High end mechanical, exclusively for typing.

[Jupakazoid]

I'm currently using a CM Storm trigger with cherry MX blues at home for gaming, but I need something I can take to school with me. I'm sick of typing on awful membrane keyboards that we have there. I have a few ideas but here's my prerequisites.

 

• Exclusively for typing long periods of time, barely any gaming whatsoever. I'll use my CM Storm Trigger for that.
• Nothing flashy, it's for school and professional use.
• Quiet(ish), tactile response. Probably going to be going with MX browns if I get a board with cherry switches.
• Tenkeyless, I need it to fit in my backpack. If not tenkeyless, It would need to still be under 16 inches or so. Nothing 60% as I hate the tiny space bars.
• Removable cord preferably, but not necessary.
• Needs to last practically forever.
• PBT Keycaps would be fantastic, but I can't seem to find ANYTHING in stock anywhere.

 

For now, let's say that pricing is out of the question. I'm realistically trying to stay under $200 but I might go over that if it's really worth it. I know it's a rather tight list of requirements, but if I'm going to be spending this much on a board that I'll be using at least 4 days a week for the next few years (and even more after that once I get a job in the field) I want it to be exactly what I need.

 

So I was looking at a few boards, and I'm looking for some advice from people with more experience in keyboards than I, and some opinions on possible alternatives.

 

1. Topre realforce 87u. I like the PBT caps, but I'm not sure how I'm going to feel about the Topre switches. From what I understand it's like a hybrid brown/membrane switch, if you will. I really hate the feel of membrane keys, but it's the lack of tactile feedback from them that I dislike. I've never typed on a Topre but I just continuously hear amazing things about them. I tend to bottom out my keys anyhow out of gaming habits (although I'm trying to stop doing so, I hate the sound of the plastic hitting the board) so I feel as if I would like the Topre. The only downside is while I'm not looking looking for something flashy, this thing is just unbelievably ugly. I can get over this though if the experience is really worth it. The price is a bit much, but I may be able to get over that too.

 

2. Ducky Shine 3 TKL. What I really want is the Ducky Pro TKL with PBT caps in all white. Unfortunately, I can't find it anywhere in the world not sold out. If anybody can tell me otherwise, PLEASE let me know. I'll pay a premium for this board. It has all the features I want and I LOVE the aesthetic. The Shine 3 TKL is my alternative that I was considering. It has the majority of the features I want, albeit a lack of PBT caps. I was considering one in white LEDs as that's not too flashy, and they can be turned off when needed. I've heard both extremely good and extremely bad things about ducky though. Hopefully somebody can back up either side.

 

3. Filco Ninja Majestouch 2. I've heard nothing but magnificent things about Filco and their boards. From what I've read and people have told me, Filco boards are some of the best in the world. I really like the aesthetic of the front printed keycaps, but the only downside is the only place I can find this currently is Amazon and while i'd happily pay $160 for it, I don't want to pay the $70 of shipping that also comes with it.

 

 

As of right now my choice is the Ducky Shine 3 TKL, mainly because of the price and availability. I don't want to just "settle" for something if I can help it. I know I'll be happy with the shine 3, but I feel as if there is a better option out there, as I feel as if I'm compromising on a few things I really desire. Any advice or feedback on any of the aforementioned boards would be greatly appreciated, as would assistance as to where I could purchase any of the above. Especially that ducky pro with PBT in browns. It just looks so gorgeous 

 

Keep in mind I am in the USA for pricing and shipping.

[cjeffcoatjr]

CM Storm QuickFire TK

[Stonep11]

CM Storm QuickFire TK

He needs the 10 keyless

 

Keep in mind I am in the USA for pricing and shipping.

 

Try looking for this one:

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=10035&product_name=CM%20Storm%20QuickFire%20Stealth

[tbc]

poker ii

 

spacebar is standard length.

 

stock pbt keycaps.

 

programmable.

 

done.

[Jupakazoid]

 

He needs the 10 keyless

 

 

Try looking for this one:

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=10035&product_name=CM%20Storm%20QuickFire%20Stealth

I do like the aesthetics of the quickfire stealth a lot. I used a quickfire a few times at my buddies house. What I really don't like though, also the same problem with my trigger I don't like, is the keycaps. I'm not a huge fan of ABS caps, but the ones on Cooler Masters keyboards feel particularly bad to me.

[Jupakazoid]

poker ii

 

spacebar is standard length.

 

stock pbt keycaps.

 

programmable.

 

done.

I've heard endless bad things about these boards. I can't seem to figure out how I should feel about them.   They really do have all the features I want though.

 

EDIT: I don't necessarily like the lack of dedicated function keys. I use them quite frequently. Much more than I would a numpad.

[Verne]

For classy and portable, I would recommend something from Filco, Matias or Leopold brands.

[Jupakazoid]

For classy and portable, I would recommend something from Filco, Matias or Leopold brands.

I've been trying to find something from Filco, but it's just unbelievably difficult without paying 50+ on shipping. I've never checked out much in the land of Matias or Leopold. Maybe I'll have to give them a look.

[Quantum]

 

 

I do like the aesthetics of the quickfire stealth a lot. I used a quickfire a few times at my buddies house. What I really don't like though, also the same problem with my trigger I don't like, is the keycaps. I'm not a huge fan of ABS caps, but the ones on Cooler Masters keyboards feel particularly bad to me.

 

You can always buy PBT keycaps for a qfr.  

http://www.banggood.com/PBT-87-Blank-White-Key-Caps-For-Cherry-MX-Keyboard-p-84084.html

[gastew15]

Why not check out the new Ducky shine 3 tenkeyless. It can have the backlighting disabled, and it's build quality & ascetics are amazing. I love my Full size Shine 3 myself.

[Jupakazoid]

You can always buy PBT keycaps for a qfr.  

http://www.banggood.com/PBT-87-Blank-White-Key-Caps-For-Cherry-MX-Keyboard-p-84084.html

I'm tempted to buy those PBT caps for a Ducky TBH. Thanks for the link! I'm thinking maybe a shine 3 TKL with custom white caps? I'm considering how nice it might look with the white LED's just lighting up the keys. At least in my mind it looks awesome. Edit: I've seen LEDs that can push light through white PBT keys. I wonder if the shine has the oomph to do it. I think it would be awesome seeing the PBT caps just glowing.

 

Edit again: Saw the ducky yellow with PBT caps. Going for that look with white. When needed I can turn off the LEDs entirely and have a nice solid black and white look. When I want I can use all of the shine 3's crazy LED modes. Seems like a great plan to me.

 

Why not check out the new Ducky shine 3 tenkeyless. It can have the backlighting disabled, and it's build quality & ascetics are amazing. I love my Full size Shine 3 myself.

 

I'm more than likely going to be going with the shine 3 TKL. I can't justify spending the extra $100 on the Filco I want, and I'm really just liking how the shine 3 looks.

[tbc]

I've heard endless bad things about these boards. I can't seem to figure out how I should feel about them.   They really do have all the features I want though.

 

EDIT: I don't necessarily like the lack of dedicated function keys. I use them quite frequently. Much more than I would a numpad.

 

i'm not sure where you're hearing these things lol, but there's only one actual keyboard enthusiast site out there and geekhack loves this board lol.

[Shikarikato]

1. Topre realforce 87u. I like the PBT caps, but I'm not sure how I'm going to feel about the Topre switches. From what I understand it's like a hybrid brown/membrane switch, if you will. I really hate the feel of membrane keys, but it's the lack of tactile feedback from them that I dislike. I've never typed on a Topre but I just continuously hear amazing things about them. I tend to bottom out my keys anyhow out of gaming habits (although I'm trying to stop doing so, I hate the sound of the plastic hitting the board) so I feel as if I would like the Topre. The only downside is while I'm not looking looking for something flashy, this thing is just unbelievably ugly. I can get over this though if the experience is really worth it. The price is a bit much, but I may be able to get over that too.

55g Topre is tactile, I can't say anything about it really, but @GamerDude can. From my knowledge all what similar between Topre and membrane is that they're made from " squishy " materials, plastic and rubber. Also from what I've read all what similar between browns and Topre is their weight. "  I tend to bottom out my keys anyhow out of gaming habits (although I'm trying to stop doing so, I hate the sound of the plastic hitting the board) so I feel as if I would like the Topre. " If you don't like bottoming out, you won't like Topre, you probably haven't done enough research to find out that Topre switches are designed to force you to bottom out practically.