Crumbs...keyboard/mice have come a long way

ps3ud0

ps3ud0

ps3ud0

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OK so I'm coming from not owning a PC for over a decade where I owned (and loved) my Logitech G15 and MX518.

I still have them somewhere so kinda intending to reuse them for now until I work out what to replace them with, but that's where progress has gone so far that I'm a bit bemused at all the options.

I know I need to get a mechanical keyboard (it seems these are still mostly wired) and a wireless mouse (since wired aren't as important?). I've popped into a local electrical shop that sells these and so far I think I want tactile (not clicky more just the bump to tell me I've activated the key) - I'm a bit lost what to look for with a mouse though. Logitech doesn't seem the way to go nowadays since quality/service has gone downhill which is a shame. Not interested in the more mainstream gaming brands since I doubt they are that much better...

I've spent a silly amount of time trying to understand where peripheral tech (particularly keyboards rather than mice) has gone and kinda stuck with trying to make an informed decision which is why I made this thread.

So I think I know I want this:
  • full travel, not interested in laptop style keyboards since I accept them with laptops but want a keyboard to feel better
  • tactile as I said, but it shouldn't be loud so no MX Blues or the like
  • TKL seems a good compromise - really should be UK ISO
  • Hot swappable seems to be a good idea, but I can't imagine after building a keyboard I would necessarily change it, but seems a sound idea for maintenance.
  • Standard bottom row - like above in case of I want to change/fix something broken
  • Doubleshot PBT keycaps with shine through, since it seems ABS is inferior long-term so...
  • want good (per key) RGB features as only proof I've overspent on my devices :p
So that seems quite a list and from my research I think I've found the following shortlist:
  • das keyboard 5QS - liked the functionality of the notifications and looks as Im a programmer, but kinda discounted this already as its pretty expensive, ABS keycaps and unsure how good the software will really be.
  • Ducky One 3 RGB TKL with MX Browns - doesn't exist yet but seems to be a safe bet and pretty much tick everything. Honestly I don't why I just didn't stop searching. Is not having software that bad a thing?...
  • GMMK with Gateron Browns/Kaith Purple Pros and Tai-Hao PBT Backlit keycaps - I expect it isn't too hard to put this together, I just think I'd prefer the GMMK Pro but then this becomes really pricey and don't think I could do 75%. Feels like more effort for less quality over the Ducky?
  • HyperX Alloy Origin Core Aquas - why don't they do their PBT keycaps for UK ISO? Or sell all their switch options over here?!? Love to hear opinions about coping with ANSI...

Mouse I have no idea - assume nothing major has changed beyond having more choice. Glorious O/D Wireless seems to be the go to?!?

Anyway please don't be fooled I know what I'm on about - just need advice on something I didn't realise would be as difficult as it is to choose. Kinda only wanted to spend £200 max on both devices, but rather make sure I get something I can enjoy as much as the G15 and MX518 I had (expect for the disgusting rubber texture plastic going sticky on the mouse)...

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
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Personally I think hot swappable keyboards are the future. Off the shelf boards are so limited and constraining. Keyboard starts feeling dull and you yearn for something different? Buy a whole new keyboard OR try new switches (of which they’re are a staggering amount :D)?

GMMK do a very good tkl with great build quality, similarly Drop CTRL, aluminium construction and mod-able. Foam inserts to improve the sound, switch lubing and stabilisers that can be modded/lubed to improve typing acoustics to something far more pleasant and less rattling.

I went with a ANSI layout as the keycap options are vastly improved (if that’s your thing). I found it a more elegant looking layout and very easy to adjust to YMMV. Bottom row is standard and as said the sheer options for keycaps opens up with ANSI.

I’m currently using a set of official marvel captain America keycaps on my board with an artisan captain America shield keycap as the esc key. These are double shot ABS and I was gutted at first they weren’t PBT’s but tbh they feel very similar and are showing no signs of greasy shine at all which ordinary ABS caps are prone to. They’re also a profile known as MT3, and they’re the most comfortable caps for typing I’ve ever used.

As with most decent keyboards these days the power lead is a removable usb c to usb a. And this is modded too to match the captain America theme in a blue/red aviator power lead.

Off the shelf is convenient but ultimately shallow and dull. Hot swappable boards can change accordingly to your needs and can become quite an interesting hobby in itself.

All the best for the New Year :)

Wulf
 
Bluecube said:
For a mouse you can’t go wrong with a Logitech MX Master 3 unless you want some blingy-not-as-good-yet-more-expensive gaming mouse.
Click to expand...
I didn't know if that was any good for gaming and I read the 2nd version is better since it keeps the tilting mouse wheel? I presume they don't suffer from double clicking like most of Logitechs gaming mice do? Before looking into it I was just gonna get a G915 and G903 - seems the MX Master 4 is due out soon too!
Wulfster said:
Personally I think hot swappable keyboards are the future. Off the shelf boards are so limited and constraining. Keyboard starts feeling dull and you yearn for something different? Buy a whole new keyboard OR try new switches (of which they’re are a staggering amount :D)?

GMMK do a very good tkl with great build quality, similarly Drop CTRL, aluminium construction and mod-able. Foam inserts to improve the sound, switch lubing and stabilisers that can be modded/lubed to improve typing acoustics to something far more pleasant and less rattling.

I went with a ANSI layout as the keycap options are vastly improved (if that’s your thing). I found it a more elegant looking layout and very easy to adjust to YMMV. Bottom row is standard and as said the sheer options for keycaps opens up with ANSI.

I’m currently using a set of official marvel captain America keycaps on my board with an artisan captain America shield keycap as the esc key. These are double shot ABS and I was gutted at first they weren’t PBT’s but tbh they feel very similar and are showing no signs of greasy shine at all which ordinary ABS caps are prone to. They’re also a profile known as MT3, and they’re the most comfortable caps for typing I’ve ever used.

As with most decent keyboards these days the power lead is a removable usb c to usb a. And this is modded too to match the captain America theme in a blue/red aviator power lead.

Off the shelf is convenient but ultimately shallow and dull. Hot swappable boards can change accordingly to your needs and can become quite an interesting hobby in itself.

All the best for the New Year :)

Wulf
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Sorry I should have mentioned the Drop CTRL - but since that's import only I kinda decided to rule it out. Read good things about it though and supposedly better quality than the GMMK non-pro.

Hmmm good point about ANSI having more options, not opposed to ANSI just always assumed there would be UK ISO versions of everything. I think for now I will go pre-built hotswappable to dip my toe into it (but I really don't want a rattly space-bar). Don't have the knowledge for custom especially when you start talking about lube and the rest. Guess not having to worry about soldering stuff makes it much easier...

I think I'm gonna wait to see what Ducky does with the One 3 before making a decision. I'm in no rush, just something worth spending time learning about...

HNY all

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
ps3ud0 said:
I think for now I will go pre-built hotswappable to dip my toe into it (but I really don't want a rattly space-bar). Don't have the knowledge for custom especially when you start talking about lube and the rest. Guess not having to worry about soldering stuff makes it much easier...
Click to expand...

Lube is literally dobbing a bit of grease on (on the stabilisers to minimise rattle) and absolutely no soldering required. The switches push in, bit like building Lego :D. I got the Drop CTRL high profile and omg that thing is heavy. Can safely say it’d probably kill someone if I clouted them over the head with it :cry:.

Wulf
 
Wulfster said:
Lube is literally dobbing a bit of grease on (on the stabilisers to minimise rattle) and absolutely no soldering required. The switches push in, bit like building Lego :D. I got the Drop CTRL high profile and omg that thing is heavy. Can safely say it’d probably kill someone if I clouted them over the head with it :cry:.

Wulf
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Im looking at Drop keyboards atm. Is it worth the price, i'm looking at a ALT keyboard with the SF form factor. I'm guessing with it being a overseas company i'll probs have to pay tax/duty vat etc when it lands in the UK too?

Still eagerly waiting for a Ducky One 3 to release but UK isn't gonna see stock till late February and overseas purchases again im looking at expensive shipping plus duty to pay... sigh.
 
Was worth it to me, I’ve been through so many keyboards you wouldn’t believe it :cry:. They are quite expensive though, especially with the added expense of tax and vat through customs.

If you do decide to get one, company called madfish (if doing the foam mod) do the punched out foam inserts for their keyboards.;)

Wulf
 
Wulfster said:
Was worth it to me, I’ve been through so many keyboards you wouldn’t believe it :cry:. They are quite expensive though, especially with the added expense of tax and vat through customs.

If you do decide to get one, company called madfish (if doing the foam mod) do the punched out foam inserts for their keyboards.;)

Wulf
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Do you mind just given an idea how much everything broke down to? Only worry Is have is if the barebones was damaged or something and having the pain to RMA to US.

Anyway are there any advances in mice other than holes in them? :p

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
Wulfster said:
Was worth it to me, I’ve been through so many keyboards you wouldn’t believe it :cry:. They are quite expensive though, especially with the added expense of tax and vat through customs.

If you do decide to get one, company called madfish (if doing the foam mod) do the punched out foam inserts for their keyboards.;)

Wulf
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Nice! Thanks for the info i'll have a look at them now.

Custom Keyboards confuse me so much. There are so many different variations of parts available, i get lost in it all...
 
ps3ud0 said:
Do you mind just given an idea how much everything broke down to? Only worry Is have is if the barebones was damaged or something and having the pain to RMA to US.
Click to expand...

I’m a little fuzzy on how much it cost all in all (brain trying to protect me from cash trauma :cry:) but I think it was in the region of roughly £300. However, I’ve just looked on that famous river site and you can order it there, barebones with free shipping.

For them to damage this thing in shipping they’d literally have to drop a forklift truck on it :D.

Wulf
 
Wulfster said:
:D It certainly is a bit of a rabbit hole.

Wulf
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Just looked at The Ascend keyboards and quite like the service they provide who builds them from scratch or to your spec! The Advancer 65% is more to what i want, maybe without the volume knob. A set of keycaps as well as they don't ship with them.

Any experience with these guys @Wulfster ?
 
Unpopular opinion: mechanical keyboards are completely overrated. If I were you I'd just get one you like the features and look of that reviews well and is in budget, screw the rabbit hole. By this I mean buy rubber dome.
 
Jay85 said:
Just looked at The Ascend keyboards and quite like the service they provide who builds them from scratch or to your spec! The Advancer 65% is more to what i want, maybe without the volume knob. A set of keycaps as well as they don't ship with them.

Any experience with these guys @Wulfster ?
Click to expand...

I’d not heard of them till I saw your post tbh mate. Useful service though if you like the idea of hot swappable boards but don’t fancy the faff.

:D Wulf
 
Had a MX518 for 12 years, brilliant mouse, but thought time for a change. You're in a for treat, any good qaulity gaming mouse will leave the old MX518 for dust. Mice are so much better now. I regret not retiring mine sooner.
 
Wulfster said:
I’m a little fuzzy on how much it cost all in all (brain trying to protect me from cash trauma :cry:) but I think it was in the region of roughly £300. However, I’ve just looked on that famous river site and you can order it there, barebones with free shipping.

For them to damage this thing in shipping they’d literally have to drop a forklift truck on it :D.

Wulf
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Yeah I can see this getting expensive - why I thought a £200 budget for keyboard and mouse is a sensible one, especially as its my first mechanical keyboard. I think I can just about squeeze a Ducky and a decent wireless mouse. Was looking at that site you mentioned so that might be considered, just might be an upgrade in the future - though a coloured keyset for a Ducky probably would be my next upgrade before changing switches really...
Zefan said:
Unpopular opinion: mechanical keyboards are completely overrated. If I were you I'd just get one you like the features and look of that reviews well and is in budget, screw the rabbit hole. By this I mean buy rubber dome.
Click to expand...
Any recommendations? I'm open to opinions as all this is new. As I need a good keyboard for typing I thought mechanical let itself to that - just need it to be good for gaming as well (and not too noisy).
Darujhistan said:
Had a MX518 for 12 years, brilliant mouse, but thought time for a change. You're in a for treat, any good qaulity gaming mouse will leave the old MX518 for dust. Mice are so much better now. I regret not retiring mine sooner.
Click to expand...
Yep not looking to prolong my MX518 usage, it just what I have from my last build and it would do for now. What did you move to in the end?

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
Man I found Switch and Click and YT and now sad how poorly represented UK ISO is.

Shine through PBT keycaps doesn't seem that be a big thing either (guessing because it seems south-facing switches are favoured to prevent issues with certain profiled keycaps but aren't as good for RGB illumination)

Still after tactile switches (but not the click or hollowness) but can see the reason for modding to try and remove those disadvantages while avoiding the mushyiness of silent switches (are using O rings much better alternative?).

I'm learning, still far from purchasing anything!

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
OK so I can't go for Ducky now I know they do north facing switches - gonna wait for the barebones Keychron Q3 TKL and build/mod it myself - prefer TKL as I think it makes life easier to source keycaps and Keychron support UK ISO too. Gonna avoid Glorious after reading up on what they are doing with GMMK Pro and the community...

ps3ud0 :cool:
 
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