I've gone pure mechanical with Cherry MX Red switches. I use a Filco Majestouch-2 Limited (FKBN104MR/EB2), a Rosewill RK-9000RE, and a Leopold FC500RR/AB. All three are quality keyboards. I've used MX reds, browns, blues, and blacks--it took a while, but I definitely have come to prefer the reds, which is why I now use them everywhere. They don't have the clicky sound and tactile feedback that many people associate with mechanical keyboards--but that property belongs to a specific set of keyswitches, while there are other options available.
If your primary consideration is longevity of the keycap labeling, you'll probably want to look (in order) for a keyboard that is doubleshot molded (where the letter and the keycap are two distinct pieces of colored plastic--impossible to "wear though"), dye sublimated (where dye is leached into the plastic), or laser etched/engraved. There are two kinds of laser engraving--with and without infill. It is usually a charcoal/black color, so it's hard to see on black keycaps without an infill. I've found that infill is pretty reliable, but it is possible to break up or get dirty over time. Doubleshot and dye sub keycaps are hard (the former essentially impossible) to find, so laser engraved is generally the most available option. Some online keyboard enthusiast forums do group buys of doubleshot or dye sub keys with popular stems from time to time if you wanted to go that route. The best advice is to avoid pad printed if you have a problem with label wear. You also have types of plastic to consider...ABS vs PBT vs POM...it's a whole new world if you want to dig deep. A word of caution...once I decided to go mechanical, it took me over $1000 before I was satisfied with my keyboards--and I don't regret it a bit. http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_printing -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Steve Tomporowski Sent: Sunday, March 03, 2013 1:34 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [H] Keyboards What is everyone using as a keyboard? I ask because of two things. Every non-lighted keyboard I've had, the letters wear off after 6 months to a year. I'm using a Razer Lycosa on my main computer, but the paint on the keys dissolves or wears off so easily, you get blue light everywhere. I'm wondering if there is something out there that has some staying-power. Thanks...Steve
