Peripherals Mechanical Keyboards

60% is ace, Dave. I was a bit worried that I'd hate it, but in fact keeping my hands in the neutral typing position the whole time and using shortcuts (Fn + [key]) is brilliant!

Plus - all that extra desk space for PAPER... Haha!

 

I dont suppose anyone has a sampler set lying around?
Something like this
http://www.cmstore.eu/cm-storm/keyboards/mechanical-key-switch-tester/

 

GeorgeK may have something similar, if not that actual device!

 

I think those samplers are fairly pointless - IMO you have live with a switch for a while to see if you'll really like it.

Sam, I just can't do it - TKL would be the minimum for me.

 

@Spreadie, it's not going to give me the perfect choice.. But i'd like to have SOME idea of what the switches feel like, as i've only ever had the rubber dome/membrane keyboards!

What are the normal pricings for 66-80% MKs? I've seen them from £40 (sure they're not good switches & quality) up to £140.. What's a realistic price point I should be comparing to? And can you suggest any good companies/models in that size range that I could look at (basically anything with the arrow keys included)?

 

Impatience, this is what you need:

If you cover postage each way you're welcome to babysit her for a week or so, get a feel for the differences.

 

You may find a friendly mech board user in B'ham that will let you come and fondle their keys as a tester, too... I can't think of anyone up there at the moment though, sorry.

EDIT: Shirty and the Carnival Cougar. That's what you need! Get on that. He's a top bloke as well.

Well - if you want an 80% board, the CM one is a good call, and they are fairly keenly priced. You can spend almost as much as you want on a keyboard though, what with all the customisations

If you want a Leopold FC660, you are probably looking at about a ton - I a) can't think of any other 66% boards off the top of my head, and b) they are not easy to come by on these shores.

Your question on the switches - as long as they are cherry switches, you will be fine. The price will increase with more 'boutique' manufacturers (not Cooler Master!!), and with things like programmability etc. Remind me - are you set on ISO or ANSI layout?

 

Only caveat being if you break it, people will descend on you from around the country like angry bees and your life will be hell forever more. Just sayin. haha. PRAISE THE MIGHTY COUGAR.

 

I thought we didn't refer to the Cougar Attack Mafia in open correspondence?

 

(*o*) Woah.. Roughly how much would postage be?

Thanks for all your help guys! After a quick google, apparently ISO is the one I'd want? (UK-style.. Although I'm sure I could get used to the US style keyboards!)

Does anyone know if Corsair are any good for keyboards? I've noticed on their forums that there's an RGB version of the K65 thats due to be available in Aug.. Although the standard one is £60ish and has Red/Brown/Blue switches!

 

CollectPlus delivery to your local cornershop would be £5.29. So £10.58 in total.

 

This is so out of hand... Shirty what haven't you been telling us...

 

Sorry to change the subject slightly, but does anyone know where I can get a Leopold FC660C in the UK? Preferably blank?

I have been doing craaaaaazy amounts of research and I think I prefer the layout of the FC660C to the HHKB. That and I wanna go Topre!

 

In short, no (or at least I don't know of anywhere)! Here is probably your best bet.

 

You won't find one in the UK unless someone is selling one, you would have to import one. My friend had one but I think he sold it, or doesn't want to sell it - lemme ask him...

EDIT: he sold it last month

 

Shirty, YGPM fuus, what i've learnt from history is that cults dont like inquiries into their business! I'm just going to stay safe on this one.. *Praise the Cougar*

 

If you're after an MX 60% with arrow keys you might also consider the Rosewill micro... it's available from newegg UK. Probably a better value than importing a Leopold. It has a nice aluminum case top shell too.

 

So much case though! like the new ducky minis, so much extra case. Newegg in the UK is still liable to import charges

EDIT: Is that exactly the same board as a TEX beetle?

here is fc660c instock https://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,compact&pid=fc660ceg with the fancy key caps. $220 before shipping and taxes, so it's not going to be a cheap one!

 

I already linked a FC660C above, from the same place

 

you sure did, but it wasn't in stock