Keyboard Help

[MrRockliffe]

I want to get a new mechanical keyboard (mine is a cheap membrane one) but have no idea what switch to get. Is there any way of trying out a keyboard or switch before I buy it? In my local Maplin they have the K60 on show with Red switches, and I like it - but I have no way of actually trying it out. Pressing a key is one thing, using it in real life situations is another.

I mainly type, and apart from counter strike, I don't ever play with a keyboard and mouse - not because I can't, but because I just prefer using a controller. Been using one since I can remember and it feels more natural and I prefer it for casual gaming.

Do you know of somewhere where I could possibly try out a keyboard or all the different switch types on real world situations, IE typing etc.

Many thanks.

[herulach]

Why would you get a mechanical keyboard if you don't game on it?

Scan have them out in their store IIRC

[MrRockliffe]

Why do they have blue switches if they're for typing? I want one because there mechanical - typing is more enjoyable

[herulach]

Why do they have blue switches if they're for typing? I want one because there mechanical - typing is more enjoyable

That was badly phrased, if you want it just for typing then blues are great, I have one at work. I wouldn't want to game on it though. Are you near any of the big etailers? Most have showrooms.

[MrRockliffe]

Cardiff. The only big etailer near me is a maplin store - they have a K60 out and a razer keyboard with blue switches. I like them both very much in different ways. I like the blue for the tactile bump and the sound of them, but the red for the quietness and smoothness. I would have to type to find out which I prefer, because my current keyboard is about to die, sometimes I have to press the keys twice for it to respond properly. There's also a novatech near by - do they have keyboards out on show?

[herulach]

No Idea. It sounds like you might like browns. I tried them for typing and prefered the blues, but if I wanted a mixed mode keyboard they'd be my choice.

Pretty certain novatech have closed all but their HO store.

PCworld sell a couple of boards with browns, and they're not a bad price (qpad mk50 is £65) When I've wanted to try stuff like that before I've ordered it, picked up in store, played with in car park and immediately returned.

[MrRockliffe]

I had no idea they shut them. I go past it on the train most days

It might be worth doing that. There are around 2-3 big PC worlds around my area.

Needs to be backlit - there's not much light by my desk and the monitor isn't bright enough to show the keys. Red is preferred as my whole setup is red and black themed. I really like the K70 but it only has blue switches with their blue theme

EDIT: Just found a G710+ for 100 quid - is that a good price for the keyboard?

[MrRockliffe]

Went in to PC World today and asked if I could try a keyboard (they've got a G710+ for 100 quid instore) and they told me I can't try it. I wanted to try it for typing and couldn't be bothered to take it home just try it out in case I didn't like it.

Also - JUST BECAUSE IT'S A BLUE SWTICH DOESN'T MEAN I WANT A BLUE COLOUR SCHEME!!! Gawd. I cannot find a half decent keyboard with blue switches and a red and black theme!!! -.-

[MrJim]

This web page explains the differences between types of mechanical keyboard:

http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/me...e#post_6009482

You could just order one, & return it under the DSR if you don't like it. Of course you'd have to pay the return postage though...

[MrJim]

Also - JUST BECAUSE IT'S A BLUE SWTICH DOESN'T MEAN I WANT A BLUE COLOUR SCHEME!!! Gawd. I cannot find a half decent keyboard with blue switches and a red and black theme!!! -.-

The keycaps for Cherry switches are easy to replace, so you could always buy a set of red caps, if the colour scheme is important...

[MrRockliffe]

I know the difference between them - but that's useless. Why do people test drive cars? I really need to try it out, and really, I don't want to have to pay to send it back :/ It's not the colour of the key caps, more the colour of the backlight and the colour theme. I love the look of the K70 with red switches - that theme with blue switches would be the perfect keyboard for me. I tried out the blues on a razer keyboard the other day (just the arrow keys because that's all you can try) and really, really liked them. I actually love the clicky sound, I know I'm actually pressing them. The problem is, I might like browns too, and I like the feel of reds, I just don't know if they're good for typing on (my personal view)

[Greybeard]

I'd have to agree with herulach. It does sound like you're torn between the red and blue switches, and maybe brown is the right switch for you. Check this blog out and this video.. maybe it'll help you to decide to which switch best suit your taste.

[MrRockliffe]

I'd have to agree with herulach. It does sound like you're torn between the red and blue switches, and maybe brown is the right switch for you. Check this blog out and this video.. maybe it'll help you to decide to which switch best suit your taste.

I don't suppose you could answer this, but why do corsair not offer the other switches with the same colour scheme as the red switches K70? It's such a beautiful keyboard, but my setup is red and black. Well, actually, come to think of it, it isn't really. But it is my favourite colour, and I'm not a fan of silver/grey at all.

I have watched that video, and in fact it was the video that got me inquisitive about mechanical keyboards. I also love the Func keyboard, but no blue switches.

[Greybeard]

I thought I was only one dying for that combo K70 red LED with either blue or brown switches... totally understand what you mean, matter of fact, I've raised this concern internally a while back.. and I think the answer is, switches production. Not sure if Cherry is having hard time keeping up with the demand on both blue and brown switches, or maybe a limitation in resources? no one knows, no conformation at all. Either or, there is a good amount of audience for that version, so its best that we act fast and take advantage of it.

[MrRockliffe]

I personally think corsair, or another big keyboard manufacturer, should buy Cherry (or their product like leovo did with IBM). That way they could generate a lot more switches.

If the K70 was available with the black and red theme with Cherry MX Blue switches I'd buy it now. I also don't understand why it costs more than the red switches? It's almost at the price of the K90/95 - I can't remember which the newer one is.

[Scow Captain]

There should be a retail opportunity here. Charge £5, rebatable on purchase of any keyboard, for trialing a whole bunch of different keyboard brands and their switches.

I'm looking to buy my first mechanical keyboard, know all the theory ( think I want mx browns) but until I spend a few minutes actually typing I don't know anything, really.

Greybeard, I'd really like Corsair to announce K65s with brown switches at CES!