Need help deciding which mechanical keyboard to purchase.

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
R

RevoltLePetit

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
74
0
10,640
Hello guys/gals, this is my first post (or thread) for I just joined tom'sHardware. I have spent the past couple days researching different types of mechanical keyboards. Since it's my first time purchasing one, I want it to be a really good one for the amount I'm willing to spend. I'm specifically looking for a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches and blue back lighting. I've looked at different brands such as Ducky, Filco, Deck, and Razer, but one that really stood out was the Max Keyboard Black Bird TKL ( http://www.maxkeyboard.com/max-keyboard-blackbird-tenkeyless-tkl-cherry-mx-backlit-mechanical-keyboard.html). I have a budget range of $100-$170-ish. If you guys could give me some of your input, and maybe what you guys recommend is a good keyboard, that would be excellent. THANKS! :D
 
Solution
manofchalk
Like I said, among the big names you cant really make a bad choice.

I personally would go for a keyboard with the Numpad, but thats just my preference.
Sort by date Sort by votes
manofchalk

manofchalk

Glorious
May 11, 2012
12,914
3
48,960
From among the good brands, you cant really make a bad decision. It seems you have already determined which switch you want, ten-keyless layout and blue backlighting. So its just a matter of finding one that looks good and has other side features you want.

I personally am an advocate of Ducky keyboards, though that Max keyboard looks pretty good to me. The side lighting looks awesome.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
R

RevoltLePetit

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
74
0
10,640


I was looking a the Ducky Shine 3 keyboards, they looked pretty cool to me but I sort of just leaned towards the Black Bird. I just needed to know whether it would be a good choice.(?)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
R

RevoltLePetit

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
74
0
10,640


Alright, I think I'll stick with the Max keyboard. I'm not too worried about the Numpad because I don't even use it. Thanks a lot for the help, really appreciate it. :D
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

Donald Tsang

Honorable
Dec 22, 2013
5
0
10,520
I personally have a Ducky keyboard, the Ducky Zero Shine DK 9008S to be exact, with the cherry mx brown switches and can vouch for Ducky's build quality and overall feel when typing. It has a good weight to it so it won't be moving anywhere anytime, the cherry mx brown keys feel nice and there are some media keys. The Ducky Shine 3 is Ducky's top of the line keyboard so I would think that it feels great when typing and/or gaming. However, like manofchalk said, it's all basically down to your typing preferences and tastes on how it looks as long as it is a@ "big brand name".

Good luck with finding a keyboard and please let us know what your final decision is.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
R

RevoltLePetit

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
74
0
10,640


Thanks for the feedback! The Ducky Shine 3 was one of my choices and its been really hard to decide for I've never had a mechanical keyboard. At first I was looking at the Corsair k70 (The silver one with blue led's) and I really liked it until some reviews stated that the led's started dying after the first few months. Then I found the MaxKeyboard BlackBird and Ducky Shine 3. I guess it comes down two either of those unless I find some other one.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
photonboy

photonboy

Titan
Jun 20, 2006
21,567
13
85,015
You probably know this, but it wasn't really discussed:

Cherry MX BLUE switches are more for typists in an environment where noise won't bother others.

Cherry MX BROWN switches are a good balance between tactile feedback and noise.

Cherry MX RED switches seem to be more used by MMO gamers.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
R

RevoltLePetit

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
74
0
10,640


Yes, I knew that but still thanks for the added detail! :) Some people claim that the Reds are better for gaming, but I personally love the clicking sounds the Blue's make! The blues, as far as I know, are good for both typing and gaming but then again its all personal preference.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
manofchalk

manofchalk

Glorious
May 11, 2012
12,914
3
48,960
I use Browns, I wanted the feel of a blue but didn't want the noise. Though that's kind of pointless since I bottom out when I type, so their noisy anyway.
The whole idea that Reds are better for gaming is they are a linear switch, you cant feel the actuation point nearly as much as a Brown/Blue. This basically lets you mash the key a lot faster.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

Donald Tsang

Honorable
Dec 22, 2013
5
0
10,520
No problem, the two you have picked are both great choices and you really can't go wrong with both of them.

You are right, key switches are entirely personal preference. Like manofchalk, I also brown switches amd share the same feelings about my use of them. I personally thought that I could of went with the Cherry MX Blue switches considering I bottom out the keys anyways.

I have tried both key switches and found that the blues' clicky sound is really helpful when typing and it also sounds nice. Blues also require slightly more force then browns (about 10g more) for the key to actuate so therefore I found that this slight difference might help in gaming for a lighter feel, despite me loving that the awesome audible tactile sound it makes.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
R

RevoltLePetit

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
74
0
10,640
Hey guys, I decided to get the max keyboard blackbird tkl. I figured it was the best choice for my first mechanical keyboard. I'm pretty excited to check it out when it gets here! Thank you all for helping me out on this! Merry Christmas! (if you celebrate it)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
R

RevoltLePetit

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
74
0
10,640


Yes! I got it in the mail today and it is amazing! I'm surprised on how sturdy this thing is! And the clicky noise is just bliss!! I love it so far! Thanks for your help, don't think I'll regret buying this Max Keyboard!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom