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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Kira on Sat, 04 September 2010, 14:21:47

Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Kira on Sat, 04 September 2010, 14:21:47: Hey guys, I was so excited to find out that Fed-Ex made a mistake with their shipping date, apparently it was supposed to come on Wednesday but just 2 PM today I got a delivery =)

I went with the Filco Tactile Touch with Cherry MX Brown Switches.

*Sorry about the crappy pictures, some of the first pictures are a bit blurry in particular, couldn't hold the camera steady because of my excitement =)*

(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4752/1020734.th.jpg) (http://img72.imageshack.us/i/1020734.jpg/)

(http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/7716/1020735h.th.jpg) (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/1020735h.jpg/)

(http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2803/1020736.th.jpg) (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/1020736.jpg/)

(http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/8733/1020737.th.jpg) (http://img801.imageshack.us/i/1020737.jpg/)

(http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/4048/1020738.th.jpg) (http://img836.imageshack.us/i/1020738.jpg/)

Now here is my old keyboard, the year old Razer Tarantula. I dunno if you can see the shiny keys but they are all shiny xD

(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/5904/1020742.th.jpg) (http://img827.imageshack.us/i/1020742.jpg/)

And the reason I didn't go with the Das keyboard... DUST! Although you can't really say any from this picture.

And a picture of the Filco still in the box.

(http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3586/1020744.th.jpg) (http://img259.imageshack.us/i/1020744.jpg/)

How about a size comparison?

(http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/292/1020746.th.jpg) (http://img225.imageshack.us/i/1020746.jpg/)

(http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/8039/1020747.th.jpg) (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/1020747.jpg/)

(http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8509/1020748.th.jpg) (http://img641.imageshack.us/i/1020748.jpg/)

The Tarantula is just HUGE!

(http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/8363/1020749s.th.jpg) (http://img714.imageshack.us/i/1020749s.jpg/)

Too bad the Filco isn't gold plated.

(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9168/1020750m.th.jpg) (http://img180.imageshack.us/i/1020750m.jpg/)

Sure is a THICK keyboard, I'd say that it weighs 3x more than the Tarantula despite being much smaller.

(http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3082/1020751.th.jpg) (http://img833.imageshack.us/i/1020751.jpg/)

Who said them LED's were blinding?

(http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/8890/1020752.jpg) (http://img831.imageshack.us/i/1020752.jpg/)

Before with the Razer Tarantula I was hitting 90+ WPM, after just getting the Filco, I'm at a disappointing 44 WPM.

(http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/7179/1020753.th.jpg) (http://img80.imageshack.us/i/1020753.jpg/)

The reason being I'm not used to the keyboard yet. I mean it's my first mechanical keyboard!! ATM I'm having trouble adjusting to this spacebar, it seems to slow me down as a I type. I keep bottoming it out and it is REALLY loud compared to the rest of the keys.

I'm hoping to hit 100+ WPM with this keyboard after learning to NOT bottom out these keys as much.

Apart from one small flaw with one of the keys, this keyboard is perfect. I'm really loving the "Otaku" look of the keys. I'm just worried about what normal wear and tear will do to the keys. Might get myself a Cherry donor board for some double shot key caps.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Kira on Sat, 04 September 2010, 14:33:08: Also checked the NKRO capabilities of this keyboard. Since it's plugged via PS/2, I'm able to press as many keys as I can hold down. For those wondering about that one key. Here is a picture.

(http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/6545/1020762.jpg) (http://img835.imageshack.us/i/1020762.jpg/)

So what I did, I took out the regular ESC key and put in the Red one. The ESC key's shape looks exactly like the key that is messed up (#3 key) so I took out the #3 key and put in the ESC key. So here is what the keyboard looks now.

(http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1200/1020760.jpg) (http://img820.imageshack.us/i/1020760.jpg/)

And now here is what my current setup looks like.

(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/1240/1020763.jpg) (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/1020763.jpg/)

(http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4167/1020764.jpg) (http://img831.imageshack.us/i/1020764.jpg/)

Look at all that empty space! And to think I was about to go with the tenkeyless...
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: washuai on Sat, 04 September 2010, 14:49:42: As evinced by your own pictures, the camera isn't the only reason for blurry cam - Shine more light on your subject and hold that camera steady. Set the subject and the camera on something across from it, if you just don't have the muscle to hold it steady.
We'll excuse you, I'm sure you were just too excited to keep still.

My keyboard tray is smaller, so there isn't any empty space, even with the Filco. Unless I'm counting empty space above and below the board. In my case, I'd still be better off with tenkeyless. Thankfully my mouse is high enough dpi, so even though its space is too small for even small mouse pads is enough that I rarely lift it.

Enjoy your new board and heck, even blurry pictures are better than no pictures, so thanks.

How are you enjoying the feel of typing, etc. on your new Filco?
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: clickclack on Sat, 04 September 2010, 14:53:50: Congrats on the Filco purchase! =)
I love those keyboards, don't worry about the drop in typing speed it will come back soon enough. One of the things I really like about the Filco boards is that they look classy/smart on a desk especially a more organized one, not that I would know anything about that ;P

A few words of advice with images.
Images are always great to have but-
1)Please keep the files somewhat smaller (in dimensions and file size). After five minutes they still have not loaded for me, some even just crashed. Great for people who have a really fast connection and love to see blurry pics the size of a bed =P haahaa
2) long load times and large images can also disrupt the continuity of the thread, smaller devices that are web capable are on the maket now making this even more noteworthy (not just laptops). Try a simple/cheap image editor to help ease the burden.
Thanks for considering =)
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: washuai on Sat, 04 September 2010, 14:59:06: Yea, my connection is fast, but the size of these pictures, makes the page scroll weird.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Kira on Sat, 04 September 2010, 16:11:14: Sorry about the blurry pictures guys xD I'll try to convert them to thumbnails, see if that helps those with bad connection.

Anyways, I'm getting better at typing with the keyboard. Even getting used to this spacebar, although I still tend to "double space". After typing for about a half an hour I noticed that the backspace is getting kinda squeaky. Anyone have tips for fixing this? I hear that spraying some lube can fix it but I'm afraid of getting the key out and having trouble putting it back in.

EDIT: Converted all the pictures to thumbnails hope that helps!
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Sat, 04 September 2010, 16:27:28: Do Filco keyboards come in brown boxes now? Mine came in a green box with pictures of the keyboard on it. Not that this matters or anything. What matters is what's inside the box.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Kira on Sat, 04 September 2010, 16:35:06: Quote from: patrickgeekhack;219939
Do Filco keyboards come in brown boxes now? Mine came in a green box with pictures of the keyboard on it. Not that this matters or anything. What matters is what's inside the box.

That's weird, did you get it from Elite-Keyboards like I did? From the pictures I've seen they all come in brown boxes unless you get the retail boxes which most likely means it was bought from Japan.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: washuai on Sat, 04 September 2010, 16:43:08: My Filco spacebar was noisy at first. I didn't do anything, besides use it and it no longer does the squeaky thing, now. You might just want to try ignoring it and breaking it in with use, for now. Mine came in a brown box from Elite, too.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: clickclack on Sat, 04 September 2010, 16:50:59: The thumbnails really helped the loading, mighty kind of ya =)

I have received both brown boxes (fancy with logo) and retail boxes from EK. I kinda dig the cardboard ones =)
I too get items shipped from them really, really fast!
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Kira on Sat, 04 September 2010, 16:56:28: Quote from: clickclack;219951
The thumbnails really helped the loading, mighty kind of ya =)

I have received both brown boxes (fancy with logo) and retail boxes from EK. I kinda dig the cardboard ones =)
I too get items shipped from them really, really fast!

That's good to hear =)

Just an update, Brian is being nice enough to give me some replacement keys! He also said that he'll be offering Cherry Double-Shot keys soon, can't wait. I asked him about pricing just waiting for a reply now.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: washuai on Sat, 04 September 2010, 17:00:57: Ooo, finally a word on the double shots. If you get an answer, then do share. Yes, thanks for the thumbnails.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Sat, 04 September 2010, 18:07:14: Quote from: Kira;219943
That's weird, did you get it from Elite-Keyboards like I did? From the pictures I've seen they all come in brown boxes unless you get the retail boxes which most likely means it was bought from Japan.

Yes, I got mine from Elitekeyboards.com. Perhaps Majestouch can tell us more about that. Like I said though, the look of the box does not matter.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: MissileMike on Sat, 04 September 2010, 19:54:47: I am a recent filco convert too. Mine both came in non-brown fancy boxes. This was a couple weeks ago.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: ClackHead on Sat, 04 September 2010, 19:56:03: The wait for mine is killing me.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: sam113101 on Sat, 04 September 2010, 21:33:54: how do you choose fed-ex*?
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: MahBoi on Sat, 04 September 2010, 23:58:42: Quote from: sam113101;220025
how do you choose fed-ex*?

I'm not sure where the TC is from, but FedEx is the default carrier for the U.S. for EliteKeyboards. From what I gather, you can e-mail them prior to ordering if you want to choose a different carrier.

Great pics, BTW Kira. They kind of remind me of the excitement I had when I unboxed my Filco. Good to hear about EK's customer service, too. They didn't hesitate to send replacement keycaps for my bubbled meta keys at no extra cost. Now that's great customer service.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Kira on Sun, 05 September 2010, 11:42:09: Just curious as to what ripster said. Maybe those with the brown box got the keyboard that has blank window keys, like what I got. And those with the retail box got the "bubble" window keys.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: MissileMike on Sun, 05 September 2010, 14:35:09: Mine have retail boxes, and the bubble windows keys.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: MahBoi on Sun, 05 September 2010, 14:52:58: Quote from: Kira;220131
Just curious as to what ripster said. Maybe those with the brown box got the keyboard that has blank window keys, like what I got. And those with the retail box got the "bubble" window keys.

Not necessarily, since mine got shipped with the brown box.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Kira on Sun, 05 September 2010, 18:01:21: Quote from: ripster;220173
Like I said, Majestouch shipped the early Blue Filcos in a brown box with a sticker because he placed a custom order to get them built. Now you can get them standard issue in Japan.

It's the one on top.
Show Image
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4959354986_90804eb03d_z.jpg)

Rofl nice picture =)

Maybe it would have to do something with Brown vs Blue Filco's. Does that mean only the Blue Filco's are "custom"?
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: clickclack on Mon, 06 September 2010, 04:00:44: Other Filco boards came in brown (fancy) boxes too, not just blues. Are we actually trying to unlock some mystery here? LoLz

=)
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: washuai on Mon, 06 September 2010, 16:13:32: My board is brown Filcos and came in the brown box with the gold filco lable and model number sticker. I can take a picture of the box, if anyone really cares, but I don't have the correct lighting or camera to take a picture of any kind of quality of it.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Kira on Mon, 06 September 2010, 16:32:37: Quote from: washuai;220504
My board is brown Filcos and came in the brown box with the gold filco lable and model number sticker. I can take a picture of the box, if anyone really cares, but I don't have the correct lighting or camera to take a picture of any kind of quality of it.

rofl no that's fine. Mine came in that same box which was also a brown Filco. I'd imagine that there is some differences between the regular retail box and the brown box that you and me got. Apart from the box itself xD
Title: 4 day update
Post by: Kira on Thu, 09 September 2010, 01:01:35: 4 Day Update

Remember how I was only doing 44wpm when I first got the board. I recall doing 90WPM on my Razer Tarantula so that really bothered me. But now here I am after using the keyboard for 4 days.

I am now getting 94WPM with 0 errors!!! I'd say that's a bit of an improvement.

Now the reason I am not all that happy is because it seems that I can only hit this kind of speed if I bottom out the keys. I don't know if it's "good" necessarily to bottom out the Cherry MX Brown switches which are meant to be used with a "light touch". But anyways, if this is the cast. Is it worth investing the time learning to NOT bottom out the keys? ATM I am anywhere from 50-75WPM if I DON'T bottom out the keys (excluding the space bar of course).

Should I stick with the MX browns? Or maybe give the MX blues a shot? Or any other alternatives? Buckling springs maybe?
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: elbowglue on Thu, 09 September 2010, 01:19:12: Cherry browns are sort of meant to be bottomed out on. Thats why I like PCB mounted cherry brown boards better :)
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Brodie337 on Thu, 09 September 2010, 01:41:40: I dunno, I don't bottom out much anymore, except the spacebar, where it's hard to avoid. That said, I have always typed with a very light touch.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Ekaros on Thu, 09 September 2010, 06:48:04: Hmm, cool can't wait geting hands on my Filco... Tommorrow it might happen or then a other week...

BTW, maybe you should set date in camera right?
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Co-Op on Thu, 09 September 2010, 12:23:39: I use a Filco Brown at home and a Filco Blue at work. (I had the same typing issue with the Filco Brown as well, initially, mainly because I would accidentally actuate keys due to my horrible typing style.) Although I like the Filco Blue better, they are both great keyboards. You might as well try every switch you possibly can, pocketbook willing. :D
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Thu, 09 September 2010, 12:37:45: Quote from: Kira;221145

Now the reason I am not all that happy is because it seems that I can only hit this kind of speed if I bottom out the keys. I don't know if it's "good" necessarily to bottom out the Cherry MX Brown switches which are meant to be used with a "light touch". But anyways, if this is the cast. Is it worth investing the time learning to NOT bottom out the keys? ATM I am anywhere from 50-75WPM if I DON'T bottom out the keys (excluding the space bar of course).

Should I stick with the MX browns? Or maybe give the MX blues a shot? Or any other alternatives? Buckling springs maybe?

I think what you can try is "to not bottom out heavily." But don't too much attention to the bottoming out thing. The more you think about it, the more you will end bottoming out. Moreover, the more you think about increasing your speed, the more you'll bottom out. So my advice to you is to "don't think, just type."

Sometimes, when you try to hard, you ended up doing more harm than good. When I was 15 and was trying to do pull ups for the first time, I had the hardest time doing it. In fact it just could not. Then one day, I happened to be so relax and "forgot" about doing it, and it happens. The trick is to relax and let things happen.

As far as trying the blue Cherries or the buckling spring, I am a big fan of trying as many switches as you would like if you can afford it. But that's just me. Some people are just happy sticking to one swithc. But since you have spent more than enough time here to get stung, I think you are doomed :-) I will be a matter of time before you start buying more and more keyboards. You've been warned.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: MahBoi on Thu, 09 September 2010, 14:07:00: Yep, only two weeks on this site and now I'm having a difficult time satiating my keyboard hunger. For years I had the same Logitech Elite Keyboard LE, not thinking twice about the hardware under my fingers. Now, I have had a Filco Blue for a couple of months, just got a HHKB last week, which I'm loving, and am now looking at a Model M on eBay. I'm concerned about whether my salary will be able to feed my addiction.

As for bottoming out, it's just something that came naturally after a while. At first, I tried to focus intently an not bottoming the keys while I typed, but doing so just lended to more mistakes. Give your fingers more time to get used to it, and don't think much about it as Patrick said. Granted, I've never typed on Browns so it's probably a bit more challenging than getting used to the Blues.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: Scarzy on Thu, 09 September 2010, 15:57:34: Lucky you!

Want the exact same thing, elitekeyboards.com purchase or?

E: saw previous post. Nevermind. :)
Title: One Month Update
Post by: Kira on Sun, 03 October 2010, 19:07:28: So its been exactly 4 weeks now and I've been using the keyboard on average 1-2 hours a day. Haven't heavily used it but nonetheless my WPM has increased to 107.61. I'd say that's an improvement.

I was a bit worried about what normal wear and tear would do to the Filco. Thankfully I haven't seen any shiny keys yet even the WASD keys are in mint condition. Then again maybe that's because I always clean my hands before using it.

Some other things to mention. I still have to fix the "double space" issue that I am STILL having. Maybe it has to do with my keyboard settings but the keyboard came like this. As for people who complain about the bright LED's... What are you smoking? Another issue I'm having (could be on my part) but this keyboard gets dirty really easy. Not in terms of smudging but the keys tend to "scratch" easy. Nothing a little rubbing with some cloth won't fix but it does hurt the aesthetics.

So for rating after just one month of moderate use, I'd give the keyboard a 8/10. It's not perfect. I am still having "double space" issues and the keyboard tends to scratch easy. But overall my typing experience has been pleasant. I type faster, more comfortably, and I have yet to take full advantage of the mechanical keyboard mechanisms (I still bottom out ALL my keys). So the way I see it, my typing speed will only get better.
Title: Just got my Filco Keyboard
Post by: WhiteRice on Mon, 04 October 2010, 14:00:14: Something is wrong with your keyboard, your text is coming out purple.

:3