Need mechanical keyboard suggestion for work

[XLNC]

At work, I currently use a laptop style scissor switch keyboard, which I prefer to rubber dome keyboards. I'm looking to upgrade to a mechanical keyboard to help reduce errors and increase productivity. Most frequent errors I make are unintended keystrokes.

I have a Blackwidow Ultimate at home. While I like the blue switches just fine, it'll be a bit too loud for work use. Can anyone recommend a keyboard for me?

Wishes:
- Standard layout with numpad.
- Around $100
- Somewhat quiet
- Preferably accepts cable lock. Wishful thinking, I know, but stuff disappears around here. If nothing else, it'd be better if the keyboard doesn't look fancy or expensive.

I do have a Microcenter close to me.

 

[Jaepheth]

http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-silent/

Refurbished is $111:
http://store.daskeyboard.com/Refurbished-Professional-Model-S-Silent/dp/B004AKLP9Q


I'm pretty sure it uses cherry brown switches.

 

[Raswan]

http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-silent/

Refurbished is $111:
http://store.daskeyboard.com/Refurbished-Professional-Model-S-Silent/dp/B004AKLP9Q


I'm pretty sure it uses cherry brown switches.

+1. Been wanting one of these for some time.

 

[XLNC]

http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-silent/

Refurbished is $111:
http://store.daskeyboard.com/Refurbished-Professional-Model-S-Silent/dp/B004AKLP9Q


I'm pretty sure it uses cherry brown switches.

This is why I post questions here even though I mostly know what I need. Thanks for the refurb link!

 

[XLNC]

Looks like I waited too long and the refurb is now out of stock. However, I found this site and the keyboards are customizable and only $120. Thoughts?

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/semi-custom-keyboard.html

 

[Pia]

I think Das uses blue Cherries so it's not quiet.
Get the WASD with browns.

 

[XLNC]

Das has a "silent" version with brown switches. So WASD keyboards are reliable then? I checked geekhack.org, not many people talking about them.

By the way, that has to be the worst name for a keyboard company. Try googling that name and see if you can come across their website. Dumb.

 

[Pia]

Das has a "silent" version with brown switches.

My bad.
I read a little bit and it sounds like Das has fixed their long-standing technical mistakes as well. I still don't like the styling, and they don't have particularly good build quality.

So WASD keyboards are reliable then? I checked geekhack.org, not many people talking about them.

Dunno but they look solid, are reasonably priced and have a warranty, so you can't lose much. I know if I was looking for a fullsize Cherry keyboard, I wouldn't be able to resist getting to pick the color(s) I want for the keys.

 

[XLNC]

It is tempting to spruce up the keyboard with fancy colors, but I'm afraid it'll attract too much attention at work.

Going to see if I can find a few decent reviews of the WASD keyboard. That should seal the deal.

 

[XLNC]

I might be talking to myself at this point, but I found these two threads below at geekhack and overclocking.net. Reviews are quite positive, both about the company and the boards themselves. I went ahead and ordered one.

http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/1083244-wasd-keyboard-v1-first-impressions.html

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?20400-First-WASD-Keyboards-purchase-and-review-on-Geekhack

 

[pcunite]

WASD ... hmm ... interesting brand. I like the look of Filco, but this could get interesting if they offer a Tenkeyless design.

 

[XLNC]

Just got my WASD Keyboard with brown switches. I went with the all black look. Might swap out the colors later if I feel like it.

Initial impression, this thing is sweet. It's solid, sleek and devoid of any fuss. The engraved keys are very discrete, and provide that "ninja" look. The brown switch keys are quiet compared to the blue switches I'm used to in the Blackwidow Ultimate. It's hard to feel the tactile bump that the browns are supposed to have. It almost feels linear but I actually prefer it that way. It's a subdued but nice clack when I bottom out. I prefer it to the blues already.

The only thing bothering me is the space bar, it's got a squeaky springy sound to it. I almost suspect that it's not placed properly. It came with a key puller so I may try to pull it apart and reseat it later if I'm feeling brave. And the LED light is a bit bright when looking at it head on, but is fine from normal seated viewing angle.

Sometimes I wish I didn't research my purchases so much. Had I not, I'd have barely noticed the noisy space bar.

 

[XLNC]

So I emailed WASD and they were very quick to respond. They included a key puller with my order, free of charge, major points there. I followed their suggestion to remove and reseat the space bar, and its better now.

They even offered to swap my keyboard out free of charge, but I refused since I'm happy with how it is now. I'm very impressed with this company.

As for the brown switches, it's an absolute delight to type on. It's super light, and I can kind of float over the keys. Bottoming out gives a soft clack, which is audibly pleasing. It's making me dislike my Blackwidow with the blue switches, which suddenly feels clunky and heavy.