04-13-09 | #1 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Mechanical Keyboard Guide
The Mechanical Keyboard Guide Fact: Nearly all keyboards sold bundled with computers or at retail stores use rubber domes under their keys. This is the same technology used in cheap TV remotes. They're made to be as cheap as possible to manufacture in order to maximize profits. Yes, this even includes "high end" keyboards. So why settle for something that is made as cheap as possible? So Why do YOU want a Mechanical Keyboard? For most people it's all about the feel. With the keyboard you're typing on right now you've got to press the key all the way down to the bottom to get it to register. This wastes a lot of energy and causes fatigue, as most of your effort is spent pushing against a solid piece of plastic. Mechanical keyswitches are designed so that they register before you bottom out, so you only need to apply as much force as is necessary to actuate it, not wasting any. And with as many different types of switches as there are you can pick and choose which one you're the most comfortable with, as each one has a different feel to it. And most people who try one can never go back to using rubber domes, as they realize just how "mushy" they really feel. Index:
Last edited by Tator Tot : 1 Day Ago at 02:15 PM |
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04-13-09 | #2 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Keyboard Terminonology
Terminology
__________________Key Blocking & Ghosting Ghosting is when you press two keys on the keyboard, and a 3rd key - which you didn't press - gets sent to the PC as well. This is very rarely seen on even the cheapest modern boards, because manufacturers have the habit of limiting the rollover so that ghost keys are always blocked. Key Blocking is as simple as it sounds; you experiencing it when you reach your maximum key roll over. So if you press 2 keys, and the third key is blocked on your board; then you just experienced blocking because your keyboard is only 2KRO. Key Rollover (#KRO & NKRO) NKRO is when you can press as many keys as you want at the same time, and all of them go through. This is similar to what some 'gaming keyboards' incorrectly market as "anti-ghosting", even though Logitech and Razer only apply it to the WASD cluster. Note that right now only PS/2 keyboards can exhibit full n-key rollover; though Microsoft and Ducky are just two companies who have already looked at designing NKRO over USB. #KRO, where # = Any Number, is the key roll over of your board; and stands for the maximum number of keys you can press without experiencing any key blocking. Many USB mechanical Keyboards are labeled as 6KRO, meaning any 6 keys can be pressed at once without the user experiencing blocking. This is generally enough for most users. Though a limited number of games may have a problem with 6KRO. USB keyboards with 6KRO also allow for a maximum of 4 modifier keys to be used with those 6 normal keys. These modifiers include CTRL, ALT, Shift, & Super (Windows, Command, or Meta Key.) Sometimes this also includes the FN key present on select keyboards. Key Bouncing All types of key switches - including rubber domes - do this. When you press a key, the switch "bounces" on and off very quickly as it sets into place. This causes keys to register multiple times for each press. Because of this, keyboards need to implement some sort of debouncing delay - so that once you press a key, the controller waits a certain amount of time before registering a keypress. As an example, Cherry MX switches need 5ms of debouncing time, while rubber domes need longer (exactly how long depends on their quality). Polling Rates and Response Times While it is very useful for mice, it's just about meaningless for keyboards. Let's assume for a minute that all switches have the 5ms debouncing time of Cherry MX switches (which is being very generous). Even if you had super human speed and reflexes, every single key would be delayed by at least that much. So really, any polling rate over 200Hz (at best) is absolutely useless, and nothing but market hype. It may even be a bit detrimental, because you'd be wasting CPU time polling the keyboard unneededly. And unlike USB keyboards, PS/2 boards aren't polled at all. They simply send the signal to the PC whenever they are ready to, which causes a hardware interrupt, forcing the CPU to register that keystroke. PS/2 or USB? PS/2 wins on three fronts: First, it supports full n-key rollover. Second, PS/2 keyboards aren't polled, but are completely interrupt based. And third, it is impossible for it to be delayed by the USB bus being used by other devices. There are two types of USB transfer modes - the interrupt transfer mode (USB polls keyboard, when key is sensed the USB controller sends the interrupt to the CPU), and the isochronous transfer mode, which reserves a certain amount of bandwidth for the keyboard with a guaranteed latency on the bus. Unfortunately, there are absolutely no keyboards made that use the latter, because special controllers would have to be used, thus making it cost prohibitive. So if your keyboard supports both PS/2 and USB, and your PC has a PS/2 port, there's no reason not to use it.
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04-13-09 | #3 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Common Key Switches
Introduction - A Switch is Not "Just a Switch" Many people ask for recommendations about switches without knowing exactly what they are looking for, but instead only with an idea of what their needs are. Fortunately, this is not always a problem because most mechanical switches will always feel nicer than rubber domes. However, the final choice is very important because a switch is not just a switch; it is the heart of what makes your keyboard have its feel and your personal tastes can make or break a keyboard for your uses. If you don't like the switch when you type on it, most likely, you won't ever like the keyboard. Switches are generally rated by force using the weight measurement of Grams (g). Although force is more accurately described using Centinewtons (cN) However, 1g of weight applies about 1cN of downward force, so we can use "55g" when describing a 55cN-rated switch because that is sometimes easier to understand. For this fact; we'll use Grams as a measurement of force; though either term is correct. Cherry MX Black Switches Type: Linear Switch Link: Datasheet Tactile: No Clicky: No Actuation Force: 60g (40g-80g overall) (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom Cherry MX-Black switches are linear (non-tactile) switches, these are considered one of the best switch types for gaming. When gaming, having a tactile bump does absolutely nothing because you're going to be bottoming out anyway. So these give you a very smooth feel. The actuation and release points are at the exact same position as well. So games that require a lot of double tapping become easier than on any other keyswitch. However, most people don't enjoy typing on them that much do in part, to their linear nature.Cherry MX Brown Switches Type: Tactile Switch Link: Datasheet Tactile: Yes Clicky: No Actuation Force: 45g (55g Peak Force) (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom Cherry MX Brown switches are considered a middle ground between typing and "gaming" switches. They have a light, tactile feel half way through the key press that lets you know the switch has activated. This gives you an indication of what you can release the switch. The switch is considered a middle ground because the reset point & actuation point are close enough together than you can "float" at that point, enabling you to double tap faster.Cherry MX Blue Switches Type: Tactile & Clicky Switch Link: Datasheet Tactile: Yes, precise Clicky: Yes Actuation Force: 50g (60g Peak Force) (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom Cherry MX Blue switches are the best cherry switch for typing. The tactile bump can easily be felt, and the resistance is similar to your average keyboard.Cherry MX Clear Switches Type: Tactile Switch Link: Datasheet Tactile: Yes Clicky: No Actuation Force: 55g (65G peak force) (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom Cherry MX Clear switches have often been called "stiffer browns" though some users note that they have more of a tactile feel than browns do. This really can be a subjective topic, though this is another switch that could be considered "ballanced." The force required is comparable to most rubber dome keyboards, with a nice tactile feedback to tell you the key has actuated. These switches are harder to find on keyboards.Cherry MX Red Switches Type: Linear Switch Link: Datasheet Tactile: No Clicky: No Actuation Force: 45g (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom Cherry MX-Red's are another switch that can be considered a "gaming" switch. It's essentially a lighter version of the MX Black, requiring less force to actuate. Most people do not find this switch that good for typing or gaming because it is so light. This switch is hard to find; and was reported as obsolete. Though some board makers still use it for Special Edition keyboards.Buckling Spring Keyswitches: Type: Tactile & Clicky Mechanical Switch Link: Patent Tactile: Yes, very precise Clicky: Yes, loud Actuation Force: 65g-70g (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 2.3mm to actuation, 3.7mm to bottom Buckling springs are pretty straightforward once you see them in action. After pushing the key down a certain distance the spring buckles under pressure, causing the hammer at the bottom to hit a membrane sheet and create an electrical contact. The buckling of the spring also provides tactile feedback and a satisfying click as it hits the shaft wall. And you might also notice through the force diagrams that this is the only mechanical switch where the tactile and audible feedback correspond to the exact moment the switch actuates.Black Alps Type: Tactile Mechanical Switch Tactile: Yes Clicky: No Actuation Force: Simplified 60g, Complicated 70g (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 3.5mm Black Alps are one of the two most common Alps switch types. Many people do not like these switches due to the fact that they are stiff, bottom out hard, and tend to develop friction in the travel as they wear. Nonetheless, they are an improvement over most rubber dome keyboards.White Alps Type: Clicky & Tactile Mechanical Switche Tactile: Yes Clicky: Yes Actuation Force: 60g-70g (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 3.5mm White Alps are one of the most most common Alps switch types. These are far more popular than the Black switches due to more pronounced tactility, and the lower force requirements of some versions. Like the Black Alps, White Alps are much easier to bottom out on compared with other mechanical keyswitch designs.Topre Key Switches: (larger image) Type: Tactile Capacitive Switch Link: Patent Tactile: Yes Clicky: No Actuation Force: 30g, 35g, 45g, 55g depending on model (Force Diagram) Key Travel: 4mm Topre switches are somewhat of a hybrid switch, and are capacitive by nature. The Topre mechanism uses a spring underneath a rubber dome, and the depression of the spring causes a change in capacitance between the underlying capacitor pads. With this change in capacitance; the switch activates.
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04-13-09 | #4 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Keycap Plastics & Design
__________________Keycap Plastics: The two most common keycap plastics are ABS and PBT plastics. Each has their own price to performance ratio; though in a general sense, PBT Key Caps are generally a better buy. We'll go over why:PBT Plastic (Polybutylene Terephthalate)
Keytop Shapes: Cylindrical - Almost all keyboards today use this shape. This is often referred to as sculpted design. The shape is meant to cradle the finger tip. Flat - Frequently found on laptops and "laptop style" keyboards. These are also found on PointOfSale (POS) keyboards because of the replaceable legends. Spherical - This shape is normally found on vintage keyboards and type writers
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04-14-09 | #5 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Keycap Printing Methods
__________________Pad Printing This is the type of printing you'll find on 99% of keyboards. It is the cheapest method possible, short of leaving the keys blank. Pad Printed letters are kind of like stickers, or decals, and you can feel the letter raised above the key surface. Example: (Microsoft Ergo Keyboard) Pros:
Laser Etching Laser etched keys are...well...the name says it all. They feel a bit scratchy. The process works best on light colored keys because the letter always comes out black, since that's the color of burnt plastic. So when it's used on black keys, a paint filler is poured into it, as is done with the keyboards like the Das Model S Example: (Dell AT101W) Pros:
Dye Sublimation Dye Sublimation produces much nicer keys than either of the other two printing methods. A dye is set into the plastic, and seeps a tiny bit into it. So even as the plastic starts to wear off from use, the letter remains as good as new. Unfortunately, because of its cost, the only companies left that use it are Topre, Cherry Corp, and Unicomp. Example: Pros:
Double-Shot Injection Molding With this method, the keycap actually consists of two pieces. The first piece is the outside of the keycap with the letter basically cut out of it, and the second piece is placed inside it with the lettering embossed to fit into the top piece. You can see it in this diagram: This method of printing results in the highest quality keycaps possible. The edges of the letters are perfectly sharp, and it achieves the highest contrast, clearest lettering possible. Unfortunately, because of the very high price, only TG3 Electronics (Deck Keyboards) still uses this method on their keyboards, and Fentek and Signature Plastics can create custom caps with it. Example: OCN Keycap The easiest way to verify if a key is double shot molded is to check from underneath. You will be able to see the two different colored plastics. Pros:
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04-15-09 | #6 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Modern Mechanical Keyboards
__________________This is a small overview of easily available Mechanical Keyboards in the US, please do not use it as the end all be all resource but I hope it is helpful in reference material and choosing a proper keyboard for your needs. Overclock.net Edition Ducky DK9008 Link: Overclock.net Price: $110 ($140 for special edition) Switch Type: Cherry MX Blues or Cherry MX Browns Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Printing (standard) Laser Etched and dye filled (special edition) Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 or USB Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6+4 key (USB) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Detachable USB Cable, Fn Media Keys, Swappable Caps Lock & Control, Windows Keys Disable, 4 macro keys, Windows Key & Alt keys switchable. Drawbacks: Unicomp Customizers Link: Unicomp Store Price: $69 - $99 Switch Type: Buckling Springs (60-65G) Switch Mounting: Steel Plate Backed Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 or USB Rollover: 2KRO Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Trackball, Terminal, Point of Sale, & Trackpoint versions available Other: SpaceSaver 104,Pearl White 104, Customizer 101, On The Ball 103/104, On The Ball 101, On The Stick Model available, Point-of-Sale, & Terminal Keyboards available Linux Keycaps Available, Blank Keycaps Available(At Checkout) Das Model S Link: Das Keyboard Price: $129-$135 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blues (Professional, Ultimate), Cherry MX Browns (Silent) Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Laser Etched (Professional, Silent), Blank (Ultimate) Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 or USB Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6+4 key (USB) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: USB Hub Drawbacks: Shiny case attracts fingerprints, USB hub requires separate port Rosewill RK-9000 Link: Newegg | ChiefValue Price: $80-$100 Switch Type: Cherry MX-Blue Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Printed Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB or PS/2 (adapter not included) Rollover: 6KRO (USB) | NKRO (PS/2) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: None Drawbacks: No PS/2 adapter included. Other: Red plate under keys looks sharp in normal light. SIIG JK-US0112-S1 Link: Newegg Price: $70-80 Switch Type: White Alps (Fukkas) Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Printed Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB or PS/2 Rollover: 2KRO Layout: Modified ANSI Layout Extra Features: Drawbacks: Switches are susceptible to dirt in them causing problems. Other: Lifetime Warranty ZOWIE Gear CELERITAS Link: Newegg Price: $120 Switch Type: Cherry MX-Brown Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Printed Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB or PS/2 Rollover: 6KRO (USB) | NKRO (PS/2) Layout: Modified ANSI Layout Extra Features: Multimedia Keys, Swappable Windows & CTRL keys, Real Time Response function (only works on PS/2) Drawbacks: Other: Reported as Nylon keycaps, durability may be a concern? Deck Legend Link: http://www.deckkeyboards.com/ Price: $149-$176 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks with MX Grey Spacebar, or Cherry MX Clears Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimation Key Shape: Flat Interface: PS/2 or USB Rollover: NKRO Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Backlit using a single industrial grade LED on each switch with controllable brightness. Controllable Brightness for the Caps/Num/Scroll Lock LEDs as well. Drawbacks: Requires the addition/removal of a resistor on the controller PCB to switch between USB and PS/2. Is also larger than other mechanicals. Other: The warranty allows for modding, and they encourage it. Deck is a subsidiary of TG3 Electronics, which also makes mechanical keyboards. Deck 82 Link: http://www.deckkeyboards.com/ Price: $119 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks Switch Mounting: PCB Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB default, PS/2 Capable Rollover: NKRO Layout: Tenkeyless Modified US ANSI Extra Features: Backlit using a single industrial grade LED on each switch with controllable brightness Drawbacks: Requires the addition/removal of a resistor on the controller PCB to switch between USB and PS/2 Other: The warranty allows for modding, and they encourage it. Deck is a subsidiary of TG3 Electronics, which also makes mechanical keyboards. Backlight colors other than blue are no longer in production. Thermaltake Meka G1 Link: Newegg Price: $130 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Printed Key Shape: Flat Interface: USB or PS/2 Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: USB Hub, Pass through Audio Ports, Detachable Wrist Wrest, Multimedia Keys Drawbacks: cable is really thick Other: 1000hz polling not known to benefit the board in anyway. Filco Majestouch 104 Link: Price: Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown, MX-Black, MX-Blue, or MX-Red Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB or PS/2 Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: None Drawbacks: Not available in the US right now Other: Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless Link: Price: $140 ($165 for the Cherry MX Red version) Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown, MX-Black, MX-Blue, or MX-Red Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB or PS/2 Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: None Drawbacks: Pricey for what is offered Other: , , & versions available Leopold FC200R Link: EliteKeyboards Price: $100 Switch Type: Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX-Blue Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Lazered with white infill ABS Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB or PS/2 Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Detachable USB cable Drawbacks: Other: Available with MX-Blues or in "Otaku" form with blank keys & MX-Browns iOne Scorpius M10 Link: http://www.max-geek-llc-amazonwebstore.com Price: $59 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blues Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Laser Etched Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: 2KRO Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: None Drawbacks: Cheap Construction Other: Older keyboards have soldering problems, so avoid buying used Steelseries 7G Link: http://www.newegg.com Price: $139 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Laser Etched Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 and USB Rollover: NKRO Layout: US ANSI, Large Enter Key, Small Backspace, Relocated Slash Extra Features: USB hub, pass-through 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, detachable wrist-rest Drawbacks: Other: Steelseries 6Gv2 Link: Newegg Price: $89-$100 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blacks Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Laser Etched Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 and USB Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB) Layout: US ANSI, Large Enter Key, Relocated [ /? ] key Drawbacks: Other: ACK-6600 Link: SmartKeyboard Sales Price: $65 Switch Type: White Alps (Fukkas) Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Laser Etched Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 and USB Rollover: 2KRO Layout: US ANSI, Large Enter Key, Small Backspace, Relocated Slash Extra Features: Drawbacks: Other: DSI Big Font Link: DSI Store Price: $45 Switch Type: Yellow Alps (XM) (Linear) Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Printed Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 and USB Rollover: 2KRO Layout: US ANSI, Large Enter Key, Small Backspace, Relocated Slash Extra Features: Large Font is very easy to see. Drawbacks: Build quality is only so-so, switches can be wobbly. Other: Topre RealForce 103U Link: EliteKeyboards Price: $215-$245 Switch Type: Topre Capacitive 55g (103U 55G) or Topre Capacitive Variable (103U) Switch Mounting: PCB Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: 6KRO (PS/2 doesn't work) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Switchable Caps Lock and Ctrl Key Drawbacks: Other: Numpad can be purchased separately. Topre Realforce 23U Topre Realforce 86U Link: EliteKeyboards Price: $265 Switch Type: Topre Capacitive Variable Weight Switch Mounting: PCB Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: 6KRO (PS/2 doesn't work) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Switchable Caps Lock and Ctrl Key Drawbacks: Other: Numpad can be purchased separately. Topre Realforce 23U Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional II Link: EliteKeyboards Price: $275 Switch Type: Topre Capacitive 55g Switch Mounting: PCB Keycap Printing: Dye Sublimated Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: 3 key Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Switchable Caps Lock and Ctrl Key Drawbacks: Altered layout Other: Numpad can be purchased separately. Topre Realforce 23U Matias Tactile Pro 3.0 Link: http://www.matias.ca Price: $149 Switch Type: White Alps Strongman Switch Mounting: Keycap Printing: Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 or USB Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB) Layout: US ANSI with Mac keys Extra Features: Media Keys, Mac keys, Extra printed symbols to help find them on a Mac (™ € £ ¥ © ...) Drawbacks: Other: Some production runs of older versions (2.0 and 1.0) have a ghosting problem, so avoid buying those used unless the seller can confirm he has a fixed one. Adesso MKB-135B Pro Link: Price: $58-$71 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blue Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Printed Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: NKRO Layout: US ANSI MK-135B Extra Features: USB Hub, headphone jack Drawbacks: Lesser quality construction Other: Cheaper and smaller version available, the MK-125B Adesso MKB-125B Link: Provantage Price: $55 Switch Type: Cherry MX Blue Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Pad Printed Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: 2KRO PS/2 or USB Layout: Altered ISO Extra Features: Drawbacks: Lesser quality construction Other: Altered layout can be hard for some to use. Cherry G80-3494 G80-3494LYCUS-0 (White) and G80-3494LYCUS-2 (Black) Link: Taobao Price: Email obook@yahoo.cn for inquiry Switch Type: Cherry MX Switch Mounting: PCB Keycap Printing: Laser Etched Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 and USB Rollover: NKRO Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: None Drawbacks: "Flimsy" build, casing is not as durable as other keyboards listed Other: The white model has a Polystyrene casing with PBT keycaps, the black model has an ABS casing with POM keycaps. iOne Xarmor U9BL Link: Price: $150 Switch Type: MX Blue Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Dye sublimation, overlaid with a rubber coating with the letter laser engraved from it Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: PS/2 and USB Rollover: NKRO (PS/2) | 6KRO (USB) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Individual LED backlight for each key, USB hub, pass-through 3.5mm audio/mic jacks, media keys, detachable wrist rest Drawbacks: Some concerns about keycap durability Other: MX-blue without backlight available ( U9Plus ), Cherry MX-Brown version available ( ), U9 & U9W models may be available in the future. Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Link: Razer Store Price: $140 Switch Type: MX Blue Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: ABS, translucent key painted, then lasered. Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: 3KRO (USB) (but has a gaming optimized matrix) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: Individual LED backlight for each key, USB hub, pass-through 3.5mm audio/mic jacks, media keys Drawbacks: Some concerns about keycap durability, glossy surface holds dust and oil (fingerprints) easily. Other: Dragon Age II Special Edition version available from Razer Razer BlackWidow Link: Razer Store Price: $80 Switch Type: MX Blue Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: ABS, Lasered with infill, coated Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: 3KRO (USB) (but has a gaming optimized matrix) Layout: US ANSI Extra Features: USB hub, pass-through 3.5mm audio/mic jacks, media keys Drawbacks: Some concerns about keycap durability, glossy surface holds dust and oil (fingerprints) easily. Other: Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboards *Being Reworked* Kinesis Advantage Link: Kinesis Store Price: $299 Switch Type: MX Blue or MX Brown Switch Mounting: Plate Keycap Printing: Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB Rollover: Layout: US ANSI QWERTY or DVORAK Extra Features: Foot Switches available Drawbacks: Other: 2 Port USB Hub Maltron Dual Hands 3D Link: Maltron Store Price: £375 Switch Type: Switch Mounting: Keycap Printing: Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB or PS/2 Rollover: Layout: US ANSI QWERTY, DVORAK, Maltron-QWERTY, Maltron-DVORAK, or Maltron Extra Features: Foot Switches available Drawbacks: Other: 2 Port USB Hub Maltron Dual Hands 2D Flat Link: Maltron Store Price: £295 Switch Type: Switch Mounting: Keycap Printing: Key Shape: Sculpted Interface: USB or PS/2 Rollover: Layout: US ANSI QWERTY, DVORAK, Maltron-QWERTY, Maltron-DVORAK, or Maltron Extra Features: Foot Switches available Drawbacks: Other:
Last edited by Tator Tot : 7 Hours Ago at 01:03 PM |
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04-15-09 | #7 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Keyboards By Switch Type
__________________----Common Switch Types----
----Uncommon Switch Types----
Last edited by Tator Tot : 1 Week Ago at 03:26 PM |
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04-15-09 | #8 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Replacement Keycaps & Maintenance
__________________Keycap Pullers:
Extra Keycaps: Cherry MX Keycaps
Topre Keycaps
Cleaning Every once in a while you may want to clean your keyboard. There are many ways of doing this, and can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much dirt you're trying to get out of it and exactly what needs to be cleaned. If you've just spilled a can of Pepsi on your board and don't know what to do, you've come to the right place. A good PC tool to have right now is the DataVac as it can replace canned air and compressors. Quick Cleaning Keyboards can get dirty pretty quickly. I mean, let's be honest here; it's not like most of us actually wash our hands every single time we're about to sit down at the PC. And on top of that there's always dust and hair that can fall in-between the keys. So it's always good to give your board a quick cleaning every week or two.
Doing these things on a regular basis will keep your board looking great. Deep Cleaning If you've just gotten a used keyboard off of ebay that looks like it was used at a mechanic shop, or just spilled your drink right into it, your board needs a deep cleaning. If you do ever spill anything into it, make sure you clean it immediately. The longer you wait, the worse the cleanup is going to be - and may end up being next to impossible.
Last edited by Tator Tot : 3 Hours Ago at 05:20 PM |
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04-15-09 | #9 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Replacement Keycaps & Maintenance
Miscellaneous Resources
__________________Keyboard Customization Guides Dye Your Old White/Grey Keyboard General Keyboard Information Sandy's Keyboard Page\ Deskthority GeekHack Wiki Official "Removing Stabilized Filco Keys" Directions Switch Technologies Qwerter's Clinic Cherry MX Info NKRO on Microsoft Sidewinder x4 - Resistance method All About Scissor Switches Programming SharpKeys - Basic Keyboard Programming Autohotkey - Advanced Keyboard Programming Interfaces and Protocols Interfacing the AT and PS/2 Keyboards PS/2 Keyboard Interface PS/2 Keyboard Protocol XT Scancodes AT, PS/2, and USB Scancodes USB in a Nutshell Switch Matrix and Actuation Design
Last edited by Tator Tot : 23 Hours Ago at 09:13 PM |
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04-21-09 | #10 (permalink) | ||||||||||||
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Credits:
__________________Original Guide Created by Manyak Frequent Updates done by Tator Tot Alps Section thanks to ch_123 Pictures of Switches in action are thanks to Lethal Squirrel on Geekhack Pictures of Keycaps thanks to Ripster on OCN & Geekhack
Last edited by Tator Tot : 4 Days Ago at 05:31 PM |
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