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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 08:27:57

Title: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 08:27:57
Looking for a new mechanical keyboard to replace my old TKB020 (which replaced my IBM Model M a few years ago :( )

Do you have any you recommend? I'll also probably be replacing the key caps with custom ones.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 January 2013, 08:40:20
Sup dude,

CM-Trigger if you're a younger kid

Filco 104, if you're a bit older

Topre 104 if you're older and have a job

Filco/Topre with Aluminum Casing, if you "understand" the hobby



I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: esoomenona on Sun, 20 January 2013, 08:43:42
Go backwards. Get another Model M. Caps? pckeyboard.com
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 08:52:33
I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?

I define "custom" as a modification to the stock parts.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 20 January 2013, 09:30:20
Filco 104.

I bought the Ninja but I thought the stock keys were awesome. You could get the normal top printed version and save yourself a few bucks.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sun, 20 January 2013, 10:37:05
Do you have any you recommend? I'll also probably be replacing the key caps with custom ones.

Are you on a budget?

+1 for esoomenona suggestion - If you liked the M - pckeyboard.com -> Unicomp
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 January 2013, 10:41:38
Do you have any you recommend? I'll also probably be replacing the key caps with custom ones.

Are you on a budget?

+1 for esoomenona suggestion - If you liked the M - pckeyboard.com -> Unicomp


yea but remember, unicomp only sells grey/beigh/black keycaps. "they're available in Blanks
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: baldgye on Sun, 20 January 2013, 10:45:47
I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?

I define "custom" as a modification to the stock parts.

what you gona do to your caps? :S

...but as a filco user I'm very happy and they come in most languages and layouts too if you want a proper UK layout
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: FoxWolf1 on Sun, 20 January 2013, 10:49:23
Do you have any you recommend? I'll also probably be replacing the key caps with custom ones.

Are you on a budget?

+1 for esoomenona suggestion - If you liked the M - pckeyboard.com -> Unicomp


yea but remember, unicomp only sells grey/beigh/black keycaps. "they're available in Blanks

From Unicomp site:
(http://pckeyboard.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/KeyColors.jpg)
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 13:21:45
EDIT: Guess i'll just go for 104, 105 seems very unpopular overall. Is this any good? Elite Keyboards FC500RT/AB (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,fullsize&pid=fc500rtab) (Brown Switch). Gives me much more left over of my £130 budget.

(http://elitekeyboards.com/proddata/images/th/fc500r_full1000_th0x0.jpg)
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: swagpiratex on Sun, 20 January 2013, 14:21:40
tp4 was spot on, imo.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: iri on Sun, 20 January 2013, 15:56:48
i'd go for a unicomp keyboard
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:04:12
Thanks guys ;)

Going to order Topre 104 later this week.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:05:39
Do you have any you recommend? I'll also probably be replacing the key caps with custom ones.

Are you on a budget?

+1 for esoomenona suggestion - If you liked the M - pckeyboard.com -> Unicomp


yea but remember, unicomp only sells grey/beigh/black keycaps. "they're available in Blanks

From Unicomp site:
Show Image
(http://pckeyboard.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/KeyColors.jpg)


F---ME... Really????????????? They have orange???????? wow.. Ordering....
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: iri on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:06:04
got some pm's convincing you to buy a topre?
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: iri on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:06:34
also lolz @ tp4
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:08:07
Thanks guys ;)

Going to order Topre 104 later this week.

I see you are "adult" and "have a job",, wonderful.... ;D

Ah... if you do get a 104 though, just remember that they usually.... do not make full size Aluminum Cases, so if you plan to go "metal" in the future.. You might consider getting a 87 TKL...



Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:18:43
Thanks guys ;)

Going to order Topre 104 later this week.

I see you are "adult" and "have a job",, wonderful.... ;D

Ah... if you do get a 104 though, just remember that they usually.... do not make full size Aluminum Cases, so if you plan to go "metal" in the future.. You might consider getting a 87 TKL...





I be no adult! But I do have a pretty good job for my age.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Tym on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:20:41
If you are still looking, the steelseries 6gv2 is good value for monies?
http://shop.steelseries.com/uk/keyboards/steelseries-6gv2.html
£64.99
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:22:35
Thanks guys ;)

Going to order Topre 104 later this week.

I see you are "adult" and "have a job",, wonderful.... ;D

Ah... if you do get a 104 though, just remember that they usually.... do not make full size Aluminum Cases, so if you plan to go "metal" in the future.. You might consider getting a 87 TKL...





I be no adult! But I do have a pretty good job for my age.

what job, drug dealer?
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:24:17
If you are still looking, the steelseries 6gv2 is good value for monies?
http://shop.steelseries.com/uk/keyboards/steelseries-6gv2.html
£64.99

Imo, the big enter key doesn't feel as smooth as smaller enter keys, because the stabilizers don't do a good enough job for that "SHAPE"
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:36:58
If you are still looking, the steelseries 6gv2 is good value for monies?
http://shop.steelseries.com/uk/keyboards/steelseries-6gv2.html
£64.99

May I ask what switch type it is?
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: esoomenona on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:37:29
Aren't all steelseries MX Blacks?
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:50:06
Aren't all steelseries MX Blacks?

Thanks.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: esoomenona on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:50:56
^Don't take my word for it. That's all I've ever seen. That's why it was a question.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Sun, 20 January 2013, 16:57:53
^Don't take my word for it. That's all I've ever seen. That's why it was a question.

They have one marked as Red in the title, so i'm guessing they will be as they would say if their keyboard switches varied.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sun, 20 January 2013, 18:11:58
Thanks guys ;)

Going to order Topre 104 later this week.

Woot! So much for the budget thing :-)

Which one are you aiming for? I'm not big on their boards with variable weight switches. But I really love the all 55g's
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: volatilecoffee on Sun, 20 January 2013, 18:15:24
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=197
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 20 January 2013, 18:51:33
Sup dude,

CM-Trigger if you're a younger kid

Filco 104, if you're a bit older

Topre 104 if you're older and have a job

Filco/Topre with Aluminum Casing, if you "understand" the hobby



I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?

Do they sell aluminium cases for 104 Filcos? I've seen aluminum cases for the Filco TKL but wasn't even sure if they existed for 104s.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 January 2013, 19:49:20
Sup dude,

CM-Trigger if you're a younger kid

Filco 104, if you're a bit older

Topre 104 if you're older and have a job

Filco/Topre with Aluminum Casing, if you "understand" the hobby



I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?

Do they sell aluminium cases for 104 Filcos? I've seen aluminum cases for the Filco TKL but wasn't even sure if they existed for 104s.

come to think of it, i don't think they do.. LOL..  hmm. only tkl
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 20 January 2013, 19:52:18
Sup dude,

CM-Trigger if you're a younger kid

Filco 104, if you're a bit older

Topre 104 if you're older and have a job

Filco/Topre with Aluminum Casing, if you "understand" the hobby



I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?

Do they sell aluminium cases for 104 Filcos? I've seen aluminum cases for the Filco TKL but wasn't even sure if they existed for 104s.

come to think of it, i don't think they do.. LOL..  hmm. only tkl

I think SmallFry told me that he's only seen two? But they seem ultra rare. Maybe I have a project on my hands ^_^
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 January 2013, 19:54:33
Sup dude,

CM-Trigger if you're a younger kid

Filco 104, if you're a bit older

Topre 104 if you're older and have a job

Filco/Topre with Aluminum Casing, if you "understand" the hobby



I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?

Do they sell aluminium cases for 104 Filcos? I've seen aluminum cases for the Filco TKL but wasn't even sure if they existed for 104s.

come to think of it, i don't think they do.. LOL..  hmm. only tkl

I think SmallFry told me that he's only seen two? But they seem ultra rare. Maybe I have a project on my hands ^_^

Market is too small, there wouldn't be significant amount of takers.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Vintage on Sun, 20 January 2013, 20:12:22
I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?

I define "custom" as a modification to the stock parts.
I agree. If you buy non-stock hubcaps for your car you call it custom. You don't have to break out solidworks and design your own.

Just my opinion though.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 20 January 2013, 20:15:01
Sup dude,

CM-Trigger if you're a younger kid

Filco 104, if you're a bit older

Topre 104 if you're older and have a job

Filco/Topre with Aluminum Casing, if you "understand" the hobby



I don't like how people keep using the word "custom"

Is there really anything "custom" about buying mass available retail products?

Do they sell aluminium cases for 104 Filcos? I've seen aluminum cases for the Filco TKL but wasn't even sure if they existed for 104s.

come to think of it, i don't think they do.. LOL..  hmm. only tkl

I think SmallFry told me that he's only seen two? But they seem ultra rare. Maybe I have a project on my hands ^_^

Market is too small, there wouldn't be significant amount of takers.

I meant for me and my board. I know that 104 boards aren't too popular so I agree and don't think I'd bother running a GB or anything.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sun, 20 January 2013, 20:30:33
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=197

Do they come with a Barney logo :eek:

(http://i.eatliver.com/2012/9280.jpg)
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Mon, 21 January 2013, 11:06:10
Oh, just noticed the Topre uses it's own special switch, (EDIT:) not cherry switches.

Should I trust this seller of a Filco Magestouch-2 (brown) w/ Blue Aluminium case? (£132)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Filco-Majestouch-2-Action-Metallic-Keyboard/dp/B004Z0OS54/ref=sr_1_9?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1358787426&sr=1-9
(EDIT:) I feel stupid of not noticing the seller is infact Filco...I seem to miss a lot.

Else I think I might go for Vortex KBT ONE (brown). (~£80)
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=206
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: iri on Mon, 21 January 2013, 11:12:25
i still wonder for what reason you suddenly chose topre.

vortex have bad reputation here for questionable quality control and lack of customer support.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Mon, 21 January 2013, 11:18:00
i still wonder for what reason you suddenly chose topre.

vortex have bad reputation here for questionable quality control and lack of customer support.

I see.

(I miss-read the price for $175, not $275. Along with the switch picture not loading on mobile.)

Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 21 January 2013, 13:08:44
i still wonder for what reason you suddenly chose topre.

vortex have bad reputation here for questionable quality control and lack of customer support.

I see.

(I miss-read the price for $175, not $275. Along with the switch picture not loading on mobile.)



Buy, Both,

Get an inexpensive MX along with a topre... make sure to get "uniform" topre, because the variable key weighting is annoying to some people :))
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: lazerpointer on Mon, 21 January 2013, 13:16:10
Get the KBT Oni - a great browns board with nice PBT caps.

I'm gonna wait for the WASD V2 board myself. Full size or TKL with minimal branding and LED back lighting. Also gonna get the version without caps if WASD continues to offer that, to save a bit of money / waste.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 21 January 2013, 13:31:34
Get the KBT Oni - a great browns board with nice PBT caps.

I'm gonna wait for the WASD V2 board myself. Full size or TKL with minimal branding and LED back lighting. Also gonna get the version without caps if WASD continues to offer that, to save a bit of money / waste.

why would you get backlit "without caps"   the way that cherry mx switches has the LED setup, it looks silly with normal caps because the light diffusion looks so unsymmetrical
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Mon, 21 January 2013, 13:49:46
Get the KBT Oni - a great browns board with nice PBT caps.

I'm gonna wait for the WASD V2 board myself. Full size or TKL with minimal branding and LED back lighting. Also gonna get the version without caps if WASD continues to offer that, to save a bit of money / waste.

Eye, me too. But it's too long away to wait for it, need a new keyboard before this one falls apart.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 14:14:21
If you are still looking, the steelseries 6gv2 is good value for monies?
http://shop.steelseries.com/uk/keyboards/steelseries-6gv2.html
£64.99

May I ask what switch type it is?
Sorry I never got back to you, mine is black, I know a while back they made some with blue (I bought mine for early xmas present) and they do sell reds differently, I believe a quick email to steelseries could resolve this for you!
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Tym on Mon, 21 January 2013, 14:15:34
If you are still looking, the steelseries 6gv2 is good value for monies?
http://shop.steelseries.com/uk/keyboards/steelseries-6gv2.html
£64.99

Imo, the big enter key doesn't feel as smooth as smaller enter keys, because the stabilizers don't do a good enough job for that "SHAPE"

Also I don't have a problem with the big f*ck off enter key, i enjoy the fact it offends people who try my keyboard :D I like being different! Thats why i have a pen1s which is only 3 inches...from the ground XD
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: baldgye on Mon, 21 January 2013, 14:21:28
I'd still recomend a fullsize filco, that you can get with pretty much which ever switch you like (cherry) and in either US/EU or UK layouts...

thekeyboardco are a uk site too so shipping is quick and not too bad...
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Mon, 21 January 2013, 14:40:48
I'd still recomend a fullsize filco, that you can get with pretty much which ever switch you like (cherry) and in either US/EU or UK layouts...

thekeyboardco are a uk site too so shipping is quick and not too bad...

I dislike tenkeyless and numberpad-less keyboards. Also, I can't use that site because I can't actually read the text because of the background...
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: baldgye on Mon, 21 January 2013, 14:49:34
I'd still recomend a fullsize filco, that you can get with pretty much which ever switch you like (cherry) and in either US/EU or UK layouts...

thekeyboardco are a uk site too so shipping is quick and not too bad...

I dislike tenkeyless and numberpad-less keyboards. Also, I can't use that site because I can't actually read the text because of the background...
thats why I said get a fullsize one, like the one I have...
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Mon, 21 January 2013, 14:53:11
Nvm, changing background through css edit each time I load the page lets me use it, might get it from them, much cheaper inc. shipping!
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Mon, 21 January 2013, 14:53:56
I'd still recomend a fullsize filco, that you can get with pretty much which ever switch you like (cherry) and in either US/EU or UK layouts...

thekeyboardco are a uk site too so shipping is quick and not too bad...

I dislike tenkeyless and numberpad-less keyboards. Also, I can't use that site because I can't actually read the text because of the background...
thats why I said get a fullsize one, like the one I have...

I know.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 21 January 2013, 15:22:42
Should I trust this seller of a Filco Magestouch-2 (brown) w/ Blue Aluminium case? (£132)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Filco-Majestouch-2-Action-Metallic-Keyboard/dp/B004Z0OS54/ref=sr_1_9?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1358787426&sr=1-9

Beware - I own this specific keyboard. IT IS NOT ALUMINUM.

As written in the description: the color is "Metallic Blue".

It's a standard plastic case. Looks really good though. I like it very much.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 21 January 2013, 15:30:44
Get an inexpensive MX along with a topre... make sure to get "uniform" topre, because the variable key weighting is annoying to some people :))

+1 Sounds like what I wrote earlier in the thread
"Which one are you aiming for? I'm not big on their boards with variable weight switches. But I really love the all 55g's"
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Mountain Man on Mon, 21 January 2013, 20:49:25
Looking for a new mechanical keyboard to replace my old TKB020 (which replaced my IBM Model M a few years ago :( )

Do you have any you recommend? I'll also probably be replacing the key caps with custom ones.
WASD Keyboards.  Great quality and you can customize your own keycaps.
Title: Re: What 105-key Full keyboard do you recommend?
Post by: Wopian on Tue, 22 January 2013, 10:07:04
Looking for a new mechanical keyboard to replace my old TKB020 (which replaced my IBM Model M a few years ago :( )

Do you have any you recommend? I'll also probably be replacing the key caps with custom ones.
WASD Keyboards.  Great quality and you can customize your own keycaps.

I'm waiting for WASD_V2, but March is too long to wait.