ha, so i thought that i would break in my new rapid-i keyboard by writing an amazon review!
CHERRY MX BLUE SWITCHES:
as someone who grew up in the 80s with my IBM PC XT compatible with a really nice mechanical keyboard (no, not the model M... i had a leading edge model d and i just discovered that they sport really nice alps blue complicated switches), i've been looking for a long time for a modern experience that replicated that feel.
my first attempt lead me to the highly revered model M (unicomp make) thinking that that was what i was used to. geez, i guess i never used buckling spring before because the endura is RIDICULOUSLY STIFF to my sensibilities and fingers. and almost as bad was the the "twang" sound that was very subtle but nonetheless very present on every key press.
digression that will lead back to model M:
also, if you look at diagrams of the cherry mx blues, there's an alarming detail that shows that after you actuate the switch, the mechanism slides a bit so that it takes a while to bounce up back to ready position to be actuated again. this would make "double taps" in games very difficult/annoying because you have to basically let the key bounce all the way up before you can hit it again.
while the diagram of the cherry mx switch is indeed accurate, i can attest that there will be no problems with me double tapping in games. the nice thing about the cherry mx switch is that you feel it actuate and you can also feel it "de-actuate" so you know by feel when the switch is ready... AND, the distance isn't very far.
but i have GREAT experience in a mechanism that is very bad for double tapping - BUCKLING SPRINGS! the buckling springs on the endura pro would actuate but then there is a VERY LONG travel distance before it "de-actuates". and while you can feel when it does de-actuate, it happens so far beyond where you expect it, that it really doesn't help.
that is what i feared by getting the blues. i had never personally tried the blues in person and i really agonized between getting the blues or the browns.
i'm happy to report that the blues are exactly what i wanted and hoped for. i wanted a keyboard that was the ultimate experience for typing but also suitable for games and the blues are just that.
it is very nice and clicky and while cherry mx blues have no coordination with the alps blue switches from my youth, it turns out that they do feel similar. the stiffness of the keys is also similar and not at all the impervious resistance of buckling springs. but make no mistake, they are very clicky and they can be quite noisy. this can be issue for you depending on your environment so take it into consideration. but for me, i love the sound.
i do wish that the resistance was a bit looser than it is but having used laptop style chiclet logitech keys for a while, i suspect it's just a matter of getting my fingers accustomed. but again, fear not, this is not at all comparable to the resistance on model M buckling springs.
RAPID-I KEYBOARD
first thing you want to do is go to the cooler master website and download and install the latest firmware. in previous versions, there was an issue with the keyboard not being recognized on resets or reboots and needing the cord to be disconnected and connected again to get recognition. this has been solved with the latest firmware.
as for the keyboard itself, it is a super deluxe experience.
there is a very nice "soft touch" coating on all the keys and the case and it is really velvety and heavenly. for a keyboard, it's expensive but you can definitely feel the quality. elegant, compact and SOLID.
the LEDs illuminate the keys pleasingly in dark environments and all the modes and recording features are well thought out and useful.
anyway, just a really really nice keyboard and if you are concerned about a premium typing experience without sacrificing gaming, for me at least, the blues switches are a great way to go (if you don't mind the noise).
| Brand | Cooler Master |
|---|---|
| Item model number | SGK-4040-GKCM1-US |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Item Weight | 2.05 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14.1 x 5.4 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.1 x 5.4 x 1.5 inches |
| Color | Rapid-I Brown |
| Manufacturer | Coolermaster |
| ASIN | B00JM61264 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | April 8, 2014 |
