Trouble in Paradise….

I have been testing quite a few keyboards since the inception of this blog.  I almost never encounter a defective keyboards throughout my life.  So, it’s rather rare that I would encounter an issue on a keyboard, much less a mechanical keyboard.  Ah, Murphy’s Law strikes again.  One of the mechanical keyboards I have been testing has developed a sticky escape key.  I didn’t notice it until I have trouble shutting down my Windows PC.  The shutdown command was constantly getting cancelled.  I was wondering what’s going on until I finally looked at the keyboard I was testing and noticed that the escape key is stuck on down position.  After a few pull attempts, I was able to pop it back up.  I then used the key cap puller to see if I can find out what’s wrong with the key.  Removed the key cap and found that the switch was in perfect working order.

Strange….  Then I put the key cap back on and then ah-ha!  The key cap is bumping against the top case cover.  The little fingers coming down from the case top cover is rubbing against the key cap, hence causing the jam.  A little bit of filing here and there.  Viola!  Just a minor annoyance at best, but still, it was surprising.

I don’t plan on naming the keyboard as one might be wondering.  I don’t think this is a major manufacturing or design defect.  It’s more of a manufacturing tolerance issue.  It’s a simple problem to solve with a bit of investigation.  A few little filing sessions resolve the issue, but never the less this speaks volumes of the quality issue that might come up.  So, the take home lesson is to check every keys and make sure that you purchase the keyboard from a reputable retailer that will accept returns and exchanges.  Even the best manufacturer will make a dud or two…..

Back to school sale: Das Keyboard 4C Professional

Metadot is having a back to school sale for Das Keyboard 4C Professional.  The 4C Professional keyboard is Metadot's attempt at now popular ten-keyless format rather than the traditional full size keyboard.  The 4C is available with either brown or blue switch.  However, please note that these are not Cherry MX switches, rather they are Greetech's MX clones.  Some people thought Greetech's clone worked fine while others see that the clone is simply not as refined as the original Cherry MX.  So, buyers beware.

I don't know how long the sale will last.  So, if you are in the market for one, now is a pretty good time to buy.  You can catch the sale here at Das Keyboard's online shop.  Enjoy!

Update: Looks like it's over.  I guess some sale will be back later....

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 impression, part3

The buckling spring keyboard switch is an interesting beast.  As I chronicled before, the switch is definitely for enthusiasts who really like certain keyboard switch characteristics.  I was trained on a mechanical typewriter and I found that typing was work.  Really.  So, I went the other way to a soft touch typist friendly BTC keyboard, which was in some way a precursor to the today's rubber dome keyboard using foam pads.  Anyhow, now that I have been using the real deal for a while, I still have the same reaction as I had many years ago.  This thing is hard to press and quite loud….

One of the major selling points for a higher key switch activation resistance is that the fingers won’t bottom out as much.  Although I have my doubts about the theory applies to all as different people type differently, never the less, I think that may be true for a sizable user population.  So, I did do a brief test of the theory and perhaps I do bottom out a bit less because my fingers are already tired by time it goes to the bottom.  So, it is inconclusive right now.  I will need some major high grade instrumentation tools to prove this and I don’t have access to such facility.  Not yet, at least.  So, I am willing to accept that such phenomenon might exist, but further research may be required.  Anyway, that’s beside the point.  Anyhow, the Unicomp keyboard does invoke the classic IBM Model M experience and replicated quite well, as far as I remember.  However, this is indeed a specialist keyboard and hence quite limited to a niche market for those who really enjoy the buckling spring mechanism.  Do I like it? Yup as I am still a fan of the tactile clicky switch based keyboard and there’s nothing like buckling springs.

Topre Realforce TKL with 55g weighted keys first impression

As I promised that I would give Topre switches another try.  I did.  I decided to go with a uniformed weighted keyboard and mix things up a bit.  So, I got a Realforce TKL with 55g key weighting (SE08T0).  I knew that the ergo switches were a bit too light for me, so I wanted to try one with a greater resistance and see what happens.

Thus, this first focus is to test how I am will be doing with an uniformly weighted Topre keyboards.  I think I am doing a little bit better than the ergo weighted keyboard.  This one flows more normal and I think the problem I was having is gone.  It’s still a little touch sensitive, but the travel that is needed to activate the keys is much further down.  So, I am not activating them by accident anymore.  The 55g is the one I will recommend for people like me and wants a Topre keyboard.  Yay!  The bumping the-key-next-to-it typo problem is gone.  My typing velocity is picking up and I can slow down as much as I like.  I believe that I can start typing like normal with this keyboard again.  Even though it says 55g, I think it’s a bit lighter than the brown keys because one encounters the Topre switch resistance fairly early in the activation process as opposed to the middle of the key press with the Cherry MX switch family.  This is definitely an improvement over the ergo keys, which I was having a hard time dealing with.  So, This is much better.

So, for Topre, I think the 55g is the better for me because I really do make far fewer typos with it than with the other types.  Perhaps, I really do need the extra 10g of resistance.  On the other hand, the buckling spring might be getting a bit too hard on my feeble fingers now.   It was hard to press as I remembered it.  So, time to see if this Topre keyboard will beat the champion.  I would almost classify this one as a brown version of the Topre family.  I like it a lot so far.  Thus, now, I am not surprised that this one is the one that’s out of stock most often.  Very good.  It conveys the advantages of the Topre switches to me best.  I really am not a touch typist, so your mileage may vary.

Topre Realforce TKL comes in two different color versions and are available from Elitekeyboards.com, NCIX sometimes and Amazon.com.

Cooler Master QuickFire TK, a throwback to the Model F

Cooler Master is definitely one of the more daring keyboard companies out there right now.  They are producing quite a few different lines of gaming keyboards, some with mechanical switches, some with the rubber dome membrane switches such as the Cooler Master Suppressor and Devastator.  The Novatouch (Topre switch with Cherry MX stem), Trigger-Z (Cherry MX), QuickFire (Cherry MX) lines are mechanical switches based.  Anyhow, the one that caught my attention is the Quick Fire TK.  Instead of tossing the number pad to produce the Ten Keyless (TKL) version, Cooler Master went the other way, they got rid of the navigations keys instead and kept the number pad.  In many ways, this reminds me of the original IBM PC XT/AT keyboard, the Model F.  Although some of the keys have moved around, removed or added, the idea is the same.  The number pad now doubles as the navigation pad and number pad; thus the original purpose of the number lock is to switch between the two modes.  So, it’s a clever twist on the TKL model that reaches back in time.  It’s not a new idea per se, but I am happy to see this format available on the market again.

So, for those people who hate losing the number pad, but don’t mind having it doing double duty as it was in the early 80s, the this TKL version is worth considering.  Cooler Master also has Cherry MX red, blue and brown version available.  So, any Cherry MX aficionados should be able to find one they would like to try out.

Cooler Master Quick Fire TK is available from many retailers and Amazon.com.  Handy links are listed below if you are looking to purchase one from Amazon.com to support this site.  Thanks!

CM Storm QuickFire TK - Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX BROWN Switches and Fully LED Backlit

CM Storm QuickFire TK - Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX BLUE Switches and Fully LED Backlit

CM Storm QuickFire TK - Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX RED Switches and Fully LED Backlit

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 impression, round 2

Yup, it’s old school all right.  The key caps feel like it, sounds like it and certainly the typing action is just like it.  Some will argue that a real IBM model M is the only real game in town, but I think this one can lay claim to the vacated throne room for the classic keyboard feel.  However, I am not evaluating based on nostalgia alone, as that will only get the keyboard so far in the tryout.  So, against a more modern design such as Cherry MX, Matias or Topre, how does it stack up?

The key action is crisp, clean.  I really do know when I activated the switch.  There’s both a bright, clear auditory and tactile cue, similar to the Cherry MX blue.  In fact, the MX blue is likely trying to leverage this memory to its advantage.  No doubt that it worked on me.  So, now the real McCoy is in town, what’s the difference?  For one thing, the buckling spring has a very steep force-distance drop off curve when it is activated after a fairly linear start.  Once the switch is activated, the force drop off like a cliff as the spring has just buckled and releasing its energy as sound and spring moment.  Like the blue switch, it has a long hysteresis (or reset distance) section where the switch can’t be activated again till it returns to rest position.  The blue switch’s curve is a lot gentler when compare to the buckling spring sudden drop.  So, that accounts for the super clean, snappy key action.  It also takes a lot of force to activate the switch, around 75g or so.  So, it’s more deliberate and methodological than the speedier MX blue.  Of course, there’s nothing like the MX blue shriek, but the buckling spring has its own choir too.  The sound is a bit like snap or slap and then ringing till it fades and it’s quite loud too.

So, this is definitely not a keyboard for touch typists.  This is a keyboard that demands deliberate, forceful action to function properly.  It does so with loud confirmation in a very drill sergeant like manner and not shy about it every step of the way.  Against the MX blue, the buckling spring is what MX blue aspire to be when it grows up.  Right now, MX blue is still got that squeaky voice…..

Dell SK-8115 keyboard image gallery

Here are some pictures of the Dell SK-8115, a standard issue keyboard that usually comes with a new Dell PC.  It has thin bezel around the keyboard to save some space and gives it an interesting asymmetrical visual feel to it.

Front side of the keyboard

Left side of the keyboard

Right side of the keyboard

Key cap shot.  Legend is printed with decal like coating for protection

Backside of the key cap

Rubber dome key switch

Backside of the keyboard

Keyboard foot retracted

Another keyboard foot in position to prop up the board

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 image gallery

Took out my Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 out of retirement for some glamour shots.  Haha....  Right....  

With the keyboard raiser (The raiser is used on the bottom front to tilt the keyboard)

With raiser installed, it tilts the keyboard from the front rather than the conventional way

The color has begun to wore off on the palm rest area from years of use

Left side of the keyboard

Right side of the keyboard

Web navigation buttons and key locks indicators

Zoom level rocker in the middle of the split

Media control keys and the handy calculator key

Application hot keys on the top

Yup, rubber dome switch.  Look a lot like a Topre switch, doesn't it?

Close up of the key cap.  Legend is printed with decal like protective coating

Back side of the key cap

Backside of the keyboard.  Notice the labels are upside down

Backside of the keyboard with the raiser

Conventional keyboard feet are also present for tilting the keyboard the "regular" way

More keyboard foot action

The web of Topre keyboard distributors

Wait what?  Seasonic USA is also one of Topre's US distributor along with Tiger Import (who then owns mechanicalkeyboards.com) and Elite Keyboards?  Who knew?  Seasonic makes some of the best PC power supplies in the world along with the likes of Delta Electronics.  And then, there's Ducky Channel who is Topre's distributor in Taiwan.  In fact, Topre made some special edition keyboards for Ducky Channel to sell in Taiwan such as X11R0 (104UB-DK).  Ducky's relationship with Topre is no surprise since Ducky Channel started out as a distributor and then turned to manufacturing itself.  Since now the two compete in the same space although with product lines and price range, we will see how their relationship evolve overtime.

I am a little surprised, but I shouldn't be.  Many Asian business are very relational driven sometimes.  Therefore, it is no surprise that some of the most unrelated companies or even competitors can distribute, manufacture or market products for one and another.  Then again, look at Samsung and Apple and no one should be surprised anymore.....

What about Topre Type Heaven or Cooler Master Novatouch?

Indeed the price of entry for a Topre Realforce keyboard can be rather incredulous.  The starting price for a new one typically begins north of $200 US dollars.  However, once a while, I might spot one for a bit under $200 used or on some crazy inventory clearing sale.  So, Topre started the Type Heaven budget line some years ago by cutting down a few features to get the price point under $150 USD.  Type Heaven is a standard 104 keyboard and has the same 45g uniform Topre switches, albeit with ABS key caps rather than PBT type for their Realforce line.  BTW, It uses the Topre key stem caps.  So, replacing the keys can be tricky since there’s not as much available compare to the myriad Cherry MX key stem compatible caps.  Also, instead of the dye sublimation key legends, the ABS caps used pad printing method.  So, the key legends may wear out more quickly overtime.  Dye sublimation cannot work with ABS since ABS plastics’ melting point is too low for that process.  Instead of the halo “Made in Japan” mark, Type Heaven is made in China.  I presume that this is to save a bit of production cost while maintaining similar quality benchmarks.  So, if one is curious enough to try out a Topre switch, then Type Heaven may be a good place to start.  However, if one plans to replace the ABS key caps with PBT ones, one might as well start with Realforce line as the replacement caps are easily $80 US dollars or more.

Lack of key cap options is one thorny problem for Topre.  Many keyboard enthusiasts prefer to customize their board to express their individuality and/or to accommodate certain needs.  So, to solve that problem, Cooler Master created NovaTouch, a Topre switches based TKL keyboard that accepts Cherry MX compatible key caps.  So, for those folks who loved their custom key caps and really wanted a Topre based mechanical keyboard, Cooler Master has the answer.  Since it’s a Topre switch based keyboard, the starting price is still closer to $200 USD than $100, but one can find it around $165 or so.  Either way, we are still stuck with a relatively high price point however.

Currently, I have no plan to acquire either keyboards for my tryout yet, since testing all these various kind of Topre keyboards can get quite expansive.  That might change later on, but for now, I will keep an eye out for a super bargain and see what happens.  All this come down to this: how much one is willing to spend for the Topre experience?  The Topre Type Heaven can be had for less than $140 if one is patient enough and the Cooler Master NovaTouch is around $165.  No matter how we slice it, Topre switches based keyboards are just more expansive than the competition.  Oh well....

1/14/2016 UPDATE: I have overlooked a simple detail about NovaTouch.  It came with O-rings pre-installed to dampen the downward keystroke and provide a slight assist during the restoration to reset phase.  Most of the time it is to provide a quieter typing experience.  Most regular mechanical keyboards usually don't include that unless it's custom mod or as an extra option.  So, that might factor into some pricing and other considerations.

Ducky Legend impression, part 2

After playing with the LED lighting features for a while, I settled on the all lights on in about the middle setting.  This way, I can enjoy the lights and it won't be distracting me from actual typing.  The media control keys are also regular MX keys, so it's nice that way rather than just flat buttons or via Fn keys to activate.  I really like having the dedicated calculator key back.  Aside from the media control keys on the MS Natural Ergo 4K, I used the calculator keys quite often.  So, I am glad to see it back on the Ducky Legend.  Oh, the LEDs do double duty as num lock/caps lock indicators.  So, even with all the LEDs turned on, the caps lock key is not lit unless caps lock is activated.  The same thing goes for num lock and scroll lock.  Not a issue, just an observation.  The Cherry MX blue switches are well behaved on this keyboard superstructure.  The platform is well designed and stable.  I have not encounter stability issues that I had with some other keyboards.

Overall, it's a joy to type on this keyboard.  I would certainly recommend anyone to check out Ducky Channel's products if one is looking for Cherry MX based switches keyboard.  I think I am more of the Premier's target audience, but I certainly enjoy the extra piazzas that Legend brings to the table.  Even if I don't use the LED lighting features much, it's a solid, wonderful keyboard that I really enjoy using.  This one is a winner.  So, which one comes on top really depending on one's preference.  I love both Metadot's or Ducky Channel's current product offerings.  Each company has a strong design language and good engineering qualities.   It's good a time to be in the market for a mechanical keyboard.

Ducky Legend first impression

One of the most striking features of Ducky Channel's Legend is its front cover plate.  It's a thick alumnium slab that's likely sand blasted for texture.  I got the version with blue LED with Cherry MX blue switches.  This way, I won't be confused to which one I got.  :)  Anyway, the LED light show are kind of interesting, but not a lot of utility for someone like me.  If I am working or playing in a darkened room, then the all key lights will provide some back lighting to the keys.  I can see that being a welcoming feature.  The animated functions or more precisely light shows are kind of neat, but rather distracting if you ask me.  I am partial to the rain drop pattern, but that's not available on the Legend.  I kind of like reactive mode, but I can see that it can be a security issue somewhere...  Oh well....

The LED lights are decent, and levels can be adjusted.  However, some of the keys are not lit evenly, probably because of fixed positioning of the LED and where the keycaps are etched to be clear.  Speaking of key caps.  It has a fairly smooth texture, I can feel the etched part of the keys exposing the clear plastic underneath.  Purportedly, it's also UV coated.  So, it should last quite sometime before showing any wear.  Because of a relative smooth texture, some grease can be easily observed in the high traffic area keys such as the home row.  The effect is kind of like what's going on with my SteelSeries Sensei RAW mouse mentioned earlier.  A quick wipe will clean it up tho.  The keycaps are broad and slightly cylindrical.  So, it's quite comfortable to rest on them.  The cable is what's in fashion right now, braided kind.  I am OK either way since this is a keyboard cable, it is not suppose to move around a lot....

The keyboard itself is nice, well built and tough.    The keyboard has a wedge shape.  So, the the top are already very raised up without deploying the feet.  So, I just use it without using the board feet.  I sense that the keys are stable with very little wobble, jitters and no rattling that I have seen.  I have already commented on the switch, so I won't repeat myself.  They behave exactly as one would expect from the Cherry MX blue.  However, the keyboard itself does take up a bit less space than the Das Keyboard, thus I was able to fit the board into a tighter arrangement at work.  So, I can see that a smaller foot print can have its advantages.

Logitech becomes logi, say wha?

It's one of those strange things that make one wonder.  Apparently Logitech is changing its name to logi, with lower case.  I guess being in tech is not cool anymore.  Again, just like Apple dropped computer from its name, this is probably the same reason.  It's likely that Logitech, excuse me, logi, wants to branch to other areas besides the usual peripheral space that's associated with computers or remotes.

According to the press release, Logitech name will remain for technology stuff related items like keyboard and mouse, at least for now.  I think in the future, they will move everything over to logi despite what they say now.  It is easier to maintain one brand and slowly let the old one ride to the sunset.  For the sake of sanity, I will continue to use Logitech interchangeably with logi.  However, I will try to change over to logi whenever I remember, but I am sure I will slip here and there.  Anyway, interesting, but ultimately, it's just corporate re-branding for whatever its worth.

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 impression

Time to test out the good ol-buckling spring keyboard from Unicomp.  Yes, the key chatter during the course of normal typing brings back memories, but I think I am a little unprepared as to how I will respond to this.  The keys are still pretty hard to press.  There’s a lot of chatter going on when I start to type fast due to the fingers gliding on the keycaps.  Like the Topre keyboard, I think this one will take some more time for me to get used to in order to have a meaningful impression.  I have been wrong a few times about first impression with the keyboards.  So, I am a little hesitant to jump into conclusions.  It’s as tough as I remembered.  So, I can definitely see what this would not be a popular switch among touch typists or those who prefer the golden silence over cacophony.  Now, what’s music and cacophony is a matter of personal taste.  I think the sound of the spring is somewhat musical, but this is not exactly Mozart’s symphony either.  I like the sound coming from the brown or the Matias tactile (or clicky) the most thus far.

Anyway, this is a really interesting experience because phantom typing and actually seeing the words appear on the screen are two different experiences.  I was able to type rather quickly just putting it on top of boxes and go.  Now, when I am actually doing input, I am not able to go as fast because now, mistakes are obvious.  It’s not that the keys are not responsive, but my fingers are getting tired.  Time to build up the finger muscles.  Wow, this is wearing me out.  I wonder if I can do this day in and day out.  However, I do need to work out some more in order to put this keyboard through a real test.  So, I will have another impression soon.

If it quacks like a duck, walk like a duck, it's Ducky Legend!

Finally I got on the bandwagon and purchased a Ducky Channel mechanical keyboard on a sales event at ncixus.com.  The keyboard took a while to get here since this came from NCIX's US warehouse in Seattle.  Anyhow, I finally got one to compare how it is against Das Keyboard 4 Pro.  I got the Cherry MX blue switch one, since that was the one on sale.  So, I plan on doing a comparison study soon.

Anyhow, Ducky Channel makes quite a few lines of keyboards with different options, switches and grades.  No wonder they are a favorite among mechanical keyboard aficionados.  Their flagship product appears to be the sequentially named Shine series, currently at 4.  I believe at this year's Computex in Taiwan, Ducky unveiled Shine 5.  This may explain why Shine 3 and 4 are currently on sale.....  They also produce a miniature version called ummm... Mini, that is smaller than a standard TKL.  I don't think Ducky produced a TKL since Shine 3.  They also like to put out special editions that correspond to the Chinese Zodiac.  So, it's a pretty interesting company to follow.  Unlike many keyboard manufacturers, Ducky depends on an on-board ARM micro-controller to do all the heavy lifting and programs rather than on the host machine.  So, they don't even provide any drivers or software except maybe firmware updates.  It's good and bad, I suppose.  Since with the host computer, one can build some pretty fancy features at the cost of depending on host drivers and customization software.  For someone like me, I like the Ducky approach.

For a typist like me who don't need fancy LED lighting keyboards, they produced the Premier and Legend.  I think Premier is out of production and thus difficult to find.  With PBT caps and unusual color schemes, what's not to like?  Premier seems to be based off from Shine 3 while Legend is closer to Shine 4.  I am basing this on the product code convention Ducky is using, however.  Anyhow, I am trying to spend some quality with this keyboard and report in sometimes later.

So, what's my favorite thus far after testing a few different kind of switches?

So far with the mechanical keyboards tryout, I have been privileged to test quite a few different kind of mechanical switches based keyboards plus a few other non-mechanical types as well.  So, what's my favorite thus far?  After all this time, the Cherry MX brown is still my favorite thus far.  It has gotten a lot of different things right and very few weaknesses.  So, I would say that it's a pretty good overall package.

I have come around concerning the blue switches.  At first, I was kind of disappointed with it because of its unusually high chatter pitch.  That came as a shock to the system as I mentioned numerous times.  However, I am a sucker for clicky switches and so I stuck around long enough to come to really enjoy typing on Cherry MX blue switches.  Opposite of the blue, I was initially smitten by Topre switches, but that starstruck feeling dissipated rather quickly.  I struggled mightily with its heightened sensitivity and the ergonomic weighted keys just didn't click with me, no pun intended.  I do intend to retest Topre keyboards in the future because I really want to give it a fair shake like I have with the blue.  However, for now, I should say that Topre has been knocked down a few pegs because of my difficulty with its sensitivity and the blue has ascended along with the Matias quiet switches up a few notches.

My journey with Matias switches has been the most interesting thus far.  I want to love the Matias tactile switches, but the wobble and jitters simply kicked me to the curb with me sobbing.  It's like you want things to work out, but just can't.  On the other hand, my second round test with the Matias quiet switch was a revelation.  The switch has just about everything I love about the Matias tactile, but just does it in a gentler, quieter and more stable way.  If the wobble and jitters are even more under control, I will say that it will supplant the Cherry MX brown as my top switch choice today.  Close, but no cigar....  Sorry, but that's how the cookie crumble.

So, MX brown's still on top, but the lead isn't exactly big since the Matias quiet is within shouting distance.  Also, I intend to test an Unicomp keyboard with the classic buckling spring mechanism.  So, who knows what that will bring.  I will keep you posted.  :)