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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: pc098 on Thu, 18 April 2013, 10:31:21

Title: WASD Keyboards
Post by: pc098 on Thu, 18 April 2013, 10:31:21
Can anyone comment on the build quality of custom mechanical keyboards from WASD? I've heard rumors that it is comparable to Filco since they are made by the same OEM (Costar), but I'd like to know for sure from anyone who actually owns they keyboard.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: i3oilermaker on Thu, 18 April 2013, 10:36:58
The WASD V2 board should be coming out any day/week now.

I would hold out for that.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: samwisekoi on Thu, 18 April 2013, 10:38:23
Can anyone comment on the build quality of custom mechanical keyboards from WASD? I've heard rumors that it is comparable to Filco since they are made by the same OEM (Costar), but I'd like to know for sure from anyone who actually owns they keyboard.

I have three of each and the build quality is comparable, with the FIlco having a slight advantage in quality.  The Filco and the WASD (v1) have different case profiles and that matters to some people.  I think it is more relevant that the WASD is much easier to get, cheaper, and can be purchased with OEM keycaps, custom keycaps or no keycaps.  Big win there.

IMHO, unless you need TKL or some special features (like built-in dvorak support) there is no reason to wait for the WASD v2.

 - Ron | samwisekoi
(http://www.samwisekoi.com/pixelart/Leo.png)
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: Jagriff on Thu, 18 April 2013, 11:52:51
IMHO, unless you need TKL or some special features (like built-in dvorak support) there is no reason to wait for the WASD v2.
Although it's not confirmed, there has been talk of the v2 sporting a mod-friendly plate. That alone is worth the wait imo.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 18 April 2013, 12:36:13
bezel not as awesome.. but yea, quality is great... new version incoming... but with ergodox and GH60... idk... those 2 are keyzilla contenders.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 18 April 2013, 12:37:38
Then there's the Poker 2, incoming, which at $80, everything done for you, fully programmable... I MEAN... that's Keyzilla contender as well.. we'll see how that turns out in the final product... but... yea... it's on everyone's radar..

BUT.. remember, people get Vortexed in the face 1 too many times...   Vortex might f...k everyone like usual. so.... who knows.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: birthdaymonkey on Thu, 18 April 2013, 13:36:17
I have had a WASD for about a year and a half. The quality of the keyboard itself is very good, but their keycaps and case leave something to be desired. For example, the area beneath the space bar has developed a shine from my resting my palms there.

But as far as price and service go, I had a very positive experience with WASD and would recommend them despite the caveats.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 18 April 2013, 14:01:27
Shine on bright colored keys isn't much of man issue. only BLACK
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: ITzNybble on Thu, 18 April 2013, 14:25:18
Also take a look at the new look of the V2 I find it more attractive then my Current V1 which build quality is very high in my opinion. no matter what WASD you get, get dem custom keys :)
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: tricheboars on Thu, 18 April 2013, 15:02:58
WASD customer service and their website kicks ass. They make ordering easy and are very well priced.  With that said i will admit it, their plastic sucks ****. The keycaps are cheap feeling, and shine easier than most ABS.

I really like their website though.  And in the past when i had issues with an order they kicked ass and fixed it quick.  Amazon good customer service.

just total **** plastic.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: daerid on Thu, 18 April 2013, 15:22:35
True, but at least they offer a discount for naked boards which you can put your own PBT set on :)
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: whiteduck on Thu, 18 April 2013, 16:41:50
I love my WASD !!!!!
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: Jagriff on Thu, 18 April 2013, 17:05:27
True, but at least they offer a discount for naked boards which you can put your own PBT set on :)
This is what I like too.

The more freedom to get what you want, the better.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: Hour on Thu, 18 April 2013, 17:12:09
I always hear good things about WASD keyboards, I am getting one soon myself. My friend has one, he says it is a little light but beside that it is perfect.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: Jagriff on Thu, 18 April 2013, 17:27:58
It is a little light? Is he trying to workout with it when it's not in use? :P
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: pc098 on Thu, 18 April 2013, 18:30:12
Thanks for the Feedback everyone! I was looking at filco keyboards for quite some time, but I realized that the cost (including shipping) was a bit too much for me, so I've been trying to decide between buying a Das Keyboard and buying a WASD keyboard. Does anyone know about/have any preferences when it comes to Das and WASD?
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: Abacus1234 on Thu, 18 April 2013, 19:10:02
I would recommend WASD. Supposedly quality of DAS keyboards fell off a little bit, and they are really only worth it if you can find an older one.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 18 April 2013, 19:27:20
5lbs + is the bar for good..
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: birthdaymonkey on Fri, 19 April 2013, 10:11:13
Yes, the WASD customer service is kick ass.

When I got my WASD, I sent an email request for a different font on the keycaps after placing the order. He had already made them, so he sent me the old ones AND the set with the font I wanted at no extra charge.

I eventually replaced the keycaps with Imsto PBTs because, as I and others have mentioned, the WASD plastic is crud. Here's my WASD work keyboard that I use every day:

[attach=1]
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: knotra on Sun, 21 April 2013, 22:59:21
I have a Filco and a WASD. In my opinion, the WASD build quality is better than the Filco. Maybe it was just my Filco, but I felt that it was too light and it slid around when I was gaming and typing. To add to that, the WASD service was superb. I had it 5-8 day shipping and it got to my house 2 days after I ordered it. The keycaps feel good as well. Nice and smooth. I got them non inscripted so I don't know how long they take to fade. I have had my WASD for a few months now and they show no sign of shining as well. However, one thing that I like better about the Filco  is that the switches are a bit heavier. I got them both in brown switches and the browns on the WASD just feel a little bit light.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: Aerilith on Sun, 21 April 2013, 23:24:37
I have a WASD and the quality is very good. My Filco feels more solid and has more weight to is, but the quality of the WASD isn't far behind at all.

I haven't heard about the V2, but if there's one coming out, it'd likely be smarter to wait, if you do decide to go for WASD.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: Hyde on Mon, 22 April 2013, 00:08:05
I think it is more relevant that the WASD is much easier to get, cheaper, and can be purchased with OEM keycaps, custom keycaps or no keycaps.  Big win there.

Actually it depends on where you're located at, because in my case that Filco is actually easier and cheaper to get.  I can pick up Filco locally from NCIX and save on shipping.  Where as WASD Keyboard would probably cost me $30 on shipping.

Though if you're from a location that both Filco and WASD Keyboard will require shipping then yes WASD is cheaper and has more options  :P
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: Ferdowsi on Mon, 22 April 2013, 02:19:07
I was actually on the phone with someone from WASD, and they said the keyboards are moved back again, and will most likely be available in june.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 22 April 2013, 02:23:18
I was actually on the phone with someone from WASD, and they said the keyboards are moved back again, and will most likely be available in june.

Get an ergodox.. done.