MX Blues or Browns, plz help me out.

[Seac]

Hi dear deskthority guys,


The text written down below is already posted on geekhackers. They toldme to post it here again especially cause here you are more Europe centric and maybe some german guys are here who can helpme by letting me testing their boards before i purchase my own....

I live in the area of nuernberg. Anyone else?

That the original first post i did on geekhackers...

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?2071 ... lp-me-out.


(see below)

i read a lot of stuff and know the tecnological differences between the two MX Switch types.

I have some small experience with some cherry keyboards that are mechanical, but it is long ago.

I made a list of some mechanical boards that i take into account:

Das Keyboard
Filco Majestical 2 (normal and tenkeyless)
Cherry 80-3000

Other are too expensive or semm to be not of that quality ass these boards are...

At least i came to the conclusion that i do not use the keypad very often and it give me a ergonomical advantage so that i can center the keyboard better and have the mouse nearer.

So the filco tenkeyless board, i think, will be my final decision.

But, the question of the switches remains:Blue or Brown?

My typing profile is as follows:

50% research in the internet
45% writing and coding
5% gaming (if any)

Not yet i am writing with the ten finger system but almost, i will improve it so that is will do that with the new keyboard!;)

I am not able to test one of the two types.

I watched some videos on how it sounds and read some reviews.

At least i think the behaviour of the blues could be more fitting to me, but i am not sure if i get annoyed by the sound in the future...

The browns do not have that clicky sound and are eassier to push.

I am not sure what i should go for. I am from germany but i think i will order it from the uk, cause it is cheaper than in germany...

This question i think is hard to decide cause it dependsa lot of your own feeling but maybe u can give me some hints which one could be more fitting to my profile and/or expectations...

If you need more infos feel free to ask!

Thank you very much guys for any helpful comments!


(end )
Best regards,

Seac

[Findecanor]

If you do mostly typing, then I would recommend Blue ... as long as you don't risk bothering someone else by the sound. Otherwise, try to get a German G80-3000 with Clears. Browns would be only my third choice. This is only my personal opinion, and others may disagree.

If you haven't tested the Blue before, then I think that there is a good chance that there is a store somewhere in Nürnberg where you can test the Razer Blackwidow which is a full-sized board that also has plate-mounted Cherry MX Blue switches. Even if the keyboard is still in box there is a window in the packaging through which you can reach the cursor keys. Do try to test it in as normal typing posture if possible. It won't feel the same otherwise.
Be very aware that when you have got used to these switches, then you rarely "bottom out" (press the key all the way to the bottom) during normal typing. It could take a month or so before you adapt your typing style.

[lal]

If you happen to visit Erfurt or Ilmenau soon, you could test drive a Filco tenkeyless with blues. Generally it's really just a matter of taste which switch one prefers. If you're already concerned about noise you should probably go with browns.

[Spharx]

You are a typical German xD don't be so formal.

Ripsters idea of participating in the switch try pcb project is good. That should introduce you into the different feel of the switches.
If you used rubber domes you will need some time to not smash the buttons to the end. I even after nearly 3 months still bottom out on every hit of the brown switches
Although I never used blues i could imagine that blues would been better for a beginner because of the grater required force to activate the switch. Thats why I personally would you recommend the blues.
Brown switches are way to light for a beginner and the tactile bump is also very light.

[webwit]

I prefer apples.

[lal]

Bottoming out and being proud.

[ndp]

Bottoming out and being proud.

Thank you lal. Now I can say it loud: I love bottoming out and ... I'm proud too!

[Seac]

Hey,

thank you for putting me on the list. It will take about 8 weeks as i calculated... I think i cant wait for a new keyboard that long

Maybe its the best idea to get one g80 with clears and save them for maybe later buy an filco and sell it again or switch the mx switches if i like the clears more than the blues or browns in the filco...

What do you think about that idea?

Hey, what about the Leopold FC200R? Do i get this keyboard in Germany or the UK? Is it comparable or better/worse than the filco?

I think it could be cheaper?

Any ideas or experience with that keyboard?

[Spharx]

I've got a FC200R witch browns and its not bad at all ... mine does not ping or squeak or anything else the only think i did not like from the start till now are the clipped case ( screws are so much better ) and the caps (way to thin and not that good laser + inking). Beside this little problems the keyboard is working here like a charm
I think until now you can get it cheapest as ANSI version from elitekeyboards.com but the shipping of 50$ will kill the deal.

[Seac]

Hey,

i got one further question...

What about the supply of the both switch types in germany...

Can i get Blues or Browns very easy in Germany? Or where i can order them.... I didnt find them on thekeyboardco.com for example...

Should this be also a decision reason??

[Spharx]

Well here in Germany you can easily get black, clears and blues from the Cherry G80-3000 Boards .. they are selled on eBay new for around 50€.
Also you can get the Das Keyboard form getdigital.de (silent version = browns)
thekeyboardco.com is selling tactile versions of the filcos they should be clear or brown ... I am not sure about this right now .. and also clicky (blues) and linear (blacks)
Despite these 2 options browns are nearly not to be found .. only with luck at eBay sometimes from some cherry boards.

[Gunny]

I bought a DAS with blues as my first mechanical. I hadn't tested any mechanical keyboard whatsoever before that. I just wanted a sturdy clicky keyboard for home, and I wasn't disappointed, if that can reassure you.
Since it's difficult to test anything anyway, I don't think you should be too worried about what you're going to get, just read the wiki and reviews, and try to watch youtube videos to have an idea of what your keyboard sounds like (and I'm sure you already had done that). After that, well... Just go for what you like and what switch would best suit you ! The suspense and surprise is an exciting part of that hobby too.

[lal]

Can i get Blues or Browns very easy in Germany? Or where i can order them.... I didnt find them on thekeyboardco.com for example...

http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_search.asp?SG=10040

Tactile action = brown
Click action = blue
Although they're currently out of stock of the German layout. ANSI is available now.

[Seac]

Hey,

i think you do not get me right?!

I want to know if one single switch is broken where can i order the repolacment switch for this single one... Not the whole keyboard...

Or do i have to buy a complete keyboard and take a replacement switch from there?

[CeeSA]

if you want to buy a single switch for replacement make a [WTB] post in the marketplace forum.
i think this is the best way to get one for very less

[ripster]

OK, I got PM'd on this but felt I needed to post it for all to benefit. I don't really advise people on switch selection any more. Know thyself is all I'll say.

2 x 2 Switch Matrix Personality V2.jpg (55.77 KiB) Viewed 6518 times

Or consult a Higher Authority, the Keyboard Oracle if you are unsure.

[lal]

Hey,

i think you do not get me right?!

Yes, obviously.

I want to know if one single switch is broken where can i order the repolacment switch for this single one... Not the whole keyboard...

Cherry usually sends out a couple of switches for free if you ask nicely where to get some replacements for broken switches. If that doesn't work have a look here:
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title= ... rds#Buying

[Seac]

Hi,

i made my decision. I am going for the Filco tenkeyless wit clicky tactile (blue) switches.

I will order the filco keypuller, too.

Is there anything else i need??

The last question, then the Thread can be closed...

Thanks for all comments! Very helpful!

Regards

Seac

[Seac]

Hey,

everything is ordered, so this thread can be/is closed.

[ripster]

Good Choice!!!

Filco Tenkeyless with Blues is my #1 keyboard. See my sig. (hah - I keed - no sigs here).

[wupi]

Is there anything else i need??

Ohh yes, you need a red ESC key.

[webwit]

He needs more keyboards.

[Minskleip]

[Bach0]

Ask CeeSA to put your name on try list for various switches on this thread http://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=780



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- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Seac]

The red esc key is already ordered Maybe i receive my new filco tkl on Monday!

@ Bach0 I am already on that list!

[Ascaii]

hmm...late as usual. But its never too late for some shameless self advertising. If youre looking for a cheap board to try out cherry blue or cherry black switches I have a steady supply of old G80-3000 and g80-1000 boards that I hoard/sell.
If you are ever in Berlin and want to try out some stuff feel free to let me know, I have blues, blacks, clears, ergo clears, browns, futabas, white complicated alps, XM blue alps, buckling springs and some other funky things.