I think a lot of people here are a lot more fanatical than I am about getting the glowiest most expensive gaming gear out there, so I would like to defer to your expertise!

Just wondering if anyone here uses a mechanical keyboard. I've been thinking of getting one for a while and would like to hear peoples experiences of them and whether you think they are worth the money.

I've been thinking the same, the last time I used a mechanical keyboard was probably back in primary school aged 7 - can't recall any difference from back then and my £10 Logitech keyboard/laptop island keyboard.

Typing a lot at home/work and pretty fluent at touch typing makes me naturally curious, but also cautious whether it's worth the dive.

And there is all these different types now too! Black cherries, red cherries, blue cherries, rainbow cherries...

Here is well-written a guide which tops it over, to be honest the only advantage I see is a CLACK CLACK CLACK but I haven't used one recently.

http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

You should buy this one. LOL

http://www.overclock.net/picture.php?albumid=3859&pictureid=22025

IBM Model M keyboard, hands down. Yeah, they're not cheap, but I've had mine for 14 years now and it still works just fine (and the keys still are clearly labelled, not worn off).

Plus, I'm a hard typer, this is the only one I've found that can survive me. I've carried it from job to job with me.

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm (original Model M's, NOT cheap)

http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/UKBD (reproductions, but based on the original design)

Personally I liked the Das Keyboard (hmm, now I'm advertising on the forum...) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Das_keyboard Comes in a blank format (The people who designed it built it to promotet remembering where the keys are), or with letters.

12 key rollover, (if using PS/2) otherwise 6, 2 usb ports on the side, and it's a standard layout (not a million extra buttons, although mine has a volume up/down control)

I love mechanical keyboards, for years I felt it was the only way I could get a really good head of steam up - typing speeds on soggy keyboards can't compare with a clack... That said, I converted! The only thing I've found close to a mechanical keyboard that's properly usable - as in long stretch usable - is a Sun Type 6. May need some remapping but they're the best non-clacky keyboard I've used.