geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ilyama on Fri, 02 September 2011, 09:56:18

Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Fri, 02 September 2011, 09:56:18: Hello guys !!!

I received my noppoo last week from qtan and I really like it ... !
Compact, nice layout, red switch are really great ...

The only thing that does not make me happy is the build quality... The plastics are not very well assembled ...
When I take it in my hands, it doesnt feel really solid...

As if it had been opened after assembly...

I make a little video ...

(http://videobam.com/thumbnail-2162892-MkweN.jpg) (http://videobam.com/MkweN) Powered by VideoBam - Free Video Hosting (http://videobam.com)

Do you have the same feeling or I'am unlucky with my noppoo ?

Thanks guys !
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 02 September 2011, 10:03:18: I haven't had any problems with mine. I can't remember when I got it, but it's been at least 6 months or so I guess. The only thing I don't like is the rattly stabilizers.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Fri, 02 September 2011, 10:11:03: I think I'm unlucky... Or it's not a real Noppoo :) It's a poo :)

I dont know but I'm very disappointed about the build quality ...

I like it but I think it's my first and last Noppoo ;)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 02 September 2011, 10:14:31: Damn. Return it!
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Fri, 02 September 2011, 11:01:59: I know that's not a big deal but I was expecting more quality...

And the lettering on "shift" key begins to fade ...
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: agor on Fri, 02 September 2011, 11:14:08: I've got the same issue, but as I am only using it at work I got no problems with this.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Fri, 02 September 2011, 11:21:05: In fact, all the frame moves a little bit ...
I think it can't be the same on all noppoo choc mini ... :(
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 02 September 2011, 11:59:00: My frame is solid. Do you have the Mini with the white lettering? Mine has the brown, and none of them have any fading (not that you could really tell, anyway). Maybe you just got a bad one.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: dreamingftw on Fri, 02 September 2011, 12:17:48: I got mine from Bid Station off Ebay a few months ago. My casing does that also but it's still a pretty solid keyboard. The plastic might not be a sturdy as say a Filco but you get what you pay for.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: reaper on Fri, 02 September 2011, 12:18:09: Yup, mine seems pretty solid also. I got one of the ealier ones with faded letters on the keycaps.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: jpm804 on Fri, 02 September 2011, 13:03:13: When I got mine it was pretty solid and mine was from the newer batch. It didnt have this noisy spacebar issue either that I have heard reported.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: baller1308 on Fri, 02 September 2011, 13:15:01: Mine does the same thing, but I don't really mind. Not like I'm pushing on that part of the keyboard anyways :P. I've had my Noppoo Choc Mini for a couple of months now and I like it. It is quite lightweight compared to filco and leopold, but overall I like it. I received one with gold lettering and they haven't started to show any signs of fading.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Fri, 02 September 2011, 21:39:49: I ve got the gold/brown lettering ...
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: Atenacius on Fri, 02 September 2011, 21:55:52: They all come with gold/brown lettering. It's just that the very first version had light faded lettering. The newer ones just look white in comparison but they're just bolder
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: sordna on Fri, 02 September 2011, 22:57:03: Quote from: ilyama;409399
In fact, all the frame moves a little bit ...
I think it can't be the same on all noppoo choc mini ... :(

The frame flexes on other keyboards, the KBC Poker too. It's normal for cheap keyboards, don't worry too much about it.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: calavera on Sat, 03 September 2011, 00:35:12: I'm actually surprised that you'd expect a filco quality from a noppoo keyboard. Besides the little flex is not a big deal, it's still a great keyboard to type on.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Sat, 03 September 2011, 02:35:35: Yes, I was certainly expecting too much ... :)
I guess I know why a filco is more expensive now ;)

Finally, the worst thing is the lettering who begins already to fade after one week ...

But I like my noppoo choc mini !
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: jpm804 on Sat, 03 September 2011, 02:57:18: Quote from: ilyama;409826
Yes, I was certainly expecting too much ... :)
I guess I know why a filco is more expensive now ;)

Finally, the worst thing is the lettering who begins already to fade after one week ...

But I like my noppoo choc mini !

Better reason to replace your keycaps then :becky:
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: calavera on Sat, 03 September 2011, 03:13:32: Stock key caps suck anyways :D

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/DSCF1937.jpg)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Sat, 03 September 2011, 08:40:17: (http://videobam.com/thumbnail-2173313-UEqmq.jpg) (http://videobam.com/UEqmq) Powered by VideoBam - Free Video Hosting (http://videobam.com)

Another video, my noppoo is build like a poo :)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: Clickey on Sat, 03 September 2011, 09:13:39: Even Qtan says on some of his listings to look at his other brands if you want higher quality. On the plus side you spent less and got a new cherry switch keyboard.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: RiGS on Sat, 03 September 2011, 14:51:22: Chinese junk...
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: slueth on Sat, 03 September 2011, 14:57:37: mines does that too, still going strong though and still feels great.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: RiGS on Sat, 03 September 2011, 15:19:49: If you want a cheap but well built keyboard, buy the steelseries. It has the perfect case. Sure, better then the case of the Filco or Realforce.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: Chobopants on Sat, 03 September 2011, 15:40:15: Quote from: RiGS;410068
If you want a cheap but well built keyboard, buy the steelseries. It has the perfect case. Sure, better then the case of the Filco or Realforce.

I can vouch for SS' quality, they make some good products. Just be wary of the ISO key layout and know that Cherry Blacks aren't the only switches out there. :)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: RiGS on Sat, 03 September 2011, 15:53:12: There is definitely some room for improvement keycap wise, though the build quality of the case is top notch.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Sat, 03 September 2011, 19:10:30: I didnt take the steelseries because I wanted tenkeyless and red switches ...
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: AndrewZorn on Sat, 03 September 2011, 19:47:35: I like my Choc Mini, overall probably the best board I've owned. Build quality isn't quiiiite what the Filco is, but the materials make up for it.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: Lowallyn on Sat, 03 September 2011, 22:16:59: a
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Sun, 04 September 2011, 04:35:27: I dont know what to do ... Want to return it but not really easy to do and thats not really an issue ...
But very dissappointed ... :(

THe KBC poker have the same kind of build quality ?
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: sordna on Sun, 04 September 2011, 06:39:05: Quote from: ilyama;410364
I dont know what to do ... Want to return it but not really easy to do and thats not really an issue ...
But very dissappointed ... :(

I would keep it, the edge frame flex doesn't affect typing at all. If it bothers you, maybe open up the keyboard and see what's going on.

Quote from: ilyama
THe KBC poker have the same kind of build quality ?

The KBC have a flex that *does* affect typing. The PCB flexes and makes a noise as it bumps against the bottom of the case. That's a lot of folks open it up and put foam under the PCB. I've had to do this on both Pokers I got (one with blue, one with red switches). This article shows the foam mod near the bottom of the page. (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:19607)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Sun, 04 September 2011, 06:59:13: Thanks for your help guys !
Because of you I'm becoming a keyboard geek ;)

I really like my noppoo and except this little issue it's perfect (for me) ...

I'm not gonna open it but I found a little way to fix easily and quickly this issue ...

You must have the good vision angle to see it, I dont see it in normal typing position and it feels a lot better...

I put a little piece of paper and it fix a little but for a new product I dont like this kind of solution ...

(http://nsa27.casimages.com/img/2011/09/04/110904020651589071.jpg) (http://www.casimages.com)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Sun, 04 September 2011, 10:06:56: I think I'm gonna keep it, it becomes like a friend for me that poor keyboard :)

Do you also have a little move of the frame ? Not like mine but a little ?

I fix this and it's invisible ... The frame still moves a little but its better now ...
It already gives a better quality impression of the keyboard ...

(http://nsa27.casimages.com/img/2011/09/04/11090405135538949.jpg) (http://www.casimages.com)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: agor on Sun, 04 September 2011, 10:40:47: My frame also moves, though probably not that much.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Sun, 04 September 2011, 11:03:20: Are you talking about this video ?

(http://videobam.com/thumbnail-2173313-UEqmq.jpg) (http://videobam.com/UEqmq) Powered by VideoBam - Free Video Hosting (http://videobam.com)

Now, it move again but in a normal way ....
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: baller1308 on Sun, 04 September 2011, 23:11:56: That's odd. Mine doesn't do that.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: agor on Mon, 05 September 2011, 02:27:31: Quote from: ilyama;410470
Are you talking about this video ?

Yes.
My frame moves by about 2-3mm I would guess, can test it being at work now :)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Mon, 05 September 2011, 05:37:55: Quote from: baller1308;410725
That's odd. Mine doesn't do that.

Mine doenst do that anymore because the little pieces of paper... But without, it moves a lot :(

I dont know if I'm gonna return it ... There is a problem with the frame but now, it doenst move anymore so make all the return process for that ...
The only thing I'm gonnna have its a frame who dont move without my pieces of paper lol ..

I think I will keep it ...
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: RiGS on Mon, 05 September 2011, 06:01:19: Quote from: squarebox;410765
My Noppoo had rat-chewed Shift keys.
Show Image
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/Noppoo/keycaps3.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/Noppoo/keycaps2.jpg)

Others have reported that it has been fixed but noone have posted any pictorial evidence.

Could you check your stabilized keys for this issue?
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Mon, 05 September 2011, 07:58:56: I fix the second video but for this one

(http://videobam.com/thumbnail-2162892-MkweN.jpg) (http://videobam.com/MkweN) Powered by VideoBam - Free Video Hosting (http://videobam.com)

You all have the same thing with your noppoo ?
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: sordna on Mon, 05 September 2011, 12:07:22: ilyama, edge frame flex does not affect typing at all, just forget about it and enjoy your keyboard! By the way, I noticed you have started 2 threads with the exact same topic, better close one of them. It's confusing.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: ilyama on Mon, 05 September 2011, 13:12:56: Of course, it's just a bad feeling when I play, I put my thumb on this part of the frame when I'm in position "not jumping"
Give me a "cheap feeling"
Not easy for me to explain exactly in english lol Dont have the words ;)

But you 're right, I think I"ve to deal with it, it's like that ;)
And I cant return it, the shippment costs for China and USA are very too expensive ...

I already fix the moving frame I cant do anything for the other frame problem ...

Thanks and all have a nice evening (sorry for my english!)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: macro9 on Wed, 07 September 2011, 19:29:17: Quote from: ripster;409395
Seen one Chinese Clone you've seen them all.

Unless it's a Filco.

It has Wa.

Unfortunately the Noppoo locate at Shanghai but it is not a Chinese company , It came from USA .
Noppoo hires PLUM produce for they design .
And Ducky、Filco、DAS all those keyboards came from same manufacture which locate at China TaiWan province .
Steelseries and Zowie came from another manufacture which also at China TaiWan province .
Keyboard build quality is nothing about the people who build it , it's just depend on your money in your pocket .
China is big manufacture produce all the goods you want , good price for good quality . After all Noppoo Choc mini just sell about 35$ in China .
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: macro9 on Wed, 07 September 2011, 19:53:39: Quote from: ripster;412324
You can get a Noppoo Choc Mini for $35 in China? That is cheap.

Any links? I'll add them to the WW Shopping Wiki.

sorry , Nopppoc Choc mini sell at taobao about 370 - 400 RMB , 35 EUR dollar not US$ . And it contains Express delivery cost , But restricted in China .

search.taobao.com/search?q=choc+mini
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: sordna on Wed, 07 September 2011, 20:26:25: The Rapoo v7 is around $30 US in China I think, great deal on a programmable keyboard. I hope more manufacturers take note of this feature.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: spunkey on Thu, 08 September 2011, 00:58:42: Since we're on the subject of price, has anyone ever dealt with Focalgadgets? Seems I can't link to the page because I'm new, but it's not hard to find with a quick google search.
They have brown and red Noppoo's for $99.98 shipped and blue/black for $89.99, which is the lowest I've seen for the US. Any idea if this is legit or should I just try to get one from someone like qtan?
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: popol on Thu, 08 September 2011, 03:56:46: Quote from: AndrewZorn;410174
I like my Choc Mini, overall probably the best board I've owned. Build quality isn't quiiiite what the Filco is, but the materials make up for it.

so weird to prefer a choc mini to a HHKB pro (or even a Filco). It's like prefering a bad japanese car to a Ferrari. Deviant fetichism?
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 06:21:35: Quote from: popol;412519
so weird to prefer a choc mini to a HHKB pro (or even a Filco). It's like prefering a bad japanese car to a Ferrari. Deviant fetichism?

How do you get to that comparison? What about the Noppoo makes it like a bad Japanese car? Better yet, how does a Filco analog to a Ferrari? From a purely typing standpoint, a Noppoo and a Filco (or any other plate-mounted Cherry 'board) are pretty much identical. In fact, I'll even throw out there that the thicker, POM caps on the Noppoo are better than the Filco, thus making the Noppoo more Ferrari-esque and the Filco the bad Japanese car.

The HHKB is a whole different beast and a bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: Soarer on Thu, 08 September 2011, 06:29:30: I think 'bad Japanese car' is really Chinese!

Japan makes great cars.

(http://autoslags.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/sharknose-soarer-mz20.jpg)
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 06:36:33: Does someone have a life support machine hooked up to that car? Why would someone attach a table to the front of a car?

So many questions.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: popol on Thu, 08 September 2011, 08:04:18: for the built quality and the LEAGUE the comparison stands and you're right the Noppoo would be more of a Traban!!!
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 08 September 2011, 08:16:16: What's wrong with Noppoo's build quality? Mine's solid as a rock.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: sordna on Thu, 08 September 2011, 10:45:00: If you want Ferrari performance, you gotta go to Kinesis Advantage or Maltron. Traditional flat staggered layouts are akin to steam engines. No matter how you much polish them with NKRO, fancy keycaps, detachable cables, and whatnot, they are still the same inefficient design that's been around for decades.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: N8N on Thu, 08 September 2011, 10:51:19: Quote from: sordna;412682
If you want Ferrari performance, you gotta go to Kinesis Advantage or Maltron. Traditional flat staggered layouts are akin to steam engines. No matter how you much polish them with NKRO, fancy keycaps, detachable cables, and whatnot, they are still the same inefficient design that's been around for decades.

Eh, I don't use a non-standard layout keyboard because I don't want to have to sit down in front of someone else's machine and be completely at a loss as to how to type on it. Granted that would suck to have to be subjected to the indignity of rubber domes after becoming accustomed to tactile mechanical goodness, but at least I won't have to figure out a new layout. Having a great "ergonomic" keyboard is only useful if you carry it around with you wherever you go

At least that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.
Title: Build quality noppoo choc mini ?
Post by: sordna on Thu, 08 September 2011, 11:00:25: I disagree. I'm sure Schumacher can regular drive street cars fine, even though they are vastly different than his Formula 1 racer that he spends hours training in.

Case in point: I have a Kinesis Advantage and even typing Dvorak on it, AND I have a Poker, an IBM mini, laptops, etc with the traditional layout (and I type them in regular QWERTY).
I am fully efficient in both. I just happen to do 100WPM on one and 75WPM on the others because of the keyboards' efficiency (and my own personal limits). I never did more than 80WPM before getting the Kinesis.

Other users, including iMav have an Advantage and regular keyboards, and can switch back and forth. While learning a new layout, it's better to stick with it for a week or two, but once you learn it well, you can start going back and forth and soon you'll be a master of both, and you'll be able to objectively compare them.