help choose my FILCO!

[nvus]

EDIT: ordered the tenkeyless with brown switches from elitekeyboards.com

[kyamei]

1.  I personally don't like blues (edit: and white alps) for gaming, the clicks can get quite annoying with all the button mashing that happens when gaming (I do find the blues quite nice for typing however).  I can't speak for the browns as I've never tried them, but I do plan on getting one in the near future.
3.  Tenkeyless and fullsized have the same sized keys.
4.  People have vouched for the Filco's NKRO in the sticky.
5.  A few members here have already received their Filco's from Elitekeyboards (theres at least 2 reviews of boards from EK on here already).
6. $10 to the US.

[nvus]

Yea I heard the blues can are real noisy.  I'll keep that in mind, thanks.

[bhtooefr]

3. The keys are the same size as a regular 104-key Majestouch.

[iMav]

although I prefer the Cherry blues, the browns are quite nice as well (and, as others have mentioned, probably better suited for gaming).

[xsphat]

Yup, browns and blacks are better for gaming.

[eugenius]

Ideal for gaming are red stem cherry switches. (I don't think Filco have those) - they are lighter blacks, non-tactile.

Then, I would recommend browns, because they are the ideal compromise overall.

The blacks are better for gaming than browns but the added force necesary is tiring if you play a lot ... And you know you will ...

So, for gaming:     red,     brown,  black,  clear, blue.
For touch-typing:   blue,    brown,  clear,  red,    black.
Overall:               brown, blue,     clear,  red,    black.

For the cherry gamer the ultimate keyboard is the g80-1800 programmable keyboard with red switches. If you can find it ...

Even better, the g80-1865 with a 2 port usb hub, but I don't know if it's programmable (I would choose programmability over a USB hub).

The G80-1865 is available with at least browns ... here:
http://www.nrckr.com/mall/m_mall_detail.php?ps_goid=30&ps_goid=30
Red, I don't know ... need to ask a cherry guru ...

The G80-1865 is rebadged by Raptor Gaming as the K1 - and in that version it's programmable and it comes wih wasd keycaps, keycap puller etc.
Officially it's a black switch board, but browns have been known to be in it ... as you see here:
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=1064&redirect=yes

Edit: the ultimate non-programmable gaming cherry:
The TG3 BL82 / DECK Mini black swich keyboard modded with brown springs, for lighter touch.
Question: Is such a mod easy (provided you have brown switch springs) ?

[FKSSR]

I just purchased a keyboard with brown switches and one with black switches.  I won't receive them until later this week, but I will post my thoughts at that point, as I also had a G80-3000 with blue switches for about a week that I didn't like (for typing or gaming).

In general, I agree that clicky is not a great thing for gaming.  Other than that, I can't comment until I try the browns and blacks.

[nvus]

Thanks for the feedback from everyone.  I'll be going with the brown switches.

@Ripster
Did your tenkeyless from elitekeyboards come with these colored key caps?
I have an N52 also =P.  Hate the feel of the keys.  I just like the d-pad on it.

[ozar]

Each time I start typing on any cherry blues board, I start thinking "this is definitely the switch for me", but then after a few days I tire of all the constant clickyness and end up moving to something else.  That's just my own experience, though.

I think you'll like the browns really well.

[nvus]

Just ordered my Filco.  Anyone know if I should coat the keys with anything to keep it more durable and long lasting?  I've heard people with Filcos find the gripping coating on the keys coming off.  Like this.

[bhtooefr]

eugenius: You'd have to do quite a lot of soldering to swap springs on the Deck, due to the LEDs for key backlighting.

[o2dazone]

Grats on the purchase. I bought a blue cherry keyboard as my first, and just received my Brown a few days ago from Elitekeyboards - and I'm loving it. Taking the blue to work, because I can't say goodbye forever

[majestouch]

Just ordered my Filco. Anyone know if I should coat the keys with anything to keep it more durable and long lasting? I've heard people with Filcos find the gripping coating on the keys coming off. Like this.

If you bought your FILCO from me, then thank you for your purchase!

The photo you've referenced is my board actually, and this is after 3 years of heavy daily use as my primary board. While the original coating appears to be worn off in some places, even the worn keys still maintain a matte texture to them; though not as noticeable as the unworn keys.

In any case, I highly recommend you don't attempt to coat the keys with anything yourself. The original matte feel would no longer be present, and unless you're a wiz with the chemical application of plastics, you'd probably end up with an inconsistent finish or more likely - damage. Please note that under the EliteKeyboards warranty terms, any damage you cause to your board is not covered for free repair and may void your warranty.

Not to worry, however, I'm currently looking into carrying replacement keycaps for these boards, so with any luck your new FILCO can be maintained down the road.

[nvus]

Yea I ordered from you majestouch.  Thanks for posting.  I completely forgot about the 1 year warranty.  I'll avoid coating my keys.