Mechanical RGB Keyboard without the ping

stu.artd · 1 Sep 2020 at 20:02

I recently bought a Steelseries Apex Pro to replace a very quiet Logitech K800 that I’ve had for a long time. I like the design and feel of the Apex Pro, the key presses are very smooth, the RGB effects look great and the OLED screen is useful.

Unfortunately there’s one thing I don’t like, the metallic pinging sound after pressing the keys. From what I’ve learned following my purchase, (why didn’t I find out about it beforehand ?) this is caused by the springs pinging and resonating with the metal plate (filco effect).

Can anyone recommend a RGB mechanical keyboard that doesn’t exhibit this effect ? I really don’t want to need to lube the springs (and lose warranty) on an expensive keyboard.

stu.artd · 2 Sep 2020 at 10:57

Thanks! That’s another to avoid.

The more I read, the more it seems that it needs to be accepted or we need to lube springs etc. To be honest neither is acceptable to me on £100 - £200+ keyboards. Manufacturers could solve the ping at production, the onus should be on them.

stu.artd · 6 Sep 2020 at 00:26

Thanks for the reply. I've went for a Corsair k95 Platinum xt to replace the Steelseries Apex Pro. It's due to arrive soon.

I had a look at the GMMK after it was recommended on a different site. The new Ice White does look good, and being able to mix and match and swap switches as desired is a great feature. If things don't work out for me with the k95 then there's a chance that I'll go for that next time around.

How bright is the RGB lighting on the GMMK ? I've seen some comments say that it's slightly dim in comparison to Corsair or Steelseries.

stu.artd · 10 Sep 2020 at 12:19

The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT was quickly boxed backup and returned. It was far below the quality of the Apex Pro.

The lighting effects locked up, ie the wave stopped mobing across the keyboard several occassions within the space of a few hours.The keyboard still responded to keypresses and even allowed profiles to be copied acorss, however the only way fix the lighting was to disconnect the USB and plug back in.
I had issues with lighting functionality being broken at the Windows lock screen by the iCue software / the keyboard having insufficient onboard storage for effects.
Using it was almost like typing on some kind of musical instrument.

At this point, I'd love a RGB version of my K800 with per key LED lighting.

stu.artd · 11 Sep 2020 at 15:49

I just received my Tactile G915 today. Going to take me a little time to adjust to the tactile keys, but it's at least as quiet as the other mechanical keyboards I have tried with linear and speed switches. Best of all, it's not pinging away as I sit here typing on it. Found one I'm happy with at last!