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sturmjaeger
6
Oct 3, 2015
Newbie to keyboards here. I now want to get a good mechanical keyboard JUST to justify purchasing these keycaps. This is all new to me, so if anyone can make some good recommendations for keyboards, that would be awesome. Primary uses: coding, typing, gaming. Don't need a backlit keyboard (already have a meh Logitech one), but would like the option to someday carry if with me on travels if possible without compromising structural integrity. Would welcome any feedback! I'm checking out keychatter.com too...
Makami
4237
Oct 3, 2015
sturmjaegerHello sturmjaeger, maybe, regarding your name Herzlich Willkommen :)
A lot of nice and helpful people here, that might give you some help.
- First, are we talking about ansi or iso layout (you know your name). - Second, are you sure that you'll like mechas, the "noise", the precise feeling. I do know a lot of people, that just can't stand mechas, but to each their own. - Third, what size are we talking about, 100% with numpad, tkl (tenkeyless) without numpad, 60% or even smaller. - Fourth, have you tried the options given regarding switches, electronic mall or switchtester, a friend ... . - Fifth, what kind of budget are we talking about.
There could be a lot of more questions, but i think this might be a good start being able to help you.
Some more information would be nice to give you better advice, to many options out there.
Cheers
sturmjaeger
6
Oct 4, 2015
MakamiHi Makami! Thanks for the warm welcome. Sorry to disappoint but I'm not German; Sturmjaeger is just a gaming handle I cooked up way back in the day and it stuck. :)
Forgot to add use case: would be nice to have a TKL to travel with but would need to eliminate most noise to avoid bothering folks.
1) ANSI 2) After inhaling Keychatter.com info, I'm torn between a Cherry MX Brown (possible with the rubber o-ring silence mod) or the Red. 3) I'm thinking TKL, since I can't remember the last time I used the numpad. I don't think I'd like anything smaller than 100%. 4) I don't have any tactile experience with actual mechanical keyboards. I haven't tried the options yet. 5) Well, I would say I wouldn't want to go above $200 though I am investing in the future.
Also, I don't imagine I'll be doing a lot of maintenance, but would the best route be to go plate-mounted and just get a different keyboard if needed (instead of going PCB)?
Makami
4237
Oct 4, 2015
sturmjaegerHi,
no disappointment at all, we're one :)
I would really advice you to try some switches first, but i know for sure many people started with reds or browns and your choice to buy these keycaps i like to predict you might be one of these people, that end up with a couple of more mechas in the end and over time.
I guess you can't go wrong with a "cheap (pricewise)" QFR - top link http://www.amazon.com/Coolermaster-SGK-4000-GKCL1-US-Storm-QuickFire-Rapid/dp/B0068INSUM/ref=sr_1_7/183-9732155-3535655?ie=UTF8&qid=1443966051&sr=8-7&keywords=KUL+ES-87
Filco although has a very good reputation - second link http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Keyboard-FKBN104M-EB2/dp/B004VKUSG6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1443966703&sr=8-4&keywords=Filco+Majestouch-2
Kul-ES might be a good choice, too. If i remembering correct, that keyboard has gotten the highest score yet by livingspeedbump/keychatter - third link https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=keyed_up_labs,tenkeyless
I really liked the Varmilo VA87M a lot - fourth link https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-mechanical-keyboard
Others may say, you've forgotten Ducky ...., but i think you've a good starting point here. All of these mechas will look great and only need the baseset of Danger Zone.
The links given are only examples and not meant that you've to buy there.
Cheers
sturmjaeger
6
Oct 4, 2015
MakamiGreat recommendations! I think I'm deciding between the Majestouch vs. the KUL-ES. Can't go wrong either way, but I like everything I'm reading about the KUL-ES series since I do move between a PC and a Macbook Pro for dev and design work. Choices, choices. I think I'm going to "spring" for the base set of this Massdrop and "lock on" to my decision later. :)
skaloola
92
Oct 4, 2015
sturmjaegerget a Novatouch or go home=)
sturmjaegerI am a huge fan of the Filco Majestouch-2. I have a couple of them with MX reds and they are my main keyboards. I also have a Varmilo 108 with MX reds that I picked up here on MassDrop (arrived last week in fact). Another great choice. The build quality of these are absolutely top-notch.
However, if you like tactile switches and like the TKL form factor then it would be criminally irresponsible for me not to send you to the Cooler Master Novatouch.
skystealth
24
Oct 4, 2015
skaloolaHeh, Novatouch with silenced mod... SO GOOD. Once you go Topre, you never go back.
sturmjaeger
6
Oct 16, 2015
MakamiWell, I did it. I took the plunge and got a KUL ES-87 smoke black edition with Cherry MX Browns. It's a little light to the touch. If not for the gaming convenience, I might have gotten Blues. Maybe I'm just getting used to the key travel and size.
Makami
4237
Oct 18, 2015
sturmjaegerHi sturmjaeger,
gratz, wish you a long lasting happy relationship. About the switch, that's what i meant to try them first if possible.
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