Marco's RTG : keyboards

Mechanical Key Switch Keyboards Demystified

Marco C — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:46:00 GMT

I'm sure you've all heard the old saying, "You get what you pay for" many times throughout your lives. Whether talking about plumbing or electronics, that saying has seemingly rung true for ages. But for whatever reason, it isn't always taken to heart, especially by PC users. Let me give you an example.

Years ago, in what seems like another lifetime, I used to manage an electronics store for a large national chain (that's surprisingly still around!). On more than one occasion, while selling a $1500 to $2000 computer system to a customer, he or she would choose not to buy a quality $49 surge protector designed specifically for PC use, despite my strong recommendation, and would instead opt for a cheap $5 model. I would try to explain to these customers, in plain English, that the more expensive option had a much quicker response time and could absorb a larger surge--which is important for sensitive electronic devices--but more often than not, they left with the cheaper option. I just didn't get it. We were talking about a minimal additional investment, that could have meant the difference between the life and death of the computer. But what did I know.

And that's not the only example I could provide regarding PC users that have forgotten that old saying. As many of you may know, I have an affinity for keyboards. I have a collection of them that has been growing for years. Rubber dome, scissor switch, buckling spring, tactile, non-tactile, clicky--you name the type of keyboard and I probably have one, or had one at some point. As someone who makes a living behind a keyboard, I have developed strong opinions on their quality and what I feel are the best options. And of course, regarding keyboards, I have learned that you most certainly get what you pay for.

The Cream Of The Crop
In my opinion, the best keyboards available have mechanical key switches. They are known as mechanical keyboards, or mechanical key switch keyboards. What makes them so desirable is that mechanical keyboards tend to be constructed of higher quality materials, they last longer and are more reliable, and most importantly, once properly acclimated to one, a mechanical key switch keyboard will make you a better typist--you may even be able to get work done faster, with less fatigue.

That may sound like a stretch, but it is absolutely true. You see, the vast majority of keyboards included with white box systems or sold at office supply stores are rubber dome or membrane keyboards. They are inexpensive, mass produced, relatively low quality devices that are inconsistent and degrade the user experience. The problem is most users don't know this, or simply don't care. The appeal of cheap rubber dome or membrane keyboards is that they're usually available in a variety of styles, are included "free" with a new system, and they may sport additional features like media controls or wireless connectivity. But these cheap keyboards typically don't provide users with any tactile feedback, the keys feel mushy and may not all actuate at the same point, and the entire keyboard assemblies themselves tend to flex and move around when typed on. Not fun.

Depending on the type of switch used in a mechanical keyboard, however, it will offer distinct tactile feedback to the user--which is to say there is a pronounced "bump" transmitted to the user's finger tip when a key is pressed. Once acclimated to the tactile feedback, users of mechanical keyboards have a second feedback mechanism, other than a letter appearing on screen, by which they'll know a key has been pressed. Many mechanical keyboards also have clicky key switches, which provide a third, audible feedback mechanism--you feel the tactility of the switch, hear it click, and see the letter appear on screen. The switches are built to stricter tolerances than rubber domes as well, so key presses are consistent across all of the keys. And mechanical keyboards, more often than not, are also heavier and more rigid than rubber dome boards. All of these things add up and culminate in what is simply a better product in my opinion.

What's Under The Hood
Mechanical keyboards are available in a vareity of syles. There may not be quite as diverse an array of options on the market as cheaper rubber domes, but there is enough variety out there that most PC users' needs can be met. Of course, they are available in different colors, with different key layouts, and with either USB or PS/2 connections. There are also spacesaver "ten-keyless" designs out there that do away with the numpad and products designed for gamers with n-key rollover support. Another major differentiating factor between mechanical keyboards is also the type of key switch used to build them.

There are literally dozens of different key switch types currently on the market and each one has a different feel. Here in the U.S., you're likely to come across scissor switches, Cherry MX switches, buckling springs, or ALPS copies / ALPS-type switches when shopping for a mechanical keyboard. Scissor switches are a step up from rubber domes, but are not the most desirable option, so I'll mostly ignore them here. The most common types of switch used in keyboards currently in production are Cherry MX Black, Blue, or Brown switches, buckling springs, and simplified ALPS copies with White (or White-ish) or Black stems. I should note that the reason I say ALPS copies is that the original ALPS switches are no longer in production, but simplified versions based on the original design are. And those copies are what are used in current keyboards.

The differences between the various switches you're likely to come across are subtle, but definitely perceptible. Buckling springs are the type of switch used in the original "killer" keyboard, which still has a loyal following today, the IBM Model M. Buckling springs are still used in many of Unicomp's keyboards, like the Customizer 104, which is one of my all time favorites. Buckling spring switches have a coil spring supporting each keycap that buckles or collapses, at a certain point when pressed, which provides auditory and tactile feedback to the user. The keys are usually fairly firm, but the typing experience is excellent.

Cherry MX switches all have a similar physical design, but the different colored stems signify a different switch configuration. For example, the Cherry MX Black is a non-tactile, non-clicky switch--which is to say it is linear and does not transmit a bump to the user's fingertip when pressed and it does not provide an audible click. The Cherry MX Blue, however, is both tactile and clicky. And the Cherry MX Brown is tactile, but not clicky. And all three require different amounts of force to actuate, the heaviest being the Black model, followed by the Blue, and then the Brown.

ALPS type switches are also available in different configurations. White ALPS type switches, like the Cherry MX Blues, are both tactile and clicky, whereas the Black type are not. Black ALPS copies are tactile, but non-clicky.

Cherry G80-3000LSCRC-2

I Gotta Get Me One Of These!
If you've made it this far, I assume you've got at least some interest in mechanical key switch keyboards and are wondering what products are currently available on the market. Well, there are a multitide of options out there; I couldn't possibly list them all here. I will, however, run through some of the easier to obtain offerings which I consider to be high quality products, worthy of consideration.

If a tactile, but non-clicky mechanical keyboard appeals to you, the ABS M1 (simplified ALPS copies, Black) is a good option. Non-tactile, non-clicky offerings include the Steelseries 7G and the Gigabyte GK-K8000 (both use Cherry MX Black switches), they are both available at many e-tailers. Keyboards that use Cherry MX Brown switches, like the FILCO Majestouch Tenkeyless FKBN87M/EB or FKBN104M/EB, are also excellent non-clicky, but tactile options.

If a tactile, clicky keyboard would better suit your needs though, the Cherry G80-3000LSCRC-2, Scorpius M10, and Das Keyboard Professional or Ultimate, which all use Cherry MX Blue switches, are good choices. The Unicomp Customizer 104, which uses buckling spring switches, is also a fantastic tactile, clicky keyboard as is the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0 and the Solidtek ASK-6600U which uses simplified White ALPS copies. And users looking for vintage throw back offerings should consider an original IBM Model M (buckling spring, clicky) or Dell AT101W (ALPS Black, tactile, non-clicky).

I should note, some mechanical key switch keyboards can be a bit difficult to obtain. FILCO's offerings, for example, aren't sold in the U.S., so a Japanese buying service or eBay are good places to look. And some of Cherry's own keyboards are typically available at more specialized e-tailers, that cater to POS or business consumers. Should you decide to give a mechanical key switch keyboard a try, it is most definitely worth the investment and extra effort though. A quality keyboard can enhance your computing experience, increase your productivity, and last through multiple system upgrades.

I hope that I have provided you with enough background to make an informed buying decision. If not, please, feel free to comment and ask questions or poke around the geekhack.org community, where I lurk from time to time.

Update: I decided to shoot some video and show off a few of the keyboards currently in my collection, to give you all an idea not only as to what they look like, but how they sound as well. As you'll see and hear, they're all somewhat different. My current favorites are the Filco Majestouch FKBN104M/EB, the Cherry G80-3000LSCRC-2 (not in the video) and the Scorpius M10. The Cherry G80 and M10 use the same switches and sound almost identical, however. Please forgive the awkward hand position while I'm typing in the video--I had a tripod and camera in the way and was moving the microphone into position as necessary. Enjoy.

Enter the Das Keyboard Professional

Marco C — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:26:00 GMT

Those of you that have been reading my blog entries regularly should know by now that I am a bit maniacal when it comes to my input devices. Even if a device is serving me well, I can’t help but search for its replacement—call it a disorder if you like, it’s just how I am.

Over the last few months, this has led me to try a Unicomp Customizer 104, a pair of Enermax keyboards, SteelSeries’ 7G gaming keyboard, and now one of the new Das Keyboards. The older Das Keyboard’s claim to fame was its high-quality “clicky” construction and blank key caps. The company claimed the blank keys forced users of the Das Keyboard to memorize key locations, and over time, the users would become better typists. Despite its relative success, however, the original Das Keyboard had a rather Spartan appearance that wasn’t very enticing. So the company decided to update the look and overall design, and while they were at it introduce a version with key labels as well.

Das Keyboard Professional

The new Das Keyboard line-up consists of Professional and Ultimate models. The Professional unit is adorned with key labels, while the Ultimate unit is blank like the older model. As much as I’d like to say I’m geek enough to handle the Das Keyboard Ultimate, I opted for the Das Keyboard Professional—as cool as using the Ultimate would be, I don’t have the time to re-learn how to type. I’ll save that adventure for another time.

Like the original, the allure of the new Das Keyboard line-up is their high-end construction. The keyboards feature Cherry MX blue mechanical key switches that provide tactile and audible feedback. These new models also feature blue LED indicators for the number, scroll, and caps lock keys, a built in, two-port USB hub, and an “almost-n-key” rollover function that allows up to 12 keys to be pressed simultaneously without ghosting. In addition, the new Das Keyboards have an extra long USB cable and slick, glossy outer casings that enhance the look of the units, although the shiny outer casing is prone to fingerprints and scratches.

I have been working with the Das Keyboard Professional for about two weeks now, and have to say it is vying for the title of my favorite keyboard. With that said, the Das Keyboard Professional is certainly not for everyone. Personally, I prefer the sound of clicky keys like those used on the Das Keyboard. Once you get used to the sound, I find that I can almost tell when I have made a typo by the sound of the clicks. The unit’s clicky keys will almost certainly deter some users though. If you prefer to work in silence, or are in an environment where others may be annoyed by the sound of the keys, the Das Keyboard is not going to fit the bill. Having been a fan of clicky keyboards since the days of the Northgate Omnikey, the Das Keyboard’s audible report works for me.

I also find the Das Keyboard Professional’s blue LED indicators and glossy exterior visually appealing, and I think its USB ports are in a good position. But while the key layout is standard, I have had an issue getting used to the angle of the upper-most row of keys, below the function keys. When typing feverishly, I have found the Q, W, E, R and T keys to be harder to press than I would like. The keys work fine, however, and it is only my left hand that’s having the problem, so I think it is just a matter of time before I get fully comfortable with the Das Keyboard and this issue goes away.

I plan to stick with the Das Keyboard Professional for the foreseeable future. So far it has the best combination of looks and features for my personal tastes. How long I feel this way remains to be seen though. I gravitate towards input devices like a moth to a flame, and if something else exciting comes along, I know I’ll want to try it out.

Still Looking For Input

Marco C — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:31:00 GMT

My recent blog post "Always Looking For Input" generated quite a bit of feedback from readers and even a few manufacturers. In that post, I wrote about my pseudo-obsession with input devices and why I burn through so many of them on a regular basis. (Hint: It's because I'm a bit OCD)

After reading what I had to say about Enermax's swank Aurora Premium and Caesar keyboards, the folks at SteelSeries--well, representatives of SteelSeries at least--thought I'd like to give one of their keyboards a try, namely the SteelSeries 7G. With its traditional design and supposed high-quality construction, I thought the 7G would be right up my alley, so I decided to give it shot.

If you're unfamiliar with the SteelSeries 7G, it's a standard looking 104-key keyboard, designed specifically for gamers. The stand-out features of the 7G include no-click, mechanical Cherry MX black key switches rated for 50 million keystrokes, 18K gold-plated connectors, a 2-port USB hub, microphone and headphone jacks, and an advanced buffer system that prevents ghosting. SteelSeries says this about the buffer system used in the 7G, "By utilizing the most powerful PS/2 buffer-system ever created for a gaming keyboard, SteelSeries 7G redefines 'anti-ghosting' by supporting as many simultaneous key presses as there are keys on the keyboard." Most definitely overkill, but better than what most other keyboards offer.

Having used the SteelSeries 7G for a couple of weeks now, I think I have gotten a pretty good feel for its good and bad points. First the good. The anti-ghosting buffer works really well. After writing a number of articles and playing more than my share of UT3 on the 7G, I found that its buffer system handles multiple simultaneous key-presses (whether planned or accidental) very well. I also noticed that the keys "activate" when pressed down only about 20% of the way, which may sound strange, but actually makes for some quick input once you get used to the keyboard's layout. Key feel is excellent, with firm resistance and quick response, and the keyboard stays put wherever it's set down thanks to its weight and oversized rubber feet. The 7G also seems to be very durable, as it hasn't exhibited any "shiny-ness" on its keys even after some heavy use.

Now for the bad. The 7G has no height adjustment and its wrist rest is nothing more than a plastic shell that sits around the keyboard--it doesn't even snap into place. SteelSeries also decided to inexplicably replace the left Windows Key with a proprietary function button that activates some basic media controls on the first six function keys. And the backslash and backspace keys are normal sized in favor of an oversized L-shaped enter key (some of you may actually prefer this). Finally, I also found that the built-in USB hub is only USB 1.1, so fast transfers to a flash drive are out of the question.

Overall, I'd rate the 7G very highly in terms of quality and feel--this is a great keyboard for writers and gamers--but I question a couple of the design decisions. If the left Windows Key was still there (or the custom key was switchable) and the built-in USB hub didn't downgrade my ports to 1.1, the 7G would be darn close to perfect. I'm going to stick with the 7G for a while anyway, but am thinking that I may have to plunk down some cash for a Deck or a Das Keyboard Pro out of curiosity...

Always Looking For Input...

Marco C — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:12:00 GMT

Everyone that has dared enter my office / lab over the last couple of years has noticed that I burn through input devices like Joey Chestnut through a pile of Nathan's Hot Dogs on the Fourth of July. It is not because I am particularly hard on them, it's just that I have a bit of OCD and can't (or don't want to) tolerate imperfections, whether they be aesthetic or performance related. Being the true geek that I am, I also like to experiment with the latest and greatest mice and keyboards, so needless to say Microsoft, Logitech, and Razer have all gotten their fair share of my disposable income.

Over the past year and a half or so, I have had three or four different mice installed on my personal machine, and six different keyboards. The wireless devices in this group were all retired fairly quickly--I can't stand keyboard lag and hate fighting with a cordless mouse that goes to "sleep" too quickly, especially when doing fine work, like trying to select a single pixel in a high-res image in Photoshop for example. Annoying!

Up to this point, my favorite keyboard has been a Unicomp Customizer. The Customizer is a vintage looking clicky buckling-spring keyboard that's built like the old IBM model M of days past. The Customizer was great to work with, but the loud, clicky keys were somewhat annoying to those around me, so it was relegated to one of my test platforms, which doesn't get nearly as much use daily. I also liked my Razer Tarantula, but wasn't too fond of its key feel--the keys always felt a little mushy to me. And Logitech's Wave and Microsoft's Comfort Curve were OK too, but they just didn't quite hit the mark.

Then recently I was given the opportunity to try a couple of keyboards from Enermax. Many of you probably know Enermax for their popular line of power supplies, but they also make a myriad of PC accessories and peripherals. I specifically had a chance to try their Aurora Premium and Caesar keyboards. What make these keyboards standout from many others is their diamond cut, brushed and anodized aluminum construction, with scissor key switches, and pseudo-notebook style keys. The aluminum construction of the Caesar and Aurora give them a very sturdy feel and also make them heavy enough to stay put when gaming or typing (think ~3lbs.). The scissor style key switches, which reside under a rubber membrane, give the keys a decent feel and provide enough of an audible report to make users realize they have actually pressed a key. The shorter, notebook-like keys took some getting used to, but as someone who switches between a desktop and notebook constantly, I found the keys easier to get re-acclimated to after road trips or extended sessions with my notebook. Other useful features of these Enermax keyboard are their built in USB 2.0 hubs, USB audio controllers for the headphone and microphone jacks, and three height adjustable stands. And the Caesar also has 10 media keys that have come in handy under Windows Vista.

So far, the only drawbacks to the Enermax Aurora and Caesar keyboards have been their small backspace and backslash keys and oversized enter keys, and the quality of the finish on each key. These keyboards mimic older keyboard layouts that had jumbo, backwards L-shaped enter keys, which definitely took some getting used to. And the finish on the keys as already begin getting shiny from use, which is somewhat disappointing considering they are only a couple of weeks old. Ultimately though, at least for me, the positives outweigh the negatives, so I don't foresee a keyboard update anytime soon. If, however, Enermax refreshes these units with a new layout that features a standard enter key, and the keys get treated to an anti-shine coating ala HP's 2133 Mini-Note, I'll be all over 'em.