Looking for a wired, backlit, scissor switch keyboard

[CurseTheSky]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently using a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Reds, and it's simply too loud. I also would prefer to get something that's backlit.

My requirements are:
- Wired
- Scissor switches OR low profile keys
- Backlit (prefer standard white)
- Standard keyboard layout (sorry, the Logitech K740 is out 🙁 ), number pad is NOT required
- Well build or at least from a reputable brand

I'd gladly pay up to $200 for the right keyboard.

Thanks!

 

[lehtv]

Have you considered quieting down the mechanical keys using rubber o-rings?

 

[Essence_of_War]

If a keyboard with reds is too loud, it isn't the mech switches, but the fact that you're bottoming them out.

I'd recommend lehtv's solution. A $5 key puller, and order of O rings, and an hour or two of your favorite Netflix binge watch to correct the problem.

Edit alternatively a keyboard like the Logitech g710+ with Browns comes with o rings pre installed.

 

[nerp]

Just get a Topre.

Why scissor switches? That's like typing on wet noodles.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Have you considered quieting down the mechanical keys using rubber o-rings?

I have a set that I installed, but they caused a lot of missed key-presses. To th poin whee my senteces wuld lok lik ths. I left them in for a week or so hoping I'd get used to them and / or they'd settle in, but it never happened. The keyboard I have is a Cherry MX 3.0, so it's not a bargain basement POS.

Just get a Topre.

Why scissor switches? That's like typing on wet noodles.

GOOD scissor switches are actually pretty nice. Despite being a rubber membrane at the heart, the scissor switch really helps to stiffen things up. The problem is, they're very hit-and-miss. Apple's keyboards are excellent, as is Logitech's K740. Logitech's wireless K800 is so-so, and some cheaper brands are downright abysmal (worse than regular rubber domes).

Are Topre switches significantly quieter than Cherry MX's? My wife is so sick of listening to me type, and frankly, so am I. 🙁

 

[nerp]

I have a set that I installed, but they caused a lot of missed key-presses. To th poin whee my senteces wuld lok lik ths. I left them in for a week or so hoping I'd get used to them and / or they'd settle in, but it never happened. The keyboard I have is a Cherry MX 3.0, so it's not a bargain basement POS.



GOOD scissor switches are actually pretty nice. Despite being a rubber membrane at the heart, the scissor switch really helps to stiffen things up. The problem is, they're very hit-and-miss. Apple's keyboards are excellent, as is Logitech's K740. Logitech's wireless K800 is so-so, and some cheaper brands are downright abysmal (worse than regular rubber domes).

Are Topre switches significantly quieter than Cherry MX's? My wife is so sick of listening to me type, and frankly, so am I. 🙁

You can get a sense with YouTube videos. Topre keys sounds like rubber done, somewhat, and you can fly over them quietly if you master not bottoming out. And even when you bottom out, you get a pleasant "thock" sound.

I suggest heading over to geekhack and start reading the forums for a while and you'll find many more discussions about this very topic.

If you do end up going with Cherry switches, consider Cherry clears, though they are harder to find and you might have to import from Japan. Topre switches are also used in the HHKB, which is very popular.