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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: chryos1029 on Tue, 15 March 2016, 12:11:17

Title: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Tue, 15 March 2016, 12:11:17
Getting my fourth mkb, and finally decided to get myself a tkl after thinking for a long time  ;D
But the problem is, custom TKL or FILCO tkl? considering they are the same price but the custom use cherry stab while filco use the costar stab.

Pros of getting a custom TKL
~cool design?
 Pros of getting a filco
~not risking as it is regarded one of the best brand among the keyboards

Can anyone give me some advice on these keyboards? Which would you prefer and what's the reason.
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: LiquidEvilGaming on Tue, 15 March 2016, 12:49:35
By custom i think you mean generic brand?  That just looks like a generic chinese off branded keyboard of some type?

Personally i have always thought FILCO were very over rated for the price honestly.  I would much rather a KUL or Leopold, i don't really feel or see any difference between FILCO and some of the budget 60-70$ Ganss G.S 87 keyboards i keep around as spares.

Really need more information about what you mean by "custom" when i hear custom i think something like GON or hand built by yourself.
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Tue, 15 March 2016, 19:28:25
By custom i think you mean generic brand?  That just looks like a generic chinese off branded keyboard of some type?

Personally i have always thought FILCO were very over rated for the price honestly.  I would much rather a KUL or Leopold, i don't really feel or see any difference between FILCO and some of the budget 60-70$ Ganss G.S 87 keyboards i keep around as spares.

Really need more information about what you mean by "custom" when i hear custom i think something like GON or hand built by yourself.

In my country, filco only cost around 90usd to 100usd which is cheaper compared to kul or the others. Btw, the custom one isnt a knockoff chinese brand , it really is a custom keyboard with b87 pcb according to the seller
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: LiquidEvilGaming on Tue, 15 March 2016, 19:36:52
By custom i think you mean generic brand?  That just looks like a generic chinese off branded keyboard of some type?

Personally i have always thought FILCO were very over rated for the price honestly.  I would much rather a KUL or Leopold, i don't really feel or see any difference between FILCO and some of the budget 60-70$ Ganss G.S 87 keyboards i keep around as spares.

Really need more information about what you mean by "custom" when i hear custom i think something like GON or hand built by yourself.

In my country, filco only cost around 90usd to 100usd which is cheaper compared to kul or the others. Btw, the custom one isnt a knockoff chinese brand , it really is a custom keyboard with b87 pcb according to the seller

The keycaps look like the ones used on very very cheap generic chinese boards...i would proceed with caution if i were you.  Ask for some sort of proof of all the specs claimed.

Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Tue, 15 March 2016, 19:54:57
By custom i think you mean generic brand?  That just looks like a generic chinese off branded keyboard of some type?

Personally i have always thought FILCO were very over rated for the price honestly.  I would much rather a KUL or Leopold, i don't really feel or see any difference between FILCO and some of the budget 60-70$ Ganss G.S 87 keyboards i keep around as spares.

Really need more information about what you mean by "custom" when i hear custom i think something like GON or hand built by yourself.

In my country, filco only cost around 90usd to 100usd which is cheaper compared to kul or the others. Btw, the custom one isnt a knockoff chinese brand , it really is a custom keyboard with b87 pcb according to the seller

The keycaps look like the ones used on very very cheap generic chinese boards...i would proceed with caution if i were you.  Ask for some sort of proof of all the specs claimed.

The seller himself didn't include the keycaps though, the picture is from a buyer. btw, how's the gs87? They have some really good ratings on those chinese forum, and is it that good?
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: LiquidEvilGaming on Tue, 15 March 2016, 20:02:48
The ganss GS 87? I own two and i'd say they are 95% on par with a filco for half of the money IMO.

Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: xtrafrood on Tue, 15 March 2016, 20:07:25
You like camo stuff huh?  Jk, Filco sounds cool.

I guess you checked buyer accounts to see that they're not all buying from the same accounts? Not having to wait six months for a custom is a bonus.  :thumb:


Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Tue, 15 March 2016, 20:15:08
The ganss GS 87? I own two and i'd say they are 95% on par with a filco for half of the money IMO.

gs87 is also using cherry switches right?
costar stab or cherry stab?
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Tue, 15 March 2016, 20:16:54
You like camo stuff huh?  Jk, Filco sounds cool.

I guess you checked buyer accounts to see that they're not all buying from the same accounts? Not having to wait six months for a custom is a bonus.  :thumb:

meh, just take some random filco pic from google for reference use
cant understand what you're trying to say though...
which would you prefer, filco or a custom one?
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: OTD on Tue, 15 March 2016, 20:35:17
Custom TKL can vary in quality but you need to define what you mean by custom slightly better because it could be a Chinese cheap knockoff tkl or a custom otd high quality tkl.
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: xtrafrood on Tue, 15 March 2016, 20:41:10
You like camo stuff huh?  Jk, Filco sounds cool.

I guess you checked buyer accounts to see that they're not all buying from the same accounts? Not having to wait six months for a custom is a bonus.  :thumb:

meh, just take some random filco pic from google for reference use
cant understand what you're trying to say though...
which would you prefer, filco or a custom one?
That was my first post from a tablet  :-[

I would prefer a custom  :)

Edit - Scratch that, I would buy the Filco. My sensibilities took over :)) If I needed custom firmware I could buy a pegasus hoof for it.
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Tue, 15 March 2016, 21:14:27
You like camo stuff huh?  Jk, Filco sounds cool.

I guess you checked buyer accounts to see that they're not all buying from the same accounts? Not having to wait six months for a custom is a bonus.  :thumb:

meh, just take some random filco pic from google for reference use
cant understand what you're trying to say though...
which would you prefer, filco or a custom one?
That was my first post from a tablet  :-[

I would prefer a custom  :)

Edit - Scratch that, I would buy the Filco. My sensibilities took over :)) If I needed custom firmware I could buy a pegasus hoof for it.

What if i'm not planning to flash a custom firmware on it?
I have a filco that I'm typing now and it feels great, seriously great even compared to my Ducky Legend which has a aluminium plate on it?
So it's really hard for me to decide :(
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Tue, 15 March 2016, 21:16:39
Custom TKL can vary in quality but you need to define what you mean by custom slightly better because it could be a Chinese cheap knockoff tkl or a custom otd high quality tkl.

From what I've seen from the comments of the item, it's definitely better than a cheap knockoff but maybe not high quality as a custom otd though considering the price.
Which one would you prefer btw?
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: OTD on Tue, 15 March 2016, 21:29:44
I think a regular CM tkl will be a good choice as a budget tkl.
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: xtrafrood on Tue, 15 March 2016, 22:41:55
You like camo stuff huh?  Jk, Filco sounds cool.

I guess you checked buyer accounts to see that they're not all buying from the same accounts? Not having to wait six months for a custom is a bonus.  :thumb:

meh, just take some random filco pic from google for reference use
cant understand what you're trying to say though...
which would you prefer, filco or a custom one?
That was my first post from a tablet  :-[

I would prefer a custom  :)

Edit - Scratch that, I would buy the Filco. My sensibilities took over :)) If I needed custom firmware I could buy a pegasus hoof for it.

What if i'm not planning to flash a custom firmware on it?
I have a filco that I'm typing now and it feels great, seriously great even compared to my Ducky Legend which has a aluminium plate on it?
So it's really hard for me to decide :(
Good golly, buy the custom :p
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: LiquidEvilGaming on Wed, 16 March 2016, 02:55:13
The ganss GS 87? I own two and i'd say they are 95% on par with a filco for half of the money IMO.

gs87 is also using cherry switches right?
costar stab or cherry stab?

Yeah Cherry MX switches, Costar for Stabs
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: saxophone on Wed, 16 March 2016, 04:01:58
Are you actually going to use the new keyboard that you're buying or are you just a collector?

If you're actually going to use it then wouldn't recommend either of those. Most mechanical keyboards are relatively similar nowadays since their typing characteristic mostly depend on the switch and most are cherry anyways. After that is mounting (most are plate mounted anyways) and keycap materials (can easily be replaced)

The things that makes keyboard differ would be practical factor such as:
Macro/FN key binds and customizability.
What type of stabs are used.
Shape, such as the initial tilt of the keyboard without feet and amount of tilt with the feet out.
If the connector cable is detachable.
Where the connector leaves the keyboard.

An IMO important thing amongst the above is how some keyboards have paths on the back which allows you to decide where the cable exits the keyboard.
(https://i1.wp.com/existdifferently.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/20150711_212354537_iOS-e1436670164602.jpg?ssl=1)
Neither the FILCO nor the Custom has this. Therefore I wouldn't get either.
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Wed, 16 March 2016, 05:52:37
Are you actually going to use the new keyboard that you're buying or are you just a collector?

If you're actually going to use it then wouldn't recommend either of those. Most mechanical keyboards are relatively similar nowadays since their typing characteristic mostly depend on the switch and most are cherry anyways. After that is mounting (most are plate mounted anyways) and keycap materials (can easily be replaced)

The things that makes keyboard differ would be practical factor such as:
Macro/FN key binds and customizability.
What type of stabs are used.
Shape, such as the initial tilt of the keyboard without feet and amount of tilt with the feet out.
If the connector cable is detachable.
Where the connector leaves the keyboard.

An IMO important thing amongst the above is how some keyboards have paths on the back which allows you to decide where the cable exits the keyboard.
Show Image
(https://i1.wp.com/existdifferently.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/20150711_212354537_iOS-e1436670164602.jpg?ssl=1)

Neither the FILCO nor the Custom has this. Therefore I wouldn't get either.

So what keyboard do you recommend?
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: Myk! on Wed, 16 March 2016, 06:14:00
Add varmilo to your option.
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Wed, 16 March 2016, 07:01:34
Add varmilo to your option.

what stab does the varmilo uses on their spacebar and backspace?
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: Metalogic on Wed, 16 March 2016, 08:15:01
Add varmilo to your option.

Can you get a Varmilo with UK ISO layout/key caps, though? This was one of my requirements when choosing a keyboard
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: xtrafrood on Wed, 16 March 2016, 08:21:22
I'm still a little wary of bluetooth keyboards.

Seems like you don't care about backlight. KUL keyboards come in a few more switch flavors when compared to Filco :)

Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: Myk! on Wed, 16 March 2016, 08:24:12
Add varmilo to your option.

what stab does the varmilo uses on their spacebar and backspace?

From the last batch of VA87MR we purchased directly via Group Buy here in Philippines, all of them are Cherry stabs.

I prefer Varmilo because their boards already comes with PBT keycaps than ABS pad printed of Filco. Also, Varmilo is an OEM of Leopold. The price is cheaper than Filco board. What I love most is the option to use Gateron instead of Cherry  ;D
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Wed, 16 March 2016, 08:49:00
I'm still a little wary of bluetooth keyboards.

Seems like you don't care about backlight. KUL keyboards come in a few more switch flavors when compared to Filco :)

KUL is hard to find in Malaysia, I assume there aren't any retailers in south east asia?
So my option is limited to FILCO, Varmilo, Leopold :( But these brand are relatively cheap compared to the price in us
How does low profile keyboard feels like? Never seen one before
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: xtrafrood on Wed, 16 March 2016, 09:27:32
Lots of people recommending the Varmilo, that's a low profile case if I remember correctly  :thumb:
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Wed, 16 March 2016, 09:45:34
what keyboard are you using?
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: xtrafrood on Wed, 16 March 2016, 12:08:18
what keyboard are you using?
I made a pixel image of the keyboard I use and I think it caused turmoil so I won't mention the brand/model :) The keyboard is membrane, but not the good kind  :))
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: saxophone on Wed, 16 March 2016, 18:05:43
Second Hand Gen1 QFR  ;)
nooppo Spyder Lolita
ikbc G87
surmt CM625 87

You're in Malay just use Taobao World or something, they've got cheap auto agents now for Malay shipping
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: chryos1029 on Wed, 16 March 2016, 19:43:37
Second Hand Gen1 QFR  ;)
nooppo Spyder Lolita
ikbc G87
surmt CM625 87

You're in Malay just use Taobao World or something, they've got cheap auto agents now for Malay shipping

How is the ikbc g87? Is it good and is it mushy?
Title: Re: Custom TKL vs FILCO tkl
Post by: saxophone on Thu, 17 March 2016, 15:36:53
Mushy? You mean the stabs? Yes it comes with cherry stabs. Just clip them if you don't like the "mushy" feel.