Any reason to get a Filco over QFR?

[babyhands]

Hey guys, so i have been trying out a bunch of switches lately, and I have discovered that I like browns the best. Now my plans for my next and final keyboard will be to get a TKL with costar stabilizers, put some hott PBT's on it, and a new sexy case. With that being said, is there a reason I should get filco over a QFR if i am changing the case? When people talk about build quality, normally arent they referring to the case and keycaps, which i am changing both, so if i changed the case and keycaps wouldn't the QFR and Filco be exactly the same?

Thanks!

[boost]

I own both the keyboards and IMO they're the same to me. The only difference is that the filco can house the phantom PCB/plate(for now).

If you want to splurge get the filco if not, the cm

[absyrd]

I echo what boost said.

Also, some of the aftermarket cases do not fit the QFR without modding.

I'd go with the QFR over a Filco for the price anyday.

[Hyde]

Technically the PCB on Filco is better.  It has double layer PCB (red) and QFR has single layer PCB (green), as to how much difference this makes then I'm not too sure.

Also depends on which case you're getting.  Since Filco's metal plate is a tiny tiny bit different than QFR.  If you plan to buy the Vortex Aluminum Case then Filco will fit better in it.

And another difference is that Filco has dedicated Num Lock/Caps Lock light, while QFR has the light on the switch.  Depend on which case you're getting it might or might not have holes for the Filco light.

Hope this helps 

[babyhands]

Oh shoot, I was under the impression that both the QFR and Filco fit the same cases! So what kind of modding would I have to do with the QFR to get it to fit the filco cases? Are there other boards that would fit the cases better? Do people make metal cases for the QFR? Darn, I knew there were a good amount of cases for the filco, and i thought i could just buy a QFR and put one of those on it and same like 100$, but i guess this isnt the case?

[aesthetics1]

Is the feel of the two really the same?

[Grim Fandango]

I have also used both side by side so may as well chime in here. I thought there was no obvious difference in quality between the two in normal use. I could not perfectly compare the two however, since they both had different switches (brown on my Filco, red on my team mate's QFR). There are two things you may want to take into account however.

-Lately there have been some quality issues with the QFR. I think it was like one bad batch or something. You may want to look into this (or someone else who knows more about it could comment on it)
-Depending on where you live, CM does not offer all the switches. I think here, in the "Benelux" they sell only red or black switches with an ISO layout. Which is exactly the reason why I opted for a Filco instead.

[aesthetics1]

Thanks for the insight. What kind of QC issues were they having?

[davkol]

Thanks for the insight. What kind of QC issues were they having?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41156
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39219
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40056.msg791797#msg791797

[davkol]

I'm not into custom cases, but I think those meant for Filco should work with HPE or PLU keyboards.

[babyhands]

I'm not into custom cases, but I think those meant for Filco should work with HPE or PLU keyboards.

HMMM, i was totally looking into those boards today haha. Can anyone comment on this? Will Filco boards fit HPE or PLU boards?! So is that the route I should take?

[WhiteFireDragon]

If price is a big factor, go with CM quickfire. It's almost the same thing. The cases are different though, and they're not interchangeable. There is one standoff for the plate and one standoff for the PCB that is in a different location, so you can just take the guts of one and put it in the other's case. Here are some little differences if you care about the details:

CM quickfire

• rubberized coat on the case, could be easier to scratch
• detachable USB cable with break-out USB board on the inside
• no screws holding down the PCB/plate assembly down to the bottom case, all done by pressure from top cover
• single-sided PCB, solder pads only on the top layer
• has media function layer
• flip feet operation not as smooth
• integrated LED for capslock and scroll lock
• logo printed with the rubber coating on the back
• slightly lower quality checking
• lower costs

Filco

• case is smooth ABS plastic
• permanently attached USB cable coming out from case center
• 2 screws holding down the PCB/plate assembly down to the bottom case
• Higher quality PCB, soldering pads go through the holes and on both surfaces
• no media function
• flip feet smoother and more snappy
• separate LED for the capslock and scroll lock
• metalic 3D logo at the front on the right side
• higher quality control, less chance of getting a defective one
• higher costs

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy1JgF4_UT0#t=25s

[aesthetics1]

Thanks for the detailed comparison.

[drdoooom]

If only my post count was just a bit higher. I have a few month old quick fire with unused the stock key caps. It's a great board but i dislike the blues.

[tricheboars]

i have a qfr with blues and love it. however, I do kind of wish I got the filco, simply for the case options and higher quality pcb. but my qfr works perfectly.

however, if it ever breaks i am getting a Filco or phantom.

ahhhhhh i will just give the qfr to the old ball and chain and buy myself something new. muhahaha