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scorpusone
39
Apr 4, 2016
I'm a first time mech-keyboard candidate, and I have decided on pretty much everything but the keycaps and switches. I will be programming this Planck to code in primarily html, latex and c++ and obviously writing. I am not a 'gamer' (but no disrespect to those who are) I am looking for inputs from the community on what cherry mx ( I have decided this at least) switch will be best for typing and programming and what keycaps would be best. I am currently looking at the PBT, OEM, White (MX-style only) keycaps, because as far as research has got me the flat grid is too similar to laptop keyboards. I am currently using a laptop as my primary computer, and would like inputs on the subject of if this is a good keycap type. (if the PBT, OEM, White (MX-style only) is not the flat kind, please correct me if my research has gone bad)
TL;DR -Noob mech keyboard user -what switch (cherry mx) is best for typing and programming/which should I exclude. -What type of keycaps is best for typing, I am currently looking at (PBT, OEM, White (MX-style only)) is this the 'original-type' keycaps? because I'd probably go for these, not the flat tops.
Feel free to link/post pictures of layouts I could use, I saw a picture of a grid one that had spacebar and delete in the middle in this thread, but it is just too massive to go back to get back to or find again.
current setup I am looking to get: Purple plate, PBT-OEM-White (MX-style only) caps, brown mx or clears, grid option.
Thank you so much for your time! -Ruben
Mario.Paul
339
Apr 4, 2016
scorpusone"Best" is subjective. After owning MX red, blue and clears, the third one has become my daily driver. It combines the lower noise of mx reds, with the firm tactile feedback of blues. Blues are extremely loud (especially at night) and reds are hard to use without bottoming out (though rubber o-rings help immensely). I got the white pbt keycaps with my planck and they feel amazing, though I will replace them with my pulse set when MD delivers them. YMMV ps. I'm also a programmer
scorpusone
39
Apr 4, 2016
Mario.PaulOk, so one vote for clears then. And a great input for the pbt keycaps, I will consider pbt as the winner thank you! Side note: Jesus those pulse caps looks sexy AF! ps, not a programmer as profession more of a hobby and daily use. I am a physicist in study.
tehidiot
3
Apr 4, 2016
scorpusoneI don't find regular cherry mx great for typing - though I've personally only tried browns and blues as the tactile bump just isn't enough for me
If you must have cherry mx compatibility for future key cap upgrades - I'd try the Zealios switches(cherry mx compatible switches) as many people say they are the best mx compatible switches or look at the Matias switches which also have a great tactile bump and very low noise for the tactile version.
scorpusone
39
Apr 4, 2016
tehidiotI had not noticed the Zealios, I might go for those as they are made by community for community. My reasearch lead me to that the 65g MD offers is the perfect middleground and compares to the mx-clears. Also they are mx compatible, so customizing the keyboard to perfect is a go. You might have convinced me sir/miss, thank you! Research: https://www.keychatter.com/2015/08/19/review-project-zealio-switches/
krisst
331
Apr 4, 2016
scorpusoneWelcome to the party! I have been using Cherry MX browns for about 3 years now. Recently got a switch tester and I can tell you Gateron switches are smoother than Cherry counterparts. Also got myself some feelios (Zealios), purple 78g from the last GB, a few each of other weights to try out. Incoming Whitefox have Zealios Purple 65g.
That said, everyone prefer different switches. I would suggest a good starting point to be along the line of MX Brown and MX Clear, although Gateron Brown are essentially the same as Cherry's, smoother feel, Gateron Clears are not. They are lighter than MX Reds, Gateron have their own Reds too. Gateron Clear are buttery soft, too soft IMO.
I read the last few pages of comments suggesting Matias. I have never tried those, maybe they are the best switches in the world, but consider if you would like to change keycaps in the future. You would be better off with MX stem switches, more selection, easier to get.
If you would like to get one of the best switches out there right now. Zealios Purple 65g in this drop might be for you. Though the extra cost is a little steep, $29.50 extra. Gateron Browns are almost "free", -$8 price if you have your own switches.
Also some good read for Planck. https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/3ad258/a_complete_noobs_guide_to_programming_your_planck/
And if you are concern about the Grid layout and MIT. Check this out. The best comment linked his awesome layout too. https://www.reddit.com/r/olkb/comments/4cz5fn/planck_grid_vs_mit/
Lastly, I went for Grid layout, PBT OEM caps, Gateron Green. I have other sets of keycap set coming in and Gateron Green I have yet to try out. Going to use Zealios Purple on this Planck.
Good luck deciding what to get! :D
scorpusoneI built a Planck last go round and I'm relatively new to mechanical keyboards myself. I use a board with Cherry Blues at work all day. I work in an office with some VERY tolerant people who don't care about the noise. The noise is definitely there. If you are going to be coding in an office, don't get blues. Get clears. I have clears on my Planck and they are much quieter. That being said, if I could change the switches now, I'd go for the Zealios. I tried a board with 65g Zealios and fell in love. I might just get a new one anyway.
As far as keycaps, I love the feel of PBT after using ABS constantly. It's definitely different. I have a great couple sets of ABS that are gorgeous to look at and still comfortable to type on, but they are definitely a different feel than PBT.
Also, if you're going to go for the preonic or planck, I'd strongly recommend using the MIT layout, but that's definitely down to personal preference.
EDIT: Also, I do use an ABS set on my Planck every once in a while. The set is DSA Dolch. Here is my build log and pics: http://imgur.com/gallery/aYWXT/new Also bear in mind that the PCB I have here is different than the one included in the current drop.
scorpusone
39
Apr 4, 2016
RidevaDemocritusJesus that board looks beautiful! Funny how you pointed out red is patriotic AF, good job on that! I guess the mit layout might be the best, however I usually use my right hand for spacebar and it should not be too difficult to use the grid option and assign another key to the left thumb. Also the thread krsst pointed me towards on reddit convinced me on grid, I think I have decided on the Zealious to be honest, the rewiews points towards excellency wherever my research on them takes me. The price does not concern me, mother raised a man who picks quality over quantity any time. You save money in the long run, might not seem like it at the time.
The only thing now is to get over the 25% tax that I have to deal with when getting it shipped to Norway. Sucks to be a student and wanting something badly, but I figured that I might get this as a late birthday present for myself as I havent gotten me anything yet, and I 'need' this product hehe.
Current specs I think I'm going to go for: -Zealious 65g purple -oem white caps -purple aluminium plate -grid layout
Ps, this is a great community! I am proud to announce that I will soon be joining you guys. Thank you for excellent help in guiding the newcomer towards keyboard perfection.
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