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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: noodles256 on Sun, 06 February 2011, 20:08:22

Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Sun, 06 February 2011, 20:08:22
Hello GH-ers,

I've been a long time lurker of this website.

Just recently I bought a cherry black keyboard (backlit TG3) and once I receive my Best Buy giftcard, I plan on getting some cherry blues (Razer Blackwidow Ultimate).

Enough of that though, I just noticed that the Xarmor website is down supposedly for maintenance.
http://www.xarmor-usa.com/store_closed.html

Could they be pulling an Apple and adding the U9BL-S which was suppose to drop in January? or maybe it could be just for maintenance. lol
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: rjsf on Mon, 07 February 2011, 16:06:41
I've been waiting on this too. Been saving some money for the day it comes out. Does anybody have any inside info? Maybe Phaedrus?
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Unicorn Fandom on Mon, 07 February 2011, 21:12:51
X-armor is really starting to make me lose my temper for taking so long with their site "maintenance". I check the site every day to see if it's been brought back online. If I weren't so set on buying the U9BL-S I would just buy a Das S or something. But I guess I'm "keyboard whipped" by X-armor :(
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: sixty on Mon, 07 February 2011, 22:15:55
Not sure if its any hint or anything, but the Tesoro M7 LED with MX Browns (http://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37) just came out today in Korea. The boards are identical to the XArmor series, since afaik XArmor rebrands them from the same OEM. What you see there is likely what will end up as the XArmor U9BL-S in the western world. It might be close to release now.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Mon, 07 February 2011, 23:54:04
Quote from: sixty;291582
Not sure if its any hint or anything, but the Tesoro M7 LED with MX Browns (http://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37) just came out today in Korea. The boards are identical to the XArmor series, since afaik XArmor rebrands them from the same OEM. What you see there is likely what will end up as the XArmor U9BL-S in the western world. It might be close to release now.


Oh, very nice!

That does probably mean we can be expecting the U9BL-S pretty soon, but that may not be the reason for the site maintenance =x.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: jbl on Thu, 10 February 2011, 21:27:28
Four days of site maintenance? Something is either seriously broken or there is some serious news coming around the corner.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Thu, 10 February 2011, 22:14:25
Quote from: jbl;293184
Four days of site maintenance? Something is either seriously broken or there is some serious news coming around the corner.


Web coder died of joy from typing on a mechanical keyboard and they're having difficulty finding a replacement?


No, that could never happen. Taiwan has lots of good webcoders.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Thu, 10 February 2011, 23:19:05
Quote from: jbl;293184
Four days of site maintenance? Something is either seriously broken or there is some serious news coming around the corner.


Its actually been down since the 3rd, I just didn't make a post about it until the 6th. It is really odd for the site to be down this long.=/
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Unicorn Fandom on Fri, 11 February 2011, 00:19:06
Quote from: noodles256;293216
Its actually been down since the 3rd, I just didn't make a post about it until the 6th. It is really odd for the site to be down this long.=/


Really odd and really FRUSTRATING since I've been so worked up about getting my first mech. I sent an email to Xarmor support yesterday so I'll see if we can get a date on when the site will be up and running
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Atranox on Fri, 11 February 2011, 10:37:20
They have the X-Armor stuff on the iOne website now.  They have the U9BL, U9Plus, M10BL, and M10Plus listed under premium keyboards.  Though I'm not sure if you can order from their site or not.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Fri, 11 February 2011, 11:07:30
Quote from: Atranox;293388
They have the X-Armor stuff on the iOne website now.  They have the U9BL, U9Plus, M10BL, and M10Plus listed under premium keyboards.  Though I'm not sure if you can order from their site or not.


Those were available for purchase before the "site maintenance"

I think most of us are now awaiting the new product which is suppose to be a backlit Cherry MX brown keyboard aka the U9BL-S
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: ricercar on Fri, 11 February 2011, 19:10:30
Quote from: noodles256;293401
I think most of us are now awaiting ... a backlit Cherry MX brown keyboard



Yeah, baby.
Title: xenics Tesoro m7 LED cherry browns
Post by: cynicaL on Sat, 19 February 2011, 11:55:06
hey guys, i'm new to the mechanical keyboard world. i just got this keyboard imported from korea. i'm korean so the korean keys are useful to me as well. :) i read on here that it's supposedly the new xarmor u9bl-s. i just got it today and set it up but haven't gotten much time to use it aside from regular typing which feels nice. if you guys have any questions, feel free to ask. i'll post pictures of it in a bit and maybe even a simple/short youtube clip.
Title: youtube
Post by: cynicaL on Sat, 19 February 2011, 14:28:08
i made a quick video of the keyboard and uploaded it to youtube so take a look at it there. leave a comment if you have any questions. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g8t2jfMVH4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g8t2jfMVH4)
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Sat, 19 February 2011, 18:22:10
Quote from: cynicaL;297841
i made a quick video of the keyboard and uploaded it to youtube so take a look at it there. leave a comment if you have any questions. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g8t2jfMVH4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g8t2jfMVH4)


Thanks for the video dude! That keyboard is definately a beauty, that is one thing I miss with these mechanical keyboards is the backlighting. Xarmor os really pushing my buttons with this month long "temporary" site closing.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Ulua on Mon, 21 February 2011, 16:10:40
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OLLXVQ (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OLLXVQ)
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: db_Iodine on Mon, 21 February 2011, 16:13:17
Quote from: Ulua;298966
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OLLXVQ (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OLLXVQ)


In stock too. The list price is pretty funny though.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: digitalleftovers on Mon, 21 February 2011, 16:14:37
Quote from: Ulua;298966
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OLLXVQ (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OLLXVQ)


origionally $199.00?!!!

Nice marketing scheme ergogeek....
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: QQcumber on Mon, 21 February 2011, 20:48:03
Been lurking around the forums for a while, decided to finally register.

Was between the Tenkeyless Filco, Leopold CR200R, and U9BL-S. Just pulled the trigger on the U9BL-S. Hopefully it won't disappoint as it is my first mechanical keyboard.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: AMW1011 on Mon, 21 February 2011, 20:53:06
Quote from: QQcumber;299094
Been lurking around the forums for a while, decided to finally register.

Was between the Tenkeyless Filco, Leopold CR200R, and U9BL-S. Just pulled the trigger on the U9BL-S. Hopefully it won't disappoint as it is my first mechanical keyboard.


As a former XArmor keyboard owner, I think that you will be happy with your purchase, assuming of course that the keyboard doesn't have a defect, but that's the same with everything.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: healer on Mon, 21 February 2011, 21:23:30
is a tenkeyless version of U9BL-S possible ?
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: EastSide on Mon, 21 February 2011, 21:35:03
Bought the Deck Legend less than 24 hours ago. But gonna stick with my buy. I'll let them work the bugs out of that model.....
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Mon, 21 February 2011, 21:48:39
Quote from: EastSide;299117
Bought the Deck Legend less than 24 hours ago. But gonna stick with my buy. I'll let them work the bugs out of that model.....


are there bugs?
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: EastSide on Mon, 21 February 2011, 22:04:18
Dont know, but I went with the Deck due to a few user reviews of xarmour.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: .XL on Mon, 21 February 2011, 22:06:09
Quote from: noodles256;299119
are there bugs?


Not that I nor my brother have seen. It's working great so far. Well worth the money you pay for it!

I'd say if you want a backlit, go XArmor. It may be a crap shoot like some say, but then again what keyboard isn't a bit of one?

I know the Decks may be great, but if you're strapped for cash (or hate the font, want different switches, etc) XArmor is a great deal. Well worth the money IMO.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Mon, 21 February 2011, 22:11:44
Quote from: EastSide;299133
Dont know, but I went with the Deck due to a few user reviews of xarmour.


That is of the old xarmor, If you look up reviews of Tesoro m7 Blue LED on youtube (and understand korean) you can see this keyboard is a great improvement over its predecessor.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: db_Iodine on Tue, 22 February 2011, 02:41:58
So.. you don't understand Korean?
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: cynicaL on Tue, 22 February 2011, 02:51:04
weird that the xarmor website is still down at the time of the amazon link post.. but now that i'm looking at it, they're still down for the most part but they put up some warranty support information up instead.. one of which includes the U9BL-S.
oh well, i'm still happy with my keyboard purchase. If anything, i can always just buy a regular U9BL-S now and just swap the key caps if i still need the korean letters lol..
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Tue, 22 February 2011, 16:23:10
Quote from: cynicaL;299224
weird that the xarmor website is still down at the time of the amazon link post.. but now that i'm looking at it, they're still down for the most part but they put up some warranty support information up instead.. one of which includes the U9BL-S.
oh well, i'm still happy with my keyboard purchase. If anything, i can always just buy a regular U9BL-S now and just swap the key caps if i still need the korean letters lol..


Well, if you were one of the many people that had mis-aligned keys, this may not be in your best interest since the U9BL-S (hopefully) has all their keys aligned.

The CherryMX brown version of the Tesoro M7 has all their keys aligned and that is supposedly suppose to be the new Xarmor U9BL-S
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: vynn on Thu, 24 February 2011, 13:00:55
I received the keyboard today and have only been able to use it for about 20 min so far but my spacebar squeeks.  :( I already emailed the Amazon seller, so we'll see what they say but I'm wondering if this is something that will clear up after a bit of use.

Aside from this issue, the keyboard looks fantastic and feels really nice. I'm able to easily score 100wpm in typing tests. I averaged 100wpm on my previous keyboards , so at least I know I'm not typing slower but time will tell if my speed and accuracy improves with it.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Unicorn Fandom on Thu, 24 February 2011, 13:16:54
Quote from: vynn;300364
I received the keyboard today and have only been able to use it for about 20 min so far but my spacebar squeeks.  :( I already emailed the Amazon seller, so we'll see what they say but I'm wondering if this is something that will clear up after a bit of use.

Aside from this issue, the keyboard looks fantastic and feels really nice. I'm able to easily score 100wpm in typing tests. I averaged 100wpm on my previous keyboards , so at least I know I'm not typing slower but time will tell if my speed and accuracy improves with it.


Full review with pictures please!! :D
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: vynn on Thu, 24 February 2011, 13:45:57
where's the best place to find silicon grease?
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: vynn on Thu, 24 February 2011, 13:54:26
is white lithium grease better?
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Corland on Thu, 24 February 2011, 19:37:15
Ive got the new Tesero board (rebagded to Xarmor). It's my first mechanical (besides an old Focus FK-2001 I picked up 2 weeks ago), and its pretty nice. The printing on the keycaps is about the strangest thing for me- the symbols are printed right next to each other so the key looks like {[ or /?

It's a little jarring when you look at it, but it feels really really nice to type on. The keys themselves feel studier than I would have thought. The feel of the brown switches is much simpler (almost more pleasant) than the white alps, but I kind of miss the click.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: vynn on Thu, 24 February 2011, 19:44:37
Quote from: Corland;300574
Ive got the new Tesero board (rebagded to Xarmor). It's my first mechanical (besides an old Focus FK-2001 I picked up 2 weeks ago), and its pretty nice. The printing on the keycaps is about the strangest thing for me- the symbols are printed right next to each other so the key looks like {[ or /?.

They did this since the back-lighting hits the top half of the key. Notice how media legends on the lower half of the F1-F6 aren't lit very well.

(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_4.JPG)

This pictures was taken with level 2 of 4 lighting, and with an iPhone. I'll be taking more pictures with a better camera later tonight when I get home from work.

Other low quality, camera phone pics:

(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_1.JPG)
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_2.JPG)
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_3.JPG)
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_4.JPG)
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_5.JPG)
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_6.JPG)
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_7.JPG)
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: cynicaL on Thu, 24 February 2011, 20:15:47
hmm, i guess i'l take some pics of my tesoro m7 keyboard and upload it for you guys
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: vynn on Thu, 24 February 2011, 21:28:36
A few more pics and a short video..  sorry my camera isn't better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7FV-U6OBFU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7FV-U6OBFU)

lighting level 2 of 4
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/XArmor-U9BL-S_1.jpg)

lighting off
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/XArmor-U9BL-S_2.jpg)

dark room, lighting 4 of 4
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/XArmor-U9BL-S_3.jpg)

dark room, lighting 2 of 4
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/XArmor-U9BL-S_4.jpg)
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Thu, 24 February 2011, 21:35:25
Quote from: vynn;300577
They did this since the back-lighting hits the top half of the key. Notice how media legends on the lower half of the F1-F6 aren't lit very well.

Show Image
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_4.JPG)


This pictures was taken with level 2 of 4 lighting, and with an iPhone. I'll be taking more pictures with a better camera later tonight when I get home from work.

Other low quality, camera phone pics:

Show Image
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_1.JPG)

Show Image
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_2.JPG)

Show Image
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_3.JPG)

Show Image
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_4.JPG)

Show Image
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_5.JPG)

Show Image
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_6.JPG)

Show Image
(http://home.comcast.net/~richeyk/U9BL-S_7.JPG)



The tesoro number keys are all perfectly aligned.

I am guessing the misalignment is an Xarmor staple.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: vynn on Thu, 24 February 2011, 22:18:21
My initial impressions after about a half day of use:

The spacebar sqeaked occasionally at first but that has actually stopped completely just from use. I can't make it squeak at all no matter the location and speed that I press the spacebar down. If the problem comes back I'm confident that white lithium grease will resolve it.

The surface of the entire keyboard, wrist rest and keys have a soft matte texture which both looks and feels very smooth and somewhat soft/silky. It's similar the surface used on some cell phones. I don't know if there are any disadvantages to this or how it'll wear over time. I've noticed areas on the wrist rest where oils from my skin left an impression but it's not permanent and wipes clean with a damp cloth. Lint and dust particles may stick to the surface a bit but that's nowhere near as frustrating as finger prints, smudges and dust I'm sure you've all seen on keyboards with a glossy black surface.

This is my first keyboard with brown switches and the only other keyboard I've been able to compare it to is the Razer BlackWidow which uses blue switches. If I was looking for a keyboard strictly for typing and didn't have people around me that the noise might annoy, I think I'd choose blue switches, they're excellent for typing. However, I plan to use this keyboard for a lot of gaming in a dark room, which is also why I chose a keyboard with backlighting. My understanding is that it's easy to re-actuate blue switches which can be a problem for gaming. However, for regular typing I'm pleasantly surprised with this keyboard as I can easily pull 100 wpm with it already, and I still bottom out a lot.

The wrist rest is a really nice addition, there's not much too it but I find the angle to be quite comfortable, even though the ergonomics police will slap you across the wrist for using one (my high shool typing teacher would always get after kids for doing this).

The original U9BL keyboard used a shift key modifier for media and brightness controls. Thankfully they went to a Function key in place of the right Win key for the S version.

Also, a few negatives but so far just the nit-pick variety:

I found the backlighting state isn't remembered on reboot (both USB and PS2), my Microsoft X4 didn't have this issue.

The backspace and right-shift key were raised a bit higher than the other keys, even after a good amount of typing as I didn't notice it at first. Just something to watch out for if you pickup this keyboard as there may be a few keys that need to be properly seated.

While they adjusted the legends a bit for better lighting coverage, there are still some keys that are a bit uneven. Since the light is under the upper-half of the keys this is most noticable with the F1-F6 keys where the media icons are on the lower half of the key. There's also a wide horizontal line on the spacebar which isn't fully lit but I don't really mind, it's actually kind of a cool effect. This is also noticable on the Windows key when the lighting isn't on the highest level since the Windows Logo is in the center of the key.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: De4dSpace on Thu, 24 February 2011, 23:34:25
Mine should be delivered on Monday, let us know any other insights you may have over the weekend.
Title: Xenics vs XArmor
Post by: cynicaL on Thu, 24 February 2011, 23:45:21
Looking real quick, only a few difference I noticed from the XArmor version and the Xenics are as follows (with the exception of the korean lettering)

-Overall slightly larger lettering on the XArmor - Arrow Keys Larger on Xenics
-CapsLock, Shift, Tab, [ ] ; ' , . / along with the Keypad keys differ slightly
-"m7" key on the Xenics & "FN" key on the XArmor - both do the same thing
-Red Esc LED on Xenics & Blue LED on the XArmor

other than those few things, they're probably pretty much the same

My "T" key seems slightly crooked, but other than that, I think everything else is fairly well aligned.

All pictures were taken in a dark room with a desk light on, on max LED brightness 4

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15607&stc=1&d=1298612383)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15608&stc=1&d=1298612383)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15609&stc=1&d=1298612383)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15610&stc=1&d=1298612383)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15611&stc=1&d=1298612383)
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Sickness on Thu, 24 February 2011, 23:54:20
Can't wait for mine to arrive next week, thanks guys for the input and pictures!! How is playing fps on this board and overall feel of the browns?
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: vynn on Fri, 25 February 2011, 00:06:09
Quote from: Sickness;300647
Can't wait for mine to arrive next week, thanks guys for the input and pictures!! How is playing fps on this board and overall feel of the browns?

Just finished several games of Black Ops and Starcraft 2 and the news is it's good, it's REAL good :)
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: cynicaL on Fri, 25 February 2011, 00:26:53
^i concur.. i love this keyboard.. i actually like doing work so i can type on it haha
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: RebelExtrm02 on Mon, 28 February 2011, 22:20:18
Quote from: noodles256;300615
The tesoro number keys are all perfectly aligned.

I am guessing the misalignment is an Xarmor staple.

Are you insinuating that some of the keys on that new U9BL-S are misaligned? I don't see any that are in those pictures you quoted. Can you point them out? I'm really interested in this board but want to make sure I'm not overlooking things.

Also, to those who have purchased this board. Can you give any updates after using it for a few days? I've read lot of really bad things about the U9BL quality, fit, and finish and want to see if this is built better and holding up better. I want backlighting but I'll do without if it means getting a substantially higher quality board somewhere else. ~$150 is a lot of money to spend on something "meh."

Thanks.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: noodles256 on Mon, 28 February 2011, 23:13:25
Quote from: RebelExtrm02;302547
Are you insinuating that some of the keys on that new U9BL-S are misaligned? I don't see any that are in those pictures you quoted. Can you point them out? I'm really interested in this board but want to make sure I'm not overlooking things.

Also, to those who have purchased this board. Can you give any updates after using it for a few days? I've read lot of really bad things about the U9BL quality, fit, and finish and want to see if this is built better and holding up better. I want backlighting but I'll do without if it means getting a substantially higher quality board somewhere else. ~$150 is a lot of money to spend on something "meh."

Thanks.


The number keys in the pictures uploaded by users look a little off. You can correct me if I am wrong though.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: cynicaL on Mon, 28 February 2011, 23:33:01
Quote from: noodles256;302560
The number keys in the pictures uploaded by users look a little off. You can correct me if I am wrong though.


yea, it looked a little off to me too.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Mon, 28 February 2011, 23:44:11
Most of the iOne keyboards I've used have slightly crooked keycaps at first. Probably due to slight variations in the molds. They seem to even out after a month or so of use though. Observed on a U9BL, U9, and U9W.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Corland on Tue, 01 March 2011, 00:33:40
The keys all seem fine on my U9BL-S. This is my first mechanical, but I am kinda regretting the U9BL-S, in that I think better quality key caps that are not backlit would have been a better choice (like the Filcos now in stock at Amazon for the same priice -because you don't have to pay the 11 bucks shipping). I love the feel of the board, but I think that would be the same on any plate mounted cherry brown board.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: cynicaL on Tue, 01 March 2011, 04:16:12
Quote from: Corland;302571
The keys all seem fine on my U9BL-S. This is my first mechanical, but I am kinda regretting the U9BL-S, in that I think better quality key caps that are not backlit would have been a better choice (like the Filcos now in stock at Amazon for the same priice -because you don't have to pay the 11 bucks shipping). I love the feel of the board, but I think that would be the same on any plate mounted cherry brown board.


if they had a backlit keyboard, i probably would've gone with them instead. i'm happy with the xenics branded one. i think the keys are slightly better quality than the xarmor one from the pictures. or maybe it's just the pictures. everything else is pretty much the same.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: QQcumber on Tue, 01 March 2011, 21:26:53
This is my first mechanical keyboard and it is AMAZING!!~~
The keys feel so...sexy =D

Since this is my first MK, can't really compare it to anything other then my old Saitek rubber dome. The Saitek was about 3 years old now so I've been mashing on the keys to work so I find myself bottoming out a lot when I type on the U9. Keys are definitely lighter than any rubber dome keyboards. No glaring issues with the board, definitely recommended.

I am already thinking of my next purchase (Leopold FC200R), EK needs to hurry up.
Would like a 10keyless for traveling.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: vynn on Wed, 02 March 2011, 10:53:21
I've had the U9BL-S for almost a week now and still loving it. As Corland said, the key caps could be a little more substantial, however I think it's good that they're nice and light, thicker keys might make them actuate a bit too easily. It's interesting that you mention Filco though, I thought one of the main complaints with Filco was the keycap quality, how they're thin and the legends can wear off quickly.

For my uses, this keyboard is just very fun to type on and great for gaming in a dark room. The soft matte finish feels perfect, it feels exactly like the wide grip on my Logitech G9x mouse, I even set the LED color on the mouse to blue so they match.  :)
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Corland on Wed, 02 March 2011, 11:15:47
What I was trying to say was I think a tenkeyless box without led backlighting might have suited me just fine. I really do like typing on the keyboard, and have been enjoying gaming on in quite alot. I am glad I waited for the browns, because I don't quite think gaming on blues with all the noise would have been something I would have liked.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: mojojj13 on Wed, 02 March 2011, 13:40:37
Quote from: Ulua;298966
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OLLXVQ (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OLLXVQ)


Nice.  Ships to Canada too.  It's pretty tempting.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Addy on Wed, 02 March 2011, 14:01:43
Is the USB dongle for the pass-thru only and you have to use the PS2 connector with the converter? Or can you just hook it up with via USB. My motherboard doesn't have a PS2 so would be nice to only have to use USB, but not a deal breaker of course.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: Corland on Wed, 02 March 2011, 14:14:31
it's got 2 seperate connectors- one is usb only (which powers the hub and lights) and one is PS/2 with the USB adapter dongle.


The same cable also has audio in and out cables you can stick into the back of the box (so you can use the audio in/out on keyboad).
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: healer on Thu, 03 March 2011, 00:54:07
I would really like a 10keyless version of this one
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: RebelExtrm02 on Thu, 03 March 2011, 18:37:17
Well, I ordered a U9BL-S just now. My $9 walmart special impossible to type on keyboard made me mad and I just said eff it and ordered the xarmor. Turns out messing up a sentence 4 times in a row from 30lb keys that stick if you don't press them straight down in the center is enough to make someone spend a lot of money. lol

I hope it turns out to be everything I hope it is.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 14 March 2011, 15:34:42
Quote from: RebelExtrm02;304606
Well, I ordered a U9BL-S just now.
I hope it turns out to be everything I hope it is.


It's not a girl but it's a very good keyboard. I like it.
This is a very nice addition to the market.

I like the footprint too. Much more compact than the Deck.

Enjoy your pruchase.
Title: Xarmor update? Possible U9BL-S
Post by: RebelExtrm02 on Mon, 14 March 2011, 17:11:41
Quote from: BucklingSpring;311677
It's not a girl but it's a very good keyboard. I like it.
This is a very nice addition to the market.

I like the footprint too. Much more compact than the Deck.

Enjoy your pruchase.


I'm enjoying every minute of it. You're review was spot on. I can't really find anything about my board to seriously complain about. I'd say it's a solid contender in the mechanical keyboard lineup. It's a knockout compared to the Black Widow. If anyone is second guessing this board because of the quality of the Black Widow board I encourage you to still give the U9BL-S a chance.