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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ZRock on Tue, 31 May 2011, 10:41:05

Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Tue, 31 May 2011, 10:41:05
I'm looking for my first mechanical keyboard, I've read most of the posts here from the last x number of months, I'm pretty set on MX Clears or Browns... I'm going to be doing a typing/gaming hybrid, and blacks don't seem like they'd be enough of a change for me to switch from domed.  Just wondering, is the XArmor U9W any good?  Its only $99 on amazon, AND wireless... I have the choice of that or a Das Silent with the student discount... So about the same.  Or if I got REALLY lucky, my dream keyboard would be one of the Tactile Deck Legends...  I wish the marketplace seller was still planning on selling his!

Anyways, any thoughts on the board?  Any other ideas?  

Nice to meet you all!
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: sndstrm on Tue, 31 May 2011, 10:45:49
Welcome to Geekhack!

But... you may wanna check out this thread (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?17829-Yet-Another-Xarmor-Bites-The-Dust) concerning the Xarmor

Das has a very good rep, if you can deal with the gloss.  But if you have a student discount that would probably decide it for me right there.  Das has been recommended as a good first mechanical.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Tue, 31 May 2011, 11:48:00
Quote from: ZRock;353658
Anyways, any thoughts on the board?  Any other ideas?

Company is dying and the board is so so at best.
If you want a so so backlit board, go for the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate. At least the company is there to stay.
If you want a rock solid backlit that is aesthetically challenged you can go for http://www.deckkeyboards.com/ (http://www.deckkeyboards.com/)
If you can wait for Mionix to release their Zibal 60 (June?), we are hoping for a keyboard better than the XArmor and the BWU.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Tue, 31 May 2011, 12:04:32
I would LOVE a deck legend.  Especially an Ice Tactile.  But the cost is a little out of budget.  It needs to be ~100.  The BWU just seems like its had a lot of bad reviews.  The Zibel60 is only going to come in MX blacks right?

Edit:  I noticed this in the market as well... http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?18385-Filco-Majestouch-Tenkeyless-Blue, how does it compare to the Das?  Aside from the 10keyless
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: oddsratio on Tue, 31 May 2011, 14:16:42
NO XArmor is any good.

All kidding aside, I had to return my board because the key quality was crap on the backlit (I'm still having issues with ErgoGeek refunding my money...).

I thought the board itself was okay, but I couldn't trust the backlighting, especially after their USA website went MIA again. The fifty-dollar premium on an average quality board with untrustworthy backlighting and crappy plastic was too much. At 80, I would have bought the regular unlit keyboard instead of my Filco, if dealing with ErgoGeek hadn't left such a negative impression.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Tue, 31 May 2011, 14:23:58
Quote from: ZRock;353693
I would LOVE a deck legend.  Especially an Ice Tactile.  But the cost is a little out of budget.  It needs to be ~100.  The BWU just seems like its had a lot of bad reviews.  The Zibel60 is only going to come in MX blacks right?


Zibal will come in Black... Correct.

With a 100$ price cap... You will have to get a frontlit keyboard ;-)
(http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/9899411/2/istockphoto_9899411-keyboard-lamp.jpg)

Btw, Ducky just released a backlit. Dunno the price tag or availability.
As Ripster said... It got to be better than a XArmor....
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: sndstrm on Tue, 31 May 2011, 15:18:24
Quote from: BucklingSpring;353681
If you can wait for Mionix to release their Zibal 60 (June?), we are hoping for a keyboard better than the XArmor and the BWU.

At the end of the Zibal 60 video on their website its says available now, but I checked some of the resellers and they are only advertising it right now.  Must be soon...
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Tue, 31 May 2011, 15:36:05
I understand I would need a frontlit one if It was within my price... ( still hoping someone has a used deck they are feeling really generous with!!! I guess I need to lower my hopes a bit! I'm still trying to justify the price tags on every mechanical keyboard too

Btw I don't want to go with the new keyboard because I'm trying to avoid mx blacks
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 31 May 2011, 15:37:28
Quote from: ZRock;353658
I'm looking for my first mechanical keyboard, I've read most of the posts here from the last x number of months, I'm pretty set on MX Clears or Browns... I'm going to be doing a typing/gaming hybrid, and blacks don't seem like they'd be enough of a change for me to switch from domed.  Just wondering, is the XArmor U9W any good?  Its only $99 on amazon, AND wireless... I have the choice of that or a Das Silent with the student discount... So about the same.  Or if I got REALLY lucky, my dream keyboard would be one of the Tactile Deck Legends...  I wish the marketplace seller was still planning on selling his!

Anyways, any thoughts on the board?  Any other ideas?  

Nice to meet you all!

 

I have an Xarmor and a BL82, Xarmor wins hands down.

Because is is stylish, because the key shape, because the lacks of ugly fonts, because the nice wrist rest and because the PCB quality, because the USB HUB, and also because the Xarmors's price is reasonable while the Decks/TG3 one is out of mind
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Tue, 31 May 2011, 16:00:09
The deck's cost is easily justified by the dollars they put in production
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 31 May 2011, 18:59:54
Quote from: ZRock;353772
The deck's cost is easily justified by the dollars they put in production

 
So you are the usual user who ask for help when he wants just a confirmation.

Sorry no confirmation from me. Spending so much for a deck keyboard is just stupid
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Tue, 31 May 2011, 19:23:09
Not looking for confirmation, just that I understand decks have a fairly low margin. Not like they're gouging. And I really am tryin to weigh all the options
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: Zet on Tue, 31 May 2011, 20:06:42
Get the DAS if you can't afford more than 100$, if you ever have complains about the glossy case, those will be minor compared to others you might have if you pick another keyboard than DAS for that price.

I insist, if you don't like the glossy case, get some 3M or some special stickers and add them to it, to avoid any scratches or mass finger prints
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Tue, 31 May 2011, 20:16:27
Thanks for all your advice! Das will be the backup! But sounds like I'll get a deck! Someone pmd mr back :)
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 31 May 2011, 20:21:01
Quote from: ZRock;353888
I'll get a deck! Someone pmd mr back :)

 

I'm sure you are lost on secondary details, but you haven't figured how odd is typing on a keyboard with such stupid flat shaped keys.

Get a DAS if you don't need backlight, get an Xarmor or wait two days for the QPAD MK80 if you need it, but stay away from deck.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 31 May 2011, 20:56:41
Quote from: ripster;353898
I expect wireless keyboards to be next.  RF is RF.



 Cellphones need to reach the BTS or Node-B (what you call tower), which can be 5Km or even 15Km far away. And has to do it even from inside of a concrete building
An RF keyboard need to reach the PC which is usually in the range of 1 to 10m w/o any barrier.

This means that the power involved is tens of thousands times lower, so don't worry to get out the stone age, you will not die because you get an RF keyboard.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Tue, 31 May 2011, 21:23:07
Haha why would you say to stay away from deck?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 31 May 2011, 21:28:15
Quote from: ZRock;353934
Haha why would you say to stay away from deck?

 
Use a deck, use a decent keyboard and then come back and tell me how they feel.

Deck is flat, like a notebook keyboard, Xarmor, DAS, filco and so on, are curved and this makes (obviously) an huge difference.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: oddsratio on Tue, 31 May 2011, 21:50:13
Why does the QPad look like an XArmor? QPad is a legitimate company, right? Not ione rebranding again?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 31 May 2011, 21:52:08
Quote from: oddsratio;353947
Why does the QPad look like an XArmor?

 
Because, tanks god, is the same keyboard (maybe with some more refined detail) .

Good as an Xarmor but available with the right ISO layout.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Tue, 31 May 2011, 21:54:01
Quote from: ZRock;353888
Thanks for all your advice! Das will be the backup! But sounds like I'll get a deck! Someone pmd mr back :)

 You will not regret it... The ugly fonts grows on you.

Congratulations
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Tue, 31 May 2011, 21:57:03
Quote from: The Solutor;353938
Use a deck, use a decent keyboard and then come back and tell me how they feel.

Deck is flat, like a notebook keyboard, Xarmor, DAS, filco and so on, are curved and this makes (obviously) an huge difference.


Moving to a "flat" keyboard like a Deck is easy and not an issue... Moving back to a curved one is another story.

The risers are there to use them.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 31 May 2011, 22:03:05
Quote from: BucklingSpring;353951
Moving to a "flat" keyboard like a Deck is easy and a none issue..


So tell IBM they wasted years and money when they built the model F keyboard.

You obviously can adapt to this odd scheme, but no matter what you can say is a big minus on the deck rating
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 05:20:00
Is it a big minus without comparing?  I understand if I had multiple keyboards, having the deck in the rotation would be a HUGE negative, due to its sole glaring difference.  However this is planning on being my ONLY keyboard for quite some time.. (yes yes, I know everyone here will say I'll catch the fever :D put that aside for now!)  So if this has no other keyboard to compare to, is it going to be any worse?  I'm sorry if you think I'm being stubborn Solutor, I'm just extremely nervous.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 05:47:10
Quote
Is it a big minus without comparing? I understand if I had multiple keyboards, having the deck in the rotation would be a HUGE negative,


So using this way to choose, any keyboard is good.

Quote
due to its sole glaring difference.


Sole ?

Deck is ugly looking, has ugly fonts, miss usb hub and any other value added feature.

Doesn't came with a wrist rest, nor with a keypuller, nor with any additional keycap.

the leds are mounted with the terminals bent make hideous to desolder them.

switching from PS/2 to USB and viceversa is not feasible with a simple adapter.

The keys are not only flat but also oddly shaped when looking to the single key

And so on...


Personally I can accept all this minus for a BL82 payed 25 euro (indeed I got one of it) but not for a keyboard that cost 1.6x the price of an Xarmor/Qpad/tessoro/stellar.

Quote
I'm sorry if you think I'm being stubborn Solutor


I don't think you are subborn, although laughing at my politely presented opinion is not a nice behavior, I think you have already decided, no matter what I/we can write here.

So this thread is basically a waste of time for you, me, and everyone replied. BTW can be a nice reading for the users used to read and never post.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 06:36:25
Thank you for your points, and I really wish I could USE both keyboard, a das silent and the Deck side by side to really tell.  What I meant by not comparing is I mean if the deck isn't the odd one out in a set, is it as bad as if it was something you had to switch to daily and get use to the change.  
And I, having never owned a mech keyboard, don't really know the difference between clears and browns and as many times as someone explains it, without testing I'm not sure!
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 08:34:04
Quote from: ZRock;354072

And I, having never owned a mech keyboard, don't really know the difference between clears and browns and as many times as someone explains it, without testing I'm not sure!

 
That's easy: clear are too stiff browns are too linear. You need both to make a good switch.

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?17357-U9BL-Beige-edition-(clear-switches-brown-springs)&highlight=beige+edition
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 08:48:35
Haha, but I don't have any soldering equipment!
And what was the base board you used for that?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 08:55:59
Quote
Haha, but I don't have any soldering equipment!


Soldering equipement is easy to get, soldering experience a bit more difficult to get, but is not rocket science.

Quote
And what was the base board you used for that?


A brown xarmor
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 08:57:11
Quote from: ripster;354103
Soldering equipment is almost required when you own a Xarmor or a Scorpius M10.

 

This site needs a better troll
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 08:59:55
Ugh, thats a gripe I've got of this forum, YES it has a ton of useful information, but it must be gleaned from the fanboy talk.  Both of you obviously have strong biases.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 09:05:17
Quote from: ZRock;354114
Both of you obviously have strong biases.

 
No bias here, I own the keyboards I'm speaking about, someone instead is used to spread BS w/o ever touched one of it.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: oddsratio on Wed, 01 June 2011, 09:08:58
If you get a Deck and dislike the font, you can always pick up one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/TG3-Electronics-BL82E-Backlit-USB-Keyboard-AS-IS-/220782245996?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3367a5b86c

http://cgi.ebay.com/TG3-Data911-Backlit-Touchpad-Cherry-Mechanical-Keyboard-/170632786717?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item27ba81b31d

I (purposely, for a discount) bought a broken board from the second seller just for to try a different set of backlit keycaps. IIRC, it was just one switch that was broken and could be fixed if I put the time into soldering a new one in. The quality difference btw these and the xarmor was leaps and bounds; the plastic stem was very sturdy.You can probably ask if he has any of them with the caps in really good condition. Mine were a letter worn along the sides, but the lettering looked very fresh. At least with this, you could have a regular font for everything but the number pad.

The dye-sub is visible even under low-light, so I decided to keep these keycaps in rotation for my non-backlit board. If you do buy these, wear gloves when you remove the plastic membrane. That was definitely pretty gross.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 09:14:55
Quote from: oddsratio;354119


I (purposely, for a discount) bought a broken board from the second seller just for to try a different set of backlit keycaps.

 
I got mine from the first seller, i bought one sold as working, but arrived with three broken switches and backlit stuck.

I asked for a partial refund, they agreed. Very nice people to deal with.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 09:16:34
Quote from: ripster;354122
He gets free review samples from them.

 

Always matter of grapes and foxes, as usual...:smokin:
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 09:27:19
So a deck with those replacement keys is generally agreed as a solid board?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 09:37:23
I think the Mionix looks AWESOME, however I am making myself refuse to have my first board be MX Blacks
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 09:42:26
Quote
I think the Mionix looks AWESOME, however I am making myself refuse to have my first board be MX Blacks


It's worth to have a board with pointless switches, to make ripster happier.

Really :party:
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 01 June 2011, 10:06:42
still conflicted? just get a filco and mod it to be backlit
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 10:07:39
Haha, thanks for the sound advice with great reasoning to back it up!
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 10:08:48
Zzzz, I feel like this discussion could go in circles.  Long story short I could get the Xarmor wireless, the Das Ultimate Silent, or a Deck Ice Tactile all for between 100-120 shipped.  Thats the hard part.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 01 June 2011, 10:15:06
Keep in mind, despite what the solutor says, xarmor didn't sell very many units which was the reason I didn't get it.

I would go for Das or Deck, my preference would be Das but you need backlighting so.... yea
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 10:23:48
Not so much need as in when I see that they're the same price i have a hard time justifying NOT getting it
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 10:35:04
Yeah, 120 shipped, used for about a month, found a very nice marketplace man :D
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: redpill on Wed, 01 June 2011, 11:33:50
The Deck I briefly owned seemed like a solid unit.  If you like the backlight and font on the legends, then it's a good deal at that price, imho.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 01 June 2011, 11:37:56
chea
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 12:22:53
The font won't bug me I believe... I don't look at the keys much themselves anyways.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: redpill on Wed, 01 June 2011, 12:32:58
Heh, I thought they looked more like Kung Fu Panda keys.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 12:43:55
I kinda dig the font lol :D
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 13:26:42
Lol I went with the Deck, should have it by next week.  If I don't like it I can easily sell it back for what I paid.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 01 June 2011, 13:32:16
Quote from: ripster;354154
You can get a Deck Ice tactile for 100-120 shipped?  

Good deal.  That would be the clear winner.

Comes in MX Clear too... Making it an even bigger winner.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 01 June 2011, 13:36:26
Quote from: ZRock;354228
I kinda dig the font lol :D

You will not regret your choice. It's a great board.

And Solutor hates it, so that's just another good reason to get one ;-)
He likes keyboard with weak legs and big boobs. Unfortunately for him, the Deck is flat and got strong stabilizers.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 13:42:37
Quote from: BucklingSpring;354249

He likes keyboard with weak legs and big boobs.

 

If I like Ferrari  I don't get trucks just because a couple of "genius" like ripster and his bad copy (you) thinks that the latter are more durable.

P.S. so when you sell such bad Xarmor you have in the signature ? I offer 30$
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 01 June 2011, 13:58:15
My truck came with a free xarmor
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 01 June 2011, 14:17:43
Quote from: The Solutor;354254
If I like Ferrari  I don't get trucks just because a couple of "genius" like ripster and his bad copy (you) thinks that the latter are more durable.

P.S. so when you sell such bad Xarmor you have in the signature ? I offer 30$


LoL the XArmor is like a living Dodo, I'm not going to part with it just like I won't get rid of my TVS Gold. They are horrible pieces of keyboards but interesting as collectibles.
Plus my XArmor is fully working, which increase its rare and unique factor.

Comparing an XArmor to a Ferrari is the most insulting thing ever told to Ferrari. Shame on you.
Comparing a Deck to a truck is kind of OK. It's big, it's ugly and it delivers.

Meanwhile, I'd like to invite you and your Ferrari for a little race on gravel roads, deep snow, poring rain or mud. Let's see how my 40K Toyota V8 4Runner will do against your 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000$ fancy car. Oh and just for the fun of it, lets strap a 7000 pounds trailer on each cars.

I don't own a Ferrari but I can afford a Deck.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 14:34:07
Quote
Plus my XArmor is fully working


:biggrin1::biggrin1::biggrin1:



It's enough to understand how stupid are your sentences.

Tanks for your participation to this thread.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 01 June 2011, 14:40:28
my xarmor doesn't work
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 01 June 2011, 14:54:30
Quote from: The Solutor;354271
:biggrin1::biggrin1::biggrin1:
It's enough to understand how stupid are your sentences.

Tanks for your participation to this thread.

 
Please enlighten me… What part of it is stupid?

I agree XArmor and working are not usually put in the same sentence. Besides that, what's wrong it?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 01 June 2011, 15:12:02
Quote from: BucklingSpring;354276
Please enlighten me… What part of it is stupid?


Having a good keyboard, and bashing it in the hope of resembling ripster looks stupid enough.

At least ripster did something for this site, you should ape that part
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 01 June 2011, 16:51:37
Quote from: The Solutor;354289
Having a good keyboard, and bashing it in the hope of resembling ripster looks stupid enough.


I don't try to look like someone else.

If the XArmor was sold at 50$ I'd just shut up.
But at $135 for cheap leds, cheap keycaps and cheap stabilizers. Oh and how about the comforting website... Of course it's is bashable.

I really feel sorry for anyone who broke his/her piggybank to get one.

I don't bash it to feel like Ripster... With you around recommending it, I keep bashing it to even the odds and hope to spare a kid's piggybank.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 17:18:42
Ok ok, quit the fanboy'ism!  Everyone try to get alone and support me! :D
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 01 June 2011, 17:20:06
to get alone? are you forever alone?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 01 June 2011, 19:00:45
Quote from: ripster;354362
I see DOUBLE RAINBOWS of LEDS exploding across your eyeballs when you plug it in!

Maxed out, the leds are so bright, you can read "querty..." on the ceiling.
 
When you plug it in, look up and confirm ;-)
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Wed, 01 June 2011, 20:35:47
Haha I'll take some pictures if this results in truth!
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ricercar on Thu, 02 June 2011, 09:37:18
Quote from: ZRock;354213
The font won't bug me I believe... I don't look at the keys much themselves anyways.

 
Bwah? If you don't look at the keys, why the heck get a backlit?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Thu, 02 June 2011, 10:19:02
lol
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Thu, 02 June 2011, 11:53:42
Who says I don't enjoy a nice blue glow coming up from the keyboard!

I need a tan anyway.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: Sk3l3tor on Thu, 02 June 2011, 20:08:20
This is my story ....I was looking for something to replace my aging 2001 w/white alps when I came across the Xarmor. Since I am somewhat of an impulse buyer , I pulled the trigger from Amazon grudgingly after some indicision..........while waiting for delivery I discovered this forum and immediately wanted to cancel my order after reading some of the posts regarding this keyboard.  I couldn't cancel my order so I waited to take delivery with a return shipping label already printed and waiting in hand. When I actually received the Xarmor, curiosity took the best part of me and I opened the package and plugged the keyboard in .......after a few days I decided to keep it. This is why......it had all the features that I needed. This was hard to accept b/c I really liked all the other keyboards that I saw mentioned on this forum......however none of them came close to putting all the features that I was looking for together in a single package. Deck ...I love the Alibaba letters on the keycaps and the lighting, Filco tenkeyless ....is just awesome, Das ...is probably built really well....but guess what ....NO USB.....OMG USB on a keyboard is HUGE and 2 USBs is even HUGER. Wireless mouse in one port and flash drive in the other.....no brainer, it's such a relief not to have to plug into a slippery external hub or my computer case...that alone sold me on the necessity of this keyboard....but wait ....headphone jacks .....on a keyboard ....useful or superfluous.....USEFUL!! OMG headphone jacks on a keyboard totally set me FREE........seriously, I can't even begin to describe how awesome it is not have to deal with plugging in and out of my speakers everytime I wanted to put my headphones on ....and to top it all off blue cherrys and lighting ...........WINNING!!

I am so glad I didn't listen to the Trolls on this forum and stuck with this keyboard..........BUT WAIT, do they make valid points regarding the build quality and such? Not in my opinion....OMG the keycap is made of inferior ABC plastic and here is a pic to document it.......yeah, okay get a life. But what about the rear stabilizer on the SHIFT deflector modulation key.......uh what about it, it's fine. Okay, but the LEDs...the LEDs .....will my LEDs go out.....absolutely not, as with all electronic equipment there is a lifetime guarantee that nothing bad will ever never ever happen to your keyboard in the whole wide worldest. Anyway, I've had this keyboard for about 4 months and I love it. Everything worx as it should. Maybe in the 5th month of it's life it will explode ....I don't know, but if it does I will buy another .....cause I can....HA!

If you want a feature rich keyboard that is designed for the practical person and won't break the bank or suck up your time trying to track it down from some shady Japanese website in China, than you can't go wrong with this keyboard. It's simple yet elegant ......for instance, a little subtle nuance.....while I am alone in the dark with my LEVEL 8 lit XARMOR kicking @ss in LEGO Pirates, I noticed that my WASD keys stand out ....yeah those orange WASD keys they include have a 3D effect against the blue background....it's like  totally trippy.....and made me ponder weird things like if linguists could find jobs .....or if bucklingsprings do trully buckle instead of give.

Now ...that I said all that .....I do see room for improvements and my demands are as follows .....tenkeyless... pronto......different colors... cause I am of that persuasion........get rid of the lame cheese grating platform....or at least make it functional......no really those 3 displays for num,cap and scroll lock have to go ...what were you guys thinking...who dropped the ball on that one? That is such a waste of real estate....I am proposing a change of design (see pic), I would  so love to see something like that ......placing the USBs and Jacks on the back is lame. Get a clue people ....why do you guys think cases are coming out with power buttons and USBs on top of the case ....DUH! Think about it and make it happen! Bottom line....good job on this design ...it's not revoutionary, but it is somewhat visionary.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/200/myxarmor2.jpg/

When is the FILCHCO NINJA TENKEYLESS coming out ....I so want it  ;)
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Thu, 02 June 2011, 20:26:21
XArmOR, Sk3l3tOR, SolutOR, DefendOR

Didn't know Solutor had a twin brother.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: DaemonRaccoon on Thu, 02 June 2011, 20:28:10
Holy wall of text He-Man! Welcome to GeekHack!

Ellipsis much?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Fri, 03 June 2011, 14:41:36
Your post is good, however you often call the product good enough. I'm not looking for something that is just good enough ;)
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: daerid on Fri, 03 June 2011, 15:09:47
And for the record, the Ninja's are out. Somebody got one from KeyboardCo already and posted a review.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Fri, 03 June 2011, 18:54:59
Quote from: ZRock;355291
I'm not looking for something that is just good enough ;)

 
So why to look at deck legends ?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Fri, 03 June 2011, 22:45:43
Here we go again

Deck Legend - A bit old and outdated but comes with balls of steel :-)
(http://s11.allstarpics.net/images/orig/3/v/3vkfslt4ch7pp74.jpg)

XArmor - Pretty face, no meat.
(http://www.metrolic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/skinny-catwalk-model.jpg)
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Sat, 04 June 2011, 03:25:49
Quote from: BucklingSpring;355405
Here we go again

 
It's a boring life w/o trolling, isn't it ?
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sat, 04 June 2011, 08:27:10
Deck and XArmor

Deck
(http://black-max.com/prod_images/12000MT_7M_XL.jpg)

Xarmor
(http://awomanandhershoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Stella-42.jpg)

They're obviously the same boots... Leather, steel toe, heel, everthing.

I now have a new theory for your persistent denial of the XArmor wobbliness.
You're a supermodel chick and don't mind walking with expensive high heels meant to be worn only once.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 04 June 2011, 21:40:49
My XArmor doesn't wobble. I'm a supermodel in moccasins. But i have more meat than that grotesque photo. Ew.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Sat, 04 June 2011, 21:48:49
wlcm 2 gh skeletor

tldr
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sun, 05 June 2011, 20:17:03
Quote from: ricercar;355724
My XArmor doesn't wobble. I'm a supermodel in moccasins. But i have more meat than that grotesque photo. Ew.


So you are not experiencing what was shown in Ripster's video reference? ->Here<- (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?17829-Yet-Another-Xarmor-Bites-The-Dust&p=354700&viewfull=1#post354700)

#t=7m43s
[video=youtube;_oxX07ERyBw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oxX07ERyBw&feature=player_embedded[/video][/QUOTE]
 
Mine certainly does and it's getting worst over time.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Mon, 06 June 2011, 02:22:21
Quote from: BucklingSpring;356068

 
Mine certainly does and it's getting worst over time.

 
You too...:happy:
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 06 June 2011, 06:55:52
Wow...those stabilizers must be terrible.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: Lester on Mon, 06 June 2011, 07:03:45
The f @ those terribad stabalizers.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 06 June 2011, 07:39:04
Quote from: The Solutor;356160
You too...:happy:

It's called aging, not sure you have this on your planet.
Here some are doing it faster than other.

The XArmor is showing some serious progeria symptoms.

You seam to be a smart person.
Except for those related to XArmor, you're making decent posts.
You are probably the kind of guy who's going to have one girlfriend/boyfriend and stick with her/him your whole life no matter what.
Or you are related to XArmor like a mother would be.

Anyway, you are clearly endorsing the brand beyond technical reasons.

As long as you are happy, I respect that.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: noodles256 on Mon, 06 June 2011, 12:04:48
i dont
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ricercar on Mon, 06 June 2011, 12:45:20
Quote from: BucklingSpring;356068
So you are not experiencing what was shown in Ripster's video reference?

Correct. I would not have any reason to question the stabilized keys had I skipped this thread; however, now I'll be paying attention as my XArmor ages, comparing it to the aging of other boards.

The looseness/play in my Armor U91BL stabilized keys is equivalent to my Cherry, Scorpius, TG3, and Kinesis boards: more play than a buckling spring board, less than my Apple boards, but not a "cheap" feeling at all. Only one key in each board, the backspace, does seem to be looser than the others; I must be harsh on my backspace keys.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 06 June 2011, 14:35:15
Quote from: ripster;356286
My Filco big keys don't wiggle like that at all.

I bet the OP is sure glad he bought a Deck instead of an Xarmor.

 
Yeah I don't get why they say same as Filco... Not yours or mine for sure.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to read the OP comments once he get his Deck.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 06 June 2011, 15:34:43
My cherry g80 stabilized keys NOR my Filco stabilized keys wiggle like that. Wiggle like that.

Wi-wi wiggle like that.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Mon, 06 June 2011, 17:32:06
Quote from: ripster;356363
Someone should figure out what's going on.

It's not rocket science.


Maybe they don't complete their sentences "my XArmor keys do not wobble like that ... when I press the center of the key"

My 2c on it (applies to both my XArmor and my TVS Gold)
-The stabilizer bars are paperclip grade
-The clips holding these bars to the board are loose. They have a play in pretty much all directions.

So if the base is not stable... No wonder the rest of the key isn't either.
Lets forget the cheap stems... Although it probably contributes as well to the wobbliness.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: ZRock on Mon, 06 June 2011, 17:37:52
Haha deck should be here in 3 days tops. In the mean time I grabbed one of those data911 boards and cleaned it
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: hybridsoul5 on Tue, 07 June 2011, 04:10:45
Hey guys, I'm a bit of a lurker here but it seems like there's been a lot of talk about the Xarmor U9W from a lot of people that haven't used one. As a current Xarmor U9W user, I figured I'd give my 2c on the keyboard. Keep in mind that I'm still a novice at this sort of stuff.

Cons: The keys with stabilizers do wobble. This seems due to loose tolerances where the metal stabilizer bars snap into their plastic mounts (there's a bit of wiggle room even after the metal stabilizer bars have been snapped into place). There are also no snap-out feet for angle adjustment. The wrist pad that comes with it is cheap crap that broke on me within the first week of use. 2KRO is meh. Spacebar is at an angle where the edge sort of cuts into your thumb if you use it without a wrist pad (not just an XArmor problem).

Pros: Key wobble isn't noticeable while typing (maybe that's just my novice sensibilities). Wireless ability is super convenient. Cherry brown goodness. LED indicators DO NOT bleed like they did in the previously linked youtube video. No LED backlighting to die on me (I find that stuff too tacky anyway). Keyboard angle isn't too bad even without the rest. Spacebar problem fixed by reversing it. Key caps don't seem flimsy (I don't know much about the plastic used but it doesn't flex in my hand when I try to squeeze the key caps between my fingers). Keyboard has some heft and rubber feet. It doesn't go anywhere even with moderate pressure to the side.

Overall, I still think the keyboard is of lesser quality than most other brands favored at geekhack and at $100 may initially seem overpriced for a low end cherry keyboard. However, I will say that you get a set of cherry brown keys with wireless ability. No other mechanical keyboard I know of available in the US even offers wireless rf, and the XArmor U9B offers this at a price point that is cheaper than most mid range cherry keyboards. Is it overpriced? I'd say depends on how much you value the wireless functionality.

For me, I really like being able to pick up my laptop and go when I need to so a wireless mechanical keyboard was what I was looking for and the Xarmor U9B fit the bill just fine.

I will be keeping an eye on stabilizer key wobble and how it progresses in the future, but for now I'm happy with my purchase.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 07 June 2011, 04:25:53
Quote
This seems due to loose tolerances where the metal stabilizer bars snap into their plastic mounts


Looks like my BW, the problem can be easily fixed with a drop of Attack  (i think you call it superglue) between the small nylon hinges and the metal plate., i did it on BW and now the BW keys behavior is almost on par with my Xarmor.

Quote
No other mechanical keyboard I know of available in the US even offers wireless rf


There's a fentek one which is clearly the same board (whatever the fentek rep is saying).

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?17613-New-Mechanical-Switch-Wireless-Keyboard
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 07 June 2011, 13:11:49
Quote from: ripster;356793
 Now I know what's going on with the stabilizers.

 
This is the 4th or 5th time you ask the same question, and you have the same answer.

Is better to read replies when you ask something
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: The Solutor on Tue, 07 June 2011, 13:25:01
Quote from: ripster;356838
My, you're surly today.

 
So I learned a new english word, thank you. :-)


BTW my spacebars are absolutely not wobbly on both Xarmor and BW so I can't help here.
Title: Is this XArmor any good?
Post by: hybridsoul5 on Tue, 07 June 2011, 17:21:22
The spacebar mold is straight across and doesn't flex much at all. Most perceived looseness is due to the previously mentioned tolerance issues with the stabilizer. If Xarmor had made their stabilizers a bit tighter, I really wouldn't have much to complain about. As for rollover testing using Aquakeytest...

ASX: fail
WDE: fail
SDC: fail
WAQ: fail
CTRL-AQ: pass
ESDF variations with other keys: fail
ARROW KEY cluster with other keys: fail but most keys work (better than my siig minitouch)
CAPSLOCK-LSHIFT-S: fail