Mechanical keyboards?

[Peppered]

I have a Logitech G15 that i have had for years.
I game some but I don't care for the response of the keys.
I just wondered how much different the Mechanical keyboards are.
IE are they more responsive

 

[lehtv]

I can't speak from personal experience as I've never actually used a mechanical board, but I to my understanding, mechanical keyboards do feel more responsive i.e. they have better feedback and you can more easily feel and control the actuation point. Depends on the type of switch though.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I've had a couple of IBM Model Ms. I like typing on them much more, but they both got a little wonky (sticking keys, etc.).

And the noise was pretty annoying.

So a couple weeks ago, actually I borrowed a generic HP keyboard from the spares bin at work (I'll bring it back! Honest!) - saving spare change for a Unicomp one and hoping they've improved the sound level a bit over the years.

http://www.pckeyboard.com

 

[jhansman]

I use both a RAZR Black Widow and a WASD (http://www.wasdkeyboards.com) and like them both. My only gripe with the WASD is that the default key color (tan on black keys) does not show up well in low light. Had I known this when I ordered it, I would have gotten the keycaps stenciled in bright white. Otherwise, it is an excellent product. Even if you are a touch typist (I am), when you need to use the F keys or numeric keypad, being able to see the caps well is a must.

EDIT: Apparently, now the WASD keyboards come with white laser etching as the standard color. Many other options are available, but at least they've recognized that tan on black doesn't cut it.

 

[Zap]

I rather enjoy using mechanical keyboards. Right now I'm typing on a [steel series] steelkeys 6G. Also have a Rosewill (red?). Have a broken abs m1. In the past have used some of the old IBM keyboards, plus have owned a couple Focus 2001. Feel varies depending on which keyswitch is used. Not problem free for me. abs keys were "sticky" and I had to learn to type firmly. My 6G has a half dead left CTRL key. It works only with a firm centered push. Haphazardly hitting it is a guaranteed miss. I think the H key is starting to go that way too. On yeah, the Rosewill and abs have serious problems with the keys wearing (lettering disappearing). My Focus 2001 had key blocking problems in games.

I have to say that I really love them for typing.

For gaming, I kind of don't care.

 

[bryanl]

Electronically there is no difference, and one old design used the same rigid circuit board for different 3 versions: rubber domes, foam backed foil disks, and mechanical switches.

Mechanical switches can be renewed with electronic contact cleaner, but sometimes a key becomes unsoldered from constant flexing of the circuit board.

 

[Peppered]

Ok many thanks for the reply's. Looks like i will stick with my G15 for now.

 

[mfenn]

Electronically there is no difference, and one old design used the same rigid circuit board for different 3 versions: rubber domes, foam backed foil disks, and mechanical switches.

That's true, but electronics aren't what makes a keyboard a nice experience or not. The keyswitches are what you are directly interacting with, so they're the most important aspect IMHO.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

I love mechanical. Won't go back.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I have always used mechanical and refuse to use membrane keyboards and try to avoid scissorswitch keyboards as well.

This means I brought my own Model M in to work, and at home I've got a Das 2, and several Model M's. Response is MUCH better.

I prefer buckling springs over all the various different cherry switches, and while eventually you can wear down the springs, it takes a very very long time.

The only downside is that they are a bit louder, and some motherboards don't have PS2 connectors any more, so it may become difficult to connect a model M without an adapter in the future.

 

[rockfella79]

Afaik mechanicals have longer life, individual keys can be changed. TVS Gold is a good basic example, tend to be noisy.

 

[mfenn]

I have always used mechanical and refuse to use membrane keyboards and try to avoid scissorswitch keyboards as well.

This means I brought my own Model M in to work, and at home I've got a Das 2, and several Model M's. Response is MUCH better.

I prefer buckling springs over all the various different cherry switches, and while eventually you can wear down the springs, it takes a very very long time.

The only downside is that they are a bit louder, and some motherboards don't have PS2 connectors any more, so it may become difficult to connect a model M without an adapter in the future.

Das 2? Get that silly function button off my desktop!

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Ok many thanks for the reply's. Looks like i will stick with my G15 for now.

No! Don't do it. Get a mechanical and never look back.

 

[Bill Brasky]

I freaking love my Blackwidow Ultimate. You should at least try to find a store locally that carries them and try typing on one yourself.

Here's a thread with .gifs of the different mx cherry mechanical switches for research purposes. http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=14802.0

 

[bryanl]

I have always used mechanical and refuse to use membrane keyboards and try to avoid scissorswitch keyboards as well.

This means I brought my own Model M in to work, and at home I've got a Das 2, and several Model M's. Response is MUCH better.

IBM model M keyboards are membrane keyboards.

 

[mfenn]

IBM model M keyboards are membrane keyboards.

That is are correct. BurnItDwn probably meant that he doesn't like "rubber dome" keyboards.

 

[BurnItDwn]

That is are correct. BurnItDwn probably meant that he doesn't like "rubber dome" keyboards.

Thanks, yes, I may have used the wrong term for what I meant. I need a proper buckling spring in my keys or else I can't type worth a damn.