Peripherals Mechanical Keyboards

[IvanIvanovich]

My next stop is the bizarre and confusing world of ALPS I suppose. There are so many variants of those switch, it's mind blowing.
I'll probably go hardcore, and get an Apple M0110A and mod it to work with modern systems since it's the most poker like I know of.

[MSHunter]

Any one know a good place to get MX browns used?

[GeorgeStorm]

You just want the switches, or a keyboard with them?

Either way forums are your best bet, deskthority is probably better since you're not in the US, although geekhack will still have people willing to ship international.

[MSHunter]

Looking for a good keyboard for work, thats not too laud.
MX Blue are definatly too laud
(we dont even have cubicals)

[longweight]

Originally Posted by MSHunter

Looking for a good keyboard for work, thats not too laud.
MX Blue are definatly too laud
(we dont even have cubicals)

Do you have spell check at work?

MX Browns are perfect for work, if you are heavy handed and bottom the keys out then you can buy rubber O-rings to dampen the sound.

[MSHunter]

Originally Posted by longweight

Do you have spell check at work?

MX Browns are perfect for work, if you are heavy handed and bottom the keys out then you can buy rubber O-rings to dampen the sound.

set for German... sorry about that.

[Fantus]

Originally Posted by MSHunter

set for German... sorry about that.

Keep an eye out on Deskthority.net and Geekhack.org, Deskthority has more European users so I'd make that your priority.

[IvanIvanovich]

Go to OBook, and give them this link for a Keycool. Tell them you want 'tea axis' which is what they call brown in China. These are 35gbp, but it will be a little more after shipping and obook fee.

They look like a good deal, and here is a review.

[MSHunter]

Originally Posted by lysol

Go to OBook, and give them this link for a Keycool. Tell them you want 'tea axis' which is what they call brown in China. These are 35gbp, but it will be a little more after shipping and obook fee.

They look like a good deal, and here is a review.

Thanks for the info will look into it. Have you used them before?

[IvanIvanovich]

Sure. Obook are one of the most reliable buying agents for TaoBao. Unless you have an account at Chinese bank, or know someone in China that can proxy it for you, you have to use a buying agent. If they want too big of a fee, you could try TaoBaoBee. I've heard good things about them, but not used them yet.

I haven't tried the keyboard yet.

[Grimloon]

Originally Posted by longweight

MX Browns are perfect for work, if you are heavy handed and bottom the keys out then you can buy rubber O-rings to dampen the sound.

I can confirm that they work but won't completely remove the sound, just mute it by about half - received and fitted mine today and there's definitely an improvement. I also have the key caps I ordered, the finish is the same as that of the Filco caps and the colour is great, a nice royal blue.

[leslie]

Originally Posted by MSHunter

Looking for a good keyboard for work, thats not too laud.
MX Blue are definatly too laud
(we dont even have cubicals)

While I haven't used them, I would imagine Topre switches will probably be the quietest. They are also the most costly, by a long shot.

Otherwise clear or browns are your best bet. Just make sure to get a damper for bottoming out. They have soft and hard foam as well as o-rings to dampen them, but I find the foam to make the keys feel spongy, I haven't tried the o-rings yet.

The alternative is to just get a Model M and let everyone in the office enjoy the sweet, sweet sounds.

[Fantus]

Originally Posted by lysol

Go to OBook, and give them this link for a Keycool. Tell them you want 'tea axis' which is what they call brown in China. These are 35gbp, but it will be a little more after shipping and obook fee.

Got a quote: $100.31 with shipping to UK. They've sent a spreadsheet with a breakdown of the costs but I haven't had a chance to look at it yet.

[IvanIvanovich]

I just saw that Elite E-sports is going to start carrying the Keycool in the next couple of weeks for $75ish. Probably still be a little cheaper even after shipping. If you're not in a hurry, might hold on and buy from there instead.
If you need it sooner, $100 isn't too high I suppose after shipping and agent fees.

[docodine]

Any opinions on Unicomp's buckling spring boards?

[IvanIvanovich]

The build quality appears to be fine, but you can often find really good shape used IBM model M for $20 or less on ebay. I'd rather save some money buy used and get the same thing which most buckling spring people will say IBM is better made. With all the money saved you would have lots left over to deck it out with some cool colored keytops from fentek.
However, unicomp is considering bringing back the SSK tenkeyless. If they do it will be nice as SSK are often over $200 for a 20 year old used one...

[docodine]

I need a USB keyboard though, didn't think IBM made USB Model Ms.

[longweight]

Going to order a MX Black KBC Poker on Tuesday

[IvanIvanovich]

No, but you can use ps/2 one with a bluecube or similar active ps/2 to usb adapter. Some people have mod that into the keyboard, so it make it usb always.

[GeorgeStorm]

Nice choice longweight, I'm really loving mine now, even TKL boards look big! :P