- Jul 1, 2015
- 9
- 0
- 4,510
Dear denizens of Tom's Hardware,
After receiving great assistance on a systems build, I'm now looking for further advice on a related matter. The computer I built above is a great all-rounder for light gaming (RPGs and strategy), as a media center, and for work-related tasks as well. I'm now looking to upgrade peripherals from a Dell SK-8135 multimedia keyboard and a Sharkoon Fireglider mouse.
Keyboard:
Don't get me wrong - my SK-8135 is a great keyboard that's served me loyally for nearly a decade now. I love the dedicated multimedia buttons, the volume knob, the palm rest, and the understated professional layout. However it has two major drawbacks: the fact that it's a membrane keyboard, one that's approaching the end of its life cycle; and the fact that it has no backlighting (and my home office - a desk beneath a loft bed - suffers from unavoidably poor lighting and stark shadows that makes a backlit keyboard desirable).
I was looking at upgrading to a mechanical Cherry Brown keyboard, preferably with the following qualities:
- Understated, professional aesthetics. No garish 'gaming' styling.
- Reliable mechanical keyboard with number pad.
- Dedicated media keys and volume knob - I make heavy use of the one on my current keyboard.
- Backlighting, preferably in white or blue.
Given the range of third-party alternatives, I decided I could do without a dedicated palm rest if necessary. As this would be a long term investment, I also decided not to object too much to cost.
Armed with the above, I began my search for options. A couple of weeks later, I am left scratching my head, for none of the alternatives I've come up with are quite the right fit. (For the record, let me say that if this was purely for the workplace, I would be perfectly happy with a Filco Majestouch 2 and a suitable palm rest. I ask for a generalist keyboard, rather than a minimalist one, since this is my home computer we're talking about).
- WASD CODE keyboard: Oh so close. Almost everything about the CODE keyboard appeals to me: its simplicity, its quality, its understated elegance. I don't think I'd mind the Cherry Clears over Browns, either. But just one throwaway line in the description spoils it: "... or they tack on a bunch of extra unnecessary buttons and knobs all over the keyboard in strange places." I love these buttons and knobs, and they serve me well ><. For the record I appreciate the solution that WASD adopted over more standard alternatives (i.e. media keys embedded into the function keys), and I have looked at alternatives such as the Griffin Powermate to add my desired functionality to the CODE, but it's very difficult to justify spending that amount of money on a glorified dial.
- Das Keyboard 4 Professional: Again, oh so close. Like the CODE, almost everything is perfect about the Das. It has professional style, it has good build quality, it has dedicated media buttons and a big volume knob. Except one issue: the lack of backlighting. When I find myself turning in desperation to my (backlit) laptop keyboard to touch-type, I can't justify purchasing from a company that steadfastly refuses to incorporate a backlit model into their product line.
- Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB: If I were to buy a keyboard at this very moment, I would probably choose this one. It isn't as professional as the two above, but it does have all the features I'd like... a volume scroll rather than a knob, more questionable build quality and longevity, and 'gamey' aesthetics.
- Logitech G710+: The alternative to the Corsair above, with similar drawbacks (slightly better build quality, perhaps, at the cost of even more 'gamey' aesthetics?) and the killer that it isn't available in the UK any more.
My questions regarding mechanical keyboards, thus, are twofold.
1) Have I missed any alternatives from the list above? I've hoped to be reasonably thorough in my foray into mechanical keyboards, but there's always the chance that I've missed something that would suit me perfectly.
2) If I have no luck in the above, does anybody know of any upcoming releases that might fit? I realise that I'm not the first person to ask this question or a similar one, which does raise the question of why this niche hasn't been addressed yet - is it because there's just not enough demand for a professional, generalist keyboard that's not aimed at gamers?
Mouse:
With regards to mice, thankfully, I don't need to ask quite as much. Again, the Fireglider has served me well over the years: not too heavy, not too light, just the right size for my hand (unlike the wireless nano mouse I'm currently using to supplement my laptop). I'm looking to upgrade to match the keyboard, though, and I was wondering if anybody had any experience with either the Logitech MX Master or the MX Anywhere 2? Specifically, I'm interested in how user-friendly their Easy-Switch ability between two or more computers is, how comfortable they are to use, and how well their battery charge holds. I'd also be happy to hear further recommendations for comfortable, professional mice that are likely to last a long time.
***
The TLDR version:
1) Are there any professional-grade Cherry MX Brown keyboards out there with backlighting, dedicated media keys, and volume knob that I haven't listed above, or are there any planned for the near future?
2) Can anybody advise on the Logitech MX Master and MX Anywhere 2, regarding their Easy-Switch ability, how comfortable they are to use, and how well they hold battery over their lifespan, or perhaps suggest alternatives?
***
Thank you very much in advance for any replies!
After receiving great assistance on a systems build, I'm now looking for further advice on a related matter. The computer I built above is a great all-rounder for light gaming (RPGs and strategy), as a media center, and for work-related tasks as well. I'm now looking to upgrade peripherals from a Dell SK-8135 multimedia keyboard and a Sharkoon Fireglider mouse.
Keyboard:
Don't get me wrong - my SK-8135 is a great keyboard that's served me loyally for nearly a decade now. I love the dedicated multimedia buttons, the volume knob, the palm rest, and the understated professional layout. However it has two major drawbacks: the fact that it's a membrane keyboard, one that's approaching the end of its life cycle; and the fact that it has no backlighting (and my home office - a desk beneath a loft bed - suffers from unavoidably poor lighting and stark shadows that makes a backlit keyboard desirable).
I was looking at upgrading to a mechanical Cherry Brown keyboard, preferably with the following qualities:
- Understated, professional aesthetics. No garish 'gaming' styling.
- Reliable mechanical keyboard with number pad.
- Dedicated media keys and volume knob - I make heavy use of the one on my current keyboard.
- Backlighting, preferably in white or blue.
Given the range of third-party alternatives, I decided I could do without a dedicated palm rest if necessary. As this would be a long term investment, I also decided not to object too much to cost.
Armed with the above, I began my search for options. A couple of weeks later, I am left scratching my head, for none of the alternatives I've come up with are quite the right fit. (For the record, let me say that if this was purely for the workplace, I would be perfectly happy with a Filco Majestouch 2 and a suitable palm rest. I ask for a generalist keyboard, rather than a minimalist one, since this is my home computer we're talking about).
- WASD CODE keyboard: Oh so close. Almost everything about the CODE keyboard appeals to me: its simplicity, its quality, its understated elegance. I don't think I'd mind the Cherry Clears over Browns, either. But just one throwaway line in the description spoils it: "... or they tack on a bunch of extra unnecessary buttons and knobs all over the keyboard in strange places." I love these buttons and knobs, and they serve me well ><. For the record I appreciate the solution that WASD adopted over more standard alternatives (i.e. media keys embedded into the function keys), and I have looked at alternatives such as the Griffin Powermate to add my desired functionality to the CODE, but it's very difficult to justify spending that amount of money on a glorified dial.
- Das Keyboard 4 Professional: Again, oh so close. Like the CODE, almost everything is perfect about the Das. It has professional style, it has good build quality, it has dedicated media buttons and a big volume knob. Except one issue: the lack of backlighting. When I find myself turning in desperation to my (backlit) laptop keyboard to touch-type, I can't justify purchasing from a company that steadfastly refuses to incorporate a backlit model into their product line.
- Corsair Vengeance K70 RGB: If I were to buy a keyboard at this very moment, I would probably choose this one. It isn't as professional as the two above, but it does have all the features I'd like... a volume scroll rather than a knob, more questionable build quality and longevity, and 'gamey' aesthetics.
- Logitech G710+: The alternative to the Corsair above, with similar drawbacks (slightly better build quality, perhaps, at the cost of even more 'gamey' aesthetics?) and the killer that it isn't available in the UK any more.
My questions regarding mechanical keyboards, thus, are twofold.
1) Have I missed any alternatives from the list above? I've hoped to be reasonably thorough in my foray into mechanical keyboards, but there's always the chance that I've missed something that would suit me perfectly.
2) If I have no luck in the above, does anybody know of any upcoming releases that might fit? I realise that I'm not the first person to ask this question or a similar one, which does raise the question of why this niche hasn't been addressed yet - is it because there's just not enough demand for a professional, generalist keyboard that's not aimed at gamers?
Mouse:
With regards to mice, thankfully, I don't need to ask quite as much. Again, the Fireglider has served me well over the years: not too heavy, not too light, just the right size for my hand (unlike the wireless nano mouse I'm currently using to supplement my laptop). I'm looking to upgrade to match the keyboard, though, and I was wondering if anybody had any experience with either the Logitech MX Master or the MX Anywhere 2? Specifically, I'm interested in how user-friendly their Easy-Switch ability between two or more computers is, how comfortable they are to use, and how well their battery charge holds. I'd also be happy to hear further recommendations for comfortable, professional mice that are likely to last a long time.
***
The TLDR version:
1) Are there any professional-grade Cherry MX Brown keyboards out there with backlighting, dedicated media keys, and volume knob that I haven't listed above, or are there any planned for the near future?
2) Can anybody advise on the Logitech MX Master and MX Anywhere 2, regarding their Easy-Switch ability, how comfortable they are to use, and how well they hold battery over their lifespan, or perhaps suggest alternatives?
***
Thank you very much in advance for any replies!
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