Guest
home
beatmaps
rankings
community
store
help
forum
  1. Forums
  2. osu!
  3. Gameplay & Rankings

Best mid-price keyboard recommendations for playing osu!

posted
Total Posts
149
show more
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Surprised no one recommended the Cooler master rapid fire (Blue switches)

http://www.amazon.com/Storm-QuickFire-R ... rapid+fire

It has less bad reviews concerning build quality vs the Standard Black widow at the same price point, for $20 or so more you can get red switches or brown switches. I haven't tried it myself, but I have done quite a few Custom gaming rigs and Cooler masters build quality is always good, also the Rapid fire is tenkeyless and a bit more smaller which to me is a good thing since I usually play osu! on the go and the dimensions are perfect to fit with my laptop and books in my bag.
No matter your choice please post the keyboard you get and how you like it, I haven't played in a while because of school and before I started my osu! break I was strongly considering a mech keyboard. I just never got the chance to get one, but now holidays are coming up and I got quite a bit of money to treat myself to a nice keyboard for my return to osu!.
Frizz
4,131 posts
Joined April 2011
Frizz
I'd totally get CM Storm QuickFire Rapid if they ever come with red switches.
Kert
2,082 posts
Joined June 2009
Kert
@Frizz:

Hm?
Frizz
4,131 posts
Joined April 2011
Frizz
Well last time I checked it they only came with Blue, Brown, and Black.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Ordered a Blackwidow with blue switches a few days ago, I might make a thread on it if I feel it's worth mentioning when I get it. OP did you get a mech yet?
PhiLL A
PhiLL A
Why is osu! obsessed with Black Widows? Everything Razer (except maybe naga) is hella overpriced, very ricer and cheap build quality. You could get an awesome Filco for that price.
kriers
1,963 posts
Joined April 2010
kriers
I was mad at my blackwidow the other day and noticed a dusty filco majestouch tenkeyless redswitch right next to me.
Oh joy!
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun

MxG PhiLL wrote:

Why is osu! obsessed with Black Widows? Everything Razer (except maybe naga) is hella overpriced, very ricer and cheap build quality. You could get an awesome Filco for that price.
Blackwidow is only $70 so it's basically the best entry level mech keyboard for blues next to the CM Rapid fire which I was originally going to get, but amazon was out of stock.
PhiLL A
PhiLL A
How do you like reds, kriers? I think they might be better for streaming, but Keigo-san and Cookiezi both use blues, so I think I should just stick with blues. And yeah, the CM Rapids are probably better build quality. Rosewills can also be found in that price range and they are pretty good.
Fenek Alfa
185 posts
Joined April 2012
Fenek Alfa

MxG PhiLL wrote:

Why is osu! obsessed with Razer
THIS

I've bought a week ago an (A4Tech?) Bloody MulticoreV3 mouse. Similar in shape to the Deathadder, but with higher quality rubber on sides and a Holeless optic sensor.
And it costs 99zł instead of flipping 359zł!
I've set it to 1000DPI @ 1000Hz, and after an hour or so of getting used to it it works just as I want. Just see my rankings rise on my profile.



Back on topic, keyboards are mostly a personal preference. I for example would never buy blues, because they release the key higher than they register it. I'm looking to buying something with browns in near future.
Wishy
2,972 posts
Joined September 2010
Wishy

MxG PhiLL wrote:

Why is osu! obsessed with Black Widows? Everything Razer (except maybe naga) is hella overpriced, very ricer and cheap build quality. You could get an awesome Filco for that price.
I saw Filco keyboard in Japan and they are way more expensive than a Black Widow.

On Amazon.com:



Same prices on Ebay unless you got for used products + bidding.
kriers
1,963 posts
Joined April 2010
kriers

MxG PhiLL wrote:

How do you like reds, kriers? I think they might be better for streaming, but Keigo-san and Cookiezi both use blues, so I think I should just stick with blues. And yeah, the CM Rapids are probably better build quality. Rosewills can also be found in that price range and they are pretty good.
I can stream faster and more accurate at 180+ bpm with reds. I lose accuracy when playing slow stuff or alternating.
lolcubes
osu! Alumni
4,437 posts
Joined November 2010
lolcubes
You can get a red switch 6gv2 for 99$ on amazon. While BlackWidow is cheaper, I'd say it's still not worth the money in the long run.
6gv2 has metal plating below and is resistant to rage.
ztrot
osu! Alumni
4,378 posts
Joined February 2008
ztrot
sidewinder x4 is nice and only runs you 40$
PhiLL A
PhiLL A
Yeah sorry, Filcos are more expensive. I thought Blackwidows were 100 dollars. However, the Filcos have build quality a lot better than the Blackwidows and are worth investing in. If someone is looking for a mechanical keyboard which isn't that expensive, I would recommend maybe Rosewills, a 6GV2 or a DAS.
druidxd
170 posts
Joined May 2011
druidxd

lolcubes wrote:

You can get a red switch 6gv2 for 99$ on amazon. While BlackWidow is cheaper, I'd say it's still not worth the money in the long run.
6gv2 has metal plating below and is resistant to rage.
I didn't even know that a red switch 6gv2 existed, although in Argentina the 6gv2 it's already quite hard to find, I got mine with black switches, thought it was the only switch steelseries made keyboards with, still pretty damn good and heavy :B

BTW, blackwidows are not all the same, there's the basic version, the ultimate, and the new ultimate versions, ranging from low price to really overpriced (from U$ 80 to U$120-140. )
lolcubes
osu! Alumni
4,437 posts
Joined November 2010
lolcubes
Yeah 6gv2 is difficult to find here as well, however I guess amazon helps out a bit with their available shipping. :p
In regular hardware stores, good luck finding even regular black switch 6gv2, here. ._.
Tanzklaue
1,151 posts
Joined December 2010
Tanzklaue

lolcubes wrote:

Yeah 6gv2 is difficult to find here as well, however I guess amazon helps out a bit with their available shipping. :p
In regular hardware stores, good luck finding even regular black switch 6gv2, here. ._.
you won't find any mech kb in germany, unless it's the black widow ultimate. can't test switches because of that.

oh well
lolcubes
osu! Alumni
4,437 posts
Joined November 2010
lolcubes
Are you sure? I spoke to a german friend of mine and he actually ordered (and cancelled cause he changed his mind) a piece of 6GV2. :o
But yeah I guess that's not really "in person", so I have no idea now. :<
Fenek Alfa
185 posts
Joined April 2012
Fenek Alfa

Tanzklaue wrote:

lolcubes wrote:

Yeah 6gv2 is difficult to find here as well, however I guess amazon helps out a bit with their available shipping. :p
In regular hardware stores, good luck finding even regular black switch 6gv2, here. ._.
you won't find any mech kb in germany, unless it's the black widow ultimate. can't test switches because of that.

oh well
On this side of Oder we have BlackWidows, 6gv2s, 7gs and I've seen a G710+ pre-order. Thing is though, SteelSeries guys are idiots(139USD = 550PLN? Srsly?), and the Logitech is going to be 600PLN at best, so I'm not surprised people go for Razer(299PLN for the most basic model).
Tanzklaue
1,151 posts
Joined December 2010
Tanzklaue

lolcubes wrote:

Are you sure? I spoke to a german friend of mine and he actually ordered (and cancelled cause he changed his mind) a piece of 6GV2. :o
But yeah I guess that's not really "in person", so I have no idea now. :<
you can get all of them online, somehow at least, but you can't test them.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Should get my Blackwidow by Nov 13th estimated (lol free shipping) I'm also considering reds or blacks just because I have a bit of extra money.

Corsair k90 Red switches
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance ... l+keyboard

or

Steel series 6Gv2 Red switches (or black)
http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-6Gv2- ... l+keyboard

edit: or

K60
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance ... l+keyboard

Which one? Aesthetically I love the K60 the most. Anyone have any opinions on durability?
thelewa
3,537 posts
Joined August 2010
thelewa
Well, the 6gv2 has been advertised as being rage proof
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Deciding to go with a Filco as soon as amazon stocks up on the red
http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch- ... pd_cp_pc_0

Most keyboard geeks recommend it for durability and how easy it is to replace the key caps.


Oh man I can't wait to test these mechs, wondering if it will really improve my typing speed.

:!:

and my streaming :D
kriers
1,963 posts
Joined April 2010
kriers

lolcubes wrote:

Are you sure? I spoke to a german friend of mine and he actually ordered (and cancelled cause he changed his mind) a piece of 6GV2. :o
But yeah I guess that's not really "in person", so I have no idea now. :<
Kite was so close... :(
Pizzicato
2,739 posts
Joined February 2011
Pizzicato


it's also available on all switches. this keyboard is great.
it also feels like the blackwidow
Wishy
2,972 posts
Joined September 2010
Wishy

MxG PhiLL wrote:

Yeah sorry, Filcos are more expensive. I thought Blackwidows were 100 dollars. However, the Filcos have build quality a lot better than the Blackwidows and are worth investing in. If someone is looking for a mechanical keyboard which isn't that expensive, I would recommend maybe Rosewills, a 6GV2 or a DAS.
I was gonna buy a Filco@Japan actually, but after I saw how cheap a Black Widow was I was like meh, won't pay 80 extra bucks for this, not really that interested. Though to be honest after testing them all (in every version they got) I didn't really feel any difference from BW tbh, like yeah same switches.
thelewa
3,537 posts
Joined August 2010
thelewa
Well the typing feel of the mechanical keyboard is determined by what switches they use, and there are like 4 mainstream Cherry MX switches. So obviously typing on a Filco with blue switches feels exactly the same as typing on a Blackwidow.
Bweh
486 posts
Joined September 2012
Bweh
Just how much difference does a mechanical keyboard make compared to a membrane keyboard?
jesse1412
1,457 posts
Joined January 2010
jesse1412

Brian OA wrote:

Just how much difference does a mechanical keyboard make compared to a membrane keyboard?
For me, loads. For others, none.

It depends on whether you like it and also depends on whether you use it to its limits.
Yarissa
587 posts
Joined September 2010
Yarissa
It really depends on your budget and what you can afford. I could tell you a variety of keyboards i recommend all within a similar price range to the black widow, but if you're looking for something cheaper you're really gonna need to look for a steal.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
:!: :!: :!:

Got my Blackwidow today and my mind is blown! I didn't think a mech would make much of a difference, but I was WRONG REALLY WRONG!

Used the Hitspeed program and got a 243.7 bpm on my first try with it, i'm not even a active player atm and in my prime I only got 227. I did test with my old membrane again to compare and I only got a 201bpm!? I don't know what to say besides i'm never touching a membrane keyboard again. Also the click clack is amazing it's not much louder then my membrane, but the distinct clack it makes is pretty cool. On the negative side I am noticing my space bar is a bit sticky or it might be my imagination. I'm sure the mailman just throwing it up my staircase to my door didn't help with that much either.

I'm not even sure I want to try any other type of switch anymore, these blues have the perfect sound and amount of pressure needed to actuate the keys. Would reds be worth the try still? Also any tips from anyone on these blues? They feel absolutely great, but i'm making a bunch of typing errors.



VoidnOwO
1,256 posts
Joined August 2012
VoidnOwO
:)
Last edited by VoidnOwO , edited 1 time in total.
Frizz
4,131 posts
Joined April 2011
Frizz
I've been using blue switches for 6 months and the sound is still there :p
VoidnOwO
1,256 posts
Joined August 2012
VoidnOwO
:)
Last edited by VoidnOwO , edited 1 time in total.
GoldenWolf
2,983 posts
Joined May 2012
GoldenWolf

BRBP wrote:

Frizz wrote:

I've been using blue switches for 6 months and the sound is still there :p
Then you're not using it properly, and might as well use any other keyboard.
Same here, but I like the sound, it's feels really good. I wish I could hear this sound for ever.

But now my parents hate me.
buny
3,435 posts
Joined March 2012
buny
I wish my keyboard raised my stream speed.
Frizz
4,131 posts
Joined April 2011
Frizz

BRBP wrote:

Frizz wrote:

I've been using blue switches for 6 months and the sound is still there :p
Then you're not using it properly, and might as well use any other keyboard.
Then how to use it properly? Please enlighten me with your glorious knowledge.
VoidnOwO
1,256 posts
Joined August 2012
VoidnOwO
:oops:
Last edited by VoidnOwO , edited 1 time in total.
PhiLL A
PhiLL A
The clicking noise is when it activates, not when you bottom out.
Wishy
2,972 posts
Joined September 2010
Wishy
If you can't feel any difference between a mech and a rubber then you should stop playing this game.

Btw, you guys do know that the "click" you hear is from the switch activation right? It may become less noisy but the switch sound is still there.
Frizz
4,131 posts
Joined April 2011
Frizz
That's something so-called "tactility", only happens on tactile switches like blues and browns. You'll feel the tactile click on actuation.
Linear switches like blacks and reds aren't. You won't feel any tactile click on actuation.

BRBP wrote:

Frizz wrote:

Then how to use it properly? Please enlighten me with your glorious knowledge.
1. Buy a mechanical, blue switch, keyboard
2. Learn how to type without pressing the key all the way down (what it's made for)
3.
4. Profit
Your argument is invalid. Blue switch is tactile and it'll produce that tactile click noise half-way through the bottom. Come back to me when you learn how to actuate the key on blues without producing that tactile click.
VoidnOwO
1,256 posts
Joined August 2012
VoidnOwO
:oops:
Last edited by VoidnOwO , edited 1 time in total.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Meh my hands and accuracy has been suffering lately trying to get use to these blue switches, i'm so focused on not bottoming out that i'm not focusing on the map and holding back from bottoming out is fatiguing my hand. How long did it take you guys to get used to this? I thought I would have this down in a day haha. I think I might just like reds better then blue since i'm used to mashing my keyboard and I read the the pressure needed to actuate them is only 45g so there really light, 5g less then blues I believe.

Off-topic - Who else is picking up Black ops 2 tonight, getting ready to head out to target mid night release to pick up the vita and ps3 version.
buny
3,435 posts
Joined March 2012
buny

Sorun wrote:

Meh my hands and accuracy has been suffering lately trying to get use to these blue switches, i'm so focused on not bottoming out that i'm not focusing on the map and holding back from bottoming out is fatiguing my hand. How long did it take you guys to get used to this? I thought I would have this down in a day haha. I think I might just like reds better then blue since i'm used to mashing my keyboard and I read the the pressure needed to actuate them is only 45g so there really light, 5g less then blues I believe.

Off-topic - Who else is picking up Black ops 2 tonight, getting ready to head out to target mid night release to pick up the vita and ps3 version.
I hit my keys so hard that I broke my Z key.
Wishy
2,972 posts
Joined September 2010
Wishy
I hit my keys so hard my floor now has 2 holes with the exact size of my fingers.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Hmmm so bottoming out not a bad thing?
enik
276 posts
Joined December 2011
enik
Just bought my BlackWidow today and it feels natural after a few hours of play. Honestly, I thought this tactile bump would be much more noticable but I don't feel anything special and just smash keys like on rubber dome keyboard. It still boosted my accuracy and stream skills a little, so yeah, don't think about bottoming out and just play like you used to.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun

enik wrote:

Just bought my BlackWidow today and it feels natural after a few hours of play. Honestly, I thought this tactile bump would be much more noticable but I don't feel anything special and just smash keys like on rubber dome keyboard. It still boosted my accuracy and stream skills a little, so yeah, don't think about bottoming out and just play like you used to.
Don't you just love the tactile click? Honestly it's orgasmic on the ear. I guess ill just mash like my old membrane, I just thought I should try not bottoming out since some members advocated that.
enik
276 posts
Joined December 2011
enik

Sorun wrote:

Don't you just love the tactile click? Honestly it's orgasmic on the ear.
I don't even hear it in my headphones :o But my family definitely doesn't love it especially at night time lol.
edit: What I already noticed is that you can click keys way more rapid on mech keyboard so you don't have to check everytime "did I press enough fast/hard to hit this note or not". I guess the ability not to bottom out will come naturally out of it.
Last edited by enik , edited 1 time in total.
buny
3,435 posts
Joined March 2012
buny
i cannot contest with wishy and his magical fingers
RaneFire
1,181 posts
Joined May 2011
RaneFire
I use my blackwidow like a piano, my arm doesn't rest on any surface, and the keyboard is fairly close to me too. Extending my arm slows down my stream speed :(

I smash the keys pretty hard and do a full "press and lift" key-press, even on slower streams. The key point I have noticed is consistency in using the same amount of force between both fingers, otherwise the 1 that hits harder slows the other down. (In my case, the middle finger, since it's longer and stronger.) Also I like building stamina no matter what stream speed it is lol... smashing at 150bpm.....

I found it easier to find the right 'force' by keeping my arm in the air. Dunno that anyone has actually talked about this before, is this ideal? I've had success at nailing 300's at 200-220 bpm much more consistently with this method.



As for keyboards: Anyone know if the coolermaster storm quickfire rapid (Browns) keyboard is any good for osu!? It seems to be 'okay priced' in my country, slightly cheaper than the blackwidow even. Brown switches seem to make a lot of sense too, light and tactile, and function a bit like reds.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun

RaneFire wrote:

As for keyboards: Anyone know if the coolermaster storm quickfire rapid (Browns) keyboard is any good for osu!? It seems to be 'okay priced' in my country, slightly cheaper than the blackwidow even. Brown switches seem to make a lot of sense too, light and tactile, and function a bit like reds.
I've read a review on amazon about the CM quickfire rapid being significantly taller then most mechanical keyboards, so combined with how you hold your arm up this might be a plus for you.

Can anyone vouch for the CM quickfire rapid for osu! ? I like my blackwidow, but i'm looking for a keyboard that I can take around with me since I play osu! mostly on the go and most of all the CM is way more easy to replace the keycaps. I plan on buying a custom keycap set :3

So any osu! players actually play with a Cooler master storm quickfire rapid?
koromo
165 posts
Joined March 2011
koromo

Sorun wrote:

Can anyone vouch for the CM quickfire rapid for osu! ? I like my blackwidow, but i'm looking for a keyboard that I can take around with me since I play osu! mostly on the go and most of all the CM is way more easy to replace the keycaps. I plan on buying a custom keycap set :3

So any osu! players actually play with a Cooler master storm quickfire rapid?

RaneFire wrote:

As for keyboards: Anyone know if the coolermaster storm quickfire rapid (Browns) keyboard is any good for osu!? It seems to be 'okay priced' in my country, slightly cheaper than the blackwidow even. Brown switches seem to make a lot of sense too, light and tactile, and function a bit like reds.
I am by no means a good osu! player, but I sure love my CM QuickFire Pro with browns. The Pro is pretty much the same as the Rapid, just not tenkeyless (meaning, mine has a numpad). I can't guarantee you'll like it, but it sure is exactly what I was looking for, at least.

To be honest, I'm surprised about browns being so rare around here, tactile feedback similar to blues but not as clicky/loud, and they're pretty light too.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun

koromo wrote:

Sorun wrote:

Can anyone vouch for the CM quickfire rapid for osu! ? I like my blackwidow, but i'm looking for a keyboard that I can take around with me since I play osu! mostly on the go and most of all the CM is way more easy to replace the keycaps. I plan on buying a custom keycap set :3

So any osu! players actually play with a Cooler master storm quickfire rapid?

RaneFire wrote:

As for keyboards: Anyone know if the coolermaster storm quickfire rapid (Browns) keyboard is any good for osu!? It seems to be 'okay priced' in my country, slightly cheaper than the blackwidow even. Brown switches seem to make a lot of sense too, light and tactile, and function a bit like reds.
I am by no means a good osu! player, but I sure love my CM QuickFire Pro with browns. The Pro is pretty much the same as the Rapid, just not tenkeyless (meaning, mine has a numpad). I can't guarantee you'll like it, but it sure is exactly what I was looking for, at least.

To be honest, I'm surprised about browns being so rare around here, tactile feedback similar to blues but not as clicky/loud, and they're pretty light too.
I already ordered it haha, but your input is greatly appreciated!

2 day shipping and i'm looking for a keycap set for it :) I also noticed that you can buy sample switches of each color, looking into it right now. Planning on buying a mechanical numpad in blue then soldering on all the various key switches. Got the idea from that post earlier ;) It goes without saying i'm in a bit of a mechanical keyboard craze atm.

andddd Rank: #1,441 ... haha of course your a good player 0.0
RaneFire
1,181 posts
Joined May 2011
RaneFire
Haha extra switch samples! That's awesome! Thanks for feedback and info.

Does anyone else have problems like "ghost key presses" where you press "7" and a "b" pops up at the same time, or random double/triple key registers (not even the keys I use on a regular basis). I have this problem on my blackwidow but only once every blue moon.

Is this common on mech keyboards in general or do I just have a "defective one that I can't prove squat" situation. Razer is sticky about warranty replacements from what I hear... especially for something as tedious as this that doesn't really affect use, but just annoys me.
buny
3,435 posts
Joined March 2012
buny
Sounds like a defective keyboard.
Tanzklaue
1,151 posts
Joined December 2010
Tanzklaue
mech keyboards aren't known for ghosting. at least I don't know any.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
I would return it now from wherever you bought it before attempting to RMA through razor, but definitely try to get a replacement. It might not happen so often now, but it could get much worse later on.
Frizz
4,131 posts
Joined April 2011
Frizz
Shouldn't happen like that. Ghosting only occurs when you press a certain amount of keys at the same time.
TouchFluffyTail
294 posts
Joined February 2012
TouchFluffyTail

RaneFire wrote:

Haha extra switch samples! That's awesome! Thanks for feedback and info.

Does anyone else have problems like "ghost key presses" where you press "7" and a "b" pops up at the same time, or random double/triple key registers (not even the keys I use on a regular basis). I have this problem on my blackwidow but only once every blue moon.

Is this common on mech keyboards in general or do I just have a "defective one that I can't prove squat" situation. Razer is sticky about warranty replacements from what I hear... especially for something as tedious as this that doesn't really affect use, but just annoys me.
I get this on my Blackwidow, on my A and L keys, and apparently is common enough an issue with it that you can punch it into google and get results, there's no fix aside from replacing it. (and mine is a release-week-old board so it's long passed warranty)

I really love this keyboard but I really need to replace it due to this, and I don't know if I should get the 2013 version (since I already know I love this board) or gamble on something I can't test drive...
nijohc
1 post
Joined December 2008
nijohc

Pizzicato wrote:



it's also available on all switches. this keyboard is great.
it also feels like the blackwidow
Yup very solid keyboard. Better than blackwidow though since bw = ione. CM Quickfire Rapid and Storm Trigger have Costar stabilizers... basically they're rebranded Filcos with an extremely attractive price point. Not really an osu guy so I have no idea how pros use their keyboard in this game, but I have played rhythm games like DJMAX/ez2on for 7 years. I'm partial to brown switches myself
Frizz
4,131 posts
Joined April 2011
Frizz

TouchFluffyTail wrote:

RaneFire wrote:

Haha extra switch samples! That's awesome! Thanks for feedback and info.

Does anyone else have problems like "ghost key presses" where you press "7" and a "b" pops up at the same time, or random double/triple key registers (not even the keys I use on a regular basis). I have this problem on my blackwidow but only once every blue moon.

Is this common on mech keyboards in general or do I just have a "defective one that I can't prove squat" situation. Razer is sticky about warranty replacements from what I hear... especially for something as tedious as this that doesn't really affect use, but just annoys me.
I get this on my Blackwidow, on my A and L keys, and apparently is common enough an issue with it that you can punch it into google and get results, there's no fix aside from replacing it. (and mine is a release-week-old board so it's long passed warranty)

I really love this keyboard but I really need to replace it due to this, and I don't know if I should get the 2013 version (since I already know I love this board) or gamble on something I can't test drive...
Do you install the driver by any chance?
TouchFluffyTail
294 posts
Joined February 2012
TouchFluffyTail

Frizz wrote:

Do you install the driver by any chance?
Nope, there's no reason to install the BW driver since I don't use the macro key functions or anything, I installed the driver and re-updated my firmware and everything once the problem cropped up (earlier this year) and it didn't change anything (currently no drivers installed, problem persists), it's a defect within the switch registering mechanism I believe.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Had a bit of testing time with the CM storm quickfire rapid and my initial impression is great. Starting from opening the package, everything so far has felt superior to the standard Black widow. Haven't had any play time in osu! yet, but i'll update after testing it further.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

You should have seen my face when I was surprised with a Logoless design!


Oh also it passes the double Shift key test which my Blackwidow didn't.

THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER THE LAZY DOG

Just felt like mentioning ~.~
TouchFluffyTail
294 posts
Joined February 2012
TouchFluffyTail

Sorun wrote:

Had a bit of testing time with the CM storm quickfire rapid and my initial impression is great. Starting from opening the package, everything so far has felt superior to the standard Black widow. Haven't had any play time in osu! yet, but i'll update after testing it further.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

You should have seen my face when I was surprised with a Logoless design!


Oh also it passes the double Shift key test which my Blackwidow didn't.

THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER THE LAZY DOG

Just felt like mentioning ~.~
Woah what, you can get it without the gaudy logo spammed all over the place? I should definitely look into it then, now I just need to decide if I want to jump to reds or stick to blues...
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun

TouchFluffyTail wrote:

Woah what, you can get it without the gaudy logo spammed all over the place? I should definitely look into it then, now I just need to decide if I want to jump to reds or stick to blues...
From what I ready the logoless is really hit or miss if you order from places that have old stock (eg. Amazon, tiger direct) If you do order off amazon they have a pretty good return policy and you could probably get away with asking for a replacement till you get a logoless. Without the tacky logos everywhere it looks exactly like my friends filco and his ducky shine tenkeyless boards just in gray.

You might also want to look into the Quickfire rapid TK which is the new 2012/2013 model with backlighting, it's not tenkeyless exactly, but looks pretty compact.

http://www.cmstorm.com/en/products/keyb ... ickfiretk/


Will be uploading comparison pictures of the CM rapid and Blackwidow tomorrow ;)
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
DESU DESU DESU DESU DESU DESU


theowest
osu! Alumni
6,891 posts
Joined January 2009
theowest
I hate the sound my red switch keyboard makes. http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-k60-pe ... board.html It was also pretty expensive. It cost me $162/€127 for a Swedish version.
but I'm glad I'll never have to worry about it ever breaking. Extremely good build quality.
thelewa
3,537 posts
Joined August 2010
thelewa
You should've bought a Qpad MK-50. Seriously, when buying a mechboard that you're going to play osu! with, buy the cheapest one. Mechboards were never designed to be used the way we use them in osu!, and as a result we break the keys that we use to play osu! extremely fast (in comparison to their normal 50 million press lifespan, that is.)

edit: I'm talking from experience, I've owned several really good quality mechboards, latest being a Leopold that cost me a pretty penny. It has 6 broken keys just from playing osu!.
Full Tablet
2,544 posts
Joined September 2011
Full Tablet

thelewa wrote:

You should've bought a Qpad MK-50. Seriously, when buying a mechboard that you're going to play osu! with, buy the cheapest one. Mechboards were never designed to be used the way we use them in osu!, and as a result we break the keys that we use to play osu! extremely fast (in comparison to their normal 50 million press lifespan, that is.)

edit: I'm talking from experience, I've owned several really good quality mechboards, latest being a Leopold that cost me a pretty penny. It has 6 broken keys just from playing osu!.
How can you break so many keys without breaking your fingers first?
Tanzklaue
1,151 posts
Joined December 2010
Tanzklaue

Full Tablet wrote:

thelewa wrote:

You should've bought a Qpad MK-50. Seriously, when buying a mechboard that you're going to play osu! with, buy the cheapest one. Mechboards were never designed to be used the way we use them in osu!, and as a result we break the keys that we use to play osu! extremely fast (in comparison to their normal 50 million press lifespan, that is.)

edit: I'm talking from experience, I've owned several really good quality mechboards, latest being a Leopold that cost me a pretty penny. It has 6 broken keys just from playing osu!.
How can you break so many keys without breaking your fingers first?
genetical advantage.
Shadowyuri
106 posts
Joined August 2012
Shadowyuri
Can someone help we with this? I read the "Mechanical Keyboard Guide" that was posted here earlier and this confuses me:

"The blue switches are considered to be the best switch for typing because they have a “clicky” tactile bump when the activation point is hit.
While many people prefer them for gaming, it is not as easy to double tap as other switches since the release point is above the actuation point"
Doesn't this mean that its not as good for stream's? And are they better for Timing? also...

"Cherry Red switches are similar to the Cherry MX Blacks in that they are non-tactile.
They require less force to actuate than the Cherry MX Blacks. Most people do not like these switches for typing or gaming because it is so easy to accidentally press keys and make typing errors. "
So red's are better for streams ... right? (Compared to blue's) or do the red make you click too fast sometimes cause you cant
be as accurate as you can be with blues?

Ps.: Yeah I read the whole thread.. but I kinda don't get it and I'm really torn between Blue's and Red's after this thread. And I can't test them because you cant buy them here + None of my friends have one.
VoidnOwO
1,256 posts
Joined August 2012
VoidnOwO
:)
Last edited by VoidnOwO , edited 1 time in total.
kriers
1,963 posts
Joined April 2010
kriers
having played with both keyboards for more than a year on each, I felt learning how to become accurate is way easier on blues. I stayed on those to simply improve my finger motorics and then when I was really stuck at my current bpm I decided to test the reds. Actually they are not less accurate in any way whatsoever, they just feel awkward at first compared to blues and I can now play 220 bpm maps again!

I also used reds before I could stream any bpm and compared to blues it felt impossible to learn streaming with.
I'm sure it's not the same case for everyone, though.

Basically since blues are so much cheaper and the first priority for beginners and adequate players is to build accuracy and streaming ability, going for blues first makes the most sense while you can consider redswitch being for the more advanced players.
cirno-_old
cirno-_old
I use a red switch and I don't accidentally make typos at all. I went from a cheap Dell keyboard to a red switch CM storm by coolermaster and I love this keyboard. Did it give me the ability to stream 260BPM? Nah. But it feels much nicer. I just wish it had a numpad, but I can live without it.
Shadowyuri
106 posts
Joined August 2012
Shadowyuri

kriers wrote:

Basically since blues are so much cheaper and the first priority for beginners and adequate players is to build accuracy and streaming ability, going for blues first makes the most sense while you can consider redswitch being for the more advanced players.

"For beginners" = People who started playing with Mech Keyboards or started playing Osu?

Im rank 28k now (So nothing special) and can play a lot of Insane maps. Of course I'm still a beginner, right? xD
TouchFluffyTail
294 posts
Joined February 2012
TouchFluffyTail

cirno- wrote:

I use a red switch and I don't accidentally make typos at all. I went from a cheap Dell keyboard to a red switch CM storm by coolermaster and I love this keyboard. Did it give me the ability to stream 260BPM? Nah. But it feels much nicer. I just wish it had a numpad, but I can live without it.
I just ordered a red switch CM Storm earlier today, been using blues for years so it'll be an interesting transition. :P

Was a hard choice since I quite like my blues, was highly considering browns to keep the tactile bump with less actuation force, but decided to go for all out lightest force. Will post my thoughts after I get it and play with it a bit.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun

TouchFluffyTail wrote:

I just ordered a red switch CM Storm earlier today, been using blues for years so it'll be an interesting transition. :P

Was a hard choice since I quite like my blues, was highly considering browns to keep the tactile bump with less actuation force, but decided to go for all out lightest force. Will post my thoughts after I get it and play with it a bit.
Please report back when you get it, I would love to hear your feelings on the transition to red. I'm still considering a Red board just for fun.
cirno-_old
cirno-_old

Sorun wrote:

TouchFluffyTail wrote:

I just ordered a red switch CM Storm earlier today, been using blues for years so it'll be an interesting transition. :P

Was a hard choice since I quite like my blues, was highly considering browns to keep the tactile bump with less actuation force, but decided to go for all out lightest force. Will post my thoughts after I get it and play with it a bit.
Please report back when you get it, I would love to hear your feelings on the transition to red. I'm still considering a Red board just for fun.
Same here fluffytail :)
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Surprisingly found a Ducky shine and filco on craigslist for $130, the ducky shine is in pretty good condition , but I got it without the keycap set to shave off $40. The filco is broken so it was kind of a freeby, i'm either going to salvage it for key caps or attempt to fix it if I can.
Pizzicato
2,739 posts
Joined February 2011
Pizzicato
forgot to mention IBM rubber-dome keyboards
they're surprisingly good
Shadowyuri
106 posts
Joined August 2012
Shadowyuri
After reading through everything here I'm pretty sure I want Blue switches, I would REALLY love red's but they are too rare and expensive.

I checked a lot of you post's about specific Mech Keyboards that are quite cheap and good, problem is most of them are just available for shipping in USA etc. and if you want them to be shipped to Germany its pretty expensive, the only keyboard you can really easy and cheap get here is the Razer Black Widow and I'm honest I really don't want to buy it if I don't have too. I think of Razer as I do of Alienware, that its horrifically overpriced and not real quality work :<

So can someone recommend a Mech Keyboard with Blue or Red Switches that can be shipped to Germany?
Ps.: If possible around 75$... I'm a poor men.
kriers
1,963 posts
Joined April 2010
kriers
If you really dislike razer blackwidow, get a qpad mk-50. Same price, and should be as available as razer on the market by now ;)
thelewa
3,537 posts
Joined August 2010
thelewa

Full Tablet wrote:

thelewa wrote:

You should've bought a Qpad MK-50. Seriously, when buying a mechboard that you're going to play osu! with, buy the cheapest one. Mechboards were never designed to be used the way we use them in osu!, and as a result we break the keys that we use to play osu! extremely fast (in comparison to their normal 50 million press lifespan, that is.)

edit: I'm talking from experience, I've owned several really good quality mechboards, latest being a Leopold that cost me a pretty penny. It has 6 broken keys just from playing osu!.
How can you break so many keys without breaking your fingers first?
afaik bones are more durable than the tiny and delicate metal parts in a mechanical switch
kriers
1,963 posts
Joined April 2010
kriers

thelewa wrote:

afaik bones are more durable than the tiny and delicate metal parts in a mechanical switch
Bones can heal. Mechanical switches can't.
lolcubes
osu! Alumni
4,437 posts
Joined November 2010
lolcubes
You can just replace the broken switches, you can't really replace bones though. :(
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Steel series 6gv2 in Red and Black going for $70, $30 off original price.

http://shop.steelseries.com/us/keyboards.html

Build quality wise this is probably the best board you can get in the price range, to bad there's no Blue switch :/
Kyou-chan
28 posts
Joined April 2011
Kyou-chan
cm storm quickfire rapid is usually the cheapest mech keyboard, and its a bit better than the blackwidow in terms of quality etc
Shadowyuri
106 posts
Joined August 2012
Shadowyuri

Kyou-chan wrote:

cm storm quickfire rapid is usually the cheapest mech keyboard, and its a bit better than the blackwidow in terms of quality etc

Firs of: Hi Kyou-kun <3
Second of: CM Storm Quickfire Pro Cherry MX Red, its on its way to my lovely home. I Hope it can compete with the Quickfire Rapid :F

Just wanna let a little Thanks here for all of your help
Lybydose
osu! Alumni
2,024 posts
Joined January 2009
Lybydose
QF pro is actually worse quality than the rapid version. Rapid is essentially the exact same keyboard as a filco, as they are both made by the same company.

also: http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/ ... r-kit.html

if you want to try different switches for cheap
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun
Blackwidow > Quickfire rapid
For osu!

For anything else the quickfire

The blackwidow just feels better when streaming, not quite sure why. Could it be the different height profile on the QFR?
Ohrami
685 posts
Joined March 2010
Ohrami
Just find a cheap red switch keyboard. I know they sell some for like $80.
raww_old
raww_old
I bought this and its fairly cheap.

http://www.qpad.com/products/keyboards/MK50/

You can choose which kind of switches you want and I'm happy with my reds.

edit: Realized it has already been mentioned, but frankly, it's working as intended.
Marblehead
22 posts
Joined November 2011
Marblehead
Have anyone tried both red and black switches? I'm interested in how different those two are in terms of softness. I know that reds are supposed to be softer, but how much softer?
lolcubes
osu! Alumni
4,437 posts
Joined November 2010
lolcubes
25% I think it was.
TouchFluffyTail
294 posts
Joined February 2012
TouchFluffyTail

Sorun wrote:

Blackwidow > Quickfire rapid
For osu!

For anything else the quickfire

The blackwidow just feels better when streaming, not quite sure why. Could it be the different height profile on the QFR?
Funny, mine literally just arrived a little while ago (while I was in the middle of playing actually) I hooked it up and started playing some triple stack/stream intensive maps and I must say, I can immediately feel the red switches feel better than the blue switches when alternating, and I feel like I can singletap with more speed and reliability. That is to say though, not because of the different actuation force, but because of the lack of a bump/click and the quicker reset because of that.

Honestly the keys barely if at all feel lighter than the blue switches on my blackwidow, but the board in general just feels better.

People blow the "lightness" of red switches way way way way out of proportion, I realized this the second I opened the box and pressed the first key, if you've used a blackwidow then you'll only notice the lack of bump in the transition. (and the vast size difference, my tablet is like 1½ inches shorter than it!)

I'd highly recommend the red switch quickfire rapid to anyone on the fence about reds.
Sorun
234 posts
Joined October 2010
Sorun

TouchFluffyTail wrote:

Sorun wrote:

Blackwidow > Quickfire rapid
For osu!

For anything else the quickfire

The blackwidow just feels better when streaming, not quite sure why. Could it be the different height profile on the QFR?
Funny, mine literally just arrived a little while ago (while I was in the middle of playing actually) I hooked it up and started playing some triple stack/stream intensive maps and I must say, I can immediately feel the red switches feel better than the blue switches when alternating, and I feel like I can singletap with more speed and reliability. That is to say though, not because of the different actuation force, but because of the lack of a bump/click and the quicker reset because of that.

Honestly the keys barely if at all feel lighter than the blue switches on my blackwidow, but the board in general just feels better.

People blow the "lightness" of red switches way way way way out of proportion, I realized this the second I opened the box and pressed the first key, if you've used a blackwidow then you'll only notice the lack of bump in the transition. (and the vast size difference, my tablet is like 1½ inches shorter than it!)

I'd highly recommend the red switch quickfire rapid to anyone on the fence about reds.
Thanks! Sounds like ill be giving Reds a try. Just curious, but did your Quickfire come without logos?

"the board in general just feels better."

That was my first thought as soon as I unboxed mine, the cable also feels much stronger then the BW which was one of my concerns with it since my BW cable was bent awkward out of the box.
jesse1412
1,457 posts
Joined January 2010
jesse1412

Marblehead wrote:

Have anyone tried both red and black switches? I'm interested in how different those two are in terms of softness. I know that reds are supposed to be softer, but how much softer?
Had my new red switch for a week or 2 now (used to use blacks), I haven't caught up in speed but for lower bpm streams (170-200) I can stream for far longer with less effort. Mid level streams (220) seem easier to maintain but my fingers get tied a lot on longer ones. 230-250 seems to play the same for me. 260 - 300 are still harder for me on reds.

But again this is after a week of adjusting, I think when I get used to it reds will be better, blacks probably got my stamina up though while reds allow me to use it to its fullest potential.

tl;dr blacks were good, reds are good too but harder to train your fingers on due to the lack of effort required (yes they are noticeably easier to click).
TouchFluffyTail
294 posts
Joined February 2012
TouchFluffyTail

Sorun wrote:

Thanks! Sounds like ill be giving Reds a try. Just curious, but did your Quickfire come without logos?

"the board in general just feels better."

That was my first thought as soon as I unboxed mine, the cable also feels much stronger then the BW which was one of my concerns with it since my BW cable was bent awkward out of the box.
Yeah mine is without the top logos, I looked around and apparently they literally stopped making the old logo blasted version so if you buy a rapid at this point you're almost guaranteed to get the logo-less version, unless you somehow get really old stock that wasn't sold.

Serious issue however: After awhile I noticed my LEFT ALT KEY is totally non-functional, this is apparently a not-so-uncommon issue, so be VERY AWARE OF THIS and make sure you're able to RMA it from wherever you got it from if this happens to you. I'm going to have to ship mine back.

A real damn shame.
show more
Please sign in to reply.

New reply

0
36 / 149