Regarding keyboards and their "feel"

OmniOck

Member
Apr 19, 2008
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My Saitek Eclipse II really needs a replacement, and I was thinking about the Microsoft Sidewinder X6. The thing about the Eclipse II is that the keys are sort of harsh, in that you have to push down on a key to have it go. I like that. I've used keyboards with keys that barely decend a few milimeters and I hated the experiance. I like the clicking sound, and I like pushing on the key, and for it to go down a full centimeter, with a little "umph" back up. My Saitek does this well, but its become so dirty and is breaking apart from abuse. One example of a keyboard I hated with a passion was the Razer Tarantula. The keys felt so soft when typing, and for what ever reason, I hate it. Does anyone know of keyboards with the same sort of feel? Does the Sidewinder X6 fit this bill?
 

mpilchfamily

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2007
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Head to your nearest store that carries keyboards. Chances are they have several models on display that you can check out and get a feel for. You won't know how you like a keyboard till you get your hands on it. Often times you can pull the keyboard out of the box to see how it works.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
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I always buy keyboards with a firm action. You want a keyboard where you can press the key down and the key will push your finger back up if you simply relax the finger. That will help greatly in reducing the chance of RSDs (carpal tunnel, etc.). The firmness on the downstroke will also actually tire the hand so you'll naturally take breaks rather than having to time your sessions. Right now I'm using a Cherry mini keyboard.

.bh.
 

Nizology

Senior member
Oct 13, 2004
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I've been searching for something similar as well. For the longest time, Fry's here in Sacramento did not have any of the Razers out on display. So, I just went in the other day and there they were. I copped a feel on the Lycosa, which I've heard some decent things about. The "feel" was ok. Kind of a cross between the softness of laptop keys, and the depth of desktops. However, I have also been looking at the MS Sidewinder x6. Fry's had this out on display too. After test typing on both of these for a few minutes, I am really leaning towards the Sidewinder. Had the better clicky feel and, I think, looks better. Think I'm going with it.
 

dawza

Senior member
Dec 31, 2005
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You probably want something with mechanical tactile keyswitches. Unfortunately, such boards are relatively hard to find, and those that are readily available tend to be pricey. Off the top of my head, take a look at either the latest Das III (>$100) or the iOne Scorpius M10 ($50-60). Both use blue Cherry keyswitches, which are light-tactile, and are well-built.

For even more clicky goodness, you need to move to a tactile Alps switch-based boards (some of the old Dell AT-101s on ebay have this switch) or the classic IBM Model M and its various buckling spring variants. Be warned, though, that while blue Cherry and Alps switches are clicky, buckling springs are downright crunchy.

As an added bonus, mechanical switches and buckling springs can take all far, far, far more of a beating than any membrane-based board.

Check out geekhack.org's keyboard forums for much more information and discussion on keyboards than you thought possible.
 

OmniOck

Member
Apr 19, 2008
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Originally posted by: Nizology
I've been searching for something similar as well. For the longest time, Fry's here in Sacramento did not have any of the Razers out on display. So, I just went in the other day and there they were. I copped a feel on the Lycosa, which I've heard some decent things about. The "feel" was ok. Kind of a cross between the softness of laptop keys, and the depth of desktops. However, I have also been looking at the MS Sidewinder x6. Fry's had this out on display too. After test typing on both of these for a few minutes, I am really leaning towards the Sidewinder. Had the better clicky feel and, I think, looks better. Think I'm going with it.

That is some good news to me. I was thinking about the X6 but wanted someone who had played with it first hand to tell me about the clickyness. I might just go ahead with it, since this Saitek Eclipse II, while still chugging along, is so full of dust and grime.

Also, thanks for the suggestions Dawza, also going to look into those.


EDIT: Wow, you really weren't kidding about that site. This world is a strange place.