Ducky Silent Red SF or Gamdias Hermes M3 TKL keyboard (Brown Switches) Advice

[Bearman]

Hi

Thinking if getting Gamdias Hermes M3, as it seems to be a lot of what I want - TKL, Low Profile Brown Kaihl (softer noise than MX Red, apparently), and a decent price. Plus RGB, even though anything more than a one colour backlight is wasted on me.

Anyone have any experience with this keyboard? Or should I wait for a Ducky TKL with Silent Red? Baby on the way, so looking for a more quiet mechanical TKL.

Currently borrowing a Logitech G Pro, which is nice, but have to give it back.

 

[Habitual line-stepper]

I haven't tried the Gamdias line of keyboards,so I can't comment on their build quality, but every Ducky keyboard I have owned has been amazing. I would definitely recommend the Ducky.

 

[superrob]

I'd say to avoid the Gamdias, look it's a great keyboard but their switches are specific to their own keyboards. It's like typing on a laptop and no it's not faster like they claim then other well made keyboards. The Gamdias keyboard looks great and sure you're saving money over the ducky but why save money when it's not exactly what you want. The Ducky range is specifically for people that like showing off good peripherals and is so customizable, the silent reds are well silenter then most stuff on the market however if you're a clicky freak you'll miss the tactile feel of some other switches.

At the moment I have the one two mini but apart from looking better and I have the hotkeys software to make the arrow keys feel more normal... I'd actually steer people more for the SF Ducky because it has
arrow keys for the compromise of been slightly wider. It takes time to get used to the feel of ducky peripherals immediately but once you get them you don't tend to want to use anything else.

As for the Gamdias, similarities are it has a similar cable, it's form factor is similar, it feels really well built, in many ways looks sexy but then there's the software which is icky(Ducky has no software needed) and the keycaps are not interchangeable on the Gamdias held on my funny clips that could possibly break if taken off incorrectly. Then last but not least the RGB if that's what you like is horribly implemented on the Gamdias, very bland and light pass through is terrible oddly from a company that favours RGB items.

TBH if you are looking for LOW PROFILE with a similar form factor to Ducky but laptop like typing maybe aim for the Coolermaster series of keyboards there because they are not terrible options.

 

[Bearman]

@superrob Having read your advice, I am now actually considering the Ducky One 2 SF...

Ducky One 2 SF RGB - Cherry MX Silent Red Product Name Ducky One...

Ducky One 2 SF RGB - Cherry MX Silent Red Product Name Ducky One 2 SF RGB Model Number DKON1967ST-SUSPDAZT1 Switch Type CHERRY MX Silent Red Key C...

www.rebeltech.co.za

I think I would be able to make it work. The function keys look pretty well set-up, and extra desk space is always welcome.

What do you think of the 65% format?

 

[Evacol]

I have the One 2 SF and am loving it, got it with the brown keys and they are amazing. Build quality is phenomenal and can highly recommend it. Arrow keys are really nice to have, i actually use them a decent amount for typing and to fast forward on youtube etc.

 

[superrob]

I think it's a perfect size tbh, a bit easier to live with. If you want some pics of a one two mini next to a average sized keyboard you're welcome to get some on whatsapp from me @bearman, my worst gripe with the Ducky range is pretty much that the cable comes out the lefthand side at the rear which I would have been happier with if it'd come out the center of the back but that's about that

 

[Bearman]

@superrob @Evacol @Wandering Ronin Do you regret going for the 65% format (SF ducky) over the TKL? I see that the SF is in stock, and I am super tempted to go for it, but I am also wondering if I can cope with 65 vs TKL.

I do also work with my keyboard, and not just game.

 

[Evacol]

I have never worked with a TKL. Went from full size board to the SF. So far im loving it. You can use the Fn key for almost everything, even the mouse is on the SF keyboard. Which actually came in handy when i accidentally unbound my primary mouse button. I think once you get used to using the Fn key you will be good to go

 

[JollyJamma]

I have the One 2 SF and am loving it, got it with the brown keys and they are amazing. Build quality is phenomenal and can highly recommend it. Arrow keys are really nice to have, i actually use them a decent amount for typing and to fast forward on youtube etc.

I can attest to the build quality. It’s great.

I dropped my Ducky down a flight of stairs last night and it’s fine.

I tried the MX Silvers and they were so effing fast and quiet. Too little tactile feedback though.

I think that the silent reds should suffice - even the stock reds aren’t that bad but the browns are noisier.

 

[Bearman]

Well, I ordered the Hermes M3. I want to see if the budget option fulfills my needs, and if it doesn't, then I can always sell and buy a Ducky. I admittedly like trying new peripherals!

Something else odd that happened, recently had the option to try red keys on a keyboard for a few days, and compared to the Romer G with tactile feedback that I have been using for two weeks previously, I did not like it.

What a time to realise I don't like linear switches like reds. Feels too soft for no reason.

Changed my setup at home so a little noise should be fine. So. Browns probably the thing for me, and I will try the Gamdias with Kaihl LP Browns, then after perhaps Durgod Hades 68 with silenced Gateron browns, or Ducky with browns.

Thanks for all the advice, really appreciate it. It does seem like Ducky has three votes already, so I do hope maybe someone will sell a Ducky on Carbonite soon

 

[Habitual line-stepper]

Well, I ordered the Hermes M3. I want to see if the budget option fulfills my needs, and if it doesn't, then I can always sell and buy a Ducky. I admittedly like trying new peripherals!

Something else odd that happened, recently had the option to try red keys on a keyboard for a few days, and compared to the Romer G with tactile feedback that I have been using for two weeks previously, I did not like it.

What a time to realise I don't like linear switches like reds. Feels too soft for no reason.

Changed my setup at home so a little noise should be fine. So. Browns probably the thing for me, and I will try the Gamdias with Kaihl LP Browns, then after perhaps Durgod Hades 68 with silenced Gateron browns, or Ducky with browns.

Thanks for all the advice, really appreciate it. It does seem like Ducky has three votes already, so I do hope maybe someone will sell a Ducky on Carbonite soon

Let me know how the Gamdias is!

 

[Bearman]

Little Gamdias Hermes M3 review (Brown Switches).

Have this exact keyboard with Brown switches... And not buying the Ducky TKL I was planning, anymore. My needs have been met.

Is there very slight ping noise when typing if you listen for it? Sure. Do I actually notice enough to care? Nope.

{Ps. 2021 Edit. I opened it up (ten screws, super easy), put some foam in, and it made a huge difference to the ping noise. Still there, but 50% softer than before. Wish I had done this a year ago. Gave the keyboard a heftier feel, too.}

Stabilisers on spacebar/enter/backspace are excellent (reason why I wanted to change from Logitech G Pro TKL, also a keyboard I liked).

Low profile (Switches and board), wonderful feeling switches, just as quiet as one of my previous membranes, with very nice RGB. Wish I could have my work buy me this keyboard.

Minimalist design suits me perfectly. More space on desk.

Exactly what I wanted. Will buy again. (Paid about $60, R800 from Takealot, delivered).

Also, if you are a parent wanting to buy a cool keyboard for your teenager, that won't make you commit murder because of the noise, or break the bank? This is it. (With Brown switches, not blue loud ones!)

Disclaimer: all my PC parts are value for money parts. This fits that philosophy perfectly. If I have more money one day, I will buy a Ducky/Durgod or complete custom TKL, with Holy Pandas. For now, I have something to still dream about.

 

[thatblackkat]

@bearman Really looking at getting the Gamdias Hermes M3 (if I can find stock), do you still love it after 9 months?

 

[Bearman]

@thatblackkat Yes. Typing on it as I am multi-tasking between shooting people in the head in CSGO.

 

[thatblackkat]

That's great to hear! I cant seem to find it in stock anywhere so if you see, or if you want to sell, dm me.

 

[Pushka]

I would not recommend the gamdias keyboards, I purchased the P2 earlier this year and some of the keys stopped working after 2 months.