SOLVED keyboard recommendations

[ihrsetrdr]

Hey y'all, My 20+ year old Dell keyboard has served me well, but the keys are getting sketchy, as are my tactile sensations as well. I am looking for a wired keyboard, preferably mechanical with backlighting(can be RGB), and having some kind of volume control. I don't game and don't use Windows at all, and am trying to steer clear of keyboards that have all sorts of programmable features that are dependent on Windows orientated software. Any recommendations will be much appreciated.

 

[Janus67]

I really enjoy Keychron keyboards, they come in a vast array of layouts and sizes and different switch types. Many have a volume knob (which can be depressed to mute) and other shortcut keys.

 

[JLK03F150]

@infinitevalence I'm sure you can help out.

 

[EarthDog]

I really enjoy Keychron keyboards, they come in a vast array of layouts and sizes and different switch types. Many have a volume knob (which can be depressed to mute) and other shortcut keys.

+1

Just getting familiar with them but have a couple at home as samples... they can be pricey, but worth it, especially if you're into swapping switches, etc.

Check out here too... this was recent - https://www.overclockers.com/forums/threads/looking-for-a-new-kb-what-switch-to-choose.805741/

 

[ihrsetrdr]

I'll tell ya the keyboard I really loved was the Sparc keyboard that came with my old Sun Ultra 10. I wanted to find a way to build an adapter as the DIN pin out was different from PC PS/2 specs. Wasn't able to make that happen, sadly I let the board go to e-waste...in a moment of clouded judgement.

 

[freakdiablo]

+1

Just getting familiar with them but have a couple at home as samples... they can be pricey, but worth it, especially if you're into swapping switches, etc.

Check out here too... this was recent - https://www.overclockers.com/forums/threads/looking-for-a-new-kb-what-switch-to-choose.805741/

Careful, it's an additional money pit...

 

[EarthDog]

For sure. I had no idea it could get like this... ~$150+ for the keyboard, different switches (those are relatively cheap), key caps.... it's a rabbit hole fo sho.

 

[freakdiablo]

For sure. I had no idea it could get like this... ~$150+ for the keyboard, different switches (those are relatively cheap), key caps.... it's a rabbit hole fo sho.

I think a lot of it is buying in bulk vs piecemeal. Corsair going out and placing an order for 300k switches, I'm sure they get a discount lol.

 

[ihrsetrdr]

Well in my 50+ years in the working world I had been several types of mechanic, but I've never been a keyboard mechanic, so talk of red, blue and brown switches required me to Google it.

The AI Overview states:

Red, brown, and blue mechanical keyboard switches differ primarily in their feel and sound: Red switches are linear and smooth, brown switches are tactile with a bump, and blue switches are clicky and tactile.
Here's a more detailed comparison:

Red Switches:
Feel: Linear and smooth, with minimal resistance throughout the keypress.

Sound: Quiet and soft.
Best for: Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Typing: Some find them too soft for typing, but some find them okay.

Brown Switches:

Feel: Tactile with a bump, providing feedback without a click.

Sound: Quieter than blue switches, but not as silent as membrane switches.
Best for: A balance of gaming and typing, often considered a "jack-of-all-trades" switch.

Blue Switches:

Feel: Clicky and tactile, with a distinct "click" sound and a bump on the way down.

Sound: Loud and distinct click sound.
Best for: Typists who enjoy the feedback and sound, but can be too loud for some environments.

I'm not really concerned about the sound, the tactile experience is important. Question: what is the "bump" mentioned in the above?

Anyway, I'm looking at a Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Keyboard, which has brown switches. It doesn't appear to have volume control, but if there's a Fn key combination I'd be ok with that.

 

[freakdiablo]

I'm not really concerned about the sound, the tactile experience is important. Question: what is the "bump" mentioned in the above?

Anyway, I'm looking at a Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Keyboard, which has brown switches. It doesn't appear to have volume control, but if there's a Fn key combination I'd be ok with that.

The difference between "linear" and "tactile" (with the bump) is that a linear switch will have a smooth, consistent travel up and down.

A tactile switch will have a change in feedback - think of it almost as a little click as much as a 'bump' - around the point where the switch actually engages.

 

[MisterEd]

Do you live near any electronic or computer stores? If so you could try out some keyboards there. They may not have one that you might want to buy but trying each one will tell you what features are more important to you.

 

[EarthDog]

Do you live near any electronic or computer stores? If so you could try out some keyboards there. They may not have one that you might want to buy but trying each one will tell you what features are more important to you.

+1

Or if not and you have a couple of bucks extra...

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[ihrsetrdr]

Do you live near any electronic or computer stores? If so you could try out some keyboards there. They may not have one that you might want to buy but trying each one will tell you what features are more important to you.

There's a Best Buy about 15 miles from here, I may be going to Home Depot to pick up some flashing material, if so I'll stop by BB and see what they have.

 

[ihrsetrdr]

OK, so after looking at so many keyboards that it made my eyes bleed, I pulled the trigger on a Corsair K55 CORE RGB Membrane Wired Gaming Keyboard from Amazon. It has all the features I was looking for, plus I can return it in 30 days if I absolutely hate the board.

 

[freakdiablo]

Membrane

(JK, hope it works out)

 

[ihrsetrdr]

Well, I got to taking a second look at the board and read some negative reviews that mentioned that in order to configure this board it's necessary to download and use iCue software. Turns out- there is only Windows and MacOS versions available, so I cancelled the order. Back to shopping...

 

[freakdiablo]

 

[ihrsetrdr]

Just bought an ET Mechanical Gaming Keyboard RGB Backlit , will give it a thorough inspection.

 

[EarthDog]

It's not membrane!

Let us know how you like it!

 

[infinitevalence]

@infinitevalence I'm sure you can help out.

Yep, but ffs life did a number on me the last 2 months!