also figure that with the keyboard, I use it every day, for multiple hours a day, I also got a nicer mouse to go along with my fancy new keyboard because like I said, I use it all the time. I have been putting up with the cheapest logitech mouse and keyboard combo with sticky keys and a mouse that does not work on most surfaces for years, now I could never go back to those.

[Hobie-wan]

I love my GYUM90SK keyboards.

[samsonlonghair]

I love the IBM model M keyboard. I needed to buy a adapter so I could plug the 6-pin AT connector into a PS/2 port. Finding a way to use this old tank via USB is tricky. As far as I can tell, there is no 6-pin At --> USB adapter. When I try to plug in multiple adapters (6-pin AT --> PS/2 -->USB) this induces lag.

I'm considering a replacement from unicomp built with USB from the ground up.
http://pckeyboard.com/page/UKBD/UB4044A

Edit: By the way, I'm using a mechanical mouse right now. If you can keep them clean, they're not so bad.

[fastbilly1]

So suggestions for a USB mechanical keyboard? Mostly for typing. Id like to keep it $100 or less, if possible. I do not do wireless. My main requirements are it has to have the numpad and a normal sized enter key - not one that is enter and backslash.

The one that pops up nowadays is this:

[RyaNtheSlayA]

What I use

Since it has Cherry MX Blues it is really very loud but the tactile and clicky feedback is unreal. I love this thing to death. Pretty hard to find keyboards with Blue switches.

[fastbilly1]

What I use

Since it has Cherry MX Blues it is really very loud but the tactile and clicky feedback is unreal. I love this thing to death. Pretty hard to find keyboards with Blue switches.

Depending on how loud the blues are I may get it for the office. I already use a trackball, a mechanical switch keyboard would just make me even more annoying to IT. Thanks

Edit:
Thanks to youtube, the blues are not nearly as loud as I thought they were, Ill be ordering it soon. Thanks again.

[samsonlonghair]

So suggestions for a USB mechanical keyboard? Mostly for typing. Id like to keep it $100 or less, if possible. I do not do wireless. My main requirements are it has to have the numpad and a normal sized enter key - not one that is enter and backslash

Unicomp has the rights to produce the Legendary Model M keyboard (originally invented by IBM). They now produce a USB version. This is the clicky keyboard. All other mechanical keyboards are basically a poor imitation of these:
http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/UKBD
You can also order standard or custom keys to these keyboards. The keys on a Model M are very easy to replace. Here are some bright red WASD keys:
http://pckeyboard.com/page/Buttons/WASD
Here are colorful Shift, Ctrl, Alt keys:
http://pckeyboard.com/page/Buttons/PRGB
And here's where you can custom order any key:
http://pckeyboard.com/page/Buttons/PRK

[Hatta]

Unicomp also makes a mechanical keyboard with a trackpoint. I already have a Das Keyboard, or I'd buy one of those. My Das Keyboard has cherry blues, and you're right, they are not quite as loud as a model M. I do have a couple model Ms, a model F, and a Northgate Omnikey, but I find the action on the cherry blues to be totally acceptable. The only thing lacking from these newer cherry based keyboards is the construction. You won't be pummeling any intruders with this thing.

[Hobie-wan]

Eh, I like the Alps switches in the 90SKs. Less noisy than the Ms but still deliver a nice typing feel.

[crux]

I ended up getting G710+. I'm not the biggest Logitech fan, but I had a number of requirements for my keyboard. It needed to be mechanical, the switches needed to be quieter than Blues but tactile (ie. Cherry Brown), it needed to be a full keyboard (numpad), it needed at least some dedicated media buttons, and it needed some additional macro keys. The G710+ is the only keyboard to hit all of those needs. The keys are also fully backlit, which wasn't necessary, but turns out I don't mind it at the lowest setting. It also came pre-installed with dampener rings (to reduce the sound). I bought some not knowing this and ended up doubling some of them to reduce the travel distance.

I've had it for about four months and haven't had any problems yet. The keys are a little high and with the dampeners the feel is slightly squishy, but realistically this hasn't affected my typing speed nor my rate of fire. It might be a deal-breaker for someone that's picky about the feel of the keys - I'd recommend shorter keys without the rings in that case - but in the end I was more concerned with utility (and quietness - I use my computer in my game room, which is also the family room) than feel.

Oh, and the price is definitely a caveat. It's definitely not a $140 keyboard. For the right price it's a good investment though.