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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: flummoxer on Wed, 21 December 2011, 12:32:39

Title: Shopping For First Mechanical
Post by: flummoxer on Wed, 21 December 2011, 12:32:39

I'm trying to decide between the Filco Ninja Tenkeyless Brown and the Rosewill RK-9000 Red.  I've never used a mechanical keyboard before, but I've always wanted to buy one.  The Filco is about $50 more than the Rosewill?  Are brown switches worth this premium?

I have no preferences at this point.

Also, I don't play PC games (im a console :) ).  I just spend a lot of time programming and just typing in general.

Title: Shopping For First Mechanical
Post by: bienc on Wed, 21 December 2011, 16:55:38

Usually, the premium is on the Reds since they're "rare". The Filco is only 50 dollars more because of their brand name and coming from the UK I believe (if you're in the US). Filco and Rosewill keyboards are manufactured by the same company and use the same stabilizers. It all depends on your preference of switch, aesthetics (some people absolutely hate the Rosewill logo) and price. If this is your first board, I'd look into a Rosewill or Leopold (different stabilizers, read about it in the Wiki) or even a WASD if you want some customization.

I personally have a Rosewill with Reds and love it. I kind of regret not getting Blues, but it's a work keyboard so it's probably better I went with Reds.

Title: Shopping For First Mechanical
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 21 December 2011, 17:39:31

w2g

Title: Shopping For First Mechanical
Post by: Reptile on Wed, 21 December 2011, 18:58:03

Leopold tenkeyless with reds is 89 right now :-)

Title: Shopping For First Mechanical
Post by: N8N on Wed, 21 December 2011, 21:38:17

you ought to be able to get a rosewill with browns as well if you're just not sure about the reds

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823201042

oops... out of stock

but WASD is also an option, I'd consider them equivalent to Filco, only difference of any consequence is case shape

Title: Shopping For First Mechanical
Post by: flummoxer on Wed, 21 December 2011, 21:49:46

I just ordered the Rosewill with reds.  Since I've never used a mechanical before I don't think I'll miss the tactile bump.  I've read that people have had quality problems with some Rosewills, but others have had issues with Filcos so it probably all evens out.  The 60 day return policy on this shouldn't be bad either.  I've spent hours researching this and it's gotten kinda excessive.

I'll probably end up ordering another type in the future anyway haha...

Title: Shopping For First Mechanical
Post by: bienc on Thu, 22 December 2011, 00:09:23

Quote from: flummoxer;475589

I just ordered the Rosewill with reds.  Since I've never used a mechanical before I don't think I'll miss the tactile bump.  I've read that people have had quality problems with some Rosewills, but others have had issues with Filcos so it probably all evens out.  The 60 day return policy on this shouldn't be bad either.  I've spent hours researching this and it's gotten kinda excessive.

I'll probably end up ordering another type in the future anyway haha...

My Rosewill came with a very squeaky space bar. You'll want to get some lube (check the keys wiki) and fashion a makeshift keycap puller. It was pretty easy so don't worry. Other problem ones that I'm starting to notice is left shift and backspace (for me at least). Left shift feels a bit dirty, and I swear I hear backspace squeak sometimes but I don't know.

Just beware that the Reds are EXTREMELY light to actuate and will take a bit of getting used to but they're super comfortable.

Title: Shopping For First Mechanical
Post by: flummoxer on Thu, 22 December 2011, 10:56:36

Ya I bought some lithium grease in anticipation for that :)