Calling Opponauts who are into mechanical keyboards.

"jkm7680" (jkm7680) 04/09/2015 at 21:30 • Filed to: None

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Question 1: What kind of mechanical keyboard do you have?

Question 2: My Model-M is getting lots of noise complaints. Anybody know anything about HHKB keyboards with Topre switches?

Boxer_4 > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:33

1

Solution for #2:

jkm7680 > Boxer_4 04/09/2015 at 21:36

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*Jkm7680 is typing*

Person: "omg your keyboard is so loud."

*Jkm7680 pauses typing, slowly turns head and stares at complainant without breaking eye contact while he continues to type.*

bob and john > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:36

1

I use a Cooler Master Storm trigger keyboard. Cherry red switchs

http://us.coolermaster.com/product/Detail…

If you want a quiet keyboard, i heard there is a maitas keyboard or something thats a 'quiet' mechanical

Nibby > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:39

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I have an IBM Model M on my desktop. I love that thing.

For noise though, my friend suggests cherry MX red or quiet pro keyboards

jkm7680 > bob and john 04/09/2015 at 21:40

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Nice, are MX reds fairly quiet? There's one of those Das keyboards with them that they advertise as a "quiet keyboard." But we all know that they mean that in a relative sense.

I've only got experience with buckling springs and MX blues.

Spaceball-Two > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:41

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Wait. Someone complained about the noise of your keyboard?

jkm7680 > Nibby 04/09/2015 at 21:42

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I love all three of my Model Ms. I'm thinking of doing something custom to one of the extras. I use a Unicomp version on my desk at home though.

jkm7680 > Spaceball-Two 04/09/2015 at 21:44

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Yes! Everybody does.

Fun fact: The Model M also can be used as a home defense item. As it weighs two pounds.

Lekker > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:48

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Corsair K70 with reds, best keyboard I've seen on the market for the price. AND it has a super sweet analog volume wheel and mute buttons, etc that are handy. Recommend it over any other one I've ever used. The metal feeling of it is super sturdy and the braided cable is nice

twochevrons > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:48

1

I swear by the 1980s-vintage Apple Extended Keyboards, to the point where I keep several spares on hand, as well as of the hard to find ADB-USB adapters required to use them on anything that isn't an ancient Mac. They're rugged, quiet, and have a unique key feel that I find unbeatable. The only downsides are that they're absolutely enormous, and the Apple key layout has a few quirks when used with other operating systems, but nothing that some software remapping can't fix.

I've never had any hands-on time with a HHKB, but they definitely appeal. That said, if you can find the right adapter, the Apple Extended Keyboard is the quietest mechanical keyboard that I've come across so far, and they're still easy enough to find on eBay and the like.

jkm7680 > Lekker 04/09/2015 at 21:49

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Damn, that frame less design. Must make cleaning really easy. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the textured space bar though.

Spaceball-Two > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:50

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That's BS.

jkm7680 > twochevrons 04/09/2015 at 21:51

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Alps switches right? I've actually looked into those, but most of the ones I've seen have yellowed to the point of no return.

WRXerFish - WRX-Wing pilot > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:51

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I just got a Logitech Orion G910. It's quiet, very.

jkm7680 > Spaceball-Two 04/09/2015 at 21:51

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Statement A? Or statement B? Haha.

bob and john > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 21:56

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They arent THAT bad, but I'm just used to them now. Definetly noticable through a closed door.

jkm7680 > bob and john 04/09/2015 at 21:57

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Haha, probably quieter than these.

twochevrons > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:01

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I believe so, yes. Whatever plastic Apple used in the '80s and '90s yellowed like crazy – I remember them going pretty yellow when they weren't even that old. There are still decent ones out there, but the tricky part is the Griffin iMate USB to ADB adapter – they go for silly money, but if you know anybody who worked with Macs in the early 2000s, they'll probably have one.

I remember seeing somebody's project to cook up an ADB-USB interface using an Arduino, but I'm not sure if it was ever completed.

Spaceball-Two > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:01

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Why not both?

jkm7680 > twochevrons 04/09/2015 at 22:02

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Yeah, I've heard that there's some strange adapter that you need to make them work properly with modern computers.

It would be interesting if somebody could try to convert one to USB.

jkm7680 > Spaceball-Two 04/09/2015 at 22:03

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http://www.engadget.com/products/ibm/m…

AH-HAH

Flat Six > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:05

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I have a Das Keyboard at work, but I don't remember which model. It is pretty loud and I occasionally get comments, but it is not that bad.

Spaceball-Two > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:07

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1984!

Sam > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:09

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I have the Corsair K70 RGB. Would not recommend. Changing the colors is not worth the extra cost.

Tohru > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:19

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I have four mechanical keyboards.

One is a Nixeus Moda with Kalih Brown switches (essentially a clone of the Cherry MX Brown).

The second is a Wyse WY30 terminal keyboard with Cherry MX Vintage Black switches. I've converted it from a terminal connector (RJ11 port) to micro-USB ( http://imgur.com/a/yJz6s ).

The other two are Fujitsu FKB-4700's from the early 90's. They use Fujitsu Peerless switches, and weigh as much as a Model M. Info guide on the Peerless switch here: http://imgur.com/a/Uivuc

Soloburrito > bob and john 04/09/2015 at 22:32

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The answer is always maitas?

Soloburrito > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:34

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Are you sure it's the keyboard and you aren't just a....um....heavy stroker?

lone_liberal > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:39

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I don't have one, but I used to work for a company that built them named Keytronics. We built heavy duty units for commercial use in power plants and by AT&T that were built like tanks and priced to match. Of course we also built cheap pieces of crap for OEM computer manufacturers too.

Lekker > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:40

1

Meh you can't really tell after a while. But my favorite thing is how well built it is, and how sturdy. Along with the right light/switch combo and some great wrist pad included..

Nibbles > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:48

1

I've got a 2014 Razer BlackWidow Ultimate with the Cherry-MX-Blue-aping Razer Green switches. In a word, wonderful.

I'm not too familiar with Topre switches. I know the MX Browns are pretty quiet (comparatively) but nearly nobody who is used to membrane keyboards is going to "appreciate" a mechanical slab.

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > bob and john 04/09/2015 at 22:49

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Yep, the Matias QuietPro. Nice board, too.

Nibbles > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:53

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An old colleague of mine has a closet full of Model Ms. He refurbs each one when he wears it out so he doesn't have to dig into his unopened stock :)

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 22:55

1

Right now, my keyboard stash is (counting rubber dome boards too)

IBM Model M

IBM Trackpoint II

Sun Type 5 *

Sun Type 6 *

Apple Extended Keyboard II

Filco Majestouch Minila

Those with an asterisk are rubber dome boards...

RockThrillz89 > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 23:57

1

Das Keyboard 4 Professional with Cherry Blues. Don't get any noise complaints, but my office is around a corner from everyone else. You can try something with Cherry Browns. Supposed to feel very similar to a Blue, but quieter. They also have some little rubber o-rings that you can put that softens the noise from the key cap. Doesn't really do much for the actual actuation switch.

Are you a heavy typer? I know when I get on a roll I start pounding on my keyboard (I float my fingers above the keys) and it can get really loud.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > jkm7680 04/09/2015 at 23:58

2

Corsair k70 mx blue

Corsair k95 rgb Mx brown

random001 > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 06:34

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Sorry, can't post without clicking the pic. Stupid IE at work...

I have two mechanical keyboards, and I love them. I have MX blues, but I very nearly bought one with the MX Browns, which are nearly the same in feel but super effin quiet. Since the whole point was to hear the click and annoy my asshole office neighbor, I bought the blues. But I love this keyboard, so I will link you to the browns.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/431198…

Seriously, I LOVE this keyboard. If I had a blacklight, it'd look like a Jackson Pollock...

jkm7680 > random001 04/10/2015 at 07:22

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Hahaha, that's some really good reasoning to get the loud one.

jkm7680 > RockThrillz89 04/10/2015 at 07:23

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I usually don't type all that heavy, I don't pound the keyboard but I usually will bottom out using MX Blues and buckling springs.

How is the quality of the Das keyboard? I've heard nothing but good things about those.

jkm7680 > Tohru 04/10/2015 at 07:25

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Whoa, that one sounds awesome.

Those Fujitsu switches are very interesting looking though. I'm so used to the removable keycaps of the Model M. Would you say they are louder or quieter than a Model M?

jkm7680 > Soloburrito 04/10/2015 at 07:25

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No, it's definitely the keyboard.

random001 > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 07:26

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It was better than burying his cold body in the desert, considering we're really far from the desert and I didn't want him touching my car...

jkm7680 > DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully 04/10/2015 at 07:27

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Pretty cool! Nice collection.

RockThrillz89 > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 08:41

1

It's built like a brick shit house, as they say. It's extremely heavy for modern keyboard. I've had it a couple months and haven't had a single problem. Also, mine is a factory refurb I picked up from Woot! a while back. If you're willing to drop ~$130, and you're not using it to game, I'd definitely recommend a Das. If you're gaming on it (I know you said work, but maybe you travel with your keyboard), I'd recommend the Cherry Reds a lot of others have mentioned. They're supposed to have that smooth actuation; but since your said you bottom them out, maybe not.

Tohru > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 10:30

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The Fujitsus are quieter than a Model M. Not dramatically so, but they are.

Tohru > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 11:10

1

If you're looking to get a new mechanical keyboard, you have to join Massdrop.

Current group buys that are active:

Noppoo EC108-Pro (Electro-Capacitive switches, quiet and still tactile, choice of 35 gram and 45 gram switches, Cherry MX compatible stems) - $124.99 + $10.35 shipping.

Varmilo VA87M (knockoff of the Leopold FC660M, choice of Cherry MX Red, Green, or Linear Grey) - $116.99 + $11.06 shipping

Noppoo Nano 75-S (75 keys, 60% form factor, Cherry MX Red) - $74.99 + $10.05 shipping

Thermaltake Poseidon Illuminated (blue LEDs, Cherry MX Blue) - $74.99 + $6.99 shipping

Thermaltake Poseidon ZX Illuminated (tenkeyless, blue LEDs, choice of Kalih Brown or Blue) - $67.99 + $6.99 shipping

KBParadise V60MTS (60%, choice of Matias Quiet, Quiet Linear, or Click switches) - $89.99 + $11.06 shipping

KBParadise V60 (60%, choice of Cherry MX Brown with red & blue LEDs or Cherry MX Blue with red & green LEDs) - $89.99 + $10.05 shipping

TEX Yoda Trackpoint (60%, built-in USB hub and trackpoint, choice of unassembled DIY or assembled with your choice of Cherry MX Black, Red, Blue, Green, Brown, or Clear, OR Kalih Black, Red, Blue, or Brown) - assembled with Cherry MX switches is $256.99 + $11.06 shipping

Infinity ErgoDox Ergonomic Keyboard Kit (split keyboard, DIY kit involves soldering switches onto PCB boards, available with your choice of: Cherry MX Black, Red, Blue, Green, Brown, or Clear; Matias Quiet Pro, Linear, or Click; or Gateron Brown, Blue, Clear, Red, or Black, also comes with your choice of keycaps) - kit with switches and keycaps is $259.98 with free shipping.

Of course, they're also running a group buy on the ever-popular DSA Granite keycap set ($67 shipped for the kit pictured, more if you need specific keys).

jkm7680 > Tohru 04/10/2015 at 15:43

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Huh, nice to know.

jkm7680 > Tohru 04/10/2015 at 15:45

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I already have, haha. But HOLY SHIT I didn't see all those.

Cebu > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 19:38

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Use a Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2014. Loud as CRAP. My Model M was actually quieter than it.

And I have no idea at all, honestly. No idea.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 20:21

1

After reading the comments, I now know exactly how we look to non car people.

jkm7680 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/10/2015 at 20:29

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Haha, you're probably not the only one who wonders why I use a keyboard designed in the 1980's.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 20:33

1

Probably not, but there are plenty of people who wonder why I'm pouring so much money into a car from designed in the 60's, so I understand it.

I just have no idea what you people are talking about. Ahaha

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 20:38

1

Deck Legend Red... got it as a hand me down from my uncle.

It's pretty nice though!

jkm7680 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/10/2015 at 20:38

0

Haha, I'd totally find it normal to pour tons of money into a car designed in the 60's. Well, that's probably because I'm a car person.

And it's very complicated, haha. I'm a total n0Ob compared to some other people I've seen. You must try a mechanical keyboard if you haven't though.

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/10/2015 at 20:41

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Not a bad hand me down at all, haha. Never heard of that brand though.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 20:41

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Look it up, they make a pretty decent line up and IIRC they use Cherry MX switches

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/10/2015 at 20:44

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One step ahead, haha. Looks nice, except the writing that says "Deck Legend"

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 20:45

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Yep, but a small issue that is nothing when the thing is free...

They also make an 82 key mini mechanical keyboard (think like a laptop keyboard)

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/10/2015 at 20:47

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That's true. Free stuff is the best. Especially when it's nice stuff.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 21:55

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*cough* 25 inch 1920x1200 Samsung Syncmaster 2693HM *cough*

from the same uncle lol

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/10/2015 at 21:58

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Damn, haha. I want an Uncle who gives me free crap!

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 21:58

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It's cause he was upgrading to a 2560x1080 ultrawide 34" LG

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/10/2015 at 22:00

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Wow, ahah. Oh, I think I might have missed the post about the new rims, when do you think you'll have them installed by?

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 22:02

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Was going to get the tires mounted and balanced earlier...

but the clearcoat is still wet :(

I'm drying them out tonight next to a radiator and going back in the morning

Hopefully I'll have them installed by noon!

Also, prom is tomorrow night! WOOOHOOO!

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/10/2015 at 22:07

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Ah, haha. Wheels for the occasion I presume?

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 22:11

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lol no

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/10/2015 at 22:15

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Lol, close enough. Make sure to provide pictures once they're on.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/10/2015 at 22:43

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will do

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/10/2015 at 22:45

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good, it better do.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/11/2015 at 18:13

1

Before

After (dat wheel gap tho)

After a 15 mile break-in drive

Speedo is now off by 2MPH at any given speed above 5 MPH

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/11/2015 at 18:40

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Now that's one sexy mama jamma. Just don't buy cheap coilovers please.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/11/2015 at 19:22

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$500 Solo Werks coil overs...

Cheap but good quality and ride well

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/11/2015 at 19:24

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Good luck, haha. Does your area have many potholes?

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/11/2015 at 20:12

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Not really mostly I drive highway

Also, the city maintains our roads really well

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/11/2015 at 20:13

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Lucky haha.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > jkm7680 04/11/2015 at 20:15

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you live near DC right?

Wichita and OKC FTW!

jkm7680 > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 04/11/2015 at 20:59

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Yessir, and that explains it haha.