capr Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 I need help finding my first mechanical keyboard. I think I like the cherry brown keys best but can't find a keyboard with programmable keys that offers this switch type... Currently I am working with the Corsair K95 and I love the extra programmable keys. not a big fan of cherry Red and make a lot of typing errors. Can you recommend something you like personally? I thought about getting a corsair k70 and purchasing an extra keypad type thing separately-- sounds like a pain though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duoi Veteran Posted September 14, 2014 Veteran Share Posted September 14, 2014 Hello, Macro keys are generally not very popular so there are not many keyboard variations with them. The Logitech G710+ has brown switches and usually well-priced, but note that the keycaps (specifically the modifiers) have some sort of production issue (very brittle) so they might break and need replacement (~$5) after some time. The Razer Blackwidow Stealh is also worth considering-- it doesn't have Cherry MX Brown switches, but has their own in-house produced "Orange" switches which are pretty much exactly the same. I suggest buying a normal full-sized 104-key keyboard, and programming your macros onto the numpad or function keys using something like AutoHotKey-- the process is very easy and you'll pick up on it very quickly. Regarding your typing issues, consider buying a set of o-rings for about $10 or so. This typically really improves the accuracy for users who struggle with Cherry MX Red switches. Regards, Steven Johns goretsky 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S. Veteran Posted September 14, 2014 Veteran Share Posted September 14, 2014 I bought a CM Storm QuickFire Pro for work, loved it, bought a CM Storm QuickFire TK for home, loved it even more. Both with Cherry Browns of course. I like the reduced size because it means my mouse can be closer to me which improves my posture. Cherry Reds are terribly overrated. Really the worst keys for typing, I don't what they're really supposed to be good at. I find browns to be better even for gaming because of the tactile feedback. TK vs Pro: the TK is fully backlit (color depends on switch type - with Cherry Browns it's white), and the Home/arrow area has more keys and can be toggled into a numpad. I like this but some find it confusing. The Pro is more simple but you have to live without a numpad. Of course there are full versions of these if you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compl3x Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 I have the Logitech G710+. Brown switches, 6 programmable "G keys" (all of which are mechanical, some keyboards cheap out and make the programmable keys domes) which you can switch between 3 modes so that makes it 18 programmable keys. A gaming button which disables windows key during gaming. Volume wheel. play/pause, stop, forward/back media keys. White backlit which can be cycled through 3 brightness levels (and off). There is 2 dimming buttons: 1 which dims everything except the arrow and WASD keys and one which dims the arrow and WASD. Pressing both dims every key. I think it is a good keyboard. I was sceptical about mechanical keys but after a few months with it I can certainly see the benefit, especially with long typing sessions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capr Posted September 14, 2014 Author Share Posted September 14, 2014 I have the G710+ as well. it feels great when I type but i really want the 18 keys to just be in front of me so I am not pressing multiple keys.... I can see how the G710+ concept works for games but as an excel user, I don't want to press keys to press keys.... it's currently my top choice if I can't get used to the Cherry reds. o rings are interesting. not sure if i am going to go for that though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vvo Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 I have the cm quickfire rapid (see my sig for the mx switch type), and it's a great keyboard for the cost to performance ratio. Not only that it's tactile but it's quieter than the cherry mx blues and great all around. As for cherry mx reds, they're mostly suited for gaming than for regular use. If you plan to use mechanical keyboards for non gaming use, I'd stick with mx switches that are tactile (i.e browns and blues). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duoi Veteran Posted September 15, 2014 Veteran Share Posted September 15, 2014 I have the G710+ as well. it feels great when I type but i really want the 18 keys to just be in front of me so I am not pressing multiple keys.... I can see how the G710+ concept works for games but as an excel user, I don't want to press keys to press keys.... it's currently my top choice if I can't get used to the Cherry reds. o rings are interesting. not sure if i am going to go for that though... If its for excel work, then again I would suggest mapping the macros with AutoHotKey to the numpad. You can remap every key on your keyboard, including the entire function row, numpad, arrow cluster, and so on. You can set a dedicated key to switch it on or off (such as the Scroll Lock key). If you give me an idea of the macros you will use, I am willing to make the script for you and send you the script or a relevant .exe to add to your start-up list. Regards, Steven Johns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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