Is a mechanical worth it??

[lilrayray69]

Hey,

I think my current membrane keyboard, a Logitech K120, has recently kinda broken...so I need a new keyboard and am wondering if the money for a mechanical is truly worth it. I have gone through numerous membrane boards so maybe getting a mechanical would be worth it if it lasts a long time...

But what's the real difference? I've heard some say it's totally different and others say it's hardly any different. I also don't really understand the difference between the key types.

Also, if anyone could recommend some I'd appreciate it, though the cheaper the better .

Right now I'm lookin at:

Microsoft Sidewinder X4: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-JQD...&qid=1376671091&sr=8-1&keywords=sidewinder+x4

CM Storm QuickFire TK: http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-Quic...F8&qid=1376670612&sr=8-4&keywords=cm+keyboard

Rosewill Cherry MX Blue Switch (RK-9100): http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Illu...TF8&colid=19GZR4IE1FDZG&coliid=I1YNIP9TDF8NY7

 

[Mushkins]

Depends on your usage. Are you a typist? A hardcore gamer? Just browsing facebook?

A lot of it also comes down to personal taste, especially the difference in the switches (red, brown, etc). If you've got a local shop that sells them, hopefully they have some display models that you can try out.

 

[lilrayray69]

I have to type a fair amount of papers for school, I play games but wouldn't call myself a "hardcore" gamer.

Unfortunately there's no such shop around here

 

[kushy26]

Its totally and hardly difficult to set a damaged key board.

 

[Throckmorton]

If you type a lot, you might want to get an ergonomic keyboard like the Truly Ergonomic which is mechanical http://www.trulyergonomic.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=20_26

 

[bononos]

Hey,
I think my current membrane keyboard, a Logitech K120, has recently kinda broken...so I need a new keyboard and am wondering if the money for a mechanical is truly worth it. I have gone through numerous membrane boards so maybe getting a mechanical would be worth it if it lasts a long time...

But what's the real difference? I've heard some say it's totally different and others say it's hardly any different. I also don't really understand the difference between the key types.

.......

How did the membrane keyboards you owned break? They are very hard to break down completely although the membrane does give a different feel after many keystrokes.

The best thing would be try a mechanical. Bestbuy might stock mechanical razers or another brand on display. Try them out but don't get razers because of quality issues.

Searching for old threads would be helpful as well. Heres a guide which has been posted several times:
http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

 

[AMD64Blondie]

Ex-queese me?

Are they worth it? Hell yes.

(Note: I own 3 IBM Model M keyboards: 2 1991-vintage,and the third is from 1995.)

Having to type on membrane keyboards at work sucks.They're all squishy,wobbly,and wierd-feeling.

(FYI:I bought my Model Ms off of Ebay in August 2007.Still using 2 of them-the 2 1991-vintage boards..6 years later.)

The 3rd Model M I keep as a spare.

 

[CAxVIPER]

Personally they are worth every penny. I went from a sidewinder x6 to a CM quickfire and the difference was amazing. I thought a keyboard was just a keyboard and it didn't matter. I recently invested in a new ducky shine 3 which has been great. One of the things I like most about mechanical keyboards is the large selection of switches. I have reds now but thinking about getting something a little heavier.

 

[silentmemories]

I'm quite interested in getting a mechanical keyboard but I was wondering whether there are any wireless (bluetooth or dongle, don't really mind) keyboards.

Thanks in advance.

 

[taq8ojh]

Uh, what is a mechanical keyboard? I thought all keyboards are mechanical, as in, there's the base, there are keys, you press them, they make contact, and... you know.
This is a weird expression

 

[Blain]

Uh, what is a mechanical keyboard? I thought all keyboards are mechanical, as in, there's the base, there are keys, you press them, they make contact, and... you know.

Switches vs contacts

 

[Wall Street]

Uh, what is a mechanical keyboard? I thought all keyboards are mechanical, as in, there's the base, there are keys, you press them, they make contact, and... you know.
This is a weird expression

Yes, it is a misnomer. However 'mechanical' is the industry term to describe a keyboard that doesn't use rubber domes for springs and plastic membranes for contact switches.

There are several varieties. I personally am using a Unicomp which uses the buckling spring technology found in the 1990s vintage IBM keyboards. It is loud, but the tactile and audible feedback is great. Although the switches are more stiff than almost any other board out there, I am able to play Quakelive on it very well (sometimes ranked top tier in Clan Arena and Free For All).

 

[birthdaymonkey]

I'd say it's totally worth it, especially if you go for a good value-for-money model like a Quickfire Rapid. You won't find many people who have tried a mechanical and then gone back to membrane, although there are a few naysayers around here.

If you're looking at the Cooler Masters, Quickfire Rapid is the model to get--better quality than the Storm series, which are made by an inferior OEM. The Rapid series is also fully Filco-compatible, which means it works with aftermarket keycaps. It's also the cheapest CM mechanical.

Choose your preferred switch:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...H&Description=quickfire+rapid&N=-1&isNodeId=1

 

[dma0991]

I don't have one yet but having tried a Filco Majestouch 2 Brown, I'd say that its worth it if you do some intense gaming or type a lot. Switch types are preferential and based on your use case. I prefer blue as I do more typing than gaming.

Of all the choices you've listed, I vote for the Rosewill. It has a standard layout, unlike the condensed layout of the CM Storm.

 

[Broheim]

personally I think it's worth it. I currently use a ducky shine 2 with browns (browns are the middle ground between typing and gaming) and I love it.

 

[vbuggy]

I fall into the 'not worth it' pool - and I own Filco's, Leopolds, Topres and more.

My favourite keyboards are the Sidewinders. They have a short throw that's not anywhere near as noisy as even the quietest and hilariously hobbled (o-ringed) mechs, and more conducive to fast typing and gaming.

I think a lot of people get into purchase justification and disregard relative effectiveness for role.

 

[taq8ojh]

How much do mechanical keyboards usually run for?
My all time favourite is Chicony 2971, which cost about $15, because a keyboard is probably the most abused peripheral ever. 90% people constantly drop stuff in it, spill liquids, the more emotional ones punch it when they die in a game etc. etc., so in my eyes it's absolutely worthless to waste lots of money on something better.

 

[dma0991]

I think a lot of people get into purchase justification and disregard relative effectiveness for role.

I think its alright to spend some money on at least one decent mechanical keyboard. Some would spend a ton of money on several mechanical keyboards, but for me, a Corsair Vengeance K70 would be good enough for a very long time with proper care.

How much do mechanical keyboards usually run for?
My all time favourite is Chicony 2971, which cost about $15, because a keyboard is probably the most abused peripheral ever. 90% people constantly drop stuff in it, spill liquids, the more emotional ones punch it when they die in a game etc. etc., so in my eyes it's absolutely worthless to waste lots of money on something better.

What liquid spills are we talking here? :sneaky:

If you have low EQ and lack of care of the things you use then don't just stop at mechanical keyboards. Its probably why you can't have nice things if you can't take care of it. Maybe you should get a cheap monitor too, just in case this happens.

 

[Puffnstuff]

IMHO mechanical is the only way to go as they give a solid feel when you strike the keys.

 

[bruceb]

Personally, I also prefer a mechanical, as opposed to membrane type keyboards. Membrane types just do not provide the proper "tactical feedback" and feel of mechanical keyboards. I am still using a Dell Model #06H257 keyboard and it works perfect.

 

[taq8ojh]

Over here it's not even possible to tell if a keyboard is mechanical, because none of the eshops (none of those I use) even has "mechanical" as a category. Guess the demand is too small.

 

[wabbitslayer]

I got the Rosewill RK-9100 about a month ago and LOVE IT. Great key-feel.

Weirdness: the equal sign and plus sign are inverted on that key. It still functions normally (push shift to get the plus sign), it's just printed on the key itself wrong. Doesn't bother me b/c I don't look for it when typing anyway....it's just a little oddity.

It may quit tomorrow, but right now I'd buy another in a second.:thumbsup:

 

[Zap]

My 2¢...

I consider myself a fan of mechanical keyboards, but I'm actually okay using just about whatever I have on hand.

Reliability - In my experience mechanical keyboards are not any more reliable than membrane keyboards. In fact, most of mine (albeit cheap ones I buy) have been less reliable. I had an abs m1 as well as a Rosewill MX Red each have one key stop working (Rosewill is intermittent, abs pretty much completely dead). Only "bad" membrane keyboard I have is one I bought used off eBay. I bought two (Dell USB "multimedia" with the volume dial) at the same time from the same seller as "used in good condition." Didn't test them for a long time so I didn't bother contacting the seller. One (am using it now) works fine, one has a habit of skipping random keys (didn't use it long enough to find a pattern).

I used to have a couple of Focus 2001 keyboards. My original was great. I think I sold it when I got a Microsoft Natural keyboard (hurt wrists in mountain bike crash). The replacement was "updated" with Windows keys (this was back in the 90s) and had horrible key blocking issues that the original didn't have (with the same keys for FPS gaming). Yeah, not being able to circle strafe back before I used a mouse for FPS gaming... really sucked.

I have a new Rosewill CherryMX Brown standing by, plus some Cooler Master with Browns coming from Newegg (currently $60ARFS). Might retire this Dell membrane keyboard.

Come to think of it... I have a few Steelseries 6G keyboards floating around, with MX Black switches. One started becoming unreliable (forgot issue, was wife's keyboard) and other is completely dead, won't detect. Also, I have a random Silicon Graphics keyboard that I suspect is mechanical. It is buried in the garage somewhere, NIB.

Yeah, I have a problem with collecting peripherals. I have numerous keyboards, mice and mousepads. By "numerous" I mean probably at least a dozen each as "spares." In fact, probably have closer to 30 various mousepads, just trying to find the "right" surface.

Weirdness: the equal sign and plus sign are inverted on that key. It still functions normally (push shift to get the plus sign), it's just printed on the key itself wrong.

Actually it is probably printed right... but installed upside down. The keys are removable using a keycap puller (some keyboards come with them, or they can be purchased separately).

 

[spat55]

I have the sidewinder X4, I do like it but would like to get myself a nice mechanical keyboard, the keys are starting to feel rather mussy so might be time for me to do so...

 

[Puffnstuff]

Over here it's not even possible to tell if a keyboard is mechanical, because none of the eshops (none of those I use) even has "mechanical" as a category. Guess the demand is too small.

Using a mechanical kb is a completely different experience from the membrane type and there is no doubt in the users mind when depressing the keys. If they won't carry what you need or want you should find a new vendor.