Sell me on your keyboard switch of choice...

[orl]

So, I have been looking at buying a naked GMMK for my Linux gaming PC and retiring my Corsair K68, mostly for shits and giggles, but also because the software for my mouse (Model D) will also control that keyboard.  See the keyboard below.

www.pcgamingrace.com/products/the-glorious-gmmk-usa-custom?variant=23714123350074

This keyboard is different than others because it can swap out mechanical switches at a snap in level instead of soldering etc, so my question is... what keys should I buy for this bad boy?  Ive always used Mechanical keyboards, for nearly 30 years I have preferred them always.  Now, up to this point, its always been red switches or brown switches for me, however, today there are more than ever before and some are getting raved about out there.  I am going to copy and paste some info from the site below about what switches are compatible.

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"The GMMK is designed to work the following switch brands: Cherry, Gateron, Kailh. We currently sell Gateron and Kailh GMMK-compatible switches on our website.

Although other brands of switches besides Cherry/Gateron/Kailh will fit, they may be loose or have a tighter fit than normal.

There are several types of Cherry/Gateron/Kailh switches available. These are the specific requirements for the type of switches that are compatible
SWITCH REQUIREMENTS:

Cherry / Gateron / Kailh Branded (3 pin)
Plate Mounted - PCB mounted switches have extra legs on them that can be cut off to make them plate mounted. There are some DIY guides out there on how to do this.
SMD LED Compatible Switches - This is optional if you want to have the backlight function as a non LED switch would block the light. Cherry/Kalih do not make SMD-LED switches, but back LED ones which would also work. For the best LED performance, a SMD-LED such as the ones made by Gateron are recommended.

OTHER TYPES OF CONFIRMED WORKING SWITCHES:

Zealios (plate mounted, or legs cut off on PCB mounted version)"

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So that being said,  any of you out there have some wide ranging experience here?  I am very curious the blacks and clears etc, what are the pros and cons, why did you settle on something other than the defacto standard of Cherry Red, why should I?

Keep in mind, this PC is for gaming, I do not do a lot of writing on it, but I do a lot of CLI work and am often farting around with code to customize the OS.  Once I get this keyboard I can at last focus on getting their software to work in Linux so I can finally rid myself of RAINBOW EVERYTHING... WHY IS EVERYTHING RGB RAINBOWS ENDLESSLY (rant over)

[ShrimpBrime]

I have no idea what keys you should buy, but I was looking at the silver. Don't have these, but I think Silver would make them seem sharper, maybe not brighter.

What about you?
What are your preferences?

[sphincter]

This is a topic I've thought of posting myself. Right now I'm using a keyboard from circa 2005, it's a cheapo dome. lots of Quake/doom/jka/etc. miles on this one.

but the shape of the keys, I like, and the domes have a feel I seem to like. I have never owned a mechanical board. Is it really that big a deal? I understand the ghosting and all but have never really had a problem.

Ive watched many of Chyrosran22's Review videos on youtube(a while ago). If the board is bad he does a good job of crapping on it.  funny to watch imo.

but even watching so many vids I'm not sure I need more than I have.

Signed - Ass hole who's never owned a mech. board 

[orl]

Shrimp, either you are still an awesome troll or you misread my post, I'm specifically looking at the switches, I already have keys, maybe I should word that better.

Sphincter, most people who get a good mech board never go back to domed ever, I personally think they are that good. Some are definitely a bit to noisy though, thats something I will want to avoid. Easy fix though with buffer rings.

[Bones]

I'm familiar with what you are talking about but cannot make any suggestions since it's something I've personally never dealt with.

[Vinster]

I've gone back and forth on this myself. I'm a dome lover.. simple as that. my kids both have mech KB's with a mix of keys between them and I just can't stand them...

I'm still using my MS Razor KB from 2008. For me mech keys are just too loud, the spring/mech initial force to press to trigger would be tiresome over a few hours of use and the stoke of most switches I've used are just too long.

I don't mind using one here and there, the feel isn't too bad, just would be an issue for me long term.. I did enjoy the use of the old school IBM KB's but I just can't justify that cost for an updated reproduction.. out here they're $250-$350 depending on the season.

and I understand the RGB shit, both kids KB's are full on raindow with NO control.. who does that? We can't even turn it off... my son is starting to bug me to remove the LED's... I might look at a dimmer CCT to make it easier..

Vin

[ShrimpBrime]

May 25, 2020 19:02:46 GMT -5 orl said:

Shrimp, either you are still an awesome troll or you misread my post, I'm specifically looking at the switches, I already have keys, maybe I should word that better.

Sphincter, most people who get a good mech board never go back to domed ever, I personally think they are that good. Some are definitely a bit to noisy though, thats something I will want to avoid. Easy fix though with buffer rings.

WHAT DUDE??? A troll??

Let me quote you then.....

so my question is.....what keys should I buy for this bad boy?

Yea, maybe wording it differently.......  
lol

[Bones]

I believe he's referring to the actual switches UNDER the keys, there are some boards that these can be swapped out with a different, more custom type if you want.
You just pop the keys off to remove the switches underneath and swap in what you want.

[sphincter]

back when I watched alot of vids,I had figured if I were to have to pick a key to try based on what the descriptions of the cherry mx series were, I would go with brown to try first.  of course youtubers all tell you to go try them before you buy.    Don't know where around here. lol

Pulled off google - "Cherry MX Brown- Brown switches are quieter than most on the list. It is a tactile switch, so you will physically feel the point of actuation with every key press. However, they aren't clicky, making them quieter than Cherry MX Blue switches."

Red would be least noisy but I don't think I'de enjoy the linear travel.

Blue, would probably be fine for me, but everyone says noisy.

[sphincter]

Something like this is what I'll get.  Someday, before I make a choice on a board for my next build.