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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Novus on Wed, 04 February 2015, 14:52:58

Title: Best Build Quality
Post by: Novus on Wed, 04 February 2015, 14:52:58: Which keyboard has the best build quality?
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: paicrai on Wed, 04 February 2015, 14:54:47: hhkulb type s hite
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 14:56:52: obviously laptop keyboards
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Oobly on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:20:02: Hmmm..

Perhaps KÛL ES-87 if you mean "normal" commercial boards. Customs are in a class of their own, though, depending who assembles them.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Defect on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:21:05: Honestly my Data911 has a very impressive feel to me, especially considering it was $20 shipped NIB. It was made to be used in cop cars. Nice metal bottom, thick PCB, decent plate. Case is plastic but sturdy.

POS boards can be amazing as well.

Boards that are designed for multiple owners and heavy use have my vote :)
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:22:59: I think this speaks for itself:

(http://i.qkme.me/3ugpjs.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Novus on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:36:14: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:22:59
I think this speaks for itself:

Show Image
(http://i.qkme.me/3ugpjs.jpg)

Yea but that's not true anymore :P
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:37:26: Quote from: the1onewolf on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:36:14
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:22:59
I think this speaks for itself:

Show Image
(http://i.qkme.me/3ugpjs.jpg)

Yea but that's not true anymore :P

IBM as in IBM manufactured, not Unicomp...

Lexmark is a grey area... but generally meets the standards set by IBM.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: katushkin on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:39:37: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:37:26
Quote from: the1onewolf on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:36:14
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 15:22:59
I think this speaks for itself:

Show Image
(http://i.qkme.me/3ugpjs.jpg)

Yea but that's not true anymore :P

IBM as in IBM manufactured, not Unicomp...

Lexmark is a grey area... but generally meets the standards set by IBM.

But not when it comes to printers.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: chyros on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:05:00: Possibly the Model F maybe? Definitely not the Model M, in any case. Even older keyboards may yet be even more indestructible though... Oo
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:22:52: 4704 F>F XT>F AT>IBM M>Lexmark M>everything else

Customs with metal cases can fall about anywhere on this scale.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Lain1911 on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:24:28: IBM meat slicers :)
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:29:24: Quote from: Melvang on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:22:52
4704 F>F XT>F AT>IBM M>Lexmark M>everything else

Customs with metal cases can fall about anywhere on this scale.

122-F's? Feel like they should be on that list...
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:33:14: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:29:24
Quote from: Melvang on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:22:52
4704 F>F XT>F AT>IBM M>Lexmark M>everything else

Customs with metal cases can fall about anywhere on this scale.

122-F's? Feel like they should be on that list...

Probably at the same level as the XT or between the XT and the 4704 due to the steel bottom.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: davkol on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:37:36: Was it 4704 that broke some recycler's grinder?
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:39:33: I'm sticking with my guns. Leopold is good stuff. My first mech, before I even joined GH, was the FC200R. I still love that keyboard. It was really the details that made it. The padding under the stablized keys, the extra rubber feet, the well-made firmware, all of it added up to a great product.

And then there's the FC750R, which proves they actually work to improve their products. So many new features, not to mention better looks and those wonderful PBT keycaps. I need one.

And THEN their name is on Realforce boards. Aside from the strange legends, Realforce boards are immediately recognizable as high quality kit. The sound, the feel, the looks. You can't use a Realforce without being impressed.

AND as if that wasn't enough, there is the Typenow Solid. The TNS feels like a korean custom. Guess what. It's basically a Leopold in an aluminum case. I love mine, it rocks.

Leopold, bros. Leopold.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: noisyturtle on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:44:30: Model F
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:22:26: Ergodox haz d'BESTEST build quality... (http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/sillyp1.gif)

No it doesn't...

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/189bbdde.gif)
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:24:39: Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:22:26
Ergodox haz d'BESTEST build quality...
Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/sillyp1.gif)

No it doesn't...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/189bbdde.gif)

I respect your honesty.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Jokrik on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:30:04: Al around I might say Leopold, actually filco is nice but the keycap sucks
But aluminum made are always nice
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:38:54: The top half of the shell casing on the Model F seems more fragile / brittle than the Model M. Most Model M cases aren't cracked whereas it's common to find 122 key Model F's with cracks. In my opinion, the Model M is still one of the sturdiest keyboards around with a build quality that's practically second to none.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: hwood34 on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:08:28: I mean, we probably should narrow it down into categories. Because I can tell you that the General Dynamics board I have is certainly one of the most solid things I own, but it was also designed for military use so it's literally designed with the sole intention of just working enough and being as sturdy as possible
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: demik on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:13:14: type now solid.

it's solid.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Vibex on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:18:28: My AT101w has taken a serious pounding and doesn't even have a scratch on it.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:31:09: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:24:39
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:22:26
Ergodox haz d'BESTEST build quality...
Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/sillyp1.gif)

No it doesn't...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/189bbdde.gif)

I respect your honesty.

Just the TRRS port.. JUST Those ports.. EVERYTHING ELSE is GREAT....

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/d33561e9.gif)
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: swill on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:37:09: Quote from: metalliqaz on Wed, 04 February 2015, 16:39:33
I'm sticking with my guns. Leopold is good stuff. My first mech, before I even joined GH, was the FC200R. I still love that keyboard. It was really the details that made it. The padding under the stablized keys, the extra rubber feet, the well-made firmware, all of it added up to a great product.

And then there's the FC750R, which proves they actually work to improve their products. So many new features, not to mention better looks and those wonderful PBT keycaps. I need one.

And THEN their name is on Realforce boards. Aside from the strange legends, Realforce boards are immediately recognizable as high quality kit. The sound, the feel, the looks. You can't use a Realforce without being impressed.

AND as if that wasn't enough, there is the Typenow Solid. The TNS feels like a korean custom. Guess what. It's basically a Leopold in an aluminum case. I love mine, it rocks.

Leopold, bros. Leopold.
I would second this. The Leopold build quality is pretty awesome. No complaints from me.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:38:29: Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:31:09
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:24:39
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:22:26
Ergodox haz d'BESTEST build quality...

No it doesn't...

I respect your honesty.

Just the TRRS port.. JUST Those ports.. EVERYTHING ELSE is GREAT....

everything has an Achilles heel...

everything, EXCEPT IBMs ^-^
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: demik on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:39:37: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:38:29
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:31:09
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:24:39
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:22:26
Ergodox haz d'BESTEST build quality...

No it doesn't...

I respect your honesty.

Just the TRRS port.. JUST Those ports.. EVERYTHING ELSE is GREAT....

everything has an Achilles heel...

everything, EXCEPT IBMs ^-^

size
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:41:22: Quote from: demik on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:39:37
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:38:29
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:31:09
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:24:39
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 17:22:26
Ergodox haz d'BESTEST build quality...

No it doesn't...

I respect your honesty.

Just the TRRS port.. JUST Those ports.. EVERYTHING ELSE is GREAT....

everything has an Achilles heel...

everything, EXCEPT IBMs ^-^

size

this thread is about quality

size is irrelevant
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: DrHubblePhD on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:42:45: Realforce boards are also built very nicely, not sure if anyone has brought that up. My 104ub is a tank in more ways than one and I love the feeling of the case :thumb:
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:47:29: People associate weight with quality, the ever present m0re is better perception..

So, we end up with many devices that are unnecessarily heavy..

Keyboard for one thing..

In fact, I believe weight, beyond a certain point is detrimental to the keyboard, because it's NOT a static item on the desk..

You can make it a static item.. But I certainly don't think it should be...

sometimes it's easier to just move the keyboard when you're in a different position relative to the desk/computer.

When I was using my quickfire TKL in that vortex case, it was over 7lbs..

You really can't move it easily.. and it was cumbersome..

I think keyboards should weigh just enough not to move while typing..

But it should be light enough such that if you DO need to move it, it will budge easily.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Snowdog993 on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:54:55: Hmm. I found a pretty rugged rubberdome keyboard.
http://www.ikey.com/product/dbl-81/
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Novus on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:55:48: I dunno how people can get used to those small right shifts.
Oh interestingly enough the shift is actually on the right of the up arrow as opposed to the left.
That's pretty cool
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Data on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:57:45: No one will believe me, but I've been super impressed with the build quality on my Varmilo VA87M. It's probably because of the association with Leopold.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: Snowdog993 on Wed, 04 February 2015, 19:02:44: Quote from: the1onewolf on Wed, 04 February 2015, 14:52:58
Which keyboard has the best build quality?

What is that question? Are you talking durability? Are you talking components? Are you talking overall? This question is vague and you will get every answer known to man. You can say anything on this thread and it's actually going to be subjective to opinion due to differences.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 04 February 2015, 19:04:49: Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 February 2015, 18:47:29
People associate weight with quality, the ever present m0re is better perception..

So, we end up with many devices that are unnecessarily heavy..

Keyboard for one thing..

In fact, I believe weight, beyond a certain point is detrimental to the keyboard, because it's NOT a static item on the desk..

You can make it a static item.. But I certainly don't think it should be...

sometimes it's easier to just move the keyboard when you're in a different position relative to the desk/computer.

When I was using my quickfire TKL in that vortex case, it was over 7lbs..

You really can't move it easily.. and it was cumbersome..

I think keyboards should weigh just enough not to move while typing..

But it should be light enough such that if you DO need to move it, it will budge easily.

While not true in every case, weight often is an indicator of quality. High-quality, durable materials often weigh more, cost more, and are more expensive to fabricate. Note the use of cheap plastics and lightweight metals in a lot of cheap products.
Title: Re: Best Build Quality
Post by: paicrai on Wed, 04 February 2015, 23:42:16: actually my gayzer slackwidow has 300trillion typos per switch so all yall can **** off