k70 rgb Split between 3 keyboards

[Ryuuhei]

Hello,

 

after trying some mechanical keyboards I was very displeased with both keys loudness and pinging (or resonation of metal base).

 

I already tried K70 RGB Low Profile Red (it was not mine), that looks and sounds amazing, too bad it's not on my country's market yet, so I can both order it from overseas (and risk not being able to RMA it, if it'll have any defect), or choose from some other available variants. So far, this one is my absolute favorite, yet I want to be sure whether the other variants won't be as good.

 

My first question goes for standard K70 RGB MK.2 Silent Red. I'd like to know whether there's some kind of pinging or other noise coming from both keys and metal base? There's also STRAFE version that comes with semi-metal base, thus much lower chance of pinging. Yet, I'm not sure. I watched some videos, in some there was audible pinging, while in others not. It's huge deal for me, as I don't want any unpleasant noises outside of keys themselves.

 

Then there's another available Low Profile version, K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE with Speed switches. About these switches, on HyperX keyboard they are not much good in my opinion - of course, they're extremely responsive, but I don't like the sound - some keys are making weird "clack" noise (little different from others). I'm worried it's the case of every keyboard featuring Speed switches, so also this low profile variant.

 

Last question stands... Is Low Profile Red actually much louder than standard Silent Red in your opinion? I didn't find any good comparison between these two switches.

 

All of this may help me with choosing perfect keyboard I'd be finally satisfied with. I'm actually tired of paying not so small money for something that's making unacceptable noises (out of standard sound of mechanical switches, they'll always be a bit louder). Of course, I could go for membrane, but that'd be huge step back for me now as I got used to feeling and responsiveness of mechanical keys.

 

Thanks for all replies!

Edited December 25, 2020 by Ryuuhei

[c-attack]

My first question goes for standard K70 RGB MK.2 Silent Red. I'd like to know whether there's some kind of pinging or other noise coming from both keys and metal base?

 

There is always some element of mechanical noise with a mechanical keyboard. That said, the low profile versions are the least likely to exhibit this with the shortened key caps. My K70 MK.2 LP does not have any elements of this to it and it would difficult to immediately recognize it as a mechanical keyboard on first touch. The press and stop point are decidedly non-resonating. The exception (like on every keyboard) is going to be the spacebar. It's considerably larger than every other key and will make a distinctly different sound.

 

 

Then there's another available Low Profile version, K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE with Speed switches. About these switches, on HyperX keyboard they are not much good in my opinion - of course, they're extremely responsive, but I don't like the sound - some keys are making weird "clack" noise (little different from others). I'm worried it's the case of every keyboard featuring Speed switches, so also this low profile variant.

 

Not really sure which Hyper X board you are comparing, but many of them do not have Cherry Switches so differences you are noting may be related to that. There should be no detectable difference in sound between a given KB with MX Cherry Red and MX Cherry Silver. The differences are in the pre-travel actuation and total actuation distance. If you were extremely attuned to your red switches, you might find yourself bottoming out on the Silver/Speed because of the overall 0.8mm reduction. You would surely adapt and theoretically the red has more potentially energy with the greater travel distance. However, on the Low Profile model I am not sure if that will matter at all. With less keycap mass there is a definite lack of clunk on the way down.

 

 

Last question stands... Is Low Profile Red actually much louder than standard Silent Red in your opinion? I didn't find any good comparison between these two switches.

 

I wrote the first half of this response on my K70 MK.2 SE with speed switches and PBT keycaps. The second on my K70 MK2 Low Profile. The LP is the quietest keyboard I own and there is no second place. It is the one I consistently recommend for people that don't like KB noise or need the quietest mechanical possible. Part of a keyboard's noise is not simply the mechanical switch, but the resulting vibrations from the depression, release, and the materials involved. My sound changes when I pull away the thick desk mat and put the KB directly on the glass. KB material will matter as well. However, nothing takes the sting out of this like reducing the energy involved and the initial contact between finger and keycap is a large part of what you hear. Just because a key is 45g of actuation force, does not mean your fingers will be applying that exact amount of force on each stroke. You are going to overshoot by necessity and inevitably every time. It is significantly easier to use less force on the Low Profile model. It's not even close in terms of noise. My K70 MK.2 SE is the single best manufacturing sample of the 10 keyboards I have. It is near perfect in every possible way and I can feel it every time I get it out. However, it will never, ever, be as quiet as the K70 MK.2 Low Profile in red or speed. I don't think the Strafe with Silent Keys can compete on the same level for noise.

 

K70 Low Profile Speed vs Red - I have the speed and have not used the red version, so I can't make a direct comparison. I would predict any differences would be extremely slight and difficult for anyone who is not highly attuned to cherry red to discern. The notion of total travel distance on the LP is mostly inconsequential, unlike the taller key caps varieties. It is short and direct in feel. Counter-point is the warranty does have value and not all keyboards come off the assembly line perfect. If you are forced to order from abroad, you leave yourself open to a big shipping cost for return and the warranty. I don't think is probably worth the risk for red vs speed on this model.

[Ryuuhei]

Wow, that's actually best and in-depth reply I could get!

 

I'll give a shot to LP Speed then and see how it performs. Thanks for giving me some feedback on how the keyboards sound!