Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
I miss having arrow keys and a numpad, and one of the layouts possible on the Red Scarf III looks ideal. It's the only keyboard where I've ever seen that layout offered, so I'd have to build it out. I'm trying to price one out, and am confused about the high cost of some ABS keycap sets. Don't get me wrong, this set looks awesome. Is PBT still the king when it comes to durability, or are these higher-end ABS sets comparable?
I for myself tested few pbt keysets from some manufacturers and they feel garbage, becuase they gather dirt and they have wrong (to rough) finish for long type sessions. The only PBT keycaps (from my experience) which are high quality and has really good finish are the stock HHKB (probably on realforce they are as good as on HHKB) and Model M. Its not just about PBT but about its quality. Durable garbage is still garbage ;)
On the PBT end, my best keyset when it comes to feel and durability (but not look unfortunately) is the original Realforce keyset, which is PBT dyesub. The only key that has any noticeable wear after a year of heavy usage is the space bar. However, I also own Tai-Hao PBT double shot Miami keyset and I find it less convenient then GMK Ocean Dolch. Go figure...