Question Are Cherry Clear switches worth it?

[whm1974]

OK I brought my AZIO MK Retro back in early 2017 and while I have enjoyed said keyboard, one issue I keep having lately is that some of the keycaps keep popping off every so often and I have put them back in. So I'm considering getting a new keyboard for 2019 and with something different then the Kahl Blues that I have been using. I've been reading about Cherry Clear switches and how they are quieter then Browns but with a more pronounced tactile feel and easier to avoid bottoming out.

Anyone used these type of switches and what do you think of them? As far as I can tell, looking for keyboards that use this switch is like finding a white whale and if I want one I would have to order a custom keyboard.

 

[DigDog]

I use them. They are without doubt the best that Cherry has ever made.

Ducky makes a $89 TKL with clears and PBT caps. You cant go wrong.

 

[whm1974]

I use them. They are without doubt the best that Cherry has ever made.

Ducky makes a $89 TKL with clears and PBT caps. You cant go wrong.

Don't PBT key caps last about forever? I was afraid I was going to get a custom board to get Clears.

But it looks that way with Zealios purper switches. But are those pricey.

 

[DigDog]

PBT is eternal.

 

[whm1974]

Does Ducky make a full size keyboard? While I don't really use the number pad all that often, but when I do need it I need it badly.

 

[whm1974]

@DigDog I've decided that I'm going to save up for a WASD keyboard, w/ Clear switches and I just sign up for their monthly drawing. Maybe I'll get lucky.

However I'm not sure if I want the Custom or the Code keyboards. I've good things about the Code.

 

[DigDog]

Well, mine is the CODE, i was *very* disappointed by the ABS keycaps it comes with, and had to buy a set of pbt from ebay. Thats why i recommend the Ducky.

 

[whm1974]

Well, mine is the CODE, i was *very* disappointed by the ABS keycaps it comes with, and had to buy a set of pbt from ebay. Thats why i recommend the Ducky.

How much did the PBT keycaps cost you?

 

[whm1974]

I use them. They are without doubt the best that Cherry has ever made.

Ducky makes a $89 TKL with clears and PBT caps. You cant go wrong.

I found a full size Ducky with Cherry MX Clears:
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3485

 

[DigDog]

There you go.

My pbt from ebay were about $35, which is a good price. Otherwise they can cost even more. Thats why a ducky + clears + pbt with a nice color scheme for $105 is *very* good.

 

[whm1974]

There you go.

My pbt from ebay were about $35, which is a good price. Otherwise they can cost even more. Thats why a ducky + clears + pbt with a nice color scheme for $105 is *very* good.

So what is so great about a TKL board? I've read that some folks rave about them. Come to think of it I could live without a keypad

 

[DigDog]

When you sit in an ergonomically-correct position, with both arms straight, one hand on WASD and another on the mouse, the mouse hits the keyboard when you move it. More so if you play high-skill FPS games that require low mouse sensitivity (bigger mouse movements). A TKL has more space on the side.
And most pc functions dont really use the numbpad anyway.
Thats the main reason, but people like small boards for ay number of reasons. I think 60% kb lose too much functionality (no F row) but the TKL has all the functions of a normal keyboard except the numbpad enter (which is a legacy command anyway).

 

[whm1974]

I may just get one then if I can find a ducky TKL with Clear switches and a nice color scheme.

 

[DigDog]

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2751
Done!

 

[whm1974]

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2751
Done!

Thanks but I'm was hoping for a Ducky one 2 Skyline TKL with Cherry Clears.

 

[DigDog]

Thanks but I'm was hoping for a Ducky one 2 Skyline TKL with Cherry Clears.

Like this ? http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/page-en/Ducky_One_2_Skyline/
They dont make it with clears. Only browns, defo not as good.
You do have alternatives: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=50

 

[DigDog]

 

[whm1974]

Like this ? http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/page-en/Ducky_One_2_Skyline/
They dont make it with clears. Only browns, defo not as good.
You do have alternatives: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=50

It will be awhile until I will buy a new keyboard however.

 

[whm1974]

@DigDog How useful is the back lighting? I'm not sure if I want a backlit keyboard or not.

 

[DigDog]

It's reasonably useful. You can always turn it off.
Most backlit keyboards have keycaps where the lettering is shine-through; it's rare to find PBT keycaps that have this.
ABS can be good - old keycaps used to be good - but most modern abs caps are garbage. PBT is generally so much better that it's worth losing the shine-through effect. The backlight still works, and the legends are still legible.

 

[whm1974]

It's reasonably useful. You can always turn it off.
Most backlit keyboards have keycaps where the lettering is shine-through; it's rare to find PBT keycaps that have this.
ABS can be good - old keycaps used to be good - but most modern abs caps are garbage. PBT is generally so much better that it's worth losing the shine-through effect. The backlight still works, and the legends are still legible.

Thanks, but I'm not sure if RGB back lighting is remotely useful and would be happy with white light.

 

[DigDog]

I never said rgb. Just backlighting. Rgb backlights can be made white just like non-rgb.

 

[whm1974]

I never said rgb. Just backlighting. Rgb backlights can be made white just like non-rgb.

I only mention it due to some of the boards I looked at have it.