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Good NON-MECHANICAL keyboard?
posted in Hardware
1
#1
0 Frags +

I know this is an unpopular opinion or whatever but I really hate mechanical keyboards, so I'm looking for some membrane keyboard recommendations.

I've had a Microsoft Sidewinder x4 for the past 4 years, and it's starting to show it's age. That being said, I've had no problems with it, so I'm basically just looking for something similar.

Only thing I really require are media keys and toggleable backlight.

Currently thinking about the Razer Anansi. Anyone have experience it or similar products?

Thanks.

I know this is an unpopular opinion or whatever but I really hate mechanical keyboards, so I'm looking for some membrane keyboard recommendations.

I've had a Microsoft Sidewinder x4 for the past 4 years, and it's starting to show it's age. That being said, I've had no problems with it, so I'm basically just looking for something similar.

Only thing I really require are media keys and toggleable backlight.

Currently thinking about the [url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014B4LOSC/ref=asc_df_B014B4LOSC3963876/?tag=teamfortresst-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B014B4LOSC&linkCode=df0&ascsubtag=hawk-438088442-20]Razer Anansi[/url]. Anyone have experience it or similar products?

Thanks.
2
#2
-10 Frags +

They're literally all the same

They're literally all the same
3
#3
28 Frags +

http://cdn.overclock.net/8/86/860645cd_38550_xlargenss_ndo4190.jpeg

for years

[img]http://cdn.overclock.net/8/86/860645cd_38550_xlargenss_ndo4190.jpeg[/img]

for years
4
#4
10 Frags +

are you hitler

ive never met anyone who didnt like mechanical keyboards

are you hitler

ive never met anyone who didnt like mechanical keyboards
5
#5
1 Frags +
ProSkeezThey're literally all the same

No, there's a huge difference between Sidewinder X4 and http://www.ptlcomputers.com/images/P/c01299053_1560x1144.jpg for example.

joejoe347I know this is an unpopular opinion or whatever but I really hate mechanical keyboards, so I'm looking for some membrane keyboard recommendations.

I've had a Microsoft Sidewinder x4 for the past 4 years, and it's starting to show it's age. That being said, I've had no problems with it, so I'm basically just looking for something similar.

Only thing I really require are media keys and toggleable backlight.

Currently thinking about the Razer Anansi. Anyone have experience it or similar products?

Thanks.

Get another sidewinder. It's one of the better rubberdomes. Btw, have you tried topre switches? They're like a middle ground between mechanical and rubber dome, since it's a spring beneath a rubber dome. They feel more like a rubber dome than MX browns for example, but they feel a lot more responsive and solid than most rubber dome keyboards. Here's a pic of the switch https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png

I'm typing this on a HHKB pro 2, which is a keyboard with topre switches. feels good

[quote=ProSkeez]They're literally all the same[/quote]

No, there's a huge difference between Sidewinder X4 and http://www.ptlcomputers.com/images/P/c01299053_1560x1144.jpg for example.

[quote=joejoe347]I know this is an unpopular opinion or whatever but I really hate mechanical keyboards, so I'm looking for some membrane keyboard recommendations.

I've had a Microsoft Sidewinder x4 for the past 4 years, and it's starting to show it's age. That being said, I've had no problems with it, so I'm basically just looking for something similar.

Only thing I really require are media keys and toggleable backlight.

Currently thinking about the [url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014B4LOSC/ref=asc_df_B014B4LOSC3963876/?tag=teamfortresst-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B014B4LOSC&linkCode=df0&ascsubtag=hawk-438088442-20]Razer Anansi[/url]. Anyone have experience it or similar products?

Thanks.[/quote]

Get another sidewinder. It's one of the better rubberdomes. Btw, have you tried topre switches? They're like a middle ground between mechanical and rubber dome, since it's a spring beneath a rubber dome. They feel more like a rubber dome than MX browns for example, but they feel a lot more responsive and solid than most rubber dome keyboards. Here's a pic of the switch https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png

I'm typing this on a HHKB pro 2, which is a keyboard with topre switches. feels good
6
#6
0 Frags +

Dell quiet key is probably the least bad membrane keyboard i have used.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Dell-PS-2-Keyboard-104-Key-Quiet-Key-RT7D5JTW-/281827551137?hash=item419e3b27a1:g:0H4AAOSwHnFVzj-Q

If you can stand EXTREMELY short travel distance scissor switches are OK.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823567002

Dell quiet key is probably the least bad membrane keyboard i have used.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Dell-PS-2-Keyboard-104-Key-Quiet-Key-RT7D5JTW-/281827551137?hash=item419e3b27a1:g:0H4AAOSwHnFVzj-Q

If you can stand EXTREMELY short travel distance scissor switches are OK.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823567002
7
#7
-3 Frags +
maelstromare you hitler

ive never met anyone who didnt like mechanical keyboards

I can't stand the sound, so obnoxiously loud. Also I don't like how they feel. Whenever I try my friends, it feels like I have to push the keys so far to actually do anything.

It's mainly the sound though, so I'd be willing to try a mech that's quite like a membrane, but from what I understand that's almost impossible.

moleGet another sidewinder. It's one of the better rubberdomes. Btw, have you tried topre switches? They're like a middle ground between mechanical and rubber dome, since it's a spring beneath a rubber dome. They feel more like a rubber dome than MX browns for example, but they feel a lot more responsive and solid than most rubber dome keyboards. Here's a pic of the switch https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png

I'm typing this on a HHKB pro 2, which is a keyboard with topre switches. feels good

Is it really clicky clacky?

[quote=maelstrom]are you hitler

ive never met anyone who didnt like mechanical keyboards[/quote]

I can't stand the sound, so obnoxiously loud. Also I don't like how they feel. Whenever I try my friends, it feels like I have to push the keys so far to actually do anything.

It's mainly the sound though, so I'd be willing to try a mech that's quite like a membrane, but from what I understand that's almost impossible.


[quote=mole]
Get another sidewinder. It's one of the better rubberdomes. Btw, have you tried topre switches? They're like a middle ground between mechanical and rubber dome, since it's a spring beneath a rubber dome. They feel more like a rubber dome than MX browns for example, but they feel a lot more responsive and solid than most rubber dome keyboards. Here's a pic of the switch https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png

I'm typing this on a HHKB pro 2, which is a keyboard with topre switches. feels good[/quote]

Is it really clicky clacky?
8
#8
0 Frags +

I just really don't like the height and actuation distance of most mechanical keyboards. I have been using a Razer Lycosa for about 6 years now I can't find any keyboard I like better. The main thing is the height. My hand is nearly parallel with my desk and my wrists angle downwards off the edge. If anyone has a short mech board in mind I would love to check it out.

I just really don't like the height and actuation distance of most mechanical keyboards. I have been using a [url=http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-lycosa]Razer Lycosa[/url] for about 6 years now I can't find any keyboard I like better. The main thing is the height. My hand is nearly parallel with my desk and my wrists angle downwards off the edge. If anyone has a short mech board in mind I would love to check it out.
9
#9
12 Frags +

i have a steelseries apex

dont get a steelseries apex

i have a steelseries apex

dont get a steelseries apex
10
#10
1 Frags +

ive gone through a few logitech k120s over the years

for 10 bucks i would recommend it yea or the cheap rosewill one

ive gone through a few logitech k120s over the years

for 10 bucks i would recommend it yea or the cheap rosewill one
11
#11
-1 Frags +
safrixhttp://cdn.overclock.net/8/86/860645cd_38550_xlargenss_ndo4190.jpeg

for years

Use this at work, confirmed great keyboard.

[quote=safrix][img]http://cdn.overclock.net/8/86/860645cd_38550_xlargenss_ndo4190.jpeg[/img]

for years[/quote]Use this at work, confirmed great keyboard.
12
#12
2 Frags +

http://www.amazon.com/Storm-NovaTouch-TKL-Exclusive-Capacitive/dp/B00MY3S288
get this
you won't regret it

http://www.amazon.com/Storm-NovaTouch-TKL-Exclusive-Capacitive/dp/B00MY3S288?tag=teamfortresst-20
get this
you won't regret it
13
#13
-3 Frags +

I really like chiclet keys Razer Deathstalker

I really like chiclet keys [url=http://www.bestbuy.com/site/razer-deathstalker-gaming-keyboard-black-green/6734384.p?id=1218786214523&skuId=6734384&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=6734384&extensionType=pla:g&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!!!52123507134!g!!87087652639&kpid=6734384&k_clickid=301fcd36-ab4d-97a9-cb7e-00005c341b09&lsft=ref:212,loc:1&ksid=301fcd36-ab4d-97a9-cb7e-00005c341b09&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg14330&ksdevice=c] Razer Deathstalker
[/url]
14
#14
-2 Frags +
safrixhttp://cdn.overclock.net/8/86/860645cd_38550_xlargenss_ndo4190.jpeg

for years

this or their ones from 2012 or so

seriously why is their oem hardware so based

[quote=safrix][img]http://cdn.overclock.net/8/86/860645cd_38550_xlargenss_ndo4190.jpeg[/img]

for years[/quote]

this or their ones from 2012 or so

seriously why is their oem hardware so based
15
#15
0 Frags +

Yeah, also used the keyboard in #3 for years. You could try topre which are mechanical but have a similar feel to rubber dome. Also you could try one of the many other cherry switches that aren't like how you described. Sounds like you tried greens or blues and dismissed the rest of them.

Yeah, also used the keyboard in #3 for years. You could try topre which are mechanical but have a similar feel to rubber dome. Also you could try one of the many other cherry switches that aren't like how you described. Sounds like you tried greens or blues and dismissed the rest of them.
16
#16
2 Frags +
ProSkeezThey're literally all the same

Not really.
Number of keypresses depend on the PCB a lot. Manufacturers use the same circuit for a lot of keys and thats when multiple keypress problems appear.
For example I used to have this cheap keyboard where i couldn't crouch-jump if I was holding W + A or D at the same time.
Really frustrating.
You can't really say "Oh well it's not mechanical so its all the same"

[quote=ProSkeez]They're literally all the same[/quote]
Not really.
Number of keypresses depend on the PCB a lot. Manufacturers use the same circuit for a lot of keys and thats when multiple keypress problems appear.
For example I used to have this cheap keyboard where i couldn't crouch-jump if I was holding W + A or D at the same time.
Really frustrating.
You can't really say "Oh well it's not mechanical so its all the same"
17
#17
-1 Frags +

microsoft ergonomic 4000

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A6PPOK

microsoft ergonomic 4000

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A6PPOK?tag=teamfortresst-20
18
#18
2 Frags +

wow I was actually thinking the exact same thing and researched it yesterday, but I didn't really come to a conclusion.
here's what I wrote if it helps

sidewinder x4
+unique switches which most people seem to love (but some hate)
-out of production/expensive

qsenn/samsung dt-35
+used by og starcraft bw pros
+-solid enough, but certainly overhyped in some circles

belkin enhanced F8E885
+pro layout if you are an og arrow key gamer
+-used by none other than wonderland 2002-2008 (I bought the same keyboard 3 times)

Microsoft Wired Keyboard 200
+its $10
+-its a keyboard

Dell OEM (L-100)
+dirt cheap/free
-large spacebar annoys me

logitech romer-g
+unique switches which are supposedly a lot like the x4
-the worst keycaps with ridges. unique stem design makes them very difficult to replace
-$130-180 depending on the model

insert topre board
+it feels like silk clouds under my fingers -geekhack user
-$150+ for a rubber dome with a capacitive switch

coolermaster novatouch
+it feels like silk clouds under my fingers -geekhack user
+cherry stems so I can put click clacks on it -geekhack user
-$150+ for a rubber dome with a capacitive switch

hhkb pro2
+you are trinity from the matrix now
+it feels like silk clouds under my fingers -geekhack user
-layout is weird and not ideal for gamers
-$240 for a rubber dome with a capacitive switch

wow I was actually thinking the exact same thing and researched it yesterday, but I didn't really come to a conclusion.
here's what I wrote if it helps

sidewinder x4
+unique switches which most people seem to love (but some hate)
-out of production/expensive

qsenn/samsung dt-35
+used by og starcraft bw pros
+-solid enough, but certainly overhyped in some circles

belkin enhanced F8E885
+pro layout if you are an og arrow key gamer
+-used by none other than wonderland 2002-2008 (I bought the same keyboard 3 times)

Microsoft Wired Keyboard 200
+its $10
+-its a keyboard

Dell OEM (L-100)
+dirt cheap/free
-large spacebar annoys me

logitech romer-g
+unique switches which are supposedly a lot like the x4
-the worst keycaps with ridges. unique stem design makes them very difficult to replace
-$130-180 depending on the model

insert topre board
+it feels like silk clouds under my fingers -geekhack user
-$150+ for a rubber dome with a capacitive switch

coolermaster novatouch
+it feels like silk clouds under my fingers -geekhack user
+cherry stems so I can put click clacks on it -geekhack user
-$150+ for a rubber dome with a capacitive switch

hhkb pro2
+you are trinity from the matrix now
+it feels like silk clouds under my fingers -geekhack user
-layout is weird and not ideal for gamers
-$240 for a rubber dome with a capacitive switch
19
#19
0 Frags +

A Logitech K120 is really cheap (I bought it for £10), mine has suffered tons of abuse and is still working without any of the letters coming of the keys either. It sounds pretty nice for a membrane keyboard too.

A Logitech K120 is really cheap (I bought it for £10), mine has suffered tons of abuse and is still working without any of the letters coming of the keys either. It sounds pretty nice for a membrane keyboard too.
20
#20
3 Frags +

Sorry you got tricked into wanting to buy a razer keyboard

Sorry you got tricked into wanting to buy a razer keyboard
21
#21
1 Frags +
joejoe347maelstromare you hitler

ive never met anyone who didnt like mechanical keyboards

I can't stand the sound, so obnoxiously loud. Also I don't like how they feel. Whenever I try my friends, it feels like I have to push the keys so far to actually do anything.

It's mainly the sound though, so I'd be willing to try a mech that's quite like a membrane, but from what I understand that's almost impossible.
moleGet another sidewinder. It's one of the better rubberdomes. Btw, have you tried topre switches? They're like a middle ground between mechanical and rubber dome, since it's a spring beneath a rubber dome. They feel more like a rubber dome than MX browns for example, but they feel a lot more responsive and solid than most rubber dome keyboards. Here's a pic of the switch https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png

I'm typing this on a HHKB pro 2, which is a keyboard with topre switches. feels good

Is it really clicky clacky?

No it's a quieter keyboard, sounds about as much as a rubber dome, or maybe slightly more. The sound is also deeper, it's more of a "thock" than a click/clack. Sounds like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWPH7FAUfUY I, among many others, love the sound.

Also wanted to say that there are many different mechanical switches. Even if you don't like your friends mechanical keyboard, you might still like a mechanical keyboard with different switches.

[quote=joejoe347][quote=maelstrom]are you hitler

ive never met anyone who didnt like mechanical keyboards[/quote]

I can't stand the sound, so obnoxiously loud. Also I don't like how they feel. Whenever I try my friends, it feels like I have to push the keys so far to actually do anything.

It's mainly the sound though, so I'd be willing to try a mech that's quite like a membrane, but from what I understand that's almost impossible.


[quote=mole]
Get another sidewinder. It's one of the better rubberdomes. Btw, have you tried topre switches? They're like a middle ground between mechanical and rubber dome, since it's a spring beneath a rubber dome. They feel more like a rubber dome than MX browns for example, but they feel a lot more responsive and solid than most rubber dome keyboards. Here's a pic of the switch https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png

I'm typing this on a HHKB pro 2, which is a keyboard with topre switches. feels good[/quote]

Is it really clicky clacky?[/quote]

No it's a quieter keyboard, sounds about as much as a rubber dome, or maybe slightly more. The sound is also deeper, it's more of a "thock" than a click/clack. Sounds like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWPH7FAUfUY I, among many others, love the sound.

Also wanted to say that there are many different mechanical switches. Even if you don't like your friends mechanical keyboard, you might still like a mechanical keyboard with different switches.
22
#22
1 Frags +
molejoejoe347maelstromare you hitler

ive never met anyone who didnt like mechanical keyboards

I can't stand the sound, so obnoxiously loud. Also I don't like how they feel. Whenever I try my friends, it feels like I have to push the keys so far to actually do anything.

It's mainly the sound though, so I'd be willing to try a mech that's quite like a membrane, but from what I understand that's almost impossible.
moleGet another sidewinder. It's one of the better rubberdomes. Btw, have you tried topre switches? They're like a middle ground between mechanical and rubber dome, since it's a spring beneath a rubber dome. They feel more like a rubber dome than MX browns for example, but they feel a lot more responsive and solid than most rubber dome keyboards. Here's a pic of the switch https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png

I'm typing this on a HHKB pro 2, which is a keyboard with topre switches. feels good

Is it really clicky clacky?

No it's a quieter keyboard, sounds about as much as a rubber dome, or maybe slightly more. The sound is also deeper, it's more of a "thock" than a click/clack. Sounds like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWPH7FAUfUY I, among many others, love the sound.

Also wanted to say that there are many different mechanical switches. Even if you don't like your friends mechanical keyboard, you might still like a mechanical keyboard with different switches.

Yeah I'm not fully ruling a mech out, but form what I understand, nothing is going to be as quiet as the a membrane, so that's the main reason I'm opposed.

Someone told me the CM Storm the red switches would feel similar to my x4, so I'm currently looking into that because it's within my budget and has good reviews.

[quote=mole][quote=joejoe347][quote=maelstrom]are you hitler

ive never met anyone who didnt like mechanical keyboards[/quote]

I can't stand the sound, so obnoxiously loud. Also I don't like how they feel. Whenever I try my friends, it feels like I have to push the keys so far to actually do anything.

It's mainly the sound though, so I'd be willing to try a mech that's quite like a membrane, but from what I understand that's almost impossible.


[quote=mole]
Get another sidewinder. It's one of the better rubberdomes. Btw, have you tried topre switches? They're like a middle ground between mechanical and rubber dome, since it's a spring beneath a rubber dome. They feel more like a rubber dome than MX browns for example, but they feel a lot more responsive and solid than most rubber dome keyboards. Here's a pic of the switch https://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/topreswitch405.png

I'm typing this on a HHKB pro 2, which is a keyboard with topre switches. feels good[/quote]

Is it really clicky clacky?[/quote]

No it's a quieter keyboard, sounds about as much as a rubber dome, or maybe slightly more. The sound is also deeper, it's more of a "thock" than a click/clack. Sounds like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWPH7FAUfUY I, among many others, love the sound.

Also wanted to say that there are many different mechanical switches. Even if you don't like your friends mechanical keyboard, you might still like a mechanical keyboard with different switches.[/quote]

Yeah I'm not fully ruling a mech out, but form what I understand, nothing is going to be as quiet as the a membrane, so that's the main reason I'm opposed.

Someone told me the CM Storm the red switches would feel similar to my x4, so I'm currently looking into that because it's within my budget and has good reviews.
23
#23
0 Frags +

i believe that there are some stealth mechanical keyboards that lower the sound it makes , other switches that lower sound, etc.
idk if they are as good tho cuz i've never had one prolly alright tho

i believe that there are some stealth mechanical keyboards that lower the sound it makes , other switches that lower sound, etc.
idk if they are as good tho cuz i've never had one prolly alright tho
24
#24
0 Frags +

Used a Logitech G110 for a while, definite recommendation.

Used a Logitech G110 for a while, definite recommendation.
25
#25
1 Frags +
joejoe347Yeah I'm not fully ruling a mech out, but form what I understand, nothing is going to be as quiet as the a membrane, so that's the main reason I'm opposed.

Someone told me the CM Storm the red switches would feel similar to my x4, so I'm currently looking into that because it's within my budget and has good reviews.

When people say mechanical switches, they usually mean a Cherry MX switches. Topre switches are very different from those, and more similar to a membrane, because like I said earlier it's literally just a rubber dome and a spring. Because of this they are about as quiet as a membrane.

Red switches aren't going to be close to the X4, the person who said that don't know anything about Cherry MX switches. The Cherry MX red switch is a linear switch, meaning that there's no "bump" when you press the key. I'd say that the Cherry MX brown switch is the most similar to a rubber dome out of the common Cherry MX switches, it's a somewhat silent tactile switch.

You should watch a video where someone showcases the most common Cherry MX switches and explains the difference between the switches. This video seems pretty good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qtr6D2TWBE

[quote=joejoe347]
Yeah I'm not fully ruling a mech out, but form what I understand, nothing is going to be as quiet as the a membrane, so that's the main reason I'm opposed.

Someone told me the CM Storm the red switches would feel similar to my x4, so I'm currently looking into that because it's within my budget and has good reviews.[/quote]

When people say mechanical switches, they usually mean a Cherry MX switches. Topre switches are very different from those, and more similar to a membrane, because like I said earlier it's literally just a rubber dome and a spring. Because of this they are about as quiet as a membrane.

Red switches aren't going to be close to the X4, the person who said that don't know anything about Cherry MX switches. The Cherry MX red switch is a linear switch, meaning that there's no "bump" when you press the key. I'd say that the Cherry MX brown switch is the most similar to a rubber dome out of the common Cherry MX switches, it's a somewhat silent tactile switch.

You should watch a video where someone showcases the most common Cherry MX switches and explains the difference between the switches. This video seems pretty good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qtr6D2TWBE
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