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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Firefly303 on Wed, 26 December 2012, 13:26:27

Title: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: Firefly303 on Wed, 26 December 2012, 13:26:27
Really unsure of which way to go, Apparently Filco has the best quality and im torn between getting their Majestouch-2 with brown switches http://www.diatec.co.jp/en/det.php?prod_c=757 (http://www.diatec.co.jp/en/det.php?prod_c=757) or the Quiet Pro. only problem is, (sorry if its a stupid question) i cant seem to find what switches the QP is built with. Also, is it PS/2 compatible? i know N key rollover has some problems in USB mode. I really think Browns are a nice balance between typing and gaming. and if the  filco i wanted was even available on amazon there wouldnt be a question to what i would get. unfortunately the brown switch filco keyboard without an horrendous camo frame isnt available. >> http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Keyboard-FKBN104M-EMU2/dp/B005J938VK/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&m=A104717BI2VJF7&qid=1356548246&s=generic&sr=1-12 (http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Keyboard-FKBN104M-EMU2/dp/B005J938VK/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&m=A104717BI2VJF7&qid=1356548246&s=generic&sr=1-12) and UK shipping is insane if i order from here>> http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=623 (http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=623)
Advice please!
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 26 December 2012, 16:30:19
If you are referring to the Matias Quiet Pro, Matis has a vendor forum here, and there are a few threads about the Quiet Pro.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=103.0

Have a browse - it might provide some insight to facilitate your decision.

And if you are in the UK, there is: http://www.keyboardco.com/
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: phetto on Wed, 26 December 2012, 16:32:18
What ever you do dont start with brown switches, they are crap. Go for blue or red switches in Filco.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: tauburn on Wed, 26 December 2012, 17:22:44
What ever you do dont start with brown switches, they are crap. Go for blue or red switches in Filco.


Idk i would say go to a computer store like micro center and test out the different switches before you get any.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: precarious on Wed, 26 December 2012, 17:35:39
What ever you do dont start with brown switches, they are crap. Go for blue or red switches in Filco.

I've never understood why people don't like brown switches, they're probably one of the most balanced and the perfect introductory switch.  Tactility, not too light, not too heavy; no dissuading click.  I've played plenty of games with them and apparently don't have any issues typing well. (http://data.typeracer.com/pit/profile?user=precariousgray)

While I don't have any experience with the Matias, no one has ever said "man, I really regret buying that Filco with MX Browns as my first keyboard!"

I've known at least 20 people who started out with MX Browns and 0 complaints.  If for whatever reason you don't like them, you can resell the board with ease and try something else.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: Halverson on Wed, 26 December 2012, 17:37:24
What ever you do dont start with brown switches, they are crap. Go for blue or red switches in Filco.

I've never understood why people don't like brown switches, they're probably one of the most balanced and the perfect introductory switch.  Tactility, not too light, not too heavy; no dissuading click.

While I don't have any experience with the Matias, no one has ever said "man, I really regret buying that Filco with MX Browns as my first keyboard!"

I've known at least 20 people who started out with MX Browns and 0 complaints.  If for whatever reason you don't like them, you can resell the board with ease and try something else.

Man, I really regret buying that Filco with MX Browns as my first keyboard.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: precarious on Wed, 26 December 2012, 17:39:01
Man, I really regret buying that Filco with MX Browns as my first keyboard.

Like I said, no one has said it.

<3
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: Halverson on Wed, 26 December 2012, 17:40:46
Man, I really regret buying that Filco with MX Browns as my first keyboard.

Like I said, no one has said it.

<3

Oh, I just realized my first was a Ducky YOTRabbit with blacks, and I love it. And I'd love it if it was browns. I don't even know what thread I'm posting in :)
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 27 December 2012, 00:07:06
Do we all love our first modern mechanical keyboard?
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: Hyde on Thu, 27 December 2012, 02:16:13
What ever you do dont start with brown switches, they are crap. Go for blue or red switches in Filco.

I thought brown switch is the most popular starting switch, like precarious said it's the most balanced of all switches.

Good for typing, gaming, and doesn't make loud noises.  In fact my first keyboard had brown switch.

Do we all love our first modern mechanical keyboard?

Yupe even though I know in general geekhack isn't too fond of Das Keyboard.  But personally I still love it and now it will be cooler because you can't get Costar made Das Keyboard anymore  :P


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To answer OP, I haven't heard any complaint on either keyboards actually.  So you can't go wrong.

Though due to availability and popularity, Filco brown might have an edge over Quiet Pro since it's been out longer that and Filco is worshipped as the best brand.  However I'm very interested in buying a Quiet Pro recently so if I do end up getting one I'll let you know.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: spacecase on Thu, 27 December 2012, 02:50:46
To reply to your question of what kind of key the Matias is using. According to Engadget Matias is using a modified Alps switch. http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/11/matias-quiet-pro-keyboard-review/

I own two Filcos with brown switches and I really like them I got mine from the keyboard company in the UK. In retrospect I don't think it was worth all the extra money to get a Filco over say Leopold or even a Rosewill despite the USB issues.

For someones first mechanical keyboard I usually recommend MX blue based keyboards. I suggest those for the simple reason that mechanical keyboards are generally so much more expensive than standard keyboards and have such an arcane mystique surrounding them that the buyer expects a WOW moment from the very first press which blues deliver on with their sharp click and tactile feel.

Personally I like Topre 45g uniform the best, if I couldn't have that I'd have a brown it has a light touch and enough tactility that I can be assured of the press. Blue is also excellent and should be on your list if you are alone. I have no experience with the Matias boards.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: spacecase on Thu, 27 December 2012, 02:52:57
Get the Filco.  Worst case scenario if you don't like it you'll have 10 people fighting over taking it off your hands.

He has a point.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: reverkiller on Thu, 27 December 2012, 03:31:18
I don't even have a Filco yet, and I wish I did!
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: iri on Thu, 27 December 2012, 03:36:17
Do we all love our first modern mechanical keyboard?
mine was razer blackwidow. guess what? i disassembled it the next day after purchase for spare parts.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: Burz on Thu, 27 December 2012, 23:32:31
The QuietPro uses a specially designed Matias Quiet switch, which is based on the old ALPS cream switches. They are dampened both at the bottom and top of the stroke.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: Firefly303 on Fri, 28 December 2012, 03:39:48
thanks guys! I decided to order the camo filco and just spray paint it. :)
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: precarious on Fri, 28 December 2012, 03:48:42
thanks guys! I decided to order the camo filco and just spray paint it. :)

If you're only ordering that one because the one you want is out of stock, I'd really just wait for one to show up in the classifieds or until they're in stock again.
Title: Re: Getting First Mechanical Keyboard (Quiet pro or Filco?)
Post by: Firefly303 on Fri, 28 December 2012, 04:16:04
well i planned on customizing it eventually anyways, so the original stock color didn't matter much. It has everything i originally wanted, Ill just customize it a bit sooner than planned ;)