Yes, even Kinesis is getting the fever, by announcing Kickstarter for Freestyle Edge

Yeah, even one of the more known ergonomic keyboard brands is now jumping to the gaming keyboard bandwagon.  But, can yo blame them tho?  Anyway, Kinesis is doing a Kickstarter project to transform one of their previous split keyboard design, the Freestyle2 to a more gaming market friendly device, Frestyle Edge.  Yup, this is the manufacturer for the Advantage2 ergonomic keyboard line and a host of other ergo-friendly devices.  The Freestyle2 is a split keyboard design with tenting accessories.

So, one can easily guess the various features, such as featuring Cherry MX types switches, per-key LED lighting, macro keys and various other gaming friendly perks check boxes are dutifully fulfilled.  So, I won't dwell too much on the features themselves.  However, I would like to say that I like this move because Kinesis is taking more of the ergo designs and now trying to popularize it.  Yes, Matias has offered a similar design with the beloved Matis switch, but it is aimed at typists, programmers and the like.  This time around, Kinesis is taking a well liked ergonomic keyboard design and combine it with some often sought-after gaming friendly features.  I cannot say that's a bad thing.

To cut down the risk Kinesis is taking, the company is utilizing Kickstarter to fund the effort.  I can see that it's already past its goal.  So, let's see if Kinesis can deliver on its promises.  Like Metadot, they are branching out to experiment with newer designs and moving the ball forward.  That's a wonderful thing.

Ducky Channel's new Shine 6 Special Edition

Without fail for the last few years, Ducky Channel does a re-engineered of their flagship keyboard model known as Shine.  This is now the 6th time.  As usual, Ducky doesn't mess its winning formula, but made some significant changes that alter the aesthetics of the keyboard to set it apart from the crowd.

First and most noticeable change is the floating keycaps.  It's a pretty sounding name, but basically, it's a keycap that is half height rather than full height.  Ducky is not the first one, but seeing it on their flagship board signals that this is now in vogue.  So, expect some other keyboard makers making similar changes in the near future.  Half height keycaps serve an important purpose: letting more light out underneath the switch.  Because of the cross-shape key switch and cap interface design, the LEDs must be put somewhere not in the way.  Having half height keycaps allows more light as well as creating a more striking picture.  Using a black metal back plate instead of white one (such as in Shine 5), Ducky is counting on the float keycaps and brighter LEDs to compensate for the darker background.  The advantage is a cleaner light definition with a dark background.  So, I expect the LED colors to be more distinct and less affected by the neighboring ones.

Also, something new is the host PC software controlled lighting profile.  Although Ducky retained all the on board lighting and motion features, it too offers a customized profile.  The user costumed profile is the way to go now days.  I don't know how programmable it is, but it's a new direction for Ducky Channel.  With Metadot and Ducky going to the customization route, I think this feature will be around for a while and expanded to other experimental use soon.

The core features stay pretty much the same with Cherry MX switches and other expected features.  So, it's not going too far off to the deep end.  It is now available in North America through the usual channels for around $160.  The price places the keyboard on the top, high end side of the market.  I like what they got this year and I look forward to see what Ducky Channel comes up next year.

Asus announces Claymore keyboard that splits into two

Asus recently introduced yet another gaming mechanical keyboard called ROG Claymore.  This one has all the usual bells and whistles using the ever popular Cherrry MX RGB switches.  However, one thing that is interesting about this keyboard is that it can split into two units.  The main unit is a typical TKL called the core while the number pad is the other entity.  One thing that is interesting Asus mentioned is that the number pad can be used on the left side of the keyboard.  I don't know if the keypad is still usable detached or it has to be attached for it to function.  I can't really tell from the press release.  However, it reasonable to assume that the number pad has to be attached based on the what Asus left unsaid.

Too bad that this keyboard didn't split in the way I would have like it, emulating the Microsoft Natural keyboard line had.  Maybe the next iteration.  We will see.

More RGB LED lighting goodness?

Well, hindsight is always 20/20, and I should have seen this coming a mile away, but didn’t.  Many mechanical keyboard market observers have already noted the craze that is RGB LED lighting.  One company after another trying to outdo each other.  Well, what else can we use these beautiful lights for?  Metadot is going for a more utilitarian approach by coming up with different uses for the lighting.  Or, we can go the other extreme, lighting to the extreme just because.

Well, I guess that might be what Cooler Master’s MasterkeysPro L RGB – Crystal Edition is all about.  This is a keyboard for the RGB LED lighting loving folks.  The keyboard case is translucent and it features new placement design to allow the LEDs more room to shine brighter, pardon the pun.  The keyboard itself has no legends or other markings on the user side.  So, in some way, it’s like a Das Keyboard Ultimate, except it is in clear casing.  Cooler Master thoughtfully used a translucent plastic rather than transparent one to more evenly distribute the lights and to cut down on reflections and glare.  Other things like faster keyboard micro controller, programmable API for controlling the lights, Cherry MX brown or blue switches and other goodies people now come to expect from a high end keyboard with lots of cool factors.

I am likely not in this particular market segment anymore, but I can see the appeal, however.  I still remember when Nintendo or some other gadget manufacturers outfitted their latest toy with a transparent case, it was always something special.

So, what about some good ol’ wireless (Bluetooth) mechanical keyboards?

I mentioned in a few posts before about Razer making wireless keyboard specifically for the iPad product line and other tablets.  I also mentioned that there are some Bluetooth wireless mechanical keyboards as well if someone rather use a more classical keyboard device.  That piqued some interests

So, there are basically two options.  One is to purchase a USB to Bluetooth wireless converter.  At one end is USB port that the keyboard of choice is plugged in.  And, there is no other end, because it is wireless.  It converts whatever keyboard that is attached to a Bluetooth one.  Pretty cool tech, but it’s a bit bulky and power source can often be an issue.  Some keyboards draw a lot of power provided by USB port.  Thus, even at measly 2.5W max clip, it can drain most portable batteries dry quickly.  One can browse around eBay and find such device to purchase if the use scenario makes sense.

The other option is to buy a wireless mechanical keyboard.  Here, the options are more limited.  One of the bigger player in this space is good ol’ Filco.  So, if you are Cherry MX keyboard switch fan, you are in luck.  Filco is one of the most respected mechanical keyboard brands out there as it’s basically DIATEC Corporation, based in Japan.  They offer quite a few wireless keyboards configuration using Bluetooth protocol as well.  Besides the standard 104 keys Majestouch Convertible 2 and the 87 keys TKL variants, they also offer one called Minila, stands for minimum layout.  The Minila Air is the one with wireless connectivity.  Minila is a 67 custom keyboard layout design, much like a non-standard laptop layout.  However, like Leopold’s FC660 series, it uses full size keys.  So, no strange half-height stuff.  That’s a big plus in my book….  These keyboards are also designed to run wired if needed.  So, it is a much more versatile keyboard than what meets the eye.  The only drawback?  Price and availability.  Filco’s products are not easy to find and the stock comes and go.  Because of the added complexity, it doesn’t come cheap either.  So, expect some price premium over regular boards as well. However, one can search mechanicalkeyboards.com and amazon.com in US to see if anything of interest is in stock.

Now, if someone would come up with a Topre switch wireless keyboard…..

Hybrid rubber dome/mechanical keyboard from Razer- Meet Ornata

One of the things I emphasized is that rubber dome keyboards aren't inherently bad.  Some are great keyboards.  Many members of the famed Microsoft Natural Keyboard family line are rubber dome based.  However, with the return of the mechanical switch popularity and advances in scissor switch designs, the rubber dome keyboard seems to have lost the coolness factor.

If one really like that rubber dome feel, there are 2 paths before.  One is to invest into a Topre type keyboard which is unique, but not quite rubber dome like.  Or one can stick with a good ol' rubber dome board from MS or Dell.  What if neither is a reasonable?  Fear not, now, Razer is introducing a hybrid model, which is a rubber dome switch with simulated mechanical clicky feel.  It might be copying the clicky feel of a Cherry MX blue.  Based on the images published on the web, the Razer Ornata's key switch is most certainly using the rubber dome based technology.  The nib makes contact when someone bottoms out.  A half way press will not register, unlike a Cherry MX or a Topre type.  The mechanical click feel is emulated with a metal catch that is attached to the side of the silo on the plate.  As the plunger descends, the little fingers would activate the metal catch and create the click feel.  Razer is nice enough to provide an animated GIF to illustrate this new hybrid switch.

Rounding out the keyboard is the standard Razer fare such as software controlled LED lighting and other features such as detachable palm rest.  Another trends that I have begun to notice is the half height key caps that look more like a Chiclets key cap than a traditional Cherry MX or IBM Model M kind.  Mechanically, it doesn't make any difference, but perhaps it's for aesthetic reasons as well as conveying to the user that the key travel might be shorter than expected.  That would be subtle, but cool visual cue for a keyboard manufacturers to distinguish the key travel differences among its product lines.  Let's see if this trend catches on.  I think it would, because of the moves toward shorter travels.

Maybe it's marketed as a half-way device between rubber dome based keyboard and fully mechanical keyboard to help the users who prefer the rubber dome way of things, but have a case of click envy.

Metadot Das Keyboard Professional 4 long term use review

The Das Keyboard Pro 4 is one my first mechanical keyboards that I have purchased.  Thus, I have somewhat of a favorable bias toward it.  Therefore, that’s why I waited for a while till I have experienced other devices before starting my long term review.  Hopefully now that I have a longer sample size, I can comment about the keyboard with a more objective view.

In reality, the Das Keyboard Pro 4 is a great keyboard for typist and coders.  Although some may not like its aesthetic design, I find that it has that Darth Vader vibe that is somewhat appealing with almost a retro grade feel.  I am always a sucker for knobs and shuttle jogs, so having one like that on a keyboard is almost like moth drawn to a flame.  Functionality aside, this keyboard is a purely mechanical keyboard and almost nothing else.  It has no lighting, no fancy macro functions and other blings.  It’s just a keyboard with some multimedia keys and knobs.  So, if someone is looking for full featured, macro functions with 200 infused keys tapped out in 100 milliseconds, RGB lighting galore, this is not the keyboard.  On the other hand, if it’s a typing keyboard with a strong aesthetic design sense, this keyboard is worth another look.

The ABS key caps are well made with UV printed legend.  It has a bit of a hollow, crisp sound that is different from a thick PBT thump.  Using either the Cherry MX blue or the MX brown, the keyboard accelerates and dances to the typist’s whim.  It’s one of those keyboards that invites the user to come back and type some more.  The Das Keyboard comes across as stern and disciplined.  So, yes, the coder, professional design philosophy does come through.

I have written enough about the switches, so I won’t repeat them in case I start to bore people.  However, the Cherry MX switches do perform well on the Das 4 pro platform.  So, the switch type is really by personal preference and use scenario.  The extra USB hub comes in handy once in a while, but I have no use of the ruler/keyboard height booster.  The rule is an interesting idea, but I just happen to have no reasonable scenario where I would be flipping my keyboard over to get it out.  Also, because of its design, material used and where it is stowed, the ruler actually bows a little, further diminishing its utility.  The multimedia buttons are not mechanical based.  I don’t use them often, but it’s nice that it is there.  The volume knob is fun to play with and is fine grained enough to be useful.  However, it sometimes gets in the way because of its footprint.  Overall, I still rather have it than not because it’s more intuitive for me than two switches.

In conclusion, the Das Keyboard Professional 4 is an excellent keyboard and it’s a great show case for a pure mechanical keyboard design concept with design flairs and restrained multimedia functionality.  Metadot recently announced the spiritual successor to the Pro 4; the 5Q incorporating some very interesting ideas, but it no longer stays in the confine of a strict mechanical keyboard boundary.  Version 4 has acquitted itself very well and I think will stand the test of time.

Grade: A-

Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard- Soft Tactile (MX Brown) Image Gallery

I have meant to post this earlier, but just didn't get a chance to finally get that keyboard into the photos till recently.  Das Keyboard 4 Pro with Cherry MX brown is called soft tactile while the one with Cherry MX blue is called clicky.  Since the two versions are pretty much identical, I won't repeat the same images that are same except a few to show that they are the same.  Ehh.  However, as I mentioned, my MX brown version came with the new UV printed legend rather than laser etched.  For reference, check out the MX blue version from an earlier post.  Anyway, enjoy!

front view

showing Cherry MX brown switch and the key cap

left view

right view

key cap with UV printed legend

For comparison, here is the key cap from the MX blue version, which is an earlier edition with laser etched legend rather than the supposedly more durable UV printed one.

key cap with laser etched legend

Yeah, Topre wins this round…. for now....

As much as I hate to admit it, I have come to love Topre switch based keyboard.  That means a lot of money sunk into a keyboard that’s close to a rubber dome, rather than a true mechanical switch keyboard such as the Cherry MX.  I really enjoy using Cherry MX based keyboard as well.  I love both the MX Brown and MX blue.  I most certainly enjoy my time with the buckling spring.  It’s so much fun to drive a few people nuts with that board.  Sometimes….  So, I am not that picky to be honest.  Then again, please no variable force keyboards please.  I simply cannot abide by that.  It was an interesting experiment and somewhat tainted my views of Topre switch for quite some time.

The one thing I truly value in a Topre switch is the smoothness.  It’s something that Topre has perfected and hard to put a finger on it.  Pun intended.  However, I am beginning to hear good things about Gateron.  Yes, Gateron is one of the many Cherry MX cloners, but it seems to begin to claim a certain personality of its own: smoothness.  Perhaps it was choices of plastic and/or slight different position of actuation and hysteresis make it appear to do so.  I don’t know.  However, I am now quite eager to evaluate a Gateron based switch keyboard and see what happens.  If it does have that prized smoothness that I found Topre to be so endearing, then it would be an excellent and economical choice.  Stay tuned.

Rosewill RK9000 V2 long term use review

To be honest, the articles about Rosewill RK9000 V2 on this site has the greatest number of hits.  So, to meet the demand, I here present you with a long term use review.  Now, my reviews typically are not about the keyboard since most other sites have done a great job about it.  Instead, I want to focus on what’s it like after using the equipment for a while and evaluate where I stand, in comparison to other offering out there.  For those who may not know, Rosewill is Newegg.com’s house brand.  It’s kind of like Costco’s Kirkland brand.  Since Costco doesn’t want to directly compete against its suppliers, it uses another brand to sell the same things in the same space.  Same idea applies here.  Newegg.com doesn’t really want to come out and show-up Corsair, for example by making and selling their own mechanical keyboard.  So, this avoids the look of the conflict of interest.  Another example is Amazon Basics.  Anyhow....

Right off the bat, the Rosewill RK9000 is an excellent entry to mid-level mechanical keyboard.  One can find it for sale on Newegg.com for around $100 and lower if it’s on sale.   The one I received has Cherry MX blue switches.  One can find more of my impression and views about this switch.  So, I won’t repeat the same material.  However, as a package, this keyboard is indeed quite well put together.  The rumor is that Filco is the OEM.  Therefore, it shares many characteristics of a Filco keyboard, including the minimalist design, robust construction and well thought out designs.  The keyboard has a nice weight and presence despite its smaller footprint and does not slide around when typing.  Because of the metal back plate and MX blue switches, the keyboard has a ringing or reverb effect when typing.  It’s like pressing the piano sustain pedal to keep notes going.  I enjoy that kind of harmony, but some may find it irritating and prefers a crisper pop rather than decaying ringing.  With the MX blue, it’s quite obvious.  However, I haven’t driven anyone crazy yet, unlike with the Unicomp….

Normal typing and typical operation with the keyboard are nothing noteworthy and that’s exactly how it should be.  Just be aware that the numlock LED is be quite bright if one look straight at it.  Since most people don’t tower over the keyboard, it’s a small thing.  For someone who prefers a dimly lit room while watching a movie on a computer, the light emitted can be distracting.  The key cap is fairly standard ABS type with cylindrical shape to prevent slip.  The cap feels semi-smooth and doesn’t bother me and my fingers don’t slip out while typing.  The white ink used does feel bumpy on the fingers.  As time goes on, it does get wear down a little it seems.  I however, haven’t got any key’s ink to come off completely.  This is not the case with an older Das Keyboard I have however.  I have worn out a few keys there and it’s obvious now.  So, long term wise, I do think that the key legends will slowly wear out.  Good thing is, one can easily procure some new key caps since it is a standard Cherry MX key cap and stem. So, I don’t see this as a negative per se, but something to be aware of if dirty looking legend bothers you.

One thing I don’t quite get is the detachable USB keyboard cable for a device that’s meant for desktop.  I definitely get its use for a keyboard that moves around like the Leopold’s FC660C.  The RK9000 version 1 suffers connection issues because of this choice.  I am in the KISS school of engineering design.  So, I would have eliminated this all together to avoid any issue.  However, this version (the V2) vastly improves the robustness of the connector.  Rosewill wisely supplied a 90 degree braided cable to avoid having it stick out.  So, I don’t think this is a problem anymore unless the user is really sliding the keyboard around during a heated FPS session and ramming it up against other objects for example.

After using the keyboard for a while, I think Rosewill has put out a very good starting point for people who want to try out a Cherry MX board.  Its price is a bit high compared to other entry boards because of the genuine MX switches while other brands may opt for cheaper clone switches.  So, as far as Cherry MX based keyboard goes, this is reasonable market priced, especially if one catches it on sale, which seemed often.  Using this keyboard has given me a firm starting point to explore.  In some way, it serves as benchmark for its peers.  Obviously it is no match against, say Ducky Legend which has a far higher production value and budget, but RK9000 is exactly where it should be and does very well in that space.

Overall: Well thought out, minimalist approach to engineering with a little flair in artistic design choices.  Offers a solid platform for Cherry MX switches to shine.

Grade: B

Opinions, changed, or as they say, evolved

It’s interesting to read back on my own writing to see how my views of certain things has changed or how it stubbornly stayed the same.  For example, my love for the Cherry MX brown has been relatively stable.  And, no matter how hard I tried, I still can’t get used to the Matias tactile clicky switch.  On the other hand, it took me a while to begin to like the Cherry MX blue and eventually come to enjoy the switch personality on its own merit.  I mostly softened up my view of the Matias family after a good encounter with the Matias quiet tactile.  It was really a revelation that how little things can change the characteristics of switch and at this level, every little things count.  The buckling spring mechanism was something that was just as how I remembered it.  Using it some more confirms that it really is an acquired taste.  It’s likely not my cup of tea since my fingers are not strong enough yet to type on that board all day long still.

The thing that swings around the most surrounds the Topre switches.  Initially, it was love at first sight.  However, upon closer examination, I simply cannot abide by some of its behaviors.  Coming from my experience with the Matias, I decided to try another switch type within the same family and see how it goes.  Indeed, it was hard to get used to, like the Cherry MX blue had been.  However, my persistence paid off and now, I also think very highly of the Topre switches, within a certain configuration parameters of course.  :)  Oh, the other thing is that I am beginning to bottom out with less fury now as my fingers are adapting to the force needed to just push the buttons till it touches the bottom.  I still bottom out quite a bit, but in somewhat less frequency as well.  I seems to know when to stop as time goes on.  This is good development as the impact can slowly damage the joints.

Roswill RK-9000 V2 versus Unicomp Ultra Classic 104

As promised, this is a more reasonable match up then having Unicomp going up against Ducky Legend, which is more of a premium product that is in a different price bracket.  This is an interesting comparison because not only the switches are different, but whole keyboard package feels different as well.  So, let’s break down a bit.

Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 is a full sized keyboard with an extra shoulder above the function keys as in tradition with the IBM model M.  So, someone can park some little items such as pens or paper clips or post-it even there.  It’s rather convenient.  However, it does take a lot of space.  Rosewill elected for space saving by eliminating that extra margin.  The outer shell for Unicomp is likely ABS plastic while Rosewill opted for some metallic material for the top cover and plastic on the bottom.  So, in turns of style, Rosewill has flairs to spare while Unicomp is ultimately one of the most utilitarian keyboard I have encountered thus far.  The key legends on Unicomp is dye sub while the Rosewill is supposed to be laser etched with ink filled in.  Ultra Classic’s key caps seems smaller, which demands more precision while Rosewill appears to be roomier, tolerating more sloppy strikes.

So, when one breaks down to the bottom of it, The Ultra Classic really should viewed as a workhorse, capable of doing its tasks day in and day out without missing a beat, while the Rosewill has a bit of a showy tendency and personality but not far enough to distract its purpose.  These external factor differences are not likely to take over the switch choice discussion.  So, in this case, the switch choice will dominate the decision if I have to pick one or the other.  I think most people would agree that this is almost like comparing apple to oranges.  Thoughts?

Ducky Legend versus Unicomp Ultra Classic 104

The Ducky Legend is certainly a keyboard that I like using.  It is well made, has a great style and a little bit of bling here and there just to keep things interesting.  The Unicomp on the other hand, is the ultimate utilitarian design.  There really isn't much that is devoted for aesthetics.  Side by side, they are like Arnold and Denny in the movie Twins.

The heart of the matter is the key switch.  Both of them are the clicky type that generate fine tactile feedback and well as auditory sensations that some equates to assault.  Each has its own personality and flair.  I won't repeat my characterization of the two type of keys switches, but I want to compare and contrast the keyboards as whole package.  As I learned early on, the whole thing viewed together is a better assessment since no one just use the switches by themselves.  The best switch could be placed on a mediocre platform and the whole experience would be mediocre at best.

I kind of feel that the comparison is a bit unfair, since Ducky Legend obviously has a higher production value.  A more fair comparison perhaps would be the Rosewill RK-9000 V2 against Unicomp's Ultra Classic 104.  They are more closely priced.  Since I just wrote all these, I am not going to toss it.  So, stay tuned for a more fair fight.  :P

In any case, if you are a fan of the buckling spring keyboard, there really is no other choice besides Unicomp or an used Model M keyboard.  However, if someone is more open to try different switches, then Ducky Legend is certainly worth considering regardless of which Cherry MX switches type.

Cooler Master introduces Quick Fire XTi

Full RGB LEDs seem to be the rage these days, for better or worse.  From the keyboard side of things,, full RGB Cherry MX Switches are still difficult to come by.  Aside from Corsair, no one else seems to have something.  Ducky Channel is moving forward with Shine 5, which is a full RGB design, but it won't arrive in North America till probably late October with a price tag that matches Corsair's offering.  So, it's kind of a surprise to see Cooler Master to introduce a new keyboard that is not full RGB.  I guess Cherry still can't make them fast enough....

Quick Fire XTi is an interesting beast.  It's likely to implement the older LEDs rather than full spectrum RGB one for lighting.  Perhaps Cooler Master got a good deal on those Cherry MX switches.  Who knows....  For one thing, this keyboard is a rather minimalist design.  It doesn't even have Cooler Master's logo in the front.  Instead, it is embossed on the back side of the keyboard.  The focus of the keyboard seems to be its ability to store profiles and macros.  These information are stored with the keyboard and not dependent on a computer host.  So, the approach is more akin to Ducky Channel's by including a decent ARM based micro-controller rather than Corsair's approach, which depends on the computer host for most of its functionality.  There are pros and cons to each approach.  It's interesting to see Cool Master electing to go with the more independent route.  I suppose one could be traveling to tournaments that allows one to bring their own keyboards and mice.  So, having the settings and macros stored on the keyboard could be an important advantage.

The one thing Cooler Master left out was the media control keys.  Instead of media keys, the programmable keys took their place.  So, it's another give and take for one to end up with a minimal 104 key board foot print without resorting to extending outward like Logitech's G910.  Cooler Master is asking for $150 USD for one of these.  It's available with almost all the popular MX switches, such as MX blue, brown and red,  According to keychatter.com, Cooler Master may even do a MX green production run pending demand.  The price is a bit of surprise as Cooler Master used to play more or less in the mainstream and economy brackets.  So, this is signaling that they moving up to higher end.  Indeed, it's a bit on the higher end, but given its ample abilities, Cooler Master felt the price is justified.  We will see how the market respond.

Looks like Cooler Master Quick Fire XTi with MX blue switches is available from Amazon.com already.  Handy links are listed below if you are looking to purchase one from Amazon.com to support this site.  Thanks!

Cooler Master QuickFire XTi Multi-Color Backlit Mechanical Keyboard, Blue Switches (SGK-4060-KKCL1-US)

Rosewill RK-9000 v2 keyboard image gallery

Here is a few Roseill RK-9000 v2 snaps I made.  Enjoy!

Front side view

Left side view

Right side view, note the logo and the key lock status indicators

Cherry MX blue switch on a red keyboard back plate and key cap 

Key cap with laser etched legends, but I can't really tell

Backside of the key cap

Cherry MX blue switch with a red keyboard backplate

Backside of the keyboard, note the printed label

Keyboard foot retracted, note the finger smear on the backside cover

Keyboard foot extended, since it's the backside, the smear is not usually visible

USB port is located on the right side of the keyboard

Ducky Legend keyboard image gallery

Here's another image gallery.  Mechanicak Keyboard Tryout presents: Ducky Legend keyboard!

Front side view

Left side view

Right side view, there is no key lock indicator block

Cherry MX blue key switch and key cap view

Key cap view, the legends are laser etched

The real key cap color is transparent and the black is the coating applied later

Cherry MX blue switch with LED light

Side view to show the wedge shape built-in without using keyboard feet

USB cable is braided and notice the thick aluminium top cover

Backside view, the product information plate is laser engraved

Keyboard foot retracted

Keyboard foot extended, notice the extra rubber pad for better grip

Front side view with LED turned on, the various key lock LEDs are dimmed

Cherry MX blue switch with LED turned on

Demystifying the G710 family

Logitech G710 keyboard family appears to be rather popular.  However, it is difficult to figure out which one to get.  As far as I know, there are at least 2 G710 versions.  One is the Cherry MX blue and the other is Cherry MX brown with extra o-ring for sound and impact dampening.  The G710+ is usually the Cherry MX brown version whereas G710 is the MX blue version.  However, Logitech logi might have started to market G710 with MX blue as G710+ as well.  The only way to really tell them apart is by the part number.

Perhaps the reason is not to put Cherry MX blue switches based G710 at a disadvantage because people tend to think that the plus version is the bigger and perhaps better one; think Apple iPhone’s version numbering scheme.  Therefore, it kind of make sense that logi wants to put the MX blue switch board at the same level as the one equipped with MX brown; hence the market confusion.  Both keyboards have identical functionality, except the switch differences (oh, and the o-ring too).

So from my perspective, the G710 with Cherry MX blue switches has part number: 920-006519 and the G710+ with MX brown switches and with o-rings has part number: 920-003887.  The other way is to observe the keyboard itself.  If the G keys are surrounded by an orange border, then it is the MX brown.  If the G keys are surrounded by blue border, then it is the MX blue.  Enjoy!

Both logi G710+ versions are 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!

Logi G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Tactile High-Speed Keys - Black (MX brown)

Logi  G710+ Blue Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switches for Tactile High-Speed Feedback (920-006519) (MX blue, sometimes marketed as G710)

Popularity problem

Cherry MX switches have a problem: popularity.  It’s a good problem to have, I suppose.  Since Cherry is the only company that supplies genuine Cherry MX switches, they are having trouble keeping up with the demand.  So, there are talk of advanced order for at least one year at some point.  As how the market works, there are a few ways to correct this problem without impacting the supply curve (namely, changing price).

So, a company facing an entrenched competitor have a few options.  One, they can build a better or cheaper mouse trap.  Two, they can invent a new kind of mouse trap, namely a new way to do the same job.  Route two is a rather disruptive path and rarely taken, but companies such as Microsoft, Apple and Google have done so just to name a few.  After the MX switch patents have expired, there are quite a few cloners that popped up.  Kailh is one of the best copies out there, but there many of them who can also match the Cherry’s ability to produce switches massive quantities and while costing less.  Thus, there is no big surprise that some of the keyboard companies have gone to cloners instead of Cherry.  Das Keyboard for example decided to go with Kalih with their latest TKL keyboard and so has Truly Ergonomic Keyboard with their new TECK models.  The other way is to outdo Cherry at their own game by making a better mouse trap.  That’s the route Logitech and Omron have chosen apparently regardless of the motivation behind it.  Omron brings a lot of switch making expertise to the table since not only have they mastered micro-switches, apparently, they have made keyboard switches before as well.  Given Logitech’s mindshare in the peripheral market space, this is a potent alliance that just might tip things in their favor against the mighty Cherry.  This is definitely worth keep an eye on since those guys are likely in for the long game.

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....

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