Help buying gaming keyboard

[Jackal30]

So i'm looking to buy a new mechanical keyboard strictly for gaming and wanting to hopefully spend no more than $100. I don't care at ALL about back lighting, macros, programmable anything, etc. All i care about is comfort and feel. I've checked out a lot of reviews about the "best" with models such as the Logitech G710+, Razor Ultimate, Corsair K70, etc. but they all have a ton of extra features that i won't bother using.

The closest i've found so far in my price range is the Steelseries 6GV2. It seems to have forgone all the extra features (mentioned above) for purely structure, feel and durability. Is this true? Thoughts on the 6GV2 or something better?

Thanks.

 

[Elixer]

Keyboards are a very subjective device. What someone else likes, might not be what you like.

If possible, it is always better to test them out first, and get a feel for what kind you like at a physical store.
Then, once you find the ones that feel good for you at the store, then you can a better perspective on these things to compare them to.

 

[DigDog]

you want the BEST FEEL? are you sure? 100% sure the best feel is your n1 priority ?

if yes, then you want this :
http://www.pckeyboard.com/

there is no argument . and i mean, there won't be anyone who says "ducky is better" or "i love topre!" because argument is not allowed.

the best, ever, designed mechanical switch is the buckling spring inside the old IBM model M keyboard; built like a tank, most of the boards manufactured in the 80s are still going strong today (and sell for $80+).

Unicomp makes a 1:1 clone of the switches, plus modern connectivity for NKRO and USB+Ps2 support.
No backlighting, no macros, just awesome key action.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Buckling_spring

 

[Ampersand38]

6GV2 is pretty solid. You might want to get a key tester for ~$15 to see which switch you prefer. Buckling spring is definitely great for typing, but it might not be your thing for gaming.

 

[DigDog]

well, i just interpreted the word "feel".

in practice there is no way to know what switch one prefers without trying them first.

 

[bononos]

....
The closest i've found so far in my price range is the Steelseries 6GV2. It seems to have forgone all the extra features (mentioned above) for purely structure, feel and durability. Is this true? Thoughts on the 6GV2 or something better?

Thanks.

Generally buckling spring would be awful for gaming.
Keyboards which use the same cherry switches (like the 6GV2) are going to feel almost the same. Filco/Ducky are very well regarded in terms of quality/durability.

Filco 87key shipped for about $120 shipped.
http://www.ncix.com/detail/filco-majestouch-2-cherry-mx-87-70720.htm

 

[DigDog]

Generally buckling spring would be awful for gaming.

All i care about is comfort and feel.

i can count to potato ?

 

[Ben90]

A switch tester is going to be 100% the best idea. Yea, it's not free but you will have a much more informed idea of what you are looking for before you purchase. Also keep in mind you will be hitting the keys with weaker fingers so if MX Blacks feel good to you, make sure you feel it with your ring finger as well. That's why I like the more refined MX Blues over BS or clicky Alps even though the latter switches "feel better".

Also Unicomp boards do not have NKRO.

 

[DigDog]

i checked online and found that essentially they have a limited rollover, apparently six key maximum with 2-key rollover in some combinations. essentially, you can have 1 extra key pressed when the combination would result in a failed key in non-NKRO kbs.

"Our keyboards do support modified N-Key rollover as specified by IBM and Microsoft. While they will support some 5/6 key rollovers, they will not support those outside the specifications."
from Unicomp customer support

btw, i gamed on a model M for 6 years, never had a problem. (it wasnt my PC, thats why i dont have it anymore)

 

[bononos]

i can count to potato ?

The high stiffness and noise from buckling springs would count against the "comfort and feel" attributes wanted by the OP.

 

[Cerb]

The high stiffness and noise from buckling springs would count against the "comfort and feel" attributes wanted by the OP.

Only if that is uncomfortable. There are people that buy Greens because of that, these days--the others are too light and mushy.

Microcenter has the Ducky DK2108 in Red or Black (both non-tactile), it appears. Ducky seems to be in between production runs, ATM, but have good feel. Cooler Master are easier to get, and a good option, for the few models without LEDs under the caps, these days.

 

[bononos]

Only if that is uncomfortable. There are people that buy Greens because of that, these days--the others are too light and mushy.
.......

I'm sure some might prefer heavier weight switches. I was responding mostly to the post which said "there is no argument" that buckling springs is the best. Its alot more reasonable to say that most people prefer medium weight cherries.

 

[DigDog]

buckling spring switches aren't heavy. they are wonderful. the feeling of teh collapsing spring is unparalleled, it just makes it fun to .. just stay at the keyboard and press switches. i can only compare it to playing with boobies as its fun even when its a complete waste of time.

<typing on cherry mx clear.

 

[leedreamer189]

Just try it out, there are several colored cherry switches, everyone has their own preference. Then choose the brand.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

i can only compare it to playing with boobies as its fun even when its a complete waste of time

I never knew playing with those was a waste of time...

I use Greens for gaming, Model M for coding. If you have a heavy hand I'd highly recommend Greens; I made many more errors with Blues due to how hard I type.