Need advice on Mechanical MX Black Keyboard

Slowhand

Member
Mar 21, 2011
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Hi everyone, I'm trying to find a replacement for my Filco Majestouch NKRO Linear keyboard. It has MX Black key switches, which are the only switches I want to use on any mechanical keyboard. I broke my Filco by spilling beer in it one time, and coffee another.

The problem I keep having is when I Google, "keyboard with mx black switches" I get a lot of links to mechanical keyboards, but they are rarely for mx blacks. I click on a link and it takes me to a board with mx reds, mx blues, or mx browns. I'm guessing the black switch keyboard demand is shrinking.

In addition to mx black switches, I'd also like for my next keyboard to have backlit keys, because my vision is somewhat deteriorating and the lighted keys would really help.

So, there you have it. I'm looking for a new Full Size Mechanical Keyboard with MX Black key switches and back lighting. I'd love to hear any and all suggestions. My price range is $75 - $150 dollars

So far I've found this one;

http://mionix.net/products/zibal-60/

Thanks for your input and advice. :)
 

Cerb

Elite Member
Aug 26, 2000
17,484
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Ducky makes several different models that would fit your apparent criteria.

Reds are almost like Blacks, just with slightly less force needed to activate them, which is part of why you see less Black options. I can't tell the difference between the two.
 

Slowhand

Member
Mar 21, 2011
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Ducky makes several different models that would fit your apparent criteria.

Reds are almost like Blacks, just with slightly less force needed to activate them, which is part of why you see less Black options. I can't tell the difference between the two.

Thanks a million, Cerb. I'll definitely add Ducky to my list. :)
 

Slowhand

Member
Mar 21, 2011
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Whats wrong with another Filco? Never heard of mionix.

Nothing wrong with another Filco...as a matter of fact I think they are the best of the best, but they are more of a purist keyboard and they don't thus far cater to the gaming market. I'm hoping to find a mech board with Cherry MX Blacks: and Back Lighting. Filco doesn't make such a keyboard that I know of....

Thx, for ur feedback.
 

JamesV

Platinum Member
Jul 9, 2011
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If you like immersion and have all the lights off, it can be really hard to see keys, and backlighting, especially backlighting with a low brightness option, is far superior to a desk lamp or other illumination.
 

Wall Street

Senior member
Mar 28, 2012
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If you like immersion and have all the lights off, it can be really hard to see keys, and backlighting, especially backlighting with a low brightness option, is far superior to a desk lamp or other illumination.

Why would I need to see keys?
 

Cerb

Elite Member
Aug 26, 2000
17,484
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86
Why would you think, you get 3 guesses. :thumbsdown:
1. You hunt and peck.
2. It looks cool.
3. Black on black doesn't give much of a clue about where the block of keys starts.
4. It doesn't matter, outside of a survery/oped thread. The OP's looking for Cherry MX Black w/ backlighting for <=$150. The Ducky Shine series are the obvious, through not only, option, with the Shine 3 likely being among the best ones ($130-150).

Also, a selection of them, by switch (lots of HHKB wannabe layouts and TKLs):
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?m=&c=13&l=product_list&sortby=price:asc
 

bononos

Diamond Member
Aug 21, 2011
3,921
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Nothing wrong with another Filco...as a matter of fact I think they are the best of the best, but they are more of a purist keyboard and they don't thus far cater to the gaming market. I'm hoping to find a mech board with Cherry MX Blacks: and Back Lighting. Filco doesn't make such a keyboard that I know of....

Thx, for ur feedback.
Ducky's (and probably some other brands) use Cherry stabilizers compared to Filco/Das/Steelseries/WASD/Deck which use costar. Could be a significant enough difference in feel if you are finicky enough. Deck has an illuminated model. Gaming brands like CM/Corsair also have backlit models but they have other drawbacks.
 

Puffnstuff

Lifer
Mar 9, 2005
16,181
4,869
136
The best unlit mechanical kb I've used is an ione scorpius m10 which I still have as a spare. The only drawback to it is the lack of media keys, volume control or anything else beyond a basic kb.
 

Slowhand

Member
Mar 21, 2011
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76
I just purchased the Ducky Shine 3 with green back lighting and Cherry MX Blacks, yesterday. We'll see how it compares to my Filco. ; )

Thanks again for your help everyone. Carry on. :)