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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Lain1911 on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:03:38

Title: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Lain1911 on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:03:38: What's your favorite ten key less you own?
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: riotonthebay on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:05:12: in b4 photekq ends thread
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:06:01: Ducky YOTD
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Lastpilot on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:08:13: LZ-S SKY BLUE!!

Quote from: riotonthebay on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:05:12
in b4 photekq ends thread
QFT.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Photekq on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:08:57: Quote from: riotonthebay on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:05:12
in b4 photekq ends thread
:))

356cl gets my vote.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:19:11: 55g 87U black case with the white/gray keys
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: epzy on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:32:53: Realforce 88u 45g. :p
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: BlueBär on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:41:23: Quote from: Photekq on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:08:57
356cl gets my vote.

Wait - not the Tek-80?
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Photekq on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:50:31: Quote from: BlueBär on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:41:23
Quote from: Photekq on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:08:57
356cl gets my vote.

Wait - not the Tek-80?
tek-80 is a prototype - it's far from perfect, so that's why I said 356cl.

However, I've changed my mind.. The best TKL is the G80-5000!
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: aref on Wed, 12 March 2014, 13:39:46: Realforce 87UB/55-gram with white-and-gray key caps.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: daerid on Wed, 12 March 2014, 14:35:08: I actually don't own one at the moment, but as soon as my ErgoDox sells, I'll be getting a white 55g 87U
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: tribade on Wed, 12 March 2014, 17:11:36: For me it's a toss up between my 55g RF in a digil0g case and my KMAC mini with 55g blacks from Tsangan. I just got the Realforce though so it'll take a little bit to decide whether I like it as much.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: samwisekoi on Wed, 12 March 2014, 17:24:17: I have several, and I keep swapping them across my desk to find my favorite, but I always, always end up with my Leopold MX Brown TKL with Red Alert keycaps.

So that one. Leopold C200RT/AB. Currently on sale at Elite for $89.99 USD.

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,tenkeyless&pid=fc200rtab

- Ron | samwisekoi
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Shayde on Wed, 12 March 2014, 17:26:46: Well I only have one, unless you count the CM TK, but even then my favourite is still my Deck Francium Pro. :p
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Findecanor on Wed, 12 March 2014, 18:30:09: My Phantom. :P
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: tbc on Wed, 12 March 2014, 18:33:48: shine 3 > cm green, rf variable
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: BucklingSpring on Wed, 12 March 2014, 18:36:16: Quote from: SpAmRaY on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:19:11
55g 87U black case with the white/gray keys

I drink to that.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: JPG on Wed, 12 March 2014, 19:23:32: I don't own one, but there's a lack of love for the ssk in here!
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: phoenix1234 on Wed, 12 March 2014, 20:08:47: 87 TKL is very hard to judge. There are many choices.
I have no chance to have them all so I cannot tell you which one is the best.
Actually, I believe there is no best one way or another.

However, speaking of price, you can find Korean custom keyboards which are very expensive. You can view in this thread:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35864.0

There are also many American keyboards which maybe even better than Korean keyboards like Skeldon TKL or Tek-80. You can see Photekq's Tek-80 here
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41202.msg1212760#msg1212760
(http://i.imgur.com/2jwSX6M.jpg)
Well, for me, I'm not sure which Korean keyboard can beat DAT tank Tek-80 :))

Last but not least, if you are looking for a balance between price versus quality, I think you can find Filco, CM Quick Fire Rapid, Stealth, Ducky Shine 3 TKL ... are generally good.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: tbc on Wed, 12 March 2014, 20:32:23: he's talking about which of YOUR tkls you like the most.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: phoenix1234 on Wed, 12 March 2014, 20:38:50: Quote from: tbc on Wed, 12 March 2014, 20:32:23
he's talking about which of YOUR tkls you like the most.

Sorry, I just read the title and jump directly into the comment. :))
My favourite TKL keyboard that I own is my Filco TKL, it's simple, solid and easy to mod.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: histevenhere on Wed, 12 March 2014, 22:06:34: 55g realforce :D
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Tony on Thu, 13 March 2014, 02:11:28: Filco MJ2 87 brown.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: ebacho on Thu, 13 March 2014, 02:13:58: LZ-FE
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Lain1911 on Thu, 13 March 2014, 08:04:34: I am kinda surprised there aren't any QFR shoutouts since there is a thread about modding them. Is it because of the feel and build quality of brands like Filco, Ducky and Leopold? While the Quick Fire Rapid is more like a cheap pretty modding toy?
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: samwisekoi on Thu, 13 March 2014, 09:28:09: Quote from: Lain1911 on Thu, 13 March 2014, 08:04:34
I am kinda surprised there aren't any QFR shoutouts since there is a thread about modding them. Is it because of the feel and build quality of brands like Filco, Ducky and Leopold? While the Quick Fire Rapid is more like a cheap pretty modding toy?

I have one. It was cheap and has MX switches. Lucky for me, I got one with the least ugly plastic. However...

It has tall, ugly keycaps. It feels clunky (and not in a "hey, solid!" way like my Model M.) And, even though it has MX switches, it feels harsh.

My son uses it, so I have to type on it from time to time. Each time I am surprised how unfriendly it feels. Does Cherry (like so many other manufacturers) speed-bin their switches? It would explain the huge variance in cost and feel between MX keyboards.

As cheap MX keyboards go, the QFR feels cheap and clunky in the same amount the Rosewill feels cheap and fragile.

But it is still better than any mush-dome keyboard!

- Ron | samwisekoi
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: metalliqaz on Thu, 13 March 2014, 09:34:40: It's the KMAC. I have many TKL boards. I am confident in that call. Close second: Typenow Solid.

Of course there is also the Realforce. That is a wonderful, well-made keyboard that is a pleasure to use. If you're a Topre guy, obviously there is no question.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Lain1911 on Thu, 13 March 2014, 10:02:44: Sounds like your son might be asking to replace the tall, ugly, clunky, unfriendly machine! Or does he just like it? Also I have never heard of "speed-bining switches".
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 13 March 2014, 10:05:53: The first TKL I ever owned, an SSK

It's also the only one I plan on keeping. I've bought phantoms and A.87s, but 60% keep pulling me back in.....
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: kansas city shuffle on Thu, 13 March 2014, 14:06:28: Realforce 87U TKL :thumb:
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: nuclearsandwich on Thu, 13 March 2014, 23:26:39: 456GT. Typing on it is just... gentler. I also find the sharp angle really forces me into better posture which in turn encourages me to type properly which just makes everything better.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Sifo on Thu, 13 March 2014, 23:32:40: Quote from: Lastpilot on Wed, 12 March 2014, 12:08:13
LZ-S SKY BLUE!!

456 GT is my favourite though
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 14 March 2014, 00:31:42: Quote from: The_Beast on Thu, 13 March 2014, 10:05:53
The first TKL I ever owned, an SSK

It's also the only one I plan on keeping. I've bought phantoms and A.87s, but 60% keep pulling me back in.....

How come IBm doesn't even get mentioned until now.

The best TKL is, of course, the Unsaver. 104-keys.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: jonathanyu on Fri, 14 March 2014, 02:32:37: For standard TKL, i would say 456gt
for "non-standard", i would say G80-5000
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: robertsig on Fri, 14 March 2014, 05:18:54: Realforce 87U 45g white/gray uniform. Now discontinued. I have two of them.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: daerid on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:45:58: I'm just glad we can use the TKL acronym without Ripster crapping all over it every chance he can get.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Bucake on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:12:42: my opinion barerly counts as it's the first keyboard i've ever bought, but.. this KBT Pure Pro is one sexy thing!
i got mine with pbts and reds.

my precious..

edit: is not strictly TKL i suppose :<
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Wildcard on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:20:16: My main Realforce 87u at home.

Uniform 45g with 55g ESC, silent plunger swap, titanium aluminum case, green/grey PBT caps, and my translucent Gummyrot CC. I still have a little work to get the ESC to light up the trans. As well as an LED color swap to green.

Quote from: daerid on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:45:58
I'm just glad we can use the TKL acronym without Ripster crapping all over it every chance he can get.

Man I don't remember this for some reason. Repressed memories?
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: epzy on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:24:15: Quote from: Wildcard on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:20:16
My main Realforce 87u at home.

Uniform 45g with 55g ESC, silent plunger swap, titanium aluminum case, green/grey PBT caps, and my translucent Gummyrot CC. I still have a little work to get the ESC to light up the trans. As well as an LED color swap to green.

Quote from: daerid on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:45:58
I'm just glad we can use the TKL acronym without Ripster crapping all over it every chance he can get.

Man I don't remember this for some reason. Repressed memories?

Can I ask you something?

After you added the alu case to your realforce, did it change the feel or sound dramatically? For the better or for the worse? :)
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Candyflip on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:24:21: Filco, because the only one I own :-[
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: alosec on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:56:44: That I have: Filco MX blue w/ PBT caps

That I want: RF 55g AE
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Wildcard on Fri, 14 March 2014, 11:13:51: Quote from: epzy on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:24:15
Quote from: Wildcard on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:20:16
My main Realforce 87u at home.

Uniform 45g with 55g ESC, silent plunger swap, titanium aluminum case, green/grey PBT caps, and my translucent Gummyrot CC. I still have a little work to get the ESC to light up the trans. As well as an LED color swap to green.

Quote from: daerid on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:45:58
I'm just glad we can use the TKL acronym without Ripster crapping all over it every chance he can get.

Man I don't remember this for some reason. Repressed memories?

Can I ask you something?

After you added the alu case to your realforce, did it change the feel or sound dramatically? For the better or for the worse? :)

It kind of all came together at the same time. But I probably should test this with my other RF's in their stock cases once they're silenced to see how it compares. I do feel a noticeable decrease in key shock, however I think most of it was due to the silenced plungers.

However, IMO the heavier the keyboard the more solid the feel. So to me the aluminum case was very important.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: epzy on Fri, 14 March 2014, 11:16:53: Quote from: Wildcard on Fri, 14 March 2014, 11:13:51
Quote from: epzy on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:24:15
Quote from: Wildcard on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:20:16
My main Realforce 87u at home.

Uniform 45g with 55g ESC, silent plunger swap, titanium aluminum case, green/grey PBT caps, and my translucent Gummyrot CC. I still have a little work to get the ESC to light up the trans. As well as an LED color swap to green.

Quote from: daerid on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:45:58
I'm just glad we can use the TKL acronym without Ripster crapping all over it every chance he can get.

Man I don't remember this for some reason. Repressed memories?

Can I ask you something?

After you added the alu case to your realforce, did it change the feel or sound dramatically? For the better or for the worse? :)

It kind of all came together at the same time. But I probably should test this with my other RF's in their stock cases once they're silenced to see how it compares. I do feel a noticeable decrease in key shock, however I think most of it was due to the silenced plungers.

However, IMO the heavier the keyboard the more solid the feel. So to me the aluminum case was very important.

Alright. :P
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Hazel on Fri, 14 March 2014, 11:56:49: I'm giving a shout out to the WASD v2 purely because of its hardware Colemak support. I'm fine with OS remapping at home, but at work it would be impossible to install the layout on every computer I access. Having my favored layout in the hardware is a godsend. Of course, this feature is irrelevant to 99% of the people here, but for me it's a must-have.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: pbtforever on Fri, 14 March 2014, 13:42:36: Filco brown cherry
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: berserkfan on Fri, 14 March 2014, 15:28:09: Quote from: Shayde on Wed, 12 March 2014, 17:26:46
Well I only have one, unless you count the CM TK, but even then my favourite is still my Deck Francium Pro. :p

Wait a moment Shayde

If you are in NZ, don't you get the Asian edition of Deck Francium? IE Without their PBT doubleshots?
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Neo.X on Fri, 14 March 2014, 15:47:19: I will go for KMAC 2 as it's the heaviest one I own. ;)
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Shayde on Fri, 14 March 2014, 17:57:52: Quote from: berserkfan on Fri, 14 March 2014, 15:28:09
Quote from: Shayde on Wed, 12 March 2014, 17:26:46
Well I only have one, unless you count the CM TK, but even then my favourite is still my Deck Francium Pro. :p

Wait a moment Shayde

If you are in NZ, don't you get the Asian edition of Deck Francium? IE Without their PBT doubleshots?

I ordered mine from the States. You can't buy them here.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: sethstorm on Fri, 14 March 2014, 21:22:15: (http://i.imgur.com/Q8TZ3TR.jpg)
Boltmodded Wheelwriter 5.
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: berserkfan on Fri, 14 March 2014, 21:30:11: Quote from: Shayde on Fri, 14 March 2014, 17:57:52
Quote from: berserkfan on Fri, 14 March 2014, 15:28:09
Quote from: Shayde on Wed, 12 March 2014, 17:26:46
Well I only have one, unless you count the CM TK, but even then my favourite is still my Deck Francium Pro. :p

Wait a moment Shayde

If you are in NZ, don't you get the Asian edition of Deck Francium? IE Without their PBT doubleshots?

I ordered mine from the States. You can't buy them here.

didn't that cost you a fantastic sum? They're already around $200 in the US, and to NZ should be another 60 shipping?
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Shayde on Fri, 14 March 2014, 21:53:30: Quote from: berserkfan on Fri, 14 March 2014, 21:30:11
didn't that cost you a fantastic sum? They're already around $200 in the US, and to NZ should be another 60 shipping?

Not that bad. They're just under $US170 from MechanicalKeyboards.com, and they have free CONUS shipping. NZPost has a States-based warehouse, and shipping here through them was $NZ32, which is about $US26-27. So just over $US200 all up.

Given Ducky Shine 3's and K70s cost around $NZ230 (~ $US196) and Ducky YOTS cost $NZ350 ($US300) here locally, that price is about right. I like to mention the YOTS because it tickles me that this board has been out of stock in the rest of the world for months, but we still have them for sale cos no-one's buying them. :))

But yeah, I had a board shipped over from England (again, thanks to NZPost having a local warehouse) for much cheaper than it'd cost to get one from Aussie. And that's just insane. But I aint complainin'. ;)
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: Shayde on Fri, 14 March 2014, 21:56:09: Quote from: sethstorm on Fri, 14 March 2014, 21:22:15
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Q8TZ3TR.jpg)

Boltmodded Wheelwriter 5.

That's very cyberpunk. :thumb:
Title: Re: The one TKL to rule them all
Post by: dustinhxc on Mon, 17 March 2014, 01:42:04: Realforce 87U 55g alphas 45g mods, dental banded, krytox lubed.