Mechanical Keyboards

I want to buy a mechanical keyboard. My middle school had an IBM Model M keyboard, and I remember how much I loved the sound and feel of it. Mechanical keyboards are better because they use mechanical switches. The feeling of typing on them is very precise and comfortable.

Here is a good guide for the different types of switches they can use:
http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/4...ard-guide.html

I'm thinking an MX Cherry Clear switch is for me. I'm going to use the keyboard for a lot of gaming, so I want to be able to double click reasonably well, and dont want the noise. If it was just for typing I think MX Cherry Blue or buckling springs would be my choice.



Any impressions on clear switches? I went to Fry's to try some out, but the only mechanical keyboard they had on display was the Razer Black Widow, which uses MX Cherry Blue switches.

I want LED lights under my keys. The Deck Legend has MX Cherry clear keys, but the font is very ugly, and it's $180.

I think I'll have to buy MX Cherry Brown switches after all. The XArmor U9BL-S looks good to me.
http://www.amazon.com/XArmor-U9BL-S-...9063785&sr=1-6

Here's a video of the lighting:

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I recently got my XArmor u9bl-s.

I almost did not get one. This keyboard has been discontinued, and it's only one of two keyboards that is both backlit, and MX Cherry Brown. The other one has ugly font. I originality ordered from http://www.brilliantstore.com/ , but that is truly an awful site. The keyboard was marked as in stock, when it was not, then a month later they said they were not able to source one. After that, I ordered one of the last remaining from an Amazon vendor for the hefty price of $170. None were on ebay, or other e-stores.

I've had a few days to use it. The keys actuate mid-way down, and you feel it, but only slightly. The keys make more noise than a membrane keyboard, but it's not a large difference. It took me more time to type when I began using it, and I would make typos more frequently. After a few days, I'm making a lot less typos, and my speed has increased, though it's not back to normal. I'm OK with that since it's very comfortable to type on. The key's feel very satisfying to use. The keyboard is extremely solid and heavy. All the plastic is very thick.

The intensity of the lights can be changed with Fn+Numpad 8 and 2. Every time the computer sleeps or is restarted, you must reset the light setting. Although I wish that setting would be saved automatically, pressing Fn and 8 twice is now a normal reaction for when I wake my computer up. The keyboard requires 2 USB ports; one dedicated for power, I assume. There are 5 levels of light intensity, so there is a level for everyone. The strongest intensity is bright, and lowest is just a slight glow. The light is also concentrated well on the key display and does not "bleed" in between keys very much.

Everyone I've told so far scoffs at the price I paid for the keyboard, but it's a device I use often and I feel happy about my purchase. I'm sure I'll use this for many years.

Not my pics: