Elite Keyboards/Mechanical Keyboards

[James]

elitekeyboards.com - Home

I highly recommend these keyboards. They're mechanical keyboards, which is basically how all of them were back in the 80s and early 90s and such as I understand it. At any rate, they definitely feel like an older keyboard, and they feel fucking fantastic. A little pricey now, sure, but well worth the money.

Some further information -- Mechanical Keyboard Guide - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

[Darus Grey]

It's actually pretty easy to actually just find old keyboards for practically nothing.

Probably depends on area too.

One thing I've done is to buy old consoles/video game computers that had them, systems only like $50 but will come with what is essentially a $100-$300 keyboard, just need to get converters for the old pin formats.

[Lambourne]

A good mechanical keyboard is one of those things that you get and then wonder how you ever got by without. I tried several but ended up with the IBM model M. Bought it off ebay, took it apart and cleaned it, good as new. Despite being made in 1986 it hasn't yellowed or faded at all, they used better plastics back then (not to mention an actual steel plate that the keys are mounted on)

When IBM stopped making them, the factory workers bought the machinery and started their own business, so you can buy a brand new one (with USB and windows keys if you so desire). Unicomp Keyboards

Good read: Review: IBM 42H1292 and 1391401 keyboards

[dorfeater]

Is this some sort of late 80's throwback thing or are these keyboards actually better? I can't remember if I may have touched one in my youth. What's so special about these? I read the post James linked but it didn't really say much as to why.

I can definetly see how they would be better than some of the factory laptop keyboards. But any other style? Maybe it's just me but I don't think I've ever had a keyboard shit out on me.

The only thing I can remember really about the keyboards of this time is them being LOUD. And yellow. Why did shit turn yellow back then?

[James]

Because of the plastic they used, depending on the manufacturer I guess. And yes, these keyboards are vastly superior in every measurable manner. I bought one for work, and even coming back home and typing on my Logitech Illuminated keyboard feels like playing with a fuckin turd log. Definitely going to pick one up for home usage.

I guess it's kind of hard to describe beyond what those links say, but the push back, the click, the speed, I mean everything is just so far mechanically superior it hurts. If you're like me, you typed on them forever and really liked them, but can't remember why. If you have the opportunity to type on one, you'll remember how awesome they were in a heartbeat. You really can't live without them once you know the difference.

[Darus Grey]

If you have the brown/yellowing plastic...there's a very easy fix to restore them to their original color.

http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/

[Tenks]

I haven't found a mechanical keyboard with a USB port onboard yet. Do these exist? I like to plug my mouse directly into the keyboard so I don't have to run additional USB extension cords.

[James]

Das Keyboard: The mechanical keyboard that clicks

[dorfeater]

Hmm.. need to get my fingers on one to try these bad boys out. I'm using the Razer Lycosa right now, which is built flat like a laptop keyboard. There's things I don't like about it, but things I do.

Regardless, I'm in the market for a new keyboard. Anyone know by chance of a B&M chain that sells these/have them on display?

[James]

I've never seen one on display, at least not at Best Buy or Fry's. Might find one at CompUSA? Not sure, don't quote me on it.

I had the Razer Lycosa too, the one with the glossy finish right? It was alright, but I was looking for better, so I went with the Logitech Illuminated. It wasn't much better. This Filco from Elite Keyboards that I'm using at work beats them hands down and blindfolded, and I've heard really good things about the Das Keyboard, so I'm gonna pick that up for the home.

[possible]

I've been using a deck for a few years and fucking love it. Every time I use a different keyboard it's just so awkward.

[James]

Just got the Das Keyboard in, and man am I in love. A little loud, but I like my keyboards the way I like my women, I guess. Black, and on my computer desk.

[forced]

Razer just unveiled the Razer BlackWidow. It's their mechanical keyboard at a pretty decent price. No spacing on the F keys and the macro keys are too close to the standard keys imho. Audio/usb ports on the right side of the keyboard(fuck you to the right handed mouse users, smart move :/) but it has backlighting for those that prefer it and macros(not a fan but that's just me.)

Pisses me off that they always get so close to making something almost perfect and they always find a way to fuck things up.

[brekk]

Originally Posted by forced

Razer just unveiled the Razer BlackWidow. It's their mechanical keyboard at a pretty decent price. No spacing on the F keys and the macro keys are too close to the standard keys imho. Audio/usb ports on the right side of the keyboard(fuck you to the right handed mouse users, smart move :/) but it has backlighting for those that prefer it and macros(not a fan but that's just me.)

Pisses me off that they always get so close to making something almost perfect and they always find a way to fuck things up.

So get the non-Utilmate version without Backlighting or the Audio/USB ports for 80$ instead of 130$. Those features aren't worth an extra 50$ unless you play in the dark, and that's just creepy.

[dub]

Hmm weird, I think the majority of PC gamers play in the dark (at night obviously). Myself at least, if I have any light while PC gaming, it is as minimal as possible. The immersion level goes up exponentially and as such, I can never go back to a keyboard without backlight.