geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: gl0ry on Thu, 16 June 2011, 17:47:34
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Hello everyone,
I got my Filco Majestouch Ninja in today from Amazon. If anyone here in the keyboard section has followed my posts at all, I've slowly moved up the ladder as I originally started with an Xarmor U9-Plus (blue), then moved on to a Das Professional (brown), and have now made a final movement to a Filco Majestouch Ninja (brown).
I know there is a good following when it comes to the Filco name brand. When I first decided to go mechanical, I told myself I would never be part of that following and spend over 100 dollars on a keyboard, but I guess that turned out to be a big fat lie.
I got this from Amazon via TheKeyboardCo(UK) and the keyboard came wonderfully packaged by Amazon (as always) and arrived in only two days with Prime.
(http://i.imgur.com/Q0eTm.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zD7FT.jpg)
What a cute little box. I'm suddenly feeling all light footed and stealthy for some reason!
(http://i.imgur.com/hQ7ee.jpg)
Designed in Japan, Made in Taiwan. No More Fading Letters!
(http://i.imgur.com/Pkt75.jpg)
Cherry Browns!
(http://i.imgur.com/hRm9v.jpg)
Stealthy Filco logo!
(http://i.imgur.com/9EQXz.jpg)
Overhead and Rear views of the keyboard make it look "otaku" or "ultimate".
(http://i.imgur.com/2pzAk.jpg)
My initial impressions are that this keyboard is of the highest quality. The keyboard has good weight to it, and the matte finish is something I can really appreciate after coming from the Das. The keyboard has this quality about it that many other keyboards in the market today fail to achieve. It has this simplistic yet attractive luxury to it. Nothing fancy, nothing gaudy, just good old typing goodness.
I love the key features of the Ninja, which are the front printed legends. Having owned the Das for a week, the legends were already dirty/being worn off and was just unacceptable for me. The Ninja's keycaps are extremely smooth and comfortable. Maybe I'm crazy but I do have to note that the keys/brown switches do feel a tad more resistant than my Das browns. I don't know what could be the cause of this feeling, but the Das browns were extremely light. Having this additional 5g resistance (that's what it feels like to me) is fine for me.
The keyboard is extremely stable. This is probably the most stable keyboard I've owned because the little plastic level adjustments have a nice rubber cover which ensures that the keyboard will not move at all (Both xarmor and das didn't include such a feature and because of that they could shuffle on the desk from time to time). This is my first time using a tenkeyless and I will have to adjust a bit because I did use the numpad sometimes, but aside from that everything is great.
I do have to note that the cord is very short. The cord is probably half the length of most average keyboards. I am going to have to buy a USB extension cable for use with my desktop. On the note of pinging, I do hear it a little bit on the backspace key, but it doesn't bother me at all.
I do plan on doing some modifications such as colored keycaps and such, but that will have to wait till next time. Other thoughts or impressions should be covered in my youtube video. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Unboxing
Initial Impressions
Type Racer
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You just can't go wrong with a Filco. That's a fact I've been preaching everywhere. :)
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Awesome keyboard. I have one at work and love typing on it. I look forward to doing things that require a lot of typing.
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Awesome keyboard. I have one at work and love typing on it. I look forward to doing things that require a lot of typing.
DITTO. Seriously, working on a filco brown is the best decision I've made as far as my work environment goes.
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Haha. Thanks for the review. I didn't know which thread to reply to.. this one or the one over at OCN (http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/1043832-unboxing-initial-impressions-filco-majestouch-ninja.html). lol
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lol, had to keep it real
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Grats man. I got my browns yesterday and love it. Perfect switches for me being so nice and light and I love the sound. There's some pinging on mines too but I can only hear it when my ear is right next to the key being pressed. It sounds more like the springs are making that sound. I don't notice it at all due to the beautiful clacking sounds drowning it out.
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I dig the keys, does look aewsome.
semi OT: how/why do people make 'unboxing videos' and stuff? I just couldn't. New stuff? Must shred packaging and play around with it. no time for cameras.
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I dig the keys, does look aewsome.
semi OT: how/why do people make 'unboxing videos' and stuff? I just couldn't. New stuff? Must shred packaging and play around with it. no time for cameras.
I dunno, some of those unboxing videos on youtube helped me decide what I wanted in the past, so I figured I would do the same for anyone on the fence.
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I dig the keys, does look aewsome.
semi OT: how/why do people make 'unboxing videos' and stuff? I just couldn't. New stuff? Must shred packaging and play around with it. no time for cameras.
Here's one of my favourite unboxing vid :D
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You just can't go wrong with a Filco. That's a fact I've been preaching everywhere. :)
:pound::pound::pound::pound::pound:
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Very nice, enjoy it! :)
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Is the difference between the ninja and the regular majestouch just the keycaps?
Also, I haven't even gotten my majestouch-2 browns yet and i already want this ninja
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Keycaps and more stealth badge is what I can see. Don't worry about Ninjas. Get some blank, engraved, or white-on-white keycaps. That's the way to go.
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My ninja's logo is definitely dark black, my non-ninja gen 2 logo is darg gun metal. A distinct difference between the two.
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^ Yup, here's a pic of Filco logo on Ninja.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/eddie84/OCN/Mech%20keyboard%20club/Filcos/th_DSC05622.jpg) (http://[URL=http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/eddie84/OCN/Mech%20keyboard%20club/Filcos/DSC05622.jpg)](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/eddie84/OCN/Mech%20keyboard%20club/Filcos/th_DSC05622.jpg) (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/eddie84/OCN/Mech%20keyboard%20club/Filcos/DSC05622.jpg)[/URL]
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The FILCO on my ninja is a dark black. However I discovered that it truly is a master of misdirection when photographed.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]19225[/ATTACH]
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The Solutor likes to troll
I'm not called ripster and we aren't speaking about Xarmor or Ducky, so no trolling involved.
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Yeah, it's dark grey/blackish.. It blends in with the housing.
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You just can't go wrong with a Filco.
True, as long as you like B flat OR residential insulation chemicals.
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I prefer Chopin's B-flat to Filco's.
[video=youtube;aBqhH_96Evs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBqhH_96Evs[/video]
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trolls > shills
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That's good. As long as they keep selling, you are happy =)
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great review OP. I can't hear the ping at all in your vid, maybe you just don't type as hard as some of the complainers. Either that or your cam mic was too far away.
And wow, 150wpm is really impressive.
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Your avatar is very fitting.
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Your avatar is very fitting.
You no likey Haruhi? It's okay, I will change it for you. You don't have to complain about that too.
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I don't recall complaining about anything, really.
Anyway, I likey Taeyeon.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oHNNC_HO4gE/S5Wqk5EtzvI/AAAAAAAAJOs/6onmCUcXjVA/s640/kim%20tae%20yeon.jpg)
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Thanks for the review just got this keyboard as my first mechanical. Feel like I missed out on the growing process of going up and through keyboards until the top haha
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Excellent review. The Filco keycaps will become shiny after a while, so Ninja keycaps are a wise choice.
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My Ninja caps are already shiny. But I don't mind. Shiny ABS keys actually feel much better on a brown switch then they do on a blue.
What would be awesome is a PBT engraved ninja-style group buy.
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so Ninja keycaps are a wise choice.
Better call them with correct name, a patch, a workaround.
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Better call them with correct name, a patch, a workaround.
Those aren't names. Those are adjectives. "Ninja" is the correct name.
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Those are adjectives.
:nono:
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Okay fine, technically not adjectives. But they're not names, either. And neither are correct anyways.
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...And neither are correct anyways.
From wikipedia:
A workaround is a bypass of a recognized problem in a system.
Fits perfectly here
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That's one way of looking at it. Another is aesthetic.
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From wikipedia:
A workaround is a bypass of a recognized problem in a system.
Fits perfectly here
Seriously?
Why are you such a hater?
Even if Filco's keys didn't wear prematurely, I would still have chosen the Ninja because I love the feel of blank caps, but occasionally I need to look down to see which symbol I need.
I don't see any need for your constant anti-Filco attitude. Especially in threads like these where people are happy with their purchase and you're just crapping on it.
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Especially in threads like there where people are happy with their purchase and you're just crapping on it.
Boom
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Seriously?
Why are you such a hater?
Hater ?
I'm just helping people to not waste their money, you are free to agree or disagree and to spend your money as you like.
As I'm free to post my opinion in a *discussion* forum.
Even if Filco's keys didn't wear prematurely, I would still have chosen the Ninja because I love the feel of blank caps
Good, so we should call a smart workaround ? a nice workaround ? Cal it whatever you like you cant cancel the fact that the most expensive cherry keyboard comes whith the cheapest keycaps a (supposed) Ferrari with retread tires.
Especially in threads like these where people are happy with their purchase and you're just crapping on it.
If someone is happy, why should become unhappy just because a my post ?
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Hater ?
I'm just helping people to not waste their money, you are free to agree or disagree and to spend your money as you like.
As I'm free to post my opinion in a *discussion* forum.
Good, so we should call a smart workaround ? a nice workaround ? Cal it whatever you like you cant cancel the fact that the most expensive cherry keyboard comes whith the cheapest keycaps a (supposed) Ferrari with retread tires.
If someone is happy, why should become unhappy just because a my post ?
So you're saying that Filco's are a waste of money because of the keycaps alone? The caps just negate the rest of the craftsmanship and inherent quality?
A lot of people on this forum (and others) replace their keycaps almost as soon as they get their boards, regardless of which brand or how good the OEM caps are.
I agree with you that it would be great if they came with better (preferably PBT) caps, but to say the whole keyboard is a waste of money and spread Filco fud is just unnecessary.
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So you're saying that Filco's are a waste of money because of the keycaps alone?
No also because they cost from 1.5x to 2x any other board, giving not a lot more, sometimes giving less
The caps just negate the rest of the craftsmanship and inherent quality?
What craftmanship ? they are made slightly better than first price boards and exactly as good as most of other brands, they are just mechanical keyboards, not "grand complication" mechanical watches.
A lot of people on this forum (and others) replace their keycaps almost as soon as they get their boards, regardless of which brand or how good the OEM caps are.
Most of the people replace the tires on they Ferrari or the bracelet on their Rolex, but Rolex or Ferrari aren't using this as an excuse to give crap first equipment tires or bracelets.
spread Filco fud is just unnecessary
The more the information is biased in one direction the more different opinions are precious, no matter if we are speaking about Filcos in GH or about communism on the Pravda or whatever.
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(http://www.gifbin.com/bin/122010/1291664255_obama-kiks-door-open.gif)
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Your credibility would be higher if you owned a Filco.
Surely my self respect would be lower, in that case.
In fact, did you ever try one?
So start to play the role of a Filco vendor and gimme some facts, some tell me what I'm missing using full featured, not pinging, squeaking, boards equipped with good keycaps.
Maybe there's something I missed.
Maybe also the steelseries, ducky, leopold, cherry owners are missing something
Explain me why an 80$ board is sold at 160$, showme that 80$ worth details...
Shouldn't be that hard
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We should all just stop taking this thread so far off topic and deal with the fact that Solutor has never bothered to try a Filco to base his opinions on.
@OP: Congratulations on your purchase and I, for one, am glad that you are happy with it! I too recently bought a Ninja and love it!
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We should all just stop taking this thread so far off topic and deal with the fact that Solutor has never bothered to try a Filco to base his opinions on.
Frankly I'm proud to no spend my money in something sold with a doubled price, just becous is hyped, when you have some facts to confute my opinion you're welcome, until that moment I consider my opinion more valid than yours, because you have to justify the money spend firstly with yourself, and this is usually done with inflated or inexistent arguments
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Surely my self respect would be lower, in that case.
So start to play the role of a Filco vendor and gimme some facts, some tell me what I'm missing using full featured, not pinging, squeaking, boards equipped with good keycaps.
Maybe there's something I missed.
Maybe also the steelseries, ducky, leopold, cherry owners are missing something
Explain me why an 80$ board is sold at 160$, showme that 80$ worth details...
Shouldn't be that hard
Sometimes things that are paid "extra" aren't always physically observed. The same argument goes with a lot of things, one I see often is why I purchase and use MacBooks when the same hardware can be found in an HP notebook for half the cost. I, personally will pay extra for build quality, which I have done with my MBP. I also like the AppleCare service and being able to go right into a store, but anyway. I'm sure many can argue the same for a Filco, however many other people will argue the other way. The problem I think people have here is this is a Filco initial impressions but you're kind of thread crapping.
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Sometimes things that are paid "extra" aren't always physically observed. The same argument goes with a lot of things, one I see often is why I purchase and use MacBooks when the same hardware can be found in an HP notebook for half the cost. I, personally will pay extra for build quality, which I have done with my MBP. I also like the AppleCare service and being able to go right into a store, but anyway. I'm sure many can argue the same for a Filco, however many other people will argue the other way. The problem I think people have here is this is a Filco initial impressions but you're kind of thread crapping.
This is perfectly true.
But the difference between Thinkpad or even a Macbook are all but hidden, some of them are "quiet" some others are pretty evident, say aluminum or magnesium case, steel hinges, airbag protection for the HDD... the list is huge.
The same will apply to a zillion of things even to a stupid Sergio Tacchini T shirt that is not just trendy, will also last ten times than a cloned one.
But where are the differences here ?
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I suppose in my brief time here, I've read a few posts on Filco's solid construction. I've also seen people knock on Ducky's build quality. Build quality seems important for many of us as I see it mentioned in all proper KB reviews and I suppose R&D costs go into this. But I am not educated enough in keyboards. I liked the look of the TKL Filco's, as well as more than 2-kro which I believe is what are offered on PLU's? So there's one physical difference, but I cannot comment on other keyboards.
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Build quality seems important for many of us
Included me, this is why I'll never buy a filco.
I suppose R&D costs go into this
Oh yes, R&D costs must be huge, given that more or less we are speaking about the same keyboard sold 25 years ago, minus the dubleshot keycaps.
Other than a clean design they offers NOTHING, no funky materials on housing, no doubleshot/backlit/super heavvy/whatever keycaps, no additional sw functions, macro keys, media keys, programmable keys, internal stored configurations, no detachable cable, no wireless, no usb ports, no additional constructive things, like dampening materials keycap silencers.
No backlight, no volume knobs.
Think to whatever can made a keyboard better, can differentiate a keyboard from another, or that can show some research behind it and you will find N O T H I N G.
A NOTHING sold @80$
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ESPECIALLY now that whole ping fiasco thing has finally died down.
It's not a fiasco, it's a defect. Shut up about it if you don't want it to become a subject again.
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How's that poll going?
It's going great, it's completely disproving your entire stupid theory that every mechanical keyboard pings and that some people are just whiners. The reality is there are loud defective keyboards out there and people shouldn't put up with them. Or you, for that matter. Stay classy.
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Damn. Rip got ripped.
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I find your logic defective, not plate mounted Cherry MX keyboards.
You're a biased and irrelevant twit that only cares about your own ego. Get a life.
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Maybe when you drop the auto-filatio signature and infantile act you can talk about class, troll. Until then, you have no standing.
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And congrats you've derailed another thread. Great job, such a benefit to the community.
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The reality is there are loud defective keyboards out there and people shouldn't put up with them.
Unless they don't care about it.
PS: If you really think he's a troll, redpill, stop feeding him, for god's sake.
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Unless they don't care about it.
Yes they care just to spend 80$ more than other keyboards because quality is their main concern :becky:
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Yes they care just to spend 80$ more than other keyboards because quality is their main concern :becky:
Maybe it's the language barrier, but I have no idea what you just meant there. I'll assume it's another attempted crack at Filcos and people who love them. So I'll just ignore it.
Good day!
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Maybe it's the language barrier
I think that qualithy should mean the same in south africa or in finland.
So what is puzzling is, why when the price is cited everyone are speaking about quality, while when defects are cited the "don't care" thing is triggered ?
You should agree with yourself, Filcos are quality products or not ?
Quality matters or not ?
80$ more are used to have something back or not ?
I'll assume it's another attempted crack at Filcos and people who love them.
I couldn't care less about who bought a filco, I care about technology and about technology that makes the life better.
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Redpill, if you think rip is a troll, stop posting so he can't troll you...
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I think that qualithy should mean the same in south africa or in finland.
Really?
How about the only place on the planet where a XArmor is considered of better quality than a Filco?
Their interepretation of quality is quite unique.
Btw I own a Filco and I can appreciate why people like them so much.
To the OP... Enjoy your board. Ninja's are cool!
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Really?
How about the only place on the planet where a XArmor is considered of better quality than a Filco?
I'm not used to compare full featured keyboards sold at 130$ with basic ones sold at 160.
By the way I consider durable dysesubbed, lasered and coated keycaps better than cheap pad printed ones, used to become blank in three months.
As you said I'm strange, my interpretation of quality is "unique".. :becky:
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Included me, this is why I'll never buy a filco.
Other than a clean design they offers NOTHING, no funky materials on housing, no doubleshot/backlit/super heavvy/whatever keycaps, no additional sw functions, macro keys, media keys, programmable keys, internal stored configurations, no detachable cable, no wireless, no usb ports, no additional constructive things, like dampening materials keycap silencers.
No backlight, no volume knobs.
Think to whatever can made a keyboard better, can differentiate a keyboard from another, or that can show some research behind it and you will find N O T H I N G.
A NOTHING sold @80$
Sometimes less is more.
Filco is a niche product, therefore it is not for everyone.
Even just the nice logo could easily justify the price for a keyboard enthusiast, or the fact that it is a well respected keyboard around here.
Given the fact that I don't own one you can easily guess where I stand.
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I think that qualithy should mean the same in south africa or in finland.
So what is puzzling is, why when the price is cited everyone are speaking about quality, while when defects are cited the "don't care" thing is triggered ?
You should agree with yourself, Filcos are quality products or not ?
Quality matters or not ?
80$ more are used to have something back or not ?
Yes, on all counts. I can only speak to my experience. None of my Filcos ping (I think I heard my brown's left control key ping very softly once... maybe. not sure). My personal boards are of the utmost highest of quality, and are worth every penny that I've spent on them.
However, if somebody else doesn't feel that way, they should definitely seek a refund or replacement. I believe that most of the time, Filcos are good boards. Like any product line, there are sometimes defective ones that are shipped out. And when they are, then the consumer has a right to have the defective one replaced.
I will say that if I thought my particular boards were defective, I'd seek to have that rectified for sure, and would probably be pretty upset about it. But I also think it's wrong to judge an entire brand by giving more weight to it's defective products than it's excellent ones.
I couldn't care less about who bought a filco, I care about technology and about technology that makes the life better.
That we can both agree on :)
I'm not used to compare full featured keyboards sold at 130$ with basic ones sold at 160.
By the way I consider durable dysesubbed, lasered and coated keycaps better than cheap pad printed ones, used to become blank in three months.
As you said I'm strange, my interpretation of quality is "unique".. :becky:
The thing that rubs people wrong is that you speak as though your definition of quality and "full featured" and "basic" applies to everybody. Which it doesn't. It applies to you. If people happen to agree, then you have that in common. But don't assume that your view applies to the whole world.
Case in point: All those reasons you posted about why you'll never buy a Filco, those are the exact reasons I went with my Filcos. I agree with RiGs: Sometimes less is more.
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Filco is niche product, therefore it is not for everyone.
Even just the nice logo could easily justify the price for a keyboard enthusiast, or the fact that it is a well respected keyboard around here.
Given the fact that I don't own one you can easily guess where I stand.
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Happily pinging my way to shiny keycaps on my $160 ninja here. I may upgrade to Topre one day when I feel the time is right, but for now I am content with cherry browns.
Good choice OP. Enjoy your purchase.
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Can't we all just get along?
I sent Ripster a "friend request" at OCN.
My hope is that one day we can share a peace pipe and laugh about all this.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uZalmLviQPo/TQOpbBDKigI/AAAAAAAAAP8/OKCRW-0M3BA/s1600/peacepipe.jpg)
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Your son's smart.
Anyway, what do you have against peace pipes?
I assumed you'd like them since you're into "nickels" and "scales".
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I believe that most of the time, Filcos are good boards.
I believe it too, also what I don't believe is that they are worth 80$ more than a steelseries or 50$ more than a Leopold.
The thing that rubs people wrong is that you speak as though your definition of quality
So this is the wikipedia interpretation
Quality in business, engineering and manufacturing has a pragmatic interpretation as the non-inferiority or superiority of something.
and also
One is quality assurance which is the prevention of defects
This apply to filcos ?
The other is quality control which is the detection of defects, most commonly associated with testing which takes place within a quality management system typically referred to as verification and validation.
And this ?
and "full featured" and "basic" applies to everybody.
Basic = it provides the essential features = same board as the one built 25 years ago. (where's the disagreement here ?)
Full featured = it provides all the modern functionalities expected on a high end product. No matter if you consider them useful, mandatory or unuseful. I may be happy to drive a BMW with the window opened and the air conditioner turned off, but the air conditioner should be there on a 60k€ car. Is this a Solutor's craziness ?
But don't assume that your view applies to the whole world.
Oh yes, I assume that a keycap (a fundamental feature on a keyboard) will last at least a couple of years on a 2.5$ keyboard, and "forever" on 160$ one.
Quality is not an empty word, quality is something of measurable.
It's the user perception of the quality that can be variable.
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In other news, I just got my first rep point at OCN.
(http://operatorchan.org/k/src/k290122_****%20yea.png)
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In other news, I just got my first rep point at OCN.
wlcm 2 cn :becky:
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Thanks. I've also already had a post deleted there too.
I jokingly asked if members can exchange keyboards for rep points. I guess they don't like jokes there?
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I guess they don't like jokes there?
All big forums are like OCN, when a MOD have to deal with hundreds of flames everyday, becoming a bit nazi is the easier behavior.
Personally I don't agree (when I was part of the staff of newsmobile, even if it had more than 50K users I banned likely 5 users in 5 years and I closed something like 20 discussions.) but I can understand.
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Ever ban yourself?
No, but I've never taken an action in a discussion where I was involved, if needed I contacted a different MOD.
Correctness should be the first rule to follow for someone placed in a more powerful position than others.
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A lot of non sense going on in this thread. Anyways, after a month of using the keyboard, I still love it very much, however, I noticed that some of the infill on the front of the keys have developed a darker shade. They are just like the das keys, so they are most definitely laser etched and filled with white paint.
A little disappointing, but not that noticeable I guess.
Was thinking about getting 37 KBC white engraved for the main cluster anyways! Maybe this will give me an excuse.
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Do pad printed legends turn dark? These keys are staining exactly like my das keycaps did.
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This guy Tator Tot at OCN seems like a keyboard expert. Wonder why he never posts here?
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Ahh under disguise I suppose.
Let me guess: Noodles?
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I dunno...he was really confused about the pinging issue. Thought it happened more on Maj 2's than 1's for some reason.
I set him straight and got a rep point. Not too bad a place, that OCN.
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Great. Now I want one of these.
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Now that the ping thing is finally dying down
Right, as soon as it dies down you mention it again.
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Filco manufacturing defect. No quotes or unnecessary capitals needed. But way to keep the topic going.
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everybody say lalalalalalala
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Everyone at OCN wants to know who blew the ping issue out of proportion.
Looking back, I'm pretty sure it was Ripster.
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As the Number One Keyboard Expert On the Planet I have little time for your trolling.
I'm busy updating the Stickys here and the content in my sig.
KL or me? I categorize my posts as useful spam