(opinion) Best MX Cherry black keyboard brands

[RequieM]

Hi,

Thoughts on the best brand names that make the Cherry MX black switches?

I am leaning towards filco.

Thanks.

Edit: I would like a keyboard where the letters dont fade or being able feel the printed letters on the keys *cough* steelseries *cough*

[rowdy]

"Best" is entirely subjective.

I would say CM QRF based on price, availability and quality.

[metalliqaz]

I own Leopold, Filco, and Ducky and I would only recommend Ducky if you must have LED.  I recommend Leopold over Filco.  Full disclosure: I don't own any MX black boards but I don't think the switches would really vary much between manufacturers.

[HybridCore]

CMStorm QuickFire Rapid, Ducky, Filco, Leopold, and WASD.

You can always get a new set of keys. Not all keys that come with a keyboard will be great, that's if you can justify for the price of a new set of keys.

[RequieM]

Thanks for the responses. Price is not an issue. I do not want LED.

I own Leopold, Filco, and Ducky and I would only recommend Ducky if you must have LED.  I recommend Leopold over Filco.  Full disclosure: I don't own any MX black boards but I don't think the switches would really vary much between manufacturers.

Why do you prefer Leopold? are there any differences?

[Goodfella]

I just got my first poker and am trying black switches for the first time. Among the three switches I currently own, Blue, Red and Black. Black are quickly becoming my favorite.

[RequieM]

I want a full size, guess that drops CM QFR.

Can anyone with a filco confirm that the key surface is smooth (can't feel the letters)

[thegunner100]

I've read that the Filco blacks switches are stiffer than the other brands'.

[RequieM]

I've read that the Filco blacks switches are stiffer than the other brands'.

Really? where?

Although I lift, so it shouldn't be a problem

[terrpn]

so i guess i'll blow everything up and say i like my vintage chicony with vintage mx blacks........

cherry beige and wyse double shots

i'm sure it's not par to newer boards, but still a great switch

"Best" is entirely subjective.

I would say CM QRF based on price, availability and quality.

[RequieM]

lol, im pretty much set on either leopold or filco. Doesnt the filco have different stabilisers?

[Sifo]

lol, im pretty much set on either leopold or filco. Doesnt the filco have different stabilisers?

Then you have to figure out if you want a detachable cable or not, and if you think you'll like cherry stabilizers or costar stabilizers.

[RequieM]

lol, im pretty much set on either leopold or filco. Doesnt the filco have different stabilisers?

Then you have to figure out if you want a detachable cable or not, and if you think you'll like cherry stabilizers or costar stabilizers.

Detachable cable - don't care. How do the stabilizers differ?

Thanks.

[Hyde]

Sometimes people forget that Thermaltake MEKA G1 is also a Costar board.  It's pretty much a rebranded WASD Keyboards.
http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-KB-MEG005US-eSports-Keyboard-Cherry/dp/B004HPTHE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354595781&sr=8-1&keywords=thermaltake+meka+g1

Also comes in white version if you want.
http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-KB-MEG005USC01-Function-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B008PO7PPQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354595781&sr=8-2&keywords=thermaltake+meka+g1

While in a perfect world I'd buy a Filco.  But this option basically get you close to Filco quality but you can pick it up locally and save on shipping (literally sells everywhere).

EDIT:  Oh I forgot to mention the wrist rest is detachable, so if you don't like it just don't use it.

[RequieM]

Hey Hyde,

The meka g1 sells for 132 here, the filco 150. My only concern is what this person has said earlier about the filco having stiff cherry blacks... The cherry blacks are good, but any stiffer than normal would be overkill. I am guessing all costar brands would have equal stiffness?

[Hyde]

Ahhhhh in that case then I don't know, I've only used a MX Black Filco briefly on those in store display.  Personally I use MX Red.

Also depends on how "soon" you want it, because WASD Keyboards is coming out with their V2 keyboard in March 2013.  That might be a good choice too.

But I just think Thermaltake MEKA G1 is the most readily available Costar MX Black board.

[RequieM]

Actually, i might go with the Meka, I like the look of the slightly extended rounded edge at the front.

[Hyde]

Oh I found a review on geekhack:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=14992.0

And if you like that case, there are two other options:

WASD Keyboards
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/gallery2/wasd-v1-keyboard

Mionix Zibal 60
http://mionix.net/products/zibal-60/

Haha and yes glad you like the Thermaltake MEKA G1.

[RequieM]

Hmm I like filco also lol. Decisions, decisions.

[Hyde]

lol well Filco is the kinda the default "safe" option.  While Thermaltake might saves you a few bucks.

Oh I also noticed you want a keyboard where the letter don't fade, then you should just go for Filco Ninja.  Something like this http://ncix.ca/products/?sku=70725&vpn=FKBN104ML%2FEFB2&manufacture=Filco

[blighty]

If you like MX black, you can't go wrong with a Filco.  Nice sturdy keyboard.  Should think how much you really want to spend.  Get one pricey one, or maybe spend the same and get two cheap ones?

[RequieM]

Well i dont really care about the fading, its more the ability to feel the letters on the keys, i hate that.

Can anyone confirm/deny the filco requiring more than normal actuation force than what the cherry blacks should be?

One pricey one

[rootwyrm]

Avoid the Meka G1; it's got a buggy controller - simply awful. And eye-bleedingly bright red LEDs. Also you MUST factor in needing to replace the entire set of keycaps at time of purchase. The ones used wear through in a matter of weeks with light use. (Just check out the reviews. That graying isn't dirt.) The price they demand for it is completely unjustifiable.

The good 'low cost' option is the SteelSeries 6GV2. It's easily found for $80 or less - so cheaper than CM Storm usually. It's a respected OEM. It's solidly built. It's nicely bare-bones but without being too bare-boned. The layout is excellent and essentially identical to the Thermaltake Meka G1. Yes, it has the same ABS keycap wearing problem. But SteelSeries support and warranty is all based in the US (Chicago and California) and they have a decently sized staff. Usual turnaround for my support requests has been <2 days and RMAs <5 days. Disclosure: I've RMA'd my WoW Legendary at 10 months due to left button wearing out, and requested support for various software/driver problems on 5 occasions as a regular customer. So I'd say it's a reasonable sampling.

OH! And you can probably get your hands on a 6GV2 locally to take a look at and type on - Microcenter, usually in the gaming section.

But yes, both of them are using the same keycaps, and yes, you will be able to feel the letters on the keycaps as they wear, because they're filled and not pad-printed.

[Hyde]

I find that is kinda common for laser infilled keycaps, Das Keyboard keycap is also like that.  But the buggy controller might be an issue.

As for 6GV2, really try it before you buy it.  I can't get used to the shorter right shift and 1 extra key next to it.  I keep hitting that key instead of shift.

So sounds like maybe you should just go with Filco then 

(lol full circle back to Filco)

[VoDivineDark]

Avoid the Meka G1; it's got a buggy controller - simply awful. And eye-bleedingly bright red LEDs. Also you MUST factor in needing to replace the entire set of keycaps at time of purchase. The ones used wear through in a matter of weeks with light use. (Just check out the reviews. That graying isn't dirt.) The price they demand for it is completely unjustifiable.

The good 'low cost' option is the SteelSeries 6GV2. It's easily found for $80 or less - so cheaper than CM Storm usually. It's a respected OEM. It's solidly built. It's nicely bare-bones but without being too bare-boned. The layout is excellent and essentially identical to the Thermaltake Meka G1. Yes, it has the same ABS keycap wearing problem. But SteelSeries support and warranty is all based in the US (Chicago and California) and they have a decently sized staff. Usual turnaround for my support requests has been <2 days and RMAs <5 days. Disclosure: I've RMA'd my WoW Legendary at 10 months due to left button wearing out, and requested support for various software/driver problems on 5 occasions as a regular customer. So I'd say it's a reasonable sampling.

OH! And you can probably get your hands on a 6GV2 locally to take a look at and type on - Microcenter, usually in the gaming section.

But yes, both of them are using the same keycaps, and yes, you will be able to feel the letters on the keycaps as they wear, because they're filled and not pad-printed.

I've used the Meka G1 to death, and I have yet to experience a "buggy controller". What is the issue exactly? Maybe I've just missed it.

[Hyde]

I've used the Meka G1 to death, and I have yet to experience a "buggy controller". What is the issue exactly? Maybe I've just missed it.

Oh how do you like it so far?  I find even though it's made by Costar also but I rarely see people talk about it somehow.  Though one YouTube review do describe it as "solid as a tank".