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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Otterclock on Mon, 22 March 2010, 20:55:42

Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Otterclock on Mon, 22 March 2010, 20:55:42: First off, hi.

I recently emailed iOne inquiring about the release of the backlit Scorpius M10BL (http://www.ione.com.tw/2009/Product/6A_SC-M10%20BL.asp), and got a response saying that they had no plans to release it in the U.S. However, he said that they were going to release the Xarmor U9BL (http://www.ione.com.tw/2009/Product/6A_SC-U9%20BL.asp), a backlit board with cherry blues, usb and av ports, and oddly including 4 extra keys and a key puller (the ESC key is even lit red, possibly an homage?); so far as I can tell, no mechanical board claims all those features. Seemed rather spiffy, despite the fact that the first mechanical board I've ever used is an M10 that is currently lying on my bed with six dead keys. The silly pranksters 'accidentally' sent me a previously RMA'd one that was of an earlier generation that had soldering issues. They apologized and are sending another, but that is neither here nor there. Well, more here than there.

However, in what may be a testament to the power of Cherry, I've become quite fond of the board. Its purchase punctuated six weeks and 19 keyboard acquisitions that led to a fortuitous Google search, that in turn led me to a couple places including here. When I started my quest, I knew zilch about mechanicals; I just knew that no keyboard felt right. The M10 arrived like a stray border collie at my doorstep: filthy and limping, but lovable.

I've dived into this, and am familiar with all the big players and tech now. I've been tormenting my coworkers with unsolicited commentary on Filco and Das, etc. I have three more mechanical boards en route (a Dell AT101, Cherry 11900, and IBM model M that I hope isn't rubber dome, ha), and sense a habit brewing.

Hope everyone is doin' swell.
-otter
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: rdjack21 on Tue, 23 March 2010, 00:42:21: First off welcome to GeekHack!

I have to admit one of my first cherry boards was the Scorpius M10 as well but also have to admit that I've sold it off. I have found that I prefer the Cherry Browns over the Blues and Topre over the Browns :)

If iOne has actually fixed there solder problems I know quite a few people will be excited by the Xarmor U9BL but I find that I much prefer a simpler keyboard with out all those added keys.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 23 March 2010, 00:53:59: If iOne really can deliver a backlit mechanical keyboard, and if it's under $100, I will be very excited. Deck is great and all, but $150 is really a bit too much, especially when you're trying to convince someone not to pay $70 for some POS Logitech G110 or some such.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 23 March 2010, 08:21:21: I like the Xarmor better than the M10BL.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Manyak on Tue, 23 March 2010, 11:34:54: lol otter, welcome to Geekhack :)
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Otterclock on Tue, 23 March 2010, 12:43:51: Oh hey it's familiar faces, er avatars. Huzzah.

Looks like others had a similar reaction to the board as I: cautiously intrigued. Assuming the soldering issues of the M10 were labor issues rather than materials and iOne manages to put out a good board, it does show that decent mechanical switch boards don't need to be $130+. Quite honestly, I don't think I'm off base in speculating that much of the price of 'premium' boards is based on supply/demand within a niche market (which isn't really the fault of those manufacturers, who are probably forced to keep prices at that level due to lower volume).

I had a chance to check out a coworker's Filco. I got the impression of a "good" board elevated to "premium" status due to a lack of decent alternatives. Was the $120 Filco better than the $60 M10? Yeah. Was it twice as good? I actually prefer the typing feel of the M10, which seems to have higher quality keys. The difference between any other electronics item where one is double the price is generally far more pronounced.

Mind you, I still want one.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 23 March 2010, 13:06:48: I'm torn on the Filco vs. alternatives. I like the feel and keycaps of Cherry-made 'boards, but I like the looks and weight of the Filco. That said, I shelled out for an HHKB, sold my Filcos and kept my Cherry. I choose keyfeel over looks and layout/efficiency over feel (to an extent). Now, I want another HHKB for home, but with the detachable cable and size, I can tote it back and forth without much trouble, especially with the carrying case I have now.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Otterclock on Tue, 23 March 2010, 15:06:40: The topre boards look/sound magnificent. I wish there were a larger variety of them, color options and so forth. My ideal would be a white Realforce with black qwerty keys/spacebar, but I imagine that would require over $300. When I first heard one in use, the sound called up some kind of genetic memory from my keyboreal ancestors. I could feel the typing.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 23 March 2010, 15:35:26: If I were to pick the better of the Topre lineups based on keyfeel, I would go with the Realforce series. The HHKB, due the layout, is where it's at, though. What's a little puzzling, for me anyway, is why the same switches feel so different between the Realforce and the HHKB (45g.). The RF (numpad) feels all light and buttery while the HHKB is still buttery, but it's more tactile and feels a little stiffer.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Viett on Tue, 23 March 2010, 15:53:46: Quote from: Otterclock;166378
My ideal would be a white Realforce with black qwerty keys/spacebar, but I imagine that would require over $300.

Fill out a classified for someone who wants a black Realforce with white keys and swap ;).

Quote from: Otterclock;166378
I actually prefer the typing feel of the M10, which seems to have higher quality keys.

I have to admit, I prefer Cherry keys over Filco ones, but other than the keys, the Filcos are superior.

This is the first "gaming" keyboard I've ever seen with Blue Cherries, though. In my opinion, a brown or black board is better for any game that requires multiple key repeats (FPS). It's interesting that they went the Blue Cherry route for this board.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 23 March 2010, 15:55:52: Quote from: Viett;166404
Fill out a classified for someone who wants a black Realforce with white keys and swap ;).

QFT. I have seen this happen several times. iMav has done it to his own HHKBs, too.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Otterclock on Tue, 23 March 2010, 16:13:18: That is kinda odd that they went blue, over a linear switch. I guess they figured a lot of people buy these boards for non-gaming as well. But then it would seem the browns would have been a better middle ground.

Maybe it has something to do with iOne being out of Taiwan. Seems like mechanical switch boards are more common for daily use in Asian markets, so they would be less inclined to alienate customers. Whereas say, ABS is out of California and relies more on a pure gaming crowd? Just guessing.

Quote
Fill out a classified for someone who wants a black Realforce with white keys and swap ;).

Awesome idea. I'll keep it in mind should the time come. I kinda wish the black keys had regular white lettering, though, instead of the dark on dark. Or at least lighter. So picky.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 23 March 2010, 16:20:53: From what I understand, the blues aren't very popular in Asia; I think the browns and reds are more popular there. I get what you're saying, though.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Otterclock on Tue, 23 March 2010, 20:43:35: Quote from: itlnstln;166417
From what I understand, the blues aren't very popular in Asia; I think the browns and reds are more popular there. I get what you're saying, though.

Oh. I kinda pulled that theory outta my butt. I've been intrigued most by the browns since discovering mechanical. I like the blues, but until I try the browns it's gonna be buggin me. Sadly I haven't seen any way to try them at a cost that wouldn't be equal to, or a large chunk towards a new one.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Arc'xer on Tue, 23 March 2010, 20:57:03: Quote from: itlnstln;166417
From what I understand, the blues aren't very popular in Asia; I think the browns and reds are more popular there. I get what you're saying, though.

Yeah I think this is correct considering I saw this on a couple threads a few months ago.

Blues are more of a America/European thing. While browns or tea axis as they like to call it are much more popular. My guess is either they are trying to appeal to the markets on the other side, trying to raise the popularity of the blues in Asia or both.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 23 March 2010, 21:18:48: People in America buying Taiwanese keyboards with switches made in Czech that were designed in Germany.

Ain't the global economy great?
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: nijikon5 on Wed, 24 March 2010, 20:16:55: Two E-Mails direct from Ergogeek:

1) Scorpius M10 – if use on USB support up to 6 keys simultaneously

2) Scorpius M10 PLUS – Not going to be available in USA

3) Xarmor U9 BL – will be available around end of March 2010 (cherry Blue MX)

4) Xarmor U9 – available after 4 weeks of launching xarmor U9 BL (Cherry Blue MX)

Thanks

Jerry

____________________________________________________________________________

The Xarmor U9BL will be at $149.95

Xarmor U9 will be at $99.95

Xarmor U9 Plus will not be available due to close price range with U9BL

Thanks

jerry
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 24 March 2010, 20:20:37: Did they explain what the "Plus" models add to the standard models? I can only guess NKRO, but who knows.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Otterclock on Wed, 24 March 2010, 21:04:40: No longer in the bargain league at 150 bucks. I'm kinda leery of spending that on a board with the M10 issues in its ancestry. I'd almost be willing to be a guinea pig, though.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 24 March 2010, 21:54:47: That may just be the MSRP; the retailers may stock it for anywhere from 100% of that to 60%.

At $150 I'd rather get a Deck, unless the iOne is really amazing.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: neptunebadger on Wed, 24 March 2010, 22:19:49: At least the U9BL somewhat differentiates itself from the Deck by offering MX blues. Currently, the Deck only comes with blacks or clears. However, considering the fact that the Scorpius M10 with blues can be had for $50-60, $150 seems like a high premium to pay for backlighting.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Otterclock on Thu, 25 March 2010, 01:55:29: Seems like it wouldn't even compete with the Deck, considering the difference of switch offerings. A person would need to think the Deck was so much better that it was worth trading blues for clears. I've never tried cherry clear, so no idea on that end. Tried blacks in a Filco and a Cherry and can't say I'm a fan.
True about MSRP. Not sure why I didn't think of that. The M10 is probably listed on their site a lot higher than $60. I can't find it for some reason.

Quote
Did they explain what the "Plus" models add to the standard models? I can only guess NKRO, but who knows.

I think the Plus has USB/AV.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 25 March 2010, 07:25:15: Quote from: Otterclock;166690
I think the Plus has USB/AV.

Oh. Well, that was kinda anti-climactic.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Otterclock on Thu, 25 March 2010, 18:54:06: going by usual product release times, end of March means sometime between September and never. Looks like they have a wireless one as well that's gonna be released somewhere. meh wireless.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: christophocles on Sun, 27 June 2010, 04:04:34: Where can I buy this thing? I cant find anyone that stocks it and there is no "buy it now" link on the Ione website...

I was interested in a Deck Tactile but I think I would like the blue switches better. This Xarmor has blue switches and everything else including the kitchen sink, so I would be all over it if they would take my money ^^
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: christophocles on Tue, 29 June 2010, 20:44:12: from   Kevin Hung
to   Christophocles
cc   Derrick Wong ,
ione@ione.com.tw,
info@ione-europe.com,
beijing@itron.com.tw
date   Mon, Jun 28, 2010 at 1:13 PM
subject   Re: Ione Xarmor U9BL

hide details Jun 28 (2 days ago)

Dear Christophocles,

thank you for contacting us,
new shipment of iOne Xarmor U9BL will be available sometime in Mid July,
it will be available on Amazon and other etailer.

thank you
kevin hung
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: christophocles on Tue, 29 June 2010, 21:18:06: LOL. No, I hadn't.. They have a great sign :)
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: rawc on Mon, 02 August 2010, 19:27:29: So has anybody bought one of the XArmor U9BL keyboards yet? They're available at:

XArmor USA (http://www.xarmor-usa.com/) ($169.99) - They say they throw in a free mouse, but I think the price comparison with ErgoGeek proves otherwise...you are paying an extra $20 for an iOne mouse.
ErgoGeek (http://www.ergogeek.com/xarmor-u9bl-led-backlit-mechanical-gaming-keyboard.html) ($149.95)
Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XQE040) via ErgoGeek ($149.95)

I'm interested to know how they compare to other similar keyboards with Cherry MX switches. The only nagging thing in my mind that would prevent me from getting one of these is the durability of the keys...I just discovered they are rubber coated. The rest of the top, sides, and wrist rest are rubber coated as well. Do you think they will wear out quickly and start peeling? If not, I think I'm all for getting one of these. They have the nice simplistic design of a Filco, but the added benefits of backlighting, usb hub, and audio passthrough.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: christophocles on Tue, 03 August 2010, 19:03:09: Quote from: rawc;208507
So has anybody bought one of the XArmor U9BL keyboards yet? They're available at:

XArmor USA (http://www.xarmor-usa.com/) ($169.99) - They say they throw in a free mouse, but I think the price comparison with ErgoGeek proves otherwise...you are paying an extra $20 for an iOne mouse.
ErgoGeek (http://www.ergogeek.com/xarmor-u9bl-led-backlit-mechanical-gaming-keyboard.html) ($149.95)
Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XQE040) via ErgoGeek ($149.95)

I'm interested to know how they compare to other similar keyboards with Cherry MX switches. The only nagging thing in my mind that would prevent me from getting one of these is the durability of the keys...I just discovered they are rubber coated. The rest of the top, sides, and wrist rest are rubber coated as well. Do you think they will wear out quickly and start peeling? If not, I think I'm all for getting one of these. They have the nice simplistic design of a Filco, but the added benefits of backlighting, usb hub, and audio passthrough.

I'm seriously thinking about it... Been watching this keyboard since it was first announced a few months ago. It's expensive, but it's cheaper than a Deck, and it might be the last keyboard I ever buy :)

All I worry about is the build quality, since the ione scorpius sounds like it had soldering issues... I'd really like to hear from someone who has it already..
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 03 August 2010, 19:23:20: Wow. A "fancy" keyboard with a normal layout!
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: elbowglue on Tue, 03 August 2010, 20:00:29: Nice. It's not vaporware! Deck, eat your heart out.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: rawc on Tue, 03 August 2010, 20:32:28: Well, I guess I'm going to brave it and be a guinea pig. I had some Amazon gift money that had been sitting/burning in my account for a while so I decided put in an order for one of these. It will probably arrive next week so I'll give some of my impressions when I receive it. However, I haven't ever used a Das, Filco, etc and it has been quite a few years since I used an IBM Model M keyboard, so I'm not sure how much insight/comparison I'll be able to provide.

I have seen several people mention they are concerned about build quality because of the iOne Scorpius heritage...that may not be quite fair since this keyboard is in a different price range and separate from the Scorpius line. Scorpius does not just refer to the Scorpius M10, there are tons of keyboards in the Scorpius line. iOne has released or is going to release a backlit version the Scorpius M10 (the M10-BL) which is further evidence that the XArmor U9BL isn't just a backlit version of the Scorpius M10 at a much higher price point. The higher price point for the XArmor probably allowed them to avoid shortcuts they may have taken with the M10...at least that is what I am hoping. Hopefully I'm not getting screwed :-P I've never been an early adopter with anything so we'll see how it goes.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: rawc on Tue, 03 August 2010, 20:53:35: Quote from: ripster;208877
You go first. I'm wary of their engineering department.

Yeah, I saw that and chuckled. I attribute that to the marketing department, not engineering. That kind of misinformation is all too common these days, especially for cables/connectors (e.g. USB cables) sold in department stores these days.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: washuai on Tue, 03 August 2010, 21:25:38: If only I liked clicky. It isn't like Déck does browns or reds, so I hope this works well and does well. Nice to see it actually launched. I chuffed at the marketing speech, myself.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: elbowglue on Wed, 04 August 2010, 04:21:00: Heres a review: good pics:
http://www.xarmor-usa.com/trial-run-sample-review-on-xarmor-u9bl.html
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Fri, 06 August 2010, 16:27:26: Actually, appears to be well constructed and functions very well. The characters are well lit and clean, with good key stability. Extra WASD keys appear to be painted, so not sure how that will work out, time will tell.

Also, this thing is HEAVY! All those gamers need to take extra care when swinging this board around.

Let me know if you have specific questions...............Later
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Fri, 06 August 2010, 16:44:47: Probably not Dye-sub, too much overspray on underside of key. Most likely not Costar, but very trim body and decent construction.

EDIT: I'll take that back, could be some form of Dye-sub. Also, keys have a nice texture on top with smooth sides. I am going to let someone else cut one up to verify the method of coating ;)
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: washuai on Fri, 06 August 2010, 17:46:30: This definitely makes me wish they did a tenkeyless with browns.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Fri, 06 August 2010, 18:32:25: They've got some new models coming out. They said in their switch poll that they were going to roll out an MX brown version and were looking into MX reds. Other stuff... I'll have to make sure it's not NDA, but they won't be a one trick pony.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: washuai on Fri, 06 August 2010, 18:35:44: Yea, I saw that you said they were likely to have browns. I look forward with hope, but I'd expect them to round out full size options first. If I get loose cash and they get reds, then even if not tenkeyless, I might break down and get it,:smokin:
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 06 August 2010, 18:41:24: I'm surprised they didn't make those keys double-shot.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Fri, 06 August 2010, 19:44:27: Yeah, but there's leftover flux or something all over the Adesso. And a few of the solder points look like they're going to go cold.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Fri, 06 August 2010, 19:51:38: In talking with the XArmor rep they mentioned that iOne was their "OEM". Maybe iOne manufactures their own stuff, and also OEM'd the Adesso MKB-135B. That would also explain the similarities between the Scorpius M10 and MKB-135B externally. I asked them to elucidate that situation in my last email.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Megaweapon on Fri, 06 August 2010, 20:27:14: Quote from: MsKeyboard;209930
Let me know if you have specific questions...

When the LEDs are on the lowest setting is there basically no light leakage around the edges of the keys? This is what it looked like in the video on one of the sites that is selling this, but the room was fully lit and the camera was not so great.

Quote from: ripster;209985
Cost. Actually I'm beginning to think it's more like the G15 keys - just painted.

That would certainly kill it for me. :ohwell:
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Fri, 06 August 2010, 22:02:24: Ok, iOne is their own manufacturer and XArmor is a gaming-oriented subdivision of iOne. The rep said they can't give info on other brands' products, but that iOne does both outside OEM work and provides reference PCB design for other companies to build.

I'm guessing the Adesso MKB-135B was manufactured by iOne, but Adesso elected not to pay the extra to have the PCB cleaned, and probably asked for looser QC or some such to increase yields. Or, second most likely, they used an iOne PCB design from the Scorpius M10, but used a cheaper manufacturer.

That explains why the Adesso's PCB is so similar to the XArmor, but is much sloppier.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: washuai on Fri, 06 August 2010, 22:19:10: Normally key caps that are going to turn into glowing blobs are a big reason for me not to buy a keyboard. However, I just want a gaming backlit board, so I can throw a bunch of ClickClack's keys on it, so I don't care what it comes with. I do care about layout, switch type and LED color/settings and features, like the detachable cable.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Mon, 09 August 2010, 16:15:14: Quote from: Megaweapon;210020
When the LEDs are on the lowest setting is there basically no light leakage around the edges of the keys? This is what it looked like in the video on one of the sites that is selling this, but the room was fully lit and the camera was not so great.

Tested out the keyboard in a dark room, then added a box over the unit to further block out light, and there is light leakage which varies based on level of illumination.

This may sound "bad", but it really is not enough to cause any issues. If anything, it kind of gives you a better perceived understanding on where the keyboard is in relation to the darkness around you (does that make sense?). Also, the keys are very crisp and clean (character wise) when using in a dark environment.

Hope that answers your question, let me know if there is anything else you want me to check............later
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Infinite north on Mon, 09 August 2010, 16:30:39: I thought this keyboard looked great untill I saw that keycap. it's too bad that one of this keyboards biggest selling points will also ruin it with time.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: teh_cactus on Mon, 09 August 2010, 20:03:18: Ahhh, this keyboard looks so nice. Too bad they don't have any other key switches just yet.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Mon, 09 August 2010, 21:29:00: GUYS. Great news.

It's dye sub! No wearing out! :D

Ok, it's a bit more complicated than that.
Quote
2) The keycap is molded with translucent ABS plastic, then we dye-sub the outer part with black color, but the effect does not look too appealing, so we added 2 layer of soft rubber coating on it. then we laser engrave the character to cut out the black part. finally we added another clear UV coating on top of the keycap (where you press the key) this should prevent the keys character to wear out and changing color.

I'd save this for the review, but I wanted to put fears in that direction to rest before they take hold.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Tue, 10 August 2010, 12:01:02: I really like this keyboard, and time will tell what happens with the keys, but for now they look pretty good and feel nice. Other than some overspray on the orange (extra) keys, you are not going to see all these addtional layers. And as I said earlier, the characters are nice and clear, especially when illuminated.

Also, they are working on adding some Browns into the lineup, but that should not dissuade anyone from the Blues. And if illumination is not your thing, the non-lit version will be here soon.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 10 August 2010, 12:03:06: Quote from: Phaedrus2129;210796
GUYS. Great news.

It's dye sub! No wearing out! :D

Ok, it's a bit more complicated than that.

I'd save this for the review, but I wanted to put fears in that direction to rest before they take hold.

So it's a lasered key?
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Tue, 10 August 2010, 12:07:44: Yes, it is lasered, but you will not feel the etching, very much looks and feels like double-shot
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 10 August 2010, 12:29:58: It's a rubber coated lasered dye-sub key.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Tue, 10 August 2010, 12:32:59: With the "use it and lose it" world we are currently living in, I think you are going to be hard pressed to find companies making products like keyboards with the thought that they will still be in use 20 or more years from now. Example, the Realforce products. This company goes the extra mile and produces a keyboard that functions very well, has great engineering, and should outlast most other offerings currently on the market, but all you hear is "OMG, that is EXPENSIVE!"

Here you have a company, iOne, who is attempting to place a product on the market that satisfies several wants and wishes, and comes up with a method of producing the keys in such a way as to keep the cost down. Even at this level, go back and see the posts where people are complaining about the cost, it seems to be a no win situation.

I think iOne is on the right track this time. They listened to what customers were looking for, produced a product that incorporates those wants at a price that won't keep away a majority of prospective customers, and takes their chances. Could they have gone the double-shot route, yes. Would as many people still buy it when it tops $200, doubtful. Will most of the buyers move onto something else in a couple years, probably.

Of course, YMMV.....................later
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Tue, 10 August 2010, 13:22:03: I don't really know what the answer is, but sooner or later someone is going to figure out the right combination. We seem to get very few complaints across the list of offerings, regardless of what form of printing or coating is used. Mostly problems seem to follow those who use consistently use hand lotion.

While I don't know how this method will hold up in the long run, the system looks pretty clean and flawless right now.............later
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Tue, 10 August 2010, 13:45:36: Oh..........to be young and in love!
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Tue, 10 August 2010, 14:04:26: Head'n to Newport Beach soon for some R and R, a little salt air should clear that right up!
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: EverythingIBM on Tue, 10 August 2010, 14:18:37: Quote from: ripster;211043
Will be easy to spot us.
Show Image
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/nyarlathotep667/Summer_tan_linesberGeek.jpg)

Yeah but geeks always wear long sleeved shirts and beige khaki pants. Even on the beach.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Tue, 10 August 2010, 14:26:01: Planning on spending the bulk of my time cruizin the boardwalk, tan lines should be wiped out in a couple of days ;)

BTW...did you find any Katayaki cookies while in Japan? Loved the pictures....
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: MsKeyboard on Tue, 10 August 2010, 15:56:25: loved the pictures. Actually traveled to Japan about 25 years ago, but too young to remember or care much, would really like to go back now though.

Way back then, seeing your cigarette machine, you could actually purchase beer and sake out of vending machines right on the street. Bought a few Coke products in little skinny cans, don't know where those went. Also, bought a miniature lion made out of actual lion fur, probably get you arrested now. Also, looking at your street vendor pictures I could actually smell the food! That really brought back some memories..........Thanks
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 10 August 2010, 17:04:57: I've got my sample. Getting used to MX blues and ANSI layout again, fun. :p

First impressions: not bad. The switches are a bit quieter and lower pitched than the blues on the Das, probably since they're PCB mounted instead of plate. Bottoming out has a different pitch as well. The outward construction quality seems fairly good, but thee lower weight and thinner body make it "feel" cheaper than the Das. The backlighting is good and bright... maybe too bright. It's a little annoying past setting 1 or 2. Also you can tell that the LEDs aren't centered. You can tell very easily on the F keys with media functions, for instance F1 is illuminated but the mute legend under it is not. The light also won't illuminate the whole of Enter or Backspace. Keycaps feel... Different. Not at all like the laser etched keys I've been using for the past six months. They aren't really "textured" but they feel a little "soft" while still being sturdy. Odd. The rubber coating is very thin, which I think means it will ultimately be more resistant to peeling, since there's less "leverage" than if it were thicker. It makes sense in my head. The font is good, though everything is bolded and the Enter, Shift, Caps, etc. legends look huge when the backlighting is off. The wrist rest is alright but feels kind of cheap and the mounting could use some improvement. The feet are very sturdy and snap into position very nicely; much better than the ****ty Cherry G80 feet. It comes with some orange keycaps for WASD, not really my style, and one of the "ring" style keycap pullers. Oddly, the puller works quite well on my G80, but not so well on the U9BL. It seems the housing fits closer around the keycaps on the XArmor, so it's harder to get the puller in there. It also leaves score marks on the coating, that's a definite problem. They should have used a wire puller instead of the plastic ring.

Over all it's not bad, I like it, but there's some definite room for improvement. It comes with more features than Deck, and if you buy from their site the first 500 get a free optical gaming mouses. Plus they have a 25% student/teacher discount, which knocks it down to $127.50, which is an excellent price. But $170, this versus a Deck Ice? I'd lean toward the Deck just a bit.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 10 August 2010, 17:07:15: It's nice to have a good keycap puller. They sure beat the old Pry-the-damn-key-out-with-a-PCI-patch trick. And I'm glad you like your new keyboard!
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 10 August 2010, 20:54:59: Thanks.

Hey, someone want to post the serial # off of theirs? I want to figure out the numbering scheme. If it works the way I think it does then I have the 99th retail unit made. :)
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: rawc on Wed, 11 August 2010, 13:08:55: Well, I said I would get back with some impressions when I had a chance to use the keyboard for a while. I received mine last Friday so I've been using it for several days. My review ended up being longer than I expected, so I decided to put it into a blog post:
http://blog.controlspace.org/2010/08/review-xarmor-u9bl-illuminated_11.html

If you want to skip that and go straight to the 50+ pictures I took (some macros), here is the link for picasa web:
http://picasaweb.google.com/rawlinc/ControlSpaceXArmorU9BL?feat=flashalbum#5503655463352314642
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 11 August 2010, 14:40:08: Just did my dissection. Build quality is very solid, it isn't a plate-mounted board so it doesn't have the heavy "indestructible" feel of a Filco or Das, but there's nothing much to complain about. One screwhole did strip when I opened it up; that may be random chance, or they might want to use slightly tougher plastic. But the majority of users won't be opening it up so I can't hit on that too much.

The PCB is very well done, all solder points clean, no cold joints. There was no leftover flux, except for traces around the SMD stuff for the controller. This makes sense since they send them out to another company to do the SMD work. iOne makes the PCB and solders on the switches, then cleans the board, then XArmor sends the PCB to the SMD place and they maybe don't do as thorough a job cleaning. But overall there's nothing to complain about on the electrical side.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 11 August 2010, 14:59:09: No, this is the most beautiful PCB:

(http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/166/3/2/a12_9_by_Phaedrus2401.jpg)

Delta's soldering is kickass. Yay for robots!
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 11 August 2010, 15:01:11: Quote from: rawc;211452
Well, I said I would get back with some impressions when I had a chance to use the keyboard for a while. I received mine last Friday so I've been using it for several days. My review ended up being longer than I expected, so I decided to put it into a blog post:
http://blog.controlspace.org/2010/08/review-xarmor-u9bl-illuminated_11.html

If you want to skip that and go straight to the 50+ pictures I took (some macros), here is the link for picasa web:
http://picasaweb.google.com/rawlinc/ControlSpaceXArmorU9BL?feat=flashalbum#5503655463352314642

good pics. Didn't read the review yet but curious to see how long these last (keys). It is cool they are shipping with extra caps and a puller though...
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: rawc on Wed, 11 August 2010, 15:16:47: Quote from: ripster;211505
Nice pics Rawc. I liked the VCR vs DVD analogy (although DVD vs BluRay is more up to date).

Yeah, DVD vs BluRay would be more up to date, but I don't have Bluray yet :-P

Quote from: ripster;211505
Not mentioning Geekhack wasn't so good though.

Thanks for catching that. I added link to geekhack since it has been one of the best resources of information for keyboard info.

Quote from: ripster;211505
OCN and HardForum over Geekhack? Ouch! Especially when a certain guide was basically copy and pasted from our wikis.

I copy and pasted??? I have looked at quite a few resources of keyboard information over the last several weeks. If there is something I wrote that resembles a wiki guide on geekhack, I'd be happy to change it and/or give credit where it is due...but I didn't copy and paste anything.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: aegrotatio on Wed, 11 August 2010, 16:20:50: Rubber coating? I have lots of formerly rubber-coated electronics to know that a rubber-coated keyboard is the wrong idea. At least they laser it so when the rubber wears off you can still see the key legends. Bleah!!

Oh, and to me, it does not look anything like the Adesso MK135B circuit board.

As for the Rube Goldberg process there has to be some way to let the light through, after all.

Hey Ripster we need you to re-do these pics using a good macro lens that can focus properly.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 11 August 2010, 21:33:52: I'm using the orange WASD keycaps. Eeehhh... It does help break up the monotony of blue and black, but I wonder why they chose orange. Also, they're the same color as my guitar picks (which I bought 300 of two years ago), so I keep thinking "wtf is a pick doing on my keyboard".
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Infinite north on Thu, 12 August 2010, 17:36:51: So how long before one of you takes some sand paper and starts rubbing on one of those keys to tell us how long it lasts.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Thu, 12 August 2010, 17:41:17: Do you have sandpaper fingers?
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Arc'xer on Thu, 12 August 2010, 18:17:19: Not sure if it has been posted but seems like a quick intro video was made.

XArmor U9BL LED backlit illuminated mechanical key switch gaming keyboard review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTWi4vR3w1w)
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 12 August 2010, 19:26:26: If I was 14 years old again, I'd be allover that thing.

I don't know whether that's a compliment or an insult :P
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Fri, 13 August 2010, 16:48:58: My review should be up tonight or tomorrow morning, depending on how lazy I am. Geekhack, BROTHA REPRESENT!!

(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/225/d/7/u9bl_18_by_Phaedrus2401.jpg)

Unfortunately it clashes with orange, and the backlight doesn't shine through it.

(http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/225/d/f/u9bl_25_by_Phaedrus2401.jpg)
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 19 August 2010, 17:32:13: Quote from: Phaedrus2129;210796
"The keycap is molded with translucent ABS plastic, then we dye-sub the outer part with black color..."

This ridiculous printing technique gave me an idea... could Unicomp take a white keycap, and dye sub all of it black except for the shape of the letter to be printed, which would be the underlying colour? A bit like double-shot molding, except using dye-sub instead of molding =P
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: washuai on Thu, 19 August 2010, 19:29:06: I hope this keyboard sells better than the Razer Black Widow. So it doesn't have some extra macro keys/software and shine and marketing. Unfortunately, it currently costs more than the Razer product? Where can you buy one? Not that I need to know, I'm not going to buy a board with blues.
This one does have extra keys, key puller, a real wrist rest, NKRO, etc. Although, I don't need keys, or wrist rest. To that effect, at least this rest is removeable.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: taswyn on Sun, 12 December 2010, 05:35:41: Any updates from U9BL owners on the rubberized keycaps? Any word on when they're likely to release a brown switch version?

nitpick: I wish the ctrl key was a bit longer =/ short control key can make holding down control and shift together a problem, since if your pinky is centered on the control it's going to be about on the left edge of the shift.

Quote
Nice fingernails! (hope she doesn't wear off that rubber)

I hope their process for getting her to do that video wasn't just "hey, let's find a GIRL with nice looking hands and nails! that will get people to watch!" It really sounded like they just grabbed some poor woman at random to do the video, rather than either someone used to doing PR work or someone who really was involved with the design process.

That aside, the entire fingernails issue is a concern for me. I've worn off the key lettering on so many boards with my nails >.>; Not that mine are super long or anything, but I usually keep them a bit longer than hers.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Adhesive_X on Sun, 12 December 2010, 13:46:27: Haven't had mine long enough to comment on the coating. Keeping hands clean and hoping for the best.

I emailed them last week about the release date on the new board with Brown switches. They said January to early February priced comparable to the U9BL.
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: taswyn on Sun, 12 December 2010, 20:33:32: *drums her fingers*

Should I just be happy with my 8963 for now, get a U9BL ~now~ with blues and try the blue -> brown mod (or swap out stems from my 8963), wait for a U9BL with browns to come out, get a cheapo used TG3 (and mod it to ghetto red) and a genovation/etc keypad and go tenkeyless with numpad to my left, get an MY and mod it to featherweight, or something else... decisions, blah >.<;

Quote
I emailed them last week about the release date on the new board with Brown switches. They said January to early February priced comparable to the U9BL.

Either way, thank you for the update =)
Title: iOne Xarmor U9BL
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sun, 12 December 2010, 20:57:27: XArmor products supposed to be coming out next year:

U9
U9PLUS
U9W
U9BL-S
U9GBL