Looking for a new keyboard…some requirements

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:15

Hi guys,

Thanks @LiE for landing me here. I’ve started looking at keyboards now.

I have a small list of requirements, and I can only seem to meet 2/3 at any time. Any idea what would fulfil my requirements?

I’m strongly considering the RK61, but really don’t care about RGB. I’m more concerned about ergonomics. The Razer BlackWidow was everything but wireless, but I’m dead set on that.

Wireless
Compact
Media keys (start/stop, next song)

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:22

that’s what this thread is for, emptying our wallets!

I wouldn’t get hung up on dedicated media keys, most compacts will have them on a layer eg Fn+L. You can also remap them.

Wireless limits things a bit. The Rog Falchion @PermaChanged bought is a solid option. Most wireless keyboards are Bluetooth which is ok if you’re not gaming.

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:23

LiE said:
that’s what this thread is for, emptying out wallets!

I wouldn’t get hung up on dedicated media keys, most compacts will have them on a layer eg Fn+L. You can also remap them.

Wireless limits things a bit. The Rog Falchion @PermaChanged bought is a solid option. Most wireless keyboards are Bluetooth which is ok if you’re not gaming.

Definitely seems that way! Probably should had added a budget…£50-£100!

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:24

dirtychinchilla said:
Definitely seems that way! Probably should had added a budget…£50-£100!

Have a look at the
KEMOVE Snowfox

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:27

LiE said:
Have a look at the
KEMOVE Snowfox

Thanks! Which keys are quietest? That’s something that really bothers me. That keyboard has black, blue, brown, red, and silver.

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:29

dirtychinchilla said:
Thanks! Which keys are quietest? That’s something that really bothers me. That keyboard has black, blue, brown, red, and silver.

Best to look at YouTube videos to compare.

Not blue, that’s for sure.

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:30

LiE said:
Best to look at YouTube videos to compare.

Not blue, that’s for sure.

Hah just had a look, black seems good. Is Bluetooth really an issue? I’ve been using a wireless keyboard for years and I’ve never noticed input lag…it’s my mouse skills that are questionable!

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:33

dirtychinchilla said:
Hah just had a look, black seems good. Is Bluetooth really an issue? I’ve been using a wireless keyboard for years and I’ve never noticed input lag…it’s my mouse skills that are questionable!

Bluetooth is ok, just depends on the kind of games you play. Competitive FPS you’ll notice it, the nkey rollover is not great on Bluetooth.

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:37

LiE said:
Bluetooth is ok, just depends on the kind of games you play. Competitive FPS you’ll notice it, the nkey rollover is not great on Bluetooth.

Fair enough. Not an issue I’ve ever come up against tbf.

Which do you think is better - KEMOVE or the RK61?

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:41

dirtychinchilla said:
Which do you think is better - KEMOVE or the RK61?

I haven’t used either tbh. Best go down the YouTube review rabbit hole

enjoy!

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:43

LiE said:
I haven’t used either tbh. Best go down the YouTube review rabbit hole enjoy!

I’m asking you because I cba! I can’t see any advantage to the more expensive one though.

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:47

dirtychinchilla said:
I’m asking you because I cba! I can’t see any advantage to the more expensive one though.

The Kemove is better on paper. Hot swappable keys, PBT key caps and Bluetooth 5.1. Some of the Amazon reviews however mention issues with the software.

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:48

I like the look of the KEMOVE dolch actually

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:49

For me PBT key caps are a must. ABS will get smooth and glossy quick.

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:51

LiE said:
For me PBT key caps are a must. ABS will get smooth and glossy quick.

I’m just thinking maybe I’ll order two and send one or both back - the KEMOVE dolch, shadow, and the RK61

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:52

dirtychinchilla said:
I’m just thinking maybe I’ll order two and send one or both back - the KEMOVE dolch, shadow, and the RK61

That works.

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:57

LiE said:
That works.

Ordered them! I think the 60% might be a tad small for me, given that I currently have the most enormous keyboard, so I’m curious to give the 60% and 65% a go.

LiE · 8 Mar 2021 at 17:59

dirtychinchilla said:
Ordered them! I think the 60% might be a tad small for me, given that I currently have the most enormous keyboard, so I’m curious to give the 60% and 65% a go.

If you use arrow keys, go 65%.

dirtychinchilla · 8 Mar 2021 at 18:05

LiE said:
If you use arrow keys, go 65%.

I don’t use them for games, just for moving around for other things I guess…spreadsheets for example

PermaChanged · 9 Mar 2021 at 09:15

The Falchion has been great for me so far, battery is still showing 100% after a full days use over the 2.4ghz connection in an office environment (no constant holding of a WASD key), it's not missed any keystrokes and I'm loving the side swipe bar for media. Ergonomically it is thicker than my old keyboard so has taken a tiny bit of adjustment, but I can't say I've noticed any discomfort being caused by the slightly elevated typing position when compared to the old board.

The one thing I've missed, literally, is the enter key on the num pad - I try to tap it and hit the desk, I never realised how much I used it prior to not having one!