You would think that keypuller is just that, pull the key, does the job and that's it. Well, while that is true but today we have a few varieties to choose from and my post here is just to show differences between some of them but of course, their main function is still to pull the keycaps.
First you have SP's and Techkeys's keypullers. They're made by the same source (with just different colors to differentiate between the two) and either of them will do the job just fine and they are quite similar to the one from Filco.
Techkey is $6 each plus shipping and
SP is $5 plus shipping.
Then you have the one from Feng's group buy which is made by MKC it's a stainless steel keypuller. It feels a little bit heavier, more substantial in one's hands with the letters MKC on the handle. It's pretty small when comparing to Filco's keypuller but definitely heavier. Feng's group buy is
here and he said that he'll stop taking order on 1/20/13 so might want to check with him first before ordering.
Next we have one from sherryton's new store (Originative) and this one is imported from Korea. The handle is made with wood and it's pretty smooth (don't know what kind of wood so you'll have to check with sherry on that
) ).
Originative site is down atm due to sherry having some problem with the PayPal people but once it's back up, you should be able to place an order there. This one is a little pricey at $25 each plus shipping.
It's really small in size with a good wooden grip/handle. Not as heavy as MKC's so that makes it easier to carry around. This is the one that I'd take it with me if I want to carry one around.
I think a few members here own the one from Cherry Corp so here's a pic just to compare the size between the two.
Next we have the Cherry's keypuller. Again, very small with a single switch on top (mine has a red switch there). I believe tinlong has a group buy going over at
Deskthority.net and
DanGWanG was running a smaller group buy here over in the Classifieds section ($9 shipped ConUS). Personally, I like the puller but the handle is just too short for me and I like something more substantial in my hands. It looks nice and you can change the keycap on top (it comes with one translucent keycap with Cherry logo on top).
Last but not least, we have one from KBC. I forgot where I got this one from but it was either feng or qtan that sent it to me. It's small in size and has step in the handle. This is the one that I've been using everyday for the past few months and it's holding up quite well. Since I don't remember who sent it to me, I don't recall the price either but I'm sure you should be able to find one on TaoBao or just ask feng or qtan to help you.
EK also has one by Leopold (they use to carry Filco but not anymore). It's also one of my all time favorite due to its short, thicker handle, inexpensive price and availability. You can get one for $5 plus shipping over at Elitekeyboards.com (
link).
Below are the ones that I don't own or haven't had any experience with them.
WASD wire keycap puller ($5.99 plus shipping and you can get it
here)
QWERkeys keycap puller (GBP 2.50 and you can get it
here)
Well, that's it for now. Please feel free to add your own comments/experience with any one of these as it will benefit newer members and help them decide which one is best.
I'll add more when I come across some newer ones.