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…..

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

Meet G810's little twin siblings, the G610

Either Logitech believes the G810 form and design has struck gold or they simply ordered too many shells, or both.  Or neither because I am just plain wrong.  No matter what is behind-the-scenes scenario, Logitech just introduced a pair of mechanical gaming keyboards patterned after G810 design DNA.

Meet the G610s, the Orion Brown and the Orion Red.  As the names imply, Orion Brown employs Cherry MX brown switches while you guessed it, Orion Red uses Cherry MX Red switches.  For some reason, MX blue version is missing on the first go around.  These two boards have the same design and features as the older sibling, G810.  The only major difference that I spot (besides the switch) is that two G610s do not have LED RGB lighting, but has white LEDs instead.  They all use LGS (Logitech Gaming Software) to control the lighting and other minor functions.  So, this is likely a host based solution like Cosair's implementation.  The expected street price is around $120 USD.  One can preorder from a few different retailers and Logitech itself now.  No street date has been given however.

In many ways, I see this as s shrewd move on Logitech's part.  They segmented the market into two tiers with this move by pricing the Cherry MX boards below the one with Romer-G.  Thus, this creates the perception that Romer-G is superior and make Cherry's products appear more pedestrian.  In a sense, they might be trying to dethrone the notion that Cherry MX is a premium brand.  Secondly, they get to test out the market more and see if people would be receptive to a more subdued and formal design and style.  I am still waiting for Logitech to make the next logical move, which is to introduce a K-line keyboard with the Romer-G switch.  This product announcement is a bit unexpected on my part because I thought they already covered the ground via the G710s.  However, these two elders are older products and are likely to be near the end of their product life cycle.  So, it kind of make sense in the short term and I missed it.  Instead, I jumped the gun and wanted to see what they are going to do with the Romer-G in the future.  Oh well.  Live and learn I guess.

Anyway, Logitech now cast a wide net to cover the gaming keyboard market, ranging from run-of-the-mill rubber dome to Cherry MX and up into the sky with Romer-G.  Let's see what their next move is.

Metadot announces Division Zero Gaming Keyboard

Metadot, the company behind the acclaimed Das Keyboard lines has just announced a new line of products aimed at the booming PC gamers market called Division ZeroGaming.  I am just going to focus on the keyboard announcement because it’s a bit more than another day, another gaming mechanical keyboard.

The X40 keyboard features an ANSI standard 104 key layout, red LED lighting and 5 macro keys along with media control keys.  Emulating Apple a bit, there is a single cable from the keyboard to the back of the computer that comes with USB2 port, headphone and microphone jacks pass through.  (Think pass through as an extension cable that connects to the keyboard back panel so that the user can connect peripherals to it rather having to reach to the back of a PC.)  It has a fancy interchangeable front/top plate if one wants a different design.  So far, it’s been pretty standard.

Now, borrowing some of Razer’s ideas, Metadot has also announced its own line of mechanical switches with specifications rather like the Cherry MX ones called Alpha-Zulu.  There’s one with linear (olive color) force profile and another with soft tactile feedback (mustard color).  They even sound like the original they are based on.  However, unlike the standard Cherry MX devices, these has a shorter actuation distance around 1.7mm.  Romer-G is around 1.5mm, whereas other Cherry MX clones tend to be around 2mm, including Razer’s custom one.  The theory is that a shorter distance allows quicker activation.  In the gaming world, that’s probably important, but not for someone like me who tends to bottom out.  Anyway, like Das Keyboard’s OEM mystery, Metadot has declined to identify the switch maker. Some online commentators speculated that Kailh is the most likely candidate since they are also the OEM for Razer’s custom switches.

In any case, if one has any doubt that mechanical keyboards market has evolved to largely cater to the gaming crowd, here is another piece of evidence.  Metadot started out making keyboards for programmers.  It has now changed direction and branched out to gaming.  It’s not a bad thing per se.  Let’s see where this wave takes us.

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.

Congratulations, you got twins! Leopold FC660M and FC660C

Leopold is clever enough not to waste a winning layout design.  Apparently, Leopold also manufactured an identical looking keyboard named FC660M, which is Cherry MX based.  That alone should bring the price back to Earth.  From the looks of it, mechanical keyboard.com is selling it for $150 or so, depending on the color schemes and MX switch types.  I am aware that there are white color scheme versions with MX brown and MX red switches.  I am pretty sure that other combinations exist.  It’s not that much difference, but could be a deciding factor.  If one fancies that Leopold’s layout but doesn’t like Topre switches, then this is a good alternative to consider.

I don’t have a FC660M in house for testing, so I can’t honestly tell you what exactly to expect.  By most indication, the keyboards should be almost identical, except the switch and some minor differences because of the switch related changes.  You never know tho.  So, this is more of an informational post than anything else.  If you have experience with FC660M that you would like to share, that would be great!

MSI introduces new gaming mechnical keyboard. (I am shocked. /s)

I am not surprised one bit by this news.  I was wondering when the next shoe would drop and indeed, MSI announced that it is introducing the GK-701 gaming keyboard.  Some places had this board for sale for a while apparently....  Any guesses what it might be?  If you say Cherry MX switches, you are right.  If you say it's got red color to go with the MSI gaming logo theme, you are right.  If you say that it's got some cute lighting effects, you are right.  One more.  If you say that it has media control keys, you are right!  This one has a standard 104 ANSI keyboard layout, at least in the US and ticked all the right box with a reasonable mainstream market price around $120 US dollars.  While some companies are going all out gaga with full RGB lighting, some remained more or less with just a single or dual color LEDs.  I really do think that RGB lighting may be more expansive than expected or that Cherry is still having issues meeting demand.  In any case, the sub $150 price clearly reflect that reality.

GK-701 appears to have the cherry brown switches.  That was a bit of surprise as most of the time, the gaming crowd seemed to have preferred the linear switches such as the Cherry MX red or the black (with a more stiff spring).  However, Logitech and a few others have defied the trend.  So, maybe the gaming keyboard market is moving away from linear spring toward a more tactile, but not overly so, kind like the MX brown.  This is worth watching as there's some change in the air if that's the case.

Anyhow, this news should not surprised anyone.  Asus has already established a mechanical keyboard line and with Gigabyte introducing something just about a month ago, it is no shock to anyone who watches the big 3 Taiwanese computer/components manufacturers to see this coming.

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.

Topre switches, getting to know you, finally…

Ah, I think I am beginning to “get” the switch.  This is after weeks of struggle, encountering a keyboard design that I simply cannot abide.  I fought though the pitfalls and finally discover a combination that seems to work well with me and speaks loudly of the Topre switch greatness.  It’s the 104UG.  I have come to really appreciate its finer quality and have adopted to its exotic keycap design philosophy.  It’s a joy to use and now it sits side by side with the Das Keyboard with Cherry MX brown switches.  It will be tough for me switch back to the MX brown now because I enjoy using this keyboard so much.

I stand by my belief that the Cherry MX family has hit the market just right where it is.  Thus, it is very difficult to overcome for others to muscle in.  Topre, Unicomp and Matias are outsiders looking in.  Now, both Unicomp and Matias have the heritage as an advantage and they use that wisely to promote their switches.  So, if one has certain weakness for ALPS switches or the old-fashioned buckling spring, these are your guys and gals.  Topre went the other way since they don’t have a base to build on.  So, they set out to outdo what’s available in market, a superior rubber-dome and address its weakness: contacts wearing out.  Indeed Topre has succeeded with plenty of room to spare.

However, there’s a reason why rubber dome rules the roost.  It’s cheap and extremely easy to build.  Topre keyboards have the opposite problem.  It’s expansive and tricky to manufacture.  So, despite the technology advancement, Topre will have to sell this as a superior keyboard experience to overcome the price different.  Is it a superior experience? It is.  The question is, how much someone is willing to pay for it?  For some, it’s worth every penny and some, not a single cent.  I am slowly moving toward the worth every penny camp, if I can afford it that is.

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)

Cherry MX Brown switch revisited….

After exploring the Topre switches, it’s kind of nice to come back to a switch that’s familiar and comfortable to use.  I have grown to appreciate the Topre switch, but also time for me to reflect on some of the other types that I have liked thus far and help me reexamine why I like them more than others that are around.  Brown is simply the champion right now.  However, the Topre and Matias quiet click have given me sufficient reasons to take another look.

The Matias quiet is really complex tactile switch that reached back to the heydays of ALPS switch.  The ALPS switches were really popular with Mac crowd.  I didn’t have the privilege of using the Apple Extended Keyboard as much as I should have, just like the Model M, but I have heard they are great.  Different from the classic Model M, but shined in its own way.

So, how does the MX brown stand up to those challengers.  I think it stood up pretty well.  For one thing, there’s really not much I dislike about the switch and lot for me to like.  Topre’s smoothness is legendary and Brown’s a little scratchy tactile feedback is just fine for someone like me.  It doesn’t bother me at all.  It’s not too loud, but has enough auditory cue for me to know what’s going on with the switch operation.  It doesn’t have the melodic songs ringing out from Model M.  Instead it’s kind of chirpy rather than out right songs.  It doesn’t have a complex tactile sensation like the Matias, but enough to let me know what’s going on.  I do appreciate these little things.  It’s one of the most popular switches, and Cherry is definitely doing something right.  Yes, it’s not for everyone, but it’s a generalist that’s good enough for most use cases.  Topre, Model M and Matias are specialists that cater to certain groups.  I would like to examine that concept a bit more closely later on.  For now, the Das Keyboard with Cherry MX brown switches is here to stay because it really does offer a really good overall package.

Really complicated……

For me at this point, Cherry MX Brown is still the standard.  It’s practical and doesn’t have any glaring weakness, perhaps only on the smoothness front since its tactile feedback is more akin to a scratch than a bump.  However, I think a 55g or 45g Topre keyboard with uniform weighting come close to dethroning it from my desktop.  No quite however, because of the price.  For every Topre keyboard, one can buy probably 2 or so Cherry MX based keyboards.  So, I think an apt analogy is indeed luxury cars.  The Topre is more or less the Mercedes Benz convertible where the Cherry MX is more the Honda Odyssey.  Both will get you to places.  One can haul a volleyball team comfortably while the other will get there in style and opulence with just two.  Matias is kind of like that plucky mini-Coop car and Model M is like the Ford F150.  I am in more of the mini-van style right now, but that might change later on.

Do I love typing on the Topre keyboard?  Absolutely, especially if someone foot the bill and if it’s one with the uniform weighted keys.  Do I love typing on the Cherry MX brown keyboard?  Yup and I might be able to afford to get one and another one for work with a completely different feel.  :)  I think I just have a love-hate relationship going with Topre switch keyboards.  I mostly love Cherry MX browns.  There are just so much more options available to me as Cherry MX family are some of the most popular switches out there.  Therefore, it simply makes more sense from a pragmatic point of view.  But man, that Topre sometimes just does everything right, however rarely it does so.  Then when it all clicks, that’s indeed as close to typing heaven as one can be.  Now, I just need to figure out what are the trigger conditions….

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....