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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Flox on Tue, 12 November 2013, 06:55:31

Title: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Flox on Tue, 12 November 2013, 06:55:31
Hello everyone,

I'm trying to choose between 2 keyboards: the filco majestouch 2 and WASD v2 keyboard (both the tenkeyless versions). I've been looking on this forum but I can't seem to find much
feedback about the WASD keyboard. Does anyone have some experience with this kb? If you do, what's your opinion?

Greetings,

Flox
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: terran5992 on Tue, 12 November 2013, 06:58:41
Do you need backlight?
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Danule on Tue, 12 November 2013, 07:41:36
Neither of those are backlit, I havent personally tried a WASD v2 ( it looks super nice), I'm going to guess they are both of equal quality with WASD having a few more features. (detachable cable, dip switch settings).  I have 3 filco's and I can attest to their high quality.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Flox on Tue, 12 November 2013, 07:43:57
no, i don't need backlight  ;)
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: akikun on Tue, 12 November 2013, 09:30:35
My WASD V2 is the first mechanical keyboard I've bought—I absolutely love it so far. I'm planning on putting together a nice review with pictures and such, but I want to log more time with it before I do that. To be honest though, I don't imagine my opinion changing much, if at all.

I've heard complaints that the keycaps are thin, and in comparison to the photos I've seen around here, yes, they are. But I certainly would not call them flimsy. However, if a really aggressive texture is important to you, you might be dissatisfied; the surface finish is quite smooth. Not shiny, but definitely smooth.

My favorite part of the keyboard (aside from the switches, of course) is the case construction and design. Simplicity in presentation does not necessarily indicate simplicity in execution; minimalist though it may be, I can clearly sense the amount of thought and effort that went into the design of the board. It feels solid and sturdy, and the texture, fit, and finish of the case are impeccable.

If you're not looking for MX Reds or Blacks, however, the V2 might be tough to get—other flavors of switch are sold out in most (if not all) of the other models.

Also, please take all of this with a grain of salt. I am a total keyboard noob, and my V2 is the only mechanical I've tried. I have no other frame of reference, and, if I understand correctly, both WASD and Filco source from the same OEM, so they are practically identical in quality. I have only ever heard good things about the Majestouch, so I don't think anyone not looking for fancy lights could go wrong either way. I say: just get which ever is more accessible and affordable for you.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: osi on Tue, 12 November 2013, 09:37:39
Choose either one and you won't go wrong. I would set up a pros/cons list and whichever keyboard has more in the pros column, go with that one.


Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Belfong on Tue, 12 November 2013, 09:38:04
I love my Code keyboard from WASD. This is based on the V2 design except it has backlit. Very well built. Very practical keyboard. There is a reason for its premium price :)
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: ITzNybble on Tue, 12 November 2013, 09:58:09
Both boards are manufactured by Costar so the build quality should be roughly the same, WASD does allow custom keys, DIP switch, detachable cable, etc....I had a V1 and loved the quality but both should be roughly the same build, just different features. Cannot go wrong either way.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Flox on Tue, 12 November 2013, 10:21:26
Thanks for all the info and replies. I'll probably go for the filco cause it's much easier
to get here in Europe, and also less delivery costs.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 12 November 2013, 18:17:33
The Filco is probably more mainstream - at least in Australia I've seen more retailers selling Filco boards than WASD (which I see as more an enthusiast's keyboard).
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: bazemk1979 on Tue, 12 November 2013, 18:22:36
WASD V2 all the way no matter backlit or not
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 12 November 2013, 18:31:21
Quote from: bazemk1979 on Tue, 12 November 2013, 18:22:36
WASD V2 all the way no matter backlit or not

Congratulations on 2000 posts recently, bazemk!
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: bazemk1979 on Tue, 12 November 2013, 21:42:05
Quote from: rowdy on Tue, 12 November 2013, 18:31:21
Quote from: bazemk1979 on Tue, 12 November 2013, 18:22:36
WASD V2 all the way no matter backlit or not

Congratulations on 2000 posts recently, bazemk!

thanks  :thumb:
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: dante on Tue, 12 November 2013, 21:44:24
I would love to see a side by side comparison of the WASD V2 and CM Storm XT to see which has the lowest profile.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: taylordcraig on Tue, 12 November 2013, 21:47:07
I love my Filco MJ2. I need a comparison of blues vs browns in real life before I buy my next board.
But I'm between Filco and Wasd for tkl.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Belfong on Wed, 13 November 2013, 00:17:41
I think the decision probably comes down to whether you wanted a 'branded' one or a rockstar one. Branded being Filco -established brand, good quality - rockstar being WASD - also good quality (because they use the same manufacturer as Filco) - they are rockstar for customisable, DIP switch, detachable keyboard, etc. It's much like buying a PC from Dell vs a more personal one from a DIY shop and putting them together. Both are equally good.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: reziak on Wed, 13 November 2013, 16:23:37
I have a WASD v2 (bought barebones and put Originative doubleshots on it) and I love it. It feels very sturdy, and I love the placement of the hotkeys (Volume, etc.) are. I also love the complete lack of branding and the clean, sturdy look. The only thing I really don't like about it is the fact that it uses a Micro USB port, which means I can't use the same cable as my other keyboards -- minor quibble and doesn't detract from the board itself :)
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 13 November 2013, 16:52:27
Really, I don't think there is anything wrong with either of those keyboards.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 17:52:17
Yea I may be in the same boat. What do you mean by the WASD is customizable? I really like the detachable cord for traveling. Is there any reason to get the filco over the wasd? Does the filco have a better build? They both have costar stabilizers? I've been looking to get some thick pbt caps. Do the WASD and filco have the same profile for the caps? I'm still really new to all of this and am super overwhelmed with everything. I'm trying to find thick pbt caps but I have no clue how to do it. There are all of these terms and different type of profiles, shapes, ect. How do I know if they need to be contoured or staircased or flat? I'm so confused!
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Belfong on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:17:14
Quote from: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 17:52:17
Yea I may be in the same boat. What do you mean by the WASD is customizable? I really like the detachable cord for traveling. Is there any reason to get the filco over the wasd? Does the filco have a better build? They both have costar stabilizers? I've been looking to get some thick pbt caps. Do the WASD and filco have the same profile for the caps? I'm still really new to all of this and am super overwhelmed with everything. I'm trying to find thick pbt caps but I have no clue how to do it. There are all of these terms and different type of profiles, shapes, ect. How do I know if they need to be contoured or staircased or flat? I'm so confused!

Welcome to Geekhack. I was in the same boat when I first explored mechanical keyboards. I have been using one for 20 years and I thought a keyboard is just a keyboard and mechanical just have parts that works mechanically instead of say, electronically. So when I found GH, I was in for a big shock and I also found a new hobby.

Don't worry if you are confused. There is a really good wiki in deskthority.net that have many of your questions answered. Another way to learn is to lurk around GH and read some of the really good threads and you will find yourself immerse in this knowledge for your enjoyment!

WASDkeyboards is customisable because when you order them online, you are presented with a virtual keyboard and you can choose your colour and legends  of each key caps. Then you place your order and the keyboard will be shipped with your colours and legends preference. That is a one of a kind offer and since the quality is the same as Filco, the customisation made WASDkeyboards standout. You should try out their website.

And yes, both have co-star stabilisers.

You may not really need PBT caps first. Why not get a keyboard and try it out and explore PBT key caps later? In one thread titled Vortex PBT key caps, feng is running a group buy to get white PBT key caps. So that should be your next option after your keyboard arrives.

Now, what I still don't get is dye-sub. What is it and why the big deal?
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:28:22
I've actually been using a Blackwidow Ultimate for quite a while and I feel like these ABS caps are "cheap". I really wanted to treat myself to something nice and get some nice heavy PBT caps. My question is whether or not I should go with the WASD version 2 or the Filco. It seems like the WASD has more functionality than the filco (dip switch, media keys (i think), removable cord). Does the Filco have any benefit over the WASD? Is it of a higher quality build? One of the things that worries me about the WASD is the tilt feet in the back. (http://cdn.wasdkeyboards.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/2/v2-87-feet_1_2.jpg)
There's no rubber coating on the feet, which makes me worry that they keyboard may slip around. Does anyone have experience with this? I really need the board to be stable. I've always been told that the Filco is built extremely well. Is the WASD just as structurally sound? Can you think of any reason to get the filco over the WASD?
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Danule on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:30:32
Quote from: Belfong on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:17:14
Quote from: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 17:52:17
Yea I may be in the same boat. What do you mean by the WASD is customizable? I really like the detachable cord for traveling. Is there any reason to get the filco over the wasd? Does the filco have a better build? They both have costar stabilizers? I've been looking to get some thick pbt caps. Do the WASD and filco have the same profile for the caps? I'm still really new to all of this and am super overwhelmed with everything. I'm trying to find thick pbt caps but I have no clue how to do it. There are all of these terms and different type of profiles, shapes, ect. How do I know if they need to be contoured or staircased or flat? I'm so confused!

Welcome to Geekhack. I was in the same boat when I first explored mechanical keyboards. I have been using one for 20 years and I thought a keyboard is just a keyboard and mechanical just have parts that works mechanically instead of say, electronically. So when I found GH, I was in for a big shock and I also found a new hobby.

Don't worry if you are confused. There is a really good wiki in deskthority.net that have many of your questions answered. Another way to learn is to lurk around GH and read some of the really good threads and you will find yourself immerse in this knowledge for your enjoyment!

WASDkeyboards is customisable because when you order them online, you are presented with a virtual keyboard and you can choose your colour and legends  of each key caps. Then you place your order and the keyboard will be shipped with your colours and legends preference. That is a one of a kind offer and since the quality is the same as Filco, the customisation made WASDkeyboards standout. You should try out their website.

And yes, both have co-star stabilisers.

You may not really need PBT caps first. Why not get a keyboard and try it out and explore PBT key caps later? In one thread titled Vortex PBT key caps, feng is running a group buy to get white PBT key caps. So that should be your next option after your keyboard arrives.

Now, what I still don't get is dye-sub. What is it and why the big deal?

dye sub is when the plastic is dyed, so the lettering penetrates the plastic, it does not wear away, and it does not add a bumpy feeling to the keycaps like lazer or pad printing, it also lasts a very long time.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:37:00
Also - for the keys that come with the WASD keyboard when you customize it - are they standard ABS or doubleshot? Are doubleshot pretty good?
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Belfong on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:40:10
Ah! Thanks Danule! So typically PBT caps are dye sub because of this?

Keytrun - both Filco and WASD doesn't have PBT caps too - they are also ABS. But ABS is really good by itself. The reason why you think that your Blackwidow ABS feels like **** is because they coated it with matte material. And they have to do that because of the backlighting. Back lit keycaps are usually transparent ABS material, painted black and then the legends are lazered off this paint. It is coated matte to make it long lasting. So, what you are hating is just the matte material, not ABS.

As for WASD legs, I have a WASD V2 (Code) and if I am not wrong it has rubber on the leg. The material of the leg is made of rubber so you may see it as plastic in the photos but it is actually rubber.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Belfong on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:43:42
Quote from: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:37:00
Also - for the keys that come with the WASD keyboard when you customize it - are they standard ABS or doubleshot? Are doubleshot pretty good?
Yes, doubleshot means that if you flipped the cap over, you see  a 'grilled-like' white reinforcement. So doubleshot caps are typically more sturdier and thus more expensive. The one from WASD V2 is not doubleshot, I could be wrong as I own a Code WASD V2 and like BlackWidow, it is backlit so it has Blackwidow-like caps. If you get a non-backlit, you will get nice ABS plastics although I am not sure if it is doubleshot. Unlikely as otherwise the cost would have increased.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:44:39
Its not the coating that bothers me - the keys just feel thin and "cheap". When I take them off especially they're so thin I'm worried I'll break them. I'd really like to get some thick pbt blanks or laser engraved with OEM profile.

Can you answer the other questions I asked comparing WASD to filco? Can you think of a reason to get the filco over the v2?
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Belfong on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:49:06
I can't because I don't own a Filco.. only a WASD V2.

As for thin - well, even a doubleshot ABS looked thin. I also have a doubleshot polycarbonate key caps which are supposed to be strong and it looked slightly thin. You don't use your keyboard to bash people and it is for typing. Have you heard of a cheap $10 rubber dome key caps broke? I have not. So I would think a mechanical keyboard like Razer which are around $120 would be more durable.

But yeah, I understand the OCD :P
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:53:01
Its just that the thicker PBT caps feel "higher quality" to type on. If you want to continue talking about keycaps post on my thread here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50885.0

If you could help me find my caps I'd be so appreciative!
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: reziak on Wed, 13 November 2013, 23:26:15
Quote from: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:28:22
I've actually been using a Blackwidow Ultimate for quite a while and I feel like these ABS caps are "cheap". I really wanted to treat myself to something nice and get some nice heavy PBT caps. My question is whether or not I should go with the WASD version 2 or the Filco. It seems like the WASD has more functionality than the filco (dip switch, media keys (i think), removable cord). Does the Filco have any benefit over the WASD? Is it of a higher quality build? One of the things that worries me about the WASD is the tilt feet in the back.
Show Image
(http://cdn.wasdkeyboards.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/2/v2-87-feet_1_2.jpg)

There's no rubber coating on the feet, which makes me worry that they keyboard may slip around. Does anyone have experience with this? I really need the board to be stable. I've always been told that the Filco is built extremely well. Is the WASD just as structurally sound? Can you think of any reason to get the filco over the WASD?

Mine is on a glass desk with the feet up and it doesn't move around at all. The extendable feet feel like they have some sort of thin rubber coating. It doesn't move unless I'm trying to move it :P
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: akikun on Thu, 14 November 2013, 06:11:01
Quote from: Keytrun on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:28:22
I've actually been using a Blackwidow Ultimate for quite a while and I feel like these ABS caps are "cheap". I really wanted to treat myself to something nice and get some nice heavy PBT caps. My question is whether or not I should go with the WASD version 2 or the Filco. It seems like the WASD has more functionality than the filco (dip switch, media keys (i think), removable cord). Does the Filco have any benefit over the WASD? Is it of a higher quality build? One of the things that worries me about the WASD is the tilt feet in the back.
Show Image
(http://cdn.wasdkeyboards.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/2/v2-87-feet_1_2.jpg)

There's no rubber coating on the feet, which makes me worry that they keyboard may slip around. Does anyone have experience with this? I really need the board to be stable. I've always been told that the Filco is built extremely well. Is the WASD just as structurally sound? Can you think of any reason to get the filco over the WASD?


Regarding the rubber feet, I have not found the keyboard sliding around to be an issue at all. I can slide it around fairly easily if I try to, but only if I try to (never unintentionally). I'm using a smooth-ish painted wood Ikea desk. edit: To clarify, I am using the tilt feet.

As for the structural soundness, I can say it is quite solid. I don't have a Filco on hand to compare it to, but I surmise that they are comparable in quality, because they use the same OEM, and more knowledgeable people have basically said as much.

I think that the only reason to go with one over the other is the price and availability in your area. I do like the DIP switches and media keys, but I'm about 99% sure I'd be every bit as happy with a Filco in my hands.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Danule on Thu, 14 November 2013, 08:03:39
Quote from: Belfong on Wed, 13 November 2013, 21:40:10
Ah! Thanks Danule! So typically PBT caps are dye sub because of this?

Keytrun - both Filco and WASD doesn't have PBT caps too - they are also ABS. But ABS is really good by itself. The reason why you think that your Blackwidow ABS feels like **** is because they coated it with matte material. And they have to do that because of the backlighting. Back lit keycaps are usually transparent ABS material, painted black and then the legends are lazered off this paint. It is coated matte to make it long lasting. So, what you are hating is just the matte material, not ABS.

As for WASD legs, I have a WASD V2 (Code) and if I am not wrong it has rubber on the leg. The material of the leg is made of rubber so you may see it as plastic in the photos but it is actually rubber.

I think PBT are usually dyesub because doubleshot for PBT is difficult to do, and lazer etching or pad printing ware off.  Usually people get PBT cause of its durability.

Double shots are really nice, (especially cherry doubleshots) as the legends never wear off and like PBT you cannot feel the legends as they are flat on the keycap.  Also doubleshots have really crisp clean looking legends, which make them look very pretty.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: osi on Thu, 14 November 2013, 08:44:21
I love my media keys on the WASD v2. The only drawback is that you have to give your your menu key to enable to media layer. I did actually use that key but not as much as the media keys. Just a small sacrifice.

As far as the board sliding around with the feet out--- I've had no problems. The weight of this board keeps it steady in place in conjunction with the rubber pads on the front.
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: Belfong on Thu, 14 November 2013, 08:57:31
Yeah, and the other thing I like is the small pinhole just above the Insert-Home-Page Up clusters that lit up when you have Caps Lock or Scroll Lock pressed. It's really minimalist design!
Title: Re: WASD v2 keyboard
Post by: ijprest on Thu, 14 November 2013, 13:54:29
I went with the WASD because I could *turn off* the media keys, and use the Menu key for its intended purpose.  Many/most of the other manufacturers don't have any way to do this... *all* of the ones my local computer shop carried were screwed up in some way (usually the Menu/FN thing).

I occasionally use the menu key, but I also use it as another modifier for AutoHotkey scripts.  Having a key in such a prime location that isn't visible to the OS is a dealbreaker for me.  I can always script the media keys if I want them.

The Filco's look like they should be OK, since they appear to be a standard 104 layout, based on images I've seen...

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