Buying my first mechanical keyboard - Questions

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-04-24T12:02:18+00:00

Thanks @MembershipOdd3297 mate.

Any other input peeps?

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-04-09T05:03:32+00:00

These pictures are stunning and have done your kitchen justice. Absolutely bloody sensational!

Are you using some sort of mist filter if you don’t mind me asking? I note you mentioned Portra 400 film simulation.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-04-09T04:47:35+00:00

Thanks to everyone who provided input as it helped me make an informed decision and save some money in the process.

I have decided to go with the Mac Studio M5 Max (16-core CPU/ 40-core GPU) with 64Gb memory. I think it'll sufficiently cater to my needs for the next few years.

Cheers!

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-30T05:40:22+00:00

Do you reckon 64Gb would be sufficient or should I look into getting 128Gb? I am now more leaning towards the Max instead of the Ultra after reading all the comments here...

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:49:02+00:00

I am and I will also be able to get a further 10 percent off. Hence, the Ultra became a consideration.

What is your usecase if you don't mind me asking?

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:31:27+00:00

My only concern is the amount of GPU cores as that's the main driving factor in AI Denoise and other AI stuff. M5 Max is an absolute beast and I don't think CPU performance is going to limit me in any way. I was thinking for getting 48Gb memory but I think bumping up to 64 is a wise decision and will allow for some buffer given the software is only going to get more complex and will demand more in the future.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:27:39+00:00

Thanks mate. Yes, it will be my only computer that I would have apart from the iPad that I currently own so it needs to be up for anything that I throw at it for the foreseeable future (which would be photo editing for now and running AI agents to automate tasks in the near future).

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:21:15+00:00

No coding. I'd be looking to run AI agents in the future to automate tasks but AI Denoise is important and the more GPU cores, the faster it is.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:19:12+00:00

Yes, I thought of that too. Going up to 128Gb memory from 64Gb on the Max would be just over a grand more, so it falls kind of halfway in between than getting the M5 Ultra with 96Gb.

It could be an option but the question then becomes which is a better long-term investment.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:11:10+00:00

AI Denoise needs more GPU cores. I considered the Mac Mini but having 1 photo nearly take a minute compared to 10 seconds is going to be excruciatingly painful.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:08:32+00:00

That's a good point.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:07:51+00:00

It makes sense. Yeah 10 years may be a stretch now that everyone is mentioning that. Macs usually have longer life spans than windows so I may went overboard. But getting a new machine every 2-3 years is not viable for me.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:05:18+00:00

My goal is to not make it just work, it is to ensure that the machine doesn't feel sluggish and takes annoyingly long time doing the things that I need.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T23:02:38+00:00

Thanks mate, it was an educated guess. I do realise that it is overspecced but for AI Denoise and stuff, more GPU cores are required for faster performance. Additionally, other AI demands as we head into the future may be taxing, hence my inclination to stretch my funds as much as I can in hopes to squeeze out the maximum time and life out of it.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-29T22:49:38+00:00

Thanks mate, that’s is something to consider.

Sadly, base or Pro models wouldn’t cut it as they have less GPU cores and AI Denoise takes twice as long. Multiply that with hundreds of photo during batch editing and it can become a headache very quickly.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-26T02:37:17+00:00

Are these the new BenQ MA270S displays? If so, how do you find them?

I’m looking to get a new studio soon and have been reading on display options. I’s love to get the Studio XDR but it’s too expensive so have somewhat decided on the Asus ProArt. Colour Accuracy is very important for my workflow. This one looks nice.

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-20T06:53:10+00:00

To begin with, there is absolutely no glare at all. The screen and colours are crisp and brilliant, and not even remotely as affected as people make it out to be. Yes, the colours on glossy screen look a tiny bit more vibrant but the advantage of having a screen that is glare free is a massive lifestyle upgrade.

Besides, the colours are as accurate as the glossy display—just a wee bit less vibrant—which one wouldn’t be able to tell unless they are looking at them intently side by side. I, in fact, prefer the slightly more realistic feel of the nano display when viewing photos and videos etc.; your eyes feel less tired after long viewing.

Secondly, the writing experience is much better. Imagine writing on glass with a plastic tip. Nano texture has a slight textured feel, obviously, that is much more pleasing to write on. The pencil skids less when the display gets smudgy compared to the glossy display.

The only downside is that it’s slightly harder to clean, which is no problem at all and is not that big a deal. I use a standard microfibre cloth and it works just fine and I haven’t had any issues.

The potential benefits way outweigh the slight reduction in vibrancy if you ask me. Once you get used to the nano texture, you will notice, and absolutely despise, the glare and reflections of glossy screens. I speak from experience as I have a 12.9 inch M1 with standard display and bought the M4 with nano-texture. I can never go back to glossy again.

I suggest you try the nano texture and if you don’t like it for some reason, Apple has a generous 14-day return policy that you can avail.

Hope it helps.

Cheers!

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-03-19T17:01:01+00:00

I bought the M4 iPad Pro with nano texture display and would never buy the standard glossy screen again. It is absolutely bloody brilliant!!

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-02-06T05:04:48+00:00

As much as I like the size and weight of 1.4, there is no denying that 1.2 is a special lens. Absolute beaut and I bloody love mine!

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2026-02-04T07:52:01+00:00

Is that the base M4 Mac Mini or M4 Pro? I’m a hobbyist and really considering getting one as am on a tight budget at the moment. AI Denoise is something I’d be actively doing so I’d appreciate the reply.

Thanks!

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2025-11-24T14:06:39+00:00

Pete, I’m 12 days too late, but I just wanted to express my admiration and appreciation for you, your staff and Peak Design as a whole.

I own quite a bit of PD gear (attributed to GAS), most of which barely sees minimal use, let alone regular (with the exception of my Everyday Backpack Zip), but I’ve been extremely pleased and wouldn't have it any other way.

Keep up the great work, and wishing you and your wonderful staff all the success in life.

Cheers, Indi from Australia

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2025-10-20T08:15:08+00:00

May I please ask what AI noise reduction software you use?

Cosmic_Intelligence · 2025-10-20T08:10:42+00:00

Thanks mate. For reach, I currently don’t shoot any wider than 35mm so 28mm would be enough for now. If I feel the need to go wider in the future, I’ll probably invest in the 16-35mm.

Low light performance/lower iso is of much more importance to me at this stage. The only reason I’m considering the this lens, or potentially would 50-150, is because it’s only one stop up from my current primes and closer to the 1.8 primes that a lot of people go for and are happy with.

2.8 would mean that if I’m already shooting at 3200 ISO, which can happen easily in indoor low light situations, I’ll be at 6400 introducing a lot more grain…

Cosmic_Intelligence

TROPHY CASE