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Mechanical Keyboards |OT| Once More, With Feeling
- Thread starter emotion engine
- Start date
- OT
So I am looking for a new mechanical keyboard to replace my Aging/Infuriating Corsair Strafe RGB V1 (MX Browns).
I am looking for keyboards
In my search I found (For ones that meet most of/all of my main list)
Does anyone have thoughts on the ones I linked, or have experience with an MX-Brown Strafe RGB with the sound issue who can give insight to how they sound versus the Razer Greens. etc?
Or any other keyboard/Numpad/macro pad combo that would suit my search?
I am looking for keyboards
- Under 120$ total
- That are Full Sized (Aka need that numpad)
- That has MX Brown Equivalent switches
- I do Not like linear switches as they are not good to type on, and I don't just know how much louder MX Blues/Razer Greens/Blue clones are versus my Strafe RGB's louder-than-supposed MX Browns
- Apparently, I'm not alone in that with the Strafe RGB v1 having louder than advertised for the Switch-type MX Browns.
- I do Not like linear switches as they are not good to type on, and I don't just know how much louder MX Blues/Razer Greens/Blue clones are versus my Strafe RGB's louder-than-supposed MX Browns
- That have some way to control volume (Media Keys and/or Volume Buttons/wheel)
- Have RGB (Upgrading from a keyboard with RGB, why would I want to drop it)
- Are not Corsair boards
- iCUE Craps the bed whenever I launch it after a reboot which is every morning as I shut my PC off at night to conserve power, so I have to fight with it to get my backlight on. And before anyone tries the "have you tried reinstalling it" bit, I have and it did mitigate things a bit, but it's still unpleasant and also is a resource hog even in the background.
- (Prefered) Have a wrist rest option, or are enough under the 120$ range for me to get a separate wrist rest
- In the case of the latter, I would like some recommendations
- RGB Backlight
- Not Corsair
- Is cheap enough to get a dedicated Numpad
- And said Numpad be good and have the Media-control keys I want.
- Still would like that wrist-rest
In my search I found (For ones that meet most of/all of my main list)
- The Redragon K580 VATA (Otemu Optical Browns): 65$
- The Razer BlackWidow V3 (Razer Greens):100$
- The Redragon K550 Yama (RD Purples/Otemu Browns?): 77$
- The Razer BlackWidow Elite (Renewed) (Razer Greens): 82$
- The Razer BlackWidow Elite (Buying Options) (Razer Oranges): 61$ (Used-Acceptable) - 80$ (Used- Very Good)
Does anyone have thoughts on the ones I linked, or have experience with an MX-Brown Strafe RGB with the sound issue who can give insight to how they sound versus the Razer Greens. etc?
Or any other keyboard/Numpad/macro pad combo that would suit my search?
I did see your thread, but 100% options are pretty limited outside of gamer boards. What's wrong w/the media keys on the C2?
For a wrist rest, did you want something more padded, or hard like wood or resin?
- I am okay with gamer boards as long as they aren't overly gaudy on the base construction (I have a Strafe RGB and I like RGB
- As for the C2, I don't super like having to press a dedicated function key and then stretch my hand or use two hands in order to adjust the volume.
- I prefer something plush/padded rather than hard, or at the very least a plubber (Plastic rubber) like the Corsair Strafe RGB's wrist rest
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are remapping keys an option? You can remap any of the Print Screen to Page Down cluster of keys to dedicated volume controls if you aren't using them.
I like having options in my keys, and unless you have pudding keycaps with an up and down arrow that can fit into those two on a normal keyboard then not much option there. (Also in a way I can order the two seperate from the rest of the set I would get)
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK918
+
RK ROYAL KLUDGE 112 Double Shot PBT Pudding Keycaps
only negative I see is that it doesn't have a detachable USB C cable.
would you be open to a 96% layout?
if so, can replace the keyboard I linked up top with the Epomaker GK96S + KPRepublic Pudding V2 pbt doubleshot (if needed)
it was a little difficult trying to find pudding keycaps with 1u keys for win, fn, and ctrl.
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I also wanted to check out a pudding set and searched out an orange one recently for the creamsicle effect. They tend to be taller and thinner than I like, in case that's a concern.
To awsner about the 96% layout, I'm honestly not too comfortable with it, it just seems to be a bit too compact and for a person with big hands like me, I fear I will press keys accidentally.RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK918
+
RK ROYAL KLUDGE 112 Double Shot PBT Pudding Keycaps
only negative I see is that it doesn't have a detachable USB C cable.
would you be open to a 96% layout?
if so, can replace the keyboard I linked up top with the Epomaker GK96S + KPRepublic Pudding V2 pbt doubleshot (if needed)
it was a little difficult trying to find pudding keycaps with 1u keys for win, fn, and ctrl.
As for the Kludge, that does indeed look quite nice, any thoughts on that board specifically? Build Quality, Switch Quality.etc?
And any recommendations for Wrist-Rests that would line up with that board nicely?
EDIT
Hmm...maybe not, that deck flex and squeak is very noticeable, especially for a heavy typer like me.
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Ducky also makes solid boards but this one that's in your budget doesn't have rgb
Ducky One 2 Skyline Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard
Switch options: Cherry MX Black, MX Brown, MX Blue, MX Red, MX Silver, MX White, MX Clear, MX Silent Red, MX Green, MX Silent Black
mechanicalkeyboards.com
Ducky One 2 Rosa 2021 Chinese New Year Edition Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard
Switch options: Cherry MX Black, MX Brown, MX Blue, MX Red, MX Silver, MX Silent Red
mechanicalkeyboards.com
Ducky x MK One 2 Good in Blue Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard
MechanicalKeyboards.com is the Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard Catalog. Buy the best mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing from our huge selection.
mechanicalkeyboards.com
With rgb its $140
Ducky One 2 RGB LED Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard
10 additional PBT double - shot colorful keycaps (Random color) Supports RAZER Chroma Broadcast, Ducky Macro 2.0, and Ducky’s newest RGB software German-made Cherry MX key switches 3 level adjustable feet Includes either Year of the Rat or Year of the Ox spacebars Detachable 1.5 Meter USB-C...
mechanicalkeyboards.com
GMMK full size
GMMK Barebones Custom Gaming Keyboard ANSI
The GMMK Full-Size (104 Keys). Customize with your favorite switch & keycap combo. Glorious is the world's first Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard that allows you to easily swap between Cherry, Gateron, & Kailh switches. Minimalistic design. Affordable. No branding.
www.pcgamingrace.com
With a budget of $120 the only thing that has everything you want are gonna be those "gamer" keyboards.
With rgb its $140
Ducky One 2 RGB LED Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard
10 additional PBT double - shot colorful keycaps (Random color) Supports RAZER Chroma Broadcast, Ducky Macro 2.0, and Ducky’s newest RGB software German-made Cherry MX key switches 3 level adjustable feet Includes either Year of the Rat or Year of the Ox spacebars Detachable 1.5 Meter USB-C...
With a budget of $120 the only thing that has everything you want are gonna be those "gamer" keyboards.
Dangit that board looks perfect too.
Although adding Keycaps and a Wrist-rest would push it to 180 0_0
But I don't mind "Gamer" boards with RGB like the RK918 that sca mentioned, as long as it has half-decent build quality and a good typing experience (Unlike the RK918 based on the video I watched/posted).
Again, I have a Strafe RGB and the reason I'm upgrading from it is not the look of the board (I still find it quite appealing with it's look), it's the Browns in it not being up to snuff to other Cherry Browns.etc and how infuriating iCUE is overall.
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Seriously, this would've been not even a problem if HyperX decided to make a version of the Alloy Elite 2 but with Browns/Aquas/Tactile Switches. As it's 100$ rn
Unless if HyperX's own Red Linear Switches are good to type on (aka actual typing, texts, coding.etc), that isn't an option for me really.
Unless if HyperX's own Red Linear Switches are good to type on (aka actual typing, texts, coding.etc), that isn't an option for me really.
It's tough. Might have to compromise on either the Ducky or RK918. They both have volume control. With the RK918, you can grab a wrist rest and still likely be under your max. Ducky likely has better build quality and the brand has been around for a while.
With reds, they're pretty light so they're easy to activate. If you have heavy hands, you'll have to get used to it. The Hyper X you linked would be your best fit if you can deal with the reds
With reds, they're pretty light so they're easy to activate. If you have heavy hands, you'll have to get used to it. The Hyper X you linked would be your best fit if you can deal with the reds
May have to see if I can swing by my local best buy to try it
the reason I have a wrist-rest is so I can keep my hands off the board.
If it's any help for info, when resting my fingers on my Strafe RGB's keycaps they don't dip down at all if that can give an indication of my finger's weight
And I usually bottom-out my keys as it feels nice to me so shrug.
Honestly, I would get the RK if there was a way to solve that without having to RMA/Return it and go through the hassle of trying to refund it if the creaking/deck flex is too much.
Is there any way to dunno, slap a metal backplate on it?
EDIT
Okay the K918 gets even weirder, this guy here seemingly isn't experiencing nearly as much deck flex and flimsiness as the other video (I am assuming calling it the 919 is a mis-name or just the name for the Red-Switch Model)
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seems like the RK919 hasn't made it over to the US yet or at least I'm not seeing it on Amazon. It looks like it has aluminum panel or plate(?), so it's more rigid.
I see it being sold at upgradeyourdesk.com. I personally don't have experience with them, but they use Paypal so you're protected, if anything.
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Well it seems that it's mostly discontinued based on most places saying it's sold out.
Can anyone comment on this board or UpgradeyourDesk?
EDIT:
Either that or link a way to get and affix a backplate or something to the RK918 to make it more rigid
EDIT 2:
I had to check again as my sibling has the Kludge Sink87G with browns, and indeed it seems that RK uses Otemu Browns for their Mechanical keyboards, at least as of Early 2020 (I will have to check their board to see if that's still the case as they got theirs in early-mid 2021).
So why would I go for the RK918 if I can get the direct successor to the Otemu Browns with the Otemu Optical Browns in the Redragon K580 VATA?
And the K580 also has the full-on media key and vol-wheel.etc
So unless there is a specific recorded issue with that board or Otemu Optical Browns, or if RK has switched from Otemu Browns since Linus' Video (Again, will have to check my sibling's Sink87G to see if they were still using them as of earlier this year). Why shouldn't I get that board as it would guarantee a more solid construction it seems with a metal deck and seemingly a similar plastic to my Strafe RGB for the rest (Which is quite sturdy)
EDIT 3:
Okay, checked my sibling's Sink87G, and they are using TTC Brown switches which I am unfamiliar with and makes me not so trusting to RK on advertising their switches correctly.
But, assuming the RK918 uses TTC Browns (as I assume that's the supplier they use for browns as of 2021?), how do those compare to Outemu Optical Browns in the K580 VATA?
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No idea how they compare. They usually perform similarly since they're clones of Cherry MX browns, with some exceptions. From what I've read, mechanical switches have better feel, but optical switches have better response time (for games). Sounds like a preference thing to me.
If it ticks all of your boxes, go for it
If it ticks all of your boxes, go for it
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Tbh, my biggest regret is not getting a hotswap board when I started the hobby because I went through several stock boards before I figured out what I like and switches would have been more economical. Though, it did take me awhile to figure out my ideal layout is 65% too though...
So just get the one you think sounds good in your budget. If you like it, you'll just use it. If you don't, you'll be looking for another either way. 🤷♀️
So just get the one you think sounds good in your budget. If you like it, you'll just use it. If you don't, you'll be looking for another either way. 🤷♀️
Yeah, I think I've narrowed it down to
- Razer Black Widow V3 (Razer Greens)
- HyperX Alloy Elite 2 (HyperX Reds)
- And the Redragon K580 VATA (Outemu Optical Browns)
All three tick my boxes feature-wise (Good RGB, Standard Layout for new keycaps, Media Keys, and Vol-wheel), but the main difference is the switches.
And outside of a minor bit with an OG Blackwidow with MX Blues that I barely remember, I am unfamiliar with key switches outside of Tactile ones like the MX Browns.
Although I can say if my Strafe's Browns are louder than average, then maybe the Greens won't be too much of a difference and the bonus is how much more developed Razer's Ecosystem is (and the included Wrist-rest).
I took a recording and put it on SoundCloud if anyone can gleam if it's louder, quieter, or in the range of what MX Browns from 2016 should sound like
It would be hard to compare the sound this way. There's a lot of factors that affect the sound from the general acoustics of the room, the keycaps, and the actual board itself(the pcb, plate, foam, etc). You can put the same switch in 2 different boards and they will sound different. Generally you buy/compare switches by the feel. If you're trying to compare a switch to MX Browns just look at it's specifications like it's spring weight, travel distance, force, etc.
True.
Well on two of my main choices I will need to get a wrist-rest anyway, have any recommendations for full-size keyboard wrist rests?
I personally like solid wood ones like the one at glorious: https://www.pcgamingrace.com/products/glorious-wood-keyboard-wrist-rest
Any ones that are more plush?
I feel my hard plastic Strafe RGB wrist rest is actually hurting my wrists more than comforting them sometimes but it's better than nothing.
They do have padded ones. Never tried them though.
Padded Keyboard Wrist Rest Stealth Series
The most comfortable padded wrist rest to pair up with your gaming keyboard. Foam core interior and smooth cloth surface.
www.pcgamingrace.com
Yeah but that price tho, eek.They do have padded ones. Never tried them though.
Padded Keyboard Wrist Rest Stealth Series
The most comfortable padded wrist rest to pair up with your gaming keyboard. Foam core interior and smooth cloth surface.
Especially when Razer and HyperX's are only 20$ on amazon rn.
Mine showed as 40$ when I looked, but either way Selected my board primarily because my father said we won't be going out for a bit so I had to pick the K580 VATA because "Closest to what I know", and the Wrist-rest from Glorious is a bit too big for that board.
I think MT3 2048 may be my dream caps.
I looked at those when I started but didn't want to look at Glorious' logo all the time.
I looked at those when I started but didn't want to look at Glorious' logo all the time.
Just as a second to final update, my K580 Came in (Keycaps and wrist-rest coming in tomorrow), and I (Think) I got the non-Pro/Optical version (because the Optical version was out of stock on Redragon's store so I had to use Amazon). But that does open up a possibility if it is the non-optical browns (the switches are actually quite nice still, I think the box-like thing around them is assisting in that still as they feel more linear than the MX browns of my Strafe RGB and have a slightly quieter sound profile.)
Because the Outemu browns provided by the board seemingly use a 3 pin layout and the board is hot-swap compatible, is it possible to swap the switches out with things like Tactile Gateron or maybe Tactile Khail (whatever the Khail box switches that are tactile but not clicky that are good are?).
For a ref on the image of the pin type and the inside of the board for the contacts.
Anyone able to tell if the pins are Outemu normals versus Opticals and if they are the former, what potential switches I could use? Can I put any key switch that has the same pin layout on the board? Or are there other hardware incompatibilities? (I am not going to let that affect my view of the board, for 65$, it is working very well so far).
Because the Outemu browns provided by the board seemingly use a 3 pin layout and the board is hot-swap compatible, is it possible to swap the switches out with things like Tactile Gateron or maybe Tactile Khail (whatever the Khail box switches that are tactile but not clicky that are good are?).
For a ref on the image of the pin type and the inside of the board for the contacts.
Anyone able to tell if the pins are Outemu normals versus Opticals and if they are the former, what potential switches I could use? Can I put any key switch that has the same pin layout on the board? Or are there other hardware incompatibilities? (I am not going to let that affect my view of the board, for 65$, it is working very well so far).
it looks like the standard MX pin compatibility, so yes, you can hotswap them with whichever switches. If you happen to get 5 pin switches, you'll have to clip the extra 2 pins to fit your PCB. (3 and 5 in the picture)
For tactile Kailh Box switches, there's the Novelkeys x Kailh Box Royal and Novelkeys x Kailh Heavy Box Burnt Orange (not sure if the same as normal Box Burnt Orange)
Novelkeys
Well, that is good if that's the case.it looks like the standard MX pin compatibility, so yes, you can hotswap them with whichever switches. If you happen to get 5 pin switches, you'll have to clip the extra 2 pins to fit your PCB. (3 and 5 in the picture)
For tactile Kailh Box switches, there's the Novelkeys x Kailh Box Royal and Novelkeys x Kailh Heavy Box Burnt Orange (not sure if the same as normal Box Burnt Orange)
Novelkeys
I've heard though that Gateron pins are thicker than Outemu pins so you'd have to shave them down? Is that the same with 3 Pin Kailh or just Gateron?
And looking at this video (if I would actually be able to swap the switches out with Kailh switches at last) makes me wonder how the Speed Coppers are or some other Kailh switches in this comparison are
No idea. You'll have to compare when you get them, then shave/file them down if so.
Well I'm not intending on swapping out the keys on my board for a bit (also not in the mind to spend money on a thing that may not work as I do not feel confident in myself to shave the pins down to make them fit if they don't)
So maybe if someone does know if boards like my K580 Vata/ Hot Swappable Outemu 3 Pin boards can take Kailh 3 Pins without needing to do that would be helpful so I know that for when/if I do want to upgrade the switches on my board.
you could get the switches you want at the smallest quantity the store allows and test fit them
well on Novelkeys for things like the Burnt Oranges, they are out of stock and the smallest amount is 70 and costs 21$.
and also looking at this, the big pin looks different.
versus the Outemu big-pin of the switches my board use/ the extras that came with my board.
If that is just a cosmetic thing that wouldn't immediately rule out compatibility, is there any sub-10$ options to get a Kailh 3 pin to test to see if it fits in my board?
EDIT: Looking closer, the pins on the Kailh burnt oranges look far wider too for the other ones, being more like tiny popsicles rather than tiny toothpicks of the Outemus
Don't know how they feel so no?
I just need to know if any other types will fit or not
Keychron Wooden Palm Rest
The Keychron Keyboard Palm Rest is crafted from streamlined solid wood, providing amazing ergonomic support and comfort when gaming.
www.keychron.com
Edit: the C2/K10 version is the full size.
I have the Orcas wooden rest.
drop.com
Orcas Wooden Wrist Rests | Mechanical Keyboards | Wrist Rests | Drop
Drop exclusive price and reviews: Orcas Wooden Wrist Rests | 5K+ Sold | Made from a combination of black walnut and cherry hardwood, these wrist rests look...
drop.com
I have this Wooting silicon wrist rest, which I haven't used that much yet, but seems well-made. It's an option between wood and something more cushioned.
wooting.io
Wooting wrist rest
The Wooting gaming wrist rest elevates your hand palms to relieve stress on your finger tendons. This helps prevent early hand
wooting.io
Quickie initial KBD67 Lite build. Sound okay?
Same! Love it's style. Promptly dropped a sharp item on it 😫I have the Orcas wooden rest.
Orcas Wooden Wrist Rests | Mechanical Keyboards | Wrist Rests | Drop
Drop exclusive price and reviews: Orcas Wooden Wrist Rests | 5K+ Sold | Made from a combination of black walnut and cherry hardwood, these wrist rests look...
Sounds good, spacebar needs a little tuning. Hako switches aren't used enough. I have Hako Clears myself though they're pre-retooled.
Looking into Outemu switches, I did find there are actually more than just the Brown, Black, Red and Blue usually given out.
There are Outemu Ice and Sky switches too
flashquark.com
Does anyone know how those switches are?
There are Outemu Ice and Sky switches too
Outemu Ice Switches | Flashquark Mechanical Keyboard Store
Outemu Ice Switches are premium tactile switches that feature clear housings and varying spring weights/tactility. Polycarbonate Housings 5-pin PCB mount - two side pins can be clipped to be used as plate-mount switches Compatible with both in-switch and SMD LEDs Ice switches come in 4
flashquark.com
Does anyone know how those switches are?
Sounds good. Which reminds me I have a kbd67 lite still sitting in it's shipping box. I have tangies that i need to film and lube first. lol.
Ended up getting. Ducky one 2 mini in white since my older razer black widow isn't registering some key presses from time to time. Never had a 60% keyboard but I like the idea. Especially getting new key caps and stuff like that. Ended up with MX Brown switches.