Monoprice Cherry Red MX Mechanical Keyboard

Kinda tough to figure out which are the best of the 4...

I'll probably join this drop so I can be the Otaku with demonstration models of each switch type. However, I will always wish the USB ports were 3.0<br /><br />At my office I use an earlier, MX Black version of this keyboard from Monoprice. Observable differences: differently-shaped (and non-illuminated) keys, thick rubberized USB cable instead of fabric-covered. It's pretty solid. When the keys bottoms out I get a nice clack, but it's not as loud and clickety as MX-Blue switches (or for that matter, the old IBM keyboards I grew up with).<br /><br />I imagine MX Reds will have a similar action, but without the (high) resistance of the Blacks. Tom's hardware suggests the lower compression force may lead to more typographical errors. However, if you're a very accurate typist and want to avoid RSI, the Reds might be an improvement (though such a typist wouldn't need to pay extra for illuminated keys).<br /><br />Tom's article, with the diagrams we all enjoy: <br />http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/mechanical-switch-keyboard,2955-2.html<br /><br />You can make these quiet by installing O-rings; not too hard but if you've never dissembled a keyboard before it'll take you over an hour to finish the job. Rings can be acquired from wasdkeyboards or Amazon. I would recommend the WASD keycap pulling tool for beginners:<br />http://www.amazon.com/WASD-Keyboards-Wire-Keycap-Puller/dp/B00AZCGF7K/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_y<br /><br />I liked the Monoprice MX-Black keyboard so much I purchased their MX-Blue keyboard as a spare (and also for experiment). Mostly different parts, but it's also good and clicks like the keyboards of my youth, maybe not as loud (but louder than the MX-Black). A more delightful typing experience than the MX-Black switches.<br /><br />When looking for a wireless mechanical for a friend (rare item, BTW) I found the XArmor U9W 2.4 GHz RF wireless, which had the exact same frame, with a bump containing the wireless hardware where the USB cable would otherwise have been. (And MX-Brown keys as I recall.) I figured that would be another quality item.<br /><br />http://www.ergogeek.com/xarmor-u9w-2.4-ghz-rf-wireless-mechanical-keyboard.html<br /><br />After a week of use it completely stopped working after an 18" drop onto carpeting. Wouldn't work via USB either. Considering how solid the frame is, there couldn't have been much flex. No way of knowing, but I tend to imagine XArmor's enhancements are what broke. Even if this is true, I have to presume it isn't typical for the brand.<br /><br />I'd purchase any of the Monoprice mechanicals (MX-Black, MX-Blue or some future MX-Clear for me), but would avoid purchasing the XArmor again. Definitely the same frame, possibly the same Chinese factory for all I know, some different internals, far different luck for me.

So, how loud is this puppy?